Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
  (Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from          to         .
Commission File Number: 000-15637  
SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
Delaware
 
91-1962278
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California
 
95054-1191
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(408) 654-7400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   x     Accelerated filer   ¨     Non-accelerated filer   ¨     Smaller reporting company   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x
At April 30, 2014 , 46,034,842 shar es of the registrant’s common stock ($0.001 par value) were outstanding.


Table of Contents

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

2

Table of Contents

Glossary of Acronyms used in this Report

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

3

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.        INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value and share data)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,862,464

 
$
1,538,779

Available-for-sale securities
 
12,843,099

 
11,986,821

Non-marketable and other securities
 
1,770,456

 
1,595,494

Investment securities
 
14,613,555

 
13,582,315

Loans, net of unearned income
 
10,833,908

 
10,906,386

Allowance for loan losses
 
(123,542
)
 
(142,886
)
Net loans
 
10,710,366

 
10,763,500

Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
66,123

 
67,485

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
458,531

 
465,110

Total assets
 
$
29,711,039

 
$
26,417,189

Liabilities and total equity
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
18,314,830

 
$
15,894,360

Interest-bearing deposits
 
7,162,075

 
6,578,619

Total deposits
 
25,476,905

 
22,472,979

Short-term borrowings
 
4,810

 
5,080

Other liabilities
 
407,573

 
404,586

Long-term debt
 
454,770

 
455,216

Total liabilities
 
26,344,058

 
23,337,861

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11 and Note 14)
 

 


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

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 45,934,521 shares and 45,800,418 shares outstanding, respectively
 
46

 
46

Additional paid-in capital
 
642,311

 
624,256

Retained earnings
 
1,482,033

 
1,390,732

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(30,390
)
 
(48,764
)
Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
2,094,000

 
1,966,270

Noncontrolling interests
 
1,272,981

 
1,113,058

Total equity
 
3,366,981

 
3,079,328

Total liabilities and total equity
 
$
29,711,039

 
$
26,417,189

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

4

Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
148,172

 
$
123,744

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
54,420

 
45,752

Non-taxable
 
796

 
799

Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities
 
1,636

 
719

Total interest income
 
205,024

 
171,014

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
2,904

 
2,051

Borrowings
 
5,792

 
5,794

Total interest expense
 
8,696

 
7,845

Net interest income
 
196,328

 
163,169

Provision for loan losses
 
494

 
5,813

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
195,834

 
157,356

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
Gains on investment securities, net
 
223,912

 
27,438

Gains on derivative instruments, net
 
24,167

 
10,292

Foreign exchange fees
 
17,196

 
14,196

Credit card fees
 
10,282

 
7,448

Deposit service charges
 
9,607

 
8,793

Lending related fees
 
6,303

 
3,974

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit income
 
4,140

 
3,435

Client investment fees
 
3,418

 
3,475

Other
 
11,200

 
(447
)
Total noninterest income
 
310,225

 
78,604

Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
102,507

 
88,704

Professional services
 
21,189

 
17,160

Premises and equipment
 
11,582

 
10,725

Business development and travel
 
10,194

 
8,272

Net occupancy
 
7,320

 
5,767

FDIC assessments
 
4,128

 
3,382

Correspondent bank fees
 
3,203

 
3,055

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
1,123

 
2,014

Other
 
11,190

 
9,935

Total noninterest expense
 
172,436

 
149,014

Income before income tax expense
 
333,623

 
86,946

Income tax expense
 
58,917

 
26,401

Net income before noncontrolling interests
 
274,706

 
60,545

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(183,405
)
 
(19,654
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
91,301

 
$
40,891

Earnings per common share—basic
 
$
1.99

 
$
0.91

Earnings per common share—diluted
 
1.95

 
0.90

 

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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Net income before noncontrolling interests
 
$
274,706

 
$
60,545

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Change in cumulative translation Income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation income (loss)
 
1,464

 
(826
)
Related tax (expense) benefit
 
(578
)
 
297

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
 
29,329

 
(22,102
)
Related tax (expense) benefit
 
(11,805
)
 
9,666

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
 
(60
)
 
45

Related tax expense (benefit)
 
24

 
(18
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
18,374

 
(12,938
)
Comprehensive income
 
293,080

 
47,607

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(183,405
)
 
(19,654
)
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG
 
$
109,675

 
$
27,953

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

6

Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total SVBFG
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
44,627,182

 
$
45

 
$
547,079

 
$
1,174,878

 
$
108,553

 
$
1,830,555

 
$
774,678

 
$
2,605,233

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
268,274

 

 
12,895

 

 

 
12,895

 

 
12,895

Common stock issued under ESOP
 
74,946

 

 
5,166

 

 

 
5,166

 

 
5,166

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

 

 
(637
)
 

 

 
(637
)
 

 
(637
)
Net income
 

 

 

 
40,891

 

 
40,891

 
19,654

 
60,545

Capital calls and (distributions), net
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(14,493
)
 
(14,493
)
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(12,409
)
 
(12,409
)
 

 
(12,409
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(529
)
 
(529
)
 

 
(529
)
Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
6,286

 

 

 
6,286

 

 
6,286

Other, net
 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
1

Balance at March 31, 2013
 
44,970,402

 
$
45

 
$
570,789

 
$
1,215,770

 
$
95,615

 
$
1,882,219

 
$
779,839

 
$
2,662,058

Balance at December 31, 2013
 
45,800,418

 
$
46

 
$
624,256

 
$
1,390,732

 
$
(48,764
)
 
$
1,966,270

 
$
1,113,058

 
$
3,079,328

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
103,341

 

 
4,254

 

 

 
4,254

 

 
4,254

Common stock issued under ESOP
 
30,762

 

 
3,890

 

 

 
3,890

 

 
3,890

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

 

 
1,996

 

 

 
1,996

 

 
1,996

Net income
 

 

 

 
91,301

 

 
91,301

 
183,405

 
274,706

Capital calls and (distributions), net
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(23,482
)
 
(23,482
)
Net change in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
17,488

 
17,488

 

 
17,488

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
886

 
886

 

 
886

Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
7,892

 

 

 
7,892

 

 
7,892

Other, net
 

 

 
23

 

 

 
23

 

 
23

Balance at March 31, 2014
 
45,934,521

 
$
46

 
$
642,311

 
$
1,482,033

 
$
(30,390
)
 
$
2,094,000

 
$
1,272,981

 
$
3,366,981

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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income before noncontrolling interests
 
$
274,706

 
$
60,545

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
494

 
5,813

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
1,123

 
2,014

Changes in fair values of derivatives, net
 
13,356

 
757

Gains on investment securities, net
 
(223,912
)
 
(27,438
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
9,459

 
8,479

Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities, net
 
7,541

 
8,348

Tax expense from stock exercises
 

 
(1,247
)
Amortization of share-based compensation
 
7,078

 
5,826

Amortization of deferred loan fees
 
(20,502
)
 
(15,040
)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
 
15,783

 
(19
)
Losses from the write-off of premises and equipment
 

 
363

Changes in other assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net
 
(6,604
)
 
(4,735
)
Accounts receivable and payable, net
 
(7,885
)
 
6,220

Income tax payable and receivable, net
 
25,159

 
6,236

Accrued compensation
 
(74,687
)
 
(62,375
)
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net
 
22,634

 
26,534

Other, net
 
1,821

 
(21,325
)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
45,564

 
(1,044
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
 
(1,531,045
)
 
(219,987
)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
 
2,097

 
581

Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale securities
 
694,243

 
653,764

Purchases of non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
(5,398
)
 
(5,112
)
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
19,053

 
7,942

Purchases of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
(45,125
)
 
(30,342
)
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
92,558

 
21,748

Net increase in loans
 
66,086

 
108,971

Proceeds from recoveries of charged-off loans
 
1,312

 
1,367

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(5,974
)
 
(6,606
)
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
 
(712,193
)
 
532,326

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
 
3,003,926

 
133,456

Decrease in short-term borrowings
 
(270
)
 
(158,650
)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of distributions
 
(23,482
)
 
(14,493
)
Tax benefit from stock exercises
 
1,996

 
610

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP, and ESOP
 
8,144

 
18,061

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
2,990,314

 
(21,016
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
2,323,685

 
510,266

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
1,538,779

 
1,008,983

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
3,862,464

 
$
1,519,249

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
12,688

 
$
12,372

Income taxes
 
15,486

 
19,318

Noncash items during the period:
 
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 
$
17,488

 
$
(12,409
)

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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.
Basis of Presentation
SVB Financial Group is a diversified financial services company, as well as a bank holding company and financial holding company. SVB Financial was incorporated in the state of Delaware in March 1999. Through our various subsidiaries and divisions, we offer a variety of banking and financial products and services to support our clients of all sizes and stages throughout their life cycles. In these notes to our consolidated financial statements, when we refer to “SVB Financial Group,” “SVBFG”, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or use similar words, we mean SVB Financial Group and all of its subsidiaries collectively, including Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”), unless the context requires otherwise. When we refer to “SVB Financial” or the “Parent” we are referring only to the parent company, SVB Financial Group, unless the context requires otherwise.
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP. Such unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future periods. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“ 2013 Form 10-K”).
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a consistent basis with the accounting policies described in Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2013 Form 10-K.
The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates may change as new information is obtained. Significant items that are subject to such estimates include measurements of fair value, the valuation of non-marketable securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded credit commitments, and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities.
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SVB Financial Group and entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity and whether the applicable accounting guidance requires consolidation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Voting interest entities are entities that have sufficient equity and provide the equity investors voting rights that enable them to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations. For these types of entities, the Company’s determination of whether it has a controlling interest is based on ownership of the majority of the entities’ voting equity interest or through control of management of the entities.
VIEs are entities that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by considering whether our involvement with the VIE is significant and whether we are the primary beneficiary based on the following:
1.
We have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance;
2.
The aggregate indirect and direct variable interests held by the Company have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could be significant to the VIE; and,
3.
Qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and form of our involvement with the VIE.
Voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or by which we control through management rights are consolidated into our financial statements.

9


We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide. We are variable interest holders in certain partnerships for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We perform on-going reassessments on the status of the entities and whether facts or circumstances have changed in relation to previously evaluated voting interest entities and our involvement in VIEs which could cause our consolidation conclusion to change.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-08, Financial Services - Investment Companies (ASC Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirement. This ASU modifies the guidance in ASC 946 for determining whether an entity is an investment company, as well as the measurement and disclosure requirements for investment companies. The ASU does not change current accounting where a noninvestment company parent retains the specialized accounting applied by an investment company subsidiary in consolidation. ASU 2013-08 was effective on a prospective basis for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and was therefore adopted in the first quarter of 2014. This standard did not have any impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ), which requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward that the entity intends to use and is available for settlement at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 was effective for and adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
In January 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects ), which permits entities that invest in qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities that are flow-through entities for tax purposes to make an accounting policy election to use proportional amortization method or apply an equity or cost method. If the proportional amortization method is elected, retrospective presentation is required for prior periods. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance, however, we do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.
2.
Stockholders’ Equity and EPS
EPS
Basic EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares include incremental shares issued for stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under our equity incentive plans and our ESPP. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive. The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
91,301

 
$
40,891

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
 
45,866

 
44,802

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Stock options and ESPP
 
566

 
402

Restricted stock units
 
293

 
189

Denominator for diluted calculation
 
46,725

 
45,393

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.99

 
$
0.91

Diluted
 
$
1.95

 
$
0.90


10


The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as they were deemed to be antidilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Shares in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options
 
6

 
708

Restricted stock units
 
1

 

Total
 
7

 
708

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Income Statement Location
 
2014
 
2013
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
 
Gains on investment securities, net
 
$
(60
)
 
$
45

Related tax expense (benefit)
 
Income tax expense
 
24

 
(18
)
Total reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax
 
 
 
$
(36
)
 
$
27

3.
Share-Based Compensation
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , we recorded share-based compensation and related tax benefits as follows:  
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Share-based compensation expense
 
$
7,078

 
$
5,826

Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense
 
(2,160
)
 
(1,603
)
Unrecognized Compensation Expense
As of March 31, 2014 , unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Unrecognized  
Expense
 
Average
Expected
Recognition
  Period - in Years  
Stock options
 
$
13,315

 
2.39
Restricted stock units
 
26,893

 
2.39
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense
 
$
40,208

 
 

11


Share-Based Payment Award Activity
The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014 :
 
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
 Exercise Price 
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
  Life in Years  
 
Aggregate
  Intrinsic Value  
of In-The-
Money
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
1,514,159

 
$
55.27

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
9,600

 
116.05

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(99,429
)
 
44.57

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(5,957
)
 
66.22

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2014
 
1,418,373

 
56.38

 
4.20
 
$
102,687,693

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014
 
1,380,441

 
56.05

 
4.16
 
100,401,661

Exercisable at March 31, 2014
 
587,639

 
44.59

 
2.96
 
49,473,911

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options shown in the table above represents the pretax intrinsic value based on our closing stock price of $128.78 as of March 31, 2014 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $7.2 million , compared to $4.7 million for the comparable 2013 period.
The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014 :
 
 
Shares    
 
Weighted
Average
    Grant Date Fair    
Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
 
682,347

 
$
65.93

Granted
 
3,610

 
116.78

Vested
 
(5,462
)
 
54.57

Forfeited
 
(5,033
)
 
65.31

Nonvested at March 31, 2014
 
675,462

 
66.30

4.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Cash and due from banks (1)
 
$
3,723,034

 
$
1,349,688

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)
 
117,036

 
172,989

Other short-term investment securities
 
22,394

 
16,102

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,862,464

 
$
1,538,779

 
 
(1)
At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , $3 billion and $715 million , respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $391 million and $300 million , respectively.
(2)
At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $119 million and $176 million , respectively. None of these securities received as collateral were sold or repledged as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013 .

12


5.
Investment Securities
Our investment securities portfolio consists of both an available-for-sale securities portfolio, which represents interest-earning investment securities, and a non-marketable and other securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business.
The major components of our investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
688,253

 
$

 
$
(4,734
)
 
$
683,519

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. agency debentures
 
4,106,269

 
39,175

 
(26,808
)
 
4,118,636

 
4,344,652

 
41,365

 
(40,785
)
 
4,345,232

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
3,003,393

 
26,130

 
(8,504
)
 
3,021,019

 
2,472,528

 
17,189

 
(16,141
)
 
2,473,576

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
3,280,209

 
23,459

 
(68,664
)
 
3,235,004

 
3,386,670

 
24,510

 
(85,422
)
 
3,325,758

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
1,108,079

 
3,294

 
(55
)
 
1,111,318

 
1,183,333

 
3,363

 
(123
)
 
1,186,573

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
577,086

 
399

 
(17,820
)
 
559,665

 
581,475

 
552

 
(17,423
)
 
564,604

Municipal bonds and notes
 
81,635

 
4,437

 

 
86,072

 
82,024

 
4,024

 
(21
)
 
86,027

Equity securities
 
37,489

 
328

 
(9,951
)
 
27,866

 
4,842

 
692

 
(483
)
 
5,051

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
12,882,413

 
$
97,222

 
$
(136,536
)
 
$
12,843,099

 
$
12,055,524

 
$
91,695

 
$
(160,398
)
 
$
11,986,821

Non-marketable and other securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
976,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
862,972

Other venture capital investments (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28,306

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32,839

Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
381,928

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
321,374

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142,883

Low income housing tax credit funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72,241

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140,374

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148,994

Other investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,827

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14,191

Total non-marketable and other securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,770,456

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,595,494

Total investment securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
14,613,555

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
13,582,315

 
 


13


(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
27,134

 
12.6
%
 
$
29,104

 
12.6
%
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
97,960

 
8.6

 
96,185

 
8.6

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
264,661

 
5.9

 
260,272

 
5.9

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
291,989

 
5.0

 
226,729

 
5.0

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
 
159,794

 
Various

 
118,181

 
Various

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
 
9,871

 
0.2

 
7,944

 
0.2

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
60,159

 
20.0

 
59,028

 
20.0

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
61,230

 
33.0

 
61,126

 
33.0

SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)
 
595

 
5.1

 
708

 
5.1

Other private equity fund (ii)
 
3,529

 
58.2

 
3,695

 
58.2

Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
976,922

 
 
 
$
862,972

 
 
 
 
(i)
At March 31, 2014 , we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(ii)
At March 31, 2014 , we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
(2)
The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
6,520

 
10.7
%
 
$
6,564

 
10.7
%
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)
 
17,696

 
5.1

 
22,684

 
5.1

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
 
4,090

 
6.8

 
3,591

 
6.8

Total other venture capital investments
 
$
28,306

 
 
 
$
32,839

 
 
 
 
(i)
At March 31, 2014 , we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(3)
Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. This amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $351 million in two of our public portfolio companies, FireEye, Inc. ("FireEye") and Twitter, Inc. ("Twitter"), of which one portfolio company, FireEye, is currently subject to a lock-up agreement. The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of certain sales restrictions to which FireEye securities are subject, the actual sales of the securities and the timing of such actual sales.
(4)
The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):

14


 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Gold Hill Venture Lending 03, LP (i)
 
$
10,380

 
9.3
%
 
$
7,900

 
9.3
%
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii)
 
21,076

 
15.5

 
21,867

 
15.5

China Joint Venture investment
 
79,765

 
50.0

 
79,940

 
50.0

Other investments
 
33,415

 
Various

 
33,176

 
Various

Total other investments (equity method accounting)
 
$
144,636

 
 
 
$
142,883

 
 
 
 
(i)
At March 31, 2014 , we had a direct ownership interest of 4.8 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Venture Lending Partners 03, LLC (“GHLLC”) of 4.5 percent .
(ii)
At March 31, 2014 , we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent .
(5)
Represents investments in 282 and 288 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $140 million , and $222 million , respectively, as of March 31, 2014 . The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $149 million and $215 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2013 .
The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of March 31, 2014 :
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
683,519

 
$
(4,734
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
683,519

 
$
(4,734
)
U.S. agency debentures
 
1,570,568

 
(26,808
)
 

 

 
1,570,568

 
(26,808
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
1,599,028

 
(6,764
)
 
20,049

 
(1,740
)
 
1,619,077

 
(8,504
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
1,887,167

 
(63,005
)
 
139,570

 
(5,659
)
 
2,026,737

 
(68,664
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
102,546

 
(55
)
 

 

 
102,546

 
(55
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
369,831

 
(10,143
)
 
91,258

 
(7,677
)
 
461,089

 
(17,820
)
Equity securities
 
25,738

 
(9,951
)
 

 

 
25,738

 
(9,951
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1)
 
$
6,238,397

 
$
(121,460
)
 
$
250,877

 
$
(15,076
)
 
$
6,489,274

 
$
(136,536
)
 
 
(1)
As of March 31, 2014 , we identified a total of 245 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 11 investments totaling $251 million with unrealized losses of $15.1 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of March 31, 2014 , we do not intend to sell any impaired debt securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis. Based on our analysis as of March 31, 2014 , we deem all impairments to be temporary, and therefore changes in value for our temporarily impaired securities as of the same date are included in other comprehensive income. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.

15


The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2013 :
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. agency debentures
 
$
1,821,045

 
$
(40,785
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,821,045

 
$
(40,785
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
$
1,480,870

 
$
(14,029
)
 
$
19,830

 
$
(2,112
)
 
$
1,500,700

 
$
(16,141
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,098,137

 
(79,519
)
 
134,420

 
(5,903
)
 
2,232,557

 
(85,422
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
109,699

 
(123
)
 

 

 
109,699

 
(123
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
464,171

 
(17,423
)
 

 

 
464,171

 
(17,423
)
Municipal bonds and notes
 
3,404

 
(21
)
 

 

 
3,404

 
(21
)
Equity securities
 
910

 
(483
)
 

 

 
910

 
(483
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
5,978,236

 
$
(152,383
)
 
$
154,250

 
$
(8,015
)
 
$
6,132,486

 
$
(160,398
)


16


The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on debt securities classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2014 . Interest income on certain municipal bonds and notes (non-taxable investments) are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0 percent . The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of debt securities, which are reported at fair value. For U.S. treasury securities, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected remaining maturities for certain U.S. agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
Total
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year to
Five Years
 
After Five
Years to
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
683,519

 
1.90
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
99,063

 
1.50
%
 
$
584,456

 
1.96
%
 
$

 
%
U.S. agency debentures
 
4,118,636

 
1.71

 
470,663

 
1.44

 
2,300,971

 
1.55

 
1,347,002

 
2.09

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
3,021,019

 
2.44

 

 

 
47,706

 
2.43

 
899,214

 
2.24

 
2,074,099

 
2.52

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 
3,235,004

 
1.91

 

 

 

 

 
173,604

 
2.92

 
3,061,400

 
1.85

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 
1,111,318

 
0.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,111,318

 
0.70

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
559,665

 
2.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
559,665

 
2.19

Municipal bonds and notes
 
86,072

 
5.99

 
1,338

 
5.50

 
27,992

 
5.74

 
43,592

 
6.07

 
13,150

 
6.27

Total
 
$
12,815,233

 
1.90

 
$
472,001

 
1.45

 
$
2,475,732

 
1.61

 
$
3,047,868

 
2.21

 
$
6,819,632

 
1.90


17


The following table presents the components of gains and losses (realized and unrealized) on investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Gross gains on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)
 
$
373

 
$

Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
111,436

 
27,381

Other venture capital investments
 
2,582

 
2,640

Other securities (fair value accounting) (2)
 
116,750

 
1,918

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Other investments
 
3,642

 
2,715

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
3,303

 
1,023

Other investments
 
134

 
145

Total gross gains on investment securities
 
238,220

 
35,822

Gross losses on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)
 
(313
)
 
(45
)
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
(101
)
 
(4,742
)
Other venture capital investments
 
(744
)
 
(464
)
Other securities (fair value accounting)
 
(12,773
)
 
(2,073
)
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Other investments
 
(212
)
 
(245
)
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)
 
(156
)
 
(469
)
Other investments
 
(9
)
 
(346
)
Total gross losses on investment securities
 
(14,308
)
 
(8,384
)
Gains on investment securities, net
 
$
223,912

 
$
27,438

 
 
(1)
Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
(2)
Other securities (fair value accounting) and other venture capital investments include gains of $113.0 million , of which $46.1 million consists of realized gains, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, attributable to one of our portfolio companies, FireEye. Our investment in FireEye is currently subject to a lock-up agreement. The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of the current lock-up agreement to which the FireEye securities are subject, the actual sales of the securities and the timing of such actual sales.
(3)
Includes OTTI of $0.1 million from the declines in value for 7 of the 282 investments and $0.5 million from the declines in value for 16 of the 309 investments held at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.

6.
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
We serve a variety of commercial clients in the technology, life science, venture capital/private equity and premium wine industries. Our technology clients generally tend to be in the industries of hardware (semiconductors, communications and electronics), software and related services, and clean technology (energy and resource innovation). Because of the diverse nature of clean technology products and services, for our loan-related reporting purposes, clean technology-related loans are reported under our hardware, software, life science and other commercial loan categories, as applicable. Our life science clients are concentrated in the medical devices and biotechnology sectors. Loans made to venture capital/private equity firm clients typically

18


enable them to fund investments prior to their receipt of funds from capital calls. Loans to the premium wine industry focus on vineyards and wineries that produce grapes and wines of high quality.
In addition to commercial loans, we make consumer loans through SVB Private Bank and provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP. Our private banking clients are primarily venture capital/private equity professionals and executive leaders in the innovation companies they support. These products and services include real estate secured home equity lines of credit, which may be used to finance real estate investments and loans used to purchase, renovate or refinance personal residences. These products and services also include restricted stock purchase loans and capital call lines of credit.
We also provide community development loans made as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act. These loans are included within “Construction loans” below and are primarily secured by real estate.
The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $87 million and $89 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively, is presented in the following table:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
4,125,823

 
$
4,102,636

Hardware
 
1,193,183

 
1,213,032

Venture capital/private equity
 
2,201,243

 
2,386,054

Life science
 
1,171,258

 
1,170,220

Premium wine
 
161,186

 
149,841

Other
 
293,597

 
288,904

Total commercial loans
 
9,146,290

 
9,310,687

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
Premium wine (1)
 
540,193

 
514,993

Consumer loans (2)
 
916,998

 
873,255

Other
 
30,548

 
30,743

Total real estate secured loans
 
1,487,739

 
1,418,991

Construction loans
 
98,413

 
76,997

Consumer loans
 
101,466

 
99,711

Total loans, net of unearned income (3)
 
$
10,833,908

 
$
10,906,386

 
 
(1)
Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $112 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively.
(2)
Consumer loans secured by real estate at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Loans for personal residence
 
$
724,797

 
$
685,327

Loans to eligible employees
 
123,062

 
121,548

Home equity lines of credit
 
69,139

 
66,380

Consumer loans secured by real estate
 
$
916,998

 
$
873,255

(3)
Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $105 million and $85 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively.

19


Credit Quality
The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $87 million and $89 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
4,125,823

 
$
4,102,636

Hardware
 
1,193,183

 
1,213,032

Venture capital/private equity
 
2,201,243

 
2,386,054

Life science
 
1,171,258

 
1,170,220

Premium wine
 
701,379

 
664,834

Other
 
422,558

 
396,644

Total commercial loans
 
9,815,444

 
9,933,420

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
916,998

 
873,255

Other consumer loans
 
101,466

 
99,711

Total consumer loans
 
1,018,464

 
972,966

Total loans, net of unearned income
 
$
10,833,908

 
$
10,906,386


20


The following table summarizes the aging of our gross loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
30 - 59
  Days Past  
Due
 
60 - 89
  Days Past  
Due
 
Greater
Than 90
  Days Past  
Due
 
  Total Past  
Due
 
Current  
 
  Loans Past Due  
90 Days or
More Still
Accruing
Interest
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
9,609

 
$
2,925

 
$
99

 
$
12,633

 
$
4,140,041

 
$
99

Hardware
 
2,007

 
480

 

 
2,487

 
1,193,977

 

Venture capital/private equity
 
47,711

 

 

 
47,711

 
2,174,061

 

Life science
 
7,248

 
203

 

 
7,451

 
1,173,859

 

Premium wine
 
1,400

 

 

 
1,400

 
700,970

 

Other
 
70

 
116

 

 
186

 
423,259

 

Total commercial loans
 
68,045

 
3,724

 
99

 
71,868

 
9,806,167

 
99

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
6,165

 

 

 
6,165

 
910,378

 

Other consumer loans
 
29

 

 

 
29

 
100,886

 

Total consumer loans
 
6,194

 

 

 
6,194

 
1,011,264

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
74,239

 
3,724

 
99

 
78,062

 
10,817,431

 
99

Impaired loans
 
6,590

 
370

 
2,287

 
9,247

 
15,742

 

Total gross loans
 
$
80,829

 
$
4,094

 
$
2,386

 
$
87,309

 
$
10,833,173

 
$
99

December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
9,804

 
$
1,291

 
$
99

 
$
11,194

 
$
4,102,546

 
$
99

Hardware
 
2,679

 
3,965

 

 
6,644

 
1,198,169

 

Venture capital/private equity
 
4

 

 

 
4

 
2,408,382

 

Life science
 
395

 
131

 

 
526

 
1,179,462

 

Premium wine
 

 

 

 

 
665,755

 

Other
 
1,580

 
142

 

 
1,722

 
397,416

 

Total commercial loans
 
14,462

 
5,529

 
99

 
20,090

 
9,951,730

 
99

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
240

 

 

 
240

 
872,586

 

Other consumer loans
 
8

 

 

 
8

 
98,965

 

Total consumer loans
 
248

 

 

 
248

 
971,551

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
14,710

 
5,529

 
99

 
20,338

 
10,923,281

 
99

Impaired loans
 
4,657

 
7,043

 
4,339

 
16,039

 
35,610

 

Total gross loans
 
$
19,367

 
$
12,572

 
$
4,438

 
$
36,377

 
$
10,958,891

 
$
99


21


The following table summarizes our impaired loans as they relate to our allowance for loan losses, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Impaired loans for  
which there is a
related allowance
for loan losses
 
Impaired loans for  
which there is no
related allowance
for loan losses
 
Total carrying value of impaired loans
 
Total unpaid
principal of impaired loans
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
11,214

 
$
547

 
$
11,761

 
$
12,002

Hardware
 
7,541

 
345

 
7,886

 
9,505

Venture capital/private equity
 

 

 

 

Life science
 
909

 

 
909

 
4,892

Premium wine
 

 
1,408

 
1,408

 
1,769

Other
 
2,339

 

 
2,339

 
2,394

Total commercial loans
 
22,003

 
2,300

 
24,303

 
30,562

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 

 
236

 
236

 
1,432

Other consumer loans
 
450

 

 
450

 
730

Total consumer loans
 
450

 
236

 
686

 
2,162

Total
 
$
22,453

 
$
2,536

 
$
24,989

 
$
32,724

December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
27,308

 
$
310

 
$
27,618

 
$
28,316

Hardware
 
19,329

 
338

 
19,667

 
35,317

Venture capital/private equity
 
40

 

 
40

 
40

Life science
 

 
1,278

 
1,278

 
4,727

Premium wine
 

 
1,442

 
1,442

 
1,778

Other
 
690

 

 
690

 
718

Total commercial loans
 
47,367

 
3,368

 
50,735

 
70,896

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 

 
244

 
244

 
1,434

Other consumer loans
 
670

 

 
670

 
941

Total consumer loans
 
670

 
244

 
914

 
2,375

Total
 
$
48,037

 
$
3,612

 
$
51,649

 
$
73,271





22


The following table summarizes our average impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Average impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
14,677

 
$
4,114

Hardware
 
16,020

 
23,632

Life science
 
1,022

 
314

Premium wine
 
1,433

 
4,336

Other
 
1,777

 
5,218

Total commercial loans
 
34,929

 
37,614

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
237

 
2,676

Other consumer loans
 
489

 
1,129

Total consumer loans
 
726

 
3,805

Total average impaired loans
 
$
35,655

 
$
41,419

The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , broken out by portfolio segment:
Three months ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2013
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Ending Balance March 31, 2014
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
64,084

 
$
(8,010
)
 
$
114

 
$
(947
)
 
$
55,241

Hardware
 
36,553

 
(12,175
)
 
775

 
83

 
25,236

Venture capital/private equity
 
16,385

 

 

 
1,291

 
17,676

Life science
 
11,926

 
(681
)
 
98

 
131

 
11,474

Premium wine
 
3,914

 

 
219

 
(396
)
 
3,737

Other
 
3,680

 
(284
)
 

 
645

 
4,041

Total commercial loans
 
136,542

 
(21,150
)
 
1,206

 
807

 
117,405

Consumer loans
 
6,344

 

 
106

 
(313
)
 
6,137

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
142,886

 
$
(21,150
)
 
$
1,312

 
$
494

 
$
123,542


Three months ended March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2012
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for(Reduction of)
 Loan Losses
 
Ending Balance March 31, 2013
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
42,648

 
$
(1,518
)
 
$
242

 
$
3,638

 
$
45,010

Hardware
 
29,761

 
(1,997
)
 
446

 
(341
)
 
27,869

Venture capital/private equity
 
9,963

 

 

 
519

 
10,482

Life science
 
13,606

 
(2,070
)
 
203

 
2,207

 
13,946

Premium wine
 
3,523

 

 
90

 
86

 
3,699

Other
 
3,912

 
(41
)
 
6

 
98

 
3,975

Total commercial loans
 
103,413

 
(5,626
)
 
987

 
6,207

 
104,981

Consumer loans
 
7,238

 

 
380

 
(394
)
 
7,224

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
110,651

 
$
(5,626
)
 
$
1,367

 
$
5,813

 
$
112,205


23



The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , broken out by portfolio segment:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Individually Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Individually Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for  
Impairment
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
Recorded investment in loans
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
4,652

$
11,761

 
$
50,589

$
4,114,062

 
$
11,261

$
27,617

 
$
52,823

$
4,075,019

Hardware
 
979

7,886

 
24,257

1,185,297

 
9,673

19,667

 
26,880

1,193,365

Venture capital/private equity
 


 
17,676

2,201,243

 
19

39

 
16,366

2,386,015

Life science
 
231

909

 
11,243

1,170,349

 

1,278

 
11,926

1,168,942

Premium wine
 

1,408

 
3,737

699,971

 

1,442

 
3,914

663,392

Other
 
802

2,339

 
3,239

420,219

 
156

690

 
3,524

395,954

Total commercial loans
 
6,664

24,303

 
110,741

9,791,141

 
21,109

50,733

 
115,433

9,882,687

Consumer loans
 
112

686

 
6,025

1,017,778

 
168

915

 
6,176

972,051

Total
 
$
6,776

$
24,989

 
$
116,766

$
10,808,919

 
$
21,277

$
51,648

 
$
121,609

$
10,854,738

Credit Quality Indicators
For each individual client, we establish an internal credit risk rating for that loan, which is used for assessing and monitoring credit risk as well as performance of the loan and the overall portfolio. Our internal credit risk ratings are also used to summarize the risk of loss due to failure by an individual borrower to repay the loan. For our internal credit risk ratings, each individual loan is given a risk rating of 1 through 10. Loans risk-rated 1 through 4 are performing loans and translate to an internal rating of “Pass”, with loans risk-rated 1 being cash secured. Loans risk-rated 5 through 7 are performing loans, however, we consider them as demonstrating higher risk which requires more frequent review of the individual exposures; these translate to an internal rating of “Performing (Criticized)”. A majority of our Performing (Criticized) loans are from our SVB Accelerator practice, serving our emerging or early stage clients. Loans risk-rated 8 and 9 are loans that are considered to be impaired and are on nonaccrual status. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments (unless the principal and interest are well secured and in the process of collection), or when we have determined, based upon most recent available information, that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable; these loans are deemed “impaired” (For further description of nonaccrual loans, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2013 Form 10-K). Loans rated 10 are charged-off and are not included as part of our loan portfolio balance. We review our credit quality indicators for performance and appropriateness of risk ratings as part of our evaluation process for our allowance for loan losses. The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :

24


(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
 
  Performing  
  (Criticized)  
 
Impaired  
 
Total
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
3,859,696

 
$
292,978

 
$
11,761

 
$
4,164,435

Hardware
 
1,023,405

 
173,059

 
7,886

 
1,204,350

Venture capital/private equity
 
2,221,772

 

 

 
2,221,772

Life science
 
1,097,180

 
84,130

 
909

 
1,182,219

Premium wine
 
693,351

 
9,019

 
1,408

 
703,778

Other
 
411,108

 
12,337

 
2,339

 
425,784

Total commercial loans
 
9,306,512

 
571,523

 
24,303

 
9,902,338

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
912,790

 
3,753

 
236

 
916,779

Other consumer loans
 
97,982

 
2,933

 
450

 
101,365

Total consumer loans
 
1,010,772

 
6,686

 
686

 
1,018,144

Total gross loans
 
$
10,317,284

 
$
578,209

 
$
24,989

 
$
10,920,482

December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
3,875,043

 
$
238,697

 
$
27,618

 
$
4,141,358

Hardware
 
995,055

 
209,758

 
19,667

 
1,224,480

Venture capital/private equity
 
2,408,386

 

 
40

 
2,408,426

Life science
 
1,091,993

 
87,995

 
1,278

 
1,181,266

Premium wine
 
652,747

 
13,008

 
1,442

 
667,197

Other
 
383,602

 
15,536

 
690

 
399,828

Total commercial loans
 
9,406,826

 
564,994

 
50,735

 
10,022,555

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
868,789

 
4,037

 
244

 
873,070

Other consumer loans
 
95,586

 
3,387

 
670

 
99,643

Total consumer loans
 
964,375

 
7,424

 
914

 
972,713

Total gross loans
 
$
10,371,201

 
$
572,418

 
$
51,649

 
$
10,995,268


25


TDRs
As of March 31, 2014 we had 17 TDRs with a total carrying value of $23 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. There were unfunded commitments available for funding of $0.3 million to the clients associated with these TDRs as of March 31, 2014 . The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Loans modified in TDRs:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
10,509

 
$
5,860

Hardware
 
7,541

 
13,329

Venture capital/ private equity
 

 
77

Premium wine
 
2,058

 
1,442

Other
 
2,674

 
1,055

Total commercial loans
 
22,782

 
21,763

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Other consumer loans
 
450

 
670

Total consumer loans
 
450

 
670

Total
 
$
23,232

 
$
22,433

The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, for modifications made during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
9,737

 
$

Venture capital/ private equity
 

 
821

Life science
 

 
454

Premium wine
 
650

 

Other
 
1,746

 

Total commercial loans
 
12,133

 
1,275

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Other consumer loans
 

 
100

Total consumer loans
 

 
100

Total loans modified in TDR’s during the period (1)
 
$
12,133

 
$
1,375

 
 
(1)
There were no partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 or March 31, 2013 .
During the three months ended March 31, 2014 , new TDRs totaling $2.8 million and $9.3 million were modified through forgiveness of principal and payment deferrals granted to our clients, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, all new TDRs of $1.4 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients and no principal or interest was forgiven.
The related allowance for loan losses for the majority of our TDRs is determined on an individual basis by comparing the carrying value of the loan to the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the pre-modification contractual interest rate. For certain TDRs, the related allowance for loan losses is determined based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

26


The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 , broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable. There were no TDRs modified, which defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 .
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period:
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
Hardware
 
$
125

Other
 
2,750

Total commercial loans
 
2,875

Consumer loans
 
247

Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period
 
$
3,122

Charge-offs and defaults on previously restructured loans are evaluated to determine the impact to the allowance for loan losses, if any. The evaluation of these defaults may impact the assumptions used in calculating the reserve on other TDRs and impaired loans as well as management’s overall outlook of macroeconomic factors that affect the reserve on the loan portfolio as a whole. After evaluating the charge-offs and defaults experienced on our TDRs we determined that no change to our reserving methodology was necessary to determine the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2014 .
7.
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
The following table represents outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity
 
Principal value at March 31, 2014
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other short-term borrowings
 
(1)
 
$
4,810

 
$
4,810

 
$
5,080

Total short-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,810

 
$
5,080

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.375% Senior Notes
 
September 15, 2020
 
$
350,000

 
$
348,265

 
$
348,209

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

 
51,528

 
51,987

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

 
54,977

 
55,020

Total long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
$
454,770

 
$
455,216

 
 
(1)
Represents cash collateral received from our counterparty for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
(2)
Included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was an interest rate swap valued at $6.0 million related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Interest expense related to short-term borrowings and long-term debt was $6 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Interest expense is net of the hedge accounting impact from our interest rate swap agreements related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The weighted average interest rate associated with our short-term borrowings as of March 31, 2014 was 0.06 percent .
Available Lines of Credit
We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using available-for-sale securities as collateral) and an unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and uncommitted federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of March 31, 2014 , we did not borrow against our uncommitted federal funds lines. We also pledge securities to the FHLB of San Francisco and the discount window at the Federal Reserve Bank. The market value of collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of U.S. agency debentures) at March 31, 2014 totaled $1.4 billion , all

27


of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings. The market value of collateral pledged at the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank at March 31, 2014 totaled $562 million , all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings.
8.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We primarily use derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk, currency exchange rate risk, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. Also, in connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock in private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science industries.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and can result from timing and volume differences in the repricing of our interest rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and changes in market interest rates. To manage interest rate risk for our 6.05% Subordinated Notes, we entered into a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreement at the time of debt issuance based upon LIBOR with matched-terms. Net cash benefits associated with our interest rate swap is recorded as a reduction in “Interest expense—Borrowings,” a component of net interest income. The fair value of our interest rate swap is calculated using a discounted cash flow method and adjusted for credit valuation associated with counterparty risk. Changes in fair value of the interest rate swap is reflected in either other assets (for swaps in an asset position) or other liabilities (for swaps in a liability position).
We assess hedge effectiveness under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , using the long-haul method. Any differences associated with our interest rate swap that arise as a result of hedge ineffectiveness is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Currency Exchange Risk
We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure risk associated with the net difference between foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily in Pound Sterling and Euro. We do not designate any foreign exchange forward contracts as derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in currency rates on foreign currency denominated instruments are included in other noninterest income, a component of noninterest income. We may experience ineffectiveness in the economic hedging relationship, because the instruments are revalued based upon changes in the currency’s spot rate on the principal value, while the forwards are revalued on a discounted cash flow basis. We record forward agreements in gain positions in other assets and loss positions in other liabilities, while net changes in fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Additionally, through our global banking operations we maintain customer deposits denominated in the Euro and Pound Sterling which are used to fund certain loans in these currencies to limit our exposure to currency fluctuations.
Other Derivative Instruments
Equity Warrant Assets
Our equity warrant assets are concentrated in private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science industries. Most of these warrant agreements contain net share settlement provisions, which permit us to pay the warrant exercise price using shares issuable under the warrant (“cashless exercise”). We value our equity warrant assets using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions about the underlying asset value, volatility, and the risk-free rate. We make valuation adjustments for estimated remaining life and marketability for warrants issued by private companies. Equity warrant assets are recorded at fair value in other assets, while changes in their fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Loan Conversion Options
In connection with negotiating certain credit facilities, we occasionally extend loan facilities which have convertible option features. The convertible loans may be converted into a certain number of shares determined by dividing the principal amount of the loan by the applicable conversion price. Because our loan conversion options have underlying and notional values and had no initial net investment, these assets qualify as derivative instruments. We value our loan conversion options using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions about the underlying asset value, volatility, and the risk-free rate. Loan conversion options are recorded at fair value in other assets, while changes in their fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Other Derivatives
We sell forward and option contracts to clients who wish to mitigate their foreign currency exposure. We economically reduce the currency risk from this business by entering into opposite way contracts with correspondent banks. This relationship

28


does not qualify for hedge accounting. The contracts generally have terms of one year or less, although we may have contracts extending for up to five years . Generally, we have not experienced nonperformance on these contracts, have not incurred credit losses, and anticipate performance by all counterparties to such agreements. Contracts in an asset position are included in other assets and contracts in a liability position are included in other liabilities. The net change in the fair value of these contracts is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
We sell interest rate contracts to clients who wish to mitigate their interest rate exposure. We economically reduce the interest rate risk from this business by entering into opposite way contracts with correspondent banks. We do not designate any of these contracts (which are derivative instruments) as qualifying for hedge accounting. Contracts in an asset position are included in other assets and contracts in a liability position are included in other liabilities. The net change in the fair value of these derivatives is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Counterparty Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk if counterparties to our derivative contracts do not perform as expected. We mitigate counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and obtaining collateral, as appropriate. With respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for derivative instruments, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on a net risk basis by counterparty portfolio.
The total notional or contractual amounts, fair value, collateral and net exposure of our derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
(1)
 
Net
Exposure
(2)
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
(1)
 
Net
Exposure
(2)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest rate risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Other assets
 
$
45,964

 
$
6,025

 
$
4,810

 
$
1,215

 
$
45,964

 
$
6,492

 
$
5,080

 
$
1,412

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Currency exchange risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards
 
Other assets
 
7,746

 
294

 

 
294

 
140,760

 
1,423

 

 
1,423

Foreign exchange forwards
 
Other liabilities
 
236,943

 
(674
)
 

 
(674
)
 
62,649

 
(634
)
 

 
(634
)
Net exposure
 
 
 
 
 
(380
)
 

 
(380
)
 
 
 
789

 

 
789

  Other derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets
 
Other assets
 
180,471

 
91,135

 

 
91,135

 
179,934

 
103,513

 

 
103,513

Other derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Client foreign exchange forwards
 
Other assets
 
376,095

 
10,881

 

 
10,881

 
424,983

 
13,673

 

 
13,673

Client foreign exchange forwards
 
Other liabilities
 
346,376

 
(9,369
)
 

 
(9,369
)
 
367,079

 
(11,549
)
 

 
(11,549
)
Client foreign currency options
 
Other assets
 
85,977

 
213

 

 
213

 
91,854

 
434

 

 
434

Client foreign currency options
 
Other liabilities
 
85,977

 
(213
)
 

 
(213
)
 
91,854

 
(434
)
 

 
(434
)
Loan conversion options
 
Other assets
 
3,282

 
290

 

 
290

 
3,455

 
314

 

 
314

Client interest rate derivatives
 
Other assets
 
263,927

 
1,471

 

 
1,471

 
216,773

 
1,265

 

 
1,265

Client interest rate derivatives
 
Other liabilities
 
263,927

 
(1,638
)
 

 
(1,638
)
 
216,773

 
(1,396
)
 

 
(1,396
)
Net exposure
 
 
 
 
 
1,635

 

 
1,635

 
 
 
2,307

 

 
2,307

Net
 
 
 
 
 
$
98,415

 
$
4,810

 
$
93,605

 
 
 
$
113,101

 
$
5,080

 
$
108,021

 
 
(1)
Cash collateral received from our counterparty for our interest rate swap agreement is recorded as a component of “short-term borrowings” on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Net exposure for contracts in a gain position reflects the replacement cost in the event of nonperformance by all such counterparties. The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of March 31, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

29


A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Statement of income location   
 
2014
 
2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest rate risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense—borrowings
 
$
639

 
$
634

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
 
Net gains on derivative instruments
 
(12
)
 
60

Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives
 
 
 
$
627

 
$
694

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Currency exchange risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on revaluations of foreign currency instruments
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
978

 
$
(7,064
)
(Losses) gains on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Net gains on derivative instruments
 
(1,029
)
 
6,200

Net (losses) gains associated with currency risk
 
 
 
$
(51
)
 
$
(864
)
  Other derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gains on equity warrant assets
 
Net gains on derivative instruments
 
$
25,373

 
$
3,505

Gains on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Net gains on derivative instruments
 
$
302

 
$
49

Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (1)
 
Net gains on derivative instruments
 
$
(467
)
 
$
478

 
 
(1)
Primarily represents the change in fair value of loan conversion options.
Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain of our derivative and other financial instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements with our counterparties. These agreements provide for the net settlement of multiple contracts with a single counterparty through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps
 
$
6,025

 
$

 
$
6,025

 
$
(1,215
)
 
$
(4,810
)
 
$

Foreign exchange forwards
 
11,175

 

 
11,175

 
(4,879
)
 

 
6,296

   Foreign currency options
 
233

 
(20
)
 
213

 
(124
)
 

 
89

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,471

 

 
1,471

 
(193
)
 

 
1,278

Total derivative assets:
 
18,904

 
(20
)
 
18,884

 
(6,411
)
 
(4,810
)
 
7,663

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
117,036

 

 
117,036

 
(117,036
)
 

 

Total
 
$
135,940

 
$
(20
)
 
$
135,920

 
$
(123,447
)
 
$
(4,810
)
 
$
7,663

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps
 
$
6,492

 
$

 
$
6,492

 
$
(1,412
)
 
$
(5,080
)
 
$

Foreign exchange forwards
 
15,096

 

 
15,096

 
(6,735
)
 

 
8,361

   Foreign currency options
 
504

 
(70
)
 
434

 
(155
)
 

 
279

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,265

 

 
1,265

 
(256
)
 

 
1,009

Total derivative assets:
 
23,357

 
(70
)
 
23,287

 
(8,558
)
 
(5,080
)
 
9,649

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
172,989

 

 
172,989

 
(172,989
)
 

 

Total
 
$
196,346

 
$
(70
)
 
$
196,276

 
$
(181,547
)
 
$
(5,080
)
 
$
9,649


30


The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Net Amount
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
10,043

 
$

 
$
10,043

 
$
(5,880
)
 
$

 
$
4,163

   Foreign currency options
 
233

 
(20
)
 
213

 
(89
)
 

 
124

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,638

 

 
1,638

 
(1,445
)
 

 
193

Total derivative liabilities:
 
11,914

 
(20
)
 
11,894

 
(7,414
)
 

 
4,480

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
11,914

 
$
(20
)
 
$
11,894

 
$
(7,414
)
 
$

 
$
4,480

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
12,183

 
$

 
$
12,183

 
$
(8,282
)
 
$

 
$
3,901

   Foreign currency options
 
504

 
(70
)
 
434

 
(279
)
 

 
155

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,396

 

 
1,396

 
(1,087
)
 

 
309

Total derivative liabilities:
 
14,083

 
(70
)
 
14,013

 
(9,648
)
 

 
4,365

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
14,083

 
$
(70
)
 
$
14,013

 
$
(9,648
)
 
$

 
$
4,365

9.     Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense
A summary of other noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Fund management fees
 
$
2,755

 
$
2,769

Service-based fee income
 
2,027

 
1,804

Gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)
 
978

 
(7,064
)
Currency revaluation gains (losses) (2)
 
278

 
(55
)
Other (3)
 
5,162

 
2,099

Total other noninterest income (loss)
 
$
11,200

 
$
(447
)
 
 
(1)
Represents the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash.
(2)
Includes the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial statements of certain funds. Included in these amounts are gains of $0.2 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 , and 2013, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
(3)
Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.


31


A summary of other noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Client services
 
$
2,359

 
$
1,935

Data processing services
 
2,227

 
1,912

Tax credit fund amortization
 
2,028

 
1,317

Telephone
 
1,748

 
1,557

Postage and supplies
 
769

 
538

Dues and publications
 
497

 
458

Other
 
1,562

 
2,218

Total other noninterest expense
 
$
11,190

 
$
9,935

10.
Segment Reporting
We have three reportable segments for management reporting purposes: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank and SVB Capital. The results of our operating segments are based on our internal management reporting process.
Our operating segments’ primary source of revenue is from net interest income, which is primarily the difference between interest earned on loans, net of funds transfer pricing (“FTP”), and interest paid on deposits, net of FTP. Accordingly, our segments are reported using net interest income, net of FTP. FTP is an internal measurement framework designed to assess the financial impact of a financial institution’s sources and uses of funds. It is the mechanism by which an earnings credit is given for deposits raised, and an earnings charge is made for funded loans. FTP is calculated at an instrument level based on account characteristics.
We also evaluate performance based on provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense, which are presented as components of segment operating profit or loss. In calculating each operating segment’s noninterest expense, we consider the direct costs incurred by the operating segment as well as certain allocated direct costs. As part of this review, we allocate certain corporate overhead costs to a corporate account. We do not allocate income taxes to our segments. Additionally, our management reporting model is predicated on average asset balances; therefore, period-end asset balances are not presented for segment reporting purposes. Changes in an individual client’s primary relationship designation have resulted, and in the future may result, in the inclusion of certain clients in different segments in different periods.
Unlike financial reporting, which benefits from the comprehensive structure provided by GAAP, our internal management reporting process is highly subjective, as there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Our management reporting process measures the performance of our operating segments based on our internal operating structure, which is subject to change from time to time, and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial services companies.
For reporting purposes, SVB Financial Group has three operating segments for which we report our financial information:
Global Commercial Bank is comprised of results from the following:
Our Commercial Bank products and services are provided by the Bank to commercial clients in the technology, life science and clean technology (energy and resource innovation) industries.  The Bank provides solutions to the financial needs of commercial clients, through credit, global treasury management, foreign exchange, global trade finance, and other services.  It serves clients within the United States, as well as non-U.S. clients in key international entrepreneurial markets.   In addition, the Bank and its subsidiaries offer a variety of investment services and solutions, including investment advisory and broker-dealer services. 
Our Private Equity Division provides banking products and services primarily to our venture capital and private equity clients.
Our Wine practice provides banking products and services to our premium wine industry clients, and our Community Development Finance practice makes loans as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act.  These practices are formerly known as SVB Specialty Lending.
SVB Analytics provides equity valuation services to companies and venture capital/private equity firms.
Debt Fund Investments is comprised of our investments in certain debt funds.

SVB Private Bank is the private banking division of the Bank, which provides banking products and a range of personal financial solutions for consumers.  Our clients are primarily venture capital/private equity professionals and executive leaders of the innovation companies they support.  We offer a customized suite of private banking

32


services, including mortgages, home equity lines of credit, restricted stock purchase loans, capital call lines of credit and other secured and unsecured lending, as well as cash and wealth management services. 
SVB Capita l is the venture capital investment arm of SVBFG, which focuses primarily on funds management.  SVB Capital manages funds (primarily venture capital funds) on behalf of third party limited partners and SVB Financial Group. The SVB Capital family of funds is comprised of funds of funds and direct venture funds.  SVB Capital generates income for the Company primarily through management fees, carried interest arrangements and returns through the Company’s investments in the funds.
The summary financial results of our operating segments are presented along with a reconciliation to our consolidated interim results.
Our segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Global
Commercial
Bank (1)
 
SVB Private  
Bank
 
SVB Capital (1)  
 
Other Items (2)      
 
Total      
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
175,703

 
$
6,892

 
$
14

 
$
13,719

 
$
196,328

(Provision for) reduction of loan losses
 
(807
)
 
313

 

 

 
(494
)
Noninterest income
 
58,637

 
274

 
37,672

 
213,642

 
310,225

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(121,925
)
 
(2,495
)
 
(2,635
)
 
(45,381
)
 
(172,436
)
Income before income tax expense (4)
 
$
111,608

 
$
4,984

 
$
35,051

 
$
181,980

 
$
333,623

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
9,762,802

 
$
1,049,901

 
$

 
$
(45,019
)
 
$
10,767,684

Total average assets (5)
 
25,571,787

 
967,873

 
340,990

 
886,983

 
27,767,633

Total average deposits
 
22,878,150

 
745,083

 

 
53,215

 
23,676,448

Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
148,936

 
$
6,104

 
$
1

 
$
8,128

 
$
163,169

(Provision for) reduction of loan losses
 
(6,207
)
 
394

 

 

 
(5,813
)
Noninterest income
 
46,541

 
234

 
5,441

 
26,388

 
78,604

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(104,339
)
 
(1,931
)
 
(2,386
)
 
(40,358
)
 
(149,014
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)
 
$
84,931

 
$
4,801

 
$
3,056

 
$
(5,842
)
 
$
86,946

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
7,868,587

 
$
844,807

 
$

 
$
(32,477
)
 
$
8,680,917

Total average assets (5)
 
20,540,835

 
850,084

 
238,743

 
684,897

 
22,314,559

Total average deposits
 
18,302,877

 
470,673

 

 
11,963

 
18,785,513

 
 
(1)
Global Commercial Bank’s and SVB Capital’s components of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and total average assets are shown net of noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. Noncontrolling interest is included within "Other Items" as discussed below.
(2)
The "Other Items" column reflects the adjustments necessary to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. Noninterest income is primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests and gains on equity warrant assets. Noninterest expense primarily consists of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. Additionally, average assets primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents.
(3)
The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $4.9 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
(4)
The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.
(5)
Total average assets equals the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.
11.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments
In the normal course of business, we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve credit risk to varying degrees. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract.


33


Commitments to Extend Credit
The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rate commitments
 
$
1,341,917

 
$
1,392,781

Variable interest rate commitments
 
10,016,728

 
9,101,973

Total loan commitments available for funding
 
11,358,645

 
10,494,754

Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)
 
1,012,651

 
975,968

Total unfunded credit commitments
 
$
12,371,296

 
$
11,470,722

Commitments unavailable for funding (3)
 
$
1,161,940

 
$
1,006,168

Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)
 
930,643

 
894,276

Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)
 
31,110

 
29,983

 
 
(1)
Represents commitments which are available for funding, due to clients meeting all collateral, compliance and financial covenants required under loan commitment agreements.
(2)
See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.
(3)
Represents commitments which are currently unavailable for funding, due to clients failing to meet all collateral, compliance and financial covenants under loan commitment agreements.
(4)
We extend credit under accounts receivable factoring arrangements when our clients’ sales invoices are deemed creditworthy under existing underwriting practices.
(5)
Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.
Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit
The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at March 31, 2014 . The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amount that could be remitted under letters of credit if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from the collateral held or pledged.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Expires In One
Year or Less
 
Expires After
One Year
 
Total Amount
Outstanding
 
Maximum Amount
of Future  Payments
Financial standby letters of credit
 
$
880,712

 
$
59,497

 
$
940,209

 
$
940,209

Performance standby letters of credit
 
58,475

 
5,786

 
64,261

 
64,261

Commercial letters of credit
 
8,181

 

 
8,181

 
8,181

Total
 
$
947,368

 
$
65,283

 
$
1,012,651

 
$
1,012,651

Deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit were $8.2 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 . At March 31, 2014 , collateral in the form of cash of $439.6 million and available-for-sale securities of $1.6 million were available to us to reimburse losses, if any, under financial and performance standby letters of credit.

34


Commitments to Invest in Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
We make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, which in turn make investments generally in, or in some cases make loans to, privately-held companies. Commitments to invest in these funds are generally made for a 10 -year period from the inception of the fund. Although the limited partnership agreements governing these investments typically do not restrict the general partners from calling 100% of committed capital in one year, it is customary for these funds to generally call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years; however in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital over the life of the fund. The actual timing of future cash requirements to fund these commitments is generally dependent upon the investment cycle, overall market conditions, and the nature and type of industry in which the privately held companies operate. The following table details our total capital commitments, unfunded capital commitments, and our ownership percentage in each fund at March 31, 2014 :
 Our Ownership in Venture Capital/Private Equity Funds
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
SVBFG Capital Commitments    
 
SVBFG Unfunded    
Commitments
 
SVBFG Ownership  
of each Fund (4)
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
6,000

 
$
270

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

 
162

 
5.1

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
 
933

 
161

 
6.8

SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
15,300

 
688

 
12.6

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
15,000

 
1,050

 
8.6

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
15,000

 
1,688

 
5.9

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
12,239

 
3,060

 
5.0

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
 
515

 
305

 
Various

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
 
500

 
477

 
0.2

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
12,688

 

 
20.0

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
24,670

 
1,340

 
33.0

Other private equity fund (2)
 
9,338

 

 
58.2

Partners for Growth, LP
 
25,000

 
9,750

 
50.0

Debt funds (equity method accounting)
 
65,437

 
4,950

 
Various

Other fund investments (3)
 
301,663

 
33,122

 
Various  

Total
 
$
505,483

 
$
57,023

 
 
 
 
(1)
Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(2)
Our ownership includes direct ownership of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital - NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
(3)
Represents commitments to 287 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than 5 percent of the voting interests of each such fund.
(4)
We are subject to the Volcker Rule, which restricts or limits our sponsorship of and ownership of interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. For funds that we sponsor, the Volcker Rule limits the amount of our investment to 3% of the fund, and our aggregate investments in all such funds must not exceed 3% of our Tier 1 capital. The current deadline to conform to these limits is July 21, 2015. The time period to divest an investment that is not permitted by the final rule may be extended by the Federal Reserve Board for up to two one-year general extensions, and one additional extension up to five additional years for investments in funds that are considered illiquid. We intend to seek the maximum extensions available to us.  However, there is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve Board will grant any of these extensions. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Item 1 of Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K.

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The following table details the amounts of remaining unfunded commitments to venture capital and private equity funds by our consolidated managed funds of funds (including our interest and the noncontrolling interests) at March 31, 2014 :
 Limited Partnership
 (Dollars in thousands)
Unfunded
    Commitments    
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
$
2,250

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
6,409

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
20,214

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
54,430

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
202,688

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
130,846

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
9,075

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
10,310

Other private equity fund
243

Total
$
436,465

12.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions and have identified our federal tax return and tax returns in California and Massachusetts as “major” tax filings. U.S. federal tax examinations through 2009 have been concluded. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination . Our California tax returns for 2008 and subsequent tax years remain open to examination. Massachusetts tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination .
At March 31, 2014 , our unrecognized tax benefit was $0.5 million , the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $0.3 million . We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefit will materially change in the next 12 months.
We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income before income taxes. Interest and penalties were not material for the three month period ending March 31, 2014.
13.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other securities are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We make estimates regarding valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value in preparing our interim consolidated financial statements.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable and the significance of those inputs in the fair value measurement. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data and views of market participants. The three levels for measuring fair value are based on the reliability of inputs and are as follows:
Level 1
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-traded equity securities and certain marketable securities accounted for under fair value accounting.
Level 2
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Valuations for the available-for-sale securities are provided by third party external pricing service providers. We review the methodologies used to determine the fair value, including understanding the nature and observability of the inputs used to determine the price. Additional corroboration, such as obtaining a non-binding price from a broker, may

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be obtained depending on the frequency of trades of the security and the level of liquidity or depth of the market. The valuation methodology that is generally used for the Level 2 assets is the income approach. Below is a summary of the significant inputs used for each class of Level 2 assets and liabilities:
U.S. agency debentures: Fair value measurements of U.S. agency debentures are based on the characteristics specific to bonds held, such as issuer name, coupon rate, maturity date and any applicable issuer call option features. Valuations are based on market spreads relative to similar term benchmark market interest rates, generally U.S. treasury securities.
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities are pools of individual conventional mortgage loans underwritten to U.S. agency standards with similar coupon rates, tenor, and other attributes such as geographic location, loan size and origination vintage. Fair value measurements of these securities are based on observable price adjustments relative to benchmark market interest rates taking into consideration estimated loan prepayment speeds.
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations are structured into classes or tranches with defined cash flow characteristics and are collateralized by U.S. agency-issued mortgage pass-through securities. Fair value measurements of these securities incorporate similar characteristics of mortgage pass-through securities such as coupon rate, tenor, geographic location, loan size and origination vintage, in addition to incorporating the effect of estimated prepayment speeds on the cash flow structure of the class or tranche. These measurements incorporate observable market spreads over an estimated average life after considering the inputs listed above.
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities: Fair value measurements of these securities are based on spreads to benchmark market interest rates (usually U.S. treasury rates or rates observable in the swaps market), prepayment speeds, loan default rate assumptions and loan loss severity assumptions on underlying loans.
Municipal bonds and notes: Bonds issued by municipal governments generally have stated coupon rates, final maturity dates and are subject to being called ahead of the final maturity date at the option of the issuer. Fair value measurements of these securities are priced based on spreads to other municipal benchmark bonds with similar characteristics; or, relative to market rates on U.S. treasury bonds of similar maturity.
Interest rate swap assets: Fair value measurements of interest rate swaps are priced considering the coupon rate of the fixed leg of the contract and the variable coupon on the floating leg of the contract. Valuation is based on both spot and forward rates on the swap yield curve and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
Foreign exchange forward and option contract assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of these assets and liabilities are priced based on spot and forward foreign currency rates and option volatility assumptions and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions.
Level 3
The fair value measurement is derived from valuation techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset. Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used for each class of Level 3 assets:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments: Fair value measurements are based on the net asset value per share as obtained from the investee funds' management, as the funds do not have a readily determinable fair value and the funds prepare their financial statements using guidance consistent with fair value accounting. We account for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recent available financial information from the investee general partner, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
Other venture capital investments: Fair value measurements are based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, and as it relates to the private company, the current and projected operating performance, exit strategies and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement include the information about each portfolio company, including actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Significant changes to any one of these inputs in isolation could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, however, we generally consider all factors available through ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital

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fund managers to determine whether there are changes to the portfolio company or the environment that indicate a change in the fair value measurement.
Other securities: Fair value measurements of equity securities of public companies are priced based on quoted market prices less a discount if the securities are subject to certain sales restrictions. Marketability discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions. Modeled asset values are further adjusted by applying a discount of up to 20% for certain warrants that have lockup restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As lockup terms nears, and other sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to 0 percent once all restrictions expire or are removed.
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of private portfolio companies are priced based on a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the asset value by using stated strike prices, option expiration dates, risk-free interest rates and option volatility assumptions. Option volatility assumptions used in the modified Black-Scholes model are based on public market indices whose members operate in similar industries as companies in our private company portfolio. Option expiration dates are modified to account for estimates to actual life relative to stated expiration. Overall model asset values are further adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. There is a direct correlation between changes in the volatility and remaining life assumptions in isolation and the fair value measurement while there is an inverse correlation between changes in the liquidity discount assumption and the fair value measurement.
It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon valuation techniques that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, prepayment speeds, option volatilities and currency rates. Substantially all of our financial instruments use the foregoing methodologies, and are categorized as a Level 1 or Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for our valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions we believe market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument, and based on the significance of those judgments, the measurement may be determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. For inactive markets, there is little information, if any, to evaluate if individual transactions are orderly. Accordingly, we are required to estimate, based upon all available facts and circumstances, the degree to which orderly transactions are occurring and provide more weighting to price quotes that are based upon orderly transactions. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, when market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greater for financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3.

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at March 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
683,519

 
$

 
$

 
$
683,519

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
4,118,636

 

 
4,118,636

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 

 
3,021,019

 

 
3,021,019

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
3,235,004

 

 
3,235,004

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
1,111,318

 

 
1,111,318

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 

 
559,665

 

 
559,665

Municipal bonds and notes
 

 
86,072

 

 
86,072

Equity securities
 
24,328

 
3,538

 

 
27,866

Total available-for-sale securities
 
707,847

 
12,135,252

 

 
12,843,099

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

 

 
976,922

 
976,922

Other venture capital investments
 

 

 
28,306

 
28,306

Other securities
 
19,441

 

 
362,487

 
381,928

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
19,441

 

 
1,367,715

 
1,387,156

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
6,025

 

 
6,025

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
11,388

 

 
11,388

Equity warrant assets
 

 
3,493

 
87,642

 
91,135

Loan conversion options
 

 
290

 

 
290

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
1,471

 

 
1,471

Total assets (1)
 
$
727,288

 
$
12,157,919

 
$
1,455,357

 
$
14,340,564

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
10,256

 
$

 
$
10,256

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
1,638

 

 
1,638

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
11,894

 
$

 
$
11,894

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $18.5 million and $1.3 billion , respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
4,345,232

 

 
4,345,232

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 

 
2,473,576

 

 
2,473,576

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
3,325,758

 

 
3,325,758

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
1,186,573

 

 
1,186,573

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 

 
564,604

 

 
564,604

Municipal bonds and notes
 

 
86,027

 

 
86,027

Equity securities
 
3,732

 
1,319

 

 
5,051

Total available-for-sale securities
 
3,732

 
11,983,089

 

 
11,986,821

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

 

 
862,972

 
862,972

Other venture capital investments
 

 

 
32,839

 
32,839

Other Securities
 
2,125

 

 
319,249

 
321,374

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
2,125

 

 
1,215,060

 
1,217,185

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
6,492

 

 
6,492

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
15,530

 

 
15,530

Equity warrant assets
 

 
3,622

 
99,891

 
103,513

Loan conversion options
 

 
314

 

 
314

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
1,265

 

 
1,265

Total assets (1)
 
$
5,857

 
$
12,010,312

 
$
1,314,951

 
$
13,331,120

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
12,617

 
$

 
$
12,617

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
1,396

 

 
1,396

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
14,013

 
$

 
$
14,013

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $2.0 million and $1.1 billion , respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.


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The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income
 
Purchases  
 
Sales
 
Issuances  
 
Distributions and Other Settlements
 
Transfers Into Level 3 
 
Transfers Out of Level 3
 
Ending
Balance
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
862,972

 
$
111,335

 
$
44,455

 
$

 
$

 
$
(41,840
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
976,922

Other venture capital investments
 
32,839

 
1,838

 
670

 
(3,514
)
 

 
(3,527
)
 

 

 
28,306

Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)
 
319,249

 
102,694

 

 
(46,840
)
 

 
3,417

 

 
(16,033
)
 
362,487

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)(1)
 
1,215,060

 
215,867

 
45,125

 
(50,354
)
 

 
(41,950
)
 

 
(16,033
)
 
1,367,715

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
99,891

 
24,378

 

 
(39,993
)
 
3,417

 
626

 

 
(677
)
 
87,642

Total assets
 
$
1,314,951

 
$
240,245

 
$
45,125

 
$
(90,347
)
 
$
3,417

 
$
(41,324
)
 
$

 
$
(16,710
)
 
$
1,455,357

Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
665,921

 
$
22,510

 
$
29,744

 
$

 
$

 
$
(17,099
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
701,076

Other venture capital investments
 
127,091

 
2,188

 
166

 
(21
)
 

 
(1,077
)
 

 
(3,561
)
 
124,786

Other securities (fair value accounting)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
793,012

 
24,698

 
29,910

 
(21
)
 

 
(18,176
)
 

 
(3,561
)
 
825,862

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
66,129

 
1,459

 

 
(2,250
)
 
1,926

 
364

 

 
(1,582
)
 
66,046

Total assets
 
$
859,141

 
$
26,157

 
$
29,910

 
$
(2,271
)
 
$
1,926

 
$
(17,812
)
 
$

 
$
(5,143
)
 
$
891,908

 
 
(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
(2)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded on the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
(3)
Ending balance Includes total unrealized valuation gains of $351 million attributable to two of our portfolio companies, FireEye and Twitter.

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The following table presents the amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2014 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
111,856

 
$
22,621

Other venture capital investments
 
(15
)
 
526

Other securities
 
78,968

 

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
190,809

 
23,147

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
3,782

 
1,181

Total unrealized gains, net
 
$
194,591

 
$
24,328

Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
176,085

 
$
21,187

 
(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
(2)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded on the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2014 . We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Weighted 
Average
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
28,306

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Other securities
 
362,487

 
Modified stock price
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
10.1
%
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
9,128

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
42.3
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.9
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
14.1
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
78,514

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
39.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
0.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
22.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
32,839

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Other securities
 
319,249

 
Modified stock price
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
12.0
%
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
24,217

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
41.3
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.7
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
13.7
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
75,674

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
40.1
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
0.8
%
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
22.5
%
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
 
 
 
(1)
In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value.

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These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.
(2)
We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
(3)
Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based on long-run averages and is influenced over time by various factors, including market conditions. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.
(4)
We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At March 31, 2014 , the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.2 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.8 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , we did not have any material transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 . Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $16.0 million as a result of the expiration of lockup and other restrictions on certain of our other securities. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 include $3.6 million due to the IPO of one of our portfolio companies, which was previously included in our non-marketable securities portfolio.
All transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were due to the transfer of equity warrant assets from our private portfolio to our public portfolio (see our Level 3 reconciliation above). All amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the date of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
FASB guidance over financial instruments requires that we disclose estimated fair values for our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with these requirements.
Fair values are based on estimates or calculations at the transaction level using present value techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. Because broadly traded markets do not exist for many of our financial instruments, the fair value calculations attempt to incorporate the effect of current market conditions at a specific time. The aggregation of the fair value calculations presented herein does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.
The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments, excluding financial instruments already recorded at fair value as described above.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash balances due from banks, interest-earning deposits, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the insignificant risk of changes in fair value due to changes in market interest rates, and the instruments are purchased in conjunction with our cash management activities.
Non-Marketable Securities (Cost and Equity Method Accounting)
Non-marketable securities includes other investments (equity method accounting), low income housing tax credit funds (equity method accounting), venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting), and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting). Other investments (equity method accounting) include our investment in SPD Silicon Valley Bank ("SPD-SVB"), our joint venture bank in China. At this time, the carrying value of our investment in SPD-SVB is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of the remaining other investments (equity method accounting) and the fair value of venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting) is based on financial information obtained from the investee or obtained from the fund investments’ or debt fund investments’ respective general partners. For private company investments, estimated fair value is based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. We adjust the net asset value per share for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently

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available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31 st for our March 31 st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. The carrying value of our low income housing tax credit funds (equity method accounting) is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Loans
The fair value of fixed and variable rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using rates that reflect current pricing for similar loans and the projected forward yield curve. This method is not based on the exit price concept of fair value required under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures .
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock are recorded at cost. The carrying amounts of these investments are reasonable estimates of fair value because the securities are restricted to member banks and they do not have a readily determinable market value.
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable
The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable are reasonable estimates of fair value due to the short-term nature of these balances.
Deposits
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits is equal to the amount payable on demand at the measurement date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the cash flows using our cost of borrowings and the projected forward yield curve over their remaining contractual term.
Short-Term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included cash collateral received from our counterparty for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The carrying amount of the cash collateral is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included our 5.375% Senior Notes, 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures and 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The fair value of long-term debt is generally based on quoted market prices, when available, or is estimated based on calculations utilizing third-party pricing services and current market spread, price indications from reputable dealers or observable market prices of the underlying instrument(s), whichever is deemed more reliable. Also included in the estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes are amounts related to hedge accounting associated with the note.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
The fair value of net available commitments to extend credit is estimated based on the average amount we would receive or pay to execute a new agreement with identical terms and pricing, while taking into account the counterparties’ credit standing.
Letters of credit are carried at their fair value, which was equivalent to the residual premium or fee at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 . Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit typically result in loans with a market interest rate if funded.

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,862,464

 
$
3,862,464

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
383,300

 

 

 
469,899

Net commercial loans
 
9,698,039

 


 


 
9,876,872

Net consumer loans
 
1,012,327

 


 


 
1,068,082

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
40,632

 

 

 
40,632

Accrued interest receivable
 
70,384

 

 
70,384

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other short-term borrowings
 
4,810

 
4,810

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
25,327,648

 
25,327,648

 

 


Time deposits
 
149,257

 


 
149,261

 


5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,265

 

 
388,437

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)
 
51,528

 

 
55,521

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,977

 

 
52,289

 

Accrued interest payable
 
2,866

 

 
2,866

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 

 

 
26,427

December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,538,779

 
$
1,538,779

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
378,309

 

 

 
447,783

Net commercial loans
 
9,796,878

 

 

 
9,935,917

Net consumer loans
 
966,622

 

 

 
1,005,080

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
40,632

 

 

 
40,632

Accrued interest receivable
 
67,772

 

 
67,772

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other short-term borrowings
 
5,080

 
5,080

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
22,259,119

 
22,259,119

 

 

Time deposits
 
213,860

 

 
213,874

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,209

 

 
383,782

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)
 
51,987

 

 
56,297

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
55,020

 

 
51,915

 

Accrued interest payable
 
6,858

 

 
6,858

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 

 

 
24,285

 
 
(1)
Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
(2)
At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was $6.0 million and $6.5 million , respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

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Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share
FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments.
Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. We currently do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31 st , for our March 31 st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of March 31, 2014 :
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount      
 
Fair Value        
 
Unfunded
Commitments      
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
976,922

 
$
976,922

 
$
436,465

Non-marketable and other securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments (2)
 
54,264

 
55,792

 
5,836

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)
 
140,374

 
221,605

 
31,630

Total
 
$
1,171,560

 
$
1,254,319

 
$
473,931

 
 
(1)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $897 million and $431 million , respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
(2)
Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds.
(3)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.
14.
Legal Matters
Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against us or our affiliates. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for all lawsuits, claims and expected settlements when we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrual. Any such loss estimates are inherently uncertain, based on currently available information and are subject to management’s judgment and various assumptions. Due to the inherent subjectivity of these estimates and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate resolution of such matters.
To the extent we believe any potential loss relating to such lawsuits and claims may have a material impact on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole and is reasonably possible but not probable,

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we disclose information relating to any such potential loss, whether in excess of any established accruals or where there is no established accrual. We also disclose information relating to any material potential loss that is probable but not reasonably estimable. Where reasonably practicable, we will provide an estimate of loss or range of potential loss. No disclosures are generally made for any loss contingencies that are deemed to be remote.
Based upon information available to us, our review of lawsuits and claims filed or pending against us to date and consultation with our outside legal counsel, we have not recognized a material accrual liability for these matters, nor do we currently expect it is reasonably possible that these matters will result in a material liability to the Company. However, the outcome of litigation and other legal and regulatory matters is inherently uncertain, and it is possible that one or more of such matters currently pending or threatened could have an unanticipated material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole, in the future.
15.
Related Parties
SVB Financial has commitments under two partially-syndicated revolving line of credit facilities totaling $65 million to Gold Hill Capital 2008 LP, a venture debt fund, and an affiliated fund, for which SVB Financial has ownership interests. Of the $65 million , $16 million is syndicated to another lender. SVB Financial has an 11.5 percent direct ownership interest and a 4.0 percent indirect ownership interest in Gold Hill Capital 2008 LP through our 83.8 percent interest in its general partner, Gold Hill Capital 08, LLC. The lines of credit are secured and bear an interest rate of national Prime plus one percent . The highest outstanding balance under SVB Financial's portion of the facility for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $23 million . SVB Financial's portion of the outstanding balance was $23 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014 , the Bank made loans to related parties, including certain companies in which certain of our directors or their affiliated venture funds are beneficial owners of ten percent or more of the equity securities of such companies. Such loans: (a) were made in the ordinary course of business; (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related persons; and (c) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. Additionally, we also provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP.
16.
Subsequent Events
Update on Investments in FireEye

As of March 31, 2014, we held the following securities in FireEye: (i) approximately 309,000 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our exercise of certain warrants on March 4, 2014 ( Warrant Shares ), and (ii) approximately 5.5 million shares of common stock acquired through prior investments by our managed direct venture funds ( Fund Shares ).
Subsequent to March 31, 2014, we sold all of our Warrant Shares resulting in a realized pre-tax loss of $14 million . This loss reflects the decline in the market share price of FireEye from March 4, 2014 (the date of exercise of the FireEye warrants) to the date of sale of the Warrant Shares during the last week of April 2014. (Note that as of March 31, 2014, approximately $8.2 million of this loss was recorded in a separate component of Shareholders' equity reflecting the decline in value of the Warrant Shares from the date of exercise to March 31, 2014).

In addition, from March 31, 2014 to May 7, 2014, the market share price of FireEye s common stock has decreased by approximately 53% from $61.57 to $28.65 . Based on this decrease, we would expect a total decrease in the pre-tax valuation of our Fund Shares, subsequent to March 31, 2014 and through May 7, 2014, of approximately $150 million ( $29 million , net of noncontrolling interests). (This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See reconciliation below.)

As such, on a combined basis, if FireEye’s stock price at June 30, 2014 were the same as its price of $28.65 as of close of business on May 7, 2014, the Company would expect to report a loss on its FireEye holdings of $43.0 million on a pre-tax basis.

Investment gains (or losses) relating to the remaining Fund Shares are subject to FireEye’s stock price, which is subject to market conditions and various other factors. Additionally, the gains (and losses) relating to the Fund Shares reported above are currently unrealized, and to the extent such gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and timing of any sales of securities, which are subject to our securities sales and governance processes and lock-up agreements (currently scheduled to expire during the second quarter of 2014).






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The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure discussed above:

Non-GAAP losses on investments securities, net of noncontrolling interests (Dollars in millions)
 
Through May 7, 2014
GAAP losses on certain nonmarketable and other securities
 
$
150

Less: losses attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
121

Non-GAAP losses on certain nonmarketable and other securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
29

 

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including in particular “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part I, Item 2 of this report, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Management has in the past and might in the future make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Broadly speaking, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Projections of our net interest income, noninterest income, earnings per share, noninterest expenses (including professional services, compliance, compensation and other costs), cash flows, balance sheet positions, capital expenditures, liquidity and capitalization or other financial items
Descriptions of our strategic initiatives, plans or objectives for future operations, including pending sales or acquisitions
Forecasts of venture capital/private equity funding and investment levels
Forecasts of future interest rates, economic performance, and income from investments
Forecasts of expected levels of provisions for loan losses, loan growth and client funds
Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we make forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those discussing our management’s expectations about:
Market and economic conditions (including interest rate environment, and levels of public offerings, mergers/acquisitions and venture capital financing activities) and the associated impact on us
The sufficiency of our capital, including sources of capital (such as funds generated through retained earnings), the extent to which capital may be used or required, and our capital category classification
The adequacy of our liquidity position, including sources of liquidity (such as funds generated through retained earnings)
Our overall investment plans, strategies and activities, including venture capital/private equity funding and investments, and our investment of excess cash/liquidity
The realization, timing, valuation and performance of equity or other investments, including the impact of changes in our valuation of our investments, such as FireEye and Twitter.
The likelihood that the market value of our temporarily impaired investments will recover
Our intent to sell our available-for-sale securities prior to recovery of our cost basis, or the likelihood of such
The impact on our interest income from mortgage prepayment levels as it relates to our premium amortization expense, and from changes in loan yields due to shifts in loan mix
Expected cash requirements for unfunded commitments to certain investments, including capital calls
Our overall management of interest rate risk, including managing the sensitivity of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities to interest rates, and the impact to earnings from a change in interest rates
The credit quality of our loan portfolio, including levels and trends of nonperforming loans, impaired loans, criticized loans and troubled debt restructurings
The adequacy of reserves (including allowance for loan and lease losses) and the appropriateness of our methodology for calculating such reserves
The level of loan and deposit balances
The level of client investment fees and associated margins
The profitability of our products and services, including loan yields, loan pricing, and interest margins
Our strategic initiatives, including the expansion of operations and business activities in China, India, Israel, the UK and elsewhere domestically or internationally
The expansion and growth of our noninterest income sources

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Distributions of venture capital, private equity or debt fund investment proceeds; intentions to sell such fund investments
The changes in, or adequacy of, our unrecognized tax benefits and any associated impact
The realization of certain deferred tax assets, and of any benefit stemming from certain net operating loss carryforwards.
The extent to which counterparties, including those to our forward and option contracts, will perform their contractual obligations
The condition and suitability of our properties
The manner in which we compete
Our estimated potential liability associated with certain securities subject to rescission rights in connection with our 401(k) plan
The effect of application of accounting pronouncements and regulatory requirements
The effect of lawsuits and claims
Regulatory developments, including the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness of requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), new capital requirements and other applicable Federal, State and International laws and regulations, and any related impact on us
The expected impact of the "Volcker Rule" under the Dodd-Frank Act, including our intention to seek the maximum extensions to the conformance period applicable to us
You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “becoming,” “may,” “will,” “should,” "could," "would," “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” the negative of such words, or comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we have based these expectations on our beliefs as well as our assumptions, and such expectations may prove to be incorrect. Our actual results of operations and financial performance could differ significantly from those expressed in or implied by our management’s forward-looking statements.
For information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“ 2013 Form 10-K”), as filed with the SEC. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements included in this filing are made only as of the date of this filing. We assume no obligation and do not intend to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as presented in Part I, Item 1 of this report and in conjunction with our 2013 Form 10-K.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.
Management’s Overview of First Quarter 2014 Performance
Overall, we had an outstanding first quarter of 2014 , which was reflective of the strength of our clients and our business. We had net income available to common stockholders of $91.3 million and diluted EPS was $1.95 . This compares to diluted EPS of $0.90 in the first quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2014, compared to the first quarter of 2013, we experienced strong growth in net interest income as a result of outstanding loan growth with a record high average balance of $10.8 billion. We also experienced strong growth in noninterest income as a result of exceptional gains on investment securities, net, and equity warrant assets. Included in our results for the first quarter of 2014 were pre-tax gains of $37 million from investment activity related to our FireEye holdings. Our total client funds, which consist of on-balance sheet deposits and off-balance sheet client investment funds, also increased, reflecting growth from our existing and new clients. In addition, overall credit quality remained strong, we saw continued growth in fee income and our liquidity and capital ratios continued to remain strong overall.



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First quarter 2014 results (compared to the first quarter 2013 , where applicable) included:
Continued strong growth in our lending business with record high average loan balances of $10.8 billion, an increase of $2.1 billion, or 24.0 percent.
Average available-for-sale securities of $12.2 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion, or 12.5 percent. Period-end available-for-sale securities of $12.8 billion, an increase of $1.9 billion, or 17.7 percent.
Average deposit balances of $23.7 billion, an increase of $4.9 billion, or 26.0 percent. Period-end deposit balances were $25.5 billion, an increase of $6.2 billion, or 31.9 percent.
Average total client funds (including on-balance sheet deposits and off-balance sheet client investment funds) were $50.8 billion, an increase of $9.5 billion, or 23.0 percent. Period-end total client funds were $53.7 billion, an increase of $11.4 billion, or 27.0 percent.
Net interest income (fully taxable equivalent basis) of $196.8 million, an increase of $33.2 million, or 20.3 percent, primarily due to an increase in interest income from loans and available-for-sale securities attributable to growth in average balances of $2.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the overall yield of our loan portfolio primarily resulting from the growth in our higher credit quality venture capital and private equity loan portfolio, and overall low market rate environment, as well as, the overall increased competition in the market.
Net interest margin of 3.13 percent, compared to 3.25 percent, primarily reflective of a 20 basis point decrease in the overall yield of our loan portfolio. The decrease was largely offset by strong growth in average loan balances and a higher overall yield on our available-for-sale securities portfolio driven by higher reinvestment yields and lower amortization expense.
Provision for loan losses of $0.5 million, compared to $5.8 million. The provision of $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2014 was primarily driven by net charge-offs of $19.8 million, offset by a $14.5 million decrease in the reserve for impaired loans and a $4.8 million decrease related to lower reserves due to improvement in the overall credit quality of gross performing loans.
Non-GAAP core fee income (deposit service charges, letters of credit fees, credit card fees, lending related fees, client investment fees, and foreign exchange fees) of $50.9 million, an increase of $9.6 million, or 23.3 percent. This increase reflects increased client activity and continued growth in our business, primarily from foreign exchange fees, credit card fees and lending related fees. See “Results of Operations—Noninterest Income” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP core fee income.
Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests of $37.4 million, compared to $5.1 million. The increase was primarily related to strong IPO and M&A activity with the largest gains coming from FireEye, as noted below. See “Results of Operations—Noninterest Income—Gains on Investment Securities, Net” for further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests.
Gains on equity warrant assets of $25.4 million , an increase of $21.9 million compared to $3.5 million . This increase was primarily driven by IPO and M&A activity, and included $15.2 million from a single warrant held in our client, FireEye, as noted below.
FireEye gains on investment securities of $113.0 million ($21.8 million net of noncontrolling interests), $15.2 million from gains on equity warrant assets and an unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities of $8.2 million reflected as a $4.9 million decrease (net of tax) in other accumulated comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity. See Investment Securities section for details related to FireEye activity during the first quarter of 2014.
Noninterest expense of $172.4 million, an increase of $23.4 million, or 15.7 percent. The increase was primarily due to increases in incentive compensation and other employee benefits as a result of our strong financial performance and an increase in average FTEs, as well as increased professional services expenses to support continued growth in our business and IT infrastructure initiatives. Average FTEs increased by 4.8 percent to 1,735 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to 1,655 FTEs for the comparable 2013 period.
Overall, our liquidity remained strong based on the attributes of our period-end available-for-sale securities portfolio, which totaled $12.8 billion at March 31, 2014. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio continued to be a good source of liquidity as it was invested in high quality investments and generated steady monthly cash flows. Additionally, our available-for-sale securities portfolio continued to provide us with the ability to secure wholesale borrowings, as needed.


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A summary of our performance for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data and ratios)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change  
Income Statement:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.95

 
$
0.90

 
116.7

Net income available to common stockholders
 
91,301

 
40,891

 
123.3

  
Net interest income
 
196,328

 
163,169

 
20.3

  
Net interest margin
 
3.13
%
 
3.25
%
 
(12
)
bps 
Provision for loan losses
 
$
494

 
$
5,813

 
(91.5
)
Noninterest income
 
310,225

 
78,604

 
NM

  
Noninterest expense
 
172,436

 
149,014

 
15.7

  
Non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
50,946

 
41,321

 
23.3

 
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests (1)
 
123,507

 
56,114

 
120.1

  
Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests (2)
 
169,115

 
146,154

 
15.7

  
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
10,767,684

 
$
8,680,917

 
24.0

Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
16,880,520

 
13,386,501

 
26.1

  
Average interest-bearing deposits
 
6,795,928

 
5,399,012

 
25.9

  
Average total deposits
 
23,676,448

 
18,785,513

 
26.0

  
Earnings Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (annualized) (3)
 
1.33
%
 
0.74
%
 
79.7

Return on average SVBFG stockholders’ equity (annualized) (4)
 
17.63

 
8.89

 
98.3

  
Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total period-end gross loans
 
1.13
%
 
1.26
%
 
(13
)
bps 
Allowance for loan losses for performing loans as a percentage of total gross performing loans
 
1.07

 
1.18

 
(11
)
  
Gross loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.79

 
0.26

 
53

  
Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.74

 
0.20

 
54

  
Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.41
%
 
14.59
%
 
(118
)
bps 
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.35

 
13.30

 
(95
)
  
Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.99

 
8.39

 
(40
)
  
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
7.05

 
8.26

 
(121
)
  
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
12.17

 
13.94

 
(177
)
  
Bank total risk-based capital ratio
 
11.47

 
13.01

 
(154
)
  
Bank tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
10.39

 
11.70

 
(131
)
  
Bank tier 1 leverage ratio
 
6.72

 
7.35

 
(63
)
  
Bank tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
6.20

 
7.62

 
(142
)
  
Bank tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
10.29

 
12.45

 
(216
)
  
Other Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating efficiency ratio (6)
 
34.01
%
 
61.52
%
 
(44.7
)
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (2)
 
52.81

 
66.53

 
(20.6
)
  
Book value per common share (7)
 
$
45.59

 
$
41.85

 
8.9

  
Other Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average full-time equivalent employees
 
1,735

 
1,655

 
4.8

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
1,737

 
1,663

 
4.4

  
 
 
(1)
See “Results of Operations–Noninterest Income” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP core fee income and noninterest income.
(2)
See “Results of Operations–Noninterest Expense” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio.
(3)
Ratio represents annualized consolidated net income available to common stockholders divided by quarterly average assets.
(4)
Ratio represents annualized consolidated net income available to common stockholders divided by quarterly average SVBFG stockholders’ equity.
(5)
See “Capital Resources–Capital Ratios” for a reconciliation of non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets.
(6)
The operating efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense by total taxable-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income.
(7)
Book value per common share is calculated by dividing total SVBFG stockholders’ equity by total outstanding common shares at period-end.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The accompanying management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition is based upon our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates on historical experiences and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
There have been no significant changes during the three months ended March 31, 2014 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of our 2013 Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income and Margin (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Net interest income is defined as the difference between interest earned on loans, available-for-sale securities and short-term investment securities, and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is our principal source of revenue. Net interest margin is defined as the amount of annualized net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis to consistently reflect income from taxable loans and securities and tax-exempt securities based on the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0 percent.
Analysis of Net Interest Income Changes Due to Volume and Rate (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
    Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume change.” Net interest income is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “rate change.” The following table sets forth changes in interest income for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest expense for each major category of interest-bearing liabilities. The table also reflects the amount of simultaneous changes attributable to both volume and rate changes for the years indicated. For this table, changes that are not solely due to either volume or rate are allocated in proportion to the percentage changes in average volume and average rate.

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Table of Contents

 
 
2014 Compared to 2013
 
 
Three months ended March 31, increase (decrease) due to change in
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities
 
$
1,133

 
$
(216
)
 
$
917

Available-for-sale securities (taxable)
 
5,998

 
2,670

 
8,668

Available-for-sale securities (non-taxable)
 
(30
)
 
26

 
(4
)
Loans, net of unearned income
 
28,845

 
(4,417
)
 
24,428

Increase (decrease) in interest income, net
 
35,946

 
(1,937
)
 
34,009

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW deposits
 
14

 
5

 
19

Money market deposits
 
999

 
(82
)
 
917

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
18

 

 
18

Time deposits
 
(10
)
 
(63
)
 
(73
)
Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
(28
)
 

 
(28
)
Total increase (decrease) in deposits expense
 
993

 
(140
)
 
853

Short-term borrowings
 
(28
)
 

 
(28
)
5.375% Senior Notes
 

 
7

 
7

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 

 
7

 
7

6.05% Subordinated Notes
 
(5
)
 
17

 
12

Total (decrease) increase in borrowings expense
 
(33
)
 
31

 
(2
)
Increase (decrease) in interest expense, net
 
960

 
(109
)
 
851

Increase (decrease) in net interest income
 
$
34,986

 
$
(1,828
)
 
$
33,158

Net Interest Income (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
Net interest income increased by $33.2 million to $196.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $163.6 million for the comparable 2013 period. Overall, we saw an increase in our net interest income primarily due to higher average loan and available-for-sale securities balances and higher overall yield on our on available-for-sale securities portfolio, primarily from higher reinvestment yields and lower premium amortization expense. These increases were partially offset by lower overall loan yield.
The main factors affecting interest income and interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to the comparable 2013 period are discussed below:
Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by $34.0 million primarily due to:
A $24.5 million increase in interest income on loans to $148.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $123.7 million for the comparable 2013 period. This increase was reflective of an increase in average loan balances of $2.1 billion, partially offset by a decrease in our overall yield on our loan portfolio. The decrease in the overall loan yield was primarily due to a shift in the mix of our loan portfolio with higher growth in our lower-yielding venture capital/private equity loan portfolio, lower rates on existing and new capital call lines as a result of increased competition and a generally low market rate environment.
An $8.7 million increase in interest income on available-for-sale securities to $55.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $47.0 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average available-for-sale securities balances of $1.3 billion as a result of deposit growth. In addition, overall yield in our available-for-sale securities portfolio increased 9 basis points to 1.84 percent, primarily attributable to higher reinvestment yields and an increased yield impact from lower premium amortization expense. As of March 31, 2014 , the remaining unamortized premium balance, net of discounts, on our available-for-sale securities portfolio was $39 million, compared to $106 million for the comparable 2013 period.

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Table of Contents

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased to $8.7 million, compared to $7.8 million for the comparable 2013 period. The items impacting interest expense were as follows:
An increase in interest expense from interest-bearing deposits of $0.9 million, mainly attributable to growth of our average money market deposits of $1.5 billion.
Interest expense from our long-term debt remained relatively flat at $5.8 million.
Net Interest Margin (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Our net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 3.13 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to 3.25 percent for the comparable 2013 period. The decrease in our net interest margin was primarily reflective of a 20 basis point decrease due to a decline in the overall yield of our loan portfolio, partially offset by a 9 basis point yield increase from our available-for-sale securities as a result of the $1.4 billion growth in average deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Average Balances, Yields and Rates Paid (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
The average yield earned on interest-earning assets is the amount of annualized fully taxable equivalent interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The average rate paid on funding sources is the amount of annualized interest expense expressed as a percentage of average funding sources. The following tables set forth average assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and SVBFG stockholders’ equity, interest income, interest expense, annualized yields and rates, and the composition of our annualized net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :

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Table of Contents

Average Balances, Rates and Yields for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate
Interest-earning assets :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities (1)
 
$
2,482,190

 
$
1,636

 
0.27
%
 
$
822,418

 
$
719

 
0.35
%
Available-for-sale securities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
12,167,143

 
54,420

 
1.81

 
10,803,735

 
45,752

 
1.72

Non-taxable (3)
 
81,782

 
1,225

 
6.07

 
83,811

 
1,229

 
5.95

Total loans, net of unearned income (4) (5)
 
10,767,684

 
148,172

 
5.58

 
8,680,917

 
123,744

 
5.78

Total interest-earning assets
 
25,498,799

 
205,453

 
3.27

 
20,390,881

 
171,444

 
3.41

Cash and due from banks
 
264,478

 
 
 
 
 
279,179

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(141,073
)
 
 
 
 
 
(115,486
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets (6)
 
2,145,429

 
 
 
 
 
1,759,985

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
27,767,633

 
 
 
 
 
$
22,314,559

 
 
 
 
Funding sources :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW deposits
 
$
150,737

 
$
136

 
0.37
%
 
$
135,436

 
$
117

 
0.35
%
Money market deposits
 
4,582,863

 
2,412

 
0.21

 
3,043,021

 
1,495

 
0.20

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
191,715

 
46

 
0.10

 
115,659

 
28

 
0.10

Time deposits
 
168,050

 
100

 
0.24

 
172,401

 
173

 
0.41

Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
1,702,563

 
210

 
0.05

 
1,932,495

 
238

 
0.05

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
6,795,928

 
2,904

 
0.17

 
5,399,012

 
2,051

 
0.15

Short-term borrowings
 
4,984

 

 

 
74,939

 
28

 
0.15

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,229

 
4,828

 
5.62

 
348,013

 
4,821

 
5.62

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
55,005

 
839

 
6.19

 
55,181

 
832

 
6.11

6.05% Subordinated Notes
 
51,968

 
125

 
0.98

 
54,282

 
113

 
0.84

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
7,256,114

 
8,696

 
0.49

 
5,931,427

 
7,845

 
0.54

Portion of noninterest-bearing funding sources
 
18,242,685

 
 
 
 
 
14,459,454

 
 
 
 
Total funding sources
 
25,498,799

 
8,696

 
0.14

 
20,390,881

 
7,845

 
0.16

Noninterest-bearing funding sources :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
16,880,520

 
 
 
 
 
13,386,501

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
396,203

 
 
 
 
 
359,913

 
 
 
 
SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
2,099,819

 
 
 
 
 
1,866,310

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
1,134,977

 
 
 
 
 
770,408

 
 
 
 
Portion used to fund interest-earning assets
 
(18,242,685
)
 
 
 
 
 
(14,459,454
)
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
27,767,633

 
 
 
 
 
$
22,314,559

 
 
 
 
Net interest income and margin
 
 
 
$
196,757

 
3.13
%
 
 
 
$
163,599

 
3.25
%
Total deposits
 
$
23,676,448

 
 
 
 
 
$
18,785,513

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to reported net interest income :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
 
 
(429
)
 
 
 
 
 
(430
)
 
 
Net interest income, as reported
 
 
 
$
196,328

 
 
 
 
 
$
163,169

 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes average interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions of $317 million and $176 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , balances also include $2.0 billion and $0.4 billion , respectively, deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank, earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate.
(2)
Yields on available-for-sale securities are based on amortized cost, and therefore do not give effect to unrealized changes in fair value that are reflected in other comprehensive income.
(3)
Interest income on non-taxable available-for-sale securities is presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0 percent for all periods presented.
(4)
Nonaccrual loans are reflected in the average balances of loans.
(5)
Interest income includes loan fees of $24.3 million and $16.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
(6)
Average investment securities of $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, were classified as other assets as they were noninterest-earning assets. These investments primarily consisted of non-marketable securities.

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Table of Contents

Provision for Loan Losses
Our provision for loan losses is based on our evaluation of the existing allowance for loan losses in relation to total gross loans using historical and other objective information, and on our qualitative assessment of the inherent and identified credit risks of the loan portfolio. The following table summarizes our allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance
 
$
142,886

 
$
110,651

Provision for loan losses
 
494

 
5,813

Gross loan charge-offs
 
(21,150
)
 
(5,626
)
Loan recoveries
 
1,312

 
1,367

Allowance for loan losses, ending balance
 
$
123,542

 
$
112,205

Provision for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.02
%
 
0.26
%
Gross loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.79

 
0.26

Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.74

 
0.20

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans
 
1.13

 
1.26

Period-end total gross loans
 
$
10,920,482

 
$
8,922,829

Average total gross loans
 
10,852,905

 
8,755,699

Our provision for loan losses was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to a provision of $5.8 million for the comparable 2013 period. The provision of $0.5 million was primarily driven by $19.8 million in net charge-offs, offset by a $14.5 million decrease in the reserve for impaired loans resulting from a decrease in impaired loan balances from repayments, and a decrease of $4.8 million related to lower reserves due to improvement in the overall credit quality of gross performing loans. The provision of $5.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily attributable to net charge-offs of $4.3 million, as well as a nominal increase in the reserve percentage for our performing loans.
Gross loan charge-offs of $21.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 primarily comprised of loans that had been previously impaired and reserved for in the fourth quarter of 2013. These included $12.2 million of charge-offs from three hardware loans, of which $6.3 million was reserved for in the fourth quarter of 2013, and $7.3 million from two software loans, which were fully reserved for in the fourth quarter of 2013. The remaining charge-offs were primarily from our life sciences portfolio. Loan recoveries of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were largely driven by recoveries from our hardware portfolio, resulting in net loan charge-offs of $19.8 million, or 0.74 percent of average total gross loans, compared to net charge offs of $4.3 million, or 0.20 percent of average total gross loans for the comparable 2013 period. The increase in net charge offs, as a percentage of average total gross loans, of 54 basis points was a result of the charge off of a few specific loans that were previously impaired and reserved for, as noted above.
See “Consolidated Financial Condition—Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses” below and Note 6—“Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for further details on our allowance for loan losses.

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Table of Contents

Noninterest Income
A summary of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Non-GAAP core fee income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange fees
 
$
17,196

 
$
14,196

 
21.1
 %
Credit card fees
 
10,282

 
7,448

 
38.1

Deposit service charges
 
9,607

 
8,793

 
9.3

Lending related fees (1)
 
6,303

 
3,974

 
58.6

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit income
 
4,140

 
3,435

 
20.5

Client investment fees
 
3,418

 
3,475

 
(1.6
)
Total non-GAAP core fee income (2)
 
50,946

 
41,321

 
23.3

Gains on investment securities, net
 
223,912

 
27,438

 
NM

Gains on derivative instruments, net
 
24,167

 
10,292

 
134.8

Other
 
11,200

 
(447
)
 
NM

Total noninterest income
 
$
310,225

 
$
78,604

 
NM

 
NM - Not meaningful
(1)
Lending related fees consists of fee income associated with credit commitments such as unused commitment fees, syndication fees and other loan processing fees and, historically, has been included in other noninterest income. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
(2)
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP noninterest income to non-GAAP core fee income:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest income (as reported)
 
$
310,225

 
$
78,604

 
NM
Less: gains on investment securities, net
 
223,912

 
27,438

 
NM
Less: gains on derivative instruments, net
 
24,167

 
10,292

 
134.8
Less: other noninterest income
 
11,200

 
(447
)
 
NM
Non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
$
50,946

 
$
41,321

 
23.3
 
NM - Not meaningful
(1)
This non-GAAP measure represents noninterest income, but excludes certain line items where performance is typically subject to market or other conditions beyond our control.
Included in net income is income and expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. We recognize, as part of our investment funds management business through SVB Capital and Debt Fund Investments, the entire income or loss from funds where we own significantly less than 100% of the investment. We are required under GAAP to consolidate 100% of the results of entities that we are deemed to control, even though we may own less than 100% of such entities. The relevant amounts attributable to investors other than us are reflected under “Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests” on our statements of income. Where applicable, the non-GAAP tables presented below for noninterest income and net gains on investment securities exclude noncontrolling interests. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that represent income attributable to investors other than us and our subsidiaries. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our operating results and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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Table of Contents

The following table provides a summary of non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of  noncontrolling interests (Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest income (as reported)
 
$
310,225

 
$
78,604

 
NM
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
186,718

 
22,490

 
NM
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
123,507

 
$
56,114

 
120.1
 
NM - Not meaningful
Gains on Investment Securities, Net
Net gains on investment securities include both gains from our non-marketable and other securities, as well as gains from sales of our available-for-sale securities portfolio, when applicable.
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is primarily a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed to earn an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Though infrequent, the sale of investments from our available-for-sale portfolio results in net gains or losses on investment securities, and is within the guidelines of our investment policy of managing our liquidity position and interest rate risk.
Our non-marketable and other securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, venture debt funds and private and public portfolio companies. We experience variability in the performance of our non-marketable and other securities from quarter to quarter, which results in net gains or losses on investment securities (both realized and unrealized). This variability is due to a number of factors, including unrealized changes in the values of our investments, changes in the amount of realized gains from distributions, or changes in liquidity events and general economic and market conditions. Unrealized gains from non-marketable and other securities for any single period are typically driven by valuation changes, and are therefore subject to potential increases or decreases in future periods. Such variability may lead to volatility in the gains from investment securities and as such our results for a particular period are not necessarily indicative of our expected performance in a future period.
The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of certain sales restrictions to which these securities may be subject to, the actual sales of securities and the timing of such actual sales.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 , we had net gains on investment securities of $223.9 million, compared to $27.4 million for the comparable 2013 period. Gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, were $37.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $5.1 million for the comparable 2013 period.
The gains, net of noncontrolling interests, of $37.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were primarily driven by the following:
Gains of $20.6 million from our managed direct venture funds, driven by the continued strong stock performance of public companies (including FireEye) during the first quarter.
Gains of $10.0 million from our managed funds of funds, primarily related to unrealized valuation increases from two of our funds of funds.
Gains of $3.7 million from our strategic and other investments, primarily driven by strong distributions from strategic venture capital fund investments.
Gains of $3.0 million from our investments in debt funds, primarily from unrealized valuation increases from the investments within the funds.
The following tables provide a summary of non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :

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Table of Contents

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Managed
Funds of
Funds
 
Managed
Direct
Venture
Funds
 
Debt
Funds
 
Available-
For-Sale
Securities
 
Strategic
and Other
Investments
 
Total
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains on investment securities, net
 
$
111,448

 
$
105,702

 
$
3,001

 
$
60

 
$
3,701

 
$
223,912

Less: income (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
101,451

 
85,114

 
(13
)
 

 

 
186,552

Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
9,997

 
$
20,588

 
$
3,014

 
$
60

 
$
3,701

 
$
37,360

Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains (losses) on investment securities, net
 
$
22,802

 
$
1,856

 
$
1,753

 
$
(45
)
 
$
1,072

 
$
27,438

Less: income (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
20,802

 
1,496

 
(2
)
 

 

 
22,296

Non-GAAP net gains (losses) on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
2,000

 
360

 
1,755

 
(45
)
 
1,072

 
5,142

Gains on Derivative Instruments, Net
A summary of gains on derivative instruments, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
  
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Equity warrant assets (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on exercises, net
 
$
18,402

 
$
814

 
NM

Cancellations and expirations
 
(87
)
 
(104
)
 
(16.3
)
Changes in fair value
 
7,058

 
2,795

 
152.5

Net gains on equity warrant assets
 
25,373

 
3,505

 
NM

Gains on foreign exchange forward contracts, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net (2)
 
302

 
49

 
NM

(Losses) gains on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net (3)
 
(1,029
)
 
6,200

 
(116.6
)
Total (losses) gains on foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
(727
)
 
6,249

 
(111.6
)
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
 
(12
)
 
60

 
(120.0
)
Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (4)
 
(467
)
 
478

 
(197.7
)
Gains on derivative instruments, net
 
$
24,167

 
$
10,292

 
134.8

 
 
 
 NM—Not meaningful
(1)
At March 31, 2014 , we held warrants in 1,343 companies, compared to 1,282 companies at March 31, 2013 .
(2)
Represents the net gains for foreign exchange forward contracts executed on behalf of clients, excluding any spread or fees earned in connection with these trades.
(3)
Represents the change in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts used to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to certain foreign currency denominated instruments. Refer to revaluation of foreign currency instruments included in the line item "other" within noninterest income for the amount we were able to partially offset.
(4)
Primarily represents the change in fair value of loan conversion options held by SVB Financial.
Net gains on derivative instruments were $24.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to net gains of $10.3 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase in net gains on derivative instruments was primarily attributable to the following:
Net gains on equity warrant assets of $25.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $3.5 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was primarily due to net gains of $18.4 million from the exercise of equity warrant assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily reflective of $15.2 million in gains

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from the exercise of FireEye equity warrants, compared to $0.8 million for the comparable period. Additionally, net gains of $7.1 million came from changes in warrant valuations driven by valuation increases from IPO and M&A activity, primarily consisting of unrealized valuation gains from holdings in existing public companies in our equity warrant portfolio, compared to net gains of $2.8 million for the comparable 2013 period.
Net losses of $1.0 million on foreign exchange forward contracts hedging certain of our foreign currency denominated instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to net gains of $6.2 million for the comparable 2013 period. The losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were primarily attributable to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro and Pound Sterling, and were offset by gains of $1.0 million from the revaluation of foreign currency denominated instruments that are included in the line item "other" within noninterest income as noted below.
Foreign Exchange Fees
Foreign exchange fees were $17.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $14.2 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was primarily due to improved business conditions for our clients, which has resulted in an increase in the number of trades and commissioned notional volumes.
Credit Card Fees
Credit card fees were $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $7.4 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase reflects increased client awareness of our credit card products and custom payment solutions, which has resulted in new credit card clients and an increase in client activity.
Lending Related Fees
Lending related fees were $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $4.0 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in unused commitment fees as our loan commitments available for funding balance increased from $9 billion to $12 billion.
Client Investment Fees
Client investment fees were $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $3.5 million for the comparable 2013 period. The decrease was reflective of lower margins earned on certain products owing to the overall low rates in the short-term fixed income markets. There was an increase in average client investment funds driven by our clients’ increased utilization of our off-balance sheet products managed by SVB Asset Management, as well as our sweep product. The increases in average balances were partially offset by historically low yields on certain products. The following table summarizes average client investment funds for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Client directed investment assets (1)
 
$
7,182

 
$
6,898

 
4.1
%
Client investment assets under management (2)
 
13,513

 
11,309

 
19.5

Sweep money market funds
 
6,440

 
4,283

 
50.4

Total average client investment funds (3)
 
$
27,135

 
$
22,490

 
20.7

 
 
(1)
Comprised of mutual funds and Repurchase Agreement Program assets.
(2)
These funds represent investments in third party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management.
(3)
Client investment funds are maintained at third party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet.

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The following table summarizes period-end client investment funds at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
(Dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change
Client directed investment assets
 
7,395

 
7,073

 
4.6
 %
Client investment assets under management
 
14,330

 
12,677

 
13.0

Sweep money market funds
 
6,513

 
6,613

 
(1.5
)
Total period-end client investment funds
 
28,238

 
26,363

 
7.1

Other Noninterest Income
A summary of other noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Fund management fees
 
2,755

 
2,769

 
(0.5
)
Service-based fee income
 
2,027

 
1,804

 
12.4

Gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)
 
978

 
(7,064
)
 
(113.8
)
Currency revaluation (losses) gains (2)
 
278

 
(55
)
 
NM

Other (3)
 
5,162

 
2,099

 
145.9

Total other noninterest income (loss)
 
$
11,200

 
$
(447
)
 
NM

 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
Represents the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash. These instruments partially offset the impact of changes in internal foreign exchange forward contracts. Refer to internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net included within gains on derivative instruments as noted above.
(2)
Includes the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial statements of certain funds. Included in these amounts were gains of $0.2 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
(3)
Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income. For the three month period ended March 31, 2014, this amount also includes $3.0 million in gains from certain holdings from our India operations.
Other noninterest income was $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to a loss of $0.4 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase of $11.6 million for the three month period was primarily due to gains on the revaluation of foreign currency instruments of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to a loss of $7.1 million for the comparable 2013 period. The gain was primarily attributable to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro and Pound Sterling, and was offset by net losses of $1.0 million on internal foreign exchange forward contracts economically hedging certain of these instruments, which are included within noninterest income on the line item "gains on derivative instruments" as noted above.

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Noninterest Expense
A summary of noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014

2013
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits
 
$
102,507

 
$
88,704

 
15.6
 %
Professional services
 
21,189

 
17,160

 
23.5

Premises and equipment
 
11,582

 
10,725

 
8.0

Business development and travel
 
10,194

 
8,272

 
23.2

Net occupancy
 
7,320

 
5,767

 
26.9

FDIC assessments
 
4,128

 
3,382

 
22.1

Correspondent bank fees
 
3,203

 
3,055

 
4.8

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
1,123

 
2,014

 
(44.2
)
Other
 
11,190

 
9,935

 
12.6

Total noninterest expense
 
$
172,436

 
$
149,014

 
15.7

Included in noninterest expense is expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. See below for a summary of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, both of which exclude noncontrolling interests.
Non-GAAP Noninterest Expense
We use and report non-GAAP noninterest expense, non-GAAP taxable equivalent revenue and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, which excludes noncontrolling interests. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by: (i) excluding certain items that represent expenses attributable to investors other than us and our subsidiaries, or certain items that do not occur every reporting period; or (ii) providing additional information used by management that is not otherwise required by GAAP or other applicable requirements. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our operating results and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. The table below provides a summary of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, both net of noncontrolling interests:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, net of noncontrolling interests (Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
2014

2013
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest expense
 
$
172,436

 
$
149,014

 
15.7
 %
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
3,321

 
2,860

 
16.1

Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
169,115

 
$
146,154

 
15.7

GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income
 
$
196,757

 
$
163,599

 
20.3

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
8

 
24

 
(66.7
)
Non-GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
196,749

 
$
163,575

 
20.3

GAAP noninterest income
 
$
310,225

 
$
78,604

 
NM

Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
123,507

 
56,114

 
120.1

GAAP taxable equivalent revenue
 
$
506,982

 
$
242,203

 
109.3

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent revenue, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
320,256

 
$
219,689

 
45.8

GAAP operating efficiency ratio
 
34.01
%
 
61.52
%
 
(44.7
)
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (1)
 
52.81
%
 
66.53
%
 
(20.6
)
 
 
 
NM - Not meaningful

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(1)
The non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing non-GAAP noninterest expense by non-GAAP total taxable-equivalent income.
Compensation and Benefits Expense
The following table provides a summary of our compensation and benefits expense:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
$
44,353

 
$
39,323

 
12.8
%
Incentive compensation & ESOP
 
26,448

 
22,193

 
19.2

Other employee benefits (1)
 
31,706

 
27,188

 
16.6

Total compensation and benefits
 
$
102,507

 
$
88,704

 
15.6

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
1,737

 
1,663

 
4.4

Average full-time equivalent employees
 
1,735

 
1,655

 
4.8

 
 
(1)
Other employee benefits includes employer payroll taxes, group health and life insurance, share-based compensation, 401(k), warrant and retention program plans, agency fees and other employee related expenses.
Compensation and benefits expense was $102.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $88.7 million for the comparable 2013 period. The key changes in factors affecting compensation and benefits expense were as follows:
An increase of $5.0 million in salaries and wages expense, primarily due to an increase in the number of average FTEs. Average FTEs increased by 80 to 1,735 FTEs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to 1,655 FTEs for the comparable 2013 period, primarily to support our product development, operational and sales and advisory teams, as well as to support our commercial banking operations and initiatives.
An increase of $4.5 million in other employee benefits, primarily due to warrant incentive program plan expense resulting from the gains recorded on our equity warrant assets during the first quarter of 2014, and share-based plan expense primarily as a result of the increase in the valuation of our common stock. The remaining increases related to various other employee benefits.
An increase of $4.3 million in incentive compensation and ESOP expense, primarily reflective of our strong performance in the first quarter of 2014 and our current expectation that we will exceed our internal performance targets for 2014.
Our variable compensation plans primarily consist of our Incentive Compensation Plan, Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan, 401(k) and ESOP Plan, Retention Program and Warrant Incentive Plan. Total costs incurred under these plans were $34.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $27.9 million for the comparable 2013 period. These amounts are included in total compensation and benefits expense discussed above.
Professional Services
Professional services expense was $21.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $17.2 million for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was primarily due to increased consulting fees related to our ongoing business and IT infrastructure initiatives.
Provision for Unfunded Credit Commitments
We recorded a provision for unfunded credit commitments of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to a provision of $2.0 million for the comparable 2013 period. The provision of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily reflective of a decrease in the reserve rate applied to our unfunded credit commitments due to improved credit performance across our client portfolio.

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Other Noninterest Expense
A summary of other noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Client services
 
$
2,359

 
$
1,935

 
21.9
 %
Data processing services
 
2,227

 
1,912

 
16.5

Tax credit fund amortization
 
2,028

 
1,317

 
54.0

Telephone
 
1,748

 
1,557

 
12.3

Postage and supplies
 
769

 
538

 
42.9

Dues and publications
 
497

 
458

 
8.5

Other
 
1,562

 
2,218

 
(29.6
)
Total other noninterest expense
 
$
11,190

 
$
9,935

 
12.6

 
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Included in net income is income and expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. The relevant amounts allocated to investors in our consolidated subsidiaries, other than us, are reflected under “Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests” on our statements of income.
In the table below, noninterest income consists primarily of investment gains and losses from our consolidated funds. Noninterest expense is primarily related to management fees paid by our managed funds to SVB Financial’s subsidiaries as the funds’ general partners. A summary of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Net interest income (1)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
(24
)
 
(66.7
)%
Noninterest income (1)
 
(202,138
)
 
(23,288
)
 
NM

Noninterest expense (1)
 
3,321

 
2,860

 
16.1

Carried interest (2)
 
15,420

 
798

 
NM

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
(183,405
)
 
$
(19,654
)
 
NM

 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
Represents noncontrolling interests’ share in net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense.
(2)
Represents the preferred allocation of income earned by us as the general partner of certain consolidated funds.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax expense rate was 39.2 percent for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 , and March 31, 2013. The components of our tax rate are consistent for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.
Our effective tax rate is calculated by dividing income tax expense by the sum of income before income tax expense and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Operating Segment Results
We have three segments for which we report our financial information: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank and SVB Capital.
We report segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reporting segments. Please refer to Note 10—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.
Our primary source of revenue is from net interest income, which is primarily the difference between interest earned on loans, net of FTP, and interest paid on deposits, net of FTP. Accordingly, our segments are reported using net interest income,

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net of FTP. FTP is an internal measurement framework designed to assess the financial impact of a financial institution’s sources and uses of funds. It is the mechanism by which an earnings credit is given for deposits raised, and an earnings charge is made for funded loans.
We also evaluate performance based on provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense, which are presented as components of segment operating profit or loss. In calculating each operating segment’s noninterest expense, we consider the direct costs incurred by the operating segment as well as certain allocated direct costs. As part of this review, we allocate certain corporate overhead costs to a corporate account. We do not allocate income taxes to our segments. Additionally, our management reporting model is predicated on average asset balances; therefore, period-end asset balances are not presented for segment reporting purposes.
Changes in an individual client’s primary relationship designation have resulted, and in the future may result, in the inclusion of certain clients in different segments in different periods. The following is our reportable segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :
Global Commercial Bank
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
175,703

 
$
148,936

 
18.0
 %
Provision for loan losses
 
(807
)
 
(6,207
)
 
(87.0
)
Noninterest income
 
58,637

 
46,541

 
26.0

Noninterest expense
 
(121,925
)
 
(104,339
)
 
16.9

Income before income tax expense
 
$
111,608

 
$
84,931

 
31.4

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
9,762,802

 
$
7,868,587

 
24.1

Total average assets
 
25,571,787

 
20,540,835

 
24.5

Total average deposits
 
22,878,150

 
18,302,877

 
25.0

 
Three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013
Income before income tax expense from our Global Commercial Bank (“GCB”) increased to $111.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $84.9 million for the comparable 2013 period. Income before income tax expense was primarily driven by higher interest income due to strong average loan growth and benefited from a lower provision for loan losses as the quality of the loan portfolio continued to improve. The key components of GCB's performance for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the comparable 2013 period are discussed below:
Net interest income from our GCB increased by $26.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily due to a $24.9 million increase in loan interest income resulting mainly from an increase in average loan balances, partially offset by lower loan yields. Additionally, GCB had a $9.0 million increase in the FTP earned for deposits due to average deposit growth. These increases were partially offset by a $5.7 million decrease in the FTP earned for deposits from decreases in market interest rates. FTP earned for loans remained relatively flat.
GCB had a provision for loan losses of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $6.2 million for the comparable 2013 period. The provision of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to net charge-offs, a decrease in our reserve for impaired loans due to repayments on impaired loan balances and improvement in the overall credit quality of gross performing loans. The provision of $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily attributable to net charge-offs and period-end loan growth.
Noninterest income increased by $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily related to higher foreign exchange fees, credit card fees and unused commitment fees. The increase in foreign exchange fees was primarily due to improved business conditions for our clients, which has resulted in an increase in the number of trades and commissioned notional volumes. The increase in credit card fees was primarily due to increases in client volumes and the addition of new credit card clients. The increase in unused commitment fees was primarily due to an increase in unfunded credit commitments.
Noninterest expense increased by $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expenses related to our incentive plan and salaries and wages expenses. The increase in our incentive compensation plans expenses was primarily related to our strong performance in the first quarter of 2014 and our current expectation that we will exceed our internal performance targets for 2014. The increase in our salaries and wages expenses was primarily due to an increase in the average number of FTEs at our GCB, which increased by 74 to 1,416 FTEs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to 1,342 FTEs for the comparable 2013 period. The increase in average FTEs was attributable

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to increases in positions for product development, operational and sales and advisory, as well as to support our commercial banking operations and initiatives.
SVB Private Bank
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
6,892

 
$
6,104

 
12.9
 %
Reduction of loan losses
 
313

 
394

 
(20.6
)
Noninterest income
 
274

 
234

 
17.1

Noninterest expense
 
(2,495
)
 
(1,931
)
 
29.2

Income before income tax expense
 
$
4,984

 
$
4,801

 
3.8

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
1,049,901

 
$
844,807

 
24.3

Total average assets
 
967,873

 
850,084

 
13.9

Total average deposits
 
745,083

 
470,673

 
58.3

Three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013
Net interest income from SVB Private Bank increased by $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in loan interest income resulting mainly from an increase in average loan balances, partially offset by lower loan yields. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the FTP earned for deposits due to deposit growth as well as a decrease in the FTP earned for deposits from decreases in market interest rates.
The increase in noninterest expense was primarily driven by expenses related to our new Wealth Advisory practice.
SVB Capital
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
14

 
$
1

 
NM
Noninterest income
 
37,672

 
5,441

 
NM
Noninterest expense
 
(2,635
)
 
(2,386
)
 
10.4
Income before income tax expense
 
$
35,051

 
$
3,056

 
NM
Total average assets
 
$
340,990

 
$
238,743

 
42.8
 
 
NM - Not meaningful
SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include net gains and losses on non-marketable and other securities, carried interest and fund management fees. All components of income before income tax expense discussed below are net of noncontrolling interests.
We experience variability in the performance of SVB Capital from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including changes in the values of our funds’ underlying investments, changes in the amount of distributions and general economic and market conditions. Such variability may lead to volatility in the gains and losses from investment securities and cause our results to differ from period to period. Results for a particular period may not be indicative of future performance.
Three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013
Noninterest income increased by $32.2 million to $37.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily due to higher net gains on investment securities and the related carried interest. SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include the following:
Net gains on investment securities of $34.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to net gains of $3.0 million for the comparable 2013 period. The net gains on investment securities of $34.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were primarily driven by unrealized valuation increases and carried interest allocations in two of our managed direct venture funds, related to FireEye, as well as unrealized valuation increases from two of our funds of funds.

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Fund management fees of $2.8 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
Consolidated Financial Condition
Our total assets, total liabilities and stockholders' equity were $29.7 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $3.3 billion , or 12.5 percent , compared to $26.4 billion at December 31, 2013 . Below is a summary of the individual components driving the changes in total assets, total liabilities and stockholders' equity.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.9 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $2.4 billion, or 160.0 percent, compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2013 . The increase was primarily reflective of a $4.9 billion increase in average deposits, offset by an increase of $1.3 billion in average available-for-sale securities and $2.1 billion in average loans.
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , $ 3.0 billion and $ 715 million , respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $ 391 million and $ 300 million , respectively.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $14.6 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $1.0 billion , or 7.6 percent , compared to $13.6 billion at December 31, 2013 . Our investment securities portfolio consists of both an available-for-sale securities portfolio, which represents interest-earning investment securities, and a non-marketable and other securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business. The increase of $1.0 billion included an increase of $0.8 billion in available-for-sale securities as well as an increase of $0.2 billion in non-marketable and other securities. The major components of the change are explained below.
Available-for-Sale Securities
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed to earn an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Available-for-sale securities were $12.8 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $0.8 billion, or 7.1 percent , compared to $12.0 billion at December 31, 2013 . The increase was primarily due to purchases of new investments of $1.5 billion, partially offset by paydowns, scheduled maturities and called maturities of $694 million. The purchases of new investments of $1.5 billion were primarily comprised of fixed-rate U.S. Treasury and agency-issued mortgage securities.

Portfolio duration is a standard measure used to approximate changes in the market value of fixed income instruments due to a change in market interest rates. The measure is an estimate based on the level of current market interest rates, expectations for changes in the path of forward rates and the effect of forward rates on mortgage prepayment speed assumptions. As such, portfolio duration will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. Changes in portfolio duration are also impacted by changes in the mix of longer versus shorter term-to-maturity securities. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our estimated portfolio duration was 3.3 years.

We continually evaluate our investment securities portfolio in response to established asset/liability management objectives, changing market conditions that could affect performance and / or the level of interest rate risk to which we are exposed. These evaluations may cause us to change the level of funds we deploy into investment securities, change the composition of our investment securities portfolio, as well as consider changes to the designation of our investment securities between the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment categories. As such, during the second quarter of 2014, we expect to re-designate for accounting purposes approximately 30% to 50% of the securities in our available for sale portfolio to the held to maturity category. This change would not alter the underlying economic terms of these securities and would not be expected to have any material impact on our results of operations. However, we do expect this to help mitigate the impact on tangible book value in an increasing interest rate environment.


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Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair market value with changes in fair market value recorded as unrealized gains or losses in a separate component of shareholders equity. Securities classified as held to maturity are accounted for at cost with no adjustments for changes in fair value. For securities transferred into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category, any unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer will continue to be reported in a separate component of shareholders equity, but would be amortized over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield.
Non-Marketable and Other Securities
Our non-marketable and other securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds and private and public portfolio companies. A majority of these investments are managed through our SVB Capital funds business in funds of funds and direct venture and private equity funds. Included in our non-marketable and other securities carried under fair value accounting are amounts that are attributable to noncontrolling interests. We are required under GAAP to consolidate 100% of these investments that we are deemed to control, even though we may own less than 100% of such entities. See below for a summary of the carrying value (as reported) of non-marketable and other securities compared to the amounts attributable to SVBFG.

Non-marketable and other securities were $1.8 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $0.2 billion , or 11.0 percent , compared to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2013 . The increase was primarily attributable to valuation gains in our managed funds of funds and managed direct venture funds, primarily driven by valuation gains in existing public portfolio holdings and fund investments during the first quarter of 2014, partially offset by the sale of a portion of our FireEye holdings in our managed direct venture funds for $47 million. The following table summarizes the carrying value (as reported) of non-marketable and other securities compared to the amounts attributable to SVBFG (which generally represents the carrying value times our ownership percentage) at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable  
to SVBFG
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
976,922

 
$
80,087

 
$
862,972

 
$
76,505

Other venture capital investments (2)
 
28,306

 
1,873

 
32,839

 
2,097

Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)
 
381,928

 
27,992

 
321,374

 
23,058

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments
 
144,636

 
144,636

 
142,883

 
142,883

Low income housing tax credit funds
 
84,463

 
84,463

 
72,241

 
72,241

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
140,374

 
140,374

 
148,994

 
148,994

Other investments
 
13,827

 
13,827

 
14,191

 
14,191

Total non-marketable and other securities
 
$
1,770,456

 
$
493,252

 
$
1,595,494

 
$
479,969


(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and amounts attributable to SVBFG for each fund at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :

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March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable  
to SVBFG
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
27,134

 
$
3,408

 
$
29,104

 
$
3,656

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
97,960

 
8,397

 
96,185

 
8,244

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
264,661

 
15,538

 
260,272

 
15,280

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
291,989

 
14,599

 
226,729

 
11,337

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
 
159,794

 
231

 
118,181

 
184

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
 
9,871

 
15

 
7,944

 
12

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
60,159

 
12,965

 
59,028

 
12,722

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
61,230

 
21,375

 
61,126

 
21,339

SVB Capital Partners II, LP
 
595

 
30

 
708

 
36

Other private equity fund
 
3,529

 
3,529

 
3,695

 
3,695

Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
976,922

 
$
80,087

 
$
862,972

 
$
76,505

(2)
The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and amounts attributable to SVBFG for each fund at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable  
to SVBFG
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
6,520

 
$
697

 
$
6,564

 
$
702

SVB Capital Partners II, LP
 
17,696

 
899

 
22,684

 
1,152

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
 
4,090

 
277

 
3,591

 
243

Total other venture capital investments
 
$
28,306

 
$
1,873

 
$
32,839

 
$
2,097

(3)
Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. This amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $351 million in two of our public portfolio companies, FireEye and Twitter, of which one portfolio company, FireEye, is currently subject to a lock-up agreement. The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of certain sales restrictions to which FireEye securities are subject, the actual sales of the securities and the timing of such actual sales.
Volcker Rule
Under the final rules of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Volcker Rule prohibitions and restrictions will apply to SVB Financial, the Bank and any affiliate of SVB Financial or the Bank (including the SVB Capital funds).  SVB Financial maintains investments in certain venture capital and private equity funds that it did not organize; maintains investments in funds that it organized, which exceed three percent; and its aggregate investments in covered funds may exceed three percent of its Tier 1 capital.  SVB Financial (including its affiliates) expects, therefore, that it will be required to reduce the level of its investments in covered funds and to forego investment opportunities in certain funds in the future.  SVB Financial is generally required by the final rules to come into conformance with all these requirements by July 2015.  The time period to divest an investment that is not permitted by the final rule may be extended by the Federal Reserve Board, on a case-by-case basis, for up to two one-year extensions, and up to one additional five-year extension for investments that are considered illiquid.  We intend to seek the maximum extensions (up to July 2022) available to us.  However, there is no guaranty that the Federal Reserve Board will grant any of these extensions. If we are not successful in obtaining one or more of these extensions or if the Federal Reserve does not otherwise provide any relief of the restrictions under the Volcker Rule on a broader basis, we may be forced to divest certain of our investments on terms that may not be favorable to us.

We currently estimate that our total venture capital and private equity fund investments deemed to be prohibited covered fund interests and therefore subject to the Volcker Rule restrictions, have, as of March 31, 2014, an aggregate carrying value of approximately $279 million (and an aggregate fair value of $361 million). These covered fund interests are comprised of interests attributable, solely, to the Company in our consolidated managed funds and certain of our non-marketable securities.

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We continue to assess the financial impact of these rules on our fund investments, as well as the impact of other Volcker restrictions on other areas of our business. (See “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K.)

Investments in FireEye

As of March 31, 2014, we held the following securities in FireEye: (i) approximately 309,000 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our exercise of certain warrants during the first quarter of 2014 (“Warrant Shares”), and (ii) approximately 5.5 million shares of common stock acquired through prior investments by our managed direct venture funds (“Fund Shares”). With respect to our securities in FireEye, during the first quarter of 2014, we recognized:

A $15.2 million gain from the exercise and conversion of our warrants during the quarter as we exercised the warrants at a share price of $88.19 on March 4, 2014 compared to the December 31, 2013 price of $43.61. Subsequent to our exercise and conversion of our warrants to common stock, FireEye’s share price decreased to $61.57 as of March 31, 2014 resulting in a loss of $8.2 million, which is included as an unrealized loss in equity recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
 
A $113.0 million ($21.8 million net of noncontrolling interests) gain from the sale of a portion of shares through FireEye’s follow-on equity offering in March 2014, and the increased valuation of the remaining shares from the December 31, 2013 market share price, held by our managed direct venture funds.

Subsequent to March 31, 2014, we sold all of our Warrant Shares resulting in a realized pre-tax loss of $14 million . This loss reflects the decline in the market share price of FireEye from March 4, 2014 (the date of exercise of the FireEye warrants) to the date of sale of the Warrant Shares during the last week of April 2014. (Note that as of March 31, 2014, approximately $8.2 million of this loss was recorded in a separate component of Shareholders' equity reflecting the decline in value of the Warrant Shares from the date of exercise to March 31, 2014).

In addition, from March 31, 2014 to May 7, 2014, the market share price of FireEye s common stock has decreased by approximately 53% from $61.57 to $28.65 . Based on this decrease, we would expect a total decrease in the pre-tax valuation of our Fund Shares, subsequent to March 31, 2014 and through May 7, 2014, of approximately $150 million ( $29 million , net of noncontrolling interests). (This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See reconciliation below.)

As such, on a combined basis, if FireEye’s stock price at June 30, 2014 were the same as its price of $28.65 as of close of business on May 7, 2014, the Company would expect to report a loss on its FireEye holdings of $43.0 million on a pre-tax basis.

Investment gains (or losses) relating to the remaining Fund Shares are subject to FireEye’s stock price, which is subject to market conditions and various other factors. Additionally, the gains (and losses) relating to the Fund Shares reported above are currently unrealized, and to the extent such gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and timing of any sales of securities, which are subject to our securities sales and governance processes and lock-up agreements (currently scheduled to expire during the second quarter of 2014).
Non-GAAP losses on investments securities, net of noncontrolling interests (Dollars in millions)
 
Through May 7, 2014
GAAP losses on certain nonmarketable and other securities
 
$
150

Less: losses attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
121

Non-GAAP losses on certain nonmarketable and other securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
29


Loans
Loans, net of unearned income were $10.8 billion at March 31, 2014 , a decrease of $72.5 million, or 0.7 percent, compared to $10.9 billion at December 31, 2013 . Unearned income was $87 million at March 31, 2014 , compared to $89 million at December 31, 2013 . Total gross loans were $10.9 billion at March 31, 2014 , a decrease of $74.8 million, or 0.7 percent, compared to $11.0 billion at December 31, 2013 . The decrease came primarily from our venture capital/private equity portfolio for capital call lines of credit. The breakdown of total gross loans and total loans as a percentage of total gross loans by category is as follows:

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March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
4,164,435

 
38.1
%
 
$
4,141,358

 
37.7
%
Hardware
 
1,204,350

 
11.0

 
1,224,480

 
11.1

Venture capital/private equity
 
2,221,772

 
20.3

 
2,408,426

 
21.9

Life science
 
1,182,219

 
10.8

 
1,181,266

 
10.7

Premium wine
 
162,694

 
1.5

 
151,255

 
1.4

Other
 
296,345

 
2.8

 
291,630

 
2.7

Total commercial loans
 
9,231,815

 
84.5

 
9,398,415

 
85.5

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
541,084

 
5.0

 
515,942

 
4.7

Consumer
 
916,779

 
8.4

 
873,070

 
7.9

Other
 
30,833

 
0.3

 
31,033

 
0.3

Total real estate secured loans
 
1,488,696

 
13.7

 
1,420,045

 
12.9

Construction loans
 
98,606

 
0.9

 
77,165

 
0.7

Consumer loans
 
101,365

 
0.9

 
99,643

 
0.9

Total gross loans
 
$
10,920,482

 
100.0
%
 
$
10,995,268

 
100.0
%
Loan Concentration
The following table provides a summary of loans by size and category. The breakout of the categories is based on total client balances (individually or in the aggregate) as of March 31, 2014 :
 
 
March 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than
Five Million
 
Five to Ten
Million
 
Ten to Twenty
Million
 
 Twenty to Thirty Million
 
 
Thirty Million  
or More
 
Total
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
1,053,369

 
$
654,905

 
$
878,069

 
$
912,594

 
$
665,498

 
$
4,164,435

Hardware
 
272,176

 
174,876

 
194,775

 
293,922

 
268,601

 
1,204,350

Venture capital/private equity
 
373,792

 
280,132

 
431,294

 
304,291

 
832,263

 
2,221,772

Life science
 
349,864

 
215,196

 
277,525

 
147,475

 
192,159

 
1,182,219

Premium wine (1)
 
74,986

 
38,272

 
23,924

 
25,512

 

 
162,694

Other
 
126,334

 
50,223

 
13,703

 
71,085

 
35,000

 
296,345

Commercial loans
 
2,250,521

 
1,413,604

 
1,819,290

 
1,754,879

 
1,993,521

 
9,231,815

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine (1)
 
137,071

 
158,511

 
142,133

 
72,814

 
30,555

 
541,084

Consumer (2)
 
799,026

 
87,946

 
9,807

 
20,000

 

 
916,779

Other
 
2,500

 
5,000

 

 
23,333

 

 
30,833

Real estate secured loans
 
938,597

 
251,457

 
151,940

 
116,147

 
30,555

 
1,488,696

Construction loans
 
10,097

 
74,475

 
14,034

 

 

 
98,606

Consumer loans (2)
 
51,469

 
17,036

 
510

 
2,350

 
30,000

 
101,365

Total gross loans
 
$
3,250,684

 
$
1,756,572

 
$
1,985,774

 
$
1,873,376

 
$
2,054,076

 
$
10,920,482

 
 
(1)
Premium wine clients can have loan balances included in both commercial loans and real estate secured loans, the total of which are used for the breakout of the above categories.
(2)
Consumer loan clients have loan balances included in both real estate secured loans and other consumer loans, the total of which are used for the breakout of the above categories.
At March 31, 2014 , gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $3.9 billion , or 36.3 percent of our portfolio. These loans represented 124 clients, and of these loans, none were on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2014 .

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The following table provides a summary of loans by size and category. The breakout of the categories is based on total client balances (individually or in the aggregate) as of December 31, 2013 :
 
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than
Five Million
 
Five to Ten
Million
 
 
Ten to Twenty
Million
 
 Twenty to Thirty Million
 
Thirty Million
or More
 
Total
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
$
1,031,179

 
$
647,060

 
$
905,815

 
$
832,375

 
$
724,929

 
$
4,141,358

Hardware
 
280,794

 
205,705

 
187,140

 
235,973

 
314,868

 
1,224,480

Venture capital/private equity
 
328,073

 
248,787

 
371,980

 
201,193

 
1,258,393

 
2,408,426

Life science
 
332,991

 
262,420

 
249,749

 
122,426

 
213,680

 
1,181,266

Premium wine (1)
 
77,431

 
24,667

 
24,810

 
24,347

 

 
151,255

Other
 
131,351

 
48,698

 

 
76,581

 
35,000

 
291,630

Commercial loans
 
2,181,819

 
1,437,337

 
1,739,494

 
1,492,895

 
2,546,870

 
9,398,415

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine (1)
 
136,748

 
128,291

 
146,439

 
73,594

 
30,870

 
515,942

Consumer loans (2)
 
760,693

 
82,545

 
9,832

 
20,000

 

 
873,070

Other
 
2,500

 
5,000

 

 
23,533

 

 
31,033

Real estate secured loans
 
899,941

 
215,836

 
156,271

 
117,127

 
30,870

 
1,420,045

Construction loans
 
16,432

 
48,359

 
12,374

 

 

 
77,165

Consumer loans (2)
 
46,019

 
20,022

 
600

 
3,003

 
29,999

 
99,643

Total gross loans
 
$
3,144,211

 
$
1,721,554

 
$
1,908,739

 
$
1,613,025

 
$
2,607,739

 
$
10,995,268

 
 
 
(1)
Premium wine clients can have loan balances included in both commercial loans and real estate secured loans, the total of which are used for the breakout of the above categories.
(2)
Consumer loan clients have loan balances included in both real estate secured loans and other consumer loans, the total of which are used for the breakout of the above categories.
At December 31, 2013 , gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $4.2 billion , or 38.4 percent of our portfolio. These loans represented 122 clients, and of these loans, none were on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2013 .
The credit profile of our clients varies across our loan portfolio, based on the nature of the lending we do for different market segments. Our technology and life sciences loan portfolio includes loans to clients at all stages of their life cycles, beginning with our SVB Accelerator practice, which serves our emerging or early-stage clients. Loans provided to early-stage clients represent a relatively small percentage of our overall portfolio at 9.9 percent of total gross loans at March 31, 2014 , compared to 9.2 percent at December 31, 2013 . Typically these loans are made to companies with modest or negative cash flows and no established record of profitable operations. Repayment of these loans may be dependent upon receipt by borrowers of additional equity financing from venture capitalists or others, or in some cases, a successful sale to a third party or a public offering. Venture capital firms may provide financing at lower levels, more selectively or on less favorable terms, which may have an adverse effect on our borrowers that are otherwise dependent on such financing to repay their loans to us. When repayment is dependent upon the next round of venture investment and there is an indication that further investment is unlikely or will not occur, it is often likely the company would need to be sold to repay debt in full. If reasonable efforts have not yielded a likely buyer willing to repay all debt at the close of the sale or on commercially viable terms, the account will most likely be deemed to be impaired.
At March 31, 2014 , our lending to venture capital/private equity firms represented 20.5 percent of total gross loans, compared to 21.9 percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2013 . Many of these clients have capital call lines of credit, the repayment of which is dependent on the payment of capital calls by the underlying limited partner investors in the funds managed by these firms.
At March 31, 2014 , sponsor-led buyout loans represented 17.9 percent of total gross loans, compared to 12.5 percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2013 . These loans are typically larger in nature and repayment is generally dependent upon the cash flows of the acquired company. However, these loans are typically highly-secured and therefore carry lower credit risk. The increase from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 was primarily due to the use, by us, of an expanded definition for loans in the sponsor-led buyout loan portfolio.
At March 31, 2014 , our asset-based lending, which consists primarily of working capital lines and accounts receivable factoring represented 7.8 percent and 3.8 percent , respectively, of total gross loans, compared to 7.3 percent and 4.2 percent ,

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respectively at December 31, 2013 . The repayment of these arrangements is dependent on the financial condition, and payment ability, of third parties with whom our clients do business.
Approximately 40.0 percent of our outstanding total gross loan balances as of March 31, 2014 were to borrowers based in California compared to 39.7 percent as of December 31, 2013 . Other than California, there are no states with gross loan balances greater than 10 percent.
See generally “Risk Factors–Credit Risks” set forth under Item 1A, Part I in our 2013 Form 10-K.
Credit Quality Indicators
As of March 31, 2014 , our criticized and impaired loans represented 5.6 percent of our total gross loans. This compares to 5.7 percent at December 31, 2013 . The decrease in criticized loans was reflective of the overall improvement of the credit quality of our loan portfolio. A majority of our criticized loans are from our SVB Accelerator portfolio, serving our emerging or early stage clients. Loans to early stage clients make up 9.9 percent of our loan portfolio. It is common for an emerging or early stage client’s remaining liquidity to fall temporarily below the threshold for a pass-rated credit during its capital-raising period for a new round of funding. This situation typically lasts only a few weeks and, in our experience, generally resolves itself with a subsequent round of venture funding. As a result, we expect that each of our early-stage clients will be managed through our criticized portfolio during a portion of their life cycle. Criticized loan levels will continue to vary but are expected to remain within the current range.
Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses
Nonperforming assets consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest, and Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") and other foreclosed assets. We measure all loans placed on nonaccrual status for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral or the net present value of the expected cash flows. The table below sets forth certain data and ratios between nonperforming loans, nonperforming assets and the allowance for loan losses:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Gross nonperforming, past due, and restructured loans:
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
 
$
24,989

 
$
51,649

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest
 
99

 
99

Total nonperforming loans
 
25,088

 
51,748

OREO and other foreclosed assets
 
1,878

 
1,001

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
26,966

 
$
52,749

Performing TDRs
 
$
1,481

 
$
403

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.23
%
 
0.47
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets
 
0.09

 
0.20

Allowance for loan losses
 
$
123,542

 
$
142,886

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
1.13
%
 
1.30
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
492.43

 
276.12

Allowance for loan losses for impaired loans
 
$
6,776

 
$
21,277

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.06
%
 
0.19
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
27.01

 
41.12

Allowance for loan losses for total gross performing loans
 
$
116,766

 
$
121,609

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
1.07
%
 
1.11
%
As a percentage of total gross performing loans
 
1.07

 
1.11

Total gross loans
 
$
10,920,482

 
$
10,995,268

Total gross performing loans
 
10,895,394

 
10,943,520

Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
 
31,110

 
29,983

As a percentage of total unfunded credit commitments
 
0.25
%
 
0.26
%
Total unfunded credit commitments (2)
 
$
12,371,296

 
$
11,470,722

 
 
 
(1)
The “Reserve for unfunded credit commitments” is included as a component of other liabilities. See “Provision for Unfunded Credit Commitments” above for a discussion of the changes to the reserve.

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(2)
Includes unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.
Our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans decreased to 1.13 percent at March 31, 2014 , compared to 1.30 percent at December 31, 2013 . This decrease was driven by a decrease in reserves for impaired loans primarily due to repayments of impaired loans as well as the improvement in the credit quality of the gross performing loan portfolio. Our reserve percentage for performing loans decreased to 1.07 percent at March 31, 2014 , compared to 1.11 percent at December 31, 2013 , primarily due to continued strong performance of our performing loan portfolio.
Our nonperforming loans were $25.1 million at March 31, 2014 , compared to $51.7 million at December 31, 2013 . Our impaired loan balance decreased $27 million as a result of $22 million in repayments and $15 million in charge-offs, offset by $10 million in new impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans was $6.8 million at March 31, 2014 , compared to $21.3 million at December 31, 2013 . The resolution of previously impaired loans contributed to a 17 basis point decrease to the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans.
Average impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were $35.7 million , respectively, compared to $41.4 million for the comparable 2013 period. If the impaired loans had not been impaired, $0.4 million and $1.0 million in interest income would have been recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets
A summary of accrued interest receivable and other assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change      
Derivative assets, gross (1)
 
$
110,309

 
$
127,114

 
(13.2
)%
Foreign exchange spot contract assets, gross
 
107,168

 
73,423

 
46.0

Accrued interest receivable
 
70,384

 
67,772

 
3.9

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
40,632

 
40,632

 

Deferred tax assets
 
39,946

 
68,237

 
(41.5
)
Accounts receivable
 
22,997

 
15,773

 
45.8

Other assets
 
67,095

 
72,159

 
(7.0
)
Total accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
$
458,531

 
$
465,110

 
(1.4
)
 
 
 
(1)
See “Derivatives” section below.
Deferred Tax Assets
Our deferred taxes are in a net asset position as of March 31, 2014. The decrease of $28.3 million is primarily due to a deferred tax liability, recorded against our deferred tax asset, on unrecognized gains for certain investments and an increase in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio resulting from decreases in period-end market interest rates.
Foreign Exchange Spot Contract Assets
Foreign exchange spot contract assets represent unsettled client trades at the end of the period. The increase of $33.7 million was primarily due to increased client trade activity at period-end, and is consistent with the increase in foreign exchange spot contract liabilities (see “Other Liabilities” section below).
Accrued Interest Receivable
Accrued interest receivable consists of interest on our investment securities and loans. The increase of $2.6 million was primarily due to an increase in interest receivable on our loans due to an increase in our average loan portfolio as well as an increase in interest receivable on our investment securities from growth in our fixed income investment portfolio.

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Derivatives
Derivative instruments are recorded as a component of other assets and other liabilities on the balance sheet. The following table provides a summary of derivative assets and liabilities, net at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 :  
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets
 
$
91,135

 
$
103,513

 
(12.0
)%
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
11,388

 
15,530

 
(26.7
)
Interest rate swaps
 
6,025

 
6,492

 
(7.2
)
Loan conversion options
 
290

 
314

 
(7.6
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,471

 
1,265

 
16.3

Total derivative assets
 
$
110,309

 
$
127,114

 
(13.2
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$
(10,256
)
 
$
(12,617
)
 
(18.7
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
(1,638
)
 
(1,396
)
 
17.3

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
(11,894
)
 
$
(14,013
)
 
(15.1
)
Equity Warrant Assets
In connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain rights to acquire stock in the form of equity warrant assets in primarily private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science industries. At March 31, 2014 , we held warrants in 1,343 companies, compared to 1,320 companies at December 31, 2013 . The change in fair value of equity warrant assets is recorded in gains on derivatives instruments, net, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. The following table provides a summary of transactions and valuation changes for equity warrant assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 :  
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
103,513

 
$
74,272

New equity warrant assets
 
4,079

 
2,503

Non-cash increases in fair value
 
7,058

 
2,795

Exercised equity warrant assets (1)
 
(23,428
)
 
(7,133
)
Terminated equity warrant assets
 
(87
)
 
(104
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
91,135

 
$
72,333

 
 
(1) Includes $12.1 million from the exercise of our FireEye warrants during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Foreign Exchange Forward and Foreign Currency Option Contracts

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with clients involved in foreign activities, either as the purchaser or seller, depending upon the clients’ need. For each forward or option contract entered into with our clients, we enter into an opposite way forward or option contract with a correspondent bank, which mitigates the risk of fluctuations in currency rates. We also enter into forward contracts with correspondent banks to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to certain foreign currency denominated instruments. Revaluations of foreign currency denominated instruments are recorded on the line item “Other” as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. We have not experienced nonperformance by a counterparty and therefore have not incurred related losses. Further, we anticipate performance by all counterparties. Our net exposure for foreign exchange forward and foreign currency option contracts at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 amounted to $1.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. For additional information on our foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts, see Note 8- “Derivative Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part I, Item I in this report.



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Interest Rate Swaps
For information on our interest rate swaps, see Note 8–“Derivative Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Deposits
Deposits were $ 25.5 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $ 3.0 billion , or 13.4 percent , compared to $ 22.5 billion at December 31, 2013 . The increase was driven by increases in our noninterest-demand and money market deposits of $2.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, primarily related to strong financing, IPO and M&A activity during the first quarter of 2014 resulting in increased balances from existing clients and also reflective of growth from new clients, including strong levels of early-stage and venture capital/private client additions. At March 31, 2014 , 28.1 percent of our total deposits were interest-bearing deposits, compared to 29.3 percent at December 31, 2013 .
At March 31, 2014 , the aggregate balance of time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 totaled $134 million , compared to $ 197 million at December 31, 2013 . At March 31, 2014 , all time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 were scheduled to mature within one year. No material portion of our deposits has been obtained from a single depositor and the loss of any one depositor would not materially affect our business.
Short-Term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings were $4.8 million at March 31, 2014 , compared to $5.1 million at December 31, 2013 . The decrease was due to a reduction in collateral to our counterparty for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
Long-Term Debt
Our long-term debt was $ 455 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 . As of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, long-term debt included our 5.375% Senior Notes, 6.05% Subordinated Notes and 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures. For more information on our long-term debt, see Note 7–“Short-term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Other Liabilities
A summary of other liabilities at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change  
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities, gross
 
$
147,104

 
$
90,725

 
62.1
 %
Accrued compensation
 
42,447

 
117,134

 
(63.8
)
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments
 
31,110

 
29,983

 
3.8

Derivative liabilities, gross (1)
 
11,894

 
14,013

 
(15.1
)
Other
 
175,018

 
152,731

 
14.6

Total other liabilities
 
$
407,573

 
$
404,586

 
0.7

 
 
(1)
See “Derivatives” section above.
Foreign Exchange Spot Contract Liabilities
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities represent unsettled client trades at the end of the period. The increase of $56 million was primarily due to increased client trade activity at period-end, and is consistent with the increase in foreign exchange spot contract assets. (See “Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets” section above).
Accrued Compensation
Accrued compensation includes amounts for our Incentive Compensation Plans, Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan, Retention Program, Warrant Incentive Plan, ESOP/profit sharing and other compensation arrangements. The decrease of $75 million was primarily the result of 2013 incentive compensation payouts during the first quarter of 2014, partially offset by additional accruals for the three months ended March 31, 2014 .
Reserve for Unfunded Credit Commitments
Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments increased to $31 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $30 million at December 31, 2013, due primarily to a $0.9 billion increase in unfunded credit commitments during the first quarter of 2014.

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Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests totaled $ 1.3 billion and $ 1.1 billion at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively. The increase of $160 million was primarily due to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $183 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily from gains from investment securities and carried interest of $101 million from our managed funds of funds and $85 million from our managed direct venture funds.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 .  
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
Assets carried at fair value
 
$
14,340,564

 
$
1,455,357

 
$
13,331,120

 
$
1,314,951

As a percentage of total assets
 
48.3
%
 
4.9
%
 
50.5
%
 
5.0
%
Liabilities carried at fair value
 
$
11,894

 
$

 
$
14,013

 
$

As a percentage of total liabilities
 
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
 
Level 1 and 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1 and 2
 
Level 3
Percentage of assets measured at fair value
 
89.9
%
 
10.1
%
 
90.1
%
 
9.9
%
As of March 31, 2014 , our available-for-sale securities, consisting primarily of agency-issued mortgage-backed securities and debentures issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, totaled $ 12.8 billion , or 89.6 percent of our portfolio of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, compared to $ 12.0 billion , or 89.9 percent , as of December 31, 2013 . These instruments were classified as Level 2 because their valuations were based on indicative prices corroborated by observable market quotes or valuation techniques with all significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio is sensitive to changes in levels of market interest rates and market perceptions of credit quality of the underlying securities. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. Assets valued using Level 2 measurements also include equity warrant assets in shares of public company capital stock, marketable securities, interest rate swaps, foreign exchange forward and option contracts, loan conversion options and client interest rate derivatives.
Financial assets valued using Level 3 measurements consist of our investments in venture capital and private equity funds and direct equity investments in privately and publicly held companies, as well as equity warrant assets in shares of private and public company capital stock.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014 , the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $240.2 million (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest), primarily due to valuation increases in underlying fund investments in our managed funds and from our equity warrant assets, as well as gains from liquidity events and distributions. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 , the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $26.2 million (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest).
The valuation of non-marketable securities and equity warrant assets in shares of private company capital stock is subject to significant judgment. The inherent uncertainty in the process of valuing securities for which a ready market does not exist may cause our estimated values of these securities to differ significantly from the values that would have been derived had a ready market for the securities existed, and those differences could be material. The timing and amount of changes in fair value, if any, of these financial instruments depend upon factors beyond our control, including the performance of the underlying companies, fluctuations in the market prices of the preferred or common stock of the underlying companies, general volatility and interest rate market factors, and legal and contractual restrictions. The timing and amount of actual net proceeds, if any, from the disposition of these financial instruments depend upon factors beyond our control, including investor demand for IPOs, levels of M&A activity, legal and contractual restrictions on our ability to sell, and the perceived and actual performance of portfolio companies. All of these factors are difficult to predict and there can be no assurances that we will realize the full value of these securities, which could result in significant losses. (see “Risk Factors” set forth in our 2013 Form 10-K).


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Capital Resources
Our management seeks to maintain adequate capital to support anticipated asset growth, operating needs and unexpected credit risks, and to ensure that SVB Financial and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. Our primary sources of new capital include retained earnings and proceeds from the sale and issuance of capital stock or other securities. Our management engages, in consultation with the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, in a regular capital planning process in an effort to optimize the use of the capital available to us and to appropriately plan for our future capital needs. The capital plan considers capital needs for the foreseeable future and allocates capital to both existing and future business activities. Expected future use or activities for which capital may be set aside include balance sheet growth and associated relative increases in market or credit exposure, investment activity, potential product and business expansions, acquisitions and strategic or infrastructure investments.
SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity
SVBFG stockholders’ equity totaled $ 2.1 billion at March 31, 2014 , an increase of $0.1 billion , or 6.5 percent , compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily the result of net income of $91.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and an increase in additional-paid-in-capital of $18.1 million primarily from amortization of share-based compensation, stock option exercises, and ESOP contributions during the three months ended March 31, 2014 . Additionally, a decrease to our accumulated other comprehensive loss to $30.4 million from $48.8 million, was primarily driven by a $29.4 million increase in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio ($17.5 million net of tax), which was reflective of a decrease in period-end market interest rates. The overall increase of $29.4 million in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities consists of an increase in the valuation of our fixed income portfolio of $39.2 million, offset by a decrease in valuation on our equity securities portfolio of $9.8 million, of which, $8.2 million is reflective of unrealized losses on our FireEye common stock holdings held directly through the exercise of our FireEye warrants.
Funds generated through retained earnings are a significant source of capital and liquidity and are expected to continue to be so in the future.
Capital Ratios
Both SVB Financial and the Bank are subject to various capital adequacy guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Board and the California Department of Financial Institutions. To be classified as “adequately capitalized” under these capital guidelines, minimum ratios for total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and Tier 1 leverage ratio for bank holding companies and banks are 8.0%, 4.0% and 4.0%, respectively.
To be classified as “well capitalized” under these capital guidelines, minimum ratios for total risk-based capital and Tier 1 risk-based capital for bank holding companies and banks are 10.0% and 6.0%, respectively. Under the same capital adequacy guidelines, a well-capitalized state member bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.0%. There is no Tier 1 leverage requirement for a holding company to be deemed well-capitalized.
Regulatory capital ratios for SVB Financial and the Bank exceeded minimum federal regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized depository institution as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 . Capital ratios for SVB Financial and the Bank, compared to the minimum regulatory ratios to be considered “well capitalized” and “adequately capitalized”, are set forth below:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Minimum ratio to be  
“Well Capitalized”
 
Minimum ratio to be
“Adequately Capitalized” 
SVB Financial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.41
%
 
13.13
%
 
10.0
%
 
8.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.35

 
11.94

 
6.0

 
4.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.99

 
8.31

 
N/A  

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)(2)
 
7.05

 
7.44

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)(2)
 
12.17

 
11.63

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
11.47
%
 
11.32
%
 
10.0
%
 
8.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
10.39

 
10.11

 
6.0

 
4.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
6.72

 
7.04

 
5.0

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)(2)
 
6.20

 
6.59

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)(2)
 
10.29

 
9.87

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

 
 
 

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(1)
See below for a reconciliation of non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets.
(2)
The Federal Reserve Bank has not issued any minimum guidelines for the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio or the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio. However, we believe these ratios provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our capital levels and are therefore provided above.
Our total and tier 1 risk-based capital ratios for SVB Financial and the Bank increased from December 31, 2013 reflecting growth in retained earnings and additional paid-in-capital, partially offset by the increase in risk-weighted assets. Our tier 1 leverage ratios for both SVB Financial and the Bank decreased compared to December 31, 2013 as a result of the significant growth in client deposits which flowed into our available-for-sale securities, cash and loans, offset by strong capital growth through earnings. All of our capital ratios are above the levels to be considered “well capitalized.”  However, management generally seeks to achieve tier 1 leverage ratios in the target range of 7% to 8%.  As of March 31, 2014, the Bank was at 6.72%.  As a result, we are looking at a range of options available to us to increase the Bank’s tier 1 leverage ratio, which includes raising equity or debt, or both to support our growth.

The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratios are not required by GAAP or applicable bank regulatory requirements. However, we believe these ratios provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our capital levels. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these ratios in evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s capital levels; however, this financial measure should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. These ratios are calculated by dividing total SVBFG stockholder’s equity, by total period-end assets and risk-weighted assets, after reducing both amounts by acquired intangibles, if any. The manner in which this ratio is calculated varies among companies. Accordingly, our ratio is not necessarily comparable to similar measures of other companies. The following table provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures with financial measures defined by GAAP:
 
 
SVB Financial
 
Bank
Non-GAAP tangible common equity and tangible assets (dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
GAAP SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,094,000

 
$
1,966,270

 
$
1,737,916

 
$
1,639,024

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 

 

 

 

Tangible common equity
 
$
2,094,000

 
$
1,966,270

 
$
1,737,916

 
$
1,639,024

GAAP Total assets
 
$
29,711,039

 
$
26,417,189

 
$
28,012,627

 
$
24,854,119

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 

 

 

 

Tangible assets
 
$
29,711,039

 
$
26,417,189

 
$
28,012,627

 
$
24,854,119

Risk-weighted assets
 
$
17,199,987

 
$
16,901,501

 
$
16,895,389

 
$
16,612,870

Tangible common equity to tangible assets
 
7.05
%
 
7.44
%
 
6.20
%
 
6.59
%
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets
 
12.17

 
11.63

 
10.29

 
9.87

The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio increased for SVB Financial and the Bank due to increases in total equity. See "SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity" above for further details on changes to the individual components of our equity balance.
For both SVB Financial and the Bank, the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratios increased due to increases in total equity, partially offset by increases in risk-weighted assets, which primarily reflects our growth in our period-end unfunded loan commitments.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. For details of our commitments to extend credit, and commercial and standby letters of credit, please refer to Note 11—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees, and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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Commitments to Invest in Venture Capital/Private Equity Funds
Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including the Volcker Rule, we make investments. We make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, which in turn make investments generally in, or in some cases make loans to, privately-held companies. Commitments to invest in these funds are generally made for a 10 -year period from the inception of the fund. Although the limited partnership agreements governing these investments typically do not restrict the general partners from calling 100% of committed capital in one year, it is customary for these funds to generally call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years; however in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital over the life of the fund. The actual timing of future cash requirements to fund these commitments is generally dependent upon the investment cycle, overall market conditions, and the nature and type of industry in which the privately held companies operate.
For further details on our commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, refer to Note 11—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees, and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Liquidity
The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that funds are available in a timely manner to meet our financial obligations, including, as necessary, paying creditors, meeting depositors’ needs, accommodating loan demand and growth, funding investments, repurchasing securities and other operating or capital needs, without incurring undue cost or risk, or causing a disruption to normal operating conditions.
We regularly assess the amount and likelihood of projected funding requirements through a review of factors such as historical deposit volatility and funding patterns, present and forecasted market and economic conditions, individual client funding needs, and existing and planned business activities. Our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), which is a management committee, provides oversight to the liquidity management process and recommends policy guidelines for the approval of the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, and courses of action to address our actual and projected liquidity needs.
Our deposit base is, and historically has been, our primary source of liquidity. Our deposit levels and cost of deposits may fluctuate from time to time due to a variety of factors, including market conditions, prevailing interest rates, changes in client deposit behaviors, availability of insurance protection, and our offering of deposit products. At March 31, 2014 , our period-end total deposit balances increased by $3.0 billion to $25.5 billion , compared to $22.5 billion at December 31, 2013 . The overall increase in deposit balances was due to the addition of new clients and increased fundraising activity by our venture capital/private equity clients.
Our liquidity requirements can also be met through the use of our portfolio of liquid assets. Our definition of liquid assets includes cash and cash equivalents in excess of the minimum levels necessary to carry out normal business operations, short-term investment securities maturing within one year, available-for-sale securities eligible and available for financing or pledging purposes with a maturity in excess of one year and anticipated near-term cash flows from investments.
On a stand-alone basis, SVB Financial’s primary liquidity channels include dividends from the Bank, its portfolio of liquid assets, and its ability to raise debt and capital. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends is subject to certain regulations described in “Business—Supervision and Regulation—Restriction on Dividends” under Part I, Item 1 of our 2013 Form 10-K.
Consolidated Summary of Cash Flows
Below is a summary of our average cash position and statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 . For further details, see our "Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Average cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,746,668

 
$
1,101,597

Percentage of total average assets
 
9.9
%
 
4.9
%
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
$
45,564

 
$
(1,044
)
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
 
(712,193
)
 
532,326

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
2,990,314

 
(21,016
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,323,685

 
$
510,266

Average cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.6 billion , or 149.3 percent , to $2.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , compared to $1.1 billion for the comparable 2013 period. The increase was primarily due to the continued

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strong growth in client deposit balances. Average deposits increased by $4.9 billion to $23.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013 .
Cash provided by operating activities was $46 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily reflective of net income available to common stockholders of $91 million, partially offset by non-cash net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interest of $37 million.
Cash used for investing activities of $712 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $1.5 billion for purchases of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $694 million from maturities and paydowns of available-for-sale securities.
Cash provided by financing activities was $3.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 , primarily reflective of a net increase of $3.0 billion in deposits.
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2014 were $3.9 billion , compared to $1.5 billion at March 31, 2013 .
ITEM 3.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk Management
Market risk is defined as the risk of adverse fluctuations in the market value of financial instruments due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and can result from timing and volume differences in the repricing of our rate-sensitive assets and liabilities, widening or tightening of credit spreads, changes in the general level of market interest rates and changes in the shape and level of the benchmark LIBOR/SWAP yield curve. Additionally, changes in interest rates can influence the rate of principal prepayments on mortgage securities which affects the rate of amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Other market risks include foreign currency exchange risk and equity price risk. These risks are not considered significant interest rate sensitive risks and no separate quantitative information concerning them is presented herein.
Interest rate risk is managed by our ALCO. ALCO reviews the market valuation and 12-month forward looking earnings sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, structural changes in investment and funding portfolios, loan and deposit activity and current market conditions. Adherence to relevant policies, which are approved by the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, is monitored on an ongoing basis.
Management of interest rate risk is carried out primarily through strategies involving our available-for-sale securities, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, our policies permit the use of off-balance sheet derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
We utilize a simulation model to perform sensitivity analysis on the economic value of equity and net interest income under a variety of interest rate scenarios, balance sheet forecasts and proposed strategies. The simulation model provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity embedded in our balance sheet which measures the potential variability in forecasted results relating to changes in market interest rates over time. We review our interest rate risk position on a quarterly basis at a minimum.
Model Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
One application of the aforementioned simulation model involves measurement of the impact of market interest rate changes on our economic value of equity (“EVE”). EVE is defined as the market value of assets, less the market value of liabilities, adjusted for any off-balance sheet items. A second application of the simulation model measures the impact of market interest rate changes on our net interest income (“NII”) assuming a static balance sheet as of the period-end reporting date. The market interest rate changes that affect us are principally short-term interest rates and include the following: (1) National Prime and SVB Prime rates; (2) 1-month and 3-month LIBOR; and (3) Fed Funds target rate. Changes in these short-term rates impact interest earned on our variable rate loans, variable rate available-for-sale securities and balances held as cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, deposit pricing generally follows overall changes in short-term interest rates.
The following table presents our EVE and NII sensitivity exposure at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , related to an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points.

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Estimated
 
Estimated Increase In EVE
 
Estimated
 
Estimated Increase/
(Decrease) In NII
Change in interest rates (basis points)
 
EVE
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
NII
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)  
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+200
 
$
5,255,694

 
$
752,179

 
16.7

 
$
1,025,960

 
$
191,589

 
23.0
 %
+100
 
4,862,566

 
359,051

 
8.0

 
921,188

 
86,817

 
10.4

 
4,503,515

 

 

 
834,371

 

 

-100
 
4,265,608

 
(237,907
)
 
(5.3
)
 
819,746

 
(14,625
)
 
(1.8
)
-200
 
4,518,475

 
14,960

 
0.3

 
809,004

 
(25,367
)
 
(3.0
)
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+200
 
$
4,656,411

 
$
477,866

 
11.4
 %
 
$
990,190

 
$
161,314

 
19.5
 %
+100
 
4,382,397

 
203,852

 
4.9

 
899,336

 
70,460

 
8.5

 
4,178,545

 

 

 
828,876

 

 

-100
 
3,960,086

 
(218,459
)
 
(5.2
)
 
826,222

 
(2,654
)
 
(0.3
)
-200
 
4,041,604

 
(136,941
)
 
(3.3
)
 
822,448

 
(6,428
)
 
(0.8
)
Economic Value of Equity
The estimated EVE in the preceding table is based on a combination of valuation methodologies including a discounted cash flow analysis and a multi-path lattice based valuation. Both methodologies use publicly available market interest rates. The model simulations and calculations are highly assumption-dependent and will change regularly as our asset/liability structure changes, as interest rate environments evolve, and as we change our assumptions in response to relevant market or business circumstances. These calculations do not reflect the changes that we anticipate or may make to reduce our EVE exposure in response to a change in market interest rates as a part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy.
As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain limitations are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the preceding table. We are exposed to yield curve risk, prepayment risk and basis risk, which cannot be fully modeled and expressed using the above methodology. Accordingly, the results in the preceding table should not be relied upon as a precise indicator of actual results in the event of changing market interest rates. Additionally, the resulting EVE and NII estimates are not intended to represent, and should not be construed to represent the underlying value. In addition, we assume different deposit balance decay rates for each interest rate scenario based on a historical deposit study of our clients.
Our base case EVE at March 31, 2014 increased from December 31, 2013 by $325 million , primarily due to the change in balance sheet mix and flatter market yield curves due to market conditions. The flatter market yield curve has a $107 million negative impact on the EVE, which offset some of the positive impact from balance sheet mix change. The change in balance sheet mix was primarily reflective of a period end increase of $2.3 billion in cash and cash equivalent and $1.0 billion in available-for-sale securities, partially offset by an increase of $3.0 billion in deposits. EVE sensitivity slightly increased in both the simulated upward and downward interest rate movements due to a $2.4 billion increase in noninterest-bearing deposits. In the simulated downward 200 bps interest rate movement, EVE increased due to the combination effects of increase in available-for-sale securities and limited negative value impact from deposit. The limited impact from deposit is attributed to deposit rates being at or near their absolute floors.
12-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Our expected 12-month NII at March 31, 2014 increased from December 31, 2013 by $ 5.5 million , primarily due to a $2.3 billion increase in cash and cash equivalent and an $833 million increase in available-for-sale securities. These increases were partially offset by a $72 million decrease in loans and $583 million increase in interest-bearing deposits. NII sensitivity increased in both the simulated upward and downward interest rate movements. The NII sensitivity increased due to changes in the mix of our fixed and variable rate interest-earning assets. Compared to December 31, 2013, our balance sheet is more asset sensitive this period-end.
The simulation model used in the above analysis embeds floors in our interest rate scenarios, which prevent model benchmark rates from moving below 0.0%. In addition, we assume different deposit balance decay rates for each interest rate scenario based on a historical deposit study of our clients. These assumptions may change in future periods based on management discretion. Actual changes in our deposit pricing strategies may differ from our current model assumptions and may have an impact on our overall sensitivity.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, among other things, processes, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of our most recently completed fiscal quarter, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II–OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Please refer to Note 14–“Legal Matters” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in our 2013 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the first quarter of 2013, we discovered that we sold shares of our common stock that were not registered with the SEC to certain participants, through their investment in our unitized common stock fund, under our  SVB Financial Group 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“401(k) Plan”). The common stock fund is comprised primarily of shares of our common stock, and to a lesser extent, cash; and participants may invest 401(k) Plan contributions for an interest in the fund. With respect to the purchases that were not registered, the shares of our common stock held in the common stock fund are purchased by our 401(k) Plan trustee from the open market; hence, these purchases do not represent any additional equity dilution of our outstanding shares. We do not receive any proceeds from these transactions.
Under applicable federal securities laws, certain participants may have a right to rescind, and to require us to repurchase, their purchases of our common stock (through their investment in the common stock fund) for an amount equal to the price paid for the securities, plus interest. Generally, the federal statute of limitations applicable to such rescission rights is one year. Additionally, we may be subject to potential civil and other penalties by regulatory authorities as a result of this registration issue.
Based on our estimates, we do not believe the amount of potential liability associated with the securities subject to rescission rights is material to our financial condition or results of operations. As of March 31, 2014, we estimate that there were less than 40,000 shares of our common stock (over the one-year period preceding such date) that would be subject to rescission rights; substantially none of which, based on our closing stock price of $102.67 as of M ay 8, 2014 would be economically advantageous for participants to exercise any such rescission rights. These securities continue to be reflected in stockholders' equity in our balance sheet.  

83

Table of Contents

We filed a new registration statement on Form S-8 on May 20, 2013 to register future sales of our common stock through our common stock fund under the 401(k) Plan.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Index to Exhibits at end of report.

84

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
  
SVB Financial Group
 
 
Date: May 9, 2014
  
/s/ MICHAEL DESCHENEAUX
 
  
Michael Descheneaux
 
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
  
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
  
SVB Financial Group
 
 
Date: May 9, 2014
  
/s/ KAMRAN HUSAIN
 
  
Kamran Husain
 
  
Chief Accounting Officer
 
  
(Principal Accounting Officer)

85

Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number    
 
Exhibit Description
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
 Filed
 Herewith  
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit  
 
Filing Date
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
3.1
 
May 31, 2005
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
3.2
 
July 27, 2010
 
 
3.3
 
Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series A Participating Preferred Stock
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
3.3
 
December 8, 2008
 
 
3.4
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
3.4
 
December 15, 2008
 
 
4.1
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of October 30, 2003 between SVB Financial and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.12
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.2
 
7.0% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debenture due October 15, 2033 of SVB Financial
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.13
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.3
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2003, by and among SVB Financial as Depositor, Wilmington Trust Company as Property Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company as Delaware Trustee, and the Administrative Trustees named therein
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.14
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.4
 
Certificate Evidencing 7% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of SVB Capital II, dated as of October 30, 2003
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.15
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.5
 
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2003, between SVB Financial and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.16
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.6
 
Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities, dated as of October 30, 2003, between SVB Financial and SVB Capital II
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.17
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.7
 
Certificate Evidencing 7% Common Securities of SVB Capital II, dated as of October 30, 2003
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.18
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.8
 
Officers’ Certificate and Company Order, dated as of October 30, 2003, relating to the 7.0% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due October 15, 2033
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.19
 
November 19, 2003
 
 
4.9
 
Indenture, dated September 20, 2010, by and between SVB Financial Group and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.1
 
September 20, 2010
 
 
4.10
 
Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2020
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
4.2
 
September 20, 2010
 
 
*10.2
 
International Long-Term Assignment Agreement for David Jones
 
8-K
 
000-15637
 
10.1
 
February 14, 2014
 
 
*10.3
 
UK Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
*10.4
 
Form of U.K. Approved Stock Options and Award Agreement under the UK Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
*10.5
 
Israeli Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
*10.6
 
2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certifications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
**
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
*
Denotes management contract or any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement
**
Furnished herewith


86
Exhibit 10.3


SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
UK SUB-PLAN OF THE
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Adopted by SVB Financial Group on January 8, 2014.
Approved by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs on April 4, 2014 under reference: X110883.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
The Administrator (as defined under the Plan) has established this U.K. Sub-plan (the “ U.K. Sub-plan ”) of the SVB Financial Group 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (as may be amended or restated from time to time) (the “ Plan ”) pursuant to Section 4(b)(v) of the Plan for the purpose of granting Approved Options (as defined in Rule 1.4 below) to employees of SVB Financial Group and its Subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 2 below), who are or may be subject to United Kingdom taxation, in a tax efficient manner. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms of the Plan (insofar as they have not been replaced or modified by these Rules (as defined in Rule 2 below)) shall form part of the U.K. Sub-plan.
1.2
The U.K. Sub-plan is intended to qualify as a CSOP Scheme (as defined in Rule 2 below). The Company makes no undertaking nor representation that the U.K. Sub-plan will continue to qualify as a CSOP Scheme.
1.3
Where the Administrator wishes to grant Approved Options to Employees (as defined in Rule 2 below) in the United Kingdom, such Approved Options may be granted subject to and in accordance with the Rules of this U.K. Sub-plan. In the event of any conflict between the Plan and the U.K. Sub-plan, the U.K. Sub-plan will prevail. This will not preclude the Administrator from also granting other Awards (as defined in the Plan), including Options (as defined in the Plan) which are not subject to this U.K. Sub-plan, to an Employee under the provisions of the Plan.
1.4
Options granted under the U.K. Sub-plan shall be referred to as “ Approved Options . ” Only Approved Options, a type of Nonstatutory Stock Option, may be granted under the U.K. Sub-plan and accordingly references in the Plan to Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Units, and Full Value Awards (as those terms are defined in the Plan), and any other type of stock or cash based Award referred to in the Plan, shall be disregarded for the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan.
1.5
The provisions of the U.K. Sub-plan shall only apply to Approved Options granted under the U.K. Sub-plan.
1.6
The endnotes contained in the U.K. Sub-plan are provided for information purposes only.
2.
DEFINITIONS (SECTION 2 OF THE PLAN)
2.1
Unless defined herein, capitalized words or phrases shall have the meaning given to them in the Plan. For the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan:
(a)
Control ” has the meaning given by section 995 i of the (U.K.) Income Tax Act 1997.
(b)
CSOP Scheme ” means a company share option plan scheme approved by HMRC pursuant to Schedule 4.



Exhibit 10.3


(c)
Employee ” means (i) any person employed by the Company or any Subsidiary (other than a director), and (ii) any “full-time” director of the Company or any Subsidiary, being a director required to work at least 25 hours or more per week (excluding meal breaks).
(d)
Fair Market Value ” means, as at any date, the value of a Share determined as follows:
(i)
if the Shares are listed on NASDAQ, the closing sale price for the Shares for the applicable date (or, if the applicable date is not a trading day, the next preceding date which is a trading day); or
(ii)
if the Shares are not so listed, the fair market value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith in accordance with the provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 and agreed in advance for the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan with HMRC Shares and Assets Valuation,
in either case determined without regard to the effect of any restrictions that may apply to the Shares within the meaning of paragraph 36(3) ii of Schedule 4.
(e)
HMRC ” means Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs.
(f)
Optionee ” means an Employee who receives an Approved Option.
(g)
Rules ” means the rules of this U.K. Sub-plan.
(h)
Schedule 4 ” means Schedule 4 to the (U.K.) Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
(i)
Share ” means a share of the Company’s Common Stock which satisfies the conditions of paragraphs 16 to 18 (inclusive) and paragraph 20 iii of Schedule 4 at all material times.
(j)
Subsidiary ” means any company over which the Company has Control and which meets the definition of Subsidiary or Affiliate in the Plan.
(k)
Subsisting Option ” means an Approved Option which has neither lapsed nor been exercised.
2.2
Any reference in this U.K. Sub-plan to any enactment includes a reference to that enactment as from time to time modified, extended or replaced.
3.
ADMINISTRATION (SECTION 4 OF THE PLAN)
3.1
Any discretion that the Administrator has with respect to Approved Options may only be exercised fairly and reasonably and not in breach of this U.K. Sub-plan or Section 4 of the Plan.
3.2
Approved Options may be granted only to Employees, and not to Consultants or Directors who are not Employees (and, for the avoidance of doubt, this Rule shall take precedence over Section 5 of the Plan).
3.3
Approved Options may only be granted after the date on which formal approval under Schedule 4 for the U.K. Sub-plan has been obtained from HMRC. Approved Options may only be granted over Shares.
3.4
No Approved Option may be granted to any Employee who is precluded by paragraph 9 ( material interest ) iv of Schedule 4 from participating in a CSOP Scheme.
3.5
Terms and conditions of Approved Options must be consistent with the U.K. Sub-plan, must be set out in the Award Agreement at the time of grant, and must not be amended, waived or modified after grant without the



Exhibit 10.3


agreement (where required) of HMRC and/or the Optionee. Section 4(b)(vi) of the Plan shall be excluded in relation to outstanding Options for the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan.
3.6
The Award Agreement must state whether or not the Shares which may be acquired on the exercise of the Approved Option may be subject to any restriction within the meaning of paragraph 36(3) of Schedule 4 and, if so, the details of the restriction must also be included.
3.7
Approved Options granted to any Employee shall be limited and take effect so that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Approved Option, when aggregated with the Fair Market Value of Shares subject to Subsisting Options, shall not exceed £30,000. For the purposes of this Rule 3.7, Subsisting Options shall include all outstanding Approved Options granted under this U.K. Sub-plan and outstanding approved options granted under any other CSOP Scheme which has or may be established by the Company or any associated company within the meaning of paragraph 35 of Schedule 4. This limit shall be determined on the basis of the Fair Market Value of Shares as at the date(s) of grant of the relevant Approved Options and the Fair Market Value at the date(s) of grant of options granted under the rules of any other CSOP Scheme, converted from U.S. dollars into pounds sterling at the rate of exchange applicable as at the date(s) of grant.
4.
LIMITATIONS (SECTION 6 OF THE PLAN)
4.1
No program to re-price or exchange Approved Options (as described in Section 6(c) of the Plan) may be implemented in respect of Approved Options except in accordance with Rule 8.2 or 9.2 of the U.K. Sub-plan (as applicable).
5.
OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION (SECTION 7(b) OF THE PLAN)
5.1
The exercise price per Share of an Approved Option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant (and, for the avoidance of doubt, this Rule shall take precedence over any provision to the contrary in Section 7 of the Plan).
5.2
Any performance conditions imposed on the exercise of an Approved Option:
(a)
must be objective and set at the date of grant of the Approved Option; and
(b)
cannot be waived or amended unless events occur which cause the Administrator to consider that the performance conditions will not achieve their original purpose (in which case the Administrator may make such alterations or additions to the performance conditions as are fair and reasonable provided that the amended performance conditions are no more difficult to meet than those originally imposed).
5.3
The exercise price of an Approved Option may only be paid by cash, cheque, and/or though a cashless exercise. The exercise price may not be paid using previously acquired Shares or by the Company withholding Shares.
5.4
No Approved Option may be exercised by any Optionee who is precluded by paragraph 9 ( material interest ) v of Schedule 4 from participating in a CSOP Scheme.
5.5
Shares shall be allocated or issued to the Optionee within 30 days of exercise. Except for any rights determined by reference to a date preceding the date of allotment or transfer, such Shares shall rank equally and as one class with other Shares of the same class already in issue.
6.
TERMINATION OF SERVICE (SECTION 7(c) OF THE PLAN)
6.1
Section 7(c)(ii) of the Plan shall apply if the Optionee’s status as a Service Provider terminates by reason of



Exhibit 10.3


retirement, redundancy (within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996), injury (to the extent this does not constitute Disability and evidenced to the satisfaction of the Administrator), a relevant transfer within the meaning of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 or the company with which the Optionee holds office or employment ceasing to be an associated company (as defined in paragraph 35(1) of Schedule 4) of the Company by reason of a change of control (as determined in accordance with sections 450 and 451 of the Companies Act 2006).
6.2
Following the Optionee’s death, an Approved Option may only be exercised by the personal representatives of the Optionee and may not be exercised later than 12 months after the date of death of the Optionee.
7.
NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS (SECTION 15 OF THE PLAN)
7.1
Section 15 of the Plan shall be replaced by the following provision for the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan.
7.2
An Approved Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner and, following the Optionee’s death, may only be exercised by the personal representatives of the Optionee.
8.
ADJUSTMENTS (SECTION 16(a) OF THE PLAN)
8.1
Outstanding Approved Options shall be adjusted only in accordance with Rule 8.2 of the U.K. Sub-plan.
8.2
In the event of any change to the capitalization, rights issue, consolidation, subdivision or reduction of share capital within paragraph 22(3) of Schedule 4 or other variation of share capital within paragraph 22(3) of Schedule 4, the number of Shares subject to an Approved Option and the exercise price for each of those Shares shall be adjusted in such manner as the Administrator considers to be fair and reasonable provided that:
(a)
the aggregate amount payable on the exercise of an Approved Option in full is not increased;
(b)
no adjustment shall be made without the prior approval of HMRC, if such approval is required by Schedule 4; and
(c)
following the adjustment, the Shares continue to satisfy the conditions specified in paragraphs 16 to 18 (inclusive) and paragraph 20 of Schedule 4.
9.
CHANGE IN CONTROL (SECTION 16(c) OF THE PLAN)
9.1
An Approved Option may be exchanged for another option only in accordance with Rule 9.2 of the U.K. Sub-plan, and Section 16(c) of the Plan shall be interpreted accordingly. Section 16(c) of the Plan shall not apply in the event that the company with which the Optionee holds office or employment ceases to be an associated company (as defined in paragraph 35(1) of Schedule 4) of the Company by reason of a change of control (as determined in accordance with sections 450 and 451 of the Companies Act 2006). Further, the words "In the event that the successor corporation (the "Successor Corporation") refuses to assume or substitute for the Award" in Section 16(c) of the Plan shall be replaced by the words "In the event that Approved Options are not exchanged pursuant to an agreement with the successor corporation (the "Successor Corporation" or "Successor Entity") in accordance with Rule 9.2 of the U.K. Sub-plan" for the purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan.
9.2
If any company (the “ Successor Entity ”):
(a)
obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer (i) to acquire the whole of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company which is made on a condition such that if it is satisfied



Exhibit 10.3


the person making the offer will have Control of the Company or (ii) to acquire all the shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares subject to subsisting Options;
(b)
obtains Control of the Company in pursuance of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by the court under section 899 vi of the Companies Act 2006 (or under a relevant equivalent or closely comparable provision of applicable overseas company law accepted as such by HMRC); or
(c)
becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares in the Company under sections 979 to 982 or 983 to 985 vii of the Companies Act 2006 (or under a relevant equivalent or closely comparable provision of applicable overseas company law accepted as such by HMRC),
an Optionee may agree with the Successor Entity to release the Approved Option (the “ Old Option ”) in consideration of the grant of a new option (the “ New Option ”) which satisfies the conditions below.
9.3
The conditions are that the New Option:
(a)
is over shares in the Successor Entity or in a company which has Control over the Successor Entity which satisfies the conditions specified in paragraphs 16 to 18 (inclusive) and paragraph 20 of Schedule 4;
(b)
is a right to acquire such number of shares as has on acquisition of the New Option an aggregate market value equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares subject to the Old Option on its disposal;
(c)
has a purchase price per share such that the aggregate price payable on complete exercise equals the aggregate price which would have been payable on complete exercise of the Old Option; and
(d)
is otherwise identical in terms to the Old Option.
9.4
Where any New Option is granted pursuant to this Rule 9, the provisions of the U.K. Sub-plan shall, in relation to the New Option, be construed as if references to the Company and the Shares were references to the Successor Entity or, as the case may be, to the other company to whose shares the New Option relates and to the shares in the Successor Entity or that other company. The New Option shall, for all other purposes of the U.K. Sub-plan, be treated as having been acquired at the same time as the Old Option, which is released in consideration for the grant of the New Option.
9.5
The release of the Old Option and the grant of a New Option under this Rule 9 must take place within the period of six (6) months beginning with the time when, as the case may be, Control of the Company has been obtained and any conditions in connection with the change of Control are satisfied or the court sanctions a compromise or arrangement (as applicable), or within the period during which the Successor Entity remains bound or entitled in accordance with Rule 9.2(c) above.
9.6
If an event has occurred within Rule 9.2, the U.K. Sub-plan remains that of the Company and no further Approved Options may be granted under the U.K. Sub-plan.
9.7
For the purposes of Rule 9.2(a)(i), the reference to the issued ordinary share capital of the Company does not include any capital already held by the person making the offer or a person connected with that person, and for the purposes of Rule 9.2(a)(ii), the reference to the shares in the Company does not include any shares already held by the person making the offer or a person connected with that person. For the purposes of Rule 9.2(a) it does not matter if the general offer is made to different shareholders by different means.



Exhibit 10.3


9.8
An Optionee may exercise an Approved Option, to the extent the Approved Option is vested and outstanding: (i) within six (6) months after the relevant date (as specified in paragraph 25A of Schedule 4); or (ii) at any time when any person is bound or entitled to acquire Shares under sections 979 to 982 or 983 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006, in circumstances where sections 524(2E)(c) to 524(2E)(g) of the (U.K.) Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 apply, but in no event beyond the term during which the Optionee was otherwise entitled to exercise the Approved Option pursuant to any other provision of the Plan or U.K. Sub-plan or discretion of the Administrator. This Rule 9.8 shall not limit the period during which an Optionee may otherwise be entitled to exercise an Approved Option under other terms in the U.K. Sub-plan.
10.
TAX WITHHOLDING (SECTION 17 OF THE PLAN)
10.1
Section 17 of the Plan shall be replaced by the following provisions.
10.2
If the Company or any Subsidiary is liable to withhold and account to HMRC for any sum in respect of income tax or National Insurance contributions (“ Taxes ”) in connection with the Approved Option, and the Optionee has not provided the Company or the relevant Subsidiary with sufficient funds to cover such amount, the Company shall be entitled to withhold or collect such Taxes:
(e)
by deduction from salary or any other amount payable to the Optionee at any time, including proceeds acquired upon a cashless exercise;
(f)
directly from the Optionee by payment in cleared funds;
(g)
by arranging, on behalf of the Optionee, for the sale of sufficient Shares that the Optionee is entitled to receive on the exercise of the Approved Option; or
(d)    by any other method agreed with HMRC.
10.3
A withholding liability may not be satisfied by the Company withholding Shares otherwise due to be received by the Optionee on the exercise of the Approved Option.
10.4
If the Company or any Subsidiary is liable to withhold and account to any other tax authority for any sum in respect of tax or social security contributions in connection with the Approved Option, the Company shall be entitled to withhold or collect such amounts using any of the methods listed in Rule 10.2 above.
10.5
The Award Agreement may provide that it is a condition of exercise that the Optionee agrees to pay or accept any liability for secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions which may be payable by the Company or Subsidiary on the exercise of the Approved Option (“ Employer NICs ”). The Optionee may also be required to execute a joint election with the Company or the Optionee’s employer to formally transfer the liability for Employer’s NICs to the Optionee, the form of such election being formally approved by HMRC, and any other joint election which may be required between the Optionee and any successor to the Company or the Optionee’s employer.
10.6
The Award Agreement may provide that it is a condition of exercise that the Optionee agrees to enter into a joint election within Section 431 of the (U.K.) Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (“ ITEPA 2003 ”) in respect of computing any tax charge on the acquisition of “restricted securities” (as defined in Sections 423 and 424 of ITEPA 2003).
11.
NO EFFECT ON EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE (SECTION 18 OF THE PLAN)
11.1
The following provision shall be added to Section 18 of the Plan.



Exhibit 10.3


11.2
The rights and obligations of any Optionee under the terms of that person’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary shall not be affected by participation in the U.K. Sub-plan or any right to participate in the U.K. Sub-plan. An individual who is granted an Approved Option shall have no right to compensation or damages in consequence of the loss or diminution in value of the Approved Option or Shares acquired pursuant to the Approved Option for any reason including, but not limited to, as a result of the termination of that person’s employment with the Company or Subsidiary for any reason whatsoever and whether or not in breach of contract. If an individual did acquire any such rights, that person would be deemed to have waived them irrevocably by not renouncing the Approved Option.
12.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN (SECTION 21 OF THE PLAN)
12.1
The Administrator may not make any amendment to the U.K. Sub-plan or to the Award Agreement for Approved Options without first obtaining the approval of HMRC if such amendment relates to a “key feature” (as defined in paragraph 30(4) viii of Schedule 4) of this CSOP Scheme; provided however that the approval of HMRC will only be required for amendments made by the Administrator if it is a requirement of Schedule 4 or HMRC practice at the time of the amendment that such changes must be approved by HMRC. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4(b)(v) and Section 21 of the Plan shall be subject to this Rule.
12.2
The U.K. Sub-plan shall terminate in accordance with the termination of the Plan.



























 
 
These endnotes are provided for information purposes only.

i Section 995 of the Income Tax Act 2007: Control means the power of a person to secure, by holding sufficient shares or voting rights or as a result of other powers conferred, that the affairs of a company are conducted in accordance with that person’s wishes.

ii Paragraph 36(3) of Schedule 4: Shares are subject to a restriction if there is any contract, agreement, arrangement or condition which may provide for:



Exhibit 10.3


a transfer, reversion or forfeiture of the shares for less than market value;
a restriction on the freedom of the holder to dispose of or hold onto the shares; or
a disadvantage due to the disposal or retention of the shares.

iii Paragraphs 16 to 18 and 20 of Schedule 4 (as they apply to the Company): The Shares must:
form part of the ordinary share capital of the Company, as the scheme organiser;
be in a company listed on a recognised stock exchange (such as NASDAQ);
be fully paid up and not redeemable; and
the majority of the issued shares of the same class as the Shares must be “open market” shares (i.e. if the persons holding the shares are not (a) persons who acquired their shares as a result of a right conferred on them or an opportunity afforded to them as a director or employee of the scheme organiser or any other company, and not as a result of an offer to the public, or (b) trustees holding shares on behalf of persons who acquired their beneficial interests in the shares as mentioned in (a)).

iv Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4: An Approved Option may not be granted to or exercised by an individual holding an interest of more than 30% of the ordinary share capital of the Company.

v See note iv above.

vi Section 899 of the Companies Act 2006: A scheme of arrangement is a statutory procedure under the Companies Act 2006 whereby a company may make a compromise or arrangement with its members or creditors. It is a court sanctioned procedure and can be used to effect internal reorganisations, mergers or demergers.

vii Sections 979 to 982 or 983 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006: These sections apply after a bidder (the acquiring company) has had its offer to the shareholders of a target company accepted by the holders of 90% of the shares whose transfer is involved. The acquiring company may use “squeeze out” rights to acquire the shares of the dissenting minority shareholders and, conversely, minority shareholders may use a “sell out” right to require the acquiring company to acquire their shares in the target.

viii Paragraph 30(4) of Schedule 4: A “key feature” is a provision of the scheme which is necessary in order to meet the requirements of Schedule 4.



Exhibit 10.4

Notice of Grant of U.K. Approved Stock Options
and Award Agreement
SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
ID:  94-2875288
3003 Tasman Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Grant Agreement: 
Participant Name:        ###PARTICIPANT_NAME###
  Grant Name:###GRANT_NAME###  
Employee Number:        ###EMPLOYEE_NUMBER###
  Issue Date/Date of Grant:   ###ISSUE_DATE###
Total Nonqualified Stock Options:       Total ###DICTIONARY_AWARD_NAME###: ###TOTAL_AWARDS###
Expiry/Expiration Date: ###EMPLOYEE_GRANT_EXPIRY_DATE###
  Plan: UK Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
  Grant/Option Price:###GRANT_PRICE### ###GRANT_PRICE_REM_START### ###GRANT_PRICE_REM_END###  
  ###EMPLOYEE_GRANT_VEST_SCHEDULE_TABLE###  
Grant    Number :   ###EMPLOYEE_GRANT_NUMBER###

Effective on the Date of Grant listed above, you have been granted a Nonqualified Stock Option (which is a UK-Approved Stock Option for UK tax purposes) to buy Shares of SVB Financial Group (the “Company”) stock at the Option Price listed in the Grant Agreement above (the “Option”). Shares in each period will become fully vested on the dates shown in the Vesting Schedule, subject to you continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.

(a)
The terms of this UK-Approved Stock Option, including the circumstances under which this UK-Approved Stock Option will lapse or be cancelled (in whole or in part), any conditions to which the exercise of this UK-Approved Stock Option is subject (in whole or in part) and any mechanism for varying the terms of this UK-Approved Stock Option, are set out in the UK-Approved Stock Option Award Agreement and the rules of the UK Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The rules of the UK Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and the rules of the SVB Financial Group 2006 Equity Incentive Plan can be accessed in your Solium Account.
 
By your acceptance and the Company’s signature below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, the UK Sub-Plan of the Company's 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and this UK-Approved Stock Option Award Agreement, all of which are attached and made a part of this document.
 

  ###HR_SIGNATURE###
 
SVB Financial Group
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
Participant Name
 
Date


1



SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
 
UK-APPROVED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
  
                SVB Financial Group (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “US Plan”), its U.K. Sub-Plan of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “UK Sub-Plan”, and collectively with the US Plan, the “Plan”) and this UK-Approved Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) has granted to Participant an Option to purchase shares of the Common Stock of the Company (“Shares”).  This Option is not intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
 
               Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Award Agreement shall have the same definitions as in the Plan or in the Notice of Grant of Stock Options (“Notice of Grant”), to which this Award Agreement is attached.
 
                The details of your Option are as follows:
 
1.             Total Number Of Shares Subject To This Option.   The total number of Shares subject to this Option is set forth in the Notice of Grant.
 
2.             Vesting.   Subject to the limitations contained herein, the Option will vest (become exercisable) as set forth in the Notice of Grant until either (i) you cease to be a Service Provider for any reason, or (ii) this Option becomes fully vested. In the event of your termination as a Service Provider (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later to be found invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), (i) your right to vest in this Option under the Plan, if any, and (ii) the period (if any) during which you may exercise this Option shall be measured by the date upon which your employment with your employer (the “Employer”) and any notice period has ended. For the avoidance of doubt, employment shall include any contractual notice period or period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the other terms of your employment agreement, if any. The Committee shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer employed for purposes of the Option.
 
3.             Option Price And Method Of Payment.
 
(a)           Option Price.   The Option Price per Share is the price set forth in the Notice of Grant, such price being not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant of this Option.
 
(b)           Method of Payment.   Payment of the Option Price per Share is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of each installment which has accrued to you.  You may elect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, to make payment of the Option Price under one of the following alternatives:
 
(i)             Payment of the Option Price per Share in cash (including check) at the time of exercise;
 
(ii)              Consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or     
 
(iii)          Payment by a combination of the methods of payment permitted by Section 3(b)(i) and (ii) above.
 
4.             Whole Shares.   This Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.

5.             Securities Law Compliance.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, unless there is an available exemption from any registration, qualification or other legal requirement applicable to the Shares, the Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the Shares under any local,

2



state, federal or foreign securities or exchange control law or under rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or of any other governmental regulatory body, or prior to obtaining any approval or other clearance from any local, state, federal or foreign governmental agency, which registration, qualification or approval the Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable. You understand that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with the SEC or any state or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the shares. Further, you agree that, subject to the rules of the UK Sub-Plan, the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan without your consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of shares.
 
6.             Term.   The term of this Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires on the Expiration Date, unless this Option expires sooner as set forth below or in the Plan.  In no event may this Option be exercised on or after the Expiration Date.  This Option shall terminate prior to the Expiration Date as follows:  three (3) months after your termination as a Service Provider unless one of the following circumstances exists:
 
(a)           Your termination as a Service Provider is due to your Disability.  This Option will then expire on the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or twelve (12) months following such termination.

(b)           Your termination as a Service Provider is due to your death.  This Option will then expire on the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or twelve (12) months after your death.

(c)           Your termination as a Service Provider is due to Cause (as defined in the Plan).  This Option will then expire on the date of such termination.

(d)           If during any part of such three (3)-month period you may not exercise your Option solely because of the condition set forth in Section 5 above, then your Option will not expire until the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or until this Option shall have been exercisable for an aggregate period of three (3) months after your termination as a Service Provider.

(e)           If your exercise of the Option within three (3) months after your termination as a Service Provider of the Company or of an Affiliate would result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, then your Option will expire on the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date set forth above, or (ii) the tenth (10th) day after the last date upon which exercise would result in such liability.
 
                However, this Option may be exercised following your termination as a Service Provider only as to that number of Shares as to which it was exercisable on the date of termination under the provisions of Section 2 of this Award Agreement.
 
7.             Exercise.

(a)           This Option is exercisable by (i) delivery of an exercise notice, in the form and manner determined by the Administrator, or (ii) following an electronic or other exercise procedure prescribed by the Administrator, which in either case shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Participant shall provide payment of any applicable Tax-Related Items (as defined in Section 10, herein) arising in connection with such exercise. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of a fully executed exercise notice or completion of such exercise procedure, as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion, accompanied by any applicable Tax-Related Items (as defined in Section 10, herein).
 
(b)            By exercising this Option you agree that, as a precondition to the completion of any exercise, you must satisfy the Tax-Related Items in accordance with Section 10, herein.


3



  8.             Transferability.

(a)            This Option is not transferable, and is exercisable during your life only by you.
 
(b)            The terms of this Award Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 6(b) relating to termination as a result of death) shall apply to your executors and administrators including the right to agree to any amendment of the applicable Award Agreement.

(d)            An Option shall be exercised only by you (or your attorney in fact or guardian) or, in the case of your death, by your executor or administrator, and no Shares shall be issued by the Company unless the exercise of an Option is accompanied by sufficient payment, as determined by the Company, to meet the Tax-Related Items (as defined in Section 10, herein) on such exercise or by other arrangements satisfactory to the Committee to provide such payment.
 
9.      Acknowledgments. You acknowledge and agree to the following:

the Plan is discretionary in nature and the Administrator may amend, suspend, or terminate it at any time;

the grant of this Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of the options even if options have been granted in the past;

all determinations with respect to future Option or other grants, if any, including but not limited to, the times when the Option shall be granted or when the Option shall vest, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;

your participation in the Plan is voluntary;

this Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

this Option and the Shares subject to this Option are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
 
the future value of the Shares is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;

if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, this Option will have no value;
 
if you exercise this Option and acquire Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease in value, even below the Option Price;

neither the Plan nor the Option shall be construed to create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Company, your Employer (the “Employer) or any Affiliate, and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer or any Affiliate, as applicable, to terminate your status as a Service Provider (if any);

no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Option resulting from the termination of your status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Option to which you are otherwise not entitled, you

4



irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, any of its Affiliates or the Employer;
 
nothing herein contained shall affect your right to participate in and receive benefits under and in accordance with the then current provisions of any pension, insurance or other welfare plan or program of the Company or any Affiliate;

unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, this Option and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have this Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares of the Company; and

you acknowledge and agree that neither the Company, the Employer nor any Affiliate shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of this Option or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the exercise of this Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise.
10.      Withholding of Taxes. The Company or one of its Affiliates shall assess tax and social insurance liability and requirements in connection with your participation in the Plan, including, without limitation, income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefit tax, payment of account or other tax related items associated with the grant or exercise of the Option or sale of the underlying Shares and legally applicable to you (the “Tax-Related Items”). These requirements may change from time to time as laws or interpretations change. Regardless of the actions of the Company or if different, your Employer in this regard, you hereby acknowledge and agree that the Tax-Related Items liability shall be your responsibility and liability.
You acknowledge that the Company’s obligation to issue Shares in connection with the Option shall be subject to satisfaction of the Tax-Related Items liability. By your acceptance of the Option, you authorize the Company or any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company to sell on your behalf a whole number of Shares from those Shares issued to you as the Company determines to be sufficient to satisfy the obligation for Tax-Related Items if you do not provide the Company with sufficient funds to satisfy the Tax-Related Items when you give notice to exercise this Option. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, if you have not provided the Company with sufficient funds to satisfy the Tax Related Items, the Company or the Employer may satisfy the Tax-Related Items withholding liability by deduction from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company or the Employer. Finally, you agree to pay the Company or the Employer any Tax-Related Items withholding liability that cannot be satisfied by deduction from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company or the Employer or sale of the Shares acquired under the Plan.
If payment or withholding of Tax-Related Items is not made within ninety (90) days of the event giving rise to the Tax-Related Items or such other period specified in Section 222(1)(c) of the U.K. Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (the “Due Date”), the amount of any uncollected UK income tax shall constitute a loan owed by you to the Employer, effective as of the Due Date. You agree that the loan will bear interest at the then-current official rate of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”), it will be immediately due and repayable, and the Company or the Employer may recover it at any time thereafter by any of the means referred to in Section 10 of the Award Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are a director or executive officer of the Company (within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act), you shall not be eligible for a loan from the Company to cover the UK income tax due. In the event that you are a director or executive officer and any such Tax-Related Items are not collected from or paid by you by the Due Date, the amount of any uncollected income tax may constitute a benefit to you on which additional income tax and National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”) may be payable. You will be responsible for reporting and paying any income tax due on this additional benefit directly to HMRC under the self-assessment regime and for reimbursing the Company or the Employer (as applicable) for the value of any employee NICs due on this additional benefit which may be collected from you by the Company or the Employer by any of the means referred to in Section 10 of the Award Agreement.
11.      [RESERVED.]

5



12.      Authorization to Release and Transfer Necessary Personal Information . You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.
You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all options or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor ("Data"), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
You understand that Data will be transferred to a stock plan service provider selected by the Company to assist the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, including outside the EEA, and that the recipient’s country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. You understand that if you reside outside the United States, you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purposes of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that if you reside outside the United States, you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If you do not consent, or if you later seek to revoke your consent, your status as a Service Provider with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you options or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
13.      Compliance With Applicable Laws. The vesting and exercise of the Option under the Plan and the issuance, transfer, assignment, sale, or other dealings of the Shares shall be subject to compliance by the Company (or any Affiliate) and you with all Applicable Laws.
14.      Electronic Delivery . The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option awarded under the Plan or future Options that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or request your consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. Electronic execution of this Award Agreement and/or other documents shall have the same binding effect as a written or hard copy signature and accordingly, shall bind you and the Company to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan, this Award Agreement and/or such other documents.
15.      Notices.   Any notices provided for in this Option or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by the Company to you, five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the address specified below or at such other address as you hereafter designate by written notice to the Company.
16.      Governing Plan Document.   This Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and its provisions are hereby made a part of this Option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amend-ments, rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted

6



pursuant to the Plan.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Option and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
17.      No Advice Regarding Grant . The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan, or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
18.      Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision in this Award Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement.
19.      Language . If you have received this Award Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
20.      Governing Law . This Award Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this Option or this Award Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California , and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Santa Clara County, California , or the federal courts for the United States for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this Option is made and/or to be performed.
21.      Waiver . You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Award Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Award Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other participant.


7



  Notice of Exercise
 
SVB Financial Group
Attn:  Stock Administration
80 E Rio Salado Parkway Suite 600
Tempe, AZ 85281
 
 
I, _____________________ , elect to exercise the following SVB Financial Group stock option(s):
 
Grant
 
Grant
 
Type of
 
Number of Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Number:
 
Date:
 
Option:
 
to be Exercised:
 
Per Share:
 
Exercise Price:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NQ (UK-Approved)
 
 
 
$
 
$
 
 
 
 
NQ (UK-Approved)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NQ (UK-Approved)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$

TYPE OF EXERCISE:
o  CASH(1)
 
o    CASHLESS    (Sale of underlying shares of option to pay exercise price)
 
 
 
 
o  Sell shares
o  Sell all shares listed above
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BROKER INFORMATION ( if applicable ):
Firm:
 
 
 
 
Account #
 
Contact Person:
 
 
Phone:
 
 
Fax:
 
 
o     I authorize my broker to pay SVB Financial Group the aggregate exercise price.  For non-qualified (NQ)/U.K. Approved Options exercised in non-qualifying circumstances, I also authorize my broker to pay Silicon Valley Bank for the applicable taxes owed.
 
DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS:
            o   Mail certificate to my home address.                           o   Deliver electronically to my Broker.

I will (i) provide any additional documents you require pursuant to the terms of the Award Agreement, (ii) pay any withholding taxes resulting from exercise of a NQ stock option. 
 
 
 
Very truly yours,
 
 
 
 
SS#:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signed
Telephone:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (1)  The Effective Date of cash exercises is the day cash is received by Stock Administration, unless otherwise notified by Stock Administration as a result of insider trading restrictions.  If delivery is made by US Mail (or overnight courier) the Effective Date is the postmark date (or pick-up date). 

8

10.5 Exhibit

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ISRAELI SUBPLAN
1.
General
1.1
This Israeli Subplan (the “Subplan” ) to the SVB Financial Group (the “Company” ) 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) is effective as of January 8, 2014.
1.2
The provisions specified hereunder apply only to persons who are or are deemed to be residents of the State of Israel for tax purposes or are otherwise subject to taxation in Israel with respect to the Awards (the “Israeli Participants” ).
1.3
This Subplan applies with respect to Awards granted under the Plan to Israeli Participants. The purpose of this Subplan is to provide a method whereby employees of an Affiliate who satisfy the eligibility provisions under the Plan and are Israeli Participants may be offered an opportunity to receive Awards that qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 102 of the ITO, as defined below in Section 2. Except as otherwise provided by this Subplan, all grants made pursuant to this Subplan shall be governed by the terms of the Plan. This Subplan complies with and is subject to the ITO and Section 102, as defined below in Section 2.
1.4
This Subplan is to be read as a continuation of the Plan and applies to Awards granted to Israeli Participants only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements set by Israeli tax law in general, and in particular, with the provisions of the ITO. This Subplan does not add to or modify the Plan in respect of any other category of Participants.
2.
Definitions
2.1
Except as otherwise provided herein, capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan.
2.2
The following additional definitions will apply to grants made pursuant to this Subplan:
a.
“3(i) Award” means an Award that is subject to taxation pursuant to Section 3(i) of the ITO which has been granted to any person who is not an Eligible 102 Participant.
b.
“102 Capital Gains Track” means the tax alternative set forth in Section 102(b)(2) and 102(b)(3) of the ITO.
c.
“102 Capital Gains Track Grant” means a 102 Trustee Grant qualifying for the special tax treatment under the 102 Capital Gains Track.
d.
“102 Ordinary Income Track” means the tax alternative set forth in Section 102(b)(1) of the ITO.
e.
“102 Ordinary Income Track Grant” means a 102 Trustee Grant qualifying for the ordinary income tax treatment under the 102 Ordinary Income Track.

1    6605258-v1\GESDMS



f.
“102 Trustee Grant” means Awards elected and designated by the Company as an Award granted pursuant to Section 102(b) of the ITO (includes both 102 Capital Gains Track Grants and 102 Ordinary Income Track Grants) and held in trust by a Trustee for the benefit of an Eligible 102 Participant .
g.
“Award” solely for purposes of this Subplan means a grant of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards, granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Subplan, provided they are payable only or settled only using Shares.
h.
“Affiliate” means any “Employer” within the meaning of article (1) of "Employing Company" as defined under Section 102(a) of the ITO that also meets the definition of Affiliate under the Plan.
i.
“Controlling Shareholder” means a “controlling shareholder” within the meaning of Section 32(9) of the ITO, currently defined as an individual who, prior to the grant or as a result of the grant, exercise or vesting of any Award, holds or would hold, directly or indirectly, in his name or with a "relative" (as defined in the ITO) (i) 10% of the outstanding Shares of the Company; (ii) 10% of the voting power of the Company; (iii) the right to hold or purchase 10% of the outstanding equity or voting power; (iv) the right to obtain 10% of the profits of the Company; or (v) the right to appoint a director in the Company.
j.
“Election” means the Company’s choice of the type (as between the 102 Capital Gains Track or 102 Ordinary Income Track) of 102 Trustee Grants it will make under the Plan, as filed with the ITA.
k.
“Eligible 102 Participant” means an Israeli Participant who is employed by an Israeli resident Affiliate, who is subject to the provisions of Section 102, including an individual who is serving as a director or an office holder but excluding any Controlling Shareholder or non-employee service provider, unless otherwise approved in writing by the ITA.
l.
“ITA” means the Israeli Tax Authority.
m.
“ITO” means the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New Version], 1961 and the rules, regulations, orders or procedures promulgated thereunder and any amendments thereto, including specifically the Rules, all as may be amended from time to time.
n.
“Non-Trustee Grant” means an Award granted to an Eligible 102 Participant pursuant to Section 102(c) of the ITO and not held in trust by a Trustee.
o.
“Required Holding Period” means the requisite holding period prescribed by the ITO and the Rules, or such other period as may be required by the ITA, with respect to 102 Trustee Grants, during which 102 Trustee Grants granted or any rights or Shares issued pursuant to the 102 Trustee Grant by the Company, must be held by the Trustee for the benefit of the person to whom they were granted in order for such grant to enjoy the tax benefits afforded to a 102 Trustee Grant. Currently, the Required Holding Period for 102 Capital Gains Track Grants is 24 months from the Grant Date, and for 102 Ordinary Income Track Grants is 12 months from the Grant Date.

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p.
‘‘Rules” means the Income Tax Rules (Tax Benefits in Shares Issuance to Employees), 5763-2003.
q.
"Shares" means a share of Common Stock as defined in the Plan.
r.
“Section 102” means Section 102 of the ITO, as amended from time to time, including by the Law Amending the Income Tax Ordinance (Number 132), 2002, effective as of January 1, 2003 and by the Law Amending the Income Tax Ordinance (Number 147), 2005, and any written rulings provided to the Company or any Affiliate by the ITA applying to the grant of Awards under this Subplan.
s.
“Trustee” means a person or entity designated by the Committee to serve as a trustee of the 102 Trustee Grants and approved by the ITA in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(a) of the ITO and the Rules.

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3.
Types of Awards and Section 102 Election
3.1
102 Trustee Grants shall be made pursuant to either (a) Sections 102(b)(2) and 102(b)(3) of the ITO as 102 Capital Gains Track Grants or (b) Section 102(b)(1) of the ITO as 102 Ordinary Income Track Grants. The Company shall choose only one tax route for the Plan. The Company’s Election regarding the type of 102 Trustee Grant it chooses to make shall be filed with the ITA. Once the Company has filed such Election, it may change the type of 102 Trustee Grant that it chooses to make only after the lapse of at least 12 months from the end of the calendar year in which the first grant was made in accordance with the previous Election unless provided otherwise under Section 102 or by the ITA. For the avoidance of doubt, such Election shall not prevent the Company from granting Non-Trustee Grants to Eligible 102 Participants at any time.
3.2
Eligible 102 Participants may receive only 102 Trustee Grants or Non-Trustee Grants under this Subplan. Individuals or entities that are not Eligible 102 Participants may be granted only 3(i) Awards under this Subplan.
3.3
Unless otherwise approved by the ITA, no 102 Trustee Grants may be made pursuant to this Subplan until 30 days after the requisite filings required by Section 102 and the Rules have been made with the ITA.
3.4
The Award Agreement or other documents evidencing the Awards granted or Shares issued pursuant to the Plan and this Subplan shall indicate whether the grant is a 102 Trustee Grant, a Non-Trustee Grant, or a 3(i) Award, and if the grant is a 102 Trustee Grant, whether it is a 102 Capital Gains Track Grant or a 102 Ordinary Income Track Grant.
3.5
The designation of Non-Trustee Grants and 102 Trustee Grants shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 102.
3.6
Awards granted to individuals or entities that are not Eligible 102 Participants shall be designated as 3(i) Awards and shall be subject to tax according to the applicable provisions of the ITO.
4.
Terms And Conditions of 102 Trustee Grants
4.1
Each 102 Trustee Grant will be deemed granted on the date stated in the Award Agreement, provided that (i) the Company will provide notice to the Trustee of the Award within 45 days of the date the Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company approves the 102 Trustee Grant, and (ii) proof of acceptance by the Participant of the terms of the 102 Trustee Grant is provided to the Trustee within 90 days of the Grant Date, or in both cases, in such other form or period of time as may be required under Section 102.
4.2
Each 102 Trustee Grant granted to an Eligible 102 Participant and all Shares acquired pursuant to the grant, exercise or the vesting/settlement of an Award, shall be issued to and registered in the name of a Trustee or controlled by the Trustee for the benefit of the Eligible 102 Participant in accordance with the provisions of Section 102. In the event that the requirements for 102 Trustee Grants are not met, the 102 Trustee Grants may be regarded as Non-Trustee Grants or as Awards which are not subject to Section 102, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102.

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4.3
With respect to any 102 Trustee Grant, and subject to the provisions of Section 102, an Eligible 102 Participant shall not sell or release from trust any Share received upon the grant, exercise or vesting of a 102 Trustee Grant and/or any Share received following any realization of rights, including, without limitation, stock dividends, under the Plan at least until the lapse of the Required Holding Period. Notwithstanding the above, if any such sale or release occurs during the Required Holding Period, the sanctions under Section 102 shall apply to and shall be borne by such Eligible 102 Participant.
4.4
In the event a stock dividend is declared and/or additional rights are granted with respect to Awards and/or to Shares which derive from Awards granted as 102 Trustee Grants, such stock dividend, dividend equivalent/units and/or other rights shall also be deposited with the Trustee and will be subject to the provisions of this Section 4. The Required Holding Period for such Shares and/or rights shall be measured from the commencement of the Required Holding Period for the Award with respect to which the stock dividend was declared and/or dividend equivalent or other rights were granted.
4.5
Each 102 Trustee Grant (whether a 102 Capital Gains Track Grant or a 102 Ordinary lncome Track Grant, as applicable) shall be subject to the relevant terms of Section 102 and the lTO and the agreement between the Trustee and the Company or any Israeli resident Affiliate (“Trust Agreement”), which shall be deemed an integral part of the 102 Trustee Grant, and the terms of Section 102 and the ITO shall prevail over any term contained in the Plan, this Subplan or any Award Agreement that is not consistent therewith. Any provision of the ITO and any additional terms required by the ITA not expressly specified in this Subplan or in the Award Agreement, as applicable, which are necessary to receive or maintain any tax benefit pursuant the Section 102, shall be binding on the Eligible 102 Participant. The Trustee and the Eligible 102 Participant granted a 102 Trustee Grant shall comply with the ITO and the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement. For avoidance of doubt, it is reiterated that compliance with the ITO and Section 102 specifically includes compliance with the Rules. Further, the Eligible 102 Participant agrees to execute or otherwise accept any and all documents that the Company, the Affiliate employing the Israeli Participant, or the Trustee may reasonably determine to be necessary in order to comply with the ITO and the Rules.


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4.6
During the Required Holding Period, the Eligible 102 Participant will not be allowed to direct the Trustee to release or sell the Awards, or the Shares issued pursuant to the Awards, or any rights derived from the Awards (including stock dividends or dividend equivalents) or any Shares derived thereof to the Eligible 102 Participant or to a third party, unless permitted to do so under the ITO or the Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee may, pursuant to a written request and subject to the ITO and the Rules, release and transfer the Shares issued with respect to an Award to a designated third party, provided that both of the following conditions have been fulfilled prior to such transfer: (i) all taxes required to be paid upon the release and transfer of the Shares have been withheld for transfer to the tax authorities and (ii) the Trustee has received written confirmation from the Company that all requirements for such release and transfer have been fulfilled according to the terms of the Plan, Subplan, any applicable Award Agreement and any applicable laws related to the issuance of Shares. Such sale or release during the Required Holding Period will result in different tax ramifications to the Eligible 102 Participant under Section 102 of the ITO and the Rules, which shall apply to and shall be borne solely by such Eligible 102 Participant.

4.7
In the event a cash dividend is paid on the Shares, the Trustee shall transfer the dividend proceeds to the Eligible 102 Participant after deduction of taxes and mandatory payments in compliance with applicable withholding requirements, and subject to any other requirements imposed by the ITA.
4.8
If an Award granted as a 102 Trustee Grant is granted, exercised or vested/settled, as applicable, during the Required Holding Period, the Shares issued upon such grant, exercise or vesting/settling, as applicable, shall be issued in the name of the Trustee for the benefit of the Eligible 102 Participant. If such an Award is exercised or vested/settled, as applicable, after the Required Holding Period ends, the Shares issued upon such exercise or vesting shall, at the election of the Eligible 102 Participant, either (i) be issued in the name of the Trustee, or (ii) be transferred to the Eligible 102 Participant directly, provided that the Participant first complies with all applicable provisions of the Plan, Subplan, and the Company and/or its Affiliate confirms that all of the taxes and mandatory payments in compliance with applicable withholding requirements have been paid by the Eligible 102 Participant.
4.9
No Award granted as a 102 Capital Gains Track Grant will be earned subject to performance goals or performance levels as described with respect to Performance Shares in the Plan unless the ITA approves otherwise in writing.
4.10
Notwithstanding Section 7 of the Plan, Options granted to Eligible 102 Participants will be exercised only by payment of cash (exercise and hold) or by a broker assisted cashless exercise (exercise and sell or exercise and sell to cover) if approved by the Committee, and withholding tax obligations with respect to Awards will not be satisfiable with respect to an Award by withholding Shares otherwise deliverable upon exercise or vesting of the Award, in both instances, unless and to the extent permitted under Section 102 or as expressly authorized by the ITA in writing.



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5.
Assignability
5.1
The Trustee will not perform any transaction or act regarding the Awards granted as 102 Trustee Grants, including transferring, selling, seizing, assigning, hypothecating or pledging (willingly or unwillingly), disposing or assigning the Awards or any Shares subject to the Awards, and will not give any power of attorney regarding the Awards, in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and as permitted by the Plan, unless all the taxes are paid to the ITA, or the Trustee ensures that taxes will be paid. If the Awards are transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, Section 102 and its regulations, including the Rules, will apply to the heirs or the transferees of the Eligible 102 Participant.
6.
Tax Consequences
6.1
Any tax consequences arising from the grant, exercise or vesting/settlement of any Award, from the issuance, sale or transfer of Shares, or from any other event or act (of the Company and/or an Affiliate in Israel and/or the Trustee and/or the Eligible 102 Participant) relating to an Award or Shares issued thereupon shall be borne solely by the Eligible 102 Participant. The Company, the applicable Affiliate in Israel, and/or the Trustee shall withhold taxes according to the requirements under applicable laws related to tax withholding, including withholding taxes at source. Furthermore, the Eligible 102 Participant shall agree to indemnify the Company, the applicable Affiliate in Israel, and/or the Trustee and hold them harmless against and from any and all liability for any such tax, interest, linkage differences or penalty thereon, including, without any limitation, liabilities relating to the necessity to withhold or to have withheld any such tax from any payment made to the Eligible 102 Participant.
6.2
The Company, the applicable Affiliate, and/or the Trustee may make such provisions and take such steps as they may deem necessary or appropriate for the withholding of all taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to Awards granted under the Plan and the exercise, vesting/settlement, sale, transfer or other disposition thereof, including (but not limited to) (i) withholding from the Eligible 102 Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the Eligible 102 Participant by the Company or an Affiliate in Israel; or (ii) withholding otherwise deliverable Shares; or (iii) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to the Eligible 102 Participant through such means as the Trustee may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on the Eligible 102 Participant’s behalf pursuant to the Eligible 102 Participant’s authorization), to the extent permitted by Section 102 of the ITO or pursuant to the approval of the ITA; or (iv) requiring an Eligible 102 Participant to pay to the Company or an Affiliate in Israel the amount so required to be withheld as a condition of the issuance, delivery, distribution or release of any Shares. In addition, the Eligible 102 Participant will be required to pay any amount, including penalties, interest and linkage differences that exceeds the tax to be withheld and transferred to the tax authorities, pursuant to applicable tax laws, regulations and rules.
6.3
The Company, the applicable Affiliate in Israel and/or the Trustee shall not be required to release any Awards and/or Shares to the Eligible 102 Participant until all required tax withholding has been performed.

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6.4
For the avoidance of doubt, there is no assurance that all of the Awards granted pursuant to Section 102 of the ITO shall be eligible for the tax benefits pursuant to Section 102 of the ITO. Therefore, any tax consequences arising from the grant, exercise or vesting/settlement of any Awards, from the issuance of Shares covered thereby, from the subsequent sale of Shares or from any other event or act (of the Company, an Affiliate in Israel, the Trustee, and/or the Eligible 102 Participant), shall be borne solely by the Eligible 102 Participant.
6.5
Following the grant of Awards under this Subplan and in any case in which the Eligible 102 Participant may cease to be considered an “Israeli Resident” as this term is defined in the ITO, the Company, an Affiliate in Israel, and/or the Trustee may, if and to the extent the ITO and/or the rules promulgated thereunder shall impose such obligation on them, withhold all applicable taxes from the Eligible 102 Participant, remit the amount withheld to the ITA, and report to such Eligible 102 Participant the amount so withheld and paid to the ITA.
6.6
With respect to Non-Trustee Grants, if the Eligible 102 Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or an Affiliate in Israel, or otherwise if so requested by the Company or the Affiliate, the Eligible 102 Participant shall extend to the Company or to the employing Company a security or guarantee for the payment of tax due at the time of sale of Shares to the satisfaction of the Company or the employing Company, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 of the ITO and the Rules.
7.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
7.1
Notwithstanding the governing law provisions of the Plan and the Award Agreement, this Subplan shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the state of Israel applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein .







8    6605258-v1\GESDMS
Exhibit 10.6

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP

2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Adopted by the Board of Directors as of February 21, 2006
Approved by Shareholders as of May 11, 2006, April 21, 2011, April 26, 2012 and April 24, 2014
Amended by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as of June 29, 2006, April 26, 2007, October 22, 2008, March 7, 2011, December 15, 2011 and January 8, 2014, and
by the Board of Directors as of February 22, 2011, February 21, 2012
1. Purposes of the Plan . The purposes of this Plan are:
to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,
to provide incentives to individuals who perform services to the Company,
to align with stockholder interests, and
to promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.
2. Definitions . As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a)
Administrator ” means the Board or any of its Committees, including its Compensation Committee, as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b)
Affiliate ” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(c)
Applicable Laws ” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(d)
Award ” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.
(e)
Award Agreement ” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f) Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) Cause ” means:
(i) An act of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, or breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; or
(ii)
A deliberate disregard of the rules of the Company which results in loss, damage or injury to the Company, or
(iii) Any unauthorized disclosure of any of the secrets or confidential information of the Company, or
(iv)
Inducing any client or customer of the Company to break any contract with the Company or inducing any principal for whom the Company acts as agent to terminate such agency relations; or
(v) Engaging in any conduct which constitutes unfair competition with the Company; or
(vi)
Any act which results in the Participant being removed from any office of the Company by any bank regulatory agency.

1


Exhibit 10.6

(h) Change in Control ” means the consummation of any of the following transactions:
(i)
A merger or consolidation of Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”) or the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in beneficial owners of the total voting power in the election of directors represented by the voting securities (“ Voting Securities ”) of the Bank or the Company (as the case may be) outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to beneficially own securities representing (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total Voting Securities of the Bank or the Company, or of such surviving entity, outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;
(ii)
The filing of a plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Bank or the closing of the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer or disposition by the Bank or the Company of all or substantially all of the Bank’s assets;
(iii)
Any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, other than (A) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Bank or the Company, (B) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their beneficial ownership of stock in the Company, or (C) the Company (with respect to the Company’s ownership of the stock of the Bank), is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of the securities of the Bank or the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the Voting Securities; or
(iv)
Any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than (A) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Bank or the Company, (B) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Bank, or (C) the Company (with respect to the Company’s ownership of the stock of the Bank) is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning or Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of the securities of the Bank or the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the Voting Securities of such corporation, and within twelve (12) months of the occurrence of such event, a change in the composition of the Board occurs as a result of which sixty percent (60%) or fewer of the Directors are Incumbent Directors. For purposes of this definition, Incumbent Directors will mean Directors who either (A) are Directors as of the date hereof, (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Directors who are Incumbent Directors described in (A) above at the time of such election or nomination, or (C) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Directors who are Incumbent Directors described in (A) or (B) above at the time of such election or nomination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Incumbent Directors” will not include an individual whose election or nomination to the Board occurs in order to provide representation for a person or group of related persons who have initiated or encouraged an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of Directors.
(i)
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
(j)
Committee ” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(k) Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company.
(l) Company ” means SVB Financial Group, a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(m)
Consultant ” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or its Affiliates to render services to such entity.
(n) Covered Employee ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 12(c).

2


Exhibit 10.6

(o)
Determination Date ” means the latest possible date that will not jeopardize the qualification of an Award granted under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(p) Director ” means a member of the Board.
(q)
Disability ” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(r)
Employee ” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or its Affiliates. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(s) Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(t)
Fair Market Value ” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock as the Administrator may determine in good faith by reference to the price of such stock on any established stock exchange or a national market system on the day of determination if the Common Stock is so listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system. If the Common Stock is not listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, the value of the Common Stock will be determined by the Administrator in good faith.
(u) Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(v)
Full Value Award ” means an Award granted with an exercise price, if any, less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award and generally will be in the form of Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units.
(w)
Incentive Stock Option ” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(x)
Nonstatutory Stock Option ” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(y)
Officer ” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(z) Option ” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(aa) Outside Director ” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(ab)
Parent ” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(ac) Participant ” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(ad) Performance Goals ” will have the meaning set forth in Section 12 of the Plan.
(ae)
Performance Period ” means any Fiscal Year of the Company or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(af)
Performance Share ” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 11.
(ag)
Performance Unit ” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 11.

3


Exhibit 10.6

(ah)
Period of Restriction ” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(ai) Plan ” means this 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
(aj)
Restricted Stock ” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 9 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(ak)
Restricted Stock Unit ” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 10. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(al)
Rule 16b-3 ” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(am) Section 16(b) ” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(an) Service Provider ” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(ao) Share ” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
(ap)
Stock Appreciation Right ” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 8 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(aq)
Subsidiary ” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(ar) Successor Corporation ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 16(c) of the Plan.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan .
(a)
Stock Subject to the Plan . Subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be awarded and sold under the Plan is 7,543,321 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b)
Full Value Awards . Any Shares subject to Full Value Awards will be counted against the numerical limits of this Section 3 as two Shares for every one Share subject thereto. Further, if Shares acquired pursuant to any such Award are forfeited or repurchased by the Company and would otherwise return to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(c), two times the number of Shares so forfeited or repurchased will return to the Plan and will again become available for issuance.
(c)
Lapsed Awards . If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, all of the Shares covered by the Award (that is, Shares actually issued pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right, as well as the Shares that represent payment of the exercise price) will cease to be available under the Plan. However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. Shares used to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right) will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment provided in Section 16, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the

4


Exhibit 10.6

exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan under this Section 3(c).
4. Administration of the Plan .
(a)     Procedure .
(i)
Multiple Administrative Bodies . Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii)
Section 162(m) . To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(iii)
Rule 16b-3 . To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iv)
Other Administration . Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b)
Powers of the Administrator . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i)    to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii)    to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii)
to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder;
(iv)    to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(v)
to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws;
(vi)    to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 6(c) and 21(c) of the Plan);
(vii)
to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(viii)
to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine; and
(ix)    to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c)
Effect of Administrator’s Decision . The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
(d)
Limitations on Vesting and Acceleration . Full Value Awards that result in issuing up to 5% of the maximum aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan (the “ 5% Limit ”) may be granted to any one or more Service Providers without respect to any minimum vesting provisions included in the Plan. Further, all Full Value Awards that have their vesting discretionarily accelerated by the Administrator other than upon or in connection with a Change in Control or upon or in connection with a Participant’s termination of service due to death, Disability or retirement, are subject to the 5% Limit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may, in its discretion, accelerate the vesting of Full Value Awards such that the Plan

5


Exhibit 10.6

minimum vesting requirements still must be met, without such vesting acceleration counting toward the 5% Limit. The 5% Limit shall be considered as one aggregate limit applying to the granting of Full Value Awards to Service Providers without respect to Plan minimum vesting requirements and to the discretionary vesting acceleration of Full Value Awards.
(e)
Vesting of Full Value Awards Granted to Directors . Full Value Awards that are granted on an annual basis to Directors following the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, shall become fully vested no earlier than the last day of the Director’s then current annual term of service as a member of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Full Value Awards granted pursuant to the 5% Limit or Full Value Awards that accelerate in connection with a Change in Control or upon or in connection with a Director’s termination of service due to death, Disability or retirement are not subject to the vesting provisions contained in this Section 4(e).
5. Eligibility . Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares and such other cash or stock awards as the Administrator determines may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
6. Limitations .
(a)
Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Rule . Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(b)
Section 162(m) Limitations . The following limitations shall apply to Awards under the Plan: during any Fiscal Year, no Employee will be granted: (i) Options to purchase more than 250,000 Shares; (ii) Stock Appreciation Rights covering more than 250,000 Shares; (iii) more than an aggregate of 125,000 Shares of Restricted Stock; (iv) more than an aggregate of 125,000 Restricted Stock Units; and (v) Performance Units having an initial value greater than $4,000,000, and more than 125,000 Performance Shares.
(c)
Repricings/Modifications . The Administrator may not, without first obtaining stockholder approval: (A) modify or amend an Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce the exercise price of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right after it has been granted (except for adjustments made pursuant to Section 16), or (B) cancel any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right and immediately replace it with a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower exercise price. This will include, without limitation, a repricing of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right as well as an exchange program whereby the Participant agrees to cancel an existing Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for an Option, Stock Appreciation Right or other Award.
(d)
Outside Director Award Limitations . No Outside Director may be granted, in any Fiscal Year, Awards covering Shares having an initial value greater than $500,000. Awards granted to an individual while he or she was an Employee or Consultant, but not an Outside Director, shall not count for purposes of these limitations. The foregoing limitations will be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Company’s capitalization as described in Section 16.
7. Stock Options .
(a)
Term of Option . The Administrator will determine the term of each Option in its sole discretion. Any Option granted under the Plan will not be exercisable after the expiration of seven (7) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.


6


Exhibit 10.6

(b) Option Exercise Price and Consideration .
(i)
Exercise Price . The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(b), Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii)
Waiting Period and Exercise Dates . At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii)
Form of Consideration . The Administrator will determine the acceptable form(s) of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
(c) Exercise of Option .
(i)
Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder . Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator specifies from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with an applicable withholding taxes). No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 16 of the Plan.
(ii)
Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider . If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination for Cause or as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii)
Disability of Participant . If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv)
Death of Participant . If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement

7


Exhibit 10.6

to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(v)
Termination for Cause . If a Participant’s status as a Service Provider is terminated for Cause, then the Option will immediately terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan.
(vi)
Other Termination . A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b), then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (B) the 10th day after the last date on which such exercise would result in such liability under Section 16(b). Finally, a Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option, or (B) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights .
(a)
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b)
Number of Shares . Subject to the provisions of Section 6(b), the Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Participant.
(c)
Exercise Price and Other Terms . The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, provided, however, that the exercise price will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(d)
Stock Appreciation Right Agreement . Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e)
Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights . The Administrator will determine the term of each Stock Appreciation Right in its sole discretion. Any Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will not be exercisable after the expiration of seven (7) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 7(c) also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f)
Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount . Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

8


Exhibit 10.6

(i)
The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii)    The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
8. Restricted Stock .
(a)
Grant of Restricted Stock . Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b)
Restricted Stock Agreement . Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c)
Transferability . Except as provided in this Section 9, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d)
Other Restrictions . The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e)
Removal of Restrictions . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The restrictions will lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that, with respect to Restricted Stock granted to Employees or Consultants, and except as otherwise provided in Section 15(c), Shares of Restricted Stock will not vest more rapidly than one-third (1/3rd) of the total number of Shares of Restricted Stock subject to an Award each year from the date of grant (or, if applicable, the date an Employee or Consultant begins his or her employment or service with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company), unless the Administrator determines that the Award is to vest upon the achievement of performance criteria and the period for measuring such performance will cover at least twelve (12) months. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide at the time of or following the date of grant for accelerated vesting for an Award of Restricted Stock.
(f)
Voting Rights . During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g)
Dividends and Other Distributions . During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h)
Return of Restricted Stock to Company . On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
(i)
Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions . For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Restricted Stock which is intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it

9


Exhibit 10.6

from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
9. Restricted Stock Units .
(a)
Grant . Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. Each Restricted Stock Unit grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, including all terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, the number of Restricted Stock Units and the form of payout, which, subject to Section 10(d), may be left to the discretion of the Administrator.
(b)
Vesting Criteria and Other Terms . The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the vesting criteria, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine; provided, however, that, with respect to Restricted Stock Units granted to Employees or Consultants, and except as otherwise provided in Section 15(c), an Award of Restricted Stock Units will not vest more rapidly than one-third (1/3rd) of the total number of Restricted Stock Units subject to an Award each year from the date of grant (or, if applicable, the date an Employee or Consultant begins his or her employment or service with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company), unless the Administrator determines that the Award is to vest upon the achievement of performance criteria and the period for measuring such performance will cover at least twelve (12) months. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide at the time of or following the date of grant for accelerated vesting for an Award of Restricted Stock Units.
(c)
Earning Restricted Stock Units . Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as specified in the Award Agreement.
(d)
Form and Timing of Payment . Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof. Shares represented by Restricted Stock Units that are fully paid in cash again will be available for grant under the Plan.
(e)
Cancellation . On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
(f)
Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions . For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock Units as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Restricted Stock Units which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares .
(a)
Grant of Performance Units/Shares . Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Subject to the provisions of Section 6(b), the Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units/Shares granted to each Participant.
(b)
Value of Performance Units/Shares . Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c)
Performance Objectives and Other Terms . The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company wide, divisional, or individual goals, or any other basis determined by

10


Exhibit 10.6

the Administrator in its discretion. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine; provided, however, that, with respect to Performance Units/Shares granted to Employees or Consultants, and except as otherwise provided in Section 15(c), Performance Units/Shares will not vest more rapidly than one-third (1/3rd) of the total number of Performance Units/Shares subject to an Award each year from the date of grant (or, if applicable, the date an Employee or Consultant begins his or her employment or service with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company), unless the Administrator determines that the Award is to vest upon the achievement of performance criteria and the period for measuring such performance will cover at least twelve (12) months. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide at the time of or following the date of grant for accelerated vesting for an Award of Performance Units/Shares.
(d)
Earning of Performance Units/Shares . After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved.
(e)
Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares . Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f)
Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares . On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
(g)
Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions . For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to be qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
11. Performance Based Compensation Under Section 162(m) .
(a)
General . If the Administrator, in its discretion, decides to grant an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the provisions of this Section 12 will control over any contrary provision in the Plan; provided, however, that the Administrator may in its discretion grant Awards that are not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code to such Participants that are based on Performance Goals or other specific criteria or goals but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 12.
(b)
Performance Goals . Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units and other incentives under the Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement (“ Performance Goals ”) including assets; bond rating; cash flow; cash position; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; earnings per Share; economic profit; economic value added; equity or stockholder’s equity; earnings; revenue; market share; net income; net profit; net sales; noninterest income as percent of total income; operating earnings; operating income; profit before tax; ratio of debt to debt plus equity; ratio of operating earnings to capital spending; results of regulatory reviews and examinations; return on equity; return on net assets; return on sales; sales; total return to stockholders; book value; ratio of nonperforming assets to performing assets; credit quality; loan balances; deposit balances; or measures of regulatory capital. With respect to the Company as a whole or a business unit of the Company, any Performance Goals may be: (i) used to measure specific performance levels or growth over certain performance periods, and (ii) may be measured relative to a peer group or index. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. Prior to the Determination Date, the Administrator, will determine whether any

11


Exhibit 10.6

significant element(s) will be included in or excluded from the calculation of any Performance Goal with respect to any Participant. In all other respects, Performance Goals will be calculated in accordance with the Company’s financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles, or under a methodology established by the Administrator prior to the issuance of an Award, which is consistently applied and identified in the financial statements, including footnotes, or the management discussion and analysis section of the Company’s annual report.
(c)
Procedures . To the extent necessary to comply with the performance-based compensation requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to any Award granted subject to Performance Goals, no later than the Determination Date, the Administrator will, in writing, (a) designate one or more Service Providers who would be considered a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (hereinafter a “ Covered Employee ”), (b) select the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Period, (c) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts or methods of computation of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (d) specify the relationship between Performance Goals and the amounts or methods of computation of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Administrator will certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period. In determining the amounts earned by a Covered Employee, the Administrator will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Administrator may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period. A Participant will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to an Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.
(d)
Additional Limitations . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which is granted to a Participant and is intended to constitute qualified performance based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m) of the Code) or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m) of the Code, and the Plan will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.
12. Compliance With Code Section 409A . Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A of the Code, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. Each payment or benefit under this Plan and under each Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A of the Code the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A of the Code.
13. Leaves of Absence . Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant who is an Employee will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company of the Affiliate employing the Participant or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Affiliates.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months and one day following the commencement of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
14. Transferability of Awards . Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.



12


Exhibit 10.6

15. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control .
(a)
Adjustments . In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits set forth in Sections 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
(b)
Dissolution or Liquidation . In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c)
Change in Control . In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another company or Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation (the “ Successor Corporation ”). In the event that the Successor Corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse, and, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) or, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right upon the exercise of which the Administrator determines to pay cash or a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit which the Administrator can determine to pay in cash, the fair market value of the consideration received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the Successor Corporation, the Administrator may, with the consent of the Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the case of Performance Units, the number of implied shares determined by dividing the value of the Performance Units by the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control), to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 16(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such Performance Goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such Performance Goals only to reflect the Successor Corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 16(c) to the contrary, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Section 409A of the Code and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change of control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section 16 will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A of the Code without triggering any penalties applicable under Section 409A of the Code.

13


Exhibit 10.6

16. Tax Withholding
(a)
Withholding Requirements . Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b)
Withholding Arrangements . The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (d) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld. The amount of the withholding requirement will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
17. No Effect on Employment or Service . Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
18. Date of Grant . The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
19. Term of Plan . Subject to Section 24 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Administrator. It will continue in effect until April 24, 2024, unless terminated earlier under Section 21 of the Plan.
20. Amendment and Termination of the Plan .
(a)
Amendment and Termination . The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b)
Stockholder Approval . The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c)
Effect of Amendment or Termination . No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares .
(a)
Legal Compliance . Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b)
Investment Representations . As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
22. Inability to Obtain Authority . The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder,

14


Exhibit 10.6

will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
23. Stockholder Approval . The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.


15



EXHIBIT 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
I, Greg Becker, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of SVB Financial Group;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 9, 2014
 
/s/ GREG BECKER
 
 
Greg Becker
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)





EXHIBIT 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
I, Michael Descheneaux, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of SVB Financial Group;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 9, 2014
 
/s/ MICHAEL DESCHENEAUX
 
 
Michael Descheneaux
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)





EXHIBIT 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS
I, Greg Becker, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge, the quarterly report of SVB Financial Group on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014 , (i) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) that the information contained in such Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of SVB Financial Group.
Date: May 9, 2014
 
/s/ GREG BECKER
 
 
Greg Becker
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
I, Michael Descheneaux, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge, the quarterly report of SVB Financial Group on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014 , (i) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) that the information contained in such Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of SVB Financial Group.
Date: May 9, 2014
 
/s/ MICHAEL DESCHENEAUX
 
 
Michael Descheneaux
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)