Q2 2026 East West Bancorp Inc Earnings Call

July 21, 2026

Operator 3: Good day, and welcome to East West Bancorp's Q2 2026 Earnings Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key, followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on a touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star and then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Adrienne Atkinson, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Good day, and welcome to East West Bancorp's Q2 2026 Earnings Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key, followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on a touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star and then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Adrienne Atkinson, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: East West Bancorp's second quarter 2026 earnings call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key, followed by zero. Following today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Speaker #1: Followed by zero. To ask a question, you may press star then 1 on a touchtone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then 2.

Speaker #1: Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Adrienne Atkinson, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, and thank you, everyone, for joining us to review East West Bancorp’s second quarter 2026 financial results. With me are Dominic Ng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Chris Del Moral-Niles, Chief Financial Officer; and Irene Oh, Chief Risk Officer.

Adrienne Atkinson: Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone for joining us to review East West Bancorp's Q2 2026 financial results. With me are Dominic Ng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Del Moral-Niles, Chief Financial Officer, and Irene Oh, Chief Risk Officer. This call is being recorded and will be available for replay on our investor relations website. The slide deck referenced during this call is available on our investor relations site. Management may make projections or other forward-looking statements, which may differ materially from the actual results due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Management may discuss non-GAAP financial measures. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 8-K filed today. I will now turn the call over to Dominic.

Speaker #2: This call is being recorded and will be available for replay on our Investor Relations website. The slide deck referenced during this call is available on our Investor Relations site.

Speaker #2: Management may make projections or other forward-looking statements, which may differ materially from actual results due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Management may also discuss non-GAAP financial measures.

Speaker #2: For a more detailed description of the risk factors, and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 8-K filed today.

Speaker #2: I will now turn the call over to Dominic.

Speaker #3: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us for our second quarter earnings call. I'm pleased to report that East West earned record total revenue, net interest income, and non-interest income in the second quarter.

Dominic Ng: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us for our Q2 earnings call. I'm pleased to report that East West earned record total revenue, net interest income, and non-interest income in the Q2. These results were driven by new record levels of loans and deposits. End-of-period deposits grew by 8% year over year, with strength across all deposit product categories. Notably, demand deposits accounted for more than two-thirds of this quarter total increase. Our continued focus on providing solutions to our customers helped drive a 19% increase in non-interest-bearing deposit year over year. End-of-period loans were up 7% year over year, with growth in residential mortgage and C&I further increasing the diversification of our portfolio. Non-interest income also grew to a new record in the Q2 and is up over 20% year over year. This performance has been driven by consistent execution across all our fee-based businesses.

Speaker #3: These results were driven by new record levels of loans and deposits. During the period, deposits grew by 8% year over year, with strength across all deposit product categories.

Speaker #3: Notably, demand deposits accounted for more than two-thirds of this quarter's total increase. A continued focus on providing solutions to our customers helped drive a 19% increase in non-interest-bearing deposits year over year.

Speaker #3: At the period, loans were up 7% year over year, with growth in residential mortgage and C&I further increasing the diversification of our portfolio. Non-interest income also grew to a new record in the second quarter, and is up over 20% year over year.

Speaker #3: This performance has been driven by consistent execution across all our fee-based businesses. In particular, we see continued growth opportunities in Wealth Management and have been proactive in building out this business.

Dominic Ng: In particular, we see continued growth opportunities in wealth management and have been proactive in building out this business. Our credit quality remains strong. Non-performing assets, criticized loans, and net charge-off levels all remained broadly stable and continue to reflect our disciplined approach to risk management. Our capital position remains a key advantage for East West, with a tangible common equity ratio over 10%, on which we generate a 17% return. We believe our financial strength and customer-focused strategy position us to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. I will now turn the call over to Chris to provide more details on our Q2 financial performance. Chris?

Speaker #3: Our credit quality remains strong. Non-performing assets, criticized loans, and net charge-off levels all remained broadly stable and continue to reflect our disciplined approach to risk management.

Speaker #3: Our capital position remains a key advantage for East West, with a tangible common equity ratio over 10%, on which we generate a 17% return.

Speaker #3: We believe our financial strength and customer-focused strategy position us to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. I will now turn the call over to Chris to provide more details on our second quarter financial performance.

Speaker #3: Chris?

Speaker #4: Thanks, Dominic. Let's start with the deposit slide on page 4. Our end-of-period deposits grew by $1.2 billion across our more than 700,000 customer accounts.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Thanks, Dominic. Let's start with the deposit slide on page four. Our end of period deposits grew by $1.2 billion across our more than 700,000 customer accounts. Demand deposits were up $875 million during the quarter, which accounted for the lion's share of the growth. Average DDA was up 15% year over year, reflecting the continued success of our small business checking campaigns and positive flows from tariff refunds across hundreds of our accounts. Our DDA mix grew to 26% of total deposits due to core relationship growth. We continued to shift away from CDs, wholesale, and public funds deposits and further emphasize core DDA. This ongoing shift helped us to support the margin and control our deposit costs during the quarter. Turning to loans on slide five. As Dominic mentioned, we continue to diversify our loan portfolio by emphasizing growth in residential mortgage and C&I.

Speaker #4: Demand deposits were up $875 million during the quarter, which accounted for the lion's share of the growth. Average DDA was up 15% year over year, reflecting the continued success of our small business checking campaigns and positive flows from tariff refunds across hundreds of our accounts.

Speaker #4: Our DDA mix grew to 20%—26% of total deposits—due to core relationship growth. We continued to shift away from CDs, wholesale, and public funds deposits, and further emphasize core DDA.

Speaker #4: This ongoing shift helped us to support the margin and control our deposit costs during the quarter. Turning to loans on slide 5, as Dominic mentioned, we continue to diversify our loan portfolio by emphasizing growth in residential mortgage and C&I.

Speaker #4: Residential mortgage was this quarter's standout, with over $300 million of net growth. We remain committed to our conservative underwriting approach as we continue to maintain a 50.2% average portfolio LTV in our residential book.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Residential mortgage was this quarter's standout with over $300 million of net growth. We remain committed to our conservative underwriting approach as we continue to maintain a 52% average portfolio LTV in our residential book. C&I lending balances were also up over $300 million in Q2, with notable growth in lending to financial services, equipment finance and lessors, and manufacturers and wholesalers. Our NDFI balances increased by just $24 million, reflecting expected paydowns in our private equity loan book and consumer credit portfolios, which we had anticipated and relayed last quarter. Overall, C&I loans are up 11% year over year, representing over $2 billion of net growth in that period.

Speaker #4: CNI lending balances were also up over $300 million in the second quarter, with notable growth in lending to financial services, equipment finance and lessors, and manufacturers and wholesalers.

Speaker #4: Our NDFI balances increased by just $24 million, reflecting expected paydowns in our private equity loan book and consumer credit portfolios, which we had anticipated and relayed last quarter.

Speaker #4: Overall, CNI loans are up 11% year over year, representing over $2 billion of net growth in that period. Given the 7% level of growth we've seen over the first half of the year, and the pipelines that we see looking into Q3, we are updating our guidance for full-year loan growth to now be in the range of 6 to 8% by year-end.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Given the 7% level of growth we've seen over the H1 of the year and the pipelines that we see looking into Q3, we are updating our guidance for the full-year loan growth to now be in the range of 6% to 8% by year-end. Switching to NII on margin trends on slide six. Quarterly dollar net interest income grew to a record $685 million, reflecting our balance sheet growth and improving mix shift. Our net interest margin came in at 3.43%, reflecting one less day in the quarter in line with our guidance and up notably eight basis points year over year. Our positive deposit remixing trends continued during the quarter and allowed us to further reduce our deposit costs, driving a six basis point reduction in our period end deposit cost.

Speaker #4: Switching to NII on margin trends on slide 6, quarterly dollar net interest income grew to a record $685 million, reflecting our balance sheet growth and improving mix shift.

Speaker #4: Our net interest margin came in at 3.43%, reflecting one less day in the quarter in line with our guidance, and up notably 8 basis points year over year.

Speaker #4: Our positive deposit remixing trends continued during the quarter and allowed us to further reduce our deposit costs, driving a 6 basis point reduction in our period-end deposit cost.

Speaker #4: Looking back over the past year, we have decreased interest-bearing deposit costs by 49 basis points, against a backdrop of 75 basis points of cuts in the Fed funds target.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Looking back over the past year, we have decreased interest-bearing deposit costs by 49 basis points against a backdrop of 75 basis points of cuts in the Fed funds target. Given our robust NII growth year to date, we now expect full year NII growth to be in the range of up 7% to 9%, an improvement from the prior guidance range of 6% to 8%. Moving on to fees on slide seven. Quarterly fee income grew 19% year over year to $96 million. While total fee income was down $3 million from Q1, this largely reflects the record wealth management results we reported in Q1 and a slight downtick in some derivative activity. Nonetheless, loan and deposit-related fees were up 14% year over year, reflecting our ability to grow fees as we grow the balance sheet.

Speaker #4: Given our robust NII growth year to date, we now expect full-year NII growth to be in the range of up 7% to 9%, an improvement from a prior guidance range of 6% to 8%.

Speaker #4: Moving on to fees on slide 7, quarterly fee income grew 19% year over year to $96 million. While total fee income was down $3 million from Q1, this largely reflects the record wealth management results we reported in the first quarter and a slight downtick in some derivative activity.

Speaker #4: Nonetheless, loan and deposit-related fees were up 14% year over year, reflecting our ability to grow fees as we grow the balance sheet. We remain focused on driving a healthy level of fee income and further diversifying our revenue streams.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We remain focused on driving a healthy level of fee income and further diversifying our revenue streams. We are on track to deliver double-digit year over year growth in fee income for 2026. Turning to expenses on slide eight. Total operating non-interest expenses were $268 million for Q2. Comp and benefits costs were flat quarter over quarter. However, we expect the level of comp and benefits to actually moderate over the H2 of the year. Other expense categories experienced an uptick as we continue to invest in people and platforms to sustain growth. Nonetheless, East West delivered another quarter of industry-leading efficiency. The Q2 efficiency ratio was 36.7%, consistent with the prior periods, and our operating non-interest expense to average asset ratio remained flat at 1.29%. Based on our year-to-date trends, we are narrowing our full-year expense growth guidance range to 8% to 9% versus last year.

Speaker #4: We are on track to deliver double-digit year-over-year growth in fee income for 2026. Turning to expenses, on slide 8: total operating non-interest expenses were $268 million for the second quarter.

Speaker #4: Comp and benefits costs were flat quarter over quarter. However, we expect the level of comp and benefits to actually moderate over the back half of the year.

Speaker #4: Other expense categories experienced an uptick as we continue to invest in people and platforms to sustain growth. Nonetheless, East West delivered another quarter of industry-leading efficiency. The Q2 efficiency ratio was 36.7%, consistent with our prior periods, and our operating non-interest expense to average asset ratio remained flat at 1.29%.

Speaker #4: Based on our year-to-date trends, we are narrowing our full-year expense growth guidance range to 8% to 9% versus last year. I will now hand the call over to Irene for comments on credit and capital.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I will now hand the call over to Irene for comments on credit and capital.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Chris. And good afternoon to all on the call. As you can see on slide 9, our asset quality metrics held broadly stable.

Irene Oh: Thank you, Chris, good afternoon to all on the call. As you can see on slide nine, our asset quality metrics held broadly stable. Quarter-over-quarter, non-performing assets saw a slight uptick of 3 basis points to 29 basis points as of 30 June 2026. We recorded net charge-offs of 19 basis points in Q2, or $27 million, compared to 9 basis points in Q1, or $12 million. We are reaffirming our guidance range of 15 to 25 basis points for the full year. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $33 million in Q2, compared with $36 million for Q1. Overall, we continue to remain vigilant and proactive in managing our credit risks. Turning to slide 10.

Speaker #2: Quarter over quarter, non-performing assets saw a slight uptick of 3 basis points to 29 basis points as of June 30, 2026. We recorded net charge-offs of 19 basis points in the second quarter, or $27 million, compared to 9 basis points in the first quarter, or $12 million.

Speaker #2: We are reaffirming our guidance range of 15 to 25 basis points for the full year. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $33 million in the second quarter, compared with $36 million for the first quarter. Overall, we continue to remain vigilant and proactive in managing our credit risks.

Speaker #2: Turning to slide 10, the allowance for credit losses increased $6 million to $842 million, or 1.43% of total loans as of June 30, reflecting quarter-over-quarter loan growth and portfolio mix shift.

Irene Oh: The allowance for credit losses increased $6 million to $842 million, or 1.43% of total loans as of 30 June, reflecting quarter-over-quarter loan growth and portfolio mix shift. We believe we are adequately reserved for the content of our loan portfolio given the current economic outlook. Turning to slide 11. All of East West regulatory capital ratios remain well in excess of regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions and well above regional and national bank averages. East West common equity Tier 1 capital ratio stands at a robust 15.4%, while the tangible common equity ratio now sits at 10.4%. These capital levels continue to place us amongst the best-capitalized banks in the industry. We currently have $117 million of repurchase authorization that remains available for future buybacks. East West also distributed approximately $111 million to shareholders via quarterly dividends.

Speaker #2: We believe we are adequately reserved for the content of our loan portfolio, given the current economic outlook. Turning to slide 11, all of East West's regulatory capital ratios remain well in excess of regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions, and well above regional and national bank averages.

Speaker #2: East West’s common equity Tier 1 capital ratio stands at a robust 15.4%, while the tangible common equity ratio now sits at 10.4%. These capital levels continue to place us among the best-capitalized banks in the industry.

Speaker #2: We currently have $117 million of repurchase authorizations. There remains availability for future buybacks. East West also distributed approximately $111 million to shareholders via quarterly dividends.

Speaker #2: East West's third quarter 2026 dividend will be payable on August 17, 2026, to stockholders of record on August 3, 2026. I will now turn the call back to Chris to share our outlook.

Irene Oh: East West Q3 2026 dividend will be payable on 17 August 2026, to stockholders of record on 3 August 2026. I will now turn the call back to Chris to share our outlook. Chris?

Speaker #2: Chris?

Speaker #4: Thank you, Irene. To recap, we have updated four elements for our guidance today, each of which is reflected on slide 12. Number one, we're assuming flat Fed funds through the end of the year.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Thank you, Irene. To recap, we have updated four elements for our guidance today, each of which is reflected on slide 12. Number 1, we're assuming flat Fed funds through the end of the year. Number 2, we're increasing our 2026 full year guidance for end of period loan growth. Number 3, we are increasing our full year 2026 net interest income guidance. Number 4, we're narrowing the range of our full year expense guidance. With that, I'll now open the call for questions. Operator?

Speaker #4: Number two, we're increasing our 2026 full-year guidance for end-of-period loan growth. Number three, we are increasing our full-year 2026 net interest income guidance. And number four, we're narrowing the range of our full-year expense guidance.

Speaker #4: With that, I'll now open the call for questions. Operator?

Speaker #1: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then 1 on your touch-tone phone.

Operator 3: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then two. In the interest of time, please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. We'll now pause momentarily to assemble the roster. The first question will come from Jared Shaw with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then two. In the interest of time, please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. We'll now pause momentarily to assemble the roster. The first question will come from Jared Shaw with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then 2.

Speaker #1: In the interest of time, please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. We'll now pause momentarily to assemble the roster. The first question will come from Jared Shaw with Barclays.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hey, good afternoon. Thanks. I guess maybe just starting with margin—you know, it was great trends in cost of funds. It looks like we saw a little bit of spread compression, maybe on the loan side.

Jared Shaw: Hey, good afternoon. Thanks. I guess maybe just starting with margin. Those great trends in cost of funds. It looks like we saw a little bit of spread compression maybe on the loan side. How should we think about some of those components going forward in this flat rate environment? Is there still an expectation that loan yields grind lower from here?

Speaker #5: How should we think about some of those components going forward in this flat-rate environment? Is there, you know, still an expectation that loan yields grind lower from here?

Speaker #4: Well, Jared, we're focused on, first of all, hitting our net interest income targets, and those continue to come along quite nicely. Absolutely, we consider margin dynamics overall.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Well, Jared, we're focused on, first of all, hitting our net interest income targets, and those continue to come along quite nicely. Absolutely, we consider margin dynamics. Overall, we expect our margin to hold relatively stable as we look to a relatively stable Fed funds environment. That having been said, yes, we're seeing some marginal compression or grinding, as you put it, on loan. Part of that was mix driven, and part of that was some one-time accretion benefits that we saw in Q1, which partly offset by some negative items that we saw in Q2. That having been said, our general outlook is we're going to hold the margin relatively stable and continue to grind out stronger NII through balance sheet growth over the balance of the year.

Speaker #4: We expect our margin to hold relatively stable as we look to a relatively stable Fed funds environment. That having been said, yes, we're seeing some marginal compression or grinding, as you put it, on loans; part of that was mix-driven and part of that was some one-time accretion benefits that we saw in the first quarter, which were partly offset by some negative items that we saw in the second quarter.

Speaker #4: That having been said, our general outlook is we're going to hold the margin relatively stable and continue to grind out stronger NII through balance sheet growth over the balance of the year.

Speaker #4: Obviously, there'll be some deposit competition factors that we're very mindful of and very thoughtful about as we think about how we're going to roll over and reprice, particularly our CDs, in Q3.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Obviously, there'll be some deposit competition factors that we're very mindful of and very thoughtful about as we think about how we're going to roll over and reprice, particularly our CDs in Q3. So far, our customers have hung with us even as we've been pricing below what might be considered top of market by a decent amount, and a reflection of the customer relationships that we have and our ability to manage those at the branch level.

Speaker #4: But so far, our customers have stuck with us, even as we've been pricing below what might be considered top of market by a decent amount.

Speaker #4: And a reflection of the customer relationships that we have and our ability to manage those at the branch level.

Speaker #5: Okay. All right. Thanks. I guess on the deposit side, you called out the DDA growth, part of that coming from tariff benefits.

Jared Shaw: Okay. All right. Thanks. I guess on the deposit side, you called out the DDA growth part of that coming from tariff benefits. What's the expectation of those balances staying through? Are customers going to be deploying that windfall? Could you remind us of what the CD roll-off is in Q3?

Speaker #5: What's the expectation of those balances staying through, or are customers going to be deploying that windfall? And could you remind us of what the CD rolloff is in the third quarter?

Speaker #4: Sure. Let me take those in backward order. The CD rolloff in the third quarter will be $13 billion, and we're proactively pricing that today.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure. Let me take those in backwards order. The CD roll-off in Q3 will be $13 billion, and we're proactively pricing that today at 360 on a 6 month and 375 on a 12 month, although we'll be looking at those levels as we migrate through the quarter. In all likelihood, we'll be a little bit more competitive later in the quarter. With respect to tariff deposits, yes, we did see inflows. We estimate roughly somewhere between 200 and 250 of the period end balance likely reflected net excess tariff-related inflows. What we saw throughout the quarter is money came in and money went out. We would tell you that of the 200, 250 that was there at quarter end, most of it has already gone back to wherever it needs to go.

Speaker #4: At $360 and $375—$360 on a 6-month and $375 on a 12-month—although we'll be looking at those levels as we migrate through the quarter.

Speaker #4: In all likelihood, we'll be a little bit more competitive later in the quarter. With respect to tariff deposits, yes, we did see inflows. We estimate roughly between $200 and $250 million of the period-end balance likely reflected net excess tariff-related inflows.

Speaker #4: But what we saw throughout the quarter is money came in and money went out. And so we would tell you that of the $200, $250 that was there at quarter end, most of it has already gone back to wherever it needed to go.

Speaker #4: On the other hand, there are ongoing tariff deposits coming in, still under those refund programs, and they'll likely continue into August.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: On the other hand, there are ongoing tariff deposits coming in still under those refund programs, and they'll likely continue into August.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Jared Shaw: Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Casey Hare with Autonomous Research. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Casey Haire with Autonomous Research. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Casey Haire with Autonomous Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon, Casey. Casey, you might be on mute. Casey, going once. All right. Next one, Operator.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Afternoon, Casey. Casey, you might be on mute JC, going once. All right, next one, operator.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Dave Rochester with Canter. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Dave Rochester with Cantor. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Dave Rochester with Cantor. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon, Casey.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Afternoon, Dave.

Operator 2: Hey, good afternoon, guys. Just maybe one quick one on expenses on the guide. It looks like you would need to see a decrease from that Q2 level in the back half of the year. Chris, you spoke to moderating comp expense going forward earlier. Is that primarily where you're going to see the decrease to be able to hit that guide? What is it that made that comp line elevated this quarter?

David Rochester: Hey, good afternoon, guys. Just maybe one quick one on expenses on the guide. It looks like you would need to see a decrease from that Q2 level in the back half of the year. Chris, you spoke to moderating comp expense going forward earlier. Is that primarily where you're going to see the decrease to be able to hit that guide? What is it that made that comp line elevated this quarter?

Speaker #6: Hey, good afternoon, guys. Just maybe one quick one on expenses on the guide. It looks like you would need to see a decrease from that Q2 level in the back half of the year.

Speaker #6: And Chris, you spoke to moderating comp expense going forward earlier. Is that primarily where you're going to see the decrease to be able to hit that guide?

Speaker #6: And then, what is it that made that comp line elevated this quarter?

Speaker #4: Sure. I think you've probably heard two or three of our peer banks talk about deferred comp expenses this quarter, and so we, too, have a deferred comp plan, and that's part of it.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure. I think you've probably heard two or three of our peer banks talk about deferred comp expenses this quarter.

Operator 2: Yep.

David Rochester: Yep.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We too have a deferred comp plan, and that's part of it, obviously. We also had some changes to way we think about vacation pay around here that influenced that number this quarter. Those two things will moderate out, therefore the comp line, certainly in Q3, and likely dampen what would otherwise be growth in Q4. That gives us comfort that overall expense levels remain relatively stable as we move through the back half of the year.

Speaker #4: Obviously, we also had some changes to the way we think about vacation pay around here. That influenced that number this quarter. But those two things will moderate out; therefore, the comp line, certainly in Q3, and likely dampen what would otherwise be growth in Q4.

Speaker #4: And so that gives us comfort that overall expense levels remain relatively stable as we move through the back half of the year.

Speaker #6: Great. And then just back on the DDA growth. Again, that was outstanding. I know some of this is coming from the tariff benefit. Have you guys changed any of your banker incentives or anything else that could support that going forward as you focus to shift towards more DDA?

Operator 2: Great. Just back on the DDA growth. Again, that was outstanding. I know some of this is coming from the tariff benefit. Have you guys changed any of your banker incentives or anything else that could support that going forward as you focus to shift towards more DDA?

David Rochester: Great. Just back on the DDA growth. Again, that was outstanding. I know some of this is coming from the tariff benefit. Have you guys changed any of your banker incentives or anything else that could support that going forward as you focus to shift towards more DDA?

Speaker #4: I think it's been more a change of messaging, direction, and focus. That combination has resulted in, I think, a behavioral shift, where people have seen the light on the need to essentially go door to door and make sure that we are evangelizing the East-West value proposition as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think it's been more a change of messaging, direction, and focus. That combination has resulted in, I think, a behavioral shift where people have seen the light on the need to essentially go door to door and make sure that we are evangelizing the East West value proposition as efficiently and effectively as possible. That continues to work really well in our core markets.

Speaker #4: And that continues to work really well in our core markets. I mean, on the retail banking side, we have a focus on getting our retail bankers to go after small business checking accounts.

Dominic Ng: We have.

Operator 2: All right.

David Rochester: All right.

Dominic Ng: I mean, on the retail banking side, we have a focus on getting our retail bankers to go after small business checking accounts. That campaign has been going pretty well. In fact, it done really well last year. It continued to do well this year. Getting them to focus on commercial banking clients. Small business, one small business at a time. Now, that's not to say they are not taking care of retail consumer clients, as that's always their core business. They have continued to bring in retail consumer core customers. Meanwhile, they're also out there in the market, on the street, and then talking to small business one at a time. So far, they've generated some pretty decent momentum. I think that clearly contribute to our growth of non-interest-bearing deposits.

Speaker #4: And that campaign has been going pretty well. In fact, it did really well last year and continued to do well this year, getting them to focus on commercial banking clients.

Speaker #4: The small business—small business—one small business at a time. Now, that's not to say they are not taking care of retail consumer clients, as that's always their core business.

Speaker #4: They have continued to bring in retail consumer core customers. But meanwhile, they're also out there in the market, on the street, and talking to small businesses one at a time, and so far, they've generated some pretty decent momentum.

Speaker #4: I think that clearly contributes to our growth of non-interest-bearing deposits.

Speaker #6: Sounds good. Thanks, guys.

Operator 2: Sounds good. Thanks, guys.

David Rochester: Sounds good. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from David Smith with Truist Securities. Please go ahead.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Thank you.

Operator 3: The next question will come from David Smith with Truist Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from David Smith with Truist Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Good afternoon.

David Smith: Good afternoon.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon.

Speaker #5: Hey, good afternoon. C&I growth was pretty strong. Can you talk about the range of industries driving this? Are there a few standouts, or is it a pretty diverse set of sectors at work?

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Hey, good afternoon.

David Smith: Hey, good afternoon.

David Smith: C&I growth was pretty strong. Can you talk about the range of industries driving this? Are there a few standouts, or is it a pretty diverse set of sectors at work? Then if you could compare that breadth to what you were also seeing a quarter ago, please.

Speaker #5: And then, if you could compare that breadth to what you were also seeing a quarter ago, please.

Speaker #4: Sure. So I think in the first quarter, by contrast, we saw a very significant uptick in private equity capital call line activity in particular. We called out at the end of the first quarter that we expected to see that volume pay down.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure. I think in Q1, by contrast, we saw a very significant uptick in our private equity capital call line activity in particular. We called out at the end of Q1 that we expected to see that volume pay down. In fact, that's exactly what we saw in April and into early May. In Q2, we saw a pickup in financial services, equipment finance, lessor financing, and as well as manufacturers and wholesale distribution borrowings. All of those sectors contributed to this quarter's growth range, while we continued to obviously have a strong growth as well in residential mortgage.

Speaker #4: And in fact, that's exactly what we saw in April and into early May. In the second quarter, we saw a pickup in financial services.

Speaker #4: Equipment finance, lessee financing, as well as manufacturers and wholesale distribution borrowings—all of those sectors contributed to this quarter’s growth range.

Speaker #4: While we continue to obviously have strong growth as well in residential mortgage, those two portfolios together accounted for the larger part of the total growth, and we're certainly delighted to see both the breadth and diversification of the C&I book, and the continued conservative quality of the residential mortgage book, drive our loan growth.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Those two portfolios together accounted for the larger part of the total growth, and we're certainly delighted to see both the breadth and diversification of the C&I book and the continued conservative quality of the residential mortgage book drive our loan growth.

Speaker #5: Thanks. And then, just for the loan growth this year, I assume that should continue to be predominantly C&I and residential mortgage into the second half?

David Smith: Thanks. Just for the loan growth this year, assume that should continue to be predominantly C&I and residential mortgage into H2?

Speaker #4: We continue to be focused on attaining a third, a third, a third diversification at some point in the future. And so, as we look at our balance sheet mix today, we still find ourselves a little underweight in residential mortgage.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We continue to be focused on attaining a third, a third, a third diversification at some point in the future. As we look at our balance sheet mix today, we still find ourselves a little underweight in resi mortgage. So we're happy to see that be the standout this quarter and expect that we'll have a good quarter in Q3 as well. We obviously are continuously focused on growing our C&I business, and that's there. We're at 34% C&I of total loans right now. We intend to defend that level and hopefully improve on it a bit. Together, those two will chip away at the allocation to CRE, which at 37% is still a little heavier than our long-term vision, we're very comfortable with our clients in that space. We're very comfortable with our portfolio.

Speaker #4: So we're happy to see that be the standout this quarter, and expect that we'll have a good quarter in Q3 as well. We obviously are continuously focused on growing our C&I business, and that's there.

Speaker #4: We're at 34% C&I to total loans right now. We intend to defend that level and hopefully improve on it a bit. And together, those two will chip away at the allocation to CRE, which at 37% is still a little heavier than our long-term vision, but we're very comfortable with our clients in that space.

Speaker #4: We're very comfortable with our portfolio. We're very comfortable with the credits. And so, there's no intent for us to shrink those portfolios. It's just that we're growing all of our portfolios in a balanced manner.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We're very comfortable with the credits, there's no intent for us to shrink those portfolios. It's just that we're growing all of our portfolios in a balanced manner.

Speaker #5: All right. Thank you.

David Smith: All right. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Anand Kesalia with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Manan Gosalia with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Manan Gosalia with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon.

Speaker #5: Okay.

Speaker #7: Hey, good afternoon. Maybe on the NIB deposits again. So if I understood your comments correctly, just given the day-related deposits coming in and going out, is it fair to say that the average deposit number in Q2 is the right number to grow off of, as opposed to the end-of-period number?

Manan Gosalia: Hey, good afternoon. Maybe on the NIB deposits again. If I understood your comments correctly, just given the tariff-related deposits coming in and going out, is it fair to say that the average deposit number in Q2 is the right number to grow off of as opposed to the end of period number?

Speaker #4: That's part of the reason I mentioned the 15% average quarter-over-quarter in my comments. Yes, good catch.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: That's part of the reason I mentioned the 15% average quarter-over-quarter in my comments. Yes, good catch.

Speaker #7: Okay, that's fine. And then, as we think about the jumping-off deposit rates, right—you mentioned that you might take another look at the 6- to 12-month promo deposits that you're offering.

Manan Gosalia: Okay. Perfect. As we think about the jumping off deposit rates, right? You mentioned that you might take another look at the six to 12 month promo deposits that you're offering. As we look at some of these deposit rates on slide six, the 2.76% on interest-bearing deposit cost spot, and then the 2.04% on total deposit costs. I guess, is that 2.76% the right number to jump off of for Q3 and Q4?

Speaker #7: But as we look at some of these deposit rates, on slide 6—the 2.76% on interest-bearing deposit cost spot, and then the 2.04% on total deposit cost—is that, I guess, is that 2.76% the right number to jump off of for Q3 and Q4?

Speaker #4: Yeah, I mean, that is the end-of-period deposit cost, so that's the right launch point. And I think what we're trying to figure out is where we think that number lines up relative to the competitive landscape.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Yeah, that is the end of period deposit cost, that's the right launch point. I think what we're trying to figure out is where do we think that number lines up relative to the competitive landscape as we move forward through the balance of the year. As we sit here today, I think we recognize there are a number of smaller banks and some larger banks that are offering deposit rates well above where we are. That having been said, we continue to see progress and expect to see more progress on our DDA over the balance of the year. We're not sure we need to stretch for the highest yield. I think we need to focus on making sure we're servicing our customers on a holistic basis across all of their deposit and lending needs.

Speaker #4: As we move forward through the balance of the year, and as we sit here today, I think we can recognize there are a number of smaller banks and some larger banks that are offering deposit rates well above where we are.

Speaker #4: That having been said, we continue to see progress and expect to see more progress on our DDA over the balance of the year. And so we're not sure we need to stretch for the highest yield, and I think we need to focus on making sure we're servicing our customers on a holistic basis across all of their deposit and lending needs.

Speaker #4: And that relationship, we think, is worth a few basis points.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: That relationship, we think, is worth a few basis points.

Speaker #7: Got it. Thank you.

Manan Gosalia: Got it. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from David Chiaverini with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from David Chiaverini with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from David Chiaverini with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon, David.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon, David.

Speaker #5: Hi. Thanks for taking the questions. On net interest income, how you raised the guide to 7 to 9 from 6 to 8—is the main driver of that the DDA deposit growth?

David Chiaverini: Hi. Thanks for taking the questions. On net interest income, how you raised the guide to seven to nine from six to eight. Is the main driver of that the DDA deposit growth? Can you talk through that?

Speaker #5: Can you talk through that?

Speaker #4: Well, I think it's both, because we're also raising the loan growth. And so, the asset growth profile of the bank, I think, is coming in a little stronger.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Well, I think it's both because we're also raising the loan growth, the asset growth profile of the bank, I think, is coming in a little stronger. In part because overall deposits have come in. Added to that is the fact that some of those deposits have come in in Non-Interest-Bearing. The combination of the fact that deposit growth and loan growth continue to come in perhaps better than we would've expected earlier in the year is a positive. Coupled with the fact that we are getting some of those deposits or in fact the majority of those deposits in a lower cost framework allows us to lift the guide.

Speaker #4: In part because overall deposits have come in. Added to that is the fact that some of those deposits have come in as non-interest-bearing.

Speaker #4: And so the combination of the fact that deposit growth and loan growth continue to come in perhaps better than we would have expected earlier in the year is a positive.

Speaker #4: Coupled with the fact that we are getting some of those deposits, or the majority of those deposits, in a lower cost framework, allows us to lift the guide.

Speaker #5: Great, thanks for that. And then on rate sensitivity, you mentioned stable NIM with a stable Fed funds rate. How should we think about the impact on East West if we do get a rate hike?

David Chiaverini: Great. Thanks for that. On rate sensitivity, you mentioned about stable NIM with a stable Fed funds. How should we think about if we do get a rate hike, the impact on East West?

Speaker #4: We are modestly asset-sensitive, and we’ve said in the past that we think a 25 basis point rate hike or rate cut probably costs us about $2 million a month, with about a 45-day lag.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We are modestly asset sensitive, and we've said in the past that we think a 25 basis point rate hike or rate cut probably costs us about $2 million a month with about a 45-day lag.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

David Chiaverini: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Yep.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Yep.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Timur Braziler with UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Timur Braziler with UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Timur Braziler with UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon.

Speaker #7: Hi, good afternoon. Looking at the CD repricing, I'm assuming you're now starting to get into some of the back end of '25 production that I think was in the third or fourth quarters.

Timur Braziler: Hi, good afternoon. Looking at the CD repricing, I'm assuming you're now starting to get into some of the back end of 2025 production that I think was in the 3.40s and now coming in kind of 3.60, 3.70. Is that the right way to think about it? Do CD costs start going up here? I'm just wondering to what extent is the expectation internally that some of the growth in DDA will be a gating factor in maybe containing some of those CD costs going higher?

Speaker #7: And now, coming in kind of 3/6, 3/7—is that the right way to think about it? Does CD cost start going up here? And I'm just wondering, to what extent is the expectation internally that some of the growth in DDA will be a gating factor in maybe containing some of those CD costs going higher?

Speaker #4: I think we've been relatively both successful and pleased by our ability to retain the CD book here through the second quarter. And the majority of our CD book has, in fact, been around the six-month maturity.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think we've been relatively both successful and pleased by our ability to retain the CD book here through Q2. The majority of our CD book has in fact been around the 6-month maturity. So most of the lower level 3.40 special type dollars already repriced into 3.60 or 3.68, which is where we ran our Lunar New Year CD campaign earlier this year. The baseline for those repricings will be what happens in August and September. That's what we're looking at is given that those were at 3.68, what's the right level to price to retain those as we sit here in July looking out to what's going to come rolling in in August and September.

Speaker #4: And so, most of the lower-level 3/40 special-type dollars have already repriced into 3/60 or 3/68, which is where we ran our Lunar New Year CD campaign.

Speaker #4: Earlier this year. And so, the baseline for those repricings will be what happens in August and September. And that's what we're looking at: given that those were at 3.68%, what's the right level to price to retain those as we sit here in July, looking out to what's going to come rolling in in August and September?

Speaker #4: And we haven't quite decided how we'll land on that, but I think we're looking at a variety of maturity structures, in part to spread that out over a longer horizon.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We haven't quite decided how we'll land on that, I think we're looking at a variety of maturity structures, in part to spread out that over a longer horizon. In part because to the extent the forwards are telling us rates might move forward it could help pay for it over the longer term. We're pricing for retention, not necessarily for CD balance expansion.

Speaker #4: And in part because, to the extent the forwards are telling us rates might move forward, it could help pay for it over the longer term.

Speaker #4: But we're pricing for retention, not necessarily for CD balance expansion.

Speaker #7: Got it. Helpful. Thank you. And then, as a follow-up, I would love to hear how you are thinking about that $100 billion threshold, both in terms of LFI-related expense and maybe what that means for capital optionality here.

Timur Braziler: Got it. Helpful. Thank you. As a follow-up, would love to hear how you are thinking about that $100 billion threshold, both in terms of LFI related expense and maybe what that means for capital optionality here.

Speaker #4: Sure. Well, we continue to have a significant level of capital optionality. We continue to be focused on driving ourselves to be the best operational bank we can be, making the investments in things like cyber, resiliency, and backup that we think support having a high-quality, high-performing bank.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure. Well, we continue to have a significant level of capital optionality. We continue to be focused on driving ourselves to be the best operational bank we can be. Making the investments in things like cyber resiliency backup that we think support having a high quality, high performing bank. The emphasis regulatorily wise seems to have shifted to one of safety and soundness From a safety and soundness perspective, while East West Bank perhaps can't claim to be too big to fail, we aim and strive to be too strong to fail. We've consistently made sure we have the capital and the liquidity profile to support that. That's been the emphasis and focus. Dominic, would you care to add to that?

Speaker #4: The emphasis, regulatorily-wise, seems to have shifted to one of safety and soundness. And from a safety and soundness perspective, while East West Bank perhaps can't claim to be too big to fail, we aim and strive to be too strong to fail.

Speaker #4: And we've consistently made sure we had the capital and the liquidity profile to support that. And that's been the emphasis and focus. Dominic, would you care to add to that?

Speaker #3: Yeah. That sounds good.

Dominic Ng: Yeah. No, it sounds good.

Speaker #7: Great. Thank you.

Timur Braziler: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Ibrahim Punawala with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Ebrahim Poonawala with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Ebrahim Poonawala with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hey, good afternoon.

Ebrahim Poonawala: Hey, good afternoon.

Speaker #7: Good afternoon, EB.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon, IB.

Speaker #6: Hey. Hey. Okay. Maybe just on capital, just maybe revisit that one. Given the trajectory you're on, do you see capital levels building? I'm assuming you're okay with it.

Ebrahim Poonawala: Hey, Chris. Maybe just on capital. Just maybe revisit that. One, given the trajectory you're on, do you see capital levels building? I'm assuming you're okay with it. In your priorities you list buybacks below M&A. Is it just that you like buybacks even less than you like M&A, or should we read anything into that?

Speaker #6: And in your priorities, you list buybacks below M&A. Is it just that you like buybacks even less than you like M&A, or should we read anything into that?

Speaker #4: I think that's a pretty standard lineup for us here. And given that we haven't done M&A in now going on 12 years, it's clearly not the first burner.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think that's a pretty standard lineup for us here. Given that we haven't done M&A in now going on 12 years, it's clearly not the first burner, but obviously focusing on organic growth is the primary driver. From a total capital perspective, we feel very comfortable, in fact, proud of maintaining a 10 plus percent tangible common equity level. From a capital distribution and return profile, we think our current dividend is very competitive, but we'll obviously look to revisit that from time to time. I think the market is one where there will be opportunities for disciplined M&A, but in the absence of that, we obviously have been very opportunistic, even this year in share repurchases, and will remain very opportunistic going forward.

Speaker #4: But obviously, focusing on organic growth is the primary driver. From a total capital perspective, we feel very comfortable. In fact, we are proud of maintaining a 10-plus percent tangible common equity level.

Speaker #4: From a capital distribution and return profile, we think our current dividend is very competitive, but we'll obviously look to revisit that from time to time.

Speaker #4: And I think the market is one where there will be opportunities for disciplined M&A, but in the absence of that, we obviously have been very opportunistic, even this year, in share repurchases.

Speaker #4: And we'll remain very opportunistic going forward.

Speaker #3: Okay. Yeah. I'll just add a little bit more. All of us here are professional hired guns at East West Bank, and we don't like or dislike M&A, or buybacks, or anything.

Dominic Ng: Okay. Yeah, I'll just add a little bit more. All of us here are professional hired guns at East West Bank, we don't like or dislike M&A or buyback or anything. We love our shareholders. What we do is that we always weight each opportunity against the other, we do it on a regular basis. Our instant reflex is that whenever there is, let's say, an M&A opportunity, we assess, evaluate, we weigh against, is it better to do this versus just go ahead and buyback, right? Those are the things that we're constantly evaluating, we are very neutral, there's nothing particular that we either like or dislike. We're just going to do whatever we think is the best option that enhance long-term shareholder values.

Speaker #3: We love our shareholders. So, what we do is that we always weigh each opportunity against the other, and we do it on a regular basis.

Speaker #3: Our sort of instant reflex is that whenever there is a, let's say, an M&A opportunity, we assess, evaluate, and then we weigh it against, "Is it better to do this versus just go ahead and do a buyback?" Right?

Speaker #3: So those are the things that we are constantly evaluating. And we are very neutral, and there’s nothing particular that we either like or dislike. We’re just going to do whatever we think is the best option that enhances long-term shareholder value.

Speaker #3: But what we also keep in mind is that long-term shareholder value may not come if we don't do well short-term. So that's what you're seeing—this record earnings after record earnings, and then record whatever.

Dominic Ng: We also keep in mind is that long-term shareholder values may not come if we don't do well short term. That's what you're seeing, this record earnings after record earnings and a record whatever. It's because the strong performance quarter after quarter is the best validation that we have the ability to sustain long-term growth and long-term shareholders return. In that standpoint, we actually don't take this buyback or not buyback lightly. We're just looking at the entire East West Bank situation, we're also looking at the global landscape in terms of what's happening in this world. We make our decision about what is the appropriate time to execute whatever is best for our shareholders. That's what we do.

Speaker #3: It's because the strong performance, quarter after quarter, is the best validation that we have the ability to sustain long-term growth and long-term shareholders' returns.

Speaker #3: So from that standpoint, we actually don't take these buyback—or not buyback—decisions lightly. We're looking at the entire East West Bank situation, and we're also looking at the global landscape in terms of what's happening in the world.

Speaker #3: And we make our decision about what is the appropriate time to execute whatever is best for our shareholders. That's what we do.

Speaker #6: Got it. Very clear. And I guess maybe just on the fee side—so, good growth over the last several quarters. We have seen fees kind of bounce around in this $90 million range over the last three or four quarters.

Ebrahim Poonawala: Got it. Very clear. I guess maybe just on the fee side, good growth over the last several quarters. We have seen fees kind of bounce around in this $90 million range over the last three or four quarters. Just talk to us in terms of the trajectory of that, like the growth that we've seen year-over-year. Is that repeatable on fees? Maybe if you can spend some time on the wealth management side. You've talked about this in the past, like where are we investing and what should we expect in terms of the growth for that sort of revenue stream and the opportunity there? Thank you.

Speaker #6: Just talk to us in terms of the trajectory of that. The growth that we've seen year over year—is that repeatable on fees? And maybe, if we can spend some time on the wealth management side, you've talked about this in the past.

Speaker #6: Where are we investing, and what should we expect in terms of growth for that sort of revenue stream and the opportunity there? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Sure. So, thank you, EB, for the question. I would note that wealth management fees, if you're looking at page nine of the press release tables, are up 71% year over year over the first six months.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure. Thank you, IB, for the question. I would note wealth management fees, if you're looking at page nine of the press release tables, are up 71% year-over-year over the H1. Clearly, that's been a market opportunity for us. We have leaned into that opportunity with new hiring. We have leaned into that opportunity with investments in the platform and the people and the talent to drive that business further forward. We continue to think that is an area where there'll be additional opportunities for growth as we look through the back half of this year and into next year. We're certainly investing in the people and the platform to do so. Commercial and consumer deposit related fees have also been growing nicely. They're also up more than 15% year-over-year, H1.

Speaker #4: Clearly, that's been a market opportunity for us. We have leaned into that opportunity with new hiring. We have leaned into that opportunity with investments in the platform, and in the people and talent, to drive that business further forward.

Speaker #4: And we continue to think that is an area where there will be additional opportunities for growth as we look through the back half of this year and into next year.

Speaker #4: We're certainly investing in the people and the platform to do so. Commercial and consumer deposit-related fees have also been growing nicely; they're also up more than 15% year over year.

Speaker #4: Six months. And again, we see that as an area where we have been able to introduce new solutions to our clients—not push solutions.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Again, we see that as an area where we have been able to push new solutions. Not push solutions. We've been able to offer new solutions to our clients that have resulted in additional uptake, which has been quite positive. FX loan-related fees also up quite nicely. Taken together, all fees up 15% year-over-year gives us comfort that our double-digit growth aspiration is very much attainable for the full year 2026.

Speaker #4: We've been able to offer new solutions to our clients that have resulted in additional uptake, which has been quite positive. FX loan-related fees are also up quite nicely.

Speaker #4: Taken together, all fees are up 15% year over year. That gives us comfort that our double-digit growth aspiration is very much sustainable for the full year 2026.

Speaker #6: Got it. And it sounds like, Chris, if all else is equal and the macro remains more or less the same, the runway to deliver sort of double-digit growth—the kind of growth that you're seeing in wealth—there's still meaningful runway on both fronts.

Ebrahim Poonawala: Got it. Sounds like, Chris, if all else equal, macro remains more or less the same, the runway to deliver sort of double-digit growth, the kind of growth that you're seeing in wealth, there's still meaningful runway on both fronts, overall fees as well as the growth on the wealth side.

Speaker #6: Overall fees, as well as the growth on the wealth side.

Speaker #4: We absolutely—I'm not calling for a sustained 70% year-over-year growth, but I am calling for continued growth. I'm hoping that the investments we're making in the people and the platforms will continue to pay dividends to us and our shareholders in the quarters ahead.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I'm not calling for a sustained 70% year-over-year growth. I'm hoping that the investments we're making in the people and the platforms will continue to pay dividends to us and our shareholders in the quarters ahead.

Speaker #6: Understood. Thank you.

Ebrahim Poonawala: Understood. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Chris McGrady with KBW. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Chris McGratty with KBW. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Chris McGratty with KBW. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon, Chris.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon, Chris.

Speaker #5: Hi, good afternoon, everybody. Chris, maybe on the NII guide up—this is the second quarter in a row—you tightened up the expenses with it. If we are sitting here in six months and the NII growth is perhaps better than even this, does your expense guide move?

Chris McGratty: Hi. Good afternoon, everybody. Chris, maybe on the NII guide up the Q2 in a row, you tightened up the expenses with it. If we are sitting here in six months and the NII growth is perhaps better than even this, does your expense guide move, or is that kind of baked?

Speaker #5: Or is that kind of vague?

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I guess I would look at it slightly differently. I think we're guiding to NII that we think is in line with the current expectations for the flat curve and the growth that we see ahead. I think we're giving you a guide for expenses that recognizes the current trajectory. To the extent that, for example, in particular, fee income lines grew, the marginal efficiency ratio in those lines is slightly higher. As both Dominic and I have said in the past, we see the efficiency ratio as an output, but it's one that we tie to additional revenue growth. To the extent that we are coming in hotter on expenses, as I sit here today, I would think that would only be driven if we came in better on revenue growth.

Speaker #4: I guess I would look at it slightly differently. I think we're guiding to NII that we think is in line with the current expectations for the flat curve and the growth that we see ahead.

Speaker #4: And I think we're giving you a guide for expenses that recognizes the current trajectory. But to the extent that, for example—in particular, fee income lines grew—the marginal efficiency ratio in those lines is slightly higher.

Speaker #4: And so, as both John and I have said in the past, we see the efficiency ratios as an output, but it's one that will be tied to additional revenue growth.

Speaker #4: So, to the extent that we are coming in hotter on expenses as I sit here today, I would think that would only be driven if we came in better on revenue growth.

Speaker #5: Okay, great. And then just coming back to the NIBs, it's 26% on an end-of-period mix and 25% on average.

Chris McGratty: Okay, great. Just coming back to the NIBs, it's 26% on an end of period mix and 25% on average.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Up from 24% too.

Speaker #4: Outcome 24, too.

Speaker #5: Exactly. I just want to make sure that the guide assumes what, in terms of mix? Similar mix, or any tweak either way?

Chris McGratty: Exactly. Just want to make sure that the guide assumes what in terms of mix. Similar mix? Any tweak either way?

Speaker #4: Yeah, I think we're assuming today, given a flat-rate environment and a relatively stable mix, that our growth trajectory will continue. But that obviously means growing dollar balances as we continue to grow deposits through the end of the year.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Yeah, I think we're assuming today, given a flat rate environment, relatively stable mix to our growth trajectory. That obviously means growing dollar balances as we continue to grow deposits through the end of the year.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. Thank you.

Chris McGratty: Okay, great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Afternoon.

Speaker #6: Maybe—good afternoon, everyone. I wanted to ask about the uptick in CNI criticized. It looks like your CNI reserve was down a little bit, so probably not something you're too concerned about.

Matthew Clark: Hey, good afternoon, everyone. Wanted to ask about the uptick in C&I criticize. It looks like your C&I reserve was down a little bit, so probably not something you're too concerned about it, but anything within that bucket to call out or anything lumpy? Also just the uptick in CRE non-performers?

Speaker #6: But anything within that bucket to call out, or anything lumpy? And then also just the uptick in FURI performers?

Speaker #3: Yeah, good question. On the CNI Criticize, we did look at—we obviously go through a process where we’re getting annual financial statements, quarterly in some situations.

Irene Oh: Yeah. Good question. On the C&I criticize, we obviously go through a process where we're getting annual financial statements quarterly in some situations. There were some where there were cash flow reductions, which is why we downgraded those to a special mention. With that said, in those same reviews, there are many loans that we upgraded from substandard, and that's why, as you noted, overall, the allowance for C&I, the drivers of those, ultimately the coverage, the amount that we needed was a little bit lower quarter over quarter. I think your second question was on CRE in general. Overall, when we look at the CRE non-performing, there were about four loans that moved into non-performing.

Speaker #3: And there were some where there were cash flow reductions, which is why we downgraded those to special mention. With that said, in those same reviews, there were many loans that we upgraded from substandard.

Speaker #3: And that's why, as you noted, overall, the allowance for CNI, the drivers of those—ultimately, the coverage of the amount that we needed—was a little bit lower quarter over quarter.

Speaker #3: And I think your second question was on CRE in general. Overall, when we look at the CRE non-performing, when we look at CRE non-performing, there were about four loans that moved into non-performing.

Speaker #3: I would say we've always taken a very kind of conservative view as far as reserving and charge-offs, and some of those were resolved in the quarter or subsequent to the quarter.

Irene Oh: I would say we've always taken a very conservative view as far as reserving and net charge-offs, and some of those were resolved in the quarter or subsequent to the quarter. We don't believe there's a lot of loss content as of 30 June in a go-forward basis from those that flew into non-performing.

Speaker #3: We don't believe there's a lot of loss content as of 6:30, on a go-forward basis, from those that flew into non-performing.

Speaker #6: Okay, great. And then the other one for me, just on M&A—you made a comment in the deck about disciplined M&A. Can you just remind us of the type of bank or organization you'd ideally want?

Matthew Clark: Okay, great. The other one for me, just on M&A, your comment in the deck about disciplined M&A. Can you just remind us of the type of bank or organization you'd ideally want? We've talked about wealth, in recent months. I assume you'd want it to have a wealth component in an Asian American market to some degree, but any updated thoughts on the criteria there?

Speaker #6: We've talked about wealth in recent months. I assume you'd want it to have a wealth component in the Asian American market to some degree, but any updated thoughts on the criteria there?

Speaker #4: I think banks generally are sold more so than bought. And so, I think, as Dominic pointed out earlier, when things become known to us, we dive in and we take a good look at evaluating if they make sense.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think banks generally are sold more so than bought. I think, as Dominic pointed out earlier, when things become known to us, we dive in and we take a good look at evaluating if they make sense. We clearly have been investing on the wealth side of our business. We made significant investments back in an outside asset manager in 2023. We've continued to make investments in people and talent and platforms here more recently. If we could find the right opportunity to invest additional capital behind a wealth platform or a wealth-oriented banking organization that might be attractive to us, we just haven't found the right one yet.

Speaker #4: We clearly have been investing on the wealth side of our business. We made significant investments back in an outside asset manager in 2023. We've continued to make investments in people, talent, and platforms here more recently.

Speaker #4: And if we could find the right opportunity to invest additional capital behind a wealth platform or a wealth-oriented banking organization, that might be attractive to us.

Speaker #4: But we just haven't found the right one yet. From an Asian community banking standpoint, I think it's a relatively small universe, and we know all the players and all the players know us.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: From an Asian community banking standpoint, I think it's a relatively small universe. We know all the players and all the players know us. I think we continue to monitor that market, but there's nothing further to comment on. Dominic?

Speaker #4: And so I think we’ll continue to monitor that market, but there’s nothing further to comment on. Dominic?

Speaker #2: You said to sign? Yeah.

Chris McGratty: You set to sign. Yeah.

Dominic Ng: You set to sign. Yeah.

Speaker #6: Okay. Great. Thank you.

Matthew Clark: Okay, great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Janet Lee with TD Callan. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Janet Lee with TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Janet Lee with TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Good afternoon. Just making sure that I'm understanding the NIM dynamics. So, outside of the increase in — well, outside of any expected move in the Fed, should loan yields decline from the second quarter level through the rest of 2026 from a spread compression or mix shift perspective?

Janet Lee: Good afternoon. Just making sure that I'm understanding the NIM dynamics. Outside of any expected move in the Fed, should loan yields decline from the Q2 level through the rest of 2026 from spread compression or mix shift perspective?

Speaker #4: We're not seeing spread compression the way we saw it last year. And so, as I sit here today, it wouldn't be spread compression-driven. We are seeing some makeshift elements.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We're not seeing spread compression the way we saw it last year. As I sit here today, it wouldn't be spread compression driven. We are seeing some mix shift elements. To the extent that, for example, there's less NDFI, which in some cases can be yieldier and more core C&I, we would see a potential shift downward. Again, it depends on exactly where those loans originate from. As we sit here today, we would anticipate the margin remains relatively stable given what we see in the pipeline at this point in time.

Speaker #4: And so, to the extent that, for example, there's less NDFI—which in some cases can be yieldier—and more core CNI, we would see a potential shift downward.

Speaker #4: But again, it depends on exactly where those loans originate from. As we sit here today, we would anticipate the margin remains relatively stable, given what we see in the pipeline at this point in time.

Speaker #7: Okay. Got it. And that assumes that the interest-bearing deposit costs increase from the 2.81% level?

Janet Lee: Okay. Got it. That assumes that the interest-bearing deposit cost increases from the 281 level.

Speaker #4: I think that assumes, at our base level, that if there's no Fed funds hike, then our need to be competitive on loans and deposit pricing might step up a tad.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think that assumes our base level that if there's no Fed funds hike, that our need to be competitive on deposit pricing might step up a tad, but would be offset, we hope, in part by additional DDA growth as well.

Speaker #4: But that would be offset, we hope, in part by additional DDA growth as well.

Speaker #7: Right. Got it. And just a quick last one. You have no problem growing loans and funding them with deposits. Should we expect the size of your securities portfolio to continue grinding higher, consistent with the pace we've seen in the first half of 2026?

Janet Lee: Right. Got it. Just quick last one. You have no problem growing loans and fund it with deposits. Should we expect the size of your security portfolios to continue grinding higher, consistent with the pace we've seen in the H1 2026?

Speaker #4: I think we look at our securities portfolio as a reservoir to fund growth. And so at this point in time, it can be added to, to the extent deposits exceed loan growth, or it can be detracted from to fund loan growth to the extent they don't materialize.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think we look at our securities portfolio as a reservoir to fund growth. At this point in time, it can be added to the extent deposits exceed loan growth, or it can be detracted from the fund loan growth to the extent they don't materialize. Given that we've been able to grow deposits even faster than loans, it has been a net contributor year to date.

Speaker #4: But given that we've been able to grow deposits even faster than loans, it has been a net contributor year to date.

Speaker #7: Got it. Thank you.

Janet Lee: Got it. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question will come from Bernard von Gezicki with Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question will come from Bernard von BzAzing with Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question will come from Bernard von BzAzing with Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good afternoon, Bernard.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Good afternoon, Bernard.

Speaker #5: Hey, good afternoon. Just maybe on loan growth—it was broad-based during the quarter, and there was some nice growth in CRE, especially in multifamily and construction.

Bernard von BzAzing: Hey, good afternoon. Just maybe on loan growth. It was broad-based during the quarter. There was some nice growth in CRE, especially in multifamily and construction. Wondering if those trends during the quarter are expected to continue. You'll still see good growth in those particular areas in H2 of the year?

Bernard von Gizycki: Hey, good afternoon. Just maybe on loan growth. It was broad-based during the quarter. There was some nice growth in CRE, especially in multifamily and construction. Wondering if those trends during the quarter are expected to continue. You'll still see good growth in those particular areas in H2 of the year?

Speaker #5: Are those trends from the quarter expected to continue, and do you anticipate seeing continued strong growth in those particular areas in the second half of the year?

Speaker #4: We appreciate the growth that we have seen across all the portfolios. We’ll continue to be there for our clients, particularly the long-standing, well-tenured, well-experienced developers who are active in today's market.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: We appreciate the growth that we have seen across all the portfolios. We'll continue to be there for our clients, particularly the longstanding, well-tenured, well-experienced developers that are active in today's market. Yeah, to the extent there are things we can do for them, we're very supportive.

Speaker #4: And, yeah, to the extent there are things we can do for them, we're very supportive.

Speaker #5: Okay. And just as a follow-up, I know the capital deployment priorities were discussed. But just wondering if we could look at the potential Basel III impact versus peers.

Bernard von BzAzing: Okay, just as a follow-up. I know the capital deployment priorities were discussed, just wondering if we could look at the potential Basel III impact versus peers. Unless it's changed, I think previously you mentioned expecting 160 to 180 basis points uptick in capital versus peers who are probably expecting somewhere about 100 basis points increase. Your relative advantage in capital would continue to increase. Would you be more or less inclined or have no impact on lowering your capital levels to similar move down versus some of the larger banks just on the Basel III impact?

Bernard von Gizycki: Okay, just as a follow-up. I know the capital deployment priorities were discussed, just wondering if we could look at the potential Basel III impact versus peers. Unless it's changed, I think previously you mentioned expecting 160 to 180 basis points uptick in capital versus peers who are probably expecting somewhere about 100 basis points increase. Your relative advantage in capital would continue to increase. Would you be more or less inclined or have no impact on lowering your capital levels to similar move down versus some of the larger banks just on the Basel III impact?

Speaker #5: Unless it's changed, I think previously you mentioned expecting a 160 to 180 basis point uptick in capital, versus peers who are probably expecting somewhere about a 100 basis point increase.

Speaker #5: So your relative advantage in capital would continue to increase. Would you be more or less inclined, or would this have no impact, on lowering your capital levels to a similar move down versus some of the larger banks, just on the Basel III impact?

Speaker #4: I think we're focused and very happy to manage the bank around a tangible common equity goal, and driving a top quartile return on tangible capital.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: I think we're focused and very happy to manage the bank around a tangible common equity goal and driving a top quartile returns on tangible capital. As we think about those Basel III impacts, they really don't influence our focus on either TCE or the ROTCE. That having been said, it gives us comfort that our strategy of holding low risk residential mortgage is a great strategy and one that effectively others have taken notice of by reducing what they see as their risk profile, which we had noticed a long time ago.

Speaker #4: And so, as we think about those Basel impacts, they really don't influence our focus on either TCE or ROTCE. That having been said, it gives us comfort that our strategy of holding low-risk residential mortgages is a great strategy.

Speaker #4: And one that, effectively, others have taken notice of by reducing what they see as their risk profile—which we had noticed a long time ago.

Speaker #5: Great, thanks for taking my questions.

Bernard von BzAzing: Great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Bernard von Gizycki: Great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #4: Sure.

Chris Del Moral-Niles: Sure.

Speaker #1: This concludes our question and answer session. I would now like to turn the conference back over to Dominic Ng for any closing remarks.

Operator 3: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Dominic Ng for any closing remarks.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Dominic Ng for any closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Well, to conclude, as always, our results are a reflection of the dedication and discipline of our team, and I want to thank them for their continued contributions.

Dominic Ng: Thank you. Well, to conclude, as always, our results are a reflection of the dedication and discipline of our team, and I want to thank them for their continued contributions. We remain focused on creating long-term value, and we are looking forward to speaking with you again next quarter. Thank you.

Speaker #2: We remain focused on creating long-term value, and we're looking forward to speaking with you again next quarter. Thank you.

Operator 3: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 East West Bancorp Inc Earnings Call

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