Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of Operations

Hanmi Financial Corporation (“Hanmi Financial,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was formed as a holding company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”) and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 on March 17, 2001. Subsequent to its formation, each of the Bank’s shares was exchanged for one share of Hanmi Financial with an equal value. Our primary operations are related to traditional banking activities, including the acceptance of deposits and the lending and investing of money through operation of the Bank.

The Bank is a community bank conducting general business banking, with its primary market encompassing the Korean-American community as well as other communities in the multi-ethnic populations of Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, the San Francisco Bay area, and the Silicon Valley area in Santa Clara County. The Bank’s full-service offices are located in business areas where many of the businesses are run by immigrants and other minority groups. The Bank’s client base reflects the multi-ethnic composition of these communities. The Bank is a California state-chartered financial institution insured by the FDIC. As of December 31, 2011, the Bank maintained a branch network of 27 full-service branch offices in California and one loan production office in Washington.

Our other subsidiaries, Chun-Ha Insurance Services, Inc. (“Chun-Ha”) and All World Insurance Services, Inc. (“All World”), were acquired in January 2007. Founded in 1989, Chun-Ha and All World are insurance agencies that offer a complete line of insurance products, including life, commercial, automobile, health, and property and casualty.

Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of Hanmi Financial and subsidiaries conform, in all material respects, to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) became effective on July 1, 2009. At that date, the ASC became FASB’s officially recognized source of authoritative GAAP applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under the authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other accounting literature is considered non-authoritative. The switch to the ASC affects the way companies refer to GAAP in financial statements and accounting policies. Citing particular content in the ASC involves specifying the unique numeric path to the content through the Topic, Subtopic, Section and Paragraph structure.

The number of shares and the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect the 1-for-8 reverse stock split, which became effective on December 19, 2011.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hanmi Financial and our wholly owned subsidiaries, the Bank, Chun-Ha and All World. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Significant areas where estimates are made consist of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment, investment securities valuations and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made to the prior year’s presentation to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Risks and Uncertainties

FASB ASC 275, “Risks and Uncertainties,” requires reporting entities to disclose information about the nature of their operations and vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations. Based on our industry and current capital situation, our primary risks and uncertainties consist of capital, credit and liquidity risk.

Our operations and regulatory capital needs require us to enhance our capital in the near term and may require us to raise additional capital in the future. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at the time, which are outside of our control and our financial performance. For further disclosure on our capital position, see “Note 1 – Regulatory Matters.”

A significant source of credit risk arises from the possibility that we could sustain losses to borrowers, guarantors, and related parties due to the failure of our customers to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans. Such failure could have an adverse impact on our financial performance as it could lead to additional provisions in our allowance for loan losses. For further disclosure on our credit risk and credit quality indicators, see “Note 5 – Loans.” Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. For further disclosure on our liquidity position and our available sources of liquidity, see “Note 20 – Liquidity.”

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, due from banks and overnight federal funds sold, all of which have original or purchased maturities of less than 90 days.

Restricted Cash

Effective June 30, 2011, the Bank was required to enter into a Reserve Account Agreement (“Agreement”) with SBA to sell loans into secondary market. Under the Agreement, the Bank is required to maintain a reserve account at a well-capitalized FDIC insured depository financial institution for the amount equal to cover the percentage, currently at 2.44 percent, of guaranteed and sold portion to the secondary market. As of December 31, 2011, $1.8 million was deposited in compliance with the Agreement at such financial institution.

Securities

Securities are classified into three categories and accounted for as follows:

 

  1. Securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and reported at amortized cost;

 

  2. Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future are classified as “trading securities” and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in earnings; and

 

  3. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as “available for sale” and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes.

Accreted discounts and amortized premiums on investment securities are included in interest income using the effective interest method over the remaining period to the call date or contractual maturity and, in the case of mortgage-backed securities and securities with call features, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Unrealized and realized gains or losses related to holding or selling of securities are calculated using the specific-identification method.

We are obligated to assess, at each reporting date, whether there is an other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) to our investment securities. Such impairment must be recognized in current earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. We examine all individual securities that are in an unrealized loss position at each reporting date for OTTI. Specific investment-related factors we examine to assess impairment include the nature of the investment, severity and duration of the loss, the probability that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, an analysis of the issuers of the securities and whether there has been any cause for default on the securities and any change in the rating of the securities by the various rating agencies. Additionally, we evaluate whether the creditworthiness of the issuer calls the realization of contractual cash flows into question. Our impairment assessment also takes into consideration factor that we do not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis of the security. If the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, the security is written down to fair value which becomes the new cost basis and an impairment loss is recognized.

For debt securities, the classification of OTTI depends on whether we intend to sell the security or if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its costs basis, and on the nature of the impairment. If we intend to sell a security or if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery, an OTTI write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If we do not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery, the OTTI write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income net of tax. A credit loss is the difference between the cost basis of the security and the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the security’s effective interest rate at the date of acquisition. The cost basis of an other-than-temporarily impaired security is written down by the amount of impairment recognized in earnings. The new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Management does not believe that there is any investment securities that are deemed other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2011.

 

We also have a minority investment of less than five percent in a publicly traded company, Pacific International Bancorp (“PIB”). As of December 31, 2011, the investment was carried at fair value and included in securities available for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, its carrying value was $595,000 and $774,000, respectively. We monitor the investment for impairment and make appropriate reductions in carrying value when necessary.

Loans Receivable

We originate loans for investment, with such designation made at the time of origination. Loans receivable that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity, are stated at their outstanding principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses and net of deferred loan fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Non-refundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination or purchase of loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs are recognized in interest income as an adjustment to yield over the loan term using the effective interest method. Discounts or premiums on purchased loans are accreted or amortized to interest income using the effective interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity adjusted for anticipated prepayments.

Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible. Direct loan origination costs are offset by loan origination fees with the net amount deferred and recognized over the contractual lives of the loans in interest income as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. Discounts or premiums associated with purchased loans are accreted or amortized to interest income using the interest method over the contractual lives of the loans, adjusted for prepayments. Accretion of discounts and deferred loan fees is discontinued when loans are placed on non-accrual status.

Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the full timely collection of principal or interest is in doubt. Generally, the accrual of interest is discontinued when principal or interest payments become more than 90 days past due. However, in certain instances, we may place a particular loan on non-accrual status earlier, depending upon the individual circumstances surrounding the loan’s delinquency. When an asset is placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against current income. Subsequent collections of cash are applied as principal reductions when received, except when the ultimate collectibility of principal is probable, in which case interest payments are credited to income. Non-accrual assets may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest become current and full repayment is expected. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis for impaired loans not meeting the criteria for non-accrual.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated, or transferred from loans receivable, and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair market value. Fair market value, if lower than cost, is determined based on valuations obtained from market participants or the value of underlying collateral, calculated individually. A valuation allowance is established if the market value of such loans is lower than their cost and net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Origination fees on loans held for sale, net of certain costs of processing and closing the loans, are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the computation of the gain or loss from the sale of the related loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. However, the allowance is an estimate that is inherently uncertain and depends on the outcome of future events. Management’s estimates are based on previous loan loss experience; volume, growth and composition of the loan portfolio; the value of collateral; and current economic conditions. Our lending is concentrated in commercial, consumer, construction and real estate loans in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area. Although management believes the level of the allowance is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, a decline in the local economy may result in increasing losses that cannot reasonably be predicted at this date.

Provisions to the allowance for loan losses are made quarterly to recognize probable loan losses. The quarterly provision is based on the allowance need, which is determined through analysis involving quantitative calculations based on historic loss rates for general reserves and individual impairment calculations for specific allocations to impaired loans as well as qualitative adjustments.

Risk factor calculations were previously based on 12-quarters of historic loss analysis with 1.5 to 1 weighting given to the most recent six quarters. In the first quarter of 2010, the historic loss window was reduced to eight quarters with 1.5 to 1 weighting given to the most recent four quarters. The shorter window places greater emphasis on losses taken by the Bank within the past year, as recent loss history is more relevant to the Bank’s risks given the rapid changes to asset quality within the current economic conditions. The Bank’s implementation made in our risk factor calculation regarding change in look-back periods for historical loss data did not have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

As homogenous loans are bulk graded, the risk grade is not factored into the historical loss analysis; however, as with risk-rated loans, risk factor calculations are based on 8-quarters of historic loss analysis with 1.5 to 1 weighting given to the most recent four quarters.

To determine general reserve requirements, existing loans are divided into 11 general loan pools of risk-rated loans (Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Commercial Term-Unsecured, Commercial Term-T/D Secured, Commercial Line of Credit, SBA-Unsecured, SBA-T/D Secured, International, Consumer Installment, Consumer Line of Credit, and Miscellaneous loans) as well as 3 homogenous loan pools (Residential Mortgage, Auto, and Credit Card). For risk-rated loans, migration analysis allocates historical losses by loan pool and risk grade (pass, special mention, substandard, and doubtful) to determine risk factors for potential loss inherent in the current outstanding loan portfolio.

During the first quarter of 2010, to enhance reserve calculations to better reflect the Bank’s current loss profile, the two loan pools of commercial real estate and commercial term – T/D secured were subdivided according to the 21 collateral codes used by the Bank to identify commercial property types (Apartment, Auto, Car Wash, Casino, Church, Condominium, Gas Station, Golf Course, Industrial, Land, Manufacturing, Medical, Mixed Used, Motel, Office, Retail, School, Supermarket, Warehouse, Wholesale, and Others). This further segregation allows the Bank to more specifically allocate reserves within the commercial real estate portfolio according to risks defined by historic loss as well as current loan concentrations of the different collateral types.

For purposes of determining the allowance for credit losses, the loan portfolio is subdivided into three portfolio segments: Real Estate, Commercial and Industrial, and Consumer. The portfolio segment of Real Estate contains the allowance loan pools of Commercial Real Estate, Construction, and Residential Mortgage. The portfolio segment of Commercial and Industrial contains the loan pools of Commercial Term – Unsecured, Commercial Term – T/D Secured, Commercial Line of Credit, SBA, International, and Miscellaneous. Lastly, the portfolio segment of Consumer contains the loan pools of Consumer Installment, Consumer Line of Credit, Auto, and Credit Card.

Real Estate loans, which are mostly dependent on rental income from non-owner occupied or investor properties, have been subject to increased losses. Prior to 2009, no historic losses were recorded for loans secured by commercial real estate. However, given the decrease in sales and increase in vacancies due to the current slowed economy, losses in loans secured by office and retail properties have been significant. Loans secured by vacant land have also had significant losses as valuations have decreased and further development has been limited. Similarly, Construction loans have been subject to losses due to unforeseen difficulties in completion of projects. As such, allocations to general reserves for those loan pools have been higher than that of loan pools with lower risk. Residential Mortgage loans constitute a limited concentration within the Bank’s entire loan portfolio, and losses as well as supplementary reserves have been minimal.

Commercial and Industrial loans, which are largely subject to changes in business cash flow, have had the most historic losses within the Bank’s entire loan portfolio. The largest loan pool within the C & I sector is Commercial Term – T/D Secured, which are mostly loans secured by owner-occupied business properties. Loans secured by car washes, gas stations, golf courses, and motels have had the most significant losses, as the hospitality and recreation industries have been negatively affected by the current economy. As such, allocations to general reserve for those loan pools have been increased. Also, Commercial Term – Unsecured and SBA loans have had considerable losses and additional general reserves as decreased business cash flow due to the economic recession has jeopardized borrowers’ repayment abilities.

Commercial Property loans included in the real estate segment consist mostly of loans to non-owner occupied investment properties. Commercial Term loans Secured by Real Estate (“commercial term-T/D”) included in the commercial and industrial segment are loans collateralized by owner occupied business property. The two loan pools have similar risk characteristics associated with underlying real estate property including segment collateral type, but different risk characteristics associated with the industry sector where the borrower operates. Commercial Property loans are mostly dependent on rental income from non-owner occupied or investor properties. However, commercial term-T/Ds are mostly loans secured by owner-occupied business property which are largely subject to changes in business cash flow as well as general real estate market conditions.

Consumer loans constitute a limited concentration within the Bank’s loan portfolio and are mostly evaluated in bulk for general reserve requirements due to the relatively small volume per loan.

 

Non-performing assets consist of loans on non-accrual status, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest, loans restructured where the terms of repayment have been renegotiated resulting in a reduction or deferral of interest or principal, and other real estate owned (“OREO”). Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become 90 days past due unless management believes the loan is adequately collateralized and in the process of collection. Additionally, the Bank may place loans that are not 90 days past due on non-accrual status, if management reasonably believes the borrower will not be able to comply with the contractual loan repayment terms and collection of principal or interest is in question.

When loans are placed on non-accrual status, accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against the current year’s income, and interest income on non-accrual loans is recorded on a cash basis. The Bank may treat payments as interest income or return of principal depending upon management’s opinion of the ultimate risk of loss on the individual loan. Cash payments are treated as interest income where management believes the remaining principal balance is fully collectible.

Loan losses are charged off, and recoveries are credited, to the allowance account. Additions to the allowance account are charged to the provision for credit losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance is determined by management based upon an evaluation and review of the loan portfolio, consideration of historical loan loss experience, current economic conditions, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, analysis of collateral values and other pertinent factors.

Loans are measured for impairment when it is probable that not all amounts, including principal and interest, will be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The amount of impairment and any subsequent changes are recorded through the provision for credit losses as an adjustment to the allowance for loan losses. Accounting standards require that an impaired loan be measured based on:

 

   

the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; or

 

   

the loan’s observable fair value; or

 

   

the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent.

The Bank follows the “Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” and analyzes the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. In addition, as an integral part of the quarterly credit review process of the Bank, the allowance for loan losses and allowance for off-balance sheet items are reviewed for adequacy. The DFI and/or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses based upon their assessment of the information available to them at the time of their examinations.

In general, the Bank will charge off a loan and declare a loss when its collectability is questionable and when the Bank can no longer justify presenting the loan as an asset on its balance sheet. To determine if a loan should be charged off, all possible sources of repayment are analyzed, including the potential for future cash flow from income or liquidation of other assets, the value of any collateral, and the strength of co makers or guarantors. When these sources do not provide a reasonable probability that principal can be collected in full, the Bank will fully or partially charge off the loan.

 

For a real estate loan, including commercial term loans secured by collateral, any impaired portion is considered as loss, if the loan is more than 90 days past due. In a case where the fair value of collateral is less than the loan balance and the borrower has no other assets or income to support repayment, the amount of the deficiency is considered as loss and charged off.

For a commercial and industrial loan other than those secured by real estate, if the borrower is in the process of a bankruptcy filing in which the Bank is an unsecured creditor or deemed virtually unsecured by lack of collateral equity or lien position and the borrower has no realizable equity in assets and prospects for recovery are negligible, the loan is considered as loss and charged off. Additionally, a commercial and industrial unsecured loan that is more than 120 days past due is considered as loss and charged off.

An unsecured consumer loan where a borrower files for bankruptcy, the loan is considered as loss within 60 days of receipt of notification of filing from the bankruptcy court. Other consumer loans are considered as loss if they are more than 90 days past due. Other events such as bankruptcy, fraud, or death, resulting charge offs being recorded in an earlier period.

Impaired Loans

Loans are identified and classified as impaired when it is probable that not all amounts, including principal and interest, will be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank will consider the following loans as impaired: non-accrual loans or loans where principal or interest payments have been contractually past due for 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well-collateralized and in the process of collection; loans classified as Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) loans, or any loan classified as Substandard that the amount is over 5 percent of the Bank’s Tier 1 Capital.

The Bank considers whether the borrower is experiencing problems such as operating losses, marginal working capital, inadequate cash flow or business deterioration in realizable value. The Bank also considers the financial condition of a borrower who is in industries or countries experiencing economic or political instability.

When a loan is considered impaired, any future cash receipts on such loans will be treated as either interest income or return of principal depending upon management’s opinion of the ultimate risk of loss on the individual loan. Cash payments are treated as interest income where management believes the remaining principal balance is fully collectible.

We evaluate loan impairment in accordance with applicable GAAP. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, less costs to sell. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses or, alternatively, a specific allocation will be established. Additionally, impaired loans are specifically excluded from the quarterly migration analysis when determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses required for the period.

 

For impaired loans where the impairment amount is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, any impairment that represents the change in present value attributable to the passage of time is recognized as bad-debt expense.

The amount of interest income recognized on impaired loans using a cash basis method is disclosed in Note 5 – Loans.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

A loan is identified as a troubled debt restructure when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and for economic or legal reasons related to these difficulties the Bank grants a concession to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. The Bank has granted a concession when, as a result of the restructuring, it does not expect to collect all amounts due, including principal and/or interest accrued at the original terms of the loan. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a below-market change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date, or a note split with principal forgiveness. All troubled debt restructurings are reviewed for potential impairment. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can perform under the restructured terms. If the borrower’s performance under the new terms is not reasonably assured, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loans classified as TDRs are reported as impaired loans.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. The ranges of useful lives for the principal classes of assets are as follows:

 

     

Buildings and Improvements

  10 to 30 years

Furniture and Equipment

  3 to 7 Years

Leasehold Improvements

  Term of Lease or Useful Life, Whichever is Shorter

Software

  3 Years

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” This Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

 

Other Real Estate Owned

Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation impairment is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Servicing Assets

Servicing assets are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing.” The fair values of servicing assets represent either the price paid if purchased, or the allocated carrying amounts based on relative values when retained in a sale. Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. The fair value of servicing assets is determined based on the present value of estimated net future cash flows related to contractually specified servicing fees.

Upon sales of such loans, we receive a fee for servicing the loans. The servicing asset is recorded based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of adequate compensation, for the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate and a constant prepayment rate. The servicing asset is amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated servicing income. Management periodically evaluates the servicing asset for impairment. Impairment, if it occurs, is recognized in a valuation allowance in the period of impairment.

Interest-only strips are recorded based on the present value of the excess of total servicing fee over the contractually specified servicing fee for the estimated life of the loan, calculated using the same assumptions as noted above. Such interest-only strips are accounted for at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains or losses recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consists of a core deposit intangible (“CDI”) and acquired intangible assets arising from acquisitions, including non-compete agreements, trade names, carrier relationships and client/insured relationships. CDI represents the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions. We amortize the CDI balance using an accelerated method over eight years. The acquired intangible assets were initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

As required by FASB ASC 350, we evaluated the useful lives assigned to other intangible assets and determined that no change was necessary and amortization expense was not adjusted for the year ended December 31, 2011. As required by FASB ASC 350, other intangible assets are assessed for impairment or recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The other intangible assets recoverability analysis is consistent with our policy for assessing impairment of long-lived assets.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) and is required to own common stock in the FHLB based upon the Bank’s balance of residential mortgage loans and outstanding FHLB advances. FHLB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FHLB at its carrying value. FHLB stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends received are reported as dividend income.

Federal Reserve Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) and is required to maintain stock in the FRB based on a specified ratio relative to the Bank’s capital. FRB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FRB at its carrying value. FRB stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends received are reported as dividend income.

Derivative Instruments

We account for derivatives in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” Under FASB ASC 815, all derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, we designate the derivative as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Fair value hedges include hedges of the fair value of a recognized asset, liability or a firm commitment. Cash flow hedges include hedges of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset, liability or a forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges, along with the change in fair value on the hedged asset, liability or firm commitment that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent effective as a hedge, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged item affects earnings.

We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items. This documentation includes our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions, as well as how hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness will be measured. This process includes linking derivatives to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period earnings. For fair value hedges, the formerly hedged asset or liability will no longer be adjusted for changes in fair value and any previously recorded adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged asset or liability will be amortized in the same manner that the hedged item affects income. For cash flow hedges, amounts previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into income as earnings are impacted by the variability in the cash flows of the hedged item.

If the hedging instrument is terminated early, the derivative is removed from the balance sheet. Accounting for the adjustments to the hedged asset or liability or adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are the same as described above when a derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge.

If the hedged asset or liability is sold or extinguished, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period earnings. The hedged item, including previously recorded mark-to-market adjustments, is derecognized immediately as a component of the gain or loss upon disposition.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

We have purchased single premium life insurance policies (“bank-owned life insurance”) on certain officers. The Bank is the beneficiary under the policy. In the event of the death of a covered officer, we will receive the specified insurance benefit from the insurance carrier. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due, if any, that are probable at settlement.

Affordable Housing Investments

The Bank has invested in limited partnerships formed to develop and operate affordable housing units for lower income tenants throughout California. The partnership interests are accounted for utilizing the equity method of accounting. The costs of the investments are being amortized on a straight-line method over the life of related tax credits. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credits may be denied for any period in which the projects are not in compliance and a portion of the credits previously taken is subject to recapture with interest. Such investments are recorded in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

We have established three statutory business trusts that are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hanmi Financial: Hanmi Capital Trust I, Hanmi Capital Trust II and Hanmi Capital Trust III (collectively, “the Trusts”). In three separate private placement transactions, the Trusts issued variable rate capital securities representing undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trusts. Hanmi Financial is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trusts.

FASB ASC 810, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Revised December 2003) – an Interpretation of ARB No. 51,” requires that variable interest entities be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of expected losses from the variable interest entity’s activities, or is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. The Trusts are not consolidated and junior subordinated debt represents liabilities of Hanmi Financial to the Trusts.

 

Income Tax

We provide for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Share-Based Compensation

We adopted FASB ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” on January 1, 2006 using the “modified prospective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified or settled after December 31, 2005 are measured and accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Also under this method, expense is recognized for services attributed to the current period for unvested awards that were granted prior to January 1, 2006, based upon the fair value determined at the grant date under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

FASB ASC 718 requires that cash flows resulting from the realization of excess tax benefits recognized on awards that were fully vested at the time of adoption of FASB ASC 718 be classified as a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Before the adoption of FASB ASC 718, we presented all tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options as an operating cash inflow.

In addition, FASB ASC 718 requires that any unearned compensation related to awards granted prior to the adoption of FASB ASC 718 be eliminated against the appropriate equity accounts. As a result, the presentation of stockholders’ equity was revised to reflect the transfer of the balance previously reported in unearned compensation to additional paid-in capital.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing earnings (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings. The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share was adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect the 1-for-8 reverse stock split, which became effective on December 19, 2011.

Treasury Stock

We use the cost method of accounting for treasury stock. The cost method requires us to record the reacquisition cost of treasury stock as a deduction from stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment (Topic 350)” – ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of ASU 2011-08 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition or result of operations.

FASB ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” – ASU 2011-05 is intended to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. To increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the FASB decided to eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, among other amendments in this Update. These amendments apply to all entities that report items of other comprehensive income, in any period presented. Under the amendments to Topic 220, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 are effective fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of ASU 2011-05 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition or result of operations.

FASB ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (Topic 820)” – ASU 2011-04 provides guidance on fair value measurement and disclosure requirements that the FASB deemed largely identical across U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The requirements do not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or allowed. ASU 2011-04 supersedes most of the guidance in ASC topic 820, but many of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to reflect IFRS 13. Amendments in ASU 2011-04 change the wording used to describe U.S. GAAP requirements for fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and early application is not permitted. Adoption of ASU 2011-04 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition or result of operations.