We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Trading assets (excluding derivatives), securities available for sale, derivatives, substantially all residential MHFS, certain commercial LHFS, certain loans held for investment, fair value MSRs and securities sold but not yet purchased (short sale liabilities) are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as certain residential and commercial MHFS, certain LHFS, loans held for investment and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

       Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value.

Assets

Short-term financial assets Short-term financial assets include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements and due from customers on acceptances. These assets are carried at historical cost. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short time between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization.

Trading assets (excluding derivatives) and Securities available for sale Trading assets and securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon various sources of market pricing. We use quoted prices in active markets, where available and classify such instruments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Examples include exchange-traded equity securities and some highly liquid government securities such as U.S. Treasuries. When instruments are traded in secondary markets and quoted market prices do not exist for such securities, we generally rely on internal valuation techniques or on prices obtained from third-party pricing services or brokers (collectively, vendors) or combination thereof, and accordingly, we classify these instruments as Level 2 or 3.

       Trading securities are mostly valued using internal trader prices that are subject to price verification procedures performed by separate internal personnel. The majority of fair values derived using internal valuation techniques are verified against multiple pricing sources, including prices obtained from third-party vendors. Vendors compile prices from various sources and often apply matrix pricing for similar securities when no price is observable. We review pricing methodologies provided by the vendors in order to determine if observable market information is being used, versus unobservable inputs. When evaluating the appropriateness of an internal trader price compared with vendor prices, considerations include the range and quality of vendor prices. Vendor prices are used to ensure the reasonableness of a trader price; however valuing financial instruments involves judgments acquired from knowledge of a particular market. If a trader asserts that a vendor price is not reflective of market value, justification for using the trader price, including recent sales activity where possible, must be provided to and approved by the appropriate levels of management.

       Similarly, while securities available for sale traded in secondary markets are typically valued using unadjusted vendor prices or vendor prices adjusted by weighting them with internal discounted cash flow techniques, these prices are reviewed and, if deemed inappropriate by a trader who has the most knowledge of a particular market, can be adjusted. Securities measured with these internal valuation techniques are generally classified as Level 2 of the hierarchy and often involve using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models, discounted cash flow analyses using significant inputs observable in the market where available or combination of multiple valuation techniques. Examples include certain residential and commercial MBS, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency MBS, and corporate debt securities.

       Security fair value measurements using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market due to limited activity or a less liquid market are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Such measurements include securities valued using internal models or a combination of multiple valuation techniques such as weighting of internal models and vendor or broker pricing, where the unobservable inputs are significant to the overall fair value measurement. Securities classified as Level 3 include certain residential and commercial MBS, asset-backed securities collateralized by auto leases or loans and cash reserves, CDOs and CLOs, and certain residual and retained interests in residential mortgage loan securitizations. We value CDOs using the prices of similar instruments, the pricing of completed or pending third party transactions or the pricing of the underlying collateral within the CDO. Where vendor or broker prices are not readily available, we use management's best estimate.

Mortgages held for sale (MHFS) We carry substantially all of our residential MHFS portfolio at fair value. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity. Most of our MHFS are classified as Level 2. For the portion where market pricing data is not available, we use a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value and, accordingly, classify as Level 3.

Loans held for sale (LHFS) LHFS are carried at the lower of cost or market value, or at fair value. The fair value of LHFS is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for loans with similar characteristics. As such, we classify those loans subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

Loans For information on how we report the carrying value of loans, including PCI loans, see Note 1. Although most loans are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, reverse mortgages are held at fair value on a recurring basis. In addition, we record nonrecurring fair value adjustments to loans to reflect partial write-downs that are based on the observable market price of the loan or current appraised value of the collateral.

       We provide fair value estimates in this disclosure for loans that are not recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Those estimates differentiate loans based on their financial characteristics, such as product classification, loan category, pricing features and remaining maturity. Prepayment and credit loss estimates are evaluated by product and loan rate.

       The fair value of commercial loans is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, adjusted for credit loss estimates, using discount rates that are appropriate for loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturity.

For real estate 1-4 family first and junior lien mortgages, we calculate fair value by discounting contractual cash flows, adjusted for prepayment and credit loss estimates, using discount rates based on current industry pricing (where readily available) or our own estimate of an appropriate discount rate for loans of similar size, type, remaining maturity and repricing characteristics.

       The carrying value of credit card loans, which is adjusted for estimates of credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date, is reported as a reasonable estimate of fair value. For all other consumer loans, the fair value is generally calculated by discounting the contractual cash flows, adjusted for prepayment and credit loss estimates, based on the current rates we offer for loans with similar characteristics.

       Loan commitments, standby letters of credit and commercial and similar letters of credit generate ongoing fees at our current pricing levels, which are recognized over the term of the commitment period. In situations where the credit quality of the counterparty to a commitment has declined, we record an allowance. A reasonable estimate of the fair value of these instruments is the carrying value of deferred fees plus the related allowance. Certain letters of credit that are hedged with derivative instruments are carried at fair value in trading assets or liabilities. For those letters of credit, fair value is calculated based on readily quotable credit default spreads, using a market risk credit default swap model.

Derivatives Quoted market prices are available and used for our exchange-traded derivatives, such as certain interest rate futures and option contracts, which we classify as Level 1. However, substantially all of our derivatives are traded in over-the-counter (OTC) markets where quoted market prices are not always readily available. Therefore we value most OTC derivatives using internal valuation techniques. Valuation techniques and inputs to internally-developed models depend on the type of derivative and nature of the underlying rate, price or index upon which the derivative's value is based. Key inputs can include yield curves, credit curves, foreign-exchange rates, prepayment rates, volatility measurements and correlation of such inputs. Where model inputs can be observed in a liquid market and the model does not require significant judgment, such derivatives are typically classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Examples of derivatives classified as Level 2 include generic interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, commodity swaps, and certain option and forward contracts. When instruments are traded in less liquid markets and significant inputs are unobservable, such derivatives are classified as Level 3. Examples of derivatives classified as Level 3 include complex and highly structured derivatives, certain credit default swaps, interest rate lock commitments written for our residential mortgage loans that we intend to sell and long dated equity options where volatility is not observable. Additionally, significant judgments are required when classifying financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy, particularly between Level 2 and 3, as is the case for certain derivatives.

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and certain other interests held in securitizations MSRs and certain other interests held in securitizations (e.g., interest-only strips) do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, we determine the fair value of MSRs using a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income cash flows. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing income cash flows, including estimates of prepayment speeds (including housing price volatility), discount rate, default rates, cost to service (including delinquency and foreclosure costs), escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income, ancillary income and late fees. Commercial MSRs are carried at lower of cost or market value, and therefore can be subject to fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis. Changes in the fair value of MSRs occur primarily due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. For other interests held in securitizations (such as interest-only strips) we use a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future cash flows. The model incorporates our own estimates of assumptions market participants use in determining the fair value, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rates, defaults and contractual fee income. Interest-only strips are recorded as trading assets. Our valuation approach is validated by our internal valuation model validation group. Fair value measurements of our MSRs and interest-only strips use significant unobservable inputs and, accordingly, we classify them as Level 3.

Foreclosed assets Foreclosed assets are carried at net realizable value, which represents fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is generally based upon independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral and, accordingly, we classify foreclosed assets as Level 2.

Nonmarketable equity investments Nonmarketable equity investments are generally recorded under the cost or equity method of accounting. There are generally restrictions on the sale and/or liquidation of these investments, including federal bank stock. Federal bank stock carrying value approximates fair value. We use facts and circumstances available to estimate the fair value of our nonmarketable equity investments. We typically consider our access to and need for capital (including recent or projected financing activity), qualitative assessments of the viability of the investee, evaluation of the financial statements of the investee and prospects for its future. Public equity investments are valued using quoted market prices and discounts are only applied when there are trading restrictions that are an attribute of the investment. We estimate the fair value of investments in non-public securities using metrics such as security prices of comparable public companies, acquisition prices for similar companies and original investment purchase price multiples, while also incorporating a portfolio company's financial performance and specific factors. For investments in private equity funds, we use the NAV provided by the fund sponsor as an appropriate measure of fair value. In some cases, such NAVs require adjustments based on certain unobservable inputs.

Liabilities

Deposit liabilities Deposit liabilities are carried at historical cost. The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking, and market rate and other savings, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the measurement date. The fair value of other time deposits is calculated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for like wholesale deposits with similar remaining maturities.

Short-term financial liabilities Short-term financial liabilities are carried at historical cost and include federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short time between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization.

Other liabilities Other liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding derivative liabilities (see the “Derivatives” section for derivative liabilities), includes primarily short sale liabilities. Short sale liabilities are predominantly classified as either Level 1 or Level 2, generally dependent upon whether the underlying securities have readily obtainable quoted prices in active exchange markets.

Long-term debt Long-term debt is generally carried at amortized cost. For disclosure, we are required to estimate the fair value of long-term debt. Generally, the discounted cash flow method is used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt. Contractual cash flows are discounted using rates currently offered for new notes with similar remaining maturities and, as such, these discount rates include our current spread levels.

Level 3 Asset and Liability Valuation Processes

We generally determine fair value of our Level 3 assets and liabilities by using internally developed models and, to a lesser extent, prices obtained from third-party pricing services or brokers (collectively, vendors). Our valuation processes vary depending on which approach is utilized.

INTERNAL MODEL VALUATIONS Our internally developed models primarily consist of discounted cash flow techniques. Use of such techniques requires determining relevant inputs, some of which are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are generally derived from historic performance of similar assets or determined from previous market trades in similar instruments. These unobservable inputs usually consist of discount rates, default rates, loss severity upon default, volatilities, correlations and prepayment rates, which are inherent within our Level 3 instruments. Such inputs can be correlated to similar portfolios with known historic experience or recent trades where particular unobservable inputs may be implied; but due to the nature of various inputs being reflected within a particular trade, the value of each input is considered unobservable. We attempt to correlate each unobservable input to historic experience and other third party data where available.

       Internal valuation models are subject to review prescribed within our model risk management policies and procedures which includes model validation. The purpose of model validation includes ensuring the model is appropriate for its intended use and the appropriate controls exist to help mitigate risk of invalid valuations. Model validation assesses the adequacy and appropriateness of the model, including reviewing its key components such as inputs, processing components, logic or theory, output results and supporting model documentation. Validation also includes ensuring significant unobservable model inputs are appropriate given observable market transactions or other market data within the same or similar asset classes. This ensures modeled approaches are appropriate given similar product valuation techniques and are in line with their intended purpose.

       We have ongoing monitoring procedures in place for our Level 3 assets and liabilities that use such internal valuation models. These procedures, which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that models continue to perform as expected after approved, include:

• ongoing analysis and benchmarking to market transactions and other independent market data (including pricing vendors, if available);
• back-testing of modeled fair values to actual realized transactions; and
• review of modeled valuation results against expectations, including review of significant or unusual value fluctuations.

   

         We update model inputs and methodologies periodically to reflect these monitoring procedures. Additionally, procedures and controls are in place to ensure existing models are subject to periodic reviews, and we perform full model revalidations as necessary.

         All internal valuation models are subject to ongoing review by business-unit-level management. More complex models are subject to additional oversight by a corporate-level risk management department. Corporate oversight responsibilities include evaluating adequacy of business unit risk management programs, maintaining company-wide model validation policies and standards and reporting the results of these activities to management and our Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC). The ERMC, which consists of senior executive management and reports on top risks to the Company's Board of Directors, monitors all company-wide risks, including credit risk, market risk, and reputational risk.

   

  VENDOR-DEVELOPED VALUATIONS In certain limited circumstances we obtain pricing from third party vendors for the value of our Level 3 assets or liabilities. We have processes in place to approve such vendors to ensure information obtained and valuation techniques used are appropriate. Once these vendors are approved to provide pricing information, we monitor and review the results to ensure the fair values are reasonable and in line with market experience in similar asset classes. While the input amounts used by the pricing vendor in determining fair value are not provided, and therefore unavailable for our review, we do perform one or more of the following procedures to validate the prices received:

• comparison to other pricing vendors (if available);
• variance analysis of prices;
• corroboration of pricing by reference to other independent market data such as market transactions and relevant benchmark indices;
• review of pricing by Company personnel familiar with market liquidity and other market-related conditions; and
• investigation of prices on a specific instrument-by-instrument basis.

Fair Value Measurements from Brokers or Third Party Pricing Services

For certain assets and liabilities, we obtain fair value measurements from brokers or third party pricing services and record the unadjusted fair value in our financial statements. The detail by level is shown in the table below. Fair value measurements obtained from brokers or third party pricing services that we have adjusted to determine the fair value recorded in our financial statements are not included in the following table.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following two tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

• Includes collateralized loan obligations of $721 million that are classified as trading assets.
• Net gains from trading activities recognized in the income statement include $305 million in net unrealized gains on trading securities held at December 31, 2012.
• Balances consist of securities that are predominantly investment grade based on ratings received from the ratings agencies or internal credit grades categorized as investment grade if external ratings are not available. The securities are classified as Level 3 due to limited market activity.
• Includes collateralized loan obligations of $12.5 billion that are classified as securities available for sale.
• Perpetual preferred securities include ARS and corporate preferred securities. See Note 8 for additional information.
• Derivatives are reported net of cash collateral received and paid and, to the extent that the criteria of the accounting guidance covering the offsetting of amounts related to certain contracts are met, positions with the same counterparty are netted as part of a legally enforceable master netting agreement.
• Derivative assets and derivative liabilities include contracts qualifying for hedge accounting, economic hedges, and derivatives included in trading assets and trading liabilities, respectively.

• Includes collateralized loan obligations of $583 million that are classified as trading assets.
• Net gains from trading activities recognized in the income statement include $133 million in net unrealized gains on trading securities we held at December 31, 2011.
• Balances consist of securities that are predominantly investment grade based on ratings received from the ratings agencies or internal credit grades categorized as investment grade if external ratings are not available. The securities are classified as Level 3 due to limited market activity.
• Includes collateralized loan obligations of $8.1 billion that are classified as securities available for sale.
• Perpetual preferred securities include ARS and corporate preferred securities. See Note 8 for additional information.
• Derivatives are reported net of cash collateral received and paid and, to the extent that the criteria of the accounting guidance covering the offsetting of amounts related to certain contracts are met, positions with the same counterparty are netted as part of a legally enforceable master netting agreement.
• Derivative assets and derivative liabilities include contracts qualifying for hedge accounting, economic hedges, and derivatives included in trading assets and trading liabilities, respectively.

Changes in Fair Value Levels

We monitor the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy and transfer between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 accordingly. Observable market data includes but is not limited to quoted prices and market transactions. Changes in economic conditions or market liquidity generally will drive changes in availability of observable market data. Changes in availability of observable market data, which also may result in changing the valuation technique used, are generally the cause of transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

       All current period transfers into and out of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are provided within the below table. The amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred.

• All transfers in and out of Level 3 are disclosed within the recurring level 3 rollforward table in this Note.
• Includes $9.4 billion of securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions that we transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of increased observable market data in the valuation of such instruments. This transfer was done in conjunction with a change in our valuation technique from an internal model based upon unobservable inputs to third party vendor pricing based upon market observable data.
• Consists of reverse mortgage loans securitized with GNMA which were accounted for as secured borrowing transactions. We transferred the loans from Level 2 to Level 3 in third quarter 2012 due to decreased market activity and visibility to significant trades of the same or similar products. As a result, we changed our valuation technique from an internal model based on market observable data to an internal discounted cash flow model based on unobservable inputs.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we transferred $709 million of other trading assets from Level 2 to Level 1 due to use of more observable market data. We transferred $801 million of debt securities available for sale from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in the volume of trading activity for certain securities, which resulted in increased occurrences of observable market prices. We also transferred $502 million of securities available for sale from Level 2 to Level 3 primarily due to a decrease in liquidity for certain asset-backed securities.

       Significant changes to Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2010 are described as follows:

• We adopted new consolidation accounting guidance which impacted Level 3 balances for certain financial instruments. Reductions in Level 3 balances, which represent derecognition of existing investments in newly consolidated VIEs, are reflected as transfers out for the following categories: trading assets, $276 million; securities available for sale, $1.9 billion; and mortgage servicing rights, $118 million. Increases in Level 3 balances, which represent newly consolidated VIE assets, are reflected as transfers in for the following categories: securities available for sale, $829 million; loans, $366 million; and long-term debt, $359 million.
• We transferred $4.9 billion of securities available for sale from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in the volume of trading activity for certain mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, which resulted in increased occurrences of observable market prices. We also transferred $1.7 billion of debt securities available for sale from Level 2 to Level 3, primarily due to a decrease in liquidity for certain asset-backed securities.

       The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2012, are summarized as follows:

• See next page for detail.
• Represents only net gains (losses) that are due to changes in economic conditions and management's estimates of fair value and excludes changes due to the collection/realization of cash flows over time.
• Included in trading activities and other noninterest income in the income statement.
• Included in debt securities available for sale in the income statement.
• Included in equity investments in the income statement.
• Included in mortgage banking and other noninterest income in the income statement.
• Included in mortgage banking, trading activities and other noninterest income in the income statement.

       The following table presents gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements related to the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2012.

       The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2011, are summarized as follows:

• See next page for detail.
• Represents only net gains (losses) that are due to changes in economic conditions and management's estimates of fair value and excludes changes due to the collection/realization of cash flows over time.
• Included in trading activities and other noninterest income in the income statement.
• Included in debt securities available for sale in the income statement.
• Included in equity investments in the income statement.
• Included in mortgage banking and other noninterest income in the income statement.
• Included in mortgage banking, trading activities and other noninterest income in the income statement.

       The following table presents gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements related to the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2011.