BOK Financial - 10-K annual report 2015

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One) 

OR

Commission File No. 0-19341

BOK FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:  None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

Common stock, $0.00006 par value

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

BOK Financial Corporation

Form 10-K

PART I

General

Developments relating to individual aspects of the business of BOK Financial Corporation (“BOK Financial” or “the Company”) are described below. Additional discussion of the Company’s activities during the current year appears within Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Description of Business

BOKF, NA (“the Bank”) is a wholly owned subsidiary bank of BOK Financial. BOKF, NA operates TransFund, Cavanal Hill Investment Management, BOK Financial Asset Management, Inc. and seven banking divisions: Bank of Albuquerque, Bank of Arizona, Bank of Arkansas, Bank of Kansas City, Bank of Oklahoma, Bank of Texas and Colorado State Bank and Trust. Other wholly owned subsidiaries of BOK Financial include BOSC, Inc., a broker/dealer that engages in retail and institutional securities sales and municipal bond underwriting and The Milestone Group, Inc., an investment adviser to high net worth clients. Other non-bank subsidiary operations do not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Our overall strategic objective is to emphasize growth in long-term value by building on our leadership position in Oklahoma through expansion into other high-growth markets in contiguous states. We operate primarily in the metropolitan areas of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona, and Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri. Our acquisition strategy targets fairly priced quality organizations with demonstrated solid growth that would supplement our principal lines of business. We provide additional growth opportunities by hiring talent to enhance competitiveness, adding locations and broadening product offerings. Our operating philosophy embraces local decision-making in each of our geographic markets while adhering to common Company standards.

BOK Financial’s corporate headquarters is located at Bank of Oklahoma Tower, Boston Avenue at Second Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172.

The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available on the Company’s website at www.bokf.com as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with or furnishes it to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Operating Segments

Competition

Employees

Supervision and Regulation

BOK Financial and its subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulations under federal and state laws. These regulations are designed to promote safety and soundness, protect consumers and ensure the stability of the banking system as a whole. The purpose of these regulations is not necessarily to protect shareholders and creditors. As detailed below, these regulations require the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain certain capital balances and require the Company to provide financial support to its subsidiaries. These regulations may restrict the Company’s ability to diversify, to acquire other institutions and to pay dividends on its capital stock. These regulations also include requirements on certain programs and services offered to our customers, including restrictions on fees charged for certain services.

The following information summarizes certain existing laws and regulations that affect the Company’s operations. It does not summarize all provisions of these laws and regulations and does not include all laws and regulations that affect the Company presently or in the future.

General

As a financial holding company, BOK Financial is regulated under the BHCA and is subject to regular inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). Under the BHCA, BOK Financial files quarterly reports and other information with the Federal Reserve Board.

A financial holding company, and the companies under its control, are permitted to engage in activities considered “financial in nature” as defined by the BHCA, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Federal Reserve Board interpretations. Activities that are “financial in nature” include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting, merchant banking, operating a mortgage company, performing certain data processing operations, servicing loans and other extensions of credit, providing investment and financial advice, owning and operating savings and loan associations, and leasing personal property on a full pay-out, non-operating basis. A financial holding company is required to notify the Federal Reserve Board within thirty days of engaging in new activities determined to be “financial in nature.” BOK Financial is engaged in some of these activities and has notified the Federal Reserve Board.

In order for a financial holding company to commence any new activity permitted by the BHCA, each insured depository institution subsidiary of the financial holding company must be "well capitalized" and "well managed" and received a rating of at least "satisfactory" in its most recent examination under the Community Reinvestment Act. A financial holding company and its depository institution subsidiaries are considered to be "well capitalized" if they meet the requirements discussed in the section captioned "Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action" which follows. A financial holding company and its depository institution subsidiaries are considered to be "well managed" if they receive a composite rating and management rating of at least "satisfactory" in their most recent examinations. If a financial holding company fails to meet these requirements, the Federal Reserve Board may impose limitations or conditions on the conduct of its activities and the company may not commence any new financial activities without prior approval.

The BHCA requires the Federal Reserve Board’s prior approval for the direct or indirect acquisition of more than five percent of any class of voting stock of any non-affiliated bank. Under the Federal Bank Merger Act, the prior approval of the OCC is required for a national bank to merge with another bank or purchase the assets or assume the deposits of another bank. In reviewing applications seeking approval of merger and acquisition transactions, the bank regulatory authorities consider, among other things, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transactions, the capital position of the combined organization, the applicant’s performance record under the Community Reinvestment Act and fair housing laws and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities.

A financial holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited under the BHCA from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with the provision of any credit, property or services. Thus, a subsidiary of a financial holding company may not extend credit, lease or sell property, furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for these activities on the condition that (1) the customer obtain or provide additional credit, property or services from or to the financial holding company or any subsidiary thereof, or (2) the customer may not obtain some other credit, property or services from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to insure the soundness of credit extended.

The Bank and other non-bank subsidiaries are also subject to other federal and state laws and regulations. For example, BOSC, Inc. is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Federal Reserve Board, and state securities regulators. Such regulations generally include licensing of certain personnel, customer interactions, and trading operations. 

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law, giving federal banking agencies authority to increase regulatory capital requirements, impose additional rules and regulations over consumer financial products and services and limit the amount of interchange fees that may be charged in an electronic debit transaction. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act made permanent the $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance. It also repealed prohibitions on payment of interest on demand deposits, which could impact how interest is paid on business transaction and other accounts. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading and restricts banking entities sponsorship of or investment in private equity funds and hedge funds. Final rules required to implement the Dodd-Frank Act have largely been issued. Many of these rules have extended phase-in periods and the full impact of this legislation on the banking industry, including the Company, remains unknown. 

The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act required that interchange fees on electronic debit transactions paid by merchants must be “reasonable and proportional to the cost incurred by the issuer” and prohibited card network rules that have limited price competition among networks. Effective October 1, 2011, the Federal Reserve issued its final ruling to implement the Durbin Amendment. This ruling established a cap on interchange fees banks with more than $10 billion in total assets can charge merchants for certain debit card transactions. The Durbin Amendment also required all banks to comply with the prohibition on network exclusivity and routing requirements. Debit card issuers are required to make at least two unaffiliated networks available to merchants. 

The Dodd-Frank Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") with powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. Established July 21, 2011, the CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets for certain designated consumer laws and regulations. The CFPB issued mortgage servicing standards and mortgage lending rules, including “qualified mortgage” rules that are designed to protect consumers and ensure the reliability of mortgages. Mortgage lenders are required to make a reasonable and good faith determination based on verified and documented information that a consumer applying for a mortgage loan has a reasonable ability to repay the loan according to its terms. Qualified mortgages that meet this requirement and other specified criteria are given a safe harbor of compliance. Rules affecting mortgage lenders and servicers became effective on January 10, 2014.

Title VI of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly known as the Volcker Rule, prohibits banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading as defined by the Dodd-Frank Act and restricts sponsorship of, or investment in, private equity funds and hedge funds, subject to limited exceptions and exclusions. In December 2013, Federal banking agencies approved regulations that implement the Volcker Rule. In December 2014, the Federal Reserve extended the conformance period for key elements of the Rule relating to relationships with funds until July 2017. The Company’s private equity investment activities will be curtailed. The Company’s trading activity were largely unaffected, as most trading activities are exempted or excluded from the Volcker Rule trading prohibitions.

Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act subjects nearly all derivative transactions to the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or SEC. This includes registration, recordkeeping, reporting, capital, margin and business conduct requirements on swap dealers and major swap participants. The CFTC and SEC both approved interim final rules on the definition "swap" and “swap dealer" which were effective October 2012. Under these rules, entities transacting in less than $8 billion in notional value of swaps over any 12 month period during the first three years after these rules are effective will be exempt from the definition of "swap dealer." After December 2017, this threshold may be reduced to $3 billion subject to the results of studies the commissions intend to undertake once the derivative rules are effective. The Company currently estimates that the nature and volume of swap activity will not require it to register as a swap dealer any time prior to December 2017. Although the ultimate impact of Title VII remains uncertain, we currently believe its full implementation is likely not to impose significantly higher compliance costs on the Company.

Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action

The Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and the FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to United States banking organizations to ensure capital adequacy based upon the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments. In addition, these regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels, whether because of its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators regarding components, risk weighting and other factors.

Prior to January 1, 2015, the Federal Reserve Board risk-based guidelines defined a three-tier capital framework. Core capital (Tier 1) included common shareholders' equity and qualifying preferred stock, less goodwill, most intangible assets and other adjustments. Supplementary capital (Tier 2) consisted of preferred stock not qualifying as Tier 1 capital, qualifying mandatory convertible debt securities, limited amounts of subordinated debt, other qualifying term debt and allowances for credit losses, subject to limitations. Market risk capital (Tier 3) included qualifying unsecured subordinated debt. Assets and off-balance sheet exposures were assigned to one of four categories of risk-weights, based primarily upon relative credit risk. Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total capital by risk-weighted assets.

New capital rules were effective for banks and bank holding companies, including BOK Financial on January 1, 2015 as part of a package of regulatory reforms developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision ("BCBS") to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector, commonly referred to as the Basel III framework. Components of these rules will phase in through January 1, 2019. The new capital rules reduced instruments that qualify as regulatory capital and generally increased risk weighted assets. The new capital rules established a 7% threshold for common equity Tier 1 ratio consisting of a minimum level plus a capital conservation buffer. The rules also changed both the Tier 1 risk based capital requirements and the total risk based requirements to a minimum of 6% and 8%, respectively, plus a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% totaling 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The Company elected to exclude unrealized gains and losses from available for sale securities from its calculation of Tier 1 capital, consistent with the treatment under previous capital rules.

The Basel III framework also requires bank holding companies and banks to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests. One test, referred to as the liquidity coverage ratio, is designed to ensure that the banking entity maintains a prescribed minimum level of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets equal to expected net cash outflows as defined. The other test, referred to as the net stable funding ratio, is designed to promote greater reliance on medium and long term funding sources.

On September 3, 2014, U.S. federal banking agencies published the final rule covering Liquidity Risk Management Standards that would standardize minimum liquidity requirements for internationally active banking organizations as defined (generally those with total consolidated assets in excess of $250 billion) as well as modified liquidity requirements for other banking organizations with total consolidated assets in excess of $50 billion that are not internationally active. Although the final rule does not apply to banking organizations with total assets less than $50 billion, including the Company, if growth in the balance sheet of the Company were to approach the $50 billion threshold, the costs of such liquidity regulations would begin to be realized.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve published regulations that require bank holding companies with $10 billion to $50 billion in assets to perform annual capital stress tests. The requirements for annual capital stress test became effective for the Company in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test ("DFAST") is a forward-looking exercise under which the Company and its banking subsidiary estimate the impact of a hypothetical severely adverse macroeconomic scenario provided by the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on its financial condition and regulatory capital ratios over a nine-quarter time horizon. Under the scenario provided by the regulatory agencies for the Company's most recently completed stress test, all capital ratio measures remain comfortably above the minimum regulatory thresholds. Additional information concerning the annual stress test may be found on the Company's Investor Relations page at www.bokf.com under the "Presentations" tab. The results of future capital stress tests may place constraints on capital distributions or increases in required regulatory capital under certain circumstances.

Guidelines adopted by federal banking agencies prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. The Federal Reserve Board has issued comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies do not undermine safety and soundness by encouraging excessive risk taking. This guidance covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, based on key principles that (i) incentives do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization's ability to identify and manage risk, (ii) compensation arrangements are compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) compensation arrangements are supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective board oversight. Deficiencies in compensation practices may affect supervisory ratings and enforcement actions may be taken if incentive compensation arrangements pose a risk to safety and soundness.

Deposit Insurance

 

Substantially all of the deposits held by the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. In 2011, the FDIC released a final rule to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that affect deposit insurance assessments. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act raised the minimum designated reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits, removed the upper limit of the designated reserve ratio, required that the designated reserve ratio reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020, and required that the FDIC offset the effect of increasing the minimum designated reserve ratio on depository institutions with total assets of less than $10 billion. The Dodd-Frank Act provided the FDIC flexibility in implementation of the increase in the designated reserve ratio, but it will ultimately result in increased deposit insurance costs to the Company. The Dodd-Frank Act also required that the FDIC redefine the assessment base to average consolidated assets minus average tangible equity. 

Dividends

A key source of liquidity for BOK Financial is dividends from the Bank, which is limited by various banking regulations to net profits, as defined, for the year plus retained profits for the preceding two years. Dividends are further restricted by minimum capital requirements and the Company's internal capital policy. The Bank's dividend limitations are discussed under the heading “Liquidity and Capital” within “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

Source of Strength Doctrine

According to Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a bank holding company may not be able to provide such support. 

Transactions with Affiliates

The Federal Reserve Board regulates transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries. Generally, the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, limit the Company’s banking subsidiary and its subsidiaries, to lending and other “covered transactions” with affiliates. The aggregate amount of covered transactions a banking subsidiary or its subsidiaries may enter into with an affiliate may not exceed 10% of the capital stock and surplus of the banking subsidiary. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates may not exceed 20% of the capital stock and surplus of the banking subsidiary.

Covered transactions with affiliates are also subject to collateralization requirements and must be conducted on arm’s length terms. Covered transactions include (a) a loan or extension of credit by the banking subsidiary, including derivative contracts, (b) a purchase of securities issued to a banking subsidiary, (c) a purchase of assets by the banking subsidiary unless otherwise exempted by the Federal Reserve, (d) acceptance of securities issued by an affiliate to the banking subsidiary as collateral for a loan, and (e) the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit by the banking subsidiary on behalf of an affiliate.

Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act

The Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and the The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (“PATRIOT Act”) imposes many requirements on financial institutions in the interest of national security and law enforcement. BSA requires banks to maintain records and file suspicious activity reports that are of use to law enforcement and regulators in combating money laundering and other financial crimes. The PATRIOT Act is intended to deny terrorists and criminals the ability to access the U.S. financial services system and places significantly greater requirements on financial institutions. Financial institutions, such as the Company and its subsidiaries, must have a designated BSA Officer, internal controls, independent testing and training programs commensurate with their size and risk profile. As part of its internal control program, a financial institution is expected to have effective customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence requirements for high-risk customers, as well as processes to prohibit transaction with entities subject to Office of Foreign Asset Control sanctions. Documentation and recordkeeping requirements, as well as system requirements, aimed at identifying and reporting suspicious activity reporting, must increase with the institution's size and complexity. Failure to implement or maintain adequate programs and controls to combat terrorist financing and money laundering may have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Governmental Policies and Economic Factors

The operations of BOK Financial and its subsidiaries are affected by legislative changes and by the policies of various regulatory authorities and, in particular, the policies of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has statutory objectives to maximize employment and maintain price stability. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are: open-market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the discount rate and federal funds rate on bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements on bank deposits. The effect of future changes in such policies on the business and earnings of BOK Financial and its subsidiaries is uncertain.

In response to the significant recession in business activity which began in 2007, the Federal Reserve took aggressive actions to reduce interest rates and provide liquidity. While many of the crisis-related programs have expired or been closed, government legislation and policies continue to be accommodative, including increases in government spending, reduction of certain taxes and promotion of home affordability programs. 

The Federal Reserve completed its bond purchase program designed to reduce longer-term rates in October of 2014, although it continues to maintain an accommodative policy of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and to rollover maturing Treasury securities. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it will likely foster a low-interest rate environment for a considerable time, dependent on inflation and employment levels the progress. The short-term effectiveness and long-term impact of these programs on the economy in general and on BOK Financial Corporation in particular are uncertain.

Foreign Operations

BOK Financial does not engage in operations in foreign countries, nor does it lend to foreign governments.

BOK Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries could be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties that could have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations, as well as on its common stock and other financial instruments. Risk factors which are significant to the Company include, but are not limited to:

General and Regulatory Risk Factors

Although BOK Financial has developed an operating strategy which it expects to result in continuing improved financial performance, BOK Financial cannot assure that it will be successful in fulfilling this strategy or that this operating strategy will be successful. Achieving success is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond BOK Financial's direct control. Factors that may adversely affect BOK Financial's ability to implement its operating strategy include:

Banking is a competitive business. BOK Financial competes actively for loan, deposit and other financial services business in the southwest region of the United States. BOK Financial's competitors include a large number of small and large local and national banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, trust companies, broker-dealers and underwriters, as well as many financial and non-financial firms that offer services similar to those of BOK Financial. Large national financial institutions have substantial capital, technology and marketing resources. Such large financial institutions may have greater access to capital at a lower cost than BOK Financial does, which may adversely affect BOK Financial's ability to compete effectively.

BOK Financial has expanded into markets outside of Oklahoma, where it competes with a large number of financial institutions that have an established customer base and greater market share than BOK Financial. BOK Financial may not be able to continue to compete successfully in these markets outside of Oklahoma. With respect to some of its services, BOK Financial competes with non-bank companies that are not subject to regulation. The absence of regulatory requirements may give non-banks a competitive advantage.

BOKF and BOKF, NA are subject to banking laws and regulations that limit the type of acquisitions and investments that we may make. In addition, certain permitted acquisitions and investments are subject to prior review and approval by banking regulators, including the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC. Banking regulators have broad discretion on whether to approve proposed acquisitions and investments. In deciding whether to approve a proposed acquisition, federal banking regulators will consider, among other things, the effect of the acquisition on competition; the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, including our record of compliance under the Community Reinvestment Act; and our effectiveness in combating money laundering. They will also consider our financial condition and our future prospects, including projected capital ratios and levels; the competence, experience, and integrity of our management; and our record of compliance with laws and regulations.

 

The trend of increasingly extensive regulation is likely to continue and become more costly in the future. Laws, regulations or policies currently affecting BOK Financial and its subsidiaries may change. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act has and will continue to affect BOK Financial’s businesses, including interchange revenue, mortgage banking, derivative and trading activities on behalf of customers, consumer products and funds management.

Regulatory authorities may change their interpretation of these statutes and regulations and are likely to increase their supervisory activities, including the OCC, our primary regulator, and the CFPB, our new regulator for certain designated consumer laws and regulations. Violations of laws and regulations could limit the growth potential of BOK Financial's businesses. We have made extensive investments in human and technological resources to address enhanced regulatory expectations, including investments in the areas of risk management, compliance, and capital planning.

As a result of the financial crisis and related government intervention to stabilize the banking system, there have been a series of laws and related regulations proposed or enacted in an attempt to ensure the crisis is not repeated. Many of the proposed new regulations are far-reaching. The intervention by the government also impacted populist sentiment with a negative view of financial institutions. This sentiment may increase litigation risk to the Company. While the Company did not participate in the Troubled Asset Relief Program and performed well throughout the downturn, the adverse political environment could have an adverse impact on BOK Financial’s future operations. 

Credit Risk Factors

Certain industry-specific economic factors also affect BOK Financial. For example, BOK Financial's loan portfolio includes commercial real estate loans. A downturn in the real estate industry in general or in certain segments of the commercial real estate industry in the southwest region could also have an adverse effect on BOK Financial's operations.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk Factors

BOK Financial's business is highly sensitive to:

A significant increase in market interest rates, or the perception that an increase may occur, could adversely affect both BOK Financial's ability to originate new loans and BOK Financial's ability to grow. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates could result in acceleration in the payment of loans, including loans underlying BOK Financial's holdings of residential mortgage-backed securities and termination of BOK Financial's mortgage servicing rights. In addition, changes in market interest rates, changes in the relationships between short-term and long-term market interest rates or changes in the relationships between different interest rate indices, could affect the interest rates charged on interest-earning assets differently than the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. This difference could result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest income which would reduce the Company’s net interest revenue. In a low interest rate environment, the Company's ability to support net interest revenue through continued securities portfolio growth or further reduce deposit costs could be limited. An increase in market interest rates also could adversely affect the ability of BOK Financial's floating-rate borrowers to meet their higher payment obligations. If this occurred, it could cause an increase in nonperforming assets and net charge-offs, which could adversely affect BOK Financial's business.

Residential mortgage-backed securities are also subject to credit risk from delinquency or default of the underlying loans. BOK Financial mitigates this risk somewhat by investing in securities issued by U.S. government agencies. Principal and interest payments on the loans underlying these securities are guaranteed by these agencies.

The Federal Reserve Board and other government agencies have implemented policies and programs to stimulate the U.S. economy and housing market. These policies and programs have significantly reduced both primary mortgage interest rates, the rates paid by borrowers, and secondary mortgage interest rates, the rates required by investors in mortgage backed securities. They have also reduced barriers to mortgage refinancing such as insufficient home values.

BOK Financial’s subsidiary bank may rely on other financial institutions and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka as a significant source of funds. Our ability to fund loans, manage our interest rate risk and meet other obligations depends on funds borrowed from these sources. The inability to borrow funds at market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Operating Risk Factors

As a financial institution, we process a significant number of customer transactions and possess a significant amount of sensitive customer information. As technology advances, the ability to initiate transactions and access data has become more widely distributed among mobile phones, personal computers, automated teller machines, remote deposit capture sites and similar access points. These technological advances increase cybersecurity risk. While the Company maintains programs intended to prevent or limit the effects of cybersecurity risk, there is no assurance that unauthorized transactions or unauthorized access to customer information will not occur. The financial, reputational and regulatory impact of unauthorized transactions or unauthorized access to customer information could be significant.

We depend on third parties for critical components of our infrastructure.

We outsource a significant portion of our information systems, communications, data management and transaction processing to third parties. These third parties are sources of risk associated with operational errors, system interruptions or breaches, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and misuse of intellectual property. If the service providers encounter any of these issues, we could be exposed to disruption of service, reputation damages, and litigation risk that could be material to our business.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Stock

A relatively small fraction of BOK Financial's outstanding common stock is actively traded. The risks of low liquidity include increased volatility of the price of BOK Financial's common stock. Low liquidity may also limit holders of BOK Financial's common stock in their ability to sell or transfer BOK Financial's shares at the price, time and quantity desired.

Mr. Kaiser has the right to sell shares of BOK Financial's common stock in compliance with the federal securities laws at any time, or from time to time. The federal securities laws will be the only restrictions on Mr. Kaiser's ability to sell. Because of his current control of BOK Financial, Mr. Kaiser could sell large amounts of his shares of BOK Financial's common stock by causing BOK Financial to file a registration statement that would allow him to sell shares more easily. In addition, Mr. Kaiser could sell his shares of BOK Financial's common stock without registration under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Although BOK Financial can make no predictions as to the effect, if any, that such sales would have on the market price of BOK Financial's common stock, sales of substantial amounts of BOK Financial's common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect market prices. If Mr. Kaiser sells or transfers his shares of BOK Financial's common stock as a block, another person or entity could become BOK Financial's controlling shareholder.

A substantial portion of BOK Financial's cash flow typically comes from dividends paid by the Bank. Statutory provisions and regulations restrict the amount of dividends the Bank may pay to BOK Financial without regulatory approval. Management also developed, and the BOK Financial board of directors approved, an internal capital policy that is more restrictive than the regulatory capital standards. In the event of liquidation, creditors of the Bank and other non-bank subsidiaries of BOK Financial are entitled to receive distributions from the assets of that subsidiary before BOK Financial, as holder of an equity interest in the subsidiaries, is entitled to receive any distributions.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

BOK Financial and its subsidiaries own and lease improved real estate that is carried at $178 million, net of depreciation and amortization. The Company’s principal offices are located in leased premises in the Bank of Oklahoma Tower in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Banking offices are primarily located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; and Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri. Primary operations facilities are located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Dallas, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Company’s facilities are suitable for their respective uses and present needs.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The highest and lowest quarterly closing bid price for shares and cash dividends declared per share of BOK Financial common stock follows:

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

 

The selected financial data is set forth within Table 1 of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The following discussion is management’s analysis to assist in the understanding and evaluation of the financial condition and results of operations of BOK Financial Corporation (“BOK Financial” or “the Company”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes and selected financial data presented elsewhere in this report.

Economic activity expanded at a solid pace and unemployment continued to improve during 2015. National unemployment rates were 5.0% in December of 2015 compared to 5.6% in December of 2014. Inflationary pressure have remained subdued and the U.S. government has continued to provide accommodative economic policy to support growth in the economy and further reduction in the unemployment rate. According to the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") of the Federal Reserve for December, household spending and business investment has expanded at a moderate rate toward the end of 2015 and the housing sector has improved, but net exports have been soft and inventory investment has slowed. Investment returns for 2015 were flat for large cap U.S. equities, bonds, and developed international markets. Total return was negative for small cap U.S. stocks and down double digits for emerging market equities. And although the S&P 500 was flat, there was considerable volatility during the year.

The FOMC voted to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by ¼ percentage point, bringing it to ¼ to ½ percent, ending an extraordinary seven-year period during which the federal funds rate was held near zero to support the recovery of the economy from the worst financial crisis and recession since the Great Depression. The long end of the yield curve remains under pressure due to weakness in Europe and Japan and the curve will likely continue to flatten in 2016. The continued low interest rate environment has continued to present challenges for all financial institutions as cash flows from loan and securities portfolios are reinvested at current rates and competition for high-quality borrowers has been significant. 

Increases in the global supply of oil and other factors caused energy prices to continue to decline in 2015. West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell from a high just below $108/bbl in June 2014 to a low of $27/bbl in January 2016. The longer the

prices remain in a sustained downturn, energy borrowers and the local economies in our geographical footprint will be more significantly impacted.

Critical Accounting Policies & Estimates

The Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company's accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management makes significant assumptions and estimates in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in conformity with GAAP that may be highly subjective, complex and subject to variability. Actual results could differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates. The following discussion addresses the most critical areas where these assumptions and estimates could affect the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. These critical accounting policies and estimates have been discussed with the appropriate committees of the Board of Directors.

The appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses and accrual for off-balance sheet credit risk is assessed quarterly by management based on an ongoing evaluation of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio and probable estimated losses on unused commitments to provide financing. A consistent, well-documented methodology has been developed and is applied by an independent Credit Administration department to assure consistency across the Company. The allowance for loan losses consists of specific allowances attributed to certain impaired loans that have not yet been charged down to amounts we expect to recover, general allowances for unimpaired loans that are based on estimated loss rates by loan class and nonspecific allowances for risks beyond factors specific to a particular portfolio segment or loan class. There have been no material changes in the approach or techniques utilized in developing the allowance for loan losses and accrual for off-balance sheet credit risk during 2015.

Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements, including loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Internally risk graded loans are evaluated individually for impairment. Substantially all commercial and commercial real estate loans and certain residential mortgage and consumer loans are risk graded through a quarterly evaluation of the borrower's ability to repay. Certain commercial loans and most residential mortgage and consumer loans which represent small balance, homogeneous pools are not risk graded. Non-risk graded loans are identified as impaired based on performance status. Generally, non-risk graded loans are considered impaired when 90 or more days past due, in bankruptcy or modified in a troubled debt restructuring.

Specific allowances for impaired loans that have not yet been charged down to amounts we expect to recover are measured by an evaluation of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. Collateral value of real property is generally based on third party appraisals that conform to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, less estimated selling costs. Appraised values are on an “as-is” basis and generally are not adjusted by the Company. Updated appraisals are obtained at least annually or more frequently if market conditions indicate collateral values may have declined. Collateral value of mineral rights is determined by our internal staff of engineers based on projected cash flows under current market conditions. The value of other collateral is generally determined by our special assets staff based on liquidation cash flows under current market conditions. Collateral values and available cash resources that support impaired loans are evaluated quarterly. Historical statistics may be used as a practical way to estimate impairment in limited situations, such as when a collateral dependent loan is identified as impaired near the end of a reporting period until an updated appraisal of collateral value is received or a full assessment of future cash flows is completed. Estimates of future cash flows and collateral values require significant judgments and may be volatile.

General allowances for unimpaired loans are based on estimated loss rates by loan class. The appropriate historical gross loss rate for each loan class is determined by the greater of the current loss rate based on the most recent twelve months or a ten-year average gross loss rate. Recoveries are not directly considered in the estimation of historical loss rates. Recoveries generally do not follow predictable patterns and are not received until well-after the charge-off date as a result of protracted legal proceedings. For risk graded loans, historical loss rates are adjusted for changes in risk rating. For each loan class, the weighted average current risk grade is compared to the weighted average long-term risk grade. This comparison determines whether the risk in each loan class is increasing or decreasing. Historical loss rates are adjusted upward or downward in proportion to changes in weighted average risk grading. General allowances for unimpaired loans also consider inherent risks identified for a given loan class. Inherent risks include consideration of the loss rates that most appropriately represent the current credit cycle and other factors attributable to a specific loan class which have not yet been represented in the historical gross loss rates or risk grading. Examples of these factors include changes in commodity prices or engineering imprecision which may affect the value of reserves that secure our energy loan portfolio, construction risk that may affect commercial real estate loans, changes in regulations and public policy that may disproportionately impact health care loans and changes in loan product types.

Nonspecific allowances are maintained for risks beyond factors specific to a particular portfolio segment or loan class. These factors include trends in the economy in our primary lending areas, concentrations in loans with large balances and other relevant factors.

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value is defined by applicable accounting guidance as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal markets for the given asset or liability at the measurement date based on markets conditions at that date. An orderly transaction assumes exposure to the market for a customary period for marketing activities prior to the measurement date and not a forced liquidation or distressed sale.

A hierarchy for fair value has been established that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad categories: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), other observable inputs that can be observed either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities (Level 3). Fair value may be recorded for certain assets and liabilities every reporting period on a recurring basis or under certain circumstances on a non-recurring basis.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

We have a significant investment in mortgage servicing rights. Our mortgage servicing rights are primarily retained from sales in the secondary market of residential mortgage loans we have originated or purchased from correspondent lenders. Occasionally mortgage servicing rights may be purchased from other lenders. Both originated and purchased mortgage servicing rights are initially recognized at fair value. We carry all mortgage servicing rights at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as they occur.

The assumptions used in this model are primarily based on mortgage interest rates. Evaluation of the effect of a change in one assumption without considering the effect of that change on other assumptions is not meaningful. Considering all related assumptions, we expect a 50 basis point increase in primary mortgage interest rates to increase the fair value of our servicing rights by $17 million. We expect a $19 million decrease in the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights from a 50 basis point decrease in primary mortgage interest rates.

Valuation of Derivative Instruments

We use interest rate derivative instruments to manage our interest rate risk. We also offer interest rate, commodity, foreign exchange and equity derivative contracts to our customers. All derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair values for exchange-traded contracts are based on quoted prices in an active market for identical instruments. Fair values for over-the-counter interest rate contracts used to manage our interest rate risk are generated internally using third-party valuation models. Inputs used in third-party valuation models to determine fair values are considered significant other observable inputs. Fair values for interest rate, commodity, foreign exchange and equity contracts used in our customer hedging programs are based on valuations generated internally by third-party provided pricing models. These models use significant other observable market inputs to estimate fair values. Changes in assumptions used in these pricing models could significantly affect the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, though the net effect of these changes should not significantly affect earnings.

Credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of derivative instruments. Deterioration in the credit rating of customers or dealers reduces the fair value of asset contracts. The reduction in fair value is recognized in earnings during the current period. Fair value adjustments are based on various risk factors including but not limited to counterparty credit rating or equivalent loan grading, derivative contract notional size, price volatility of the underlying commodity, duration of the derivative contracts and expected loss severity. Expected loss severity is based on historical losses for similarly risk-graded commercial loan customers. Deterioration in our credit rating below investment grade would affect the fair value of our derivative liabilities. In the event of a credit down-grade, the fair value of our derivative liabilities would decrease. The reduction in fair value would be recognized in earnings in the current period. The impact of credit valuation adjustments on the total valuation of derivative contracts was not significant.

Valuation of Securities

The fair value of our securities portfolio is generally based on a single price for each financial instrument provided to us by a third-party pricing service determined by one or more of the following:

Valuation of Impaired Loans and Real Estate and Other Repossessed Assets

The fair value of collateral for certain impaired loans and real estate and other repossessed assets is measured on a non-recurring basis. The fair value of real estate is generally based on unadjusted third-party appraisals derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Fair value measurements based on these appraisals are considered to be based on Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements based on appraisals that are not based on observable inputs or that require significant adjustments by us or fair value measurements that are not based on third-party appraisals are considered to be based on Level 3 inputs. Significant unobservable inputs include listing prices for comparable assets, uncorroborated expert opinions or management's knowledge of the collateral or industry.

The fair value of mineral rights is generally determined by our internal staff of engineers based on projected cash flows from proven oil and gas reserves under existing economic and operating conditions. Proven oil and gas reserves are estimated quantities that geological and engineering data demonstrate, with reasonable certainty, to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs using existing prices and costs. Projected cash flows incorporate assumptions related to a number of factors including production, sales prices, operating expenses, severance, ad valorem taxes, capital costs and appropriate discount rate. Fair values determined through this process are considered to be based on Level 3 inputs.

 

Goodwill for each reporting unit is evaluated for impairment annually as of October 1st or more frequently if conditions indicate that impairment may have occurred. The evaluation of possible goodwill impairment involves significant judgment based upon short-term and long-term projections of future performance.

We perform a qualitative assessment that evaluates, based on the weight of the evidence, the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are less than their carrying amounts, including goodwill. This qualitative assessment considers general economic conditions including trends in unemployment rates in our primary geographical areas, our earnings and stock price changes during the year, current and anticipated credit quality performance and the prolonged low interest rate environment and the impact of increased regulation. The qualitative assessment is supplemented by quantitative analysis that compares the Company's overall performance and each individual reporting unit's performance against prior period actual results and management's plans, and the excess of each reporting unit's most recently measured fair value over its carrying value, including goodwill attributed to the reporting unit.

If we conclude that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill through the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative assessment. The quantitative assessment considers goodwill to be impaired if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. Impairment is measured through additional assessment of the estimated fair values for each asset and liability assigned to the reporting unit when necessary.

Numerous other factors could affect future impairment analyses including credit losses that exceed projected amounts or failure to meet growth projections. Additionally, fee income may be adversely affected by increasing residential mortgage interest rates and changes in federal regulations.

We consider the principal and interest cash flows from the underlying loan pool as well as the remaining credit enhancement coverage as part of our assessment of cash flows available to recover the amortized cost of our securities. The credit enhancement coverage is an estimate of currently remaining subordinated tranches available to absorb losses on pools of loans that support the security. Credit losses, which are defined as the excess of current amortized cost over the present value of projected cash flows, on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities are recognized as a charge against earnings. Any remaining impairment attributed to factors other than credit losses are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive losses.

   

We performed a sensitivity analysis of all privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities. Significant assumptions of this analysis included an increase in the unemployment rate to 10% with an additional 25.4% home price depreciation indicates an additional $300 thousand of credit losses are possible.

Determination of income tax expense and related assets and liabilities is complex and requires estimates and judgments when applying tax laws, rules, regulations and interpretations. It also requires judgments as to future earnings and the timing of future events. Accrued income taxes represent an estimate of net amounts due to or from taxing jurisdictions based upon these estimates, interpretations and judgments.

Management evaluates the Company's current tax expense or benefit based upon estimates of taxable income, tax credits and statutory tax rates. Annually, we file tax returns with each jurisdiction where we conduct business and adjust recognized income tax expense or benefit to filed tax returns.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the differences between the values of assets and liabilities as recognized in the financial statements and their related tax basis using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the entire deferred tax asset may not be realized based on taxes previously paid in net loss carry-back periods and other factors.

We also recognize the benefit of uncertain income tax positions when based upon all relevant evidence it is more-likely-than-not that our position would prevail upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation, based upon the technical merits of the position. Unrecognized tax benefits, including estimated interest and penalties, are part of our current accrued income tax liability. Estimated penalties and interest are recognized in income tax expense. Income tax expense in future periods may decrease if an uncertain tax position is favorably resolved, generally upon completion of an examination by the taxing authorities, expiration of a statute of limitations, or changes in facts and circumstances.

Net Interest Revenue and Net Interest Margin

Net interest revenue is the interest earned on debt securities, loans and other interest-earning assets less interest paid for interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings. The net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest revenue by average interest-earning assets. Net interest spread is the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is typically greater than net interest spread due to interest income earned on assets funded by non-interest bearing liabilities such as demand deposits and equity.

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