EAST WEST BANCORP INC

The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “EWBC”) and its subsidiaries, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “East West Bank” or the “Bank”). This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”), and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2026 (the “Company’s 2025 Form 10-K”).

Organization and Strategy

East West is a bank holding company incorporated in Delaware on August 26, 1998, and is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company commenced business on December 30, 1998 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired all of the voting stock of the Bank, which became its principal asset. The Bank is an independent commercial bank headquartered in California that focuses on the financial service needs of individuals and businesses that operate in both the U.S. and Asia. Through over 110 locations in the U.S. and Asia, the Company provides a full range of consumer and commercial products and services through the following three business segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking and (2) Commercial Banking, with the remaining operations recorded in (3) Treasury and Other. The Company’s principal activity is lending to and accepting deposits from businesses and individuals. We are committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value by growing loans, deposits and revenue, improving profitability, and investing for the future while managing risks, expenses and capital. Our business model is built on customer loyalty and engagement, understanding our customers’ financial goals, and meeting our customers’ financial needs through our diverse products and services. We expect our relationship-focused business model to continue generating organic growth from existing customers and to expand our targeted customer bases. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $82.9 billion in total assets and approximately 3,400 full-time equivalent employees. For additional information on our strategy, and the products and services provided by the Bank, see Item 1. Business — Organizationand Banking Servicesin the Company’s 2025 Form 10-K.

Current Developments

Economic Developments

Evolving geopolitical uncertainties, including armed conflict involving Iran or heightened tensions in other regions, as well as changes in trade policies and tariffs, continue to raise concerns about inflation, oil and energy price volatility, and supply chain disruptions. At its March and April 2026 meetings, the Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds target rate, reflecting a cautious stance as it manages persistent inflationary pressures and a gradually cooling labor market amid an increasingly uncertain global environment. These factors may create volatility that could affect both inflation and overall economic growth. The Company monitors changes in economic and industry conditions and their impacts on the Company’s business, customers, employees, communities and markets.

Further discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to the economic environment has been provided in Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geographic and Political Uncertaintiesand — Risks Related to Financial Mattersin the Company’s 2025 Form 10-K.

Regulatory Updates

In March 2026, the federal banking agencies issued proposed revisions to the U.S. regulatory capital framework. The proposals would, among other things, modify aspects of the standardized approach to risk-based capital treatment of certain exposure categories that are material to the Company. The proposed changes address the definition of capital, the calculation of certain risk-weighted assets and future indexing of certain dollar-based thresholds. The Company has been monitoring these proposals and assessing their potential impacts on its regulatory capital position.