WIBC Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. (MM)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 9B. Other Information

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

Commission File Number 000-50923

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WILSHIRE BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(213) 387-3200
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, no par value

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

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        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  o     No  ý

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  o     No  ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ý     No  o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o     No  ý

        The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2009 was approximately $111 million (computed based on the closing sale price of the common stock at $5.75 per share as of such date). Shares of common stock held by each officer and director and each person owning more than ten percent of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of the affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

        The number of shares of Common Stock of the registrant outstanding as of February 26, 2010 was 29,415,657.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to the registrant's 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, where indicated.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the "Report," the other reports, statements, and information that we have previously filed or that we may subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and public announcements that we have previously made or may subsequently make include, incorporate by reference or may incorporate by reference certain statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the benefits of that act. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K and those reports, statements, information and announcements address activities, events or developments that Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries hereinafter referred to as "the Company," "we," "us," "our" or "Wilshire Bancorp," unless the context requires otherwise) expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Any statements in this document about expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "may," "should," "could," "predict," "potential," "believe," "will likely result," "expect," "will continue," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "projection," "would" and "outlook," and similar expressions. Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this document. All forward-looking statements concerning economic conditions, rates of growth, rates of income or values as may be included in this document are based on information available to us on the dates noted, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. It is important to note that our actual results may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements due to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations, economic conditions, customer disintermediation and competitive product and pricing pressures in the geographic and business areas in which we conduct operations, as well as the factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, including the discussion under the section entitled "Risk Factors."

        The risk factors referred to in this Report could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

PART I

Item 1.    Business

General

        Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company offering a broad range of financial products and services primarily through our main subsidiary, Wilshire State Bank, a California state-chartered commercial bank, or the "Bank." Our corporate headquarters and primary banking facilities are located at 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010. In addition, the Bank has 23 full-service branch offices in Southern California, Texas, New Jersey, and the greater New York City metropolitan area. We also have 5 loan production offices, or "LPOs", utilized primarily for the origination of loans

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under our Small Business Administration, or "SBA", lending program in Colorado, Georgia, Texas (2 offices), and Virginia.

        Wilshire State Bank is an insured bank up to the maximum limits authorized under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, or the "FDIA." Like most state-chartered banks of our size in California, we are not a member of the Federal Reserve System, but we are a member of Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, a congressionally chartered Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2009, we had approximately $3.4 billion in assets, $2.4 billion in total loans, and $2.8 billion in deposits.

        We operate a community bank focused on the general commercial banking business, with our primary market encompassing the multi-ethnic population of Southern California, Dallas-Fort Worth, New Jersey, and the New York metropolitan area. Our client base reflects the multi-ethnic composition of these communities.

        To address the needs of our multi-ethnic customers, we have many multilingual employees who are able to converse with our clientele in their native languages. We believe that the ability to speak the native language of our customers assists us in tailoring products and services for our customers' needs.

Available Information

        We maintain an Internet website at www.wilshirebank.com. We post our filings with the SEC on the Investor Relations component of our website, which are available free of charge, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, our proxy and information statements, and any amendments to those reports or statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed or furnished under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act. In addition to our SEC filings, our Code of Professional Conduct, and our Personal and Business Code of Conduct can be found on the Investor Relations page of our website. In addition, we post separately on our website all filings made by persons pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. You may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0220. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Recent Transactions

        On June 26, 2009, we acquired the banking operations of Mirae Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or "FDIC". Mirae Bank previously operated five commercial banking branches, all located within Southern California, and these branches were integrated into our existing branch network following the acquisition. Through the acquisition, we acquired approximately $395.6 million of assets and assumed $374.0 million of liabilities. We also entered into loss sharing agreements with the FDIC in connection with the Mirae Bank acquisition. Under the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will share in the losses on assets covered under the agreements, which generally include loans acquired from Mirae Bank and foreclosed loan collateral existing at June 26, 2009. With respect to losses of up to $83.0 million on the covered assets, the FDIC has agreed to reimburse us for 80 percent of the losses. On losses exceeding $83.0 million, the FDIC has agreed to reimburse us for 95 percent of the losses. The loss sharing agreements are subject to our compliance with servicing procedures and satisfying certain other conditions specified in the agreements with the FDIC. The term for the FDIC's loss sharing on single family loans is ten years, and the term for loss sharing on non-single family loans is five years for losses and eight years for loss recoveries.

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        The Mirae Bank acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805-10 (formerly SFAS No. 141R). The Company recorded a bargain purchase gain totaling $21.7 million resulting from the acquisition, which is a component of noninterest income on our statement of income. No cash consideration was paid to purchase Mirae Bank. The estimated fair value of the assets purchased and liabilities assumed are presented in the following table:

Statement of Net Assets Acquired
(Dollars in Thousands)

Expansion

        As part of our efforts to achieve stable and long-term profitability and respond to a changing economic environment in Southern California, we constantly evaluate a variety of options to augment our traditional focus by broadening the services and products we provide. Possible avenues of growth include more branch locations, expanded days and hours of operation, and new types of lending and deposit products. To date, we have not expanded into areas of brokerage or similar investment products and services but rather, we have concentrated primarily on the core businesses of accepting deposits, making loans, and extending credit.

        We expanded into the states of New York and New Jersey (the "New York/New Jersey market") starting in 2006. In 2010, we expect the New York/New Jersey market to continue to be a critical market for our expansion strategy. We believe the New York/New Jersey Korean-American niche is underserved relative to Los Angeles. According to United States Census data, approximately 17% of all

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Korean-Americans reside in New York or New Jersey and these markets have the second and third most Korean-American firms in the U.S., respectively. We believe our East Coast expansion was successful in 2008 and 2009. The two New York branches both exceeded our expectations in terms of loan and deposit growth, more than doubling since their acquisition. In 2009, total loans and deposits in our New York/New Jersey market increased by $25.4 million and $151.8 million, an increase of 20.2% and 107.0%, respectively. To build on our success, we opened our third New York branch in Flushing during 2009.

        Our expansion plans for 2010 are influenced by the changing conditions in the U.S. economy. The rapid deterioration of our economy was triggered by the slowdown of the housing market and emergence of subprime and credit crisis in mid-2007. The failures of banks, mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and major financial institutions in 2008 further added pressure to the economy and started a trend of global recession. This "financial crisis" primarily reflects the significant and broad-based illiquidity in the residential real estate and credit markets. The domino effect of the U.S. financial crisis has now become a global problem, as many institutions worldwide are financially interlinked. Although there have been recent signs of economic improvement, many analysts predict the current financial crisis will extend into 2010 as well.

        In 2010, we plan to closely monitor and review the loan production levels of our branches and LPOs. We will act with prudence in our lending practice and closely follow our underwriting policies and procedures in extending credit. Consistent with our focus of quality lending, we expect the level of lending activities to decrease relative to prior years, but we expect our loan portfolio quality to improve. We expect to closely evaluate the need for the continued existence of our LPOs.

Business Segments

        We operate in three primary business segments: Banking Operations, Trade Finance Services, and Small Business Administration Lending Services. We determine operating results of each segment based on an internal management system that allocates certain expenses to each segment. These segments are described in additional detail below:

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Banking Operations:   Raises funds from deposits and borrowings for loans and investments and provides lending products including commercial, consumer, and real estate loans to customers.



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Small Business Administration Lending Services:   Provides loans through the SBA guaranteed lending program.



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Trade Finance Services:   Assists our import/export customers with international transactions. Trade finance products include the issuance and collection of letters of credit, international collection, and import/export financing.

        The Company is currently in the process of reassessing our business segment disclosures. More detailed information about the financial performance of these business segments can be found in Note 20 of the financial statements included in this Report beginning on page F-1.

Lending Activities

General

        Our loan policies set forth the basic guidelines and procedures by which we conduct our lending operations. These policies address the types of loans available, underwriting and collateral requirements, loan terms, interest rate and yield considerations, compliance with laws and regulations, and our internal lending limits. Our Bank Board of Directors reviews and approves our loan policies on an annual basis. We supplement our own supervision of the loan underwriting and approval process with periodic loan audits by experienced external loan specialists who review credit quality, loan

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documentation, and compliance with laws and regulations. We engage in a full complement of lending activities, including:

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commercial real estate and home mortgage lending,



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commercial business lending and trade finance,



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SBA lending, and



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consumer loans, and



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construction lending

Loan Procedures

        Loan applications may be approved by the Director Loan Committee of our Bank Board of Directors, by our management, or lending officers to the extent of their lending authority. Our Bank Board of Directors authorizes our lending limits. The President, Chief Lending Officer, and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank are responsible for evaluating the lending authority limits for individual credit officers and recommending lending limits for all other officers to the Bank Board of Directors for approval.

        We grant individual lending authority to the President, Chief Credit Officer, and selected department managers of the Bank. Loans for which direct and indirect borrower liability exceeds an individual's lending authority are referred to the Senior Loan Committee of the Bank (a four-member committee comprised of the President, Chief Lending Officer, Chief Credit Officer, and Senior Loan Officer) or our Bank Director Loan Committee.

        At December 31, 2009, our authorized legal lending limit was $61.7 million for unsecured loans, plus an additional $41.1 million for specifically secured loans. Legal lending limits are calculated in conformance with California law, which prohibits a bank from lending to any one individual or entity or its related interests in an aggregate amount which exceeds 15% of shareholders' equity, plus the allowance for loan losses, and capital notes and debentures, on an unsecured basis, plus an additional 10% on a secured basis. The Bank's shareholders' equity plus allowance for loan losses, and capital notes and debentures at December 31, 2009 totaled $411.2 million.

        We seek to mitigate the risks inherent in our loan portfolio by adhering to our underwriting policies. The review of each loan application includes analysis of the applicant's prior credit history, income level, cash flow and financial condition, analysis of tax returns, cash flow projections, the value of any collateral used to secure the loan, and also based upon reports of independent appraisers and audits of accounts receivable or inventory pledged as security. In the case of real estate loans over a specified amount, the review of the collateral value includes an appraisal report prepared by an independent Bank-approved appraiser. From time to time, we purchase participation interests in loans made by other financial institutions. These loans are generally subject to the same underwriting criteria and approval process as loans made directly by us.

Real Estate Loans and Home Mortgages

        We offer commercial real estate loans to finance the acquisition of, or to refinance the existing mortgages on commercial properties, which include retail shopping centers, office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, hotels, automotive industry facilities, and apartment buildings. Our commercial real estate loans are typically collateralized by first or junior deeds of trust on specific commercial properties, and, when possible, subject to corporate or individual guarantees from financially capable parties. The properties collateralizing real estate loans are principally located in the markets where our retail branches are located. These locations include Southern California, Texas, New Jersey, and the greater New York City metropolitan area. However, we also provide commercial real estate loans

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through our LPOs. Real estate loans typically bear an interest rate that floats with our base rate, the prime rate, or another established index. We also offer fixed rate commercial mortgage loans with maturities that do not exceed 5 to 7 years. At December 31, 2009, real estate loans constituted approximately 83.49% of our loan portfolio.

        Commercial real estate loans typically have 7-year maturities with up to 25-year amortization of principal and interest and loan-to-value ratios of 60-70% of the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. We usually impose a prepayment penalty during the period within three to five years of the date of the loan.

        Construction loans are provided to build new structures, or to substantially improve the existing structure of commercial, residential, and income-producing properties. These loans generally have one to two year terms, with an option to extend the loan for additional periods to complete construction and to accommodate the lease-up period. We usually require a 20-30% equity capital investment by the developer and loan-to-value ratios of not more than 60-70% of the anticipated completion value. We also offer mini-perm loans as take-out financing with our construction loans. Mini-perm loans are generally made with an amortization schedule ranging from 15 to 25 years with a lump sum balloon payment due in one to seven years.

        Our total home mortgage loan portfolio outstanding at the end of 2009 and 2008 was $41.3 million and $42.4 million, respectively. Residential mortgage loans with unconventional terms such as interest only mortgages or option adjustable rate mortgages stood at $1.9 million and 1.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009. These amounts include loans held temporarily for sale or refinancing. At December 31, 2008, these same loan categories were $2.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

        We consider subprime mortgages to be loans secured by real property made to a borrower (or borrowers) with a diminished or impaired credit rating or with a limited credit history. We are focused on producing loans with only prime rated borrowers. As of result, our portfolio currently has no subprime exposure.

        Our real estate portfolio is subject to certain risks, including:

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a continued decline in the economies of our primary markets,



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interest rate increases,



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continued reduction in real estate values in our primary markets,



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increased competition in pricing and loan structure, and



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environmental risks, including natural disasters.

        We strive to reduce the exposure to such risks by (a) reviewing each new loan request and renewal individually, (b) using a dual signature approval system for the approval of each loan request for loans over a certain dollar amount, (c) adherence to written loan policies, including, among other factors, minimum collateral requirements, maximum loan-to-value ratio requirements, cash flow requirements, and personal guarantees, (d) independent appraisals, (e) external independent credit review, and (f) conducting environmental reviews, where appropriate. We review each loan request on the basis of our ability to recover both principal and interest in view of the inherent risks.

Commercial Business Lending

        We offer commercial business loans to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. These loans include business lines of credit and business term loans to finance operations, to provide working capital, or for specific purposes, such as to finance the purchase of assets, equipment, or inventory. Since a borrower's cash flow from operations is generally the primary source of repayment, our policies provide specific guidelines regarding required debt coverage and other important financial ratios.

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        Lines of credit are extended to businesses or individuals based on the financial strength and integrity of the borrower. These lines of credit are secured primarily by business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory, and have a maturity of one year or less. Such lines of credit bear an interest rate that floats with our base rate, the prime rate, or another established index.

        Business term loans are typically made to finance the acquisition of fixed assets, refinance short-term debts, or to finance the purchase of businesses. Business term loans generally have terms from one to seven years. They may be collateralized by the assets being acquired or other available assets and bear interest rates, which either float with our base rate, prime rate, another established index, or is fixed for the term of the loan.

        We also provide other banking services tailored to the small business market. We have focused recently on diversifying our loan portfolio, which has led to an increase in commercial business loans to small and medium-sized businesses.

        Our portfolio of commercial loans is subject to certain risks, including:

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continued decline in the economy in our primary markets,



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interest rate increases, and



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deterioration of a borrower's or guarantor's financial capabilities.

        We attempt to reduce the exposure to such risks by (a) reviewing each new loan request and renewal individually, (b) relying heavily on our committee approval system where inputs from experienced committee members with different types and levels of lending experience are fully utilized, (c) strict adherence to written loan policies, and (d) external independent credit review. In addition, loans based on short-term assets such as account receivables and inventories are monitored on a monthly or at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. In general, we receive and review financial statements of borrowing customers on an ongoing basis during the term of the relationship and respond to any deterioration noted.

Small Business Administration Lending Services

        Small Business Administration, or SBA, lending is an important part of our business. Our SBA lending business places an emphasis on minority-owned businesses. Our SBA market area includes the geographic areas encompassed by our full-service banking offices in Southern California, Texas, New Jersey, and the New York City metropolitan area, as well as the multi-ethnic population areas surrounding our LPOs in other states. We are an SBA Preferred Lender nationwide, which permits us to approve SBA guaranteed loans in all our lending areas without further approval from the SBA. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we provide quicker and more efficient service to our clientele, enabling them to obtain SBA loans in order to acquire new businesses, expand existing businesses, and acquire locations in which to do business, without having to go through the time-consuming SBA approval process that would be necessary if a prospective SBA borrower were to utilize a lender that is not an SBA Preferred Lender.

        We have made efforts to diversify our banking and financial services in order to reduce our substantial revenue reliance on SBA loans. Nonetheless, SBA loans continue to remain an important component of our business. The net revenue from our SBA department represented 8.9%, 10.9%, and 25.5% of our total net revenue for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Although our participation in the SBA program is subject to the legislative power of Congress and the continued maintenance of our approved status by the SBA, we have no reason to believe that this program (and our participation therein) will not continue, particularly in view of the historic longevity of the SBA program nationally.

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Consumer Loans

        Consumer loans include personal loans, auto loans, and other loans typically made by banks to individual borrowers. The majority of consumer loans are concentrated in automobile loans, which we no longer offer to new customers. Since the second half of 2008, we have not made any new auto loans to new customers. However, on occasion automobile loans are made to existing loan or deposit customers. Because consumer loans present a higher risk potential compared to our other loan products, especially given current economic conditions, we have reduced our efforts in consumer lending since 2007.

        Our consumer loan production has historically been comparatively small, and has always represented less than 5% of our total loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2009, our consumer loan portfolio represented 0.7% of the loan portfolio as compared to 1.2% and 1.9% as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

        Our consumer loan portfolio is subject to certain risks, including:

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general economic conditions of the markets we serve,



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interest rate increases, and



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consumer bankruptcy laws which allow consumers to discharge certain debts.

        We attempt to reduce the exposure to such risks through (a) the direct approval of all consumer loans by reviewing each loan request and renewal individually, (b) using a dual signature system of approval, (c) strict adherence to written credit policies, and (d) utilizing external independent credit review.

Trade Finance Services

        Our Trade Finance Department is an integral part of our business and assists our import/export customers with their international business needs. Trade Finance products include the issuance and negotiation of commercial and standby letters of credit, as well as handling of documentary collections. On the export side, we provide advising and negotiation of commercial letters of credit, and we transfer and issue back-to-back letters of credit.

        We also provide importers with trade finance lines of credit, which allow for issuance of commercial letters of credit and financing of documents received under such letters of credit, as well as documents received under documentary collections.

        Exporters are assisted through export lines of credit as well as through immediate financing of clean documents presented under export letters of credit. We work closely with the SBA through their Export Working Capital Program.

        Most of our revenue from the Trade Finance Department consists of fee income from providing facilities to support import/export customers and interest income from extensions of credit. Our Trade Finance Department's fee income was $1.2 million, $1.2 million, and $1.3 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. In 2009, Trade Finance Department net revenue was -$7.1 million compared to net revenue of $2.5 million and $1.0 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds

        Our primary sources of funds are deposits and loan repayments. Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, whereas deposit inflows and outflows and unscheduled loan prepayments (which are influenced significantly by general interest rate levels, interest rates available on other investments, competition, economic conditions, and other factors) are less stable. Customer

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deposits remain a primary source of funds, but these balances may be influenced by adverse market changes in the industry. Other borrowings may be used:

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on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in deposit inflows to less than projected levels, and



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on a longer-term basis to support expanded lending activities and to match the maturity of repricing intervals of assets.

        We offer a variety of accounts for depositors which are designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits. These accounts include certificates of deposit ("CDs"), regular savings accounts, money market accounts, checking and negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") accounts, installment savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). These accounts generally earn interest at rates established by management based on competitive market factors and management's desire to increase or decrease certain types or maturities of deposits. As needed, we augment these customer deposits with brokered deposits. The more significant deposit accounts offered by us and other sources of funds are described below:

Certificates of Deposit

        We offer several types of CDs with a maximum maturity of five years. The majority of our CDs have maturities of one to twelve months and typically pays simple interest credited monthly or at maturity.

Regular Savings Accounts

        We offer savings accounts that allow for unlimited deposits and withdrawals, provided that depositors maintain a $100 minimum balance. Interest is compounded daily and credited quarterly.

Money Market Accounts

        Money market accounts pay a variable interest rate that is tiered depending on the balance maintained in the account. Minimum opening balances vary. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly.

Checking and NOW Account

        Checking and NOW accounts are generally noninterest and interest bearing accounts, respectively, and may include service fees based on activity and balances. NOW accounts pay interest, but require a higher minimum balance to avoid service charges.

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

        To supplement our deposits as a source of funds for lending or investment, we borrow funds in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. We may use Federal Home Loan Bank advances as part of our interest rate risk management, primarily to extend the duration of funding to match the longer term fixed rate loans held in the loan portfolio.

        As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank "FHLB" system, we are required to invest in Federal Home Loan Bank stock based on a predetermined formula. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is a restricted investment security that can only be sold to other Federal Home Loan Bank members or redeemed by the Federal Home Loan Bank. As of December 31, 2009, we owned $20.9 million in FHLB stock. As of December 31, 2009, FHLB stopped dividend payments on their stock. We believe that the FHLB stock is currently not impaired, as the par value of the investment can be recovered upon sale of the stock.

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        Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are secured by the Federal Home Loan Bank stock we own and a blanket lien on our loan portfolio and may be also secured by other assets, mainly consisting of securities which are obligations of or guaranteed by the U.S. government. At December 31, 2009, our borrowing limit with the Federal Home Loan Bank was approximately $945.6 million, with $232.0 million in borrowings outstanding, and $713.6 million in capacity remaining.

Internet Banking

        We offer Internet banking, which allows our customers to access their deposit and loan accounts through the Internet. Customers are able to obtain transaction history and account information, transfer funds between accounts, make on-line bill payments, and open deposit accounts. We intend to improve and develop our Internet banking products and other delivery channels as the need arises and our resources permit.

Other Services

        We also offer ATMs located at selected branch offices, customer access to an ATM network, and armored carrier services.

Marketing

        Our marketing efforts rely principally upon local advertising and promotional activity and upon the personal contacts of our directors, officers, and shareholders to attract business and to acquaint potential customers with our products and personalized services. We emphasize a high degree of personalized client service in order to be able to satisfy each customer's banking needs. Our marketing approach emphasizes our strength as an independent, locally-managed state chartered bank in meeting the particular needs of consumers, professionals, and business customers in the community. Our management team continually evaluates all of our banking services with regard to their profitability and makes conclusions based on these evaluations on whether to continue or modify our business plan, where appropriate.

Competition

Regional Branch Competition

        We currently operate 23 branch offices, 17 in California, 2 in Texas, 1 in New Jersey, and 3 in the greater New York City metropolitan area. We consider our Bank to be a community bank focused on the general commercial banking business, with our primary market encompassing the multi-ethnic population of the Los Angeles County area. Our full-service branch offices are located primarily in areas where a majority of the businesses are owned by immigrants or minority groups. Our client base reflects the multi-ethnic composition of these communities. To further extend our market coverage and gain market share, we will look to focus more attention on the East Coast market through operational support, marketing, and possible the opening of more branches in the region.

        Our market has become increasingly competitive in recent years with respect to virtually all products and services that we offer. Although the general banking market is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks with numerous offices covering a wide geographic area, we compete in our niche market directly with smaller community banks which focus on Korean-American and other minority consumers and businesses.

        We continue to experience a high level of competition within the ethnic banking market. In the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, our primary competitors include twelve locally-owned and operated Korean-American banks. These banks have branches located in many of the same neighborhoods in which we operate, provide similar types of products and services, and use the same

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Korean language publications and media for their marketing purposes. Unlike many other Korean-ethnic community banks, we also focus a significant portion of our marketing efforts on non-Korean customers.

        A less significant source of competition in our primary market includes branch offices of major national and international banks which maintain a limited bilingual staff for Korean-speaking or other language customers. Although these banks have not traditionally focused their marketing efforts on the minority customer base in our market, their competitive influence could increase should they choose to focus on this market in the future. Large commercial bank competitors have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging and effective advertising campaigns and to allocate their investment resources to areas of highest yield and demand. Many of the major banks operating in our market area offer certain services that we do not offer directly (but some of which we offer through correspondent institutions). By virtue of their greater total capitalization, such banks likely also have substantially higher lending limits than we do. In order to compete effectively, we provide quality, personalized service and fast, local decision making which we feel distinguishes us from many of our major bank competitors. For customers whose loan demands exceed our internal lending limit, we attempt to arrange for such loans on a participation basis with our correspondent banks. Similarly, we assist customers requiring services that we do not currently offer in obtaining such services from our correspondent banks.

Regional Loan Production Office Competition

        We currently operate LPOs, in Aurora, Colorado (the Denver area); Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Annandale, Virginia. In most of our LPO locations, we are competing with local lenders as well as Los Angeles-based Korean-American community lenders operating out-of-state LPOs. We anticipate more competition from Korean-American community lenders in most of our LPO locations in the future. In anticipation of a continued slowing of the U.S. economy and a further decrease in real estate market activity, we plan to maintain a balance of market coverage and operating costs. In 2010, we plan to grow our lending business cautiously with a focus on credit quality and safety.

Other Competitive Factors

        In addition to other banks, our competitors include savings institutions, credit unions, and numerous non-banking institutions, such as finance companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and investment banking firms. In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies that offer money market and mutual funds, wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, including on-line banking services and personal finance software. Strong competition for deposit and loan products affects the rates of those products as well as the terms on which they are offered to customers.

        The more general competitive trends in the industry include increased consolidation and competition. Strong competitors, other than financial institutions, have entered banking markets with focused products targeted at highly profitable customer segments. Many of these competitors are able to compete across geographic boundaries and provide customers increasing access to meaningful alternatives to banking services in nearly all significant products areas. Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on banks within the industry to streamline their operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenues to remain competitive. Competition has also intensified due to the federal and state interstate banking laws, which permit banking organizations to expand geographically.

        Technological innovations have also resulted in increased competition in the financial services industry. Such innovations have, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer

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customers automated transfer payment services that were previously considered traditional banking products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, PDA or cellular phones, mail, home computer, ATMs, self-service branches, and/or in store branches. To some extent, such competition has had limited effect on us to date because many recent technological advancements do not yet have Korean or other language capabilities. However, as such technology becomes available, the competitive pressure to be at the forefront of such advancements will be significant.

        The market for the origination of SBA loans, one of our primary revenue sources, is highly competitive. We compete with other small, mid-size and major banks which originate these loans in the geographic areas in which our full service branches are located, as well as in the areas where we maintain SBA LPOs. In addition, because these loans are largely broker-driven, we compete to a large extent with banks that originate SBA loans outside of our immediate geographic area. Furthermore, because these loans may be made out of LPOs specifically set up to make SBA loans rather than out of full service branches, the barriers to entry in this area, after approval of a bank as an SBA lender, are relatively low. In order to succeed in this highly competitive market, we actively market our SBA loans to minority-owned businesses. However, there can be no assurance that the resale market for SBA loans will grow, decline or maintain its current status.

Business Concentration

        No individual or single group of related accounts is considered material in relation to our total assets or deposits, or in relation to our overall business. However, approximately 83.4% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2009 consisted of real estate-related loans, including construction loans, mini-perm loans, residential mortgage loans, and commercial loans secured by real estate. Moreover, our business activities are currently focused primarily in Southern California, with the majority of our business concentrated in Los Angeles and Orange County. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends in the Southern California economies and, in particular, the commercial real estate markets. In addition, the concentration of our operations in Southern California exposes us to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base in the event of catastrophes, such as earthquakes, fires, and floods in this region.

Employees

        We had 400 full time equivalent employees (392 full-time employees and 13 part-time employees) as of December 31, 2009. None of our employees are currently represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that our employee relations are satisfactory.

Regulation and Supervision

        The following is a summary description of the relevant laws, rules, and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies. The descriptions of, and references to, the statutes and regulations below are brief summaries and do not purport to be complete. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the specific statutes and regulations discussed.

        Generally, the supervision and regulation of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the deposit insurance funds of the FDIC and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of the bank holding company shareholders or creditors. The banking agencies have broad enforcement power over bank holding companies and banks, including the power to impose substantial fines and other penalties for violations of laws and regulations.

        Various legislation is from time to time introduced in Congress and California's legislature, including proposals to overhaul the bank regulatory system, expand the powers of depository

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institutions, and limit the investments that depository institutions may make with insured funds. Such legislation may change applicable statutes and the operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. We cannot determine the ultimate effect that future legislation or implementing regulations would have upon our financial condition or upon our results of operations or the results of operations of any of our subsidiaries.

Wilshire Bancorp

        Wilshire Bancorp is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, or the Bank Holding Company Act, and is subject to supervision, regulation, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). The Bank Holding Company Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations.

Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends; Source of Strength

        We are regarded as a legal entity separate and distinct from our other subsidiaries. The principal source of our revenues will be dividends received from the Bank. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends the Bank can pay to us without regulatory approval. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company's ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries.

        Under Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to each of its banking subsidiaries and commit resources to their support. Such support may be required at times when, absent this Federal Reserve Board policy, a holding company may not be inclined to provide it. As discussed below, a bank holding company, in certain circumstances, could be required to guarantee the capital plan of an undercapitalized banking subsidiary.

        In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the trustee will be deemed to have assumed, and is required to cure immediately, any deficit under any commitment by the debtor holding company to any of the federal banking agencies to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution, and any claim for breach of such obligation will generally have priority over most other unsecured claims.

        Pursuant to a Letter Agreement dated December 12, 2008 and a Securities Purchase Agreement—Standard Terms attached thereto (collectively, the "TARP Agreements"), we issued to the U.S. Treasury (i) 62,158 shares of the Company's Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock") and (ii) a warrant to purchase initially 949,460 shares of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $62,158,000. This resulted from our voluntary participation in the Capital Purchase Program of the U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or "TARP." The TARP Agreements place limits on, among other things, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock during the time that shares of our Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding. For more information on restrictions related to the Series A Preferred Stock, see the section of this report entitled, " Regulation and Supervision—The TARP Capital Purchase Program ."

        As a California corporation, Wilshire Bancorp is restricted under the California General Corporation Law ("CGCL") from paying dividends under certain conditions. The shareholders of Wilshire Bancorp will be entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors,

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from funds legally available for the payment of dividends, as provided in the CGCL and, as mentioned above, consistent with Federal Reserve Board policy. The CGCL provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if retained earnings immediately prior to the dividend payout, equals the amount of proposed distribution. In the event that sufficient retained earnings are not available for the proposed distribution, a corporation may, nevertheless, make a distribution, if it meets both the "quantitative solvency" and the "liquidity" tests. In general, the quantitative solvency test requires that the sum of the assets of the corporation equal at least 1 ¹ / 4 times its liabilities. The liquidity test generally requires that a corporation have current assets at least equal to current liabilities, or, if the average of the earnings of the corporation before taxes on income and before interest expenses for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the interest expense of the corporation for such fiscal years, then current assets must equal to at least 1 ¹ / 4 times current liabilities. In certain circumstances, Wilshire Bancorp may be required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Reserve Board to make capital distributions to its shareholders.

Activities "Closely Related" to Banking

        The Bank Holding Company Act prohibits a bank holding company, with certain limited exceptions, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any company which is not a bank or from engaging in any activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks and certain other subsidiaries, or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries. One principal exception to these prohibitions allows the acquisition of interests in companies whose activities are found by the Federal Reserve Board, by order or regulation, to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks, as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the activities that have been determined by regulation to be closely related to banking are making or servicing loans, performing certain data processing services, acting as an investment or financial advisor to certain investment trusts and investment companies and providing securities brokerage services. Other activities approved by the Federal Reserve Board include consumer financial counseling, tax planning and tax preparation, futures and options advisory services, check guaranty services, collection agency and credit bureau services and personal property appraisals. In approving acquisitions by bank holding companies of companies engaged in banking-related activities, the Federal Reserve Board considers a number of factors, and weighs the expected benefits to the public (such as greater convenience and increased competition or gains in efficiency) against the risks of possible adverse effects (such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices). The Federal Reserve Board is also empowered to differentiate between activities commenced de novo and activities commenced through acquisition of a going concern.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; Financial Holding Companies

        The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act, or GLBA, signed into law on November 12, 1999, revised and expanded the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act by including a new section that permits a bank holding company to elect to become a financial holding company to engage in a full range of activities that are "financial in nature." The qualification requirements and the process for a bank holding company that elects to be treated as a financial holding company require that all of the subsidiary banks controlled by the bank holding company at the time of election to become a financial holding company must be and remain at all times "well-capitalized" and "well managed." We have not yet made an election to become a financial holding company, but we may do so at some time in the future.

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        GLBA specifically provides that the following activities have been determined to be "financial in nature":

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lending, trust and other banking activities;



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insurance activities;



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financial or economic advisory services;



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securitization of assets;



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securities underwriting and dealing;



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existing bank holding company domestic activities;



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existing bank holding company foreign activities; and



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merchant banking activities.

        In addition, GLBA specifically gives the Federal Reserve Board the authority, by regulation or order, to expand the list of "financial" or "incidental" activities, but requires consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, and gives the Federal Reserve Board authority to allow a financial holding company to engage in any activity that is "complementary" to a financial activity and does not "pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally."

Privacy Policies

        Under GLBA, all financial institutions are required to adopt privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with nonaffiliated parties at the customer's request, and establish procedures and practices to protect customer data from unauthorized access. We have established policies and procedures to assure our compliance with all privacy provisions of GLBA.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices

        Bank holding companies are not permitted to engage in unsafe and unsound banking practices. The Federal Reserve Board's Regulation Y, for example, generally requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve Board prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities, if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases or redemptions in the preceding year, is equal to 10% or more of the company's consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may oppose the transaction if it believes that the transaction would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate any law or regulation. Depending upon the circumstances, the Federal Reserve Board could take the position that paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

        The Federal Reserve Board has broad authority to prohibit activities of bank holding companies and their nonbanking subsidiaries which represent unsafe and unsound banking practices or which constitute violations of laws or regulations, and can assess civil money penalties for certain activities conducted on a knowing and reckless basis, if those activities caused a substantial loss to a depository institution. The penalties can be as high as $1 million for each day the activity continues.

Annual Reporting; Examinations

        We are required to file annual reports with the Federal Reserve Board, and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act. The Federal Reserve Board may examine a bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries, and charge the company for the cost of such examination. Furthermore, the Bank is subjected to compliance examinations by the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Institutions, or "DFI", and the

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Company is subject to U.S. Treasury's examination as part of our agreement with the U.S. Treasury for receiving the TARP investment.

Capital Adequacy Requirements

        The Federal Reserve Board has adopted a system using risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the capital adequacy of certain large bank holding companies. Prior to March 30, 2006, these capital guidelines were applicable to all bank holding companies having $150 million or more in assets on a consolidated basis. However, effective March 30, 2006, the Federal Reserve Board amended the asset size threshold to $500 million for purposes of determining whether a bank holding company is subject to the capital adequacy guidelines. We currently have consolidated assets in excess of $500 million, and are therefore subject to the Federal Reserve Board's capital adequacy guidelines.

        Under the guidelines, specific categories of assets are assigned different risk weights, based generally on the perceived credit risk of the asset. These risk weights are multiplied by corresponding asset balances to determine a "risk-weighted" asset base. The guidelines require a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% (of which at least 4.0% is required to consist of Tier 1 capital elements). Total capital is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. To be considered "well-capitalized," a bank holding company must maintain, on a consolidated basis, (i) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0%, and (ii) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater. As of December 31, 2009, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.37% and our total risk-based capital ratio was 15.81%. Thus, we are considered "well-capitalized" for regulatory purposes.

        In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve Board uses a leverage ratio as an additional tool to evaluate the capital adequacy of bank holding companies. The leverage ratio is a company's Tier 1 capital divided by its average total consolidated assets. Certain highly-rated bank holding companies may maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3.0%, but other bank holding companies are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4.0%. To be considered well-capitalized, a bank holding company must maintain a leverage ratio of at least 5%. As of December 31, 2009, our leverage ratio was 9.77%.

        The federal banking agencies' risk-based and leverage ratios are minimum supervisory ratios generally applicable to banking organizations that meet certain specified criteria. The federal bank regulatory agencies may set capital requirements for a particular banking organization that are higher than the minimum ratios when circumstances warrant. Federal Reserve Board guidelines also provide that banking organizations experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions, substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets.

Imposition of Liability for Undercapitalized Subsidiaries

        Bank regulators are required to take "prompt corrective action" to resolve problems associated with insured depository institutions whose capital declines below certain levels. In the event an institution becomes "undercapitalized," it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company having control of the undercapitalized institution guarantees the subsidiary's compliance with the capital restoration plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution's holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy.

        The aggregate liability of the holding company of an undercapitalized bank is limited to the lesser of 5% of the institution's assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to cause the institution to be "adequately capitalized." The bank regulators have greater power in situations where an institution becomes "significantly" or "critically" undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. For example, a bank holding company controlling such an institution can be

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required to obtain prior Federal Reserve Board approval of proposed dividends, or might be required to consent to a consolidation or to divest itself of the troubled institution or other affiliates.

Acquisitions by Bank Holding Companies

        The Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before it may acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank, if after such acquisition it would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank. In approving bank acquisitions by bank holding companies, the Federal Reserve Board is required to consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding company and the bank concerned, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, and various competitive factors. On June 26, 2009 with regulatory approval, Wilshire acquired former Mirae Bank from the FDIC by purchasing substantially all of Mirae Bank's assets and assuming substantially all of Mirae Bank's deposits and certain liabilities.

Control Acquisitions

        The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring "control" of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve Board, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute acquisition of control.

        In addition, any company is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquirer that is a bank holding company) or more of the outstanding common stock of the a bank holding company, or otherwise obtaining control or a "controlling influence" over a bank holding company.

Cross-guarantees

        Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or FDIA, a depository institution (which definition includes both banks and savings associations), the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution, or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution "in danger of default." "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator or a receiver and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the existence of certain conditions indicating that default is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. In some circumstances (depending upon the amount of the loss or anticipated loss suffered by the FDIC), cross-guarantee liability may result in the ultimate failure or insolvency of one or more insured depository institutions in a holding company structure. Any obligation or liability owed by a subsidiary bank to its parent company is subordinated to the subsidiary bank's cross-guarantee liability with respect to commonly controlled insured depository institutions. The Bank is currently our only FDIC-insured depository institution subsidiary.

        Because we are a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank, our right to participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors. In the event of a liquidation or other dissolution of the Bank, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors of the Bank would be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of holders of any obligation of the Bank to its shareholders, including any depository institution holding company (such as Wilshire Bancorp) or any shareholder or creditor of such holding company.

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FIRREA

        The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, or FIRREA, includes various provisions that affect or may affect the Bank. Among other matters, FIRREA generally permits bank holding companies to acquire healthy thrifts as well as failed or failing thrifts. FIRREA removed certain cross-marketing prohibitions previously applicable to thrift and bank subsidiaries of a common holding company. Furthermore, a multi-bank holding company may now be required to indemnify the federal deposit insurance fund against losses it incurs with respect to such company's affiliated banks, which in effect makes a bank holding company's equity investments in healthy bank subsidiaries available to the FDIC to assist such company's failing or failed bank subsidiaries.

        FIRREA also expanded and increased civil and criminal penalties available for use by the appropriate regulatory agency against certain "institution-affiliated parties" primarily including (i) management, employees and agents of a financial institution, as well as (ii) independent contractors, such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution's affairs and who caused or are likely to cause more than minimum financial loss to or a significant adverse affect on the institution, who knowingly or recklessly violate a law or regulation, breach a fiduciary duty or engage in unsafe or unsound practices. Such practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the submission of inaccurate reports. Furthermore, FIRREA authorizes the appropriate banking agency to issue cease and desist orders that may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets or take other action as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate.

USA PATRIOT Act

        On October 26, 2001, The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Is Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act or USA PATRIOT Act, a comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation was enacted. Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions to help prevent, detect and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The effectiveness of a financial institution in combating money laundering activities is a factor to be considered in any application submitted by the financial institution under the Bank Merger Act, which applies to the Bank, or the Bank Holding Company Act, which applies to Wilshire Bancorp. We, and our subsidiaries, including the Bank, have adopted systems and procedures to comply with the USA PATRIOT Act and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Treasury.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

        On July 30, 2002, The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or "Sarbanes-Oxley Act" was enacted. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act addresses accounting oversight and corporate governance matters relating to the operations of public companies. During 2003, the SEC issued a number of regulations under the directive of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act significantly increasing public company governance-related obligations and filing requirements, including:

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the establishment of an independent public oversight of public company accounting firms by a board that will set auditing, quality and ethical standards for and have investigative and disciplinary powers over such accounting firms,



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the enhanced regulation of the independence, responsibilities and conduct of accounting firms which provide auditing services to public companies,



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the increase of penalties for fraud related crimes,

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the enhanced disclosure, certification, and monitoring of financial statements, internal financial controls and the audit process, and



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the enhanced and accelerated reporting of corporate disclosures and internal governance.

        Furthermore, in November 2003, in response to the directives of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, NASDAQ adopted substantially expanded corporate governance criteria for the issuers of securities quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (the market on which our common stock is listed for trading). The new NASDAQ rules govern, among other things, the enhancement and regulation of corporate disclosure and internal governance of listed companies and of the authority, role and responsibilities of their boards of directors and, in particular, of "independent" members of such boards of directors, in the areas of nominations, corporate governance, compensation and the monitoring of the audit and internal financial control processes.

The TARP Capital Purchase Program

        On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the "EESA") enacted by the U.S. Congress, which appropriated $700 billion for the purpose of restoring liquidity and stability in the U.S. financial system. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury established the TARP Capital Purchase Program under the authority granted by the EESA. Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program's ("TARP"), Capital Purchase Program, the U.S. Treasury made $250 billion of capital available to U.S. financial institutions in the form of senior preferred stock investments. In connection with its purchase of preferred stock, the U.S. Treasury will receive a warrant entitling the U.S. Treasury to buy the participating institution's common stock with a market price equal to 15% of the preferred stock.

        As a result of EESA, there have been numerous actions by the Federal Reserve Board, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Treasury, the FDIC, the SEC and others to further the economic and banking industry stabilization efforts under the EESA. It remains unclear at this time what further legislative and regulatory measures will be implemented under the EESA that affect us.

        Pursuant to the TARP Agreements dated December 12, 2008, we issued to the U.S. Treasury (i) 62,158 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) a warrant to purchase initially 949,460 shares of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $62,158,000. Both the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant will be accounted for as components of Tier 1 capital.

        On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "ARRA") enacted by the U.S. Congress. The ARRA, among other things, imposed certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future recipients of funds under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, including Wilshire, as long as any obligation arising from the financial assistance provided to the recipient under the TARP Capital Purchase Program remains outstanding, excluding any period during which the U.S. Treasury holds only warrants to purchase common stock of a TARP participation (the "Covered Period").

        The current terms of participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program include the following:

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we were required to file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") registering for resale the Series A Preferred Stock and the related warrant;



•

as long as shares of the Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods on the Series A Preferred Stock are fully paid, we will not be permitted to declare or pay dividends on any shares of our common stock, any junior preferred shares or, generally, any preferred shares ranking pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock (other than in the case of pari passu preferred shares, dividends on a pro rata

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basis with the Series A Preferred Stock), nor will we be permitted to repurchase or redeem any of our common stock or preferred stock other than the Series A Preferred Stock;

•

until the Series A Preferred Stock has been transferred or redeemed in whole, until December 12, 2011, the U.S. Treasury's approval is required for any increase in dividends on our common stock or any share repurchases other than repurchases of the Series A Preferred Stock, repurchases of junior preferred shares, or repurchases of common stock in connection with the administration of any employee benefit plan in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;



•

we must comply with the U. S. Treasury's standards for executive compensation and corporate governance while the U. S. Treasury holds the securities issued by us. Such standards apply to our Senior Executive Officers (as defined in the ARRA) as well as other employees. The current standards include the following:



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incentive compensation for Senior Executive Officers must not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution;



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any bonus or incentive compensation paid (or under a legally binding obligation to pay) to a Senior Executive Officer or any of our next 20 most highly-compensated employees based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate must be subject to recovery, or "clawback", by Wilshire;



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we are prohibited from paying or accruing any bonus, retention award or incentive compensation with respect to our five most highly-compensated employees or such higher number as the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury may determine is in the public interest, except for grants of restricted stock that do not fully vest during the Covered Period and do not have a value which exceeds one-third of an employee's total annual compensation;



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severance payments to a Senior Executive Officer and the five next most highly-compensated employees, generally referred to as "golden parachute" payments, are prohibited, except for payments for services performed or benefits accrued;



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compensation plans that encourage manipulation of reported earnings are prohibited;



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the U.S. Treasury may retroactively review bonuses, retention awards and other compensation previously paid to a Senior Executive Officer or any of our 20 next most highly-compensated employees that the U.S. Treasury finds to be inconsistent with the purposes of TARP or otherwise contrary to the public interest;



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our Board of Directors must establish a company-wide policy regarding excessive or luxury expenditures;



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proxy statements for our annual shareholder meetings must permit a nonbinding "say on pay" shareholder vote on the compensation of executives;



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executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each Senior Executive Officer must not be deducted for federal income tax purposes; and



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we must comply with the executive compensation reporting and recordkeeping requirements established by the U.S. Treasury.

        The ARRA permits TARP recipients, subject to consultation with the appropriate federal banking agency, to repay to the U.S. Treasury any financial assistance received under the TARP Capital Purchase Program without penalty, delay or the need to raise additional replacement capital. The U.S. Treasury is to promulgate regulations to implement the procedures under which a TARP participant

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may repay any assistance received. As of the date of this Report, the U.S. Treasury had not yet issued such regulations.

        Detailed information regarding the Series A Preferred Stock and the related warrant can be found in Notes 12 and 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Wilshire State Bank

        Wilshire State Bank is subject to extensive regulation and examination by the California Department of Financial Institutions, or the DFI, and the FDIC, which insures its deposits to the maximum extent permitted by law, and is subject to certain Federal Reserve Board regulations of transactions with its affiliates. The federal and state laws and regulations which are applicable to the Bank regulate, among other things, the scope of its business, its investments, its reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds and the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans. In addition to the impact of such regulations, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board as it attempts to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.

Transactions with Affiliates

        There are various statutory and regulatory limitations, including those set forth in sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the related Federal Reserve Regulation W, governing the extent to which the Bank will be able to purchase assets from or securities of or otherwise finance or transfer funds to us or our nonbanking affiliates. Among other restrictions, such transactions between the Bank and any one affiliate (including the Company) generally will be limited to 10% of the Bank's capital and surplus, and transactions between the Bank and all affiliates will be limited to 20% of the Bank's capital and surplus. Furthermore, loans and extensions of credit are required to be secured in specified amounts and are required to be on terms and conditions consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

        In addition, any transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any sale of assets or provision of services to an affiliate generally must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

Loans to Insiders

        Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulation, Regulation O, place restrictions on loans by a bank to executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders. Under Section 22(h), loans to a director, an executive officer and to a greater than 10% shareholder of a bank and certain of their related interests, or insiders, and insiders of affiliates, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and related interests, the bank's loans-to-one-borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution's unimpaired capital and surplus). Section 22(h) also requires that loans to insiders and to insiders of affiliates be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that (i) is widely available to employees of the bank, and (ii) does not give preference to insiders over other employees of the bank. Section 22(h) also requires prior Board of Directors approval for certain loans, and the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a bank to all insiders cannot exceed the institution's unimpaired capital and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.

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Dividends

        The ability of the Bank to pay dividends on its common stock is restricted by the California Financial Code, the FDIA and FDIC regulations. In general terms, California law provides that the Bank may declare a cash dividend out of net profits up to the lesser of retained earnings or net income for the last three fiscal years (less any distributions made to shareholders during such period), or, with the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Department of Financial Institutions, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of:

•

retained earnings,



•

net income for the prior fiscal year, or



•

net income for the current fiscal year.

        The Bank's ability to pay any cash dividends will depend not only upon its earnings during a specified period, but also on its meeting certain capital requirements. The FDIA and FDIC regulations restrict the payment of dividends when a bank is undercapitalized, when a bank has failed to pay insurance assessments, or when there are safety and soundness concerns regarding a bank.

        The payment of dividends by the Bank may also be affected by other regulatory requirements and policies, such as maintenance of adequate capital. If, in the opinion of the regulatory authority, a depository institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in, or is about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice (that, depending on the financial condition of the depository institution, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such depository institution cease and desist from such practice. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement providing that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of operating earnings for the current and preceding two years. In addition, all insured depository institutions are subject to the capital-based limitations required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991.

The FDIC Improvement Act

        The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, or FDICIA, made a number of reforms addressing the safety and soundness of the deposit insurance system, supervision of domestic and foreign depository institutions, and improvement of accounting standards. This statute also limited deposit insurance coverage, implemented changes in consumer protection laws and provided for least costly resolution and prompt regulatory action with regard to troubled institutions.

        FDICIA requires every bank with total assets in excess of $1 billion to have an annual independent audit made of the bank's financial statements by a certified public accountant to verify that the financial statements of the bank are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and comply with such other disclosure requirements as prescribed by the FDIC.

        FDICIA also divides banks into five different categories, depending on their level of capital. Under regulations adopted by the FDIC, a bank is deemed to be "well-capitalized" if it has a total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10.00% or more, a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 6.00% or more and a Leverage Ratio of 5.00% or more, and the bank is not subject to an order or capital directive to meet and maintain a certain capital level. Under such regulations, a bank is deemed to be "adequately capitalized" if it has a total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 8.00% or more, a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 4.00% or more and a Leverage Ratio of 4.00% or more (unless it receives the highest composite rating at its most recent examination and is not experiencing or anticipating significant growth, in which instance it must maintain a Leverage Ratio of 3.00% or more). Under such regulations, a bank is deemed to be "undercapitalized" if it has a total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 8.00%, a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of less than 4.00% or a Leverage Ratio of less than 4.00%. Under such regulations, a bank is deemed

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to be "significantly undercapitalized" if it has a total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 6.00%, a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of less than 3.00% and a Leverage Ratio of less than 3.00%. Under such regulations, a bank is deemed to be "critically undercapitalized" if it has a Leverage Ratio of less than or equal to 2.00%. In addition, the FDIC has the ability to downgrade a bank's classification (but not to "critically undercapitalized") based on other considerations even if the bank meets the capital guidelines. According to these guidelines the Bank was classified as "well-capitalized" as of December 31, 2009.

        In addition, FDICIA also places certain restrictions on activities of banks depending on their level of capital. If a bank is classified as undercapitalized, the bank is required to submit a capital restoration plan to the federal banking regulators. Pursuant to FDICIA, an undercapitalized bank is prohibited from increasing its assets, engaging in a new line of business, acquiring any interest in any company or insured depository institution, or opening or acquiring a new branch office, except under certain circumstances, including the acceptance by the federal banking regulators of a capital restoration plan for the bank.

        Furthermore, if a bank is classified as undercapitalized, the federal banking regulators may take certain actions to correct the capital position of the bank; if a bank is classified as significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, the federal banking regulators would be required to take one or more prompt corrective actions. These actions would include, among other things, requiring: sales of new securities to bolster capital, improvements in management, limits on interest rates paid, prohibitions on transactions with affiliates, termination of certain risky activities and restrictions on compensation paid to executive officers. If a bank is classified as critically undercapitalized, FDICIA requires the bank to be placed into conservatorship or receivership within 90 days, unless the federal banking regulators determines that other action would better achieve the purposes of FDICIA regarding prompt corrective action with respect to undercapitalized banks.

        The capital classification of a bank affects the frequency of examinations of the bank and impacts the ability of the bank to engage in certain activities and affects the deposit insurance premiums paid by such bank. Under FDICIA, the federal banking regulators are required to conduct a full-scope, on-site examination of every bank at least once every 12 months. There is an exception to this rule, however, that provides that banks (i) with assets of less than $100 million, (ii) are categorized as "well-capitalized," (iii) were found to be well managed and its composite rating was outstanding, and (iv) have not been subject to a change in control during the last 12 months, need only be examined once every 18 months.

Brokered Deposits

        Under FDICIA, banks may be restricted in their ability to accept brokered deposits, depending on their capital classification. "Well-capitalized" banks are permitted to accept brokered deposits, but all banks that are not well-capitalized are not permitted to accept such deposits. The FDIC may, on a case-by-case basis, permit banks that are adequately capitalized to accept brokered deposits if the FDIC determines that acceptance of such deposits would not constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice with respect to the bank. The Bank is currently well-capitalized and therefore is not subject to any limitations with respect to its brokered deposits.

Federal Limitations on Activities and Investments

        The equity investments and activities as a principal of FDIC-insured state-chartered banks, such as the Bank, are generally limited to those that are permissible for national banks. Under regulations dealing with equity investments, an insured state bank generally may not directly or indirectly acquire or retain any equity investment of a type, or in an amount, that is not permissible for a national bank.

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FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments

        Banks must pay assessments to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance protection. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system as required by FDICIA. Under this system, FDIC-insured depository institutions pay insurance premiums at rates based on their risk classification. Institutions assigned to higher risk classifications (that is, institutions that pose a higher risk of loss to the deposit insurance fund) pay assessments at higher rates than institutions that pose a lower risk. An institution's risk classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of supervisory concern the institution poses to the regulators. In addition, the FDIC can impose special assessments in certain instances. The FDIC may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC. The Bank's deposit insurance assessments may increase or decrease depending on the risk assessment classification to which it are assigned by the FDIC. Any increase in insurance assessments could have an adverse effect on the Bank's earnings.

        In November 2008, the U.S. Treasury, in consultation with the President and upon the recommendation of the Boards of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board, invoked the systemic risk exception of the FDIC Improvement Act of 1991. This action provided the FDIC with flexibility to provide a 100 percent guarantee for newly-issued senior unsecured debt and noninterest bearing transaction at FDIC insured institutions, which is generally regarded as the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program ("TLGP"). Under the TLGP, all newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by eligible entities on or before June 30, 2009 are 100 percent guaranteed for three years beyond that date, even if the liability has not matured. In October 2009, the TLGP was extended for another six months to April 30, 2010. The Company did not issue any debt under the TLGP.

        Funds in noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts held by FDIC-insured banks are 100 percent insured. All other FDIC-insured depository accounts are insured up to $250,000 per owner until December 31, 2013 (also extended from December 31, 2009). On January 1, 2014, the standard coverage limit will return to $100,000 for all deposit categories except IRAs and Certain Retirement Accounts, which will continue to be insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Fees for coverage were waived for the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, an additional coverage fee is imposed for the added coverage under TLGP (see analysis about the FDIC premiums in "Noninterest Expenses" section of Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).

Community Reinvestment Act

        Under the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, as implemented by the Congress in 1977, a financial institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with CRA. CRA requires federal examiners, in connection with the examination of a financial institution, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution. CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. The Bank has a Compliance Committee, which oversees the planning of products and services offered to the community, especially those aimed to serve low and moderate income communities. The FDIC rated the Bank as "outstanding" in meeting community credit needs under CRA at its most recent examination for CRA performance.

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Consumer Laws and Regulations

        In addition to the laws and regulations discussed herein, the Bank is also subject to certain consumer laws and regulations that are designed to protect consumers in transactions with banks. While the list set forth herein is not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, among others. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits or making loans to such customers. The Bank must comply with the applicable provisions of these consumer protection laws and regulations as part of its ongoing customer relations.

Permissible Activities and Subsidiaries

        California law permits state chartered commercial banks to engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, the Bank may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called "closely related to banking" or "non-banking" activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries, and further, pursuant to GLBA, the Bank may conduct certain "financial activities in a subsidiary to the same extent as may a national bank, provided the Bank is and remains "well-capitalized," "well-managed" and in satisfactory compliance with CRA. Presently, the Bank does not have any financial subsidiaries.

        In September 2007, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the Federal Reserve Board finalized joint rules required by the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006 to implement exceptions provided in the GLBA for securities activities that banks may conduct without registering with the SEC as a securities broker or moving such activities to a broker-dealer affiliate. The Federal Reserve Board's final Regulation R provides exceptions for networking arrangements with third party broker-dealers and authorities, including sweep accounts to money market funds, and with related trust, fiduciary, custodial and safekeeping needs. The final rules, which were effective starting in 2009, are not expected to have a material effect on the Bank as it does not have any securities activities.

Interstate Branching

        Under current law, California state banks are permitted to establish branch offices throughout California with prior regulatory approval. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, banks are permitted to acquire branches of existing banks located in California. Finally, California state banks generally may branch across state lines by merging with banks in other states if allowed by the applicable states' laws. With limited exceptions, California law currently permits branching across state lines through interstate mergers resulting in the acquisition of a whole California bank that has been in existence for at least five years. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, states may "opt-in" and allow out-of-state banks to branch into their state by establishing a new start-up branch in the state. California law currently prohibits de novo branching into the state of California. The Bank currently has branches located in the States of California, Texas, New Jersey and New York.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

        The Federal Home Loan Bank system, or the "FHLB", of which the Bank is a member, consists of 12 regional FHLBs governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board, or the FHFB. The FHLBs serve as reserve or credit facilities for member institutions within their assigned regions. They are funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB

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system. They make loans (i.e., advances) to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHLB and the boards of directors of each regional FHLB.

        As a system member, the Bank is entitled to borrow from the FHLB of San Francisco, or FHLB-SF, and is required to own capital stock in the FHLB-SF in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of the membership asset value, not exceeding $25 million, or 4.7% of outstanding FHLB-SF advance borrowings. The Bank is in compliance with the stock ownership rules described above with respect to such advances, commitments and letters of credit and home mortgage loans and similar obligations. All loans, advances and other extensions of credit made by the FHLB-SF to the Bank are secured by a portion of the Bank's mortgage loan portfolio, certain other investments and the capital stock of the FHLB-SF held by the Bank.

Mortgage Banking Operations

        The Bank is subject to the rules and regulations of FNMA with respect to originating, processing, selling and servicing mortgage loans and the issuance and sale of mortgage-backed securities. Those rules and regulations, among other things, prohibit discrimination and establish underwriting guidelines which include provisions for inspections and appraisals, require credit reports on prospective borrowers and fix maximum loan amounts. Mortgage origination activities are subject to, among others, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Federal Truth-in-Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder which, among other things, prohibit discrimination and require the disclosure of certain basic information to mortgagors concerning credit terms and settlement costs. The Bank is also subject to regulation by the California Department of Financial Institutions, with respect to, among other things, the establishment of maximum origination fees on certain types of mortgage loan products.

Future Legislation and Economic Policy

        We cannot predict what other legislation or economic and monetary policies of the various regulatory authorities might be enacted or adopted or what other regulations might be adopted or the effects thereof. Future legislation and policies and the effects thereof might have a significant influence on overall growth and distribution of loans, investments and deposits and affect interest rates charged on loans or paid from time and savings deposits. Such legislation and policies have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue.

Capital Requirements

        Holding Company and Bank. Holding At December 31, 2009, the Company's and the Bank's capital ratios exceed the minimum percentage requirements for "well capitalized" institutions. See Note 17 and Item 7 " Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Capital Resources and Capital Adequacy Requirements " for further information regarding the regulatory capital guidelines as well as the Company's and the Bank's actual capitalization as of December 31, 2009.

        The federal banking agencies have adopted risk-based minimum capital guidelines for bank holding companies and banks which are intended to provide a measure of capital that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization's operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and transactions which are recorded as off-balance sheet items. The risk-based capital ratio is determined by classifying assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments into weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for those categories perceived as representing greater risk. Under the capital guidelines, a banking organization's total capital is divided into three tiers. The first, "Tier I capital" includes common equity and trust-preferred securities subject to certain criteria and quantitative limits. The second, "Tier II capital" includes hybrid capital

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instruments, other qualifying debt instruments, a limited amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and a limited amount of unrealized holding gains on equity securities. Lastly, "Tier III capital" consists of qualifying unsecured debt. The sum of Tier II and Tier III capital may not exceed the amount of Tier I capital. The risk-based capital guidelines require a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00% and a minimum ratio of Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.00%.

        An institution's risk-based capital, leverage capital, and tangible capital ratios together determine the institution's capital classification. An institution is treated as well capitalized if its total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio is 10.00% or more; its core capital to risk-weighted assets ratio is 6.00% or more; and its core capital to adjusted average assets ratio is 5.00% or more. In addition to the risk-based guidelines, the federal bank regulatory agencies require banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier I capital to total assets, referred to as the leverage ratio. For a banking organization rated "well-capitalized," the minimum leverage ratio of Tier I capital to total assets must be 3.00%.

        The current risk-based capital guidelines are based upon the 1988 capital accord of the International Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. A new international accord, referred to as Basel II, which emphasizes internal assessment of credit, market and operational risk; supervisory assessment and market discipline in determining minimum capital requirements, currently becomes mandatory for large international banks outside the U.S. in 2008, is optional for others, and must be complied with in a "parallel run" for two years along with the existing Basel I standards. In July 2009, the expanded Basel Committee issued a final measure to enhance the three elements of the Basel II framework, strengthening the rules governing trading book capital issued in 1996. The measure includes enhancements to the Basel II structure and revises the market-risk framework and guidelines for calculating capital figures. The U.S. banking agencies have indicated, however, that they will retain the minimum leverage requirement for all U.S. banks.

        The Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA") gives the federal banking agencies the additional broad authority to take "prompt corrective action" to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions that fall within any undercapitalized category, including requiring the submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. The federal banking agencies have also adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards to assist examiners in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines set forth operational and managerial standards relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, (ii) loan documentation, (iii) credit underwriting, (iv) asset quality and growth, (v) earnings, (vi) risk management, and (vii) compensation and benefits.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all other information contained in this Report. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed elsewhere in this Report. In addition, the trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of the events described in these risks.

If a significant number of clients fail to perform under their loans, our business, profitability, and financial condition would be adversely affected.

        As a lender, one of the largest risks we face is the possibility that a significant number of our client borrowers will fail to pay their loans when due. If borrower defaults cause losses in excess of our allowance for loan losses, it could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability, and financial condition. We have established an evaluation process designed to determine the adequacy of the

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allowance for loan losses. Although this evaluation process uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of loan losses are dependent to a great extent on our experience and judgment. Although we believe that our allowance for loan losses is at a level adequate to absorb any inherent losses in our loan portfolio, we cannot assure you that we will not further increase the allowance for loan losses or that regulators will not require us to increase this allowance.

Increases in our allowance for loan losses could materially affect our earnings adversely.

        Like all financial institutions, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for loan defaults and non-performance. Our allowance for loan losses is based on prior experience, as well as an evaluation of the risks in the current portfolio. However, actual loan losses could increase significantly as the result of changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates, which are generally beyond our control. Thus, such losses could exceed our current allowance estimates. Either of these occurrences could materially affect our earnings adversely.

        In addition, the FDIC and the DFI, as an integral part of their respective supervisory functions, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such regulatory agencies may require us to increase our provision for losses on loans and loan commitments or to recognize further loan charge-offs, based upon judgments different from those of management. Any increase in our allowance required by the FDIC or the DFI could adversely affect us.

Banking organizations are subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may negatively affect our financial performance.

        A major portion of our net income comes from our interest rate spread, which is the difference between the interest rates paid by us on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings, and the interest rates we receive on interest-earning assets, such as loans we extend to our clients and securities held in our investment portfolio. Net interest spreads are affected by the difference between the maturities and repricing characteristics of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. In addition, loan volume and yields are affected by market interest rates on loans, and rising interest rates generally are associated with a lower volume of loan originations.

        In 2008, Federal Reserve Board reduced the federal funds rate seven times. As of January 1, 2008, the federal funds rate was 4.25%. By December 11, 2008, the federal funds rate had been reduced to current rate of 0.00% to 0.25%. The series of reductions in the federal funds rate during 2008 effectively lowered our average interest rate for 2008 and 2009, which resulted in lower average yield rates compared to 2007. The interest rate ranges for 2008 and 2007 were 0.00% to 4.25% and 4.25 to 5.25%, respectively.

        Because of the declining national economy and continued financial crisis, the credit markets are lacking liquidity. While the federal funds rate and other short-term market interest rates decreased substantially, the intermediate and long-term market interest rates, which are used by many banking organizations to guide loan pricing, have not decreased proportionately. This has led to a "steepening" of the market yield curve with short-term rates considerably lower than long-term notes. We cannot assure you that we will be able to minimize our interest rate risk. In addition, while a decrease in the general level of interest rates may improve the ability of certain borrowers with variable rate loans to pay the interest on and principal of their obligations, it reduces our interest income, and may lead to an increase in competition among banks for deposits. Accordingly, changes in levels of market interest rates could materially and adversely affect our net interest spread, net interest margin and our overall profitability.

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Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations, meet our obligations as they become due and jeopardize our financial condition.

        Liquidity is essential to our business. Liquidity risk is the potential that the Bank will be unable to meet its obligations as they come due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory actions against us. Market conditions or other events could also negatively affect the level or cost of funding, affecting our ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, meet contractual obligations, and fund asset growth and new business transactions at a reasonable cost, in a timely manner and without adverse consequences. Although management has implemented strategies to maintain sufficient and diverse sources of funding to accommodate planned as well as unanticipated changes in assets and liabilities under both normal and adverse conditions, any substantial, unexpected and/or prolonged change in the level or cost of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The profitability of Wilshire Bancorp is dependent on the profitability of the Bank.

        Because Wilshire Bancorp's principal activity is to act as the holding company of the Bank, the profitability of Wilshire Bancorp is largely dependent on the profitability of the Bank. The Bank operates in an extremely competitive banking environment, competing with a number of banks and other financial institutions which possess greater financial resources than those available to the Bank, in addition to other independent banks. In addition, the banking business is affected by general economic and political conditions, both domestic and international, and by government monetary and fiscal policies. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, high interest rates, short money supply, scarce natural resources, international terrorism and other disorders as well as other factors beyond the control of the Bank may adversely affect its profitability. Banks are also subject to extensive governmental supervision, regulation and control, and future legislation and government policy could adversely affect the banking industry and the operations of the Bank.

Wilshire Bancorp relies heavily on the payment of dividends from the Bank.

        The Bank is the only source of significant income for Wilshire Bancorp. Accordingly, the ability of Wilshire Bancorp to meet its debt service requirements and to pay dividends depends on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to it. However, the Bank is subject to regulations limiting the amount of dividends that it may pay to Wilshire Bancorp. For example, any payment of dividends by the Bank is subject to the FDIC's capital adequacy guidelines. All banks and bank holding companies are required to maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8.00%, at least one-half of which must be in the form of Tier 1 capital, and a ratio of Tier 1 capital to average adjusted assets of 4.00%. If (i) the FDIC increases any of these required ratios; (ii) the total of risk-weighted assets of the Bank increases significantly; and/or (iii) the Bank's income decreases significantly, the Bank's Board of Directors may decide or be required to retain a greater portion of the Bank's earnings to achieve and maintain the required capital or asset ratios. This will reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends by the Bank to Wilshire Bancorp. Further, in some cases, the FDIC could take the position that it has the power to prohibit the Bank from paying dividends if, in its view, such payments would constitute unsafe or unsound banking practices. In addition, whether dividends are paid and their frequency and amount will depend on the financial condition and performance, and the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The foregoing

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restrictions on dividends paid by the Bank may limit Wilshire Bancorp's ability to obtain funds from such dividends for its cash needs, including funds for payment of its debt service requirements and operating expenses and for payment of cash dividends to Wilshire Bancorp's shareholders. The amount of dividends the Bank could pay to Wilshire Bancorp as of December 31, 2009 without prior regulatory approval, which is limited by statute to the sum of undivided profits for the current year plus net profits for the preceding two years (less any distributions made to shareholders during such periods), was $52.5 million.

The holders of recently issued debentures and Series A Preferred Stock have rights that are senior to those of our common shareholders.

        In December 2002, the Bank issued an aggregate of $10 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures, at times referred to in this Report as the 2002 Junior Subordinated Debentures or the 2002 debentures. In addition, in the past three years, Wilshire Bancorp, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank in 2003 and as a parent company of the Bank in 2005 and 2007, issued an aggregate of $77,321,000 of Junior Subordinated Debentures as part of the issuance of $75,000,000 in trust preferred securities by statutory trusts wholly-owned by Wilshire Bancorp. The purpose of these transactions was to raise additional capital. These Junior Subordinated Debentures are senior in liquidation rights to our outstanding shares of common stock and our Series A Preferred Stock. The terms of these Junior Subordinated Debentures also restrict our ability to pay dividends on our common stock at any time we are in default under, or with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued in 2003, 2005 or 2007, have exercised our right to defer interest payments under the indentures governing these Junior Subordinated Debentures. As a result, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holder of these Junior Subordinated Debentures must be paid in full before any liquidating distributions may be made to the holders of our common and preferred stock. If we default under the terms of these Junior Subordinated Debentures or utilize our right to defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued in 2003, 2005 or 2007, no dividends may be paid to holders of our common and preferred stock for so long as we remain in default or have deferred amounts remaining unpaid.

        On December 12, 2008, the Company issued $62,158,000 in Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to the U.S. Treasury as part of the U.S. Treasury's Capital Purchase Program or "CPP". This $62.2 million investment from the U.S. Treasury, which is commonly referred to as Troubled Assets Relief Program ("TARP") investment, was part of the government strategy to counter the ongoing financial crisis and the possible prolonged economic downturn. The TARP investment was made to us in exchange for our 62,158 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase initially 949,460 shares of our common stock. The preferred shareholder, the U.S. Treasury, has preference with respect to dividends and liquidation over our common shareholders. Similar to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, if we default the payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock, no dividends may be paid to holders of our common stock for so long as we remain in default or have deferred amounts remaining unpaid.

        Because we are substantially dependent on dividends from the Bank in order to make the periodic payments due under the terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock issued in 2008, in the event that the Bank is unable to pay dividends to Wilshire Bancorp for any significant period of time, then we may be unable to pay the amounts due to the holders of these Junior Subordinated Debentures and the U.S. Treasury.

Our failure to meet the challenges of successfully integrating the acquired Mirae Bank could potentially harm the operations of our combined organization.

        Our failure to meet the challenges involved in successfully integrating the acquired Mirae assets with ours or otherwise to realize any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition could harm the

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results of operations of our combined organization. The integration of the business of two banks can be a complex, time-consuming and expensive process that, without proper planning and implementation, could disrupt our business. The challenges involved in this integration include the following:

•

Demonstrating to the customers of Mirae Bank and the customers of Wilshire State Bank that the acquisition will not result in adverse changes in client service standards or business focus and helping customers conduct business easily with the combined banks;



•

Consolidating and rationalizing corporate information technology and administrative infrastructures;



•

Coordinating sales and marketing efforts and strategies to effectively communicate the capabilities of the combined organization, especially to former Mirae Bank customers;



•

Persuading employees that the business cultures of Wilshire State Bank and the former Mirae Bank are compatible, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees; and



•

Managing a complex integration process.

Adverse changes in domestic or global economic conditions, especially in California, could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, and profitability.

        If economic conditions worsen in the domestic or global economy, especially in California, our business, growth and profitability are likely to be materially adversely affected. A substantial number of our clients are geographically concentrated in California, and adverse economic conditions in California, particularly in the Los Angeles area, could harm the businesses of a disproportionate number of our clients. To the extent that our clients' underlying businesses are harmed, they are more likely to default on their loans. We can provide no assurance that conditions in the California economy and in the economies of other areas where we operate will not deteriorate further in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect us.

Continuing negative developments in the financial industry and U.S. and global credit markets may affect our operations and results.

        Negative developments in the U.S. financial market, its real estate section, and the securitization markets for the mortgage loans have resulted in uncertainty in the overall economy both domestically and globally. Commercial as well as consumer loan portfolio performances have deteriorated at many institutions and the competition for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have substantially declined and may continue to further decline. Bank and bank holding company stock prices generally have been negatively affected as has the ability of banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets compared to recent years. 2009 was a record year for bankruptcies and bank failures. As a result, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those developments could negatively affect our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely affect our financial performance.

Governmental responses to recent market disruptions may be inadequate and may have unintended consequences.

        In response to recent market disruptions, legislators and financial regulators have taken a number of steps to stabilize the financial markets. These steps include the enactment and partial

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implementation of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the provision of other direct and indirect assistance to distressed financial institutions, assistance by the banking authorities in arranging acquisitions of weakened banks and broker-dealers, implementation of programs by the Federal Reserve to provide liquidity to the commercial paper markets and expansion of deposit insurance coverage. The new administration and Congress have pursued additional initiatives in an effort to stimulate the economy and stabilize the financial markets, including the recent enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the passage of a $787 billion Federal Stimulus Bill, and have altered the terms of some previously announced policies. The overall effects of these and other legislative and regulatory efforts on the financial markets are uncertain. Should these or other legislative or regulatory initiatives fail to stabilize the financial markets, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

Our operations may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available or may not be on terms acceptable to us when it is needed.

        We are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We believe that our existing capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future and will be sufficient to offset any problem assets. However, should our asset quality erode and require significant additional provision, resulting in consistent net operating losses at the Bank, our capital levels will decline and we will need to raise capital. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot be certain of our ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired.

The short-term and long-term impact of the new Basel II capital standards and the forthcoming new capital rules to be proposed for non-Basel II U.S. banks is uncertain.

        As a result of the continued deterioration in the global credit markets and the potential impact of increased liquidity risk and interest rate risk, it is unclear what the short-term impact of the implementation Basel II may be or what impact a pending alternative standardized approach to Basel II option for non-Basel II U.S. banks may have on the cost and availability of different types of credit and the potential compliance costs of implementing the new capital standards.

Maintaining or increasing our market share depends on market acceptance and regulatory approval of new products and services.

        Our success depends, in part, upon our ability to adapt our products and services to evolving industry standards and consumer demand. There is increasing pressure on financial services companies to provide products and services at lower prices. In addition, the widespread adoption of new technologies, including Internet-based services, could require us to make substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products or services. A failure to achieve market acceptance of any new products we introduce, or a failure to introduce products that the market may demand, could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability, or growth prospects.

Significant reliance on loans secured by real estate may increase our vulnerability to downturns in the California real estate market and other variables impacting the value of real estate.

        At December 31, 2009, approximately 83.4% of our loans were secured by real estate, a substantial portion of which consist of loans secured by real estate in California. Conditions in the California real estate market historically have influenced the level of our non-performing assets. A real estate recession in Southern California could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, California

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has experienced, on occasion, significant natural disasters, including earthquakes, brush fires and flooding attributed to the weather phenomenon known as "El Nino." In addition to these catastrophes, California has experienced a moderate decline in housing prices beginning in late 2006. The decline in housing prices subsequently developed into the current financial crisis, characterized by the further decline in the real estate market in many parts of the country, including California, starting in the second half of 2007, and the failures of many financial institutions in 2008 and 2009. The availability of insurance to compensate for losses resulting from such crises is limited. The occurrence of one or more of such crises could impair the value of the collateral for our real estate secured loans and adversely affect us.

If we fail to retain our key employees, our growth and profitability could be adversely affected.

        Our future success depends in large part upon the continuing contributions of our key management personnel. If we lose the services of one or more key employees within a short period of time, we could be adversely affected. Our future success is also dependent upon our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Competition for such employees among financial institutions in California is intense. Our inability to attract and retain additional key personnel could adversely affect us. In November 2007, our former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, resigned. Following his resignation, we engaged his replacement in April 2008. In addition, our Senior Vice President and Controller, was promoted to Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer in conjunction with the appointment of our new Chief Financial Officer. Furthermore, effective January 1, 2008, our former President and Chief Executive Officer retired. However, in connection with his retirement, we have entered into a consulting agreement providing for his continued service as an advisor for the Bank until May 2009. Following the retirement of our former Chief Executive Officer, we promoted our previous Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer; and our prior Executive Vice President and SBA Manager, was promoted to Chief Lending Officer.

        For as long as we have shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding in connection with the U.S. Treasury's voluntary TARP Capital Purchase Program, we will be subject to the limitations on compensation included in EESA and ARRA. These restrictions may make it more difficult for us to retain certain of our key officers and employees because competitors who are not subject to the same restrictions may be able to offer more competitive salaries and/or benefits to these individuals. More information about the compensation limitations of EESA and AARA can be found in the section entitled "Supervision and Regulation—TARP Capital Purchase Program" in Item 1 of this Report.

We may be unable to manage future growth.

        We may encounter problems in managing our future growth. Our total assets at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $3.44 billion, $2.45 billion, and $2.20 billion, respectively, representing an increase of $986.0 million, or 40.24% in 2009, and $253.3 million, or 11.53% in 2008. We currently intend to consider additional "de novo" branches and LPOs and to investigate opportunities to acquire or combine with other financial institutions that would complement our existing business, as such opportunities may arise and be consistent with our deliberate expansion strategy. No assurance can be provided, however, that we will be able to identify a suitable acquisition target or consummate any such acquisition. Further, our ability to manage growth will depend primarily on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, monitor operations, maintain earnings, and control costs. Any failure by us to accomplish these goals could risk interruptions in our business plans and could also adversely affect current operations.

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Our expenses will increase as a result of increases in FDIC insurance premiums.

        The FDIC imposes an assessment against institutions for deposit insurance. This assessment is based on the risk category of the institution. Federal law requires that the designated reserve ratio for the deposit insurance fund be established by the FDIC at a 1.15% of estimated insured deposits. If this reserve ratio drops below 1.15%, the FDIC must, within 90 days, establish and implement a plan to restore the designated reserve ratio to 1.15% of estimated insured deposits within five years (absent extraordinary circumstances). Recent bank failures coupled with deteriorating economic conditions have significantly reduced the deposit insurance fund's reserve ratio. As a result of this reduced reserve ratio, on October 7, 2008, the FDIC adopted a restoration plan that would restore the reserve ratios to its required level of 1.15% over a seven-year period. There have also been increases in FDIC assessments resulting from its recently announced Temporary Liquidity Guaranty Program. If the economy continues to decline, the FDIC premiums may continue to increase in the future. Continued increases in FDIC insurance premiums m have an adverse effect on our earnings depleting capital reserves.

We could be liable for breaches of security in our online banking services. Fear of security breaches could limit the growth of our online services.

        We offer various Internet-based services to our clients, including online banking services. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is essential to maintain our clients' confidence in our online services. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology we use to protect client transaction data. Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to prevent security breaches and periodically test our security, failure to mitigate breaches of security could adversely affect our ability to offer and grow our online services and could harm our business.

        People generally are concerned with security and privacy on the Internet and any publicized security problems could inhibit the growth of the Internet as a means of conducting commercial transactions. Our ability to provide financial services over the Internet would be severely impeded if clients became unwilling to transmit confidential information online. As a result, our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant portion of our outstanding common stock.

        As of February 26, 2010, our directors and executive officers, together with their respective affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 33% of our outstanding voting common stock (not including vested option shares). As a result, such shareholders may have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. We can provide no assurance that the investment objectives of such shareholders will be the same as our other shareholders.

The market for our common stock is limited, and potentially subject to volatile changes in price.

        The market price of our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuation in response to numerous factors, including variations in our annual or quarterly financial results or those of our competitors, changes by financial research analysts in their evaluation of our financial results or those of our competitors, or our failure or that of our competitors to meet such estimates, conditions in the economy in general or the banking industry in particular, or unfavorable publicity affecting us or the banking industry. In addition, the equity markets have, on occasion, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices for many companies' securities and have been

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unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. In addition, the sale by any of our large shareholders of a significant portion of that shareholder's holdings could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Further, the issuance or registration by us of any significant amount of additional shares of our common stock will have the effect of increasing the number of outstanding shares or, in the case of registrations, the number of shares of our common stock that are freely tradable; any such increase may cause the market price of our common stock to decline or fluctuate significantly. Any such fluctuations may adversely affect the prevailing market price of the common stock.

We may experience impairment on goodwill.

        In light of the overall instability of the economy, the continued volatility in the financial markets, the downward pressure on bank stock prices and expectations of financial performance for the banking industry, including the Company, our estimates of goodwill fair value may be subject to change or adjustment and we may determine that impairment charges are necessary. Estimates of fair value are determined based on a complex model using cash flows and company comparisons. If management's estimates of future cash flows are inaccurate, the fair value determined could be inaccurate and impairment may not be recognized in a timely manner. If the Company's market capitalization falls below book value, we will update our valuation analysis to determine whether goodwill is impaired. No assurance can be given that goodwill will not be written down in future periods.

We face substantial competition in our primary market area.

        We conduct our banking operations primarily in Southern California. Increased competition in our market may result in reduced loans and deposits. Ultimately, we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. Many competitors offer the same banking services that we offer in our service area. These competitors include national banks, regional banks and other community banks. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including without limitation, savings and loan institutions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, credit unions, mortgage banks and other financial intermediaries. In particular, our competitors include several major financial companies whose greater resources may afford them a marketplace advantage by enabling them to maintain numerous banking locations and mount extensive promotional and advertising campaigns. Additionally, banks and other financial institutions with larger capitalization and financial intermediaries not subject to bank regulatory restrictions have larger lending limits and are thereby able to serve the credit needs of larger customers. Areas of competition include interest rates for loans and deposits, efforts to obtain deposits, and range and quality of products and services provided, including new technology-driven products and services. Technological innovation continues to contribute to greater competition in domestic and international financial services markets as technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. We also face competition from out-of-state financial intermediaries that have opened low-end production offices or that solicit deposits in our market areas. If we are unable to attract and retain banking customers, we may be unable to continue our loan growth and level of deposits and our results of operations and financial condition may otherwise be adversely affected.

Anti-takeover provisions of our charter documents may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management.

        Certain provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws could discourage unsolicited takeover proposals not approved by the Board of Directors in which shareholders could receive a premium for their shares, thereby potentially limiting the opportunity for our shareholders to dispose of their shares at the higher price generally available in takeover attempts or that may be available under a merger proposal or may have the effect of permitting our current management, including the current

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Board of Directors, to retain its position, and place it in a better position to resist changes that shareholders may wish to make if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of our business. The anti-takeover measures included in our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, include, without limitation, the following:

•

the elimination of cumulative voting,



•

the adoption of a classified board of directors,



•

super-majority shareholder voting requirements to modify certain provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and



•

restrictions on certain "business combinations" with third parties who may acquire our securities outside of an action taken by us.

We are subject to significant government regulation and legislation that increases the cost of doing business and inhibits our ability to compete.

        We are subject to extensive state and federal regulation, supervision and legislation, all of which is subject to material change from time to time. These laws and regulations increase the cost of doing business and have an adverse impact on our ability to compete efficiently with other financial service providers that are not similarly regulated. Changes in regulatory policies or procedures could result in management's determining that a higher provision for loan losses would be necessary and could cause higher loan charge-offs, thus adversely affecting our net earnings. There can be no assurance that future regulation or legislation will not impose additional requirements and restrictions on us in a manner that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and prospects.

        As a participant in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, we have agreed to various requirements and restrictions imposed by the U.S. Treasury on all participants, which included a provision that the U. S. Treasury could change the terms of participation at any time. Further information regarding the current requirements and restrictions imposed on TARP participants can be found under the caption "Regulation and Supervision—The TARP Capital Purchase Program" in Item 1 of this Report.

We could be negatively impacted by downturns in the South Korean economy.

        Many of our customers are locally based Korean-Americans who also conduct business in South Korea. Although we conduct most of our business with locally-based customers and rely on domestically located assets to collateralize our loans and credit arrangements, we have historically had some exposure to the economy of South Korea in connection with certain portions of our loans and credit transactions with Korean banks. Such exposure has consisted of:

•

discounts of acceptances created by banks in South Korea,



•

advances made against clean documents presented under sight letters of credit issued by banks in South Korea,



•

advances made against clean documents held for later presentation under letters of credit issued by banks in South Korea, and



•

extensions of credit to borrowers in the U.S. secured by letters of credit issued by banks in South Korea.

        We generally enter into any such loan or credit arrangements, in excess of $200,000 and of longer than 120 days, only with the largest of the Korean banks and spread other lesser or shorter term loan or credit arrangements among a variety of medium-sized Korean banks.

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        As a result of the economic crisis in South Korea in the mid-1990's, management has continued to closely monitor our exposure to the South Korean economy and the activities of Korean banks with which we conduct business. To date, we have not experienced any significant loss attributable to our exposure to South Korea. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that our efforts to minimize exposure to downturns in the South Korean economy will be successful in the future, and another significant downturn in the South Korean economy could possibly result in significant credit losses for us.

        In addition, due to our customer base being largely made up of Korean-Americans, our deposit base could significantly decrease as a result of deterioration in the Korean economy. For example, some of our customers' businesses may rely on funds from South Korea. Further, our customers may temporarily withdraw deposits in order to transfer funds and benefit from gains on foreign exchange and interest rates, and/or to support their relatives in South Korea during downturns in the Korean economy. A significant decrease in our deposits could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Additional shares of our common stock issued in the future could have a dilutive effect.

        Shares of our common stock eligible for future issuance and sale could have a dilutive effect on the market for our stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 80,000,000 shares of common stock. As of February 26, 2010, there were approximately 29,415,657 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, 1,644,900 shares of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Stock Option Plan, or the "2008 Stock Option Plan," 949,460 shares of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the warrant that we issued to the U.S. Treasury in connection with our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, plus an additional 256,180 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance to the holders of stock options previously granted and still outstanding under the Wilshire State Bank 1997 Stock Option Plan, or the "1997 Stock Option Plan." Thus, approximately 46,318,478 shares of our common stock remain authorized (not reserved for stock options and are available for future issuance and sale) at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

Shares of our preferred stock previously issued and preferred stock issued in the future could have dilutive and other effects.

        On December 12, 2008, we received $62,158,000 from the U.S. Treasury as part of the federal government's Capital Purchase Program. In exchange for the federal funding, we issued 62,158 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, each with a stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per share, to the U.S. Treasury. As of February 26, 2010, there were of 62,158 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock that were issued and outstanding.

        Shares of our preferred stock eligible for future issuance and sale also could have a dilutive effect on the market for the shares of our common stock, especially because of the fact that the preferred shares would have seniority with respect to our common stock. In addition to 80,000,000 shares of common stock, our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 2009, the total number of shares of authorized but unissued preferred stock was 4,937,842. The Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of such preferred shares at any time in the future. If such shares of preferred stock are made convertible into shares of common stock, there could be a dilutive effect on the shares of common stock then outstanding. In addition, shares of preferred stock may be provided a preference over holders of common stock upon our liquidation or with respect to the payment of dividends, in respect of voting rights or in the redemption of our capital stock. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to any series of preferred stock may be determined by resolution of our Board of Directors without the need for shareholder approval.

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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

Item 2.    Properties

        Our primary banking facilities (corporate headquarters and various lending offices) are located at 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California and consists of approximately 42,255 square feet as of the date of this report. This lease expires March 31, 2015, but we have an option to extend the lease for two consecutive five-year periods. The combined monthly rents for this lease is currently $50,336.

        We have 23 full-service branch banking offices in Southern California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York. We also lease 5 separate LPOs in Aurora, Colorado (the Denver area); Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Annandale, Virginia. Information about the properties associated with each of our banking facilities is set forth in the table below:

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        Management has determined that all of our premises are adequate for our present and anticipated level of business.

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        From time to time, we are a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our management evaluates our exposure to these claims and proceedings individually and in the aggregate and provides for potential losses on such litigation if the amount of the loss is estimatable and the loss is probable.

        We believe that there are no material litigation matters at the current time. Although the results of such litigation matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of such claims and proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

Item 4.    Reserved

PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Trading History

        Wilshire Bancorp's common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "WIBC."

        The information in the following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the high and low closing sale prices for the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market:

        On February 26, 2010, the closing sale price for the common stock was $9.40, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Shareholders

        As of February 26, 2010, there were 149 shareholders of record of our common stock (not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or street name through various brokerage firms).

Dividends

        As a California corporation, we are restricted under the California General Corporation Law, or CGCL, from paying dividends under certain conditions. Our shareholders are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, as provided in the CGCL. The CGCL provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if retained earnings immediately prior to the dividend payout at least

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equal the amount of proposed distribution. In the event that sufficient retained earnings are not available for the proposed distribution, a corporation may, nevertheless, make a distribution, if it meets both the "quantitative solvency" and the "liquidity" tests. In general, the quantitative solvency test requires that the sum of the assets of the corporation equal at least 1 ¹ / 4 times its liabilities. The liquidity test generally requires that a corporation have current assets at least equal to current liabilities, or, if the average of the earnings of the corporation before taxes on income and before interest expenses for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the interest expense of the corporation for such fiscal years, then current assets must be equal to at least 1 ¹ / 4 times current liabilities. In certain circumstances, we may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to make capital distributions to our shareholders.

        It has been our general practice to retain earnings for the purpose of increasing capital to support growth, and no cash dividends were paid to shareholders prior to 2005. However, we began paying a cash dividend to our common shareholders beginning in the first quarter of 2005. While we currently pay cash dividends on our common stock, as well as to the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to our agreements under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, all dividends are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, financial condition, cash needs and general business conditions. Any dividend to our common shareholders must also comply with the restrictions in our outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures and our Series A Preferred Stock described earlier in this Report, as well as applicable bank regulations.

        The following table shows cash dividends to our common shareholders declared by Wilshire Bancorp the two years ended December 31, 2009:

        The following table shows cash dividends to US Treasury for our preferred stocks for the year ended December 31, 2009:

        Our ability to pay cash dividends in the future will depend in large part on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends on its capital stock to us. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends on its common stock is restricted by the California Financial Code, the FDIA, and FDIC regulations. In general terms, California law provides that the Bank may declare a cash dividend out of net profits up to the lesser of retained earnings or net income for the last three fiscal years (less any distributions made to shareholders during such period), or, with the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Department of Financial Institutions, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of:

•

retained earnings,

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•

net income for the prior fiscal year, or



•

net income for the current fiscal year.

        The Bank's ability to pay any cash dividends will depend not only upon our earnings during a specified period, but also on our meeting certain capital requirements. The FDIA and FDIC regulations restrict the payment of dividends when a bank is undercapitalized, when a bank has failed to pay insurance assessments, or when there are safety and soundness concerns regarding a bank. The payment of dividends by the Bank may also be affected by other regulatory requirements and policies, such as maintenance of adequate capital. If, in the opinion of the regulatory authority, a depository institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in, or is about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the depository institution, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such depository institution cease and desist from such practice.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

        In June 2008, we established the 2008 Stock Option Plan that provides for the issuance of restricted stock and options to purchase up to 2,933,200 shares of our authorized but unissued common stock to employees, directors, and consultants. Exercise prices for options may not be less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Compensation expense for awards is recorded over the vesting period. Under the 2008 Stock Option Plan, there were stock options outstanding to purchase 1,198,650 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2009.

        During 1997, the Bank established the 1997 Stock Option Plan, which provided for the issuance of up to 6,499,800 shares of the Company's authorized but unissued common stock to managerial employees and directors. Due to the expiration of the plan in February 2007, no additional options may be granted under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Accordingly, no shares of our common stock remain available for future issuance under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Nonetheless, there are 256,180 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance to the holders of stock options previously granted and still outstanding under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2009 relating to the number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of the outstanding options under the 1997 Plan and the 2008 Plan and their weighted-average exercise price.

        Future grants of stock options under the 2008 plan may be subject to the limitations of EESA for as long as shares of our Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding. EESA prohibits us from accruing any bonus, retention award, or incentive compensation to at least the five most highly compensated employees of the Company (or such higher number of employees as the U.S. Treasury may determine). Although the interpretation of what specifically constitutes "incentive compensation" is not clear, it is likely that we will not be able to grant additional stock options to at least our five most highly compensated employees during the time that we have shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding.

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Performance Graph

        The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholders' return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of (i) of the NASDAQ market index; (ii) all banks and bank holding companies listed on NASDAQ; and (iii) the SNL Western Bank Index, comprised of banks and bank holding companies located in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Hawaii, Nevada, and Alaska. Both the $1 Billion - $5 Billion Asset-Size Bank Index and the SNL Western Bank Index were compiled by SNL Securities LP of Charlottesville, Virginia. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. The graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

        

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds From Registered Securities

        In December 2008, we issued 62,158 shares of newly designated Series A Preferred Stock, each with a stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per share, and an attached warrant exercisable initially for 949,460 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $9.82 per share, to the U.S. Treasury in exchange for the U.S. Treasury's $62.2 million investment in the TARP Capital Purchase Program. In issuing these shares, we relied upon the exemption from registration set forth in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and the applicable Regulation D provisions promulgated thereunder.

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Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

        In July 2007, our board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program, under which up to $10 million outstanding common shares in the open market can be repurchased by Wilshire Bancorp for a period of twelve months ending on July 31, 2008. Under the plan, we repurchased a total of 127,425 shares at an average price of $9.91. All of these shares were repurchased during 2007. During 2008, there were no repurchases under the program. This program completed its term and expired on July 31, 2008.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following table presents selected historical financial information as of and for each of the years in the five years ended December 31, 2009. The selected historical financial information is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes thereto which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in Item 7 below:

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        This discussion presents management's analysis of our results of operations and financial condition as of and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes related thereto which appear elsewhere in this Report.

Executive Overview

Introduction

        Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. succeeded to the business and operations of Wilshire State Bank (the "Bank") upon consummation of the reorganization of the Bank into a holding company structure, effective as of August 25, 2004. Prior to the completion of the reorganization, the Bank was subject to the information, reporting, and proxy statement requirements of the Exchange Act, pursuant to the regulations of its primary regulator, the FDIC. Accordingly, the Bank filed annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other information with the FDIC. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3 of the Exchange Act, the Company has succeeded to the reporting obligations of the Bank and the reporting obligations of the Bank to the FDIC have terminated. Filings by the Company under the Exchange Act, like this Form 10-K, are to be made with the SEC. Note that while we refer generally to the Company throughout this filing, all references to the Company prior to August 26, 2004, except where otherwise indicated, are to the Bank.

        We operate a community bank in the general commercial banking business, with our primary market encompassing the multi-ethnic population of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our full-service offices are located primarily in areas where a majority of the businesses are owned by Korean-speaking immigrants, with many of the remaining businesses owned by Hispanic and other minority groups.

        At December 31, 2009, we had approximately $3.44 billion in assets, $2.43 billion in total loans, and $2.83 billion in deposits. We also have expanded and diversified our business geographically by focusing on the continued development of the East Coast market.

        In May 2006, we completed the acquisition of Liberty Bank of New York ("Liberty") and its merger into the Bank. With this acquisition, we added $66 million in total assets and two branches in New York City. We paid $14.5 million for this transaction, which consisted of $8.6 million in cash and $5.9 million in our common stock (328,110 shares). We also incurred merger-related costs of $625,000 which we recognized as additional consideration in connection with this business combination.

        In July 2007, we acquired a branch of Royal Bank America ("RBA") in Fort Lee, New Jersey in exchange for our branch at Flushing, New York. In this branch exchange transaction, we purchased selected fixed assets and assumed selected liabilities, including a portion of the Bank's time deposits. As consideration, we transferred to RBA selected intangible and fixed assets, and selected liabilities, including a portion of time deposits, intangible liabilities, and lease obligations. The amounts involved in this transaction were insignificant except for the time deposits exchanged. In the branch exchange transaction, both parties transferred deposit liabilities in the amount of approximately $6 million. The branch exchange transaction was accounted for as an exchange of assets and liabilities. The Fort Lee, New Jersey loan portfolio has grown 156.4% to $16.9 million as of December 31, 2009, as compared with the prior year end. Deposit growth at the Fort Lee branch has also exceeded our expectation, and increased 164.0% to $87.1 million as of December 31, 2009, as compared with the prior year end.

        Subsequent to the branch exchange in July 2007, we opened a new Bayside branch in New York to compensate for the loss of our Flushing branch. However, in 2009 a branch in Flushing, New York was opened which resulted in further expansion of our banking service and market coverage in the State of New Jersey and the greater New York City metropolitan area. Similar to the New Jersey (Fort Lee)

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branch, the loan portfolio of our four New York branches including Fort Lee has grown to $161.6 million at December 31, 2009 from $25.7 after the acquisition of Liberty Bank of New York. Our deposit portfolio in the New York branches has also experienced significant growth, up over 481.8% from $50.5 million at the time of the acquisition to $293.8 million at the end of 2009.

        In addition to our expansion into the New York/New Jersey area, we further expanded our banking network within the state of California. In August 2008, we opened our new City Center branch office in Los Angeles, California. To improve operating efficiency, we also merged a market branch in Rancho Cucamonga, California, into a neighboring branch in the same city during December 2008.

        On June 26, 2009, we acquired the banking operations of Mirae Bank from the FDIC, who had been named receiver of the institution. We acquired approximately $395.6 million in assets and assumed $374.0 million in liabilities. This included $285.7 million in loans, and $293.4 million in deposits in addition to five branch offices. The integration of former Mirae was successfully completed in the third quarter of 2009, during which 4 out of the 5 branches were closed as a result of their close proximity to our office locations. Even with the branch closures, the retention rate for former Mirae deposit customers remained high.

        Over the past several years, our network of branches and LPOs has expanded geographically. We currently maintain twenty-three branch offices and five LPOs. We believe that our market coverage complements our multi-ethnic small business focus. We intend to be cautious about our growth strategy in future years regarding opening of additional branches and LPOs. We expect to continue implementing our growth strategy using planning and market analysis, and as our needs and resources permit.

        In December 2002, the Bank issued $10 million of the 2002 Junior Subordinated Debentures. Subsequently, the Company, as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2003 and as a parent company of the Bank in 2005 and 2007, issued a total of $77,321,000 of Junior Subordinated Debentures in connection with a $75,000,000 trust preferred securities issuance by statutory trusts wholly-owned by the Company. We believe that the supplemental capital raised in connection with the issuance of these debentures allowed us to achieve and maintain our status as a well-capitalized institution and sustained our continued loan growth.

        In December 2008, we issued 62,158 shares of newly designated Series A Preferred Stock, each with a stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per share, and an attached warrant exercisable initially for 949,460 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $9.82 per share, to the U.S. Treasury in exchange for the U.S. Treasury's $62.2 million investment in the TARP Capital Purchase Program. This additional capital infusion from the United States government further strengthened our capital ratios, allowing us to continue to assist the financial markets with much needed liquidity via careful lending to qualified borrowers.

        As evidenced by our past several years of operations, we have experienced significant balance sheet growth. We have implemented a strategy of building our core banking foundation by focusing on commercial loans and business transaction accounts. Our management believes that this strategy has created recurring revenue streams, diversified our product portfolio and enhanced shareholder value.

2009 Key Performance Indicators

        We believe the following were key indicators of our performance for our operations during 2009:

•

Our total assets grew to $3.44 billion at the end of 2009, or an increase of 40.2% from $2.45 billion at the end of 2008.



•

Our total deposits grew to $2.83 billion at the end of 2009, or an increase of 56.0% from $1.81 billion at the end of 2008.

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•

Our total loans grew to $2.43 billion at the end of 2009, or an increase of 18.3% from $2.05 billion at the end of 2008.



•

Total net interest income increased to $99.5 million in 2009, or an increase of 20.4% from $82.6 million in 2008. The increase in net interest income was a result of decrease in deposit, FHLB advances, and other borrowing expenses.



•

Total noninterest income increased to $57.3 million in 2009, or an increase of 177.6% from $20.6 million in 2008. A large portion of the increase is attributable to a gain of $21.7 million as a result of the Mirae Bank acquisition. However, not including the gain from the acquisition, noninterest income increased by 72.6% due to increases in gains that resulted from the sales of securities and loans.



•

Total noninterest expense increased to $57.4 million in 2009 or 18.5% from $48.4 million in 2008. The increase is mainly due to an increase in our FDIC deposit insurance premium, premise expense, and other expenses as a result of our growth. Nonetheless, due to our continuous efforts in minimizing operating expenses, noninterest expenses as a percentage of average assets were lowered to 1.9% in 2009 from 2.1% in 2008.



•

Our efficiency ratio (the ratio of noninterest expense to the sum of net interest income before provision for losses on loans and loan commitments and total noninterest income) improved by over 10%, decreasing to 36.6% at 2009, compared to an efficiency ratio of 46.9% for the 2008.

        Net income available for common shareholders for 2009 decreased to $16.5 million or $0.56 per diluted common share, as compared with $26.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted common share in 2008. The decrease in net income is primarily attributable to higher than expected provisions for losses on loans and loan commitments in 2009. Compared to 2008, provisions increased by $56.5 million to $68.6 million in 2009. The increase in provisions for losses on loans and loan commitments is a result of credit quality issues and management's proactive stance to address these credit concerns as quickly as possible through sales, charge-offs, modifications, and resolutions with customers.

2010 Outlook

        Although the economic indicators point towards modest growth and economic expansion in 2010, we will continue to take a cautious approach on our outlook for 2010. As a result of downturns in the commercial and residential real estate market, assets quality on CRE loans contributed to our higher delinquency and non-accrual rates in 2009. We expect this trend to continue in 2010. However, management has taken proactive approach by acquiring updated appraisals on CRE loan collateral and stress testing CRE loans during 2009. We believe the commercial real estate market may face increased deterioration, although not at the level experienced in 2008 and 2009.

        On a micro economic level within our own business, we plan to continue to focus on management of our net interest margin and the resolution of credit issues. Notwithstanding the overall national economy, we believe that there will be slower but continual economic growth in our niche market areas, which includes the Korean-American business sectors located in Southern California, Texas, New Jersey, and the greater New York City metropolitan area. We expect that this growth will be mainly attributable to an anticipated capital influx from the Republic of Korea because of the successful passage of the Republic of Korea—United States Free Trade Agreement in October 2008, and admission of Korea into the United States' Visa Waiver Program in November 2008. Accordingly, we therefore believe that we will continue to grow, but assume that such growth will be at a more controlled pace than we have experienced in the past. The reduction in our growth rate is expected to result in a healthier balance sheet, as we expect to see fewer non-performing loans. Hence, our asset base is expected to be of better quality with more core-deposits than we experienced in 2009.

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        We will continue to consider opportunities for growth in our existing markets, as well as opportunities to expand into new markets through de novo branching and regional LPOs. One of our strategies for growth in the futures lies with the East Coast branches. We continue to experience steady growth in this region and we believe that the East Coast will be a critical part of our planned expansion strategy, especially in the East Coast market of the U.S. because of its high level of small business activity and diverse population. In addition, we will continue to focus on streamlining our operations so that our expenses do not outpace the overall growth of our business.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, and has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions, and other subjective assessments. In particular, we have identified several accounting policies that, due to judgments, estimates, and assumptions inherent in those policies are critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements. These policies relate to the classification and valuation of investment securities, the methodologies that determine our allowance for loan losses, the treatment of non-accrual loans, the valuation of properties acquired through foreclosure, the valuation of retained interests and mortgage servicing assets related to the sales of SBA loans, and the treatment and valuation of stock-based compensation and business combination. In each area, we have identified the variables most important in the estimation process. We have used the best information available to make the estimates necessary to value the related assets and liabilities. Actual performance that differs from our estimates and future changes in the key variables could change future valuation and impact net income.

Investment Securities

        Our investment policy seeks to provide and maintain liquidity, and to produce favorable returns on investments without incurring unnecessary interest rate or credit risk, while complementing our lending activities. Our investment securities portfolio is subject to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates may cause actual prepayments to vary from the estimated prepayments over the life of a security. This may result in adjustments to the amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts related to these instruments, consequently changing the net yield on such securities. Reinvestment risk is also associated with the cash flows from such securities. The unrealized gain/loss on such securities may also be adversely impacted by changes in interest rates.

        Under ASC 320-10, formerly (SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities), investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as "held-to-maturity" and recorded at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, with readily determinable fair values, are classified as "available-for-sale" and recorded at fair value. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the estimated lives of the securities.

        The classification and accounting for investment securities are discussed in detail in Notes 1 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report Under ASC 320-10, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities , investment securities generally must be classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. The appropriate classification is based

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partially on our ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management's intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise. Investment securities that are classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized or are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to market prices obtained from an independent external pricing service provider. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, we have evaluated the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values. We perform an analysis on the broker quotes received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third party pricing methodologies, review of pricing trends, and monitoring of trading volumes. We ensure whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads, and when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if we determine there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. Prices from third party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market based data. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding.

        We are obligated to assess, at each reporting date, whether there is an other than temporary impairment to our investment securities. Impairments related to credit issued must be recognized in current earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process, requiring the use of judgment and assumptions. We examine all individual securities that are in an unrealized loss position at each reporting date for other-than-temporary impairment. Specific investment-related factors we examine to assess impairment include the nature of the investment, severity and duration of the loss, the probability that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, and analysis of the issuers of the securities and whether there has been any cause for default on the securities and any change in the rating of the securities by the various rating agencies. Additionally, we evaluate whether the creditworthiness of the issuer calls the realization of contractual cash flows into question. We reexamine the financial resources, intent, and the overall ability of the Company to hold the securities until their fair values recover. Management does not believe that there are any investment securities, other than those identified in the current and previous periods, which are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2009. Investment securities are discussed in more detail in Note 1 and 4 of our consolidated financial statements presented later in this report.

        As required under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 320-10 which was previously Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets , and EITF 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20 , we consider all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, when developing the estimate of future cash flows and making its other-than-temporary impairment assessment for our portfolio of residual securities and pooled trust preferred securities. We consider factors such as remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, the financial condition of the issuer(s), expected defaults, and the value of any underlying collateral.

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        As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, no investment securities were determined to have any other-than-temporary impairment. The unrealized losses on our government sponsored enterprises ("GSE") bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are attributable to both changes in interest rates and a repricing risk in the market. All GSE bonds, GSE CMO, and GSE MBS securities are backed by U.S. Government Sponsored and Federal Agencies and therefore rated "AAA." We have no exposure to the "Subprime Market" in the form of Asset Backed Securities ("ABS") and Collateralized Debt Obligations ("CDOs") that had previously been rated "AAA" but have since been downgraded to below investment grade. We have the intent and ability to hold the securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 and 2008 until the market value recovers or the securities mature.

        Municipal bonds and corporate bonds are evaluated by reviewing the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market conditions. The unrealized losses on our investment in municipal and corporate securities were primarily attributable to both changes in interest rates and a repricing risk in the market. We have the intent and ability to hold the securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 and 2008 until the market value recovers or the securities mature.

Small Business Administration Loans

        Certain SBA loans that may be sold prior to maturity have been designated as held for sale at origination and are recorded at the lower of cost or market value, determined on an aggregate basis. A valuation allowance is established if the market value of such loans is lower than their cost, and operations are charged or credited for valuation adjustments. When we sell a loan, we usually sell the guaranteed portion of the loan and retain the non-guaranteed portion. We receive sales proceeds from: (i) the guaranteed principal of the loan, (ii) the deferred premium for the difference between the book value of the retained portion and the fair value allocated to the retained portion, and (iii) the loan excess servicing fee ("ESF"). At the time of sale, the deferred premium, which is amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield, is recorded for the difference between the book value and the fair value allocated to the retained portion. The sales gain is recognized from the difference between the proceeds and the book value allocated to the sold portion.

        We allocate the book value of the related loans among three portions on the basis of their relative fair value: (i) the sold portion, (ii) the retained portion, and (iii) the ESF. We estimate the fair value of each portion based on the following. The amount received for the sale represents the fair value of the sold portion. The fair value of the retained portion is computed by discounting its future cash flows over the estimated life of the loan. We calculate the fair value of the ESF for the loan from the cash in-flow of the net servicing fee over the estimated life of the loan, discounted at an above average discount rate and a range of constant prepayment rates of the related loans.

        We capitalize the fair value allocated to ESF in two categories: (i) intangible servicing assets (the contracted servicing fee less normal servicing costs), and (ii) interest-only strip, or "I/O strip," receivables (excess of ESF over the contracted servicing fee). The servicing asset is recorded based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing cost, over the estimated life of the loan, with an average discount rate and a range of constant prepayment rates of the related loans. Prior to December 31, 2006, the servicing asset was amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated servicing income. For purposes of measuring impairment, the servicing assets are stratified by collateral types. Management periodically evaluates the fair value of servicing assets for impairment. A valuation allowance is recorded when the fair value is below the carrying amount and a recovery of the valuation allowance is recorded when its fair value exceeds the carrying amount. However, a reversal may not exceed the original valuation allowance recorded. On January 1, 2007, we adopted ASC 860-50 (formerly SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets) , and selected a fair value measurement method to measure our servicing assets and liabilities and recognized a onetime increase in their fair value of $80,000, net of tax effects. Any subsequent increase or decrease

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in fair value of servicing assets and liabilities is to be included in our current earnings in the statement of operations. An interest-only strip is recorded based on the present value of the excess of future interest income, over the contractually specified servicing fee, calculated using the same assumptions as noted above. Interest-only strips are accounted for at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains recorded as an adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. If the estimated fair value is less than its carrying value, the loss is considered as other-than-temporary impairment and it is charged to the current earnings.

Allowance for Loan Losses

        Accounting for the allowance for loan losses involves significant judgment and assumptions by management and is based on historical data and management's view of the current economic environment. At least on a quarterly basis, our management reviews the methodology and adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and reports its assessment to the Board of Directors for its review and approval.

        We base our allowance for loan losses on an estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Our methodology for assessing loan loss allowances is intended to reduce the differences between estimated and actual losses and involves a detailed analysis of our loan portfolio in three phases:

•

the specific review of individual loans in accordance with ASC 310-10 (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan) ,



•

the segmenting and reviewing of loan pools with similar characteristics in accordance with ASC 450-10 (SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies) , and



•

our judgmental estimate based on various qualitative factors.

        The first phase of our allowance analysis involves the specific review of individual loans to identify and measure impairment. At this phase, we evaluate each loan except for homogeneous loans, such as automobile loans and home mortgages. Specific risk-rated loans are deemed impaired with respect to all amounts, including principal and interest, which will likely not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the related loan agreement. Impairment for commercial and real estate loans is measured either based on the present value of the loan's expected future cash flows or, if collection on the loan is collateral dependent, the estimated fair value of the collateral, less selling and holding costs.

        The second phase involves segmenting the remainder of the risk-rated loan portfolio into groups or pools of loans, together with loans with similar characteristics for evaluation in accordance with ASC 450-10. We perform loss migration analysis and calculate the loss migration ratio for each loan pool based on its historical net losses and benchmark it against the levels of other peer banks.

        In the third phase, we consider relevant internal and external factors that may affect the collectability of a loan portfolio and each group of loan pools. As a general rule, the factors listed below will be considered to have no impact to our loss migration analysis. However, if information exists to warrant adjustment to the loss migration ratios, the changes will be made in accordance with the established parameters and supported by narrative and/or statistical analysis. We use a credit risk matrix to determine the impact to the loss migration analysis. This matrix enables management to adjust the general allocation based on the loss migration ratio. The factors currently considered are, but are not limited to: concentration of credit, delinquency trend, nature and volume of loan trend, non-accrual and problem loan trends, loss and recovery trend, quality loan review, lending and management staff, lending policies and procedures, and external factors such as changes in legal and regulatory requirements, on the level of estimated credit losses in the current portfolio. For all factors, the extent of the adjustment will be commensurate with the severity of the conditions that concern each

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factor. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem credits or portfolio components.

        Central to our credit risk management and our assessment of appropriate loss allowance is our loan risk rating system. Under this system, the originating credit officer assigns borrowers an initial risk rating based on a thorough analysis of each borrower's financial capacity in conjunction with industry and economic trends. Approvals are made based upon the amount of inherent credit risk specific to the transaction and are reviewed for appropriateness by senior line and credit administration personnel. Credits are monitored by line and credit administration personnel for deterioration in a borrower's financial condition which may impact the ability of the borrower to perform under the contract. Although management has allocated a portion of the allowance to specific loans, specific loan pools, including off-balance sheet credit exposures which are reported separately as part of other liabilities, the adequacy of the allowance is considered in its entirety.

Non-Accrual Loan Policy

        Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible. Accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is over 90 days delinquent unless management believes the loan is adequately collateralized and in the process of collection. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that would warrant resumption of interest accruals.

Other Real Estate Owned

        Other real estate owned ("OREO"), which represents real estate acquired through foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure in satisfaction of commercial and real estate loans, is carried at the estimated fair value less the selling costs of the real estate. The fair value of the property is based upon a current appraisal. The difference between the fair value of the real estate collateral and the loan balance at the time of transfer is recorded as a loan charge-off if fair value is lower than the loan balance. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically performs valuations and the OREO property is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less cost to sell. The determination of a property's estimated fair value incorporates (i) revenues projected to be realized from disposal of the property, (ii) construction and renovation costs, (iii) marketing and transaction costs, and (iv) holding costs ( e.g. , property taxes, insurance and homeowners' association dues). Any subsequent declines in the fair value of the OREO property after the date of transfer are recorded through a write-down of the asset. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated fair values, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are charged or credited to current operations.

Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") Obligation

        Under ASC 715-60-35 (formerly EITF 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements) , an employer is required to recognize obligations associated with endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that extend into the participant's post-employment benefit cost for the continuing life insurance or based on the future death benefit depending on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement. ASC 715-60-35 is effective as of the beginning of the entity's first fiscal year after December 15, 2007. We adopted ASC 715-60-35 on January 1, 2008 using the latter option based on the future death benefit. Upon this adoption, we recognized increases in the liability for unrecognized post-retirement obligations of $806,000 and $1,070,000 for directors and officers, respectively, as a cumulative adjustment to our current year's beginning equity. During the year of 2008, the increases in BOLI expense and liability related to the adoption of ASC 715-60-35 was $144,000, which was included as

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part of the other expenses and other liabilities balances in the consolidated financial statements. BOLI expenses and liability related to the adoption of ASC 715-60-35 for 2009 amounted to $870,000.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        We recognized goodwill and intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of Liberty Bank of New York, and from the Mirae Bank acquisition. As of December 31, 2009 goodwill stood unchanged from the previous year at $6.7 million, all of which is related to the Liberty Bank acquisition located in the East Coast. $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in core deposits intangibles were recorded as a result of the Liberty Bank and Mirae Bank acquisition. Core deposit intangibles had cost bases of $1.0 million each related to the Liberty Bank and Mirae Bank transaction.

        In accordance with ASC 350-20 (previously SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) , goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is subject to impairment testing at least annually. Our impairment analysis of goodwill is calculated in accordance with ASC 820 using a combination of the "Market Approach" and "Income Approach" and is discussed in more detail in Note 15. We tested goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2009 and found no impairment adjustment was needed.

Income Taxes

        We accounted for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enacted date.

        We record net tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we determine that we would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to reduce the current period provision for income taxes.

        Our effective tax rates were often lower than the statutory rates. This was mainly due to state tax benefits derived from doing business in an enterprise zone and tax preferential treatment for our ownership of BOLI and low income housing tax credit funds.

        In 2007, we adopted the provision of FASB ASC 740-10-25 (formerly Financial Interpretation No. ("FIN") 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, which is now codification reference 740-10, Income Taxes. ASC 740-10-25 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded. As a result of the implementation of the Interpretation, the Company recognized an increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefit of $123,000 and no related interest. As of December 31, 2009, the total unrecognized tax benefit that would affect the effective rate if recognized was $259,000, and related interest was $19,000.

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Stock-Based Compensation

        We issued stock-based compensation to certain employees, officers, and directors. On January 1, 2006, we adopted ASC 718-10 (formerly SFAS 123R, Share-Based Payment) , for stock based compensation. ASC 718-10 allows for two alternative transition methods. We follow the modified prospective method, which requires application of the new Statement to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required effective date. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Additionally, compensation costs for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of January 1, 2006 are recognized as the requisite services are rendered on or after January 1, 2006. The compensation cost of that portion of awards is based on the grant-date fair value of those awards.

SBA Guaranteed Loan Sales

        In December 2009, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update "ASU" 2009-16 Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets , to codify FASB 166. Statement 166 is revision to Statement No. 140 Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. Codified at ASC 860-20, the guidance requires more information about transfer of financial assets, including securitization transactions and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. The statement is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance and cash flows, and a transferor's continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets.

        As of January 1, 2010 (implantation date), the guidance has changed the Company's categorization of SBA guaranteed portions of loans sold to third parties purchasers. Due to the following recourse provisions, sales accounting will not be applied to these transactions:

1.

If borrower makes the first three payments required by the note after the warranty date (the date the agreement is settled by the Bank and Registered Holder through FTA) in which they are due and the payments are the full amounts required by the note, the Bank has no liability to refund the premium.



2.

If the borrower prepays the loan for any reason within the 90 days of the warranty date, the Bank must refund any premium received.



3.

If the Bank fails to make the first three monthly payments due after the warranty date and the borrower enters uncured default within 275 calendar days from the warranty date, the Bank shall refund any premium received. Borrower payments must be received by the Bank in the month in which they are due and must be full payments as defined in the Borrower's note.

If a transfer of a portion of a loan does not meet the participation definition, the transfer is treated as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral. Prior to the issuance of this statement, SBA guaranteed portions sold to third parties were treated as loans before and after the sale of the loan as sales accounting treatment was applied. However under the new guidance, we now classify SBA guaranteed portions of loans as secured borrowings. As a result of the new guidance, the recognition of gain on sale of SBA guaranteed loans will be delayed by at least 90 days until the recourse provision expires, and during that period, the loan balances will be grossed-up and payment received will be accounted for as secured borrowings.

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Results of Operations

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

        Our primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and fees derived from earning assets and interest paid on liabilities obtained to fund those assets. Our net interest income is affected by changes in the level and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as volume changes. Our net interest income is also affected by changes in the yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities, referred to as rate changes. Interest rates charged on our loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, and competitive factors. Those factors are, in turn, affected by general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control, such as federal economic policies, the general supply of money in the economy, legislative tax policies, the governmental budgetary matters, and the actions of the Federal Reserve Board.

        Our average net loans were $2.22 billion in 2009, as compared with $1.93 billion in 2008 and $1.65 billion in 2007, representing similar increases of 14.8% in 2009 and 17.2% 2008, respectively, from each of the prior annual periods. Average interest-earning assets were $2.78 billion in 2009, as compared with $2.17 billion in 2008 and $1.90 billion in 2007, representing increases of 28.0% and 14.3% in 2009 and 2008, respectively, from each of the prior annual periods. Our average interest-bearing deposits also increased by 35.7% to $2.0 billion in 2009, as compared with $1.45 billion in 2008, after increasing 1.8% in 2008 from $1.42 billion in 2007. Together with other borrowings (see "Financial Condition-Deposits and Other Sources of Funds" below), average interest-bearing liabilities increased by 29.7% to $2.36 billion in 2009, as compared with $1.82 billion in 2008, after increasing by 17.9% in 2008 from $1.54 billion in 2007.

        The Federal Reserve Board's rate decreases in 2008 resulted in a decrease in our average yield on interest-earning assets to 6.84% in 2008 from 8.29% in 2007. Since the last rate reduction on December 16, 2008, the current federal funds rate has been 0.00% to 0.25%, an unprecedentedly low level and has remained without change throughout 2009. Accordingly, the average yield on interest-earning assets again decreased to 5.72% in 2009. During the same time periods, the rates for deposits in our local markets remained competitive, which required us to closely monitor our cost of funds so that it would be in line with our yield on assets. Our average yield on interest earning assets decreased 112 basis points to 5.72% in 2009 from 6.84% in 2008 and 8.29% in 2007. However, due to balance increases in CRE loans and securities, interest income increased 6.5% to $158.3 million in 2009, compared to $148.6 million in 2008. Interest expense meanwhile, decreased 10.8% to $58.9 million in 2009, as compared with $66.0 million in 2008. In 2008, interest income contracted 5.7% to $148.6, as compared with $157.6 million in 2007. Interest expense experienced a larger decrease to $66.0 million or -7.9% in 2008 from $76.3 million in 2007.

        The combined result of our growth particularly in core deposits, and careful monitoring efforts with respect to cost of funds resulted in an increase in our net interest income. Net interest income before provision for losses on loan and loan commitments increased 20.4%, or $16.8 million, to $99.5 million in 2009, following an increase of 1.6%, or $1.3 million in 2008 to $82.6 million from $81.4 million in 2007. As a result of our lowered cost of funds in 2009, our net interest spread slightly increased from 3.21% in 2008 to 3.22% in 2009, but was still down from 3.35% in 2007. Net interest margin continued to deteriorate in 2009 decreasing to 3.60% compared to 3.81% in 2008 and 4.28% in 2007.

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        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity, in addition to the major components of net interest income and net interest margin:

Distribution, Yield, and Rate Analysis of Net Income

(Dollars in Thousands)

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dollar amount of changes in interest earned and paid for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the amount of change attributable to changes in average daily balances (volume) or changes in average daily interest rates (rate). All yields were calculated without the consideration of tax effects, if any, and the variances

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attributable to both the volume and rate changes have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the changes in each:

Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income

(Dollars in Thousands)

Provision for Loan Losses and Provision for Loan Commitments

        In anticipation of credit risks inherent in our lending business and the recent ongoing financial crisis, we set aside allowances through charges to earnings. Such charges were made not only for our outstanding loan portfolio, but also for off-balance sheet items, such as commitments to extend credits or letters of credit. The charges made for our outstanding loan portfolio were credited to allowance for loan losses, whereas charges for off-balance sheet items were credited to the reserve for off-balance sheet items, which are presented as a component of other liabilities.

        Although we have enhanced our stringent loan underwriting standards and proactive credit follow-up procedures, we experienced a substantial increase of the provision for loan losses because of a weak economy, the continued decline in the real estate market, and increases in loan defaults and foreclosures. Due to aggressive resolution of problem loans through reserves and charge-offs in 2009, our provision for loan losses increased 466.5% to $68.6 million in 2009 from $12.1 million in 2008. The increases in our provisions were primarily to keep pace with the continued growth of our loan portfolio

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and an increase of non-performing loans (see "Nonperforming Assets" below for further discussion). The $68.6 million provision in 2009 was net of provision of $1.3 million to the reserve for loan commitments, while the $12.1 million and $15.0 million provisions in 2008 and 2007 included $755,000 in recoveries and $1.1 million in provisions to the reserve for loan commitments, respectively. The procedures for monitoring the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, as well as detailed information concerning the allowance itself, are described in the section entitled "Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Commitments" below.

Noninterest Income

        Total noninterest income increased to $57.3 million in 2009, as compared with $20.6 million and $22.6 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Noninterest income was 1.9% of average assets in 2009, an increased from 0.9% and 1.1% in 2008 and 2007, respectively. We currently earn noninterest income from various sources, including an income stream provided by bank owned life insurance, or BOLI, in the form of an increase in cash surrender value.

        The following table sets forth the various components of our noninterest income for the periods indicated:

Noninterest Income

(Dollars in Thousands)

        Our largest source of noninterest income in 2009 was the gain relating to the acquisition of Mirae Bank, which represented 37.8% of total noninterest income. There were no gains on acquisition recorded in 2006 or 2007. The $21.7 million acquisition gain was recorded as a bargain purchase gain which resulted from the difference between the total fair value of assets acquired in the amount of $395.6 million, less $373.9 million in fair value of liabilities acquired from the second quarter acquisition of Mirae Bank.

        Our services charges on deposits accounted for 22.2% of total noninterest income, which was the second largest portion of noninterest income and increased to $12.7 million in 2009, as compared with $12.0 million and $9.8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in services charges on deposits was primarily due to deposit growth, specifically growth in transaction accounts during 2009. We constantly review service charge rates to maximize service charge income while maintaining a competitive edge in our markets.

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        Our liquidity position continued to remain strong as a result of large increases in core deposits in 2009. This allowed us to profit from gains on the sale of securities. Gains from security sales totaled $11.2 million in 2009, our third largest source of noninterest income at 19.5%. The $11.2 million in securities gains in 2009 was a large increase compared to $3,000 and $42,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The market value of securities have increased in contrast to what we experience in 2007 and 2008 due to decreased volatility in markets, changes in the yield curve, and contraction of interest rates spreads on securities owned by the Bank.

        Our fourth largest source of noninterest income was loan-related servicing fees, which represented approximately 6.5% of our total noninterest income. This fee income consists of trade-financing fees and servicing fees on SBA loans sold. With the expansion of our trade-financing activities and the growth of our servicing loan portfolio, fee income has generally increased. In 2009, loan-related servicing fees increased to $3.7 million, as compared with $3.2 million in 2008 and $2.1 million in 2007. The servicing fee income on sold loans is credited when we collect the monthly payments on the sold loans we are servicing and charged by the monthly amortization of servicing rights and interest only, or I/O strips that we originally capitalized upon sale of the related loans. Such servicing rights and I/O strips are also charged against the loan service fee income account when the sold loans are paid off.

        Gain on sale of loans, representing approximately 6.4% of our total noninterest income in 2009 was our next largest source of noninterest income. Having decreased to $2.2 million in 2008 from $7.5 million and in 2007, gain on sale of loans figures increased to $3.7 million in 2009. This noninterest income is derived primarily from the sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. We sell the guaranteed portion of SBA loans in the secondary market for government securities and retain the associated servicing rights. Due to the weakened economy and ongoing financial crisis, our SBA loan production levels decreased to $51.5 million in 2009 as compared with $63.3 million and $139.5 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Gains from the sale of guaranteed portions of SBA loans were $3.9 million at the end of 2009 and $2.2 million at 2008, and $5.9 million at 2007. There were no gain from unguaranteed portions sold in 2009 and 2008, compared to $1.5 million recorded in 2007. A loss on loan sales amounting to $206,000 was also recorded in 2009, there were no losses on loan sales prior to 2009. The large decreased premiums paid for SBA guaranteed portions from 2007 to 2008, resulted in a lowered sales volumes and market illiquidity. However, we started to see premiums increasing in 2009. Gain on sale of loans also includes sales gains on residential mortgage loans. However, due to the decline of the residential mortgage market, sale transactions of residential mortgage loans were low. Therefore gains related to loan mortgage loan decreased from $121,000 in 2007 to $19,000 in 2008, and rose slightly to $35,000 in 2009.

        Income on other earning assets represents dividend income from FHLB stock ownership and the increase in the cash surrender value of BOLI. These accounted for $833,000, $1.2 million and $1.1 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in 2009 was primarily due to $454,000 decrease in FHLB dividend income, while the cash surrender value of BOLI increased $39,000. Similarly in 2008, the $100,000 increase in income was also primarily attributable to an additional BOLI interest and FHLB stock dividends.

        Other income represented income from miscellaneous sources, such as loan referral fees, SBA loan packaging fees, gain on sale of investment securities and excess of insurance proceeds over carrying value of an insured loss that generally increases as our business grows. Other income increased to $3.5 million in 2009, as compared with $2.1 million in 2008 and $2.0 million in 2007.

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Noninterest Expense

        Total noninterest expense increased to $57.4 million in 2009 from $48.4 million in 2008 which previously increased from $44.8 million in 2007. The increases in 2008 and 2009 were primarily attributable to the increased FDIC and state assessments, and increase in premises expense related to opening of new branches, as well increases stemming from balance sheet growth. Although the acquisition of Mirae Bank in the second quarter increase overall costs, by the end of 2009 we were able to reduce expenses related to the acquisition of Mirae Bank. Due to continuing efforts to minimize operating expenses during our expansion, we were able to reduce noninterest expenses as a percentage of average assets to 1.9% in 2009, as compared with 2.1% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2007. Management believes that its efforts in cost-cutting and revenue diversification have effectively improved our operational efficiency in 2009. Despite the weak economic conditions and the acquisition of former Mirae Bank, our efficiency ratio was improved to 36.6% in 2009, from 46.9% in 2008 and 43.1% in 2007.

        The following table sets forth a summary of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated:

Noninterest Expense

(Dollars in Thousands)

        Salaries and employee benefits historically represent more than half of our total noninterest expense and generally increases as our branch network and business volume expands. However, in 2009, salaries and benefits accounted for only 46.2% of total noninterest expense. Although additional staffing was necessitated by our new office openings, business growth, and the acquisition of Mirae Bank in the past 12 months, we have successfully controlled and maintained our total number of employees through effective allocation of our human resources. The number of full-time equivalent

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employees increased to 400 at the end of 2009, as compared with 348 and 368 in 2008 and 2008, respectively. Even with increases in employees, salaries and employee benefits remained flat at $26.5 million in 2009, as compared with $26.5 million in 2008 and $24.4 million in 2007, representing a decrease of less than 0.1% in 2009 and increases of 8.5% and 2.6% in 2008 and 2007, respectively, over each of the prior year periods. Our steady asset growth helped us increased assets per employee to $8.6 million, as compared with $7.0 million and $6.0 million at the end of 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Occupancy and equipment expenses represent approximately 13% of total noninterest expenses and totaled $7.5 million in 2009, compared to $6.1 million in 2008 and $5.3 million in 2007, representing increases of 21.7% and 15.6% in 2009 and 2008, respectively, over each of the prior year periods. These increases were attributable to the expansion of our office network and the additional office space and lease expenses for our new California and New York branch offices opened in 2009.

        Deposit insurance premium expenses represent the Financing Corporation (FICO) and FDIC insurance premium assessments. In 2009, these expenses increased to $4.8 million from $1.3 million in 2008 and $923,000 in 2007. The increase in FDIC insurance assessment was primarily a result of the temporary increase in FDIC insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 starting May 2009. This increased the insured deposit amount thereby increasing assessment fees associated with covered deposits. The FDIC also levied a special assessment starting June 2009 amounting to 5 basis points. All these factors contributed to the increased assessment fees paid and increased total assessment by 271.9% from 2008 to 2009 compared to a 39.2% increase during the one year period from 2007 to 2008.

        Data processing expenses increased 27.6% to $4.0 million in 2009 compared to $3.1 million in 2008, and increased 0.7% from $3.1 million in 2007. The increase in data processing in 2009 corresponded to the growth of our business as a result of the acquisition of Mirae Bank. One-time costs associated with the acquisition were expensed in 2009 as well.

        Professional fees generally increase as we grow and we expect these expenditures continue to be significant, as we address the enhanced SEC and NASDAQ corporate governance requirements and the local regulation of the states into which we expand our business operations. Professional fees were $2.3 million, $1.8 million, and $1.4 million, or 4.1%, 3.8%, and 3.1% of total noninterest expense, in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $497,000 increase in 2009 was attributable to the $258,000 increase in accounting, audit fees and an increase of $170,000 in legal fees related to loan collection, property foreclosure and repossession, and various other legal consultations, and a $68,000 increase in fees related to consulting, system test, and various accounting and auditing services. Similarly in 2008, the $449,000 increase was mainly attributable to the legal and accounting fees incurred for various legal consultations.

        Amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships increased by 59.3% to $1.3 million in 2009, and 52.1% to $809,000 in 2008 compared to the previous year. Expense totaled $532,000 in 2007. The increase is due to an increase to $6.0 million in affordable housing partnership investments in 2009. Percentage to total noninterest expenses totaled 2.2%, 1.7% and 1.2% in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

        Advertising and promotional expenses increased to $1.1 million in 2009 from $1.0 million in 2008, which previously decreased from $1.2 million in 2007, representing 2.0%, 2.1%, and 2.7% of total noninterest expenses in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These expenses represent marketing activities, such as media advertisements and promotional gifts for customers of newly opened offices, especially in the new areas such as the east coast market in New York and New Jersey. The expenses have remained fairly steady with no large fluctuations from 2007 to 2009.

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        Outsourced service costs for customers are payments made to third parties who provide services that were traditionally provided by banks to their customers, such as armored car services or bookkeeping services, and are recouped from the earnings credits earned by the respective depositors on their balances maintained with us. Due mainly to the increase in service activities and the increase in depositors demanding such services, our outsourced service costs generally rise in proportion with our business growth. Nonetheless, with our successful cost control measures, these expenses decreased to $1.1 million in 2009, as compared with $1.6 million in 2008 and $1.8 million in 2007.

        Other expense such as post retirement benefit costs, office supplies, amortization of intangible assets, communications, appraisal fees, and investor relations expense all increased from $2.0 million in 2008 to $3.5 million in 2009, an increase of $1.4 million or 71%. Directors' fees, however, decreased by 9% or $36,000 from $431,000 in 2008 to $395,000 in 2009. All these expense were less than 2% of total noninterest expenses at December 31, 2009.

        Other noninterest expense, increased by $1.2 million, or 33.0%, to $4.9 million in 2009 from $3.7 million in 2008. A portion of the increase represents a normal growth in association with the growth of our business activities and was in line with our expectation. However, approximately $900,000 was expensed in 2009 as a result of operational losses at our branches.

        As a result of our cost control efforts, evidenced in our improved efficiency ratio, noninterest expense increased less rapidly at 18.5% in 2009 and 7.9% in 2008 when compared to total assets growth of 40.2% in 2009 and 11.5% in 2008. Our successful expansion into the New York/New Jersey market in the previous years has paved the groundwork for our further expansion into the East Coast in 2009 and beyond. Although management anticipates that noninterest expense will continue to increase as we continue to grow, we remain committed to cost-control and operational efficiency, and we expect to keep these increases to a minimum relative to our rate of growth.

Provision for Income Taxes

        For the year ended December 31, 2009, we made a provision for income taxes of $10.7 million on pretax net income of $30.8 million, representing an effective tax rate of 34.7%, as compared with a provision for income taxes of $16.3 million on pretax net income of $42.8 million, representing an effective tax rate of 38.1% for 2008, and a provision of $17.3 million on pretax net income of $44.1 million, representing an effective tax rate of 39.2% for 2007.

        The effective tax rate decreased from 2007 to 2008, and again from 2008 to 2009, due primarily to an increase in low income housing tax credit funds, and lower taxable income. Our 2009 lower effective tax rates compared to statutory rates were mainly due to state tax benefits derived from doing business in an enterprise zone and tax preferential treatment for our ownership of BOLI and low income housing tax credit funds (see "Other Earning Assets" for further discussion). Generally, income tax expense is the sum of two components: current tax expense and deferred tax expense (benefit). Current tax expense is calculated by applying the current tax rate to taxable income. Deferred tax expense is recorded as deferred tax assets (liabilities) change from year to year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects, based on current tax law, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized in our financial statements. Because we traditionally recognize substantially more expenses in our financial statements than we have been allowed to deduct for taxes, we generally have a net deferred tax asset. At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we had net deferred tax assets of $18.7 million, $12.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

        On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10 (formerly FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes) . As a result of applying the provisions of ASC 740-10, we recognized an increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefit of $123,000 and no related interest. As of December 31, 2009, the total unrecognized tax benefit that would affect the effective rate if recognized was $259,000. The adjustment was solely related to the state exposure from California Enterprise Zone

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net interest deductions. We do not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

        As of the December 31, 2009, the total accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions was $19,000. We accounted for interest related to uncertain tax positions as part of our provision for federal and state income taxes. Accrued interest was included as part of our net deferred tax asset in the consolidated financial statements.

        We file United States federal and state income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statues of limitations. The 2006 through 2009 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. Examinations for the 2005 and 2006 tax years under the California Franchise Tax Board and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance were completed as of December 31, 2009. We believe that we have adequately provided or paid for income tax issues not yet resolved with federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Based upon consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances, we do not expect the examination results will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statement as of December 31, 2009.

Financial Condition

Investment Portfolio

        Investments are one of our major sources of interest income and are acquired in accordance with a comprehensively written investment policy addressing strategies, categories, and levels of allowable investments. This investment policy is reviewed at least annually by the Board of Directors. Management of our investment portfolio is set in accordance with strategies developed and overseen by our Asset/Liability Committee. Investment balances, including cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, are subject to change over time based on our asset/liability funding needs and interest rate risk management objectives. Our liquidity levels take into consideration anticipated future cash flows and all available sources of credits and is maintained a level management believes is appropriate to assure future flexibility in meeting anticipated funding needs.

Cash Equivalents and Interest-bearing Deposits in other Financial Institutions

        We sell federal funds, purchase securities under agreements to resell and high-quality money market instruments, and deposit interest-bearing accounts in other financial institutions to help meet liquidity requirements and provide temporary holdings until the funds can be otherwise deployed or invested. As of December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we had $80.0 million, $30.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in overnight and term federal funds sold. We did not have any interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions as of December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007.

Investment Securities

        Management of our investment securities portfolio focuses on providing an adequate level of liquidity and establishing a balanced interest rate-sensitive position, while earning an adequate level of investment income without taking undue risks. As of December 31, 2009, our investment portfolio was primarily comprised of United States government agency securities, accounting for 93% of the entire investment portfolio. Our U.S. government agency securities holdings are all "prime/conforming" mortgage backed securities, or MBS, and collateralized mortgage obligations, or CMOs, guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA. GNMAs are considered equivalent to U.S. Treasury securities, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Currently, there are no subprime mortgages in our investment portfolio. Besides the U.S. government agency securities, we also have a 0.3% investment in corporate debt and 7% in municipal debt securities. Among this 7% of our investment portfolio that was not comprised of U.S. government securities, 6.2%, or $40.2 million carry the top two highest "Investment Grade" rating of "Aaa/AAA" or "Aa/AA", while 0.2%, or $1.1 million, carry an

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intermediate "Investment Grade" rating of at least "Baa1/BBB+" or above, and 0.3%, or $1.4 million, is unrated. Our investment portfolio does not contain any government sponsored enterprises, or GSE, preferred securities or any distressed corporate securities that had required other-than-temporary-impairment charges as of December 31, 2009. In accordance with ASC 320-10-65-1 ( Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments), an other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") is recognized if the fair value of a debt security is lower than the amortized cost and the debt security will be sold, it is more likely than not, that it will be required to sell the security before recovering the amortized cost, or if it is expected that not all of the amortized cost will be recovered. Credit related declines in the fair value of debt securities below their amortized cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses in the consolidated statements of operations. Declines related to factors aside from credit issues are reflected in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

        We classified our investment securities as "held-to-maturity" or "available-for-sale" pursuant to ASC 320-10 (SFAS No. 115). We adopted ASC 820-10 (SFAS No. 157) and ASC 470-20 (SFAS No. 159) effective January 1, 2008, and we adopted ASC 820-10-35 (FASB Staff Position ("FSP") SFAS No. 157-3) effective October 10, 2008. Pursuant to the fair value election option of ASC 470-20, we have chosen to continue classifying our existing instruments of investment securities as "held-to-maturity" or "available-for-sale" under ASC 320-10. Investment securities that we intend to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity securities, and all other investment securities are classified as available-for-sale. The carrying values of available-for-sale investment securities are adjusted for unrealized gains and losses as a valuation allowance and any gain or loss is reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income. Credit related declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses, and there were no such other-than-temporary-impairment in 2009. The fair market values of our held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities were respectively $0.1 million and $651.3 million as of December 31, 2009.

        The following table summarizes the book value and market value and distribution of our investment securities as of the dates indicated:

Investment Securities Portfolio

(Dollars in Thousands)

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