| This element represents types of derivative financial instruments which are financial instruments or other contractual arrangements with all three of the following characteristics: (a) it has (1) one or more underlyings and (2) one or more notional amounts or payment provisions or both. Those terms determine the amount of the settlement or settlements, and, in some cases, whether or not a settlement is required; (b) it requires no initial net investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors; and (c) its terms require or permit net settlement, it can readily be settled net by a means outside the contract, or it provides for delivery of an asset that puts the recipient in a position not substantially different from net settlement. Notwithstanding the above characteristics, loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale are accounted for as derivative instruments by the issuer of the loan commitment (that is, the potential lender). |