Hope Bancorp (HOPE) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• Total assets reached $18.5 billion at year-end 2025, with $14.8 billion in gross loans and $15.6 billion in deposits, following the acquisition of Territorial Bancorp and expansion into Hawaii.

• 2025 saw significant progress in lowering deposit costs, reducing brokered funding, improving asset quality, and diversifying fee-based revenue streams.

• Investments in senior leadership and frontline talent enhanced revenue generation and customer service, positioning the company for long-term value creation.

• Net income for 2025 was $62 million, with net income excluding notable items at $113 million, up 10% from the prior year.

• Capital ratios remained strong, exceeding regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Stockholders are asked to vote on: (1) election of 9 director nominees, (2) ratification of Crowe LLP as independent auditor for 2026, and (3) advisory approval of 2025 executive compensation.

• The Board recommends voting FOR all proposals.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board size reduced from 10 to 9, with 7 incumbents and 2 new nominees (Takaaki Nakajima and Guido F. Sacchi) bringing international financial and technology expertise.

• 8 of 9 director nominees are independent; board composition reflects diversity in ethnicity, skills, and backgrounds.

• Lead Independent Director role enhanced for robust independent oversight; annual board and committee evaluations conducted.

• Board committees (Audit, Nomination, Compensation, Risk, Executive) are fully independent and meet regularly.

• Equity ownership guidelines require non-employee directors to hold shares equal to 3x annual retainer; all comply or are within compliance period.

• Director compensation is a mix of cash and equity, with additional fees for leadership and committee roles.