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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April&nbsp;1, 2002.  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration No.&nbsp;33-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> <A NAME="be1227_form_s-8_registration_statemen__for02319"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_be1227_1"> </A>
<BR>    </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>  UNDER<BR>  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>EAST WEST BANCORP,&nbsp;INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>95-4703316</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or Other Jurisdiction of<BR>
Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(IRS Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>415 Huntington Drive<BR>
San Marino, California</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>
<BR>
91108</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>EAST WEST BANCORP&nbsp;INC.<BR>
1998 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Mr.&nbsp;Douglas P. Krause<BR>
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel<BR>
East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc.<BR>
415 Huntington Drive<BR>
San Marino, California 91108<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and address of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>(626)&nbsp;583-3587<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copies to:  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Gordon Bava, Esq.<BR>
Manatt, Phelps&nbsp;&amp; Phillips, LLP<BR>
11355 West Olympic Blvd.<BR>
Los Angeles, CA 90064<BR>
(310)&nbsp;312-4000<BR>
Fax: (310)&nbsp;312-4224  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to<BR>
be Registered<SUP>1</SUP></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share<SUP>2</SUP></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price<SUP>2</SUP></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>290,200</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$29.07</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$8,436,114.00</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$776.12</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Total</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>290,200</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$29.07</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$8,436,114.00</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$776.12</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE SIZE=4></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>These
shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc.'s 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416, also being registered are
additional shares of common stock as may become issuable under the Plan through the operation of anti-dilution provisions.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) and based upon the average of the high and low sales price of the common stock of
East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc. in the consolidated reporting system of the NASDAQ National Market System on March&nbsp;28, 2002, of $29.07. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_part_ii_information_req__de102468"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II<BR>  <BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents of East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc., a Delaware corporation, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") are
incorporated by reference: </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Our
Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of our Common Stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed on October&nbsp;2, 1998 together with any amendment or report filed
with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated
by reference in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus that is part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed
document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supercedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superceded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_4._description_of_securities."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the shares of common stock to be offered hereby will be passed upon for East West Bancorp by Douglas P. Krause, an officer of East West Bancorp.
As of the date of this document, Mr.&nbsp;Krause has the following interests: 45,028 shares of common stock of East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc.; 31,950 options to purchase shares of East West
Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc. common stock at grant prices ranging from $10.00 to $24.19 per share; and 1,363 shares of restricted stock of East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the General Corporation Law (the "GCL") of Delaware empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. Depending
on the character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person identified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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which such action or suit was brought shall determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the court shall deem
proper. Section&nbsp;145 further provides that to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to
above or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter herein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection
therewith. The statute provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote
of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, provide, in effect, that to the full extent and under the circumstances permitted by Section&nbsp;145 of the GCL, we shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding of the type described above by reason of the fact that he or she is or was our executive officer or
serves or served at our request as a director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee of another corporation, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
Certificate of Incorporation relieves its directors from monetary damages to us or our stockholders for breach of such director's fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent
permitted by the GCL. Under Section&nbsp;102(b)(7) of the GCL, a corporation may relieve its directors from personal liability to such corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any
breach of their fiduciary duty as directors except (i)&nbsp;for a breach of the duty of loyalty, (ii)&nbsp;for failure to act in good faith, (iii)&nbsp;for intentional misconduct or knowing
violation of law, (iv)&nbsp;for willful or negligent violation of certain provisions of the GCL imposing certain requirements with respect to stock purchases, redemptions and dividends or
(v)&nbsp;for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_8._exhibits."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
No.</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="89%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Specimen Certificate of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Douglas P. Krause.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Douglas P. Krause (included in Exhibit 5.1).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, as filed on March 2, 2001.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1227_item_9._undertakings."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1227_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>bona
fide</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>bona fide</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
a director, officer or controlling person of the registration in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of it counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1227_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1227_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and had duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in San Marino, State of
California, on this 28th day of March, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>EAST WEST BANCORP,&nbsp;INC.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DOUGLAS P. KRAUSE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Douglas P. Krause<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Executive Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel</I></FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated. Each of the directors and/or officers of East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc. whose signature appears below hereby appoints Julia Gouw and Douglas Krause, and each of them severally, as his
or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and behalf, in any and all capacities stated below and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, making such changes in the Registration Statement as appropriate, and
generally to do all such things in their behalf in their capacities as directors and/or officers to enable East West Bancorp,&nbsp;Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. </FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=1><B>Name</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="31%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>
Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>
Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DOMINIC NG</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dominic Ng</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board, President and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JULIA GOUW</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Julia Gouw</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Vice President,<BR>
Chief Financial Officer and<BR>
Director (Principal Financial<BR>
and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JACK C. LIU</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Jack C. Liu</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>HERMAN LI</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Herman Li</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JAMES MISCOLL</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James Miscoll</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>KEITH RENKEN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Keith Renken</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March 28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1227_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1227_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
No.</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="71%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Sequentially<BR>
Numbered Page</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2>Specimen Certificate of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Douglas P. Krause.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche, LLP.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Douglas P. Krause (included in Exhibit 5.1).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed on September 17, 1998.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, as filed on March 2, 2001.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02WLA1227_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_be1227_1">FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</A></FONT><BR>

<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_1">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_2">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_3">Item 4. Description of Securities.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_4">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_5">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_6">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_7">Item 8. Exhibits.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1227_8">Item 9. Undertakings.</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1227_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1227_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002.
Registration No. 33-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
95-4703316
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
415 Huntington Drive
San Marino, California
91108
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
EAST WEST BANCORP INC.
1998 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Mr. Douglas P. Krause
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
East West Bancorp, Inc.
415 Huntington Drive
San Marino, California 91108
(Name and address of agent for service)
(626) 583-3587
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Gordon Bava, Esq.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
11355 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 312-4000
Fax: (310) 312-4224
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount to
be Registered
1
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share
2
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price
2
Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock
290,200
$29.07
$8,436,114.00
$776.12
Total
290,200
$29.07
$8,436,114.00
$776.12
(1)
These
shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to East West Bancorp, Inc.'s 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Pursuant to Rule 416, also being registered are
additional shares of common stock as may become issuable under the Plan through the operation of anti-dilution provisions.
(2)
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) and based upon the average of the high and low sales price of the common stock of
East West Bancorp, Inc. in the consolidated reporting system of the NASDAQ National Market System on March 28, 2002, of $29.07.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
The following documents of East West Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") are
incorporated by reference:
1)
Our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001;
2)
The
description of our Common Stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 2, 1998 together with any amendment or report filed
with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.
All
documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated
by reference in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus that is part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed
document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supercedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superceded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
The validity of the shares of common stock to be offered hereby will be passed upon for East West Bancorp by Douglas P. Krause, an officer of East West Bancorp.
As of the date of this document, Mr. Krause has the following interests: 45,028 shares of common stock of East West Bancorp, Inc.; 31,950 options to purchase shares of East West
Bancorp, Inc. common stock at grant prices ranging from $10.00 to $24.19 per share; and 1,363 shares of restricted stock of East West Bancorp, Inc.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law (the "GCL") of Delaware empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. Depending
on the character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person identified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in
2
which such action or suit was brought shall determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the court shall deem
proper. Section 145 further provides that to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to
above or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter herein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection
therewith. The statute provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote
of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Our
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, provide, in effect, that to the full extent and under the circumstances permitted by Section 145 of the GCL, we shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding of the type described above by reason of the fact that he or she is or was our executive officer or
serves or served at our request as a director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee of another corporation, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
Our
Certificate of Incorporation relieves its directors from monetary damages to us or our stockholders for breach of such director's fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent
permitted by the GCL. Under Section 102(b)(7) of the GCL, a corporation may relieve its directors from personal liability to such corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any
breach of their fiduciary duty as directors except (i) for a breach of the duty of loyalty, (ii) for failure to act in good faith, (iii) for intentional misconduct or knowing
violation of law, (iv) for willful or negligent violation of certain provisions of the GCL imposing certain requirements with respect to stock purchases, redemptions and dividends or
(v) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
None.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit
No.
Description
4.1
Specimen Certificate of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.
5.1
Opinion of Douglas P. Krause.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2
Consent of Douglas P. Krause (included in Exhibit 5.1).
99.1
Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.
99.2
Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, as filed on March 2, 2001.
99.3
Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
3
Item 9. Undertakings.
1.    The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(i)    To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(ii)  That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona
fide
offering thereof.
(iii)  To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
2.    The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
3.    Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
a director, officer or controlling person of the registration in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of it counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and had duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in San Marino, State of
California, on this 28th day of March, 2002.
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
By:
/s/
DOUGLAS P. KRAUSE
Douglas P. Krause
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated. Each of the directors and/or officers of East West Bancorp, Inc. whose signature appears below hereby appoints Julia Gouw and Douglas Krause, and each of them severally, as his
or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and behalf, in any and all capacities stated below and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, making such changes in the Registration Statement as appropriate, and
generally to do all such things in their behalf in their capacities as directors and/or officers to enable East West Bancorp, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Name
Title
Date
/s/
DOMINIC NG
Dominic Ng
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 28, 2002
/s/
JULIA GOUW
Julia Gouw
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Director (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
March 28, 2002
/s/
JACK C. LIU
Jack C. Liu
Director
March 28, 2002
/s/
HERMAN LI
Herman Li
Director
March 28, 2002
/s/
JAMES MISCOLL
James Miscoll
Director
March 28, 2002
/s/
KEITH RENKEN
Keith Renken
Director
March 28, 2002
5
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No.
Description
Sequentially
Numbered Page
4.1
Specimen Certificate of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed September 17, 1998.
5.1
Opinion of Douglas P. Krause.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
23.2
Consent of Douglas P. Krause (included in Exhibit 5.1).
99.1
Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed on September 17, 1998.
99.2
Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, as filed on March 2, 2001.
99.3
Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
QuickLinks
FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX