UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A(Amendment No. 1)

Mark Oneý

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008oro

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the transition period from  to
.


Commission file number 000-24939

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

Delaware(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

95-4703316(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)135 North Los Robles Ave., 7th Floor, Pasadena, California(Address of principal executive offices)

91101(Zip Code)Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (626) 768-6000Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:




Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock, $0.001 Par Value

NASDAQ "Global Select Market"


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

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

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 or Regulation S-K 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 the 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 filed, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer, "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filed o

Accelerated filer ý

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o


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 registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates is approximately $439,466,813 (based on the June 30, 2008
closing price of Common Stock of $7.06 per share).

As
of January 31, 2009, 63,745,261 shares of East West Bancorp, Inc. Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Definitive
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders  Part III



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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A amends the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2009. This Amendment is being filed solely to include the signature of our independent registered public
accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, which was inadvertently omitted from the consent, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 23.1.

In
addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer are filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K/A under Item 15 of Part IV hereof.

This
Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A does not modify or update the disclosures set forth in the Original filing, including the financial statements and notes to the
financial statements set forth in the 2008 Form 10-K.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following financial statements included in the registrant's 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders are included. Page number
references are to the 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders.



PageEast West Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries:Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

93Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007

94Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

95Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

96Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

97Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

98


(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or because the information is included in the consolidated
financial statements or the notes thereto.

(a)(3) Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]3.2

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Commission
on March 28, 2003.]3.3

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Exhibit A of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the
Commission on April 24, 2008.]3.4

Bylaws of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]3.5

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated May 29, 2008 [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 3, 2008.]3.6

Certificate of Designations of 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, including Form of Series A Preferred Stock Certificate. [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.]3.7

Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9,
2008.]


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4.1

Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]4.2

Form of Certificate of the Registrant's 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on
April 30, 2008.]4.3

Form of Preferred Share Certificate for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B. [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on
December 9, 2008.]4.4

Warrant to purchase up to 3,035,109 shares of Common Stock [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9, 2008.]10.1

Employment Agreement with Dominic Ng+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]10.2

Employment Agreement with Julia Gouw+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]10.5

Employment Agreement with Douglas P. Krause+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]10.6.1

East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998
(File No. 333-63605).]10.6.2

Amended East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.3

1998 Non-Qualified Stock Option Program for Employees and Independent Contractors+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.4

Performance-Based Bonus Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.5

1999 Spirit of Ownership Restricted Stock Program+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.6

2003 Directors' Restricted Stock Program+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.7

East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File
No. 333-63605).]10.8

Employment Agreement with William J. Lewis+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]10.9.1

Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on March 30,
2000.]10.9.2

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on March 30,
2000.]10.9.3

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]


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10.10

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11, 2005.]10.11

Employment Agreement with Wellington Chen+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11, 2005.]10.12

Director Compensation%+10.13

Named Executive Officer Compensation%+10.14

Letter Agreement, dated December 5, 2008, including Securities Purchase AgreementStandard Terms incorporated by reference therein, by and between the Registrant and the United States Department of Treasury
[Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9, 2008.]21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant%23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm%31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%32.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%32.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%




Forms 8-K,
10-Q and 10-K identified in the exhibit index have SEC file number 000-24939.

+

Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.%

A copy of this exhibit is being filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 2, 2009EAST WEST BANCORP INC.
(Registrant)By

/s/ DOMINIC NG Dominic NgChairman of the Board, President
    and Chief Executive Officer


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EXHIBIT INDEX    To Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]3.2

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Commission
on March 28, 2003.]3.3

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Exhibit A of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the
Commission on April 24, 2008.]3.4

Bylaws of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]3.5

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated May 29, 2008 [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 3, 2008.]3.6

Certificate of Designations of 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, including Form of Series A Preferred Stock Certificate. [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.]3.7

Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9,
2008.]4.1

Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]4.2

Form of Certificate of the Registrant's 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on
April 30, 2008.]4.3

Form of Preferred Share Certificate for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B. [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on
December 9, 2008.]4.4

Warrant to purchase up to 3,035,109 shares of Common Stock [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9, 2008.]10.1

Employment Agreement with Dominic Ng+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]10.2

Employment Agreement with Julia Gouw+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]10.5

Employment Agreement with Douglas P. Krause+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]


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Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description10.6.1

East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998
(File No. 333-63605).]10.6.2

Amended East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.3

1998 Non-Qualified Stock Option Program for Employees and Independent Contractors+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.4

Performance-Based Bonus Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.5

1999 Spirit of Ownership Restricted Stock Program+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.6.6

2003 Directors' Restricted Stock Program+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005.]10.7

East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File
No. 333-63605).]10.8

Employment Agreement with William J. Lewis+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]10.9.1

Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on March 30,
2000.]10.9.2

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on March 30,
2000.]10.9.3

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Donald Sang Chow+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11,
2005.]10.10

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11, 2005.]10.11

Employment Agreement with Wellington Chen+ [Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 11, 2005.]10.12

Director Compensation%+10.13

Named Executive Officer Compensation%+10.14

Letter Agreement, dated December 5, 2008, including Securities Purchase AgreementStandard Terms incorporated by reference therein, by and between the Registrant and the United States Department of Treasury
[Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 9, 2008.]21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant%23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm%31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%


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Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description32.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%32.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002%




Forms 8-K,
10-Q and 10-K identified in the exhibit index have SEC file number 000-24939.

+

Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.%

A copy of this exhibit is being filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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