<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- Created by Merrill Corporation -->
<!-- Generated by Fujitsu Interstage XWand B0189 -->
<!--Generated by IRIS XBRL Generation Engine-->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndOtherBorrowingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndOtherBorrowingsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCapitalResourcesAndOtherLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCapitalResourcesAndOtherLongTermDebtDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFederalFundsPurchasedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFederalFundsPurchasedDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails11" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails11" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails7" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails7" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails9" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails9" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails6" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails6" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails10" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails10" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails8" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails8" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails14" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails14" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails12" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails12" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryRequirementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureRegulatoryRequirementsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails13" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails13" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureMortgageServicingAssetsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails7" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails7" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails6" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueDetails6" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails7" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails7" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureBusinessSegmentsDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#BalanceSheetParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TaxExpenseOnSaleOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:label="TaxExpenseOnSaleOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="TaxExpenseOnSaleOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="TaxExpenseOnSaleOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to TaxExpenseOnSaleOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" use="optional" order="6.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfBranches" xlink:label="NumberOfBranches" xlink:title="NumberOfBranches" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfBranches" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to NumberOfBranches" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="NumberOfSubsidiaries" xlink:title="NumberOfSubsidiaries" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSubsidiaries" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to NumberOfSubsidiaries" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInStock" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInStock" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInStock" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInStock" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInCash" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInCash" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInCash" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInCash" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationPercentageOfConsiderationTransferredInCash" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAmountToAcquireeStockOptionHolders" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAmountToAcquireeStockOptionHolders" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAmountToAcquireeStockOptionHolders" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAmountToAcquireeStockOptionHolders" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAmountToAcquireeStockOptionHolders" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="Goodwill" xlink:title="Goodwill" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="Goodwill" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to Goodwill" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankStock" use="optional" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" use="optional" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="18.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" use="optional" order="19.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherRealEstateOwned" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherRealEstateOwned" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBankOwnedLifeInsurance" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBankOwnedLifeInsurance" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBankOwnedLifeInsurance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBankOwnedLifeInsurance" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBankOwnedLifeInsurance" use="optional" order="21.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" use="optional" order="22.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" use="optional" order="23.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" use="optional" order="24.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeposits" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeposits" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeposits" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeposits" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeposits" use="optional" order="25.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankAdvances" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankAdvances" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankAdvances" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankAdvances" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFederalHomeLoanBankAdvances" use="optional" order="26.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRepurchaseAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRepurchaseAgreements" use="optional" order="27.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedJuniorSubordinatedDebts" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedJuniorSubordinatedDebts" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedJuniorSubordinatedDebts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedJuniorSubordinatedDebts" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedJuniorSubordinatedDebts" use="optional" order="28.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherLiabilities" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherLiabilities" use="optional" order="29.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" order="8.1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" use="optional" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" use="optional" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" use="optional" order="18.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsed" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsed" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsed" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsed" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsed" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:label="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:title="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to StockPurchasePlanAbstract" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:title="definition: StockPurchasePlanAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumValuePurchaseLimitationPerEmployee" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumValuePurchaseLimitationPerEmployee" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumValuePurchaseLimitationPerEmployee" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumValuePurchaseLimitationPerEmployee" xlink:title="definition: StockPurchasePlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumValuePurchaseLimitationPerEmployee" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StockPurchasePlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:title="definition: StockPurchasePlanAbstract to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:title="definition: StockPurchasePlanAbstract to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriod" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardUnvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsUnvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsUnvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsUnvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsUnvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsUnvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:label="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="UnitedCommercialBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UnitedCommercialBankMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis to ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis to ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:title="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain to CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis to ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis to ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain to GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_HK" xlink:label="HK" xlink:title="HK" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="HK" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to HK" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StatesAndProvincesAxis" xlink:label="StatesAndProvincesAxis" xlink:title="StatesAndProvincesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="StatesAndProvincesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to StatesAndProvincesAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:label="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:title="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatesAndProvincesAxis" xlink:to="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatesAndProvincesAxis to AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:label="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain_2" xlink:title="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatesAndProvincesAxis" xlink:to="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatesAndProvincesAxis to AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="CA" xlink:title="CA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:to="CA" xlink:title="definition: AllStatesAndProvincesDomain to CA" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_WA" xlink:label="WA" xlink:title="WA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:to="WA" xlink:title="definition: AllStatesAndProvincesDomain to WA" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NY" xlink:label="NY" xlink:title="NY" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:to="NY" xlink:title="definition: AllStatesAndProvincesDomain to NY" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_MA" xlink:label="MA" xlink:title="MA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:to="MA" xlink:title="definition: AllStatesAndProvincesDomain to MA" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:label="TX" xlink:title="TX" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllStatesAndProvincesDomain" xlink:to="TX" xlink:title="definition: AllStatesAndProvincesDomain to TX" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:label="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:title="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:title="definition: CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract to ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConcentrationRiskNumberOfGeneralGeographicRegions" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskNumberOfGeneralGeographicRegions" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskNumberOfGeneralGeographicRegions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskNumberOfGeneralGeographicRegions" xlink:title="definition: CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract to ConcentrationRiskNumberOfGeneralGeographicRegions" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:label="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to CoveredNonaccrualLoans" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansPastDue90DaysOrMoreButNotOnNonaccrual" xlink:label="CoveredLoansPastDue90DaysOrMoreButNotOnNonaccrual" xlink:title="CoveredLoansPastDue90DaysOrMoreButNotOnNonaccrual" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredLoansPastDue90DaysOrMoreButNotOnNonaccrual" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to CoveredLoansPastDue90DaysOrMoreButNotOnNonaccrual" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalNonperformingLoans" xlink:label="TotalNonperformingLoans" xlink:title="TotalNonperformingLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="TotalNonperformingLoans" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to TotalNonperformingLoans" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredNet" xlink:label="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredNet" xlink:title="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredNet" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredNet" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalCoveredNonperformingAssets" xlink:label="TotalCoveredNonperformingAssets" xlink:title="TotalCoveredNonperformingAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="TotalCoveredNonperformingAssets" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to TotalCoveredNonperformingAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsInterestIncome" xlink:label="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsInterestIncome" xlink:title="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsInterestIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsInterestIncome" xlink:title="definition: CoveredNonperformingAssetsAbstract to PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsInterestIncome" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:label="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:title="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoProperties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoProperties" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:label="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:title="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:label="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:title="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to AggregateCarryingValueOfCoveredOreoPropertiesAdded" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredReductionsDueToAdjustments" xlink:label="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredReductionsDueToAdjustments" xlink:title="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredReductionsDueToAdjustments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredReductionsDueToAdjustments" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to OtherRealEstateOwnedCoveredReductionsDueToAdjustments" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:label="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to NumberOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalProceedsOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:label="TotalProceedsOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="TotalProceedsOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="TotalProceedsOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to TotalProceedsOfCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CombinedNetGainsLossesOnCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:label="CombinedNetGainsLossesOnCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="CombinedNetGainsLossesOnCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CombinedNetGainsLossesOnCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CombinedNetGainsLossesOnCoveredOreoPropertiesSold" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCovered" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCovered" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCovered" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCovered" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredAdditions" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredAdditions" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredAdditions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredAdditions" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredAdditions" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredSold" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredSold" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredSold" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredSold" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredTransferredToOREO" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredTransferredToOREO" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredTransferredToOREO" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredTransferredToOREO" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentCoveredTransferredToOREO" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDownCovered" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDownCovered" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDownCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDownCovered" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDownCovered" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentPaydownsOrReductions" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentPaydownsOrReductions" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentPaydownsOrReductions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentPaydownsOrReductions" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringRollForward to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestmentPaydownsOrReductions" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ChangesInExpectedCashFlows" xlink:label="ChangesInExpectedCashFlows" xlink:title="ChangesInExpectedCashFlows" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:to="ChangesInExpectedCashFlows" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward to ChangesInExpectedCashFlows" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" xlink:title="definition: CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AmountOfLoansRemovedFromCoveredLoans" xlink:label="AmountOfLoansRemovedFromCoveredLoans" xlink:title="AmountOfLoansRemovedFromCoveredLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="AmountOfLoansRemovedFromCoveredLoans" xlink:title="definition: CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to AmountOfLoansRemovedFromCoveredLoans" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoanDiscountRelatedToLoansRemoved" xlink:label="LoanDiscountRelatedToLoansRemoved" xlink:title="LoanDiscountRelatedToLoansRemoved" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="LoanDiscountRelatedToLoansRemoved" xlink:title="definition: CoveredAssetsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to LoanDiscountRelatedToLoansRemoved" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:label="NumberOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:title="NumberOfCoveredOreoProperties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfCoveredOreoProperties" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to NumberOfCoveredOreoProperties" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroBankMember" xlink:label="MetroBankMember" xlink:title="MetroBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroBankMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroUnitedBankMember" xlink:label="MetroUnitedBankMember" xlink:title="MetroUnitedBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroUnitedBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroUnitedBankMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:title="SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventLineItems to SubsequentEventTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="SubsequentEventMember" xlink:title="SubsequentEventMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="SubsequentEventMember" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeDomain to SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:label="DividendsAxis" xlink:title="DividendsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="DividendsAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to DividendsAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:label="DividendsDomain" xlink:title="DividendsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DividendsAxis" xlink:to="DividendsDomain" xlink:title="definition: DividendsAxis to DividendsDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:label="DividendsDomain_2" xlink:title="DividendsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DividendsAxis" xlink:to="DividendsDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DividendsAxis to DividendsDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendDeclaredMember" xlink:label="DividendDeclaredMember" xlink:title="DividendDeclaredMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DividendsDomain" xlink:to="DividendDeclaredMember" xlink:title="definition: DividendsDomain to DividendDeclaredMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmountPerShare" xlink:label="DividendsPayableAmountPerShare" xlink:title="DividendsPayableAmountPerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="DividendsPayableAmountPerShare" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventLineItems to DividendsPayableAmountPerShare" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:title="StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventLineItems to StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:title="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:title="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable to CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: CounterpartyNameAxis to RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" xlink:title="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: CounterpartyNameAxis to RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:label="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:title="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:title="definition: RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain to CounterpartiesAssetsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain to CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="DerivativeAssets" xlink:title="DerivativeAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeAssets" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract to DerivativeAssets" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:label="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:title="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetDerivatives" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetDerivatives" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeCollateralReceivedNotOffset" xlink:label="DerivativeCollateralReceivedNotOffset" xlink:title="DerivativeCollateralReceivedNotOffset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeCollateralReceivedNotOffset" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to DerivativeCollateralReceivedNotOffset" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:label="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:title="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross" xlink:label="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross" xlink:title="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet" xlink:label="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet" xlink:title="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetResaleAgreements" xlink:label="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetResaleAgreements" xlink:title="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetResaleAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetResaleAgreements" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to GrossFinancialInstrumentsAssetsNotOffsetResaleAgreements" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeCollateralReceivedResaleAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:label="DerivativeCollateralReceivedResaleAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:title="DerivativeCollateralReceivedResaleAgreementsNotOffset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeCollateralReceivedResaleAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to DerivativeCollateralReceivedResaleAgreementsNotOffset" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract to DerivativeLiabilities" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:label="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:title="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetDerivatives" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetDerivatives" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetDerivatives" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeCollateralPostedNotOffset" xlink:label="DerivativeCollateralPostedNotOffset" xlink:title="DerivativeCollateralPostedNotOffset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeCollateralPostedNotOffset" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to DerivativeCollateralPostedNotOffset" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:label="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:title="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract to OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" xlink:label="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" xlink:title="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:label="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:title="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:label="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToResellAbstract to SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:label="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:title="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetRepurchaseAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetRepurchaseAgreements" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to GrossFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesNotOffsetRepurchaseAgreements" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeCollateralPostedRepurchaseAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:label="DerivativeCollateralPostedRepurchaseAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:title="DerivativeCollateralPostedRepurchaseAgreementsNotOffset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeCollateralPostedRepurchaseAgreementsNotOffset" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossAmountsNotOffsetAbstract to DerivativeCollateralPostedRepurchaseAgreementsNotOffset" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:title="DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:title="definition: OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract to DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:title="CondensedIncomeStatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to CondensedIncomeStatementTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend" xlink:label="InvestmentIncomeDividend" xlink:title="InvestmentIncomeDividend" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentIncomeDividend" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to InvestmentIncomeDividend" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="OtherIncome" xlink:title="OtherIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherIncome" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to OtherIncome" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="Revenues" xlink:title="Revenues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="Revenues" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to Revenues" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to CostsAndExpenses" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:title="InterestIncomeOperating" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:title="definition: CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems to InterestIncomeOperating" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:title="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems to CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems to AssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:title="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="OtherInvestments" xlink:title="OtherInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="OtherInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to OtherInvestments" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="OtherLiabilities" xlink:title="OtherLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="OtherLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to OtherLiabilities" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="PreferredStockValue" xlink:title="PreferredStockValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockValue" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesIssued" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:title="CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems to CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsOther" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsOther" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsOther" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments" xlink:label="GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments" xlink:title="GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsOther" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PurchasesOfAbstract" xlink:label="PurchasesOfAbstract" xlink:title="PurchasesOfAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PurchasesOfAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PurchasesOfAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRestrictedCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireRestrictedCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireRestrictedCertificatesOfDeposit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PurchasesOfAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireRestrictedCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:title="definition: PurchasesOfAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireRestrictedCertificatesOfDeposit" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" xlink:title="definition: ProceedsFromSaleOfAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PaymentForAbstract" xlink:label="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:title="PaymentForAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentForAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="definition: PaymentForAbstract to PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" xlink:title="definition: PaymentForAbstract to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrants" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:title="definition: PaymentForAbstract to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentForAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity" xlink:title="definition: PaymentForAbstract to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquity" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProceedsFromAbstract" xlink:label="ProceedsFromAbstract" xlink:title="ProceedsFromAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ProceedsFromAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt" xlink:title="definition: ProceedsFromAbstract to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems to SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstract" xlink:label="CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstract" xlink:title="CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstract" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionValueOfConsiderationGiven1" xlink:label="OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionValueOfConsiderationGiven1" xlink:title="OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionValueOfConsiderationGiven1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionValueOfConsiderationGiven1" xlink:title="definition: CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract to OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionValueOfConsiderationGiven1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AmortizationOfPreferredStockDiscount" xlink:label="AmortizationOfPreferredStockDiscount" xlink:title="AmortizationOfPreferredStockDiscount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="AmortizationOfPreferredStockDiscount" xlink:title="definition: CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract to AmortizationOfPreferredStockDiscount" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: CounterpartyNameAxis to RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:label="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:title="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="CounterpartiesAssetsMember" xlink:title="definition: RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain to CounterpartiesAssetsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain to CounterpartiesLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:title="DerivativeLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="DerivativeTable" xlink:title="DerivativeTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeTable" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeByNatureAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DerivativeTable" xlink:to="DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeTable to DerivativeByNatureAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeByNatureAxis to DerivativeNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeNameDomain_2" xlink:title="DerivativeNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeByNatureAxis to DerivativeNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:label="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:title="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapOneMember" xlink:label="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapOneMember" xlink:title="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapOneMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:to="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapOneMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember to ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapOneMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapTwoMember" xlink:label="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapTwoMember" xlink:title="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapTwoMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember" xlink:to="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapTwoMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsMember to ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapTwoMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsSteepenersMember" xlink:label="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsSteepenersMember" xlink:title="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsSteepenersMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsSteepenersMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to ReceiveFixedPayVariableInterestRateSwapsSteepenersMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySwapMember" xlink:label="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="EquitySwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to EquitySwapMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to ForeignExchangeOptionMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShortTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:label="ShortTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:title="ShortTermForeignExchangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="ShortTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to ShortTermForeignExchangeMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LongTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:label="LongTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:title="LongTermForeignExchangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="LongTermForeignExchangeMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeNameDomain to LongTermForeignExchangeMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DerivativeTable" xlink:to="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeTable to CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:label="DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:title="DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfHedgedCertificatesOfDeposits" xlink:label="NumberOfHedgedCertificatesOfDeposits" xlink:title="NumberOfHedgedCertificatesOfDeposits" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfHedgedCertificatesOfDeposits" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to NumberOfHedgedCertificatesOfDeposits" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:title="DerivativeNotionalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeNotionalAmount" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss" xlink:label="DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss" xlink:title="DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NetReductionToInterestExpenseRelatedToNetSettlementsOfDerivatives" xlink:label="NetReductionToInterestExpenseRelatedToNetSettlementsOfDerivatives" xlink:title="NetReductionToInterestExpenseRelatedToNetSettlementsOfDerivatives" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="NetReductionToInterestExpenseRelatedToNetSettlementsOfDerivatives" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to NetReductionToInterestExpenseRelatedToNetSettlementsOfDerivatives" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TermOfContract" xlink:label="TermOfContract" xlink:title="TermOfContract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="TermOfContract" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to TermOfContract" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" xlink:label="DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" xlink:title="DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:label="DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:title="DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeNotionalAmountCalledByCounterparties" xlink:label="DerivativeNotionalAmountCalledByCounterparties" xlink:title="DerivativeNotionalAmountCalledByCounterparties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNotionalAmountCalledByCounterparties" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeNotionalAmountCalledByCounterparties" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PledgedAssetsCollateralDerivativeFairValue" xlink:label="PledgedAssetsCollateralDerivativeFairValue" xlink:title="PledgedAssetsCollateralDerivativeFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="PledgedAssetsCollateralDerivativeFairValue" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to PledgedAssetsCollateralDerivativeFairValue" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeNotionalAmountEnteredIntoDuringThePeriod" xlink:label="DerivativeNotionalAmountEnteredIntoDuringThePeriod" xlink:title="DerivativeNotionalAmountEnteredIntoDuringThePeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNotionalAmountEnteredIntoDuringThePeriod" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to DerivativeNotionalAmountEnteredIntoDuringThePeriod" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_HedgedValueOfCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:label="HedgedValueOfCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:title="HedgedValueOfCertificatesOfDeposit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="HedgedValueOfCertificatesOfDeposit" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeLineItems to HedgedValueOfCertificatesOfDeposit" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EmployeeAndNonEmployeeStockOptionsMember" xlink:label="EmployeeAndNonEmployeeStockOptionsMember" xlink:title="EmployeeAndNonEmployeeStockOptionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeAndNonEmployeeStockOptionsMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to EmployeeAndNonEmployeeStockOptionsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to RestrictedStockAwardsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis to DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_2" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis to DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfContributionsByPlanParticipants" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfContributionsByPlanParticipants" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfContributionsByPlanParticipants" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfContributionsByPlanParticipants" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfContributionsByPlanParticipants" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" xlink:title="definition: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockAwardsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:label="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:title="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockAwardsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:to="TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="definition: RestrictedStockAwardsMember to TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:to="PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="definition: RestrictedStockAwardsMember to PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to TitleOfIndividualAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: TitleOfIndividualAxis to TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: TitleOfIndividualAxis to TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OutsideDirectorMember" xlink:label="OutsideDirectorMember" xlink:title="OutsideDirectorMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="OutsideDirectorMember" xlink:title="definition: TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain to OutsideDirectorMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" use="optional" order="11.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars14.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars14.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars14.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars14.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars14.99Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars20.00ToDollars24.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars20.00ToDollars24.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars20.00ToDollars24.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars20.00ToDollars24.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars20.00ToDollars24.99Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars35.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars35.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars35.00ToDollars39.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars35.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars35.00ToDollars39.99Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars39.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars39.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars10.00ToDollars39.99Member" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars0.00ToDollars4.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars0.00ToDollars4.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars0.00ToDollars4.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars0.00ToDollars4.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars0.00ToDollars4.99Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars5.00ToDollars9.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars5.00ToDollars9.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars5.00ToDollars9.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars5.00ToDollars9.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars5.00ToDollars9.99Member" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars15.00ToDollars19.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars15.00ToDollars19.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars15.00ToDollars19.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars15.00ToDollars19.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars15.00ToDollars19.99Member" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars25.00ToDollars29.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars25.00ToDollars29.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars25.00ToDollars29.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars25.00ToDollars29.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars25.00ToDollars29.99Member" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars30.00ToDollars34.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars30.00ToDollars34.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars30.00ToDollars34.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars30.00ToDollars34.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars30.00ToDollars34.99Member" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars40.00ToDollars44.99Member" xlink:label="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars40.00ToDollars44.99Member" xlink:title="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars40.00ToDollars44.99Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars40.00ToDollars44.99Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ExercisePriceRangeFromDollars40.00ToDollars44.99Member" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOptionsExercisableAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to NonredeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="CumulativePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="CumulativePreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CumulativePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CumulativePreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommonStockAndConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockAndConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockAndConvertiblePreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockAndConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonStockAndConvertiblePreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SeriesAAndSeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAAndSeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAAndSeriesBPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAAndSeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAAndSeriesBPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:title="ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:title="PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:title="PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:title="StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommonStockEquivalentToAssumedObligationOfAcquireeUnexercisedWarrant" xlink:label="CommonStockEquivalentToAssumedObligationOfAcquireeUnexercisedWarrant" xlink:title="CommonStockEquivalentToAssumedObligationOfAcquireeUnexercisedWarrant" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="CommonStockEquivalentToAssumedObligationOfAcquireeUnexercisedWarrant" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to CommonStockEquivalentToAssumedObligationOfAcquireeUnexercisedWarrant" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:label="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:title="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:title="TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CostOfRepurchaseOfTreasuryShares" xlink:label="CostOfRepurchaseOfTreasuryShares" xlink:title="CostOfRepurchaseOfTreasuryShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="CostOfRepurchaseOfTreasuryShares" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to CostOfRepurchaseOfTreasuryShares" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract to PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:title="DividendsPreferredStockCash" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:to="DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:title="definition: PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract to DividendsPreferredStockCash" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:title="CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:title="definition: PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract to CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" order="1.1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDiscountOnShares" xlink:label="PreferredStockDiscountOnShares" xlink:title="PreferredStockDiscountOnShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockDiscountOnShares" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockDiscountOnShares" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PreferredStockDividendAndAccretion" xlink:label="PreferredStockDividendAndAccretion" xlink:title="PreferredStockDividendAndAccretion" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockDividendAndAccretion" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockDividendAndAccretion" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PreferredStockDividendsStockIssuanceDiscount" xlink:label="PreferredStockDividendsStockIssuanceDiscount" xlink:title="PreferredStockDividendsStockIssuanceDiscount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockDividendsStockIssuanceDiscount" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockDividendsStockIssuanceDiscount" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PreferredStockSavingsInAnnualDividend" xlink:label="PreferredStockSavingsInAnnualDividend" xlink:title="PreferredStockSavingsInAnnualDividend" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockSavingsInAnnualDividend" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to PreferredStockSavingsInAnnualDividend" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:label="ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:title="ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShareOfCommonStock" xlink:label="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShareOfCommonStock" xlink:title="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShareOfCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShareOfCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShareOfCommonStock" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:label="ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:title="ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" xlink:label="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" xlink:title="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" use="optional" order="8011.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConversionPremiumPercentage" xlink:label="ConversionPremiumPercentage" xlink:title="ConversionPremiumPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ConversionPremiumPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ConversionPremiumPercentage" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ClosingPriceOfCommonStockAtIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:label="ClosingPriceOfCommonStockAtIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:title="ClosingPriceOfCommonStockAtIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ClosingPriceOfCommonStockAtIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ClosingPriceOfCommonStockAtIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" use="optional" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" order="8.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:to="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember to AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedOtherAssetInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedOtherAssetInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedOtherAssetInvestmentGainLossMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:to="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedOtherAssetInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember to AccumulatedNetUnrealizedOtherAssetInvestmentGainLossMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:to="AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember to AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward to ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="definition: AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndOtherBorrowingsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:label="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:title="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtMember" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to ShortTermDebtMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:label="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:title="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:label="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:title="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:to="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis to AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:label="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_2" xlink:title="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:to="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis to AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearThreeMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearThreeMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearThreeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearThreeMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearThreeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearFourMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearFourMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearFourMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearFourMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearFourMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearFiveMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearFiveMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearFiveMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearFiveMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearFiveMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearTenMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearTenMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearTenMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearTenMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearTenMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearElevenMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearElevenMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearElevenMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearElevenMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearElevenMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearSevenMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearSevenMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearSevenMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearSevenMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearSevenMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearTwoMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearTwoMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearTwoMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearTwoMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearTwoMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInNextTwelveMonthsMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInNextTwelveMonthsMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInNextTwelveMonthsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInNextTwelveMonthsMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInNextTwelveMonthsMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaturitiesInYearSixMember" xlink:label="MaturitiesInYearSixMember" xlink:title="MaturitiesInYearSixMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="MaturitiesInYearSixMember" xlink:title="definition: AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain to MaturitiesInYearSixMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmountModified" xlink:label="LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmountModified" xlink:title="LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmountModified" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmountModified" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmountModified" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LongTermDebtReductionInInterestRate" xlink:label="LongTermDebtReductionInInterestRate" xlink:title="LongTermDebtReductionInInterestRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtReductionInInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtReductionInInterestRate" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:title="LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:title="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRateCustom" xlink:label="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRateCustom" xlink:title="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRateCustom" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRateCustom" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtMaturitiesInterestRateOfAmountsDueAbstract to AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseInterestRateCustom" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to DebtInstrumentTerm" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="definition: SecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsOtherDisclosuresAbstract to DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:title="ShortTermBorrowings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to ShortTermBorrowings" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCapitalResourcesAndOtherLongTermDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalStatutoryTrustIIIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalStatutoryTrustIIIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalStatutoryTrustIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalStatutoryTrustIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalStatutoryTrustIIIMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustIVMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustIVMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustIVMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustIVMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustIVMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustVMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustVMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustVMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustVMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustVMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustVIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustVIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustVIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustVIMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustVIIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustVIIMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustVIIIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustVIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustVIIIMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustIXMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustIXMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustIXMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustIXMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustIXMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustIMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestCapitalTrustIIMember" xlink:label="EastWestCapitalTrustIIMember" xlink:title="EastWestCapitalTrustIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="EastWestCapitalTrustIIMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to EastWestCapitalTrustIIMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:title="LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to LongtermDebtTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:title="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeAxis to LongtermDebtTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeAxis to LongtermDebtTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:title="JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeDomain to JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="LineOfCreditMember" xlink:title="LineOfCreditMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="LineOfCreditMember" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeDomain to LineOfCreditMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="LoansPayableMember" xlink:title="LoansPayableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="LoansPayableMember" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeDomain to LoansPayableMember" order="3.1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:title="SubordinatedDebtMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtTypeDomain to SubordinatedDebtMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPercentage" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPercentage" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPeriod" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPeriod" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPeriod" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentPhasedOutPeriod" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust" xlink:label="JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust" xlink:title="JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTerm" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="14.1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt" xlink:label="EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt" xlink:title="EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FederalFundsMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="FederalFundsMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="FederalFundsMaturityPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="FederalFundsMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to FederalFundsMaturityPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:label="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="UnitedCommercialBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UnitedCommercialBankMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:label="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CommercialMortgageLoansMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SingleFamilyResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:label="SingleFamilyResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:title="SingleFamilyResidentialMortgageLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="SingleFamilyResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to SingleFamilyResidentialMortgageLoansMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PeriodOfAccruedInterestOnLoansCoveredByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="PeriodOfAccruedInterestOnLoansCoveredByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="PeriodOfAccruedInterestOnLoansCoveredByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodOfAccruedInterestOnLoansCoveredByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PeriodOfAccruedInterestOnLoansCoveredByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsThresholdAmount" xlink:label="LossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsThresholdAmount" xlink:title="LossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsThresholdAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="LossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsThresholdAmount" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to LossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsThresholdAmount" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SharedLossAgreementsPeriod" xlink:label="SharedLossAgreementsPeriod" xlink:title="SharedLossAgreementsPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="SharedLossAgreementsPeriod" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to SharedLossAgreementsPeriod" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LossRecoveryProvisionsPeriod" xlink:label="LossRecoveryProvisionsPeriod" xlink:title="LossRecoveryProvisionsPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="LossRecoveryProvisionsPeriod" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to LossRecoveryProvisionsPeriod" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfLossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:label="PercentageOfLossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:title="PercentageOfLossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfLossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PercentageOfLossesAbsorbedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:label="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:title="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PercentageOfLossRecoveriesSharedByFDICUnderSharedLossAgreementsExceedingThresholdAmount" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessAcquisitionBookValueOfAssetsTransferred" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionBookValueOfAssetsTransferred" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionBookValueOfAssetsTransferred" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionBookValueOfAssetsTransferred" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionBookValueOfAssetsTransferred" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmountAfterTax" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmountAfterTax" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmountAfterTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmountAfterTax" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmountAfterTax" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessAcquisitionMeasurementPeriod" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionMeasurementPeriod" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionMeasurementPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionMeasurementPeriod" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionMeasurementPeriod" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:label="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="UnitedCommercialBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UnitedCommercialBankMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:label="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfLoansOriginatedByAcquireeCoveredBySharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="PercentageOfLoansOriginatedByAcquireeCoveredBySharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="PercentageOfLoansOriginatedByAcquireeCoveredBySharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfLoansOriginatedByAcquireeCoveredBySharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfLoansOriginatedByAcquireeCoveredBySharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:label="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfEligibleLossesInExcessOfCertainAmountForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:label="PercentageOfEligibleLossesInExcessOfCertainAmountForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="PercentageOfEligibleLossesInExcessOfCertainAmountForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfEligibleLossesInExcessOfCertainAmountForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfEligibleLossesInExcessOfCertainAmountForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AmountOfEligibleLossesOverWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburseHigherPercentage" xlink:label="AmountOfEligibleLossesOverWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburseHigherPercentage" xlink:title="AmountOfEligibleLossesOverWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburseHigherPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="AmountOfEligibleLossesOverWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburseHigherPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to AmountOfEligibleLossesOverWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburseHigherPercentage" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageObligationToReimburseFdicForEligibleRecoveriesRelatedToCoveredAssets" xlink:label="PercentageObligationToReimburseFdicForEligibleRecoveriesRelatedToCoveredAssets" xlink:title="PercentageObligationToReimburseFdicForEligibleRecoveriesRelatedToCoveredAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageObligationToReimburseFdicForEligibleRecoveriesRelatedToCoveredAssets" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageObligationToReimburseFdicForEligibleRecoveriesRelatedToCoveredAssets" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TermOfLoanSharedLossAgreement" xlink:label="TermOfLoanSharedLossAgreement" xlink:title="TermOfLoanSharedLossAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="TermOfLoanSharedLossAgreement" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to TermOfLoanSharedLossAgreement" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TermOfLossRecoveryProvisionsForLoans" xlink:label="TermOfLossRecoveryProvisionsForLoans" xlink:title="TermOfLossRecoveryProvisionsForLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="TermOfLossRecoveryProvisionsForLoans" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to TermOfLossRecoveryProvisionsForLoans" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfDaysFollowingAnniversary" xlink:label="NumberOfDaysFollowingAnniversary" xlink:title="NumberOfDaysFollowingAnniversary" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfDaysFollowingAnniversary" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to NumberOfDaysFollowingAnniversary" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfExcess" xlink:label="PercentageOfExcess" xlink:title="PercentageOfExcess" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfExcess" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfExcess" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfIntrinsicLossEstimate" xlink:label="PercentageOfIntrinsicLossEstimate" xlink:title="PercentageOfIntrinsicLossEstimate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfIntrinsicLossEstimate" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfIntrinsicLossEstimate" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfAssetDiscount" xlink:label="PercentageOfAssetDiscount" xlink:title="PercentageOfAssetDiscount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfAssetDiscount" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfAssetDiscount" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfCumulativeSharedLossPayments" xlink:label="PercentageOfCumulativeSharedLossPayments" xlink:title="PercentageOfCumulativeSharedLossPayments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfCumulativeSharedLossPayments" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PercentageOfCumulativeSharedLossPayments" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EstimatedLiabilityThatWillBeDueToFdicForSpecificThresholdsOfLossesNotBeingReached" xlink:label="EstimatedLiabilityThatWillBeDueToFdicForSpecificThresholdsOfLossesNotBeingReached" xlink:title="EstimatedLiabilityThatWillBeDueToFdicForSpecificThresholdsOfLossesNotBeingReached" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="EstimatedLiabilityThatWillBeDueToFdicForSpecificThresholdsOfLossesNotBeingReached" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to EstimatedLiabilityThatWillBeDueToFdicForSpecificThresholdsOfLossesNotBeingReached" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PrepaymentOnASC31030NonaccrualLoanPools" xlink:label="PrepaymentOnASC31030NonaccrualLoanPools" xlink:title="PrepaymentOnASC31030NonaccrualLoanPools" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="PrepaymentOnASC31030NonaccrualLoanPools" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to PrepaymentOnASC31030NonaccrualLoanPools" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFederalFundsPurchasedDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable to ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtTypeAxis to ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtTypeAxis to ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedMember" xlink:label="FederalFundsPurchasedMember" xlink:title="FederalFundsPurchasedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="FederalFundsPurchasedMember" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtTypeDomain to FederalFundsPurchasedMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShortTermDebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtMaturityPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ShortTermDebtMaturityPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShorttermDebtAverageOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="ShorttermDebtAverageOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="ShorttermDebtAverageOutstandingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ShorttermDebtAverageOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ShorttermDebtAverageOutstandingAmount" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShorttermDebtMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="ShorttermDebtMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="ShorttermDebtMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ShorttermDebtMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ShorttermDebtMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchased" xlink:label="FederalFundsPurchased" xlink:title="FederalFundsPurchased" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="FederalFundsPurchased" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to FederalFundsPurchased" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:title="ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: ShortTermDebtLineItems to ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:title="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:to="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable to FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByAssetClassAxis to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain to TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:title="ValuationTechniqueAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:to="ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable to ValuationTechniqueAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:title="ValuationTechniqueDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:title="definition: ValuationTechniqueAxis to ValuationTechniqueDomain" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="ValuationTechniqueDomain_2" xlink:title="ValuationTechniqueDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="ValuationTechniqueDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ValuationTechniqueAxis to ValuationTechniqueDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DiscountCashFlowApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="DiscountCashFlowApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:title="DiscountCashFlowApproachValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="DiscountCashFlowApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:title="definition: ValuationTechniqueDomain to DiscountCashFlowApproachValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:title="IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:title="definition: ValuationTechniqueDomain to IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:to="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable to FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:title="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis to FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain to DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueInputsAssetsAndLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:label="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:title="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateForFirstFiveYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateForFirstFiveYears" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:title="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAfterFiveYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAfterFiveYears" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsDefaultRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:label="FairValueInputsDefaultRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:title="FairValueInputsDefaultRateForFirstFiveYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsDefaultRateForFirstFiveYears" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsDefaultRateForFirstFiveYears" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsDefaultRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="FairValueInputsDefaultRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:title="FairValueInputsDefaultRateAfterFiveYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsDefaultRateAfterFiveYears" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsDefaultRateAfterFiveYears" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForExistingDeferral" xlink:label="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForExistingDeferral" xlink:title="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForExistingDeferral" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForExistingDeferral" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForExistingDeferral" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForFutureDeferral" xlink:label="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForFutureDeferral" xlink:title="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForFutureDeferral" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForFutureDeferral" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsRecoveryRateForFutureDeferral" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsRecoveryPeriodForFutureDeferral" xlink:label="FairValueInputsRecoveryPeriodForFutureDeferral" xlink:title="FairValueInputsRecoveryPeriodForFutureDeferral" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsRecoveryPeriodForFutureDeferral" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsRecoveryPeriodForFutureDeferral" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:label="LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:title="LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FairValueInputsCreditRiskAdjustmentRate" xlink:label="FairValueInputsCreditRiskAdjustmentRate" xlink:title="FairValueInputsCreditRiskAdjustmentRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueInputsCreditRiskAdjustmentRate" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueInputsCreditRiskAdjustmentRate" use="optional" order="10.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:title="CustomerRelationshipsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to CustomerRelationshipsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MidrangeMember" xlink:label="MidrangeMember" xlink:title="MidrangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MidrangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MidrangeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccruedInterestOnLoansReceivable" xlink:label="AccruedInterestOnLoansReceivable" xlink:title="AccruedInterestOnLoansReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="AccruedInterestOnLoansReceivable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to AccruedInterestOnLoansReceivable" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:label="LoansPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:title="LoansPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="LoansPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to LoansPledgedAsCollateral" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfUnitsForWhichBothFixedAndAdjustableRateFirstMortgageLoansSecured" xlink:label="NumberOfUnitsForWhichBothFixedAndAdjustableRateFirstMortgageLoansSecured" xlink:title="NumberOfUnitsForWhichBothFixedAndAdjustableRateFirstMortgageLoansSecured" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfUnitsForWhichBothFixedAndAdjustableRateFirstMortgageLoansSecured" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to NumberOfUnitsForWhichBothFixedAndAdjustableRateFirstMortgageLoansSecured" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FirstMortgageLoansNewMortgageLoans" xlink:label="FirstMortgageLoansNewMortgageLoans" xlink:title="FirstMortgageLoansNewMortgageLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="FirstMortgageLoansNewMortgageLoans" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to FirstMortgageLoansNewMortgageLoans" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AdjustableRateMortgageInitialInterestRatePeriod" xlink:label="AdjustableRateMortgageInitialInterestRatePeriod" xlink:title="AdjustableRateMortgageInitialInterestRatePeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="AdjustableRateMortgageInitialInterestRatePeriod" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to AdjustableRateMortgageInitialInterestRatePeriod" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansToValueRatio" xlink:label="LoansToValueRatio" xlink:title="LoansToValueRatio" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="LoansToValueRatio" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to LoansToValueRatio" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RatioOfMortgageLoansWithInterestOnlyFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:label="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithInterestOnlyFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:title="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithInterestOnlyFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithInterestOnlyFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to RatioOfMortgageLoansWithInterestOnlyFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RatioOfMortgageLoansWithVariablePaymentOptionFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:label="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithVariablePaymentOptionFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:title="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithVariablePaymentOptionFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="RatioOfMortgageLoansWithVariablePaymentOptionFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to RatioOfMortgageLoansWithVariablePaymentOptionFeaturesToTotalMortgageLoansWithinTheSamePortfolio" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfLoansNegativelyAmortizing" xlink:label="NumberOfLoansNegativelyAmortizing" xlink:title="NumberOfLoansNegativelyAmortizing" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfLoansNegativelyAmortizing" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to NumberOfLoansNegativelyAmortizing" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:label="ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:title="ConstructionAndLandMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConstructionAndLandMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to ProductOrServiceAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:label="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:title="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:label="RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="RealEstateLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:to="RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain to RealEstateLoansMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:label="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:to="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain to OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:label="PassMember" xlink:title="PassMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="PassMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to PassMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:label="SpecialMentionMember" xlink:title="SpecialMentionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="SpecialMentionMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to SpecialMentionMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember" xlink:label="SubstandardMember" xlink:title="SubstandardMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="SubstandardMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to SubstandardMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DoubtfulMember" xlink:label="DoubtfulMember" xlink:title="DoubtfulMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="DoubtfulMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to DoubtfulMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:label="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:label="ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:title="ConstructionAndLandMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConstructionAndLandMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConstructionAndLandMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable" xlink:to="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsTable to ProductOrServiceAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:label="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:title="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:label="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain_2" xlink:title="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:label="RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="RealEstateLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:to="RealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain to RealEstateLoansMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:label="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain" xlink:to="OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: CoveredLoansByLoanProductCategoryDomain to OtherThanRealEstateLoansMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:label="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredDiscount" xlink:label="CoveredDiscount" xlink:title="CoveredDiscount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredDiscount" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to CoveredDiscount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NetValuationOfLoans" xlink:label="NetValuationOfLoans" xlink:title="NetValuationOfLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="NetValuationOfLoans" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to NetValuationOfLoans" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" xlink:title="definition: CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" xlink:label="CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" xlink:title="CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCoveredAssetsLineItems to CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract" xlink:to="CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="definition: CreditQualityIndicatorsAbstract to CarryingAmountsAndCompositionOfCoveredLoansAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:label="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:title="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" use="optional" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="LoansHeldForSaleMember" xlink:title="LoansHeldForSaleMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LoansHeldForSaleMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LoansHeldForSaleMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePastDueAndStillAccruing" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivablePastDueAndStillAccruing" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableLessThan90DaysPastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableLessThan90DaysPastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableLessThan90DaysPastDueAndNotAccruing" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableLessThan90DaysPastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableLessThan90DaysPastDueAndNotAccruing" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivable90DaysOrMorePastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:label="FinancingReceivable90DaysOrMorePastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:title="FinancingReceivable90DaysOrMorePastDueAndNotAccruing" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivable90DaysOrMorePastDueAndNotAccruing" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivable90DaysOrMorePastDueAndNotAccruing" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableNotAccruing" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableNotAccruing" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableNotAccruing" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableNotAccruing" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableNotAccruing" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleGross" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleGross" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleGross" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleGross" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:label="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:title="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleNet" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleNet" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleNet" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonCoveredLoansAndLoansHeldForSaleNet" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfDaysBeyondLoanClassifiedNonaccrual" xlink:label="NumberOfDaysBeyondLoanClassifiedNonaccrual" xlink:title="NumberOfDaysBeyondLoanClassifiedNonaccrual" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfDaysBeyondLoanClassifiedNonaccrual" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNoncoveredLoansPastDueAndLoansHeldForSaleLineItems to NumberOfDaysBeyondLoanClassifiedNonaccrual" order="1.1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:label="PassMember" xlink:title="PassMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="PassMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to PassMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:label="SpecialMentionMember" xlink:title="SpecialMentionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="SpecialMentionMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to SpecialMentionMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember" xlink:label="SubstandardMember" xlink:title="SubstandardMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="SubstandardMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to SubstandardMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DoubtfulMember" xlink:label="DoubtfulMember" xlink:title="DoubtfulMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="DoubtfulMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to DoubtfulMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable to InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems to NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails11">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" xlink:label="ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" xlink:title="ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethod" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:label="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems" xlink:to="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems to CoveredNonaccrualLoans" use="optional" order="9.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails7">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:label="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="RestructuredLoansAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to RestructuredLoansAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablesModificationsNumberOfContracts" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablesModificationsNumberOfContracts" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablesModificationsNumberOfContracts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablesModificationsNumberOfContracts" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivablesModificationsNumberOfContracts" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablesModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivablesModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablesModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablesModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivablesModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDown" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDown" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDown" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDown" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivablesImpairedTroubledDebtRestructuringWriteDown" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails9">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialSingleFamilyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMultifamilyMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ResidentialMultifamilyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:label="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="CommercialBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialBusinessMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to ConsumerOtherFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to CommercialRealEstateConstructionFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="LandCommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to LandCommercialRealEstateMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TradeFinanceMember" xlink:label="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="TradeFinanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="TradeFinanceMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to TradeFinanceMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StudentLoansMember" xlink:label="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="StudentLoansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="StudentLoansMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain to StudentLoansMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:label="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:title="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfDaysTroubledDebtRestructuringsBecomeDelinquent" xlink:label="NumberOfDaysTroubledDebtRestructuringsBecomeDelinquent" xlink:title="NumberOfDaysTroubledDebtRestructuringsBecomeDelinquent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:to="NumberOfDaysTroubledDebtRestructuringsBecomeDelinquent" xlink:title="definition: LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract to NumberOfDaysTroubledDebtRestructuringsBecomeDelinquent" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfTroubledDebtRestructuringContractsThatSubsequentlyDefaulted" xlink:label="NumberOfTroubledDebtRestructuringContractsThatSubsequentlyDefaulted" xlink:title="NumberOfTroubledDebtRestructuringContractsThatSubsequentlyDefaulted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:to="NumberOfTroubledDebtRestructuringContractsThatSubsequentlyDefaulted" xlink:title="definition: LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract to NumberOfTroubledDebtRestructuringContractsThatSubsequentlyDefaulted" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract to FinancingReceivableModificationsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestmentChargeOffOrTransferred" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestmentChargeOffOrTransferred" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestmentChargeOffOrTransferred" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestmentChargeOffOrTransferred" xlink:title="definition: LoansModifiedAsTroubledDebtRestructuringsThatSubsequentlyDefaultedAbstract to FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestmentChargeOffOrTransferred" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails6">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_2" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain_2" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:label="ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="ABNoteSplitsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ABNoteSplitsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:label="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="RestructuredLoansAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to RestructuredLoansAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableRestructuredNoteSplitNumber" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableRestructuredNoteSplitNumber" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableRestructuredNoteSplitNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableRestructuredNoteSplitNumber" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivableRestructuredNoteSplitNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableNumberOfPaymentMonthsConsideredSustainedPeriodOfPerformance" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableNumberOfPaymentMonthsConsideredSustainedPeriodOfPerformance" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableNumberOfPaymentMonthsConsideredSustainedPeriodOfPerformance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableNumberOfPaymentMonthsConsideredSustainedPeriodOfPerformance" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivableNumberOfPaymentMonthsConsideredSustainedPeriodOfPerformance" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails10">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:label="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="RestructuredLoansAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to RestructuredLoansAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable" xlink:label="AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable" xlink:title="AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RestructuredLoansAbstract" xlink:to="AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable" xlink:title="definition: RestructuredLoansAbstract to AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails8">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentAxis to InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: InternalCreditAssessmentDomain to NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis to FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:label="ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="ABNoteSplitsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ABNoteSplitsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ModificationsUsingPrincipalDefermentMember" xlink:label="ModificationsUsingPrincipalDefermentMember" xlink:title="ModificationsUsingPrincipalDefermentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ModificationsUsingPrincipalDefermentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ModificationsUsingPrincipalDefermentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TypesOfModificationsTDRMember" xlink:label="TypesOfModificationsTDRMember" xlink:title="TypesOfModificationsTDRMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="TypesOfModificationsTDRMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to TypesOfModificationsTDRMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ModificationsUsingNonMarketInterestRateChangesMaturityExtensionsAndOrABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:label="ModificationsUsingNonMarketInterestRateChangesMaturityExtensionsAndOrABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="ModificationsUsingNonMarketInterestRateChangesMaturityExtensionsAndOrABNoteSplitsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ModificationsUsingNonMarketInterestRateChangesMaturityExtensionsAndOrABNoteSplitsMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ModificationsUsingNonMarketInterestRateChangesMaturityExtensionsAndOrABNoteSplitsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ModificationsUsingMaturityExtensionsMember" xlink:label="ModificationsUsingMaturityExtensionsMember" xlink:title="ModificationsUsingMaturityExtensionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ModificationsUsingMaturityExtensionsMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ModificationsUsingMaturityExtensionsMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ModificationsUsingABNoteSplitsPrincipalReductionsAndOrNonMarketInterestRateChangesMember" xlink:label="ModificationsUsingABNoteSplitsPrincipalReductionsAndOrNonMarketInterestRateChangesMember" xlink:title="ModificationsUsingABNoteSplitsPrincipalReductionsAndOrNonMarketInterestRateChangesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ModificationsUsingABNoteSplitsPrincipalReductionsAndOrNonMarketInterestRateChangesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ModificationsUsingABNoteSplitsPrincipalReductionsAndOrNonMarketInterestRateChangesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ModificationsUsingForbearancePaymentsAndOrNonMarketInterestChangesMember" xlink:label="ModificationsUsingForbearancePaymentsAndOrNonMarketInterestChangesMember" xlink:title="ModificationsUsingForbearancePaymentsAndOrNonMarketInterestChangesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="ModificationsUsingForbearancePaymentsAndOrNonMarketInterestChangesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain to ModificationsUsingForbearancePaymentsAndOrNonMarketInterestChangesMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems to FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis to ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NonCoveredRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:label="NonCoveredRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:title="NonCoveredRealEstateOwnedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="NonCoveredRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain to NonCoveredRealEstateOwnedMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis to ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain to GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="CA" xlink:title="CA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="CA" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to CA" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:label="NV" xlink:title="NV" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="NV" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to NV" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable to ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable to ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable" xlink:to="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedTable to StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="NoncoveredRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to NoncoveredRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_WriteDownsRecordedRelatedToRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:label="WriteDownsRecordedRelatedToRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:title="WriteDownsRecordedRelatedToRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="WriteDownsRecordedRelatedToRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to WriteDownsRecordedRelatedToRealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesSold" xlink:label="NumberOfOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesSold" xlink:title="NumberOfOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesSold" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to NumberOfOtherRealEstateOwnedPropertiesSold" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProceedsFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to ProceedsFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstateNoncovered" xlink:label="GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstateNoncovered" xlink:title="GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstateNoncovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstateNoncovered" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstateNoncovered" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RecoveriesFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:label="RecoveriesFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="RecoveriesFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="RecoveriesFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to RecoveriesFromSaleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwned" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedChargesAgainstAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:label="NonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedChargesAgainstAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:title="NonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedChargesAgainstAllowanceForLoanLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="NonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedChargesAgainstAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to NonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedChargesAgainstAllowanceForLoanLosses" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfNoncoveredRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="NumberOfNoncoveredRealEstateProperties" xlink:title="NumberOfNoncoveredRealEstateProperties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfNoncoveredRealEstateProperties" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to NumberOfNoncoveredRealEstateProperties" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfForeclosedAssets" xlink:label="NumberOfForeclosedAssets" xlink:title="NumberOfForeclosedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfForeclosedAssets" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedLineItems to NumberOfForeclosedAssets" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails14">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:label="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:title="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:label="CoveredLoansCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="CoveredLoansCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredLoansCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to CoveredLoansCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to CoveredLoansAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:label="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredNonaccrualLoans" xlink:title="definition: RecordedInvestmentInTotalLoansReceivableRelatedToEachBalanceInAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract to CoveredNonaccrualLoans" use="optional" order="7.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCoveredAssetsAndFdicIndemnificationAssetDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:label="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="UnitedCommercialBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UnitedCommercialBankMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:label="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:label="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:title="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AdditionalAdvancesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="AdditionalAdvancesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="AdditionalAdvancesUnderSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="AdditionalAdvancesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to AdditionalAdvancesUnderSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:label="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:title="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PeriodBeforeWhichAcquisitionWasMade" xlink:label="PeriodBeforeWhichAcquisitionWasMade" xlink:title="PeriodBeforeWhichAcquisitionWasMade" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodBeforeWhichAcquisitionWasMade" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to PeriodBeforeWhichAcquisitionWasMade" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails12">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:label="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="UnitedCommercialBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UnitedCommercialBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UnitedCommercialBankMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:label="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to WashingtonFirstInternationalBankMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:label="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:title="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to SpecificCoveredLoansOutsideOfTheScopeOfASC31030Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesCovered" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:label="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:title="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCoveredAdditionalAdvances" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanLossesAllocatedToCoveredLoans" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesProvisionForLossGrossGuaranteedByFDIC" xlink:label="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesProvisionForLossGrossGuaranteedByFDIC" xlink:title="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesProvisionForLossGrossGuaranteedByFDIC" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesProvisionForLossGrossGuaranteedByFDIC" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesProvisionForLossGrossGuaranteedByFDIC" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsNoninterestIncome" xlink:label="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsNoninterestIncome" xlink:title="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsNoninterestIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsNoninterestIncome" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to PercentageOfAnyReimbursableExpenseRecordedAsNoninterestIncome" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GainLossDueToChargeOffs" xlink:label="GainLossDueToChargeOffs" xlink:title="GainLossDueToChargeOffs" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="GainLossDueToChargeOffs" xlink:title="definition: LoansAndLeasesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to GainLossDueToChargeOffs" use="optional" order="9.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="ReceivableTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis to ReceivableTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:label="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansAccountedForUnderASC31010Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: ReceivableTypeDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:label="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:title="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredCommercialRealEstateLoansAndNoncoveredResidentialLoansSecuredByRealPropertiesLocatedInCaliforniaConcentrationRiskPercentage" xlink:label="NoncoveredCommercialRealEstateLoansAndNoncoveredResidentialLoansSecuredByRealPropertiesLocatedInCaliforniaConcentrationRiskPercentage" xlink:title="NoncoveredCommercialRealEstateLoansAndNoncoveredResidentialLoansSecuredByRealPropertiesLocatedInCaliforniaConcentrationRiskPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredCommercialRealEstateLoansAndNoncoveredResidentialLoansSecuredByRealPropertiesLocatedInCaliforniaConcentrationRiskPercentage" xlink:title="definition: CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract to NoncoveredCommercialRealEstateLoansAndNoncoveredResidentialLoansSecuredByRealPropertiesLocatedInCaliforniaConcentrationRiskPercentage" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" xlink:title="definition: CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract to NoncoveredLoansReceivableGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable" xlink:to="AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableTable to AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to CreditRiskAndConcentrationsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CarryingAmountOfLoansAcquired" xlink:label="CarryingAmountOfLoansAcquired" xlink:title="CarryingAmountOfLoansAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="CarryingAmountOfLoansAcquired" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract to CarryingAmountOfLoansAcquired" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsStudentLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract to PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsStudentLoans" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsPremiumFinancingLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsPremiumFinancingLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsPremiumFinancingLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsPremiumFinancingLoans" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract to PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsPremiumFinancingLoans" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsOtherLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsOtherLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsOtherLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsOtherLoans" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract to PercentageOfPurchasedLoansClassifiedAsOtherLoans" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="LoansAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="LoansAcquiredDuringPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAbstract to LoansAcquiredDuringPeriod" order="1.1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:label="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:title="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisitionPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisitionPercentage" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract to CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisitionPercentage" use="optional" order="1.2" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" xlink:title="definition: CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivable" order="1.1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:label="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:title="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" xlink:label="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" xlink:title="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:to="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" xlink:title="definition: LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract to LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" xlink:title="definition: LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" xlink:label="GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" xlink:title="GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" xlink:title="definition: LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract to GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfLoansHeldForSaleThatWereOriginallyClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:label="PercentageOfLoansHeldForSaleThatWereOriginallyClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:title="PercentageOfLoansHeldForSaleThatWereOriginallyClassifiedAsStudentLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfLoansHeldForSaleThatWereOriginallyClassifiedAsStudentLoans" xlink:title="definition: LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetAbstract to PercentageOfLoansHeldForSaleThatWereOriginallyClassifiedAsStudentLoans" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1" xlink:label="TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1" xlink:title="TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNonCoveredLoansReceivableLineItems to TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1" use="optional" order="6.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryRequirementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EastWestBankMember" xlink:label="EastWestBankMember" xlink:title="EastWestBankMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EastWestBankMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EastWestBankMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:label="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:title="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalAbstract" xlink:label="CapitalAbstract" xlink:title="CapitalAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to CapitalAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Capital" xlink:label="Capital" xlink:title="Capital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="Capital" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to Capital" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapital" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapital" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapital" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapital" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapital" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapital" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapital" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapital" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" xlink:label="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" xlink:title="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract" xlink:to="TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" xlink:title="definition: CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedAbstract to TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MinimumTotalConsolidatedAssetsForExclusionOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesAsTierIRegulatoryCapital" xlink:label="MinimumTotalConsolidatedAssetsForExclusionOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesAsTierIRegulatoryCapital" xlink:title="MinimumTotalConsolidatedAssetsForExclusionOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesAsTierIRegulatoryCapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="MinimumTotalConsolidatedAssetsForExclusionOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesAsTierIRegulatoryCapital" xlink:title="definition: RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract to MinimumTotalConsolidatedAssetsForExclusionOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesAsTierIRegulatoryCapital" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TrustPreferredSecuritiesAsPercentageOfTierICapital" xlink:label="TrustPreferredSecuritiesAsPercentageOfTierICapital" xlink:title="TrustPreferredSecuritiesAsPercentageOfTierICapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="TrustPreferredSecuritiesAsPercentageOfTierICapital" xlink:title="definition: RegulatoryRequirementsAdditionalDisclosureAbstract to TrustPreferredSecuritiesAsPercentageOfTierICapital" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ReserveRequirementAbstract" xlink:label="ReserveRequirementAbstract" xlink:title="ReserveRequirementAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:to="ReserveRequirementAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems to ReserveRequirementAbstract" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DailyAverageReserveRequirement" xlink:label="DailyAverageReserveRequirement" xlink:title="DailyAverageReserveRequirement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReserveRequirementAbstract" xlink:to="DailyAverageReserveRequirement" xlink:title="definition: ReserveRequirementAbstract to DailyAverageReserveRequirement" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureNonCoveredLoansAndAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails13">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:label="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis to FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31010SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansUnderASC31030SubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:label="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to CoveredLoansSubjectToAllowanceForLoanLossesMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember" xlink:label="UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember" xlink:title="UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain to UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable to FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward to ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndLettersOfCredit" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndLettersOfCredit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndLettersOfCredit" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsAndLettersOfCredit" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward to ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" xlink:label="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" xlink:title="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward to AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesNet" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesNet" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesNet" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward to ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesNet" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract to FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:label="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:title="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:title="definition: FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdditionalInformationAbstract to FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="NonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="NonInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="NonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to NonInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByAssetClassAxis to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByAssetClassAxis to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:title="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis to FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis to FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain to DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable to FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable to FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:title="definition: GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:title="definition: GainLossOnInvestmentsAssetsAbstract to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:title="definition: GainLossOnInvestmentsLiabilitiesAbstract to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:title="definition: FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:title="definition: FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="OtherSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_2" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain to FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeContractMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySwapMember" xlink:label="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="EquitySwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to EquitySwapMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:title="DerivativeAssetsCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract to DerivativeAssetsCurrent" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract to DerivativeLiabilities" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain to FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalGainsLossesMember" xlink:label="TotalGainsLossesMember" xlink:title="TotalGainsLossesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="TotalGainsLossesMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to TotalGainsLossesMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansResidentialWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansResidentialWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansResidentialWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansResidentialWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredLoansResidentialWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansCommercialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansCommercialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansCommercialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansCommercialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredLoansCommercialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansCommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansCommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansCommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansCommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredLoansCommercialAndIndustrialRealEstateWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansConsumerWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansConsumerWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansConsumerWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansConsumerWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredLoansConsumerWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoncoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="NoncoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="NoncoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="NoncoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to NoncoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to CoveredOtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:label="LoansHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:title="LoansHeldForSaleFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract" xlink:to="LoansHeldForSaleFairValue" xlink:title="definition: NoncoveredLoansWithRealizedLossInCurrentPeriodAbstract to LoansHeldForSaleFairValue" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:label="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:title="BankingAndThriftAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to BankingAndThriftAbstract" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:label="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" xlink:title="definition: BankingAndThriftAbstract to PercentageOfEligibleLossesForWhichFdicIsObligatedToReimburse" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfCompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="PercentageOfCompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="PercentageOfCompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfCompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BankingAndThriftAbstract to PercentageOfCompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="CompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="CompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:to="CompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BankingAndThriftAbstract to CompanysLiabilityForLossesUnderSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalEligibleLossesSubjectToSharedLossAgreements" xlink:label="TotalEligibleLossesSubjectToSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="TotalEligibleLossesSubjectToSharedLossAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BankingAndThriftAbstract" xlink:to="TotalEligibleLossesSubjectToSharedLossAgreements" xlink:title="definition: BankingAndThriftAbstract to TotalEligibleLossesSubjectToSharedLossAgreements" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="OtherSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" use="optional" order="7.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="OtherSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" use="optional" order="6.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUsGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="OtherSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to TrustPreferredSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InvestmentGradeCorporateDebtSecuritiesAndCommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:label="InvestmentGradeCorporateDebtSecuritiesAndCommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="InvestmentGradeCorporateDebtSecuritiesAndCommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="InvestmentGradeCorporateDebtSecuritiesAndCommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to InvestmentGradeCorporateDebtSecuritiesAndCommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesAndGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseMember" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AllOtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AllOtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AllOtherSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AllOtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AllOtherSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis to ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AllOtherCreditRatingGradeMember" xlink:label="AllOtherCreditRatingGradeMember" xlink:title="AllOtherCreditRatingGradeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:to="AllOtherCreditRatingGradeMember" xlink:title="definition: ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain to AllOtherCreditRatingGradeMember" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TotalInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSalePortfolio" xlink:label="TotalInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSalePortfolio" xlink:title="TotalInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSalePortfolio" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="TotalInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSalePortfolio" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to TotalInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSalePortfolio" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfSecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForMoreThanTwelveMonths" xlink:label="NumberOfSecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForMoreThanTwelveMonths" xlink:title="NumberOfSecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForMoreThanTwelveMonths" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForMoreThanTwelveMonths" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to NumberOfSecuritiesInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForMoreThanTwelveMonths" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfIndividualSecuritiesWithContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition" xlink:label="NumberOfIndividualSecuritiesWithContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition" xlink:title="NumberOfIndividualSecuritiesWithContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfIndividualSecuritiesWithContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to NumberOfIndividualSecuritiesWithContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfTotalAmortizedCostBasisOfTheseSecurities" xlink:label="PercentageOfTotalAmortizedCostBasisOfTheseSecurities" xlink:title="PercentageOfTotalAmortizedCostBasisOfTheseSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfTotalAmortizedCostBasisOfTheseSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to PercentageOfTotalAmortizedCostBasisOfTheseSecurities" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNoncreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsNoncreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNoncreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsNoncreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNoncreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsNoncreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNoncreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsNoncreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNoncreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsNoncreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfSecuritiesIncurringNoncreditRelatedImpairmentLosses" xlink:label="NumberOfSecuritiesIncurringNoncreditRelatedImpairmentLosses" xlink:title="NumberOfSecuritiesIncurringNoncreditRelatedImpairmentLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSecuritiesIncurringNoncreditRelatedImpairmentLosses" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to NumberOfSecuritiesIncurringNoncreditRelatedImpairmentLosses" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfPrivateLabelAvailableForSaleMortgageBackedSecuritiesSold" xlink:label="NumberOfPrivateLabelAvailableForSaleMortgageBackedSecuritiesSold" xlink:title="NumberOfPrivateLabelAvailableForSaleMortgageBackedSecuritiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfPrivateLabelAvailableForSaleMortgageBackedSecuritiesSold" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to NumberOfPrivateLabelAvailableForSaleMortgageBackedSecuritiesSold" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_GrossUnrealizedLossesTrustPreferredSecuritiesPortionRepresentingImpairmentLossOnSecuritiesNotOtherThanTemporarilyImpaired" xlink:label="GrossUnrealizedLossesTrustPreferredSecuritiesPortionRepresentingImpairmentLossOnSecuritiesNotOtherThanTemporarilyImpaired" xlink:title="GrossUnrealizedLossesTrustPreferredSecuritiesPortionRepresentingImpairmentLossOnSecuritiesNotOtherThanTemporarilyImpaired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="GrossUnrealizedLossesTrustPreferredSecuritiesPortionRepresentingImpairmentLossOnSecuritiesNotOtherThanTemporarilyImpaired" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to GrossUnrealizedLossesTrustPreferredSecuritiesPortionRepresentingImpairmentLossOnSecuritiesNotOtherThanTemporarilyImpaired" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecuritiesTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecuritiesTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecuritiesTrustPreferredSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecuritiesTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecuritiesTrustPreferredSecurities" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_IncreaseDecreaseInAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to IncreaseDecreaseInAvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:label="ServicingContractsMember" xlink:title="ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="ServicingContractsMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to ServicingContractsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails7">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="LongTermDebtFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LongTermDebtFairValue" use="optional" order="7.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySwapMember" xlink:label="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="EquitySwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to EquitySwapMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:title="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:title="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable to DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesIncludedInLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="NumberOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesIncludedInLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="NumberOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesIncludedInLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="NumberOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesIncludedInLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to NumberOfTrustPreferredSecuritiesIncludedInLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageOfTotalAvailableForSaleSecuritiesRepresentedByLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="PercentageOfTotalAvailableForSaleSecuritiesRepresentedByLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="PercentageOfTotalAvailableForSaleSecuritiesRepresentedByLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PercentageOfTotalAvailableForSaleSecuritiesRepresentedByLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to PercentageOfTotalAvailableForSaleSecuritiesRepresentedByLevel3AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfQuotedMarketPricesTraditionallyUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfPrivateLabelMortgageBackedSecuritiesAndPooledTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:label="NumberOfQuotedMarketPricesTraditionallyUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfPrivateLabelMortgageBackedSecuritiesAndPooledTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:title="NumberOfQuotedMarketPricesTraditionallyUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfPrivateLabelMortgageBackedSecuritiesAndPooledTrustPreferredSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="NumberOfQuotedMarketPricesTraditionallyUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfPrivateLabelMortgageBackedSecuritiesAndPooledTrustPreferredSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to NumberOfQuotedMarketPricesTraditionallyUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfPrivateLabelMortgageBackedSecuritiesAndPooledTrustPreferredSecurities" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TermOfContract" xlink:label="TermOfContract" xlink:title="TermOfContract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="TermOfContract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to TermOfContract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ValuationAdjustmentDueToCounterpartyCreditRisk" xlink:label="ValuationAdjustmentDueToCounterpartyCreditRisk" xlink:title="ValuationAdjustmentDueToCounterpartyCreditRisk" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ValuationAdjustmentDueToCounterpartyCreditRisk" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to ValuationAdjustmentDueToCounterpartyCreditRisk" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MinimumNumberOfQuotedMarketPricesUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:label="MinimumNumberOfQuotedMarketPricesUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="MinimumNumberOfQuotedMarketPricesUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="MinimumNumberOfQuotedMarketPricesUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to MinimumNumberOfQuotedMarketPricesUsedInDeterminingFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentSecurities" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeContractMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySwapMember" xlink:label="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="EquitySwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to EquitySwapMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CallOptionMember" xlink:label="CallOptionMember" xlink:title="CallOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="CallOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to CallOptionMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:title="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:title="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable to DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:title="HedgingDesignationAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable to HedgingDesignationAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:title="HedgingDesignationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationAxis to HedgingDesignationDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="HedgingDesignationDomain_2" xlink:title="HedgingDesignationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="HedgingDesignationDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationAxis to HedgingDesignationDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:title="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationDomain to DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="NondesignatedMember" xlink:title="NondesignatedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="NondesignatedMember" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationDomain to NondesignatedMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:title="DerivativeNotionalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CounterpartyDerivativeFairValueGross" xlink:label="CounterpartyDerivativeFairValueGross" xlink:title="CounterpartyDerivativeFairValueGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="CounterpartyDerivativeFairValueGross" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to CounterpartyDerivativeFairValueGross" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeGross" xlink:label="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeGross" xlink:title="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeGross" xlink:title="definition: DerivativesFairValueLineItems to DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeGross" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndBalanceSheetOffsettingDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to ForeignExchangeContractMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySwapMember" xlink:label="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="EquitySwapMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="EquitySwapMember" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeContractTypeDomain to EquitySwapMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:title="HedgingDesignationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:title="HedgingDesignationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationAxis to HedgingDesignationDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:title="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationDomain to DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="NondesignatedMember" xlink:title="NondesignatedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="NondesignatedMember" xlink:title="definition: HedgingDesignationDomain to NondesignatedMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems to DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable to HedgingDesignationAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable to DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable to IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationAxis to IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationAxis to IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="InterestExpenseMember" xlink:title="InterestExpenseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="InterestExpenseMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationDomain to InterestExpenseMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoninterestIncomeMember" xlink:label="NoninterestIncomeMember" xlink:title="NoninterestIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="NoninterestIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationDomain to NoninterestIncomeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NoninterestExpensesMember" xlink:label="NoninterestExpensesMember" xlink:title="NoninterestExpensesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="NoninterestExpensesMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationDomain to NoninterestExpensesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:title="DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems to DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:title="CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems to CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MetroCorpMember" xlink:label="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="MetroCorpMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MetroCorpMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MetroCorpMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember" xlink:label="CoreDepositsMember" xlink:title="CoreDepositsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="CoreDepositsMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to CoreDepositsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedCoreDepositsGross" xlink:label="FiniteLivedCoreDepositsGross" xlink:title="FiniteLivedCoreDepositsGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedCoreDepositsGross" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedCoreDepositsGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfFiniteLivedCoreDepositsIntangiblesRemoved" xlink:label="NumberOfFiniteLivedCoreDepositsIntangiblesRemoved" xlink:title="NumberOfFiniteLivedCoreDepositsIntangiblesRemoved" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfFiniteLivedCoreDepositsIntangiblesRemoved" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to NumberOfFiniteLivedCoreDepositsIntangiblesRemoved" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" order="3.1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureFairValueDetails6">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to ShortTermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to SecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to InvestmentInFederalReserveBankStockFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AccruedInterestReceivableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InterestRateSwapContractsAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="InterestRateSwapContractsAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="InterestRateSwapContractsAssetFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="InterestRateSwapContractsAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to InterestRateSwapContractsAssetFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="ForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="ForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to ForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_EquitySwapAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="EquitySwapAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="EquitySwapAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="EquitySwapAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to EquitySwapAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ShortTermForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="ShortTermForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="ShortTermForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="ShortTermForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to ShortTermForeignExchangeAssetFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to DemandSavingsAndMoneyMarketDepositsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to TimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to FederalHomeLoanBankBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AccruedInterestPayableFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="LongTermDebtFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to LongTermDebtFairValue" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherBorrowings" xlink:label="OtherBorrowings" xlink:title="OtherBorrowings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="OtherBorrowings" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to OtherBorrowings" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to DerivativeLiabilities" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:title="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable to FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis to FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis to FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain to CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaximumTermOfMaturityForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsToBeIncludedInCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="MaximumTermOfMaturityForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsToBeIncludedInCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="MaximumTermOfMaturityForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsToBeIncludedInCashAndCashEquivalents" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="MaximumTermOfMaturityForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsToBeIncludedInCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to MaximumTermOfMaturityForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsToBeIncludedInCashAndCashEquivalents" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_TermOfMaturityThatSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsMustExceedToBeIncludedInCertainFairValueCalculations" xlink:label="TermOfMaturityThatSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsMustExceedToBeIncludedInCertainFairValueCalculations" xlink:title="TermOfMaturityThatSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsMustExceedToBeIncludedInCertainFairValueCalculations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="TermOfMaturityThatSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsMustExceedToBeIncludedInCertainFairValueCalculations" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to TermOfMaturityThatSecuritiesPurchasedUnderResaleAgreementsMustExceedToBeIncludedInCertainFairValueCalculations" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_MaximumTermOfMaturityForCarryingAmountOfSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsToApproximateFairValue" xlink:label="MaximumTermOfMaturityForCarryingAmountOfSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsToApproximateFairValue" xlink:title="MaximumTermOfMaturityForCarryingAmountOfSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsToApproximateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="MaximumTermOfMaturityForCarryingAmountOfSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsToApproximateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to MaximumTermOfMaturityForCarryingAmountOfSecuritiesSoldUnderRepurchaseAgreementsToApproximateFairValue" use="optional" order="6.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails7">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems to ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable to ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis to ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_2" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis to ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="WarrantMember" xlink:title="WarrantMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="WarrantMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain to WarrantMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems to ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AllocatedFairValueOfWarrants" xlink:label="AllocatedFairValueOfWarrants" xlink:title="AllocatedFairValueOfWarrants" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="AllocatedFairValueOfWarrants" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems to AllocatedFairValueOfWarrants" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureFixturesAndEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="LandMember" xlink:title="LandMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="LandMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to LandMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="BuildingMember" xlink:title="BuildingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="BuildingMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to BuildingMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:title="LeaseholdImprovementsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to LeaseholdImprovementsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureAndFixturesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:title="OfficeEquipmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to OfficeEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="Depreciation" xlink:title="Depreciation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="Depreciation" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to Depreciation" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosurePremisesAndEquipmentDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SaleOfBuildingMember" xlink:label="SaleOfBuildingMember" xlink:title="SaleOfBuildingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="SaleOfBuildingMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to SaleOfBuildingMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_SaleOfBranchMember" xlink:label="SaleOfBranchMember" xlink:title="SaleOfBranchMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="SaleOfBranchMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to SaleOfBranchMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PurchaseOfATMMachinesMember" xlink:label="PurchaseOfATMMachinesMember" xlink:title="PurchaseOfATMMachinesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="PurchaseOfATMMachinesMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to PurchaseOfATMMachinesMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RetailandSalesFullAccrualMethodSaleValue" xlink:label="RetailandSalesFullAccrualMethodSaleValue" xlink:title="RetailandSalesFullAccrualMethodSaleValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="RetailandSalesFullAccrualMethodSaleValue" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to RetailandSalesFullAccrualMethodSaleValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodGrossProfitDeferred" xlink:label="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodGrossProfitDeferred" xlink:title="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodGrossProfitDeferred" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodGrossProfitDeferred" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodGrossProfitDeferred" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodTotalCostOfSale" xlink:label="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodTotalCostOfSale" xlink:title="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodTotalCostOfSale" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodTotalCostOfSale" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to RetailLandSaleFullAccrualMethodTotalCostOfSale" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LeaseTerm" xlink:label="LeaseTerm" xlink:title="LeaseTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="LeaseTerm" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to LeaseTerm" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" xlink:title="DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AggregateNetValueOfNewATMMachinesPurchased" xlink:label="AggregateNetValueOfNewATMMachinesPurchased" xlink:title="AggregateNetValueOfNewATMMachinesPurchased" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:to="AggregateNetValueOfNewATMMachinesPurchased" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems to AggregateNetValueOfNewATMMachinesPurchased" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:title="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:title="OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable to IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis to IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis to IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="DomesticCountryMember" xlink:title="DomesticCountryMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="DomesticCountryMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain to DomesticCountryMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:title="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain to StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:title="OperatingLossCarryforwards" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to OperatingLossCarryforwards" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_BusinessAcquisitionSection597Gain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionSection597Gain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionSection597Gain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionSection597Gain" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionSection597Gain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OperatingLossCarryforwardPeriod" xlink:label="OperatingLossCarryforwardPeriod" xlink:title="OperatingLossCarryforwardPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="OperatingLossCarryforwardPeriod" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to OperatingLossCarryforwardPeriod" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AmountOfPreviouslySuspendedOperatingLossCarryforwardsToBeUtilizedInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:label="AmountOfPreviouslySuspendedOperatingLossCarryforwardsToBeUtilizedInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:title="AmountOfPreviouslySuspendedOperatingLossCarryforwardsToBeUtilizedInCurrentFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="AmountOfPreviouslySuspendedOperatingLossCarryforwardsToBeUtilizedInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to AmountOfPreviouslySuspendedOperatingLossCarryforwardsToBeUtilizedInCurrentFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_OperatingLossCarryforwardsFromAcquisition" xlink:label="OperatingLossCarryforwardsFromAcquisition" xlink:title="OperatingLossCarryforwardsFromAcquisition" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="OperatingLossCarryforwardsFromAcquisition" xlink:title="definition: OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems to OperatingLossCarryforwardsFromAcquisition" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis to IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="DomesticCountryMember" xlink:title="DomesticCountryMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="DomesticCountryMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain to DomesticCountryMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:title="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain to StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="ForeignCountryMember" xlink:title="ForeignCountryMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="ForeignCountryMember" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain to ForeignCountryMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:title="definition: DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable to IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFederalHomeLoanBankStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFederalHomeLoanBankStock" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPurchasedLoanDiscounts" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPurchasedLoanDiscounts" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPurchasedLoanDiscounts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPurchasedLoanDiscounts" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPurchasedLoanDiscounts" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMortgageServicingRights" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMortgageServicingRights" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMortgageServicingRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMortgageServicingRights" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMortgageServicingRights" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesSection597Gain" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesSection597Gain" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesSection597Gain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesSection597Gain" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesSection597Gain" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFDICReceivable" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFDICReceivable" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFDICReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFDICReceivable" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFDICReceivable" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFinancingArrangements" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFinancingArrangements" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFinancingArrangements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFinancingArrangements" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesFinancingArrangements" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsProvisionForLoanLossesAndREOReserves" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsProvisionForLoanLossesAndREOReserves" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsProvisionForLoanLossesAndREOReserves" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsProvisionForLoanLossesAndREOReserves" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsProvisionForLoanLossesAndREOReserves" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxAssetsMortgageServicingRights" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsMortgageServicingRights" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsMortgageServicingRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsMortgageServicingRights" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsMortgageServicingRights" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxAssetsPurchasedLoanPremium" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsPurchasedLoanPremium" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsPurchasedLoanPremium" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsPurchasedLoanPremium" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsPurchasedLoanPremium" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableforSaleSecuritiesGross" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableforSaleSecuritiesGross" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableforSaleSecuritiesGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableforSaleSecuritiesGross" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableforSaleSecuritiesGross" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_DeferredTaxAssetsAcquiredLoansAndREOs" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsAcquiredLoansAndREOs" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsAcquiredLoansAndREOs" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsAcquiredLoansAndREOs" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsAcquiredLoansAndREOs" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsOther" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsOther" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsGross" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:title="definition: DeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems to DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:title="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_RetailBankingMember" xlink:label="RetailBankingMember" xlink:title="RetailBankingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="RetailBankingMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to RetailBankingMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialBankingMember" xlink:label="CommercialBankingMember" xlink:title="CommercialBankingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialBankingMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to CommercialBankingMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to AllOtherSegmentsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialLendingMember" xlink:label="CommercialLendingMember" xlink:title="CommercialLendingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="CommercialLendingMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to CommercialLendingMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:label="InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:title="InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_ChargeForFundsUsed" xlink:label="ChargeForFundsUsed" xlink:title="ChargeForFundsUsed" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ChargeForFundsUsed" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to ChargeForFundsUsed" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InterestSpreadOnFundsUsed" xlink:label="InterestSpreadOnFundsUsed" xlink:title="InterestSpreadOnFundsUsed" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestSpreadOnFundsUsed" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestSpreadOnFundsUsed" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="InterestExpense" xlink:title="InterestExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestExpense" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestExpense" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CreditOnFundsProvided" xlink:label="CreditOnFundsProvided" xlink:title="CreditOnFundsProvided" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="CreditOnFundsProvided" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to CreditOnFundsProvided" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InterestSpreadOnFundsProvided" xlink:label="InterestSpreadOnFundsProvided" xlink:title="InterestSpreadOnFundsProvided" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestSpreadOnFundsProvided" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestSpreadOnFundsProvided" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:title="InterestIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestIncomeExpenseNet" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:label="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:title="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="Goodwill" xlink:title="Goodwill" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="Goodwill" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to Goodwill" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="Assets" xlink:title="Assets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="Assets" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to Assets" use="optional" order="13.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems to ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:title="InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:to="InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable to InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:title="definition: InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain_2" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:to="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain to AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" xlink:label="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" xlink:title="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" xlink:title="definition: OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems to OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems to ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable to FinancialInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:title="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentAxis to TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" xlink:title="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentAxis to TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" xlink:label="CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" xlink:title="CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" xlink:title="definition: TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain to CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_CommercialAndStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="CommercialAndStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:title="CommercialAndStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="CommercialAndStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:title="definition: TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain to CommercialAndStandbyLettersOfCreditMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoanApplicationsInProcessMember" xlink:label="LoanApplicationsInProcessMember" xlink:title="LoanApplicationsInProcessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="LoanApplicationsInProcessMember" xlink:title="definition: TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain to LoanApplicationsInProcessMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitments" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitments" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitments" xlink:title="definition: FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitments" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:to="LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:title="definition: FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems to LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:title="LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingenciesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:label="GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:title="GuaranteeObligationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="GuaranteeObligationsMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to GuaranteeObligationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansSoldWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:label="LoansSoldWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:title="LoansSoldWithoutRecourseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="LoansSoldWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to LoansSoldWithoutRecourseMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_LoansSecuritizedWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:label="LoansSecuritizedWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:title="LoansSecuritizedWithoutRecourseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="LoansSecuritizedWithoutRecourseMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to LoansSecuritizedWithoutRecourseMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnSingleFamilyLoansWithFullRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:label="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnSingleFamilyLoansWithFullRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnSingleFamilyLoansWithFullRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnSingleFamilyLoansWithFullRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnSingleFamilyLoansWithFullRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMultiFamilyLoansWithLimitedRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:label="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMultiFamilyLoansWithLimitedRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMultiFamilyLoansWithLimitedRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMultiFamilyLoansWithLimitedRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMultiFamilyLoansWithLimitedRecourseSoldOrSecuritized" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:label="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSoldOrSecuritized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSoldOrSecuritized" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSoldOrSecuritized" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PercentageLimitOfRecourseOnMultiFamilyLoans" xlink:label="PercentageLimitOfRecourseOnMultiFamilyLoans" xlink:title="PercentageLimitOfRecourseOnMultiFamilyLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageLimitOfRecourseOnMultiFamilyLoans" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to PercentageLimitOfRecourseOnMultiFamilyLoans" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_PortionOfAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndRecourseProvisionsRelatedToOffBalanceSheetLoansSoldAndSecuritized" xlink:label="PortionOfAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndRecourseProvisionsRelatedToOffBalanceSheetLoansSoldAndSecuritized" xlink:title="PortionOfAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndRecourseProvisionsRelatedToOffBalanceSheetLoansSoldAndSecuritized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="PortionOfAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndRecourseProvisionsRelatedToOffBalanceSheetLoansSoldAndSecuritized" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to PortionOfAllowanceForUnfundedLoanCommitmentsOffBalanceSheetCreditExposuresAndRecourseProvisionsRelatedToOffBalanceSheetLoansSoldAndSecuritized" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:label="OtherCommitment" xlink:title="OtherCommitment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="OtherCommitment" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to OtherCommitment" use="optional" order="7.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperationsAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityLocationLineItems" xlink:label="EntityLocationLineItems" xlink:title="EntityLocationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityLocationTable" xlink:label="EntityLocationTable" xlink:title="EntityLocationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="EntityLocationLineItems" xlink:to="EntityLocationTable" xlink:title="definition: EntityLocationLineItems to EntityLocationTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:label="EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:title="EntityByLocationAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="EntityLocationTable" xlink:to="EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:title="definition: EntityLocationTable to EntityByLocationAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LocationDomain" xlink:label="LocationDomain" xlink:title="LocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:to="LocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: EntityByLocationAxis to LocationDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LocationDomain" xlink:label="LocationDomain_2" xlink:title="LocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:to="LocationDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: EntityByLocationAxis to LocationDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="CA" xlink:title="CA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="CA" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to CA" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NY" xlink:label="NY" xlink:title="NY" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="NY" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to NY" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_GA" xlink:label="GA" xlink:title="GA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="GA" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to GA" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_MA" xlink:label="MA" xlink:title="MA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="MA" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to MA" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:label="NV" xlink:title="NV" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="NV" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to NV" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:label="TX" xlink:title="TX" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="TX" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to TX" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_WA" xlink:label="WA" xlink:title="WA" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="WA" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to WA" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_InStoreMember" xlink:label="InStoreMember" xlink:title="InStoreMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="InStoreMember" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to InStoreMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_CN" xlink:label="CN" xlink:title="CN" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="CN" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to CN" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_TW" xlink:label="TW" xlink:title="TW" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LocationDomain" xlink:to="TW" xlink:title="definition: LocationDomain to TW" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfBankingLocations" xlink:label="NumberOfBankingLocations" xlink:title="NumberOfBankingLocations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityLocationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfBankingLocations" xlink:title="definition: EntityLocationLineItems to NumberOfBankingLocations" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_NumberOfRepresentativeOffices" xlink:label="NumberOfRepresentativeOffices" xlink:title="NumberOfRepresentativeOffices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityLocationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfRepresentativeOffices" xlink:title="definition: EntityLocationLineItems to NumberOfRepresentativeOffices" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndEarningsPerShareDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_AccumulatedNetRealizedInvestmentsGainLossMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedNetRealizedInvestmentsGainLossMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedNetRealizedInvestmentsGainLossMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AccumulatedNetRealizedInvestmentsGainLossMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AccumulatedNetRealizedInvestmentsGainLossMember" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:label="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:title="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:title="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems to ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable to InvestmentTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeAxis to InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeAxis to InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember to AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember to OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:title="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:to="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable to ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:title="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis to ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" xlink:title="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis to ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:to="ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain to ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet" xlink:label="GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet" xlink:title="GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems to GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="definition: ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems to NetIncomeLoss" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesBPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesCPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:label="ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:title="ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:title="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDirectorRetainerFee" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDirectorRetainerFee" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowanceCovered" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesIssued" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="8030.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockSharesIssued" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="TreasuryStockShares" xlink:title="TreasuryStockShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="TreasuryStockShares" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to TreasuryStockShares" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.eastwestbank.com/role/StatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesBPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesCPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="PreferredStockMember" xlink:title="PreferredStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="PreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to PreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to TreasuryStockMember" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to ComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to NetIncomeLoss" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" xlink:label="AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" xlink:title="AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:label="DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:title="DividendsPreferredStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to DividendsPreferredStock" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="DividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="DividendsCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="DividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to DividendsCommonStock" use="optional" order="100.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" use="optional" order="110.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" use="optional" order="120.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" use="optional" order="130.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" xlink:label="PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" xlink:title="PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:title="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="ewbc-20140331.xsd#ewbc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorRetainerFee" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorRetainerFee" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorRetainerFee" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockAmountIssued1" xlink:label="ConversionOfStockAmountIssued1" xlink:title="ConversionOfStockAmountIssued1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="ConversionOfStockAmountIssued1" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to ConversionOfStockAmountIssued1" use="optional" order="8030.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
