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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities To Be Registered

  Amount To
be Registered

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price

  Amount Of
Registration Fee

 

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

  9,200,000(1)   $31.65   $291,180,000   $37,503.98(2)

 

(1)
Assumes that the underwriter exercises its option to purchase 1,200,000 additional shares.

(2)
Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Table of Contents


Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration Nos. 333-187060

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
TO PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 6, 2013

8,000,000 Shares

LOGO

COMMON STOCK



        The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus supplement are offering 8,000,000 shares of our common stock. The selling stockholders will receive all net proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock in this offering.



        Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BKU." The last reported sale price of our common stock on January 28, 2014 was $31.91 per share.



        Investing in our common stock involves risks. See the "Risk Factors" section on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.



PRICE $31.65 PER SHARE

           
 
 
  Price to Public
  Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions

  Proceeds to
Selling
Stockholders

 

Per Share

  $31.65   $0.25   $31.40
 

Total

  $253,200,000   $2,000,000   $251,200,000

 

        We have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain expenses. See "Underwriting."

        The selling stockholders have granted the underwriter an option to purchase an additional 1,200,000 shares of common stock.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The underwriter expects to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on January 31, 2014.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

January 28, 2014.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

    S-ii  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    S-iii  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    S-v  

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

    S-1  

RISK FACTORS

    S-9  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    S-10  

PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

    S-11  

DIVIDEND POLICY

    S-12  

CAPITALIZATION

    S-13  

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    S-14  

U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON U.S. HOLDERS

    S-17  

UNDERWRITING

    S-20  

LEGAL MATTERS

    S-26  

PROSPECTUS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

    ii  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    iii  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    iv  

THE COMPANY

    1  

RISK FACTORS

    1  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    1  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    2  

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    7  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    8  

LEGAL MATTERS

    12  

EXPERTS

    12  

        For investors outside the United States: Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriter have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which contains specific information about the selling stockholders and the terms on which the selling stockholders are offering and selling our common stock. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, dated March 6, 2013, which contains and incorporates by reference important business and financial information about us and other information about the offering.

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference, as the case may be, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus. We have not, and the selling stockholders and the underwriter have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the selling stockholders and the underwriter are not, making an offer to sell the common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

        Before you invest in our common stock, you should carefully read the registration statement (including the exhibits thereto) of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein.

        Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "we," "our," "us," and the "Company" refer to BankUnited, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, prospectuses and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains our reports, proxy and other information regarding us at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available free of charge at our website (www.bankunited.com). The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

        The SEC allows "incorporation by reference" into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus of information that we file with the SEC. This permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any information filed by us with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement automatically will be deemed to update and supersede this information until all of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement are sold or the offering is otherwise terminated. We incorporate by reference the following documents which we have filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been "furnished" but not "filed" for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"):

        We incorporate by reference any filings made with the SEC in accordance with Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus supplement and the date all of the securities offered hereby are sold or the offering is otherwise terminated, with the exception of any information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, which is not deemed filed and which is not incorporated by reference herein. Any such filings shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference and to be a part of this prospectus supplement from the respective dates of filing of those documents.

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Table of Contents

        We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus supplement is delivered, without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You should direct requests for documents to:

BankUnited, Inc.
Investor Relations
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(305) 569-2000

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect the Company's current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the historical performance of the Company or on the Company's current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the future plans, estimates or expectations so contemplated will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the Company's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary materially from those indicated in these statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

        This summary highlights selected information contained or incorporated by reference, as the case may be, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. You should read this summary together with the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, as well as the information in the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference therein. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters discussed in the sections titled "Risk Factors" on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.


BANKUNITED, INC.

Overview

        BankUnited, Inc. is a national bank holding company with one direct wholly-owned subsidiary, BankUnited, National Association ("BankUnited" or the "Bank"), and $14.3 billion of consolidated total assets at September 30, 2013. BankUnited, a national banking association headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, provides a full range of banking and related services to individual and corporate customers through 99 branches located in 15 Florida counties and 6 banking centers in the New York metropolitan area at December 31, 2013.

        We have built, through organic growth and acquisitions, a premier regional bank with a low-risk, long-term value-oriented business model focused on small and medium sized businesses and consumers. We endeavor to provide personalized customer service and offer a full range of traditional banking products and services to both our commercial and retail customers.

        BankUnited, Inc. was organized by a management team led by our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, John A. Kanas, on April 28, 2009 and was initially capitalized with $945.0 million by a group of investors. On May 21, 2009, BankUnited acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed all of the non-brokered deposits and substantially all other liabilities of BankUnited, FSB, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC, in a transaction which we refer to as the "FSB Acquisition". Concurrently with the FSB Acquisition, the Bank entered into two loss sharing agreements (the "Loss Sharing Agreements"), which cover certain legacy assets, including the entire legacy loan portfolio and other real estate owned ("OREO") and certain purchased investment securities. We refer to assets covered by the Loss Sharing Agreements as covered assets or, in certain cases, covered loans or covered securities. At September 30, 2013, covered assets represented approximately 13% of our total assets.

        On February 2, 2011, we completed the initial public offering of 33,350,000 shares of our common stock, 4,000,000 of which was sold by us, for which we received proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses, of approximately $98.6 million.

        On February 29, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Herald National Bank ("Herald"), a national banking association located in the New York metropolitan area, for an aggregate purchase price of $65.0 million in cash and stock. In March 2013, Herald was merged into BankUnited.

        On March 20, 2013, we completed a secondary offering of 22,540,000 shares of our common stock. The selling stockholders received all net proceeds and we did not receive any proceeds from such offering.

        On November 1, 2013, we completed a secondary offering of 9,000,000 shares of our common stock. The selling stockholders received all net proceeds and we did not receive any proceeds from such offering.

 

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Our Business Strategy

        Since the FSB Acquisition, the management team has led the transformation of BankUnited into a healthy, well-capitalized commercial bank with a disciplined and opportunistic approach to growth. We shifted from a price-driven, transaction-based culture to a service-driven, relationship-based franchise. We also have invested in and dedicated a significant amount of capital to build a strong enterprise-risk management infrastructure to ensure appropriate oversight and strong regulatory relations.

        We will continue to build our banking franchise, employing the following key elements:

 

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Our Market Areas

        Our primary banking markets are Florida, in particular the Miami metropolitan statistical area, and the Tri-State market. We believe both represent long-term attractive banking markets as the economy has shown signs of improvement.

        Our competitive strengths, including an experienced management team, robust capital position and scalable platform, continue to allow us to take advantage of the resultant opportunities. More recently, Florida has shown signs of recovery. According to estimates from SNL Financial, from 2000 to 2012, Florida added 3.0 million new residents, the third most of any U.S. state, and, in 2012, had a total population of 19.0 million and a median household annual income of $43,924. At December 31, 2013, we had 99 branches throughout Florida. We also expect recent improving economic trends in Florida to enhance our opportunities for growth.

        Through the acquisition of Herald, we entered the Tri-State market in March 2013. We have begun to establish a presence in the New York metropolitan market by opening six banking centers as of December 31, 2013. According to SNL Financial, at June 30, 2013, the Tri-State area had approximately $1.5 trillion in deposits, with the majority of the market concentrated in the New York metropolitan area. The economic health of the Tri-State market, coupled with the management team's experience in building a successful Northeast regional bank in the past, make us well positioned to continue our expansion and growth in this market.

Recent Developments (Preliminary and Unaudited)

        The financial results we present below at and for the year ended December 31, 2013 may change as a result of the completion of our financial closing procedures or any adjustments that may result from the completion of the audit of our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these unaudited results may materially differ from the actual results that will be reflected in our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, when they are completed and publicly disclosed.

        On January 23, 2014, the Company announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. For the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported net income of $52.4 million, or $0.50 per diluted share. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported net income of $208.9 million, or $2.01 per diluted share, generating an annualized return on average stockholders' equity of 11.16% and an annualized return on average assets of 1.55%.

        Performance highlights include:

 

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Corporate Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016. Our telephone number is (305) 569-2000. Our Internet address is www.bankunited.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus supplement.

 

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THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

  8,000,000 shares.

Common stock outstanding after this offering

 

101,013,014 shares.

Option to purchase additional shares

 

The selling stockholders have granted the underwriter an option to purchase up to an additional 1,200,000 shares within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement.

Use of proceeds

 

The selling stockholders will receive all net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in this offering. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

Dividends

 

The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share on its common stock for each of the four quarters of 2013. The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share on its common stock for each of the first three quarters of 2012, and increased its dividend to $0.21 per share on its common stock for the fourth quarter of 2012, resulting in total dividends for 2012 of $74.1 million, or $0.72 per share for the year ended December 31, 2012. Dividends from the Bank are the principal source of funds for the payment of dividends on our common stock. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions that may limit its ability to pay dividends to us. The quarterly dividends on our common stock are subject to the discretion of our board of directors and dependent on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in financing instruments and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See "Dividend Policy."

NYSE symbol

 

"BKU"

Risk factors

 

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See the sections titled "Risk Factors" on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a discussion of certain risks you should consider before investing in our common stock.

        Unless the context requires otherwise, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 101,013,014 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013. The number of shares of common stock outstanding before and after this offering excludes:

        Except as otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriter's option to purchase additional shares.

 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The summary consolidated historical balance sheet data at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the summary consolidated historical income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 presented below have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The summary consolidated historical balance sheet data at September 30, 2013 and the summary consolidated historical income statement data for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements provided herein have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the information for the periods presented. Our historical results may not be indicative of future results, and our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 may not be indicative of the results for the year ended December 31, 2013. All financial data presented in this prospectus supplement has been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

        This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (including the related notes thereto) and the disclosure under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

 
   
  At December 31,  
 
  At September 30,
2013
 
 
  2012   2011   2010  
 
   
  (dollars in thousands)
   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 525,679   $ 495,353   $ 303,742   $ 564,774  

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

    3,871,948     4,172,412     4,181,977     2,926,602  

Loans, net

    7,746,944     5,512,618     4,088,656     3,875,857  

FDIC indemnification asset

    1,265,037     1,457,570     2,049,151     2,667,401  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    69,240     69,768     68,667     69,011  

Total assets

    14,308,014     12,375,953     11,322,038     10,869,560  

Deposits

    9,848,103     8,538,073     7,364,714     7,163,728  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    2,363,745     1,916,919     2,236,131     2,255,200  

Total liabilities

    12,422,200     10,569,273     9,786,758     9,616,052  

Total stockholders' equity

    1,885,814     1,806,680     1,535,280     1,253,508  

 

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  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Years
Ended December 31,
 
 
  2013   2012   2012   2011   2010  
 
  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

Consolidated Income Statement Data:

                               

Interest income

  $ 550,517   $ 518,510   $ 720,856   $ 638,097   $ 557,688  

Interest expense

    68,202     95,487     123,269     138,937     168,200  

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

    481,955     423,023     597,587     499,160     389,488  

Provision for loan losses

    19,452     17,866     18,896     13,828     51,407  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    462,503     405,157     578,691     485,332     338,081  

Non-interest income

    25,229     83,748     89,247     163,217     297,779  

Non-interest expense

    243,119     244,371     323,073     455,805     323,320  

Income before income taxes

    244,613     244,534     344,865     192,744     312,540  

Provision for income taxes

    88,070     95,776     133,605     129,576     127,805  

Net income

  $ 156,543   $ 148,758   $ 211,260   $ 63,168   $ 184,735  

Share Data:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Earnings per common share, basic

  $ 1.52   $ 1.45   $ 2.05   $ 0.63   $ 1.99  

Earnings per common share, diluted

  $ 1.51   $ 1.44   $ 2.05   $ 0.62   $ 1.99  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.63   $ 0.51   $ 0.72   $ 0.56   $ 0.37  

Dividend payout ratio

    41.72 %   35.42 %   35.13 %   90.32 %   18.59 %

Other Data (unaudited):

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Financial ratios

                               

Return on average assets

    1.61 %   1.63 %   1.71 %   0.58 %   1.65 %

Return on average common stockholders' equity

    11.27 %   11.96 %   12.45 %   4.34 %   15.43 %

Yield on earning assets(1)

    6.74 %   7.11 %   7.28 %   7.92 %   7.26 %

Cost of interest bearing liabilities

    0.96 %   1.38 %   1.33 %   1.62 %   1.81 %

Equity to assets ratio

    13.18 %   13.75 %   14.60 %   13.56 %   11.53 %

Interest rate spread(1)

    5.78 %   5.73 %   5.95 %   6.30 %   5.45 %

Net interest margin(1)

    5.92 %   5.82 %   6.05 %   6.21 %   5.08 %

Loan to deposit ratio(2)

    79.28 %   62.76 %   65.28 %   56.23 %   54.96 %

Asset quality ratios

                               

Non-performing loans to total loans(2)(3)

    0.50 %   0.62 %   0.62 %   0.70 %   0.66 %

Non-performing assets to total assets(4)

    0.61 %   0.96 %   0.89 %   1.35 %   2.14 %

Allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans

    0.76 %   1.14 %   1.06 %   1.17 %   1.48 %

Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans(3)

    153.98 %   185.24 %   171.21 %   167.59 %   226.35 %

Net charge-offs to average loans

    0.40 %   0.17 %   0.17 %   0.62 %   0.37 %

 

 
   
  At December 31,  
 
  At September 30,
2013
 
 
  2012   2011   2010  

Capital ratios

                         

Tier 1 risk-based capital

    24.10 %   33.60 %   41.62 %   42.97 %

Total risk-based capital

    24.97 %   34.88 %   42.89 %   43.71 %

Tier 1 leverage

    13.11 %   13.16 %   13.06 %   10.76 %

(1)
On a tax-equivalent basis.

 

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(2)
Total loans are net of unearned discounts and deferred fees and costs.

(3)
We define non-performing loans to include nonaccrual loans, loans, other than ACI loans, that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing and certain loans modified in troubled debt restructurings. Contractually delinquent ACI loans on which interest continues to be accreted are excluded from non-performing loans. The carrying value of ACI loans contractually delinquent by more than 90 days, but not identified as non-performing was $87.5 million, $274.8 million, $176.5 million, $361.2 million and $717.7 million at September 30, 2013, September 30, 2012, December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

(4)
Non-performing assets include non-performing loans and OREO.

 

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RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with the other information contained or incorporated by reference, as the case may be, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the "Risk Factors" section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q before you decide to buy the common stock offered by this prospectus. If any of the events outlined actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects would likely be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

There may be future sales or other dilution of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

        We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock or preferred stock, subject to the lock-up agreement with the underwriter, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering, by us, the selling stockholders or others, or the perception that such sales could occur.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        The selling stockholders will receive all net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in this offering. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

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PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "BKU." On January 28, 2014, the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE was $31.91. The following table sets forth the high and low intraday prices of our common stock on the NYSE for the periods indicated.

 
  2011  
 
  High   Low  

First Quarter

  $ 29.90   $ 27.25  

Second Quarter

  $ 29.54   $ 26.10  

Third Quarter

  $ 27.60   $ 19.41  

Fourth Quarter

  $ 23.49   $ 18.92  

 

 
  2012  
 
  High   Low  

First Quarter

  $ 26.33   $ 21.66  

Second Quarter

  $ 25.26   $ 22.23  

Third Quarter

  $ 26.22   $ 22.85  

Fourth Quarter

  $ 25.10   $ 22.01  

 

 
  2013  
 
  High   Low  

First Quarter

  $ 28.69   $ 24.22  

Second Quarter

  $ 27.00   $ 24.17  

Third Quarter

  $ 31.47   $ 26.25  

Fourth Quarter

  $ 33.34   $ 30.35  

 

 
  2014  
 
  High   Low  

First Quarter (through January 28, 2014)

  $ 33.99   $ 31.53  

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share on its common stock for each of the four quarters of 2013. The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share on its common stock for each of the first three quarters of 2012, and increased its dividend to $0.21 per share on its common stock for the fourth quarter of 2012, resulting in total dividends for 2012 of $74.1 million, or $0.72 per share for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company declared quarterly dividends of $0.14 per share on its common stock in 2011, resulting in total dividends for 2011 of $56.7 million, or $0.56 per share for the year ended December 31, 2011. Dividends from the Bank are the principal source of funds for the payment of dividends on our common stock. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions that may limit its ability to pay dividends to us. See "Business—Regulation and Supervision—Regulatory Limits on Dividends and Distributions" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which is incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The quarterly dividends on our common stock are subject to the discretion of our board of directors and dependent on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in financing instruments and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization at September 30, 2013 on a historical basis. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

(Dollars in thousands)
  At September 30, 2013  

Debt:

       

Short-term borrowings

  $ 6,015  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings

    2,363,745  
       

Total debt

    2,369,760  
       

Stockholders' equity:

       

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 400,000,000 shares authorized; 100,860,270 shares issued and outstanding

    1,009  

Paid-in capital

    1,327,164  

Retained earnings

    504,702  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    52,939  
       

Total stockholders' equity

    1,885,814  
       

Total capitalization

  $ 4,255,574  
       
       

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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table, which was prepared based on information supplied to us by the selling stockholders, sets forth the name of each of the selling stockholders, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each of the selling stockholders prior to this offering and the number of shares to be offered by each of the selling stockholders under this prospectus supplement. The table also provides information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by each of the selling stockholders as adjusted to reflect the assumed sale of all of the shares of common stock offered under this prospectus supplement, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional shares. The ownership percentage indicated in the following table is based on 101,013,014 shares of our common stock outstanding at December 31, 2013.

        We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the tables below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.

        In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options, restricted stock or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2013. We, however, did not deem these shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Beneficial ownership representing less than 1% is denoted with an asterisk (*).

 
  Beneficial Ownership
Prior to Offering
   
  Beneficial Ownership
After Offering
 
Name of Selling Stockholder
  Common
Stock
  Percentage of
Common Stock
  Number of
Common Stock
Offered Hereby
  Common
Stock
  Percentage of
Common Stock
 

Investment funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group(1)

    5,561,692     5.5 %   2,113,378     3,448,314     3.4 %

Investment funds affiliated with The Carlyle Group(2)

    5,561,692     5.5 %   2,113,378     3,448,314     3.4 %

Investment funds affiliated with WL Ross & Co. LLC(3)

    5,561,692     5.5 %   2,113,378     3,448,314     3.4 %

Investment funds affiliated with Centerbridge Partners, L.P.(4)

    4,368,200     4.3 %   1,659,866     2,708,334     2.7 %

(1)
Consists of 4,227,943 shares of common stock held by Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., 1,322,070 shares of common stock held by Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC, L.P., 7,386 shares of common stock held by Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V, L.P. and 4,293 shares of common stock held by Blackstone Participation Partnership V, L.P.

Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C. is the general partner of Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. and Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P. BCP V Side-by-Side GP L.L.C. is the general partner of Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V, L.P. and Blackstone Participation Partnership V, L.P. Chinh E. Chu is a member of Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C., which has investment and voting control over the shares held or controlled by Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. and Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P., and Mr. Chu is a member of BCP V Side-by-Side GP L.L.C., which has investment and voting control over the shares held or controlled by Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V, L.P. and Blackstone Participation Partnership V, L.P. Mr. Chu disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Mr. Chu is a member of our board of directors and Mr. Chu is a Senior Managing Director of The Blackstone Group.

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(2)
Consists of 2,494,033 shares of common stock held by Carlyle Financial Services BU, L.P., 554,357 shares of common stock held by Carlyle Strategic Partners II, L.P., 19,270 shares of common stock held by CSP II Coinvestment, L.P., 2,347, 339 shares of common stock held by Carlyle Partners V, L.P., 94,273 shares of common stock held by CP V Coinvestment A, L.P., 5,193 shares of common stock held by CP V Coinvestment B, L.P. and 47,227 shares of common stock held of record by Carlyle Partners V-A, L.P.

Carlyle Group Management L.L.C. is the general partner of The Carlyle Group L.P., which is a publicly traded entity listed on NASDAQ.

The Carlyle Group L.P. is the managing member of Carlyle Holdings II GP L.L.C., which is the general partner of Carlyle Holdings II L.P., which is the general partner of TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings, L.P., which is the general partner of TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings Sub L.P. TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings Sub L.P. is the managing member of TC Group V, L.L.C., which is the general partner of TC Group V, L.P., which is the general partner of each of Carlyle Partners V, L.P., CP V Coinvestment A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment B, L.P. and Carlyle Partners V-A, L.P. TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings Sub L.P. is also the sole shareholder of Carlyle Financial Services, Ltd., which is the general partner of TCG Financial Services, L.P., which is the general partner of Carlyle Financial Services BU, L.P. Accordingly, Carlyle Group Management L.L.C. and each of the entities mentioned in this paragraph may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned of record by Carlyle Partners V, L.P., CP V Coinvestment A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment B, L.P., Carlyle Partners V-A, L.P. and Carlyle Financial Services BU.

The Carlyle Group L.P. is also the sole shareholder of Carlyle Holdings I GP Inc., which is the managing member of Carlyle Holdings I GP Sub L.L.C., which is the general partner of Carlyle Holdings I L.P., which is the managing member of TC Group, L.L.C., which is the general partner of TC Group Sub L.P., which is the managing member of TC Group CSP II, L.L.C., which is the general partner of CSP II General Partner, L.P., which is the general partner of each of Carlyle Strategic Partners II, L.P. and CSP II Coinvestment, L.P. Accordingly, Carlyle Group Management L.L.C. and each of the entities mentioned in this paragraph may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned of record by Carlyle Strategic Partners II, L.P. and CSP II Coinvestment, L.P.

The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this note is c/o The Carlyle Group, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 220 South, Washington, DC 20004.

(3)
Consists of 5,042,633 shares of common stock held by WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P., 20,252 shares of common stock held by WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. and 498,807 shares of common stock held by WLR/GS Master Co-Investment, L.P. (collectively, the "WL Ross Funds").

WLR Recovery Associates IV LLC is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P. Invesco WLR IV Recovery Associates LLC is the general partner of WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. WLR Master Co-Investment GP, LLC, is the general partner of WLR/GS Master Co-Investment, L.P. Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. is a member of the investment committee of each WL Ross Fund's general partner, which has investment and voting control over the shares held or controlled by each of the WL Ross Funds. Mr. Ross disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except for his pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Ross is a member of our board of directors and Mr. Ross is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WL Ross & Co. LLC.

The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this note is c/o WL Ross & Co. LLC, 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.

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(4)
Consists of 3,725,239 shares of common stock held by Centerbridge Capital Partners, L.P., 137,608 shares of common stock held by Centerbridge Capital Partners Strategic, L.P., 6,131 shares of common stock held by Centerbridge Capital Partners SBS, L.P., 237,131 shares of common stock held by CB BU Investors, L.L.C., 137,285 shares of common stock held by CB BU Investors II, L.L.C. and 124,806 shares of common stock held by CB BU Investors III, L.L.C. (collectively, the "Centerbridge Funds").

Centerbridge Associates, L.P. is the general partner of each of such entities. Lance N. West is a member of Centerbridge Associates, L.P., which has investment and voting control over the shares held or controlled by each of the Centerbridge Funds. Mr. West disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Mr. West is a member of our board of directors and Mr. West is a Senior Managing Director of Centerbridge Partners, L.P.

The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this note is c/o Centerbridge Partners, L.P., 375 Park Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10152.

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U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a general discussion of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below) that purchases our common stock pursuant to this offering and holds such common stock as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment). This discussion is based on currently existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and rulings and pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or subject to different interpretation. This discussion does not address all the tax consequences that may be relevant to specific holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income or estate tax laws (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, retirement plans, partnerships and their partners, dealers in securities, brokers, U.S. expatriates, persons who have acquired our common stock as compensation or otherwise in connection with the performance of services, or persons who have acquired our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment). This discussion does not address the state, local, or foreign tax or U.S. federal alternative minimum tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of our common stock. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of owning and disposing of our common stock, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign tax laws.

        As used in this discussion, the term "non-U.S. holder" refers to a beneficial owner of our common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is neither a partnership nor:

        If a partnership or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership that holds our common stock and any partner who owns an interest in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our common stock.

Dividends

        In the event that we make a distribution of cash or other property (other than certain distributions of our stock) in respect of our common stock, the distribution generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Any portion of a distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits will generally be treated first as a tax-free return of capital, on a share-by-share basis, to the extent of the non-U.S. holder's tax basis in our common stock, and, to the extent such portion exceeds the non-U.S. holder's tax basis in our common stock, the excess will be treated as gain from the disposition of the common stock, the tax treatment of which is discussed below under "Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition."

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        The gross amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30%, unless (i) an applicable income tax treaty reduces or eliminates such tax, and the non-U.S. holder certifies that it is eligible for the benefits of such treaty in the manner described below, or (ii) the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) and the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification and disclosure requirements. In the latter case, a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends on an net income basis at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as a United States person (as defined under the Code). Additionally, a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items.

        A non-U.S. holder that wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty with respect to dividends on our common stock will be required to provide the applicable withholding agent with a valid IRS Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalties of perjury that such holder (i) is not a United States person (as defined under the Code) and (ii) is eligible for the benefits of such treaty, and the withholding agent must not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the certification is incorrect. This certification must be provided to the applicable withholding agent prior to the payment of dividends and may be required to be updated periodically. If our common stock is held through a non-U.S. partnership or non-U.S. intermediary, such partnership or intermediary will also be required to comply with additional certification requirements under applicable Treasury regulations.

        A non-U.S. holder eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition

        Generally, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized upon the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of our common stock unless (i) such non-U.S. holder is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied, (ii) the gain is effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States), or (iii) we are or become a "U.S. real property holding corporation" (as defined in section 897(c) of the Code) at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or the non-U.S. holder's holding period for our common stock and either (a) our common stock has ceased to be traded on an established securities market prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition occurs, or (b) the non-U.S. holder owns (actually or constructively) more than five percent of our common stock at some time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or such holder's holding period for our common stock. Although there can be no assurances, we believe that we are not a U.S. real property holding corporation, and we do not expect to become a U.S. real property holding corporation.

        Gain described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph will be subject to tax on a net income basis at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person (as defined under the Code). A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the

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taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. An individual non-U.S. holder described in clause (i) of the immediately preceding paragraph will be required to pay (subject to applicable income tax treaties) a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by certain United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States.

Federal Estate Tax

        Shares of our common stock beneficially owned by an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a resident of the United States (as defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will generally be includable in the decedent's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and therefore may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments of dividends and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock. Information reporting and backup withholding (at the then applicable rate) may also apply to payments made to a non-U.S. holder on or with respect to our common stock, unless the non-U.S. holder certifies as to its status as a non-U.S. person under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption and certain other conditions are satisfied. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

        After June 30, 2014, withholding at a rate of 30% will be required on dividends in respect of, and, after December 31, 2016, gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury Department to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to interests in, and accounts maintained by, the institution that are owned by certain U.S. persons and by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations, may modify these requirements. Accordingly, the entity through which our common stock is held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under certain exemptions will be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any "substantial United States owners" or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity's "substantial United States owners." Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these rules on their investment in our common stock.

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UNDERWRITING

        Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, Goldman, Sachs & Co., has agreed to purchase, and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell, 8,000,000 shares of common stock.

        The underwriter is offering the shares of common stock subject to its acceptance of the shares from the selling stockholders and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by its counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriter is obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriter is not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriter's option to purchase additional shares described below.

        The underwriter initially proposes to offer part of the shares of common stock directly to the public at the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and part to certain dealers. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriter.

        The selling stockholders have granted to the underwriter an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to 1,200,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

        The following table shows the per share and total public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions, and proceeds before expenses to the selling stockholders. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter's option to purchase up to an additional 1,200,000 shares of common stock.

        The underwriting discounts and commissions are the difference between the public offering price and the amount the underwriter pays to the selling stockholders for the shares.

 
   
  Total  
 
  Per
Share
  No
Exercise
  Full
Exercise
 

Public offering price

  $ 31.65   $ 253,200,000   $ 291,180,000  

Underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by the selling stockholders

  $ 0.25   $ 2,000,000   $ 2,300,000  

Proceeds to the selling stockholders

  $ 31.40   $ 251,200,000   $ 288,880,000  

        The estimated offering expenses payable by us are approximately $400,000. We have agreed with the underwriter to pay all fees and expenses related to the review and qualification of this offering by the FINRA and "blue sky" expenses in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000 and to split the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show for this offering.

        Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol "BKU".

        We and the selling stockholders have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, we and the selling stockholders will not, during the period ending 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement (the "Restricted Period"):

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whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. In addition, each selling stockholder agrees that, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, it will not, during the Restricted Period, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock.

        With respect to us, the restrictions described above do not apply to:

        With respect to the selling stockholders the restrictions described above do not apply to:

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provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to the third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh bullet above, (x) each donee, distributee or transferee shall sign and deliver a lock-up letter substantially in the form of the letter signed by our selling stockholders, and (y) no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the Restricted Period), reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of common stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the restricted period referred to in the foregoing sentence.

        The underwriter, in its sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice.

        In order to facilitate the offering of the common stock, the underwriter may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriter may sell more shares than it is obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriter under the option. The underwriter can close out a covered short sale by exercising the option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the option. The underwriter may also sell shares in excess of the option, creating a naked short position. The underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A short naked position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the underwriter may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriter is not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

        We, the selling stockholders and the underwriter have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

        A prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by the underwriter, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. A number of shares of common stock may be allocated for sale to the underwriter's online brokerage account holders.

Relationships with Underwriter

        The underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing, valuation and brokerage activities. From time to time, the underwriter and/or its affiliates have directly and indirectly engaged, or may engage, in various financial advisory, investment banking and commercial banking services for us and our affiliates, for which they received, or may receive, customary compensation, fees and expense reimbursement. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity

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securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours. The underwriter and its respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Selling Restrictions

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State") an offer to the public of any shares of our common stock may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any shares of our common stock may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer to the public" in relation to any shares of our common stock in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of our common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any shares of our common stock, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State, and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

        Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

        This prospectus has not been approved by or registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or the Registrar of Companies of Hong Kong. The securities will not be

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offered or sold in Hong Kong other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) has been issued or will be issued in Hong Kong or elsewhere other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

        The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

        This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the securities may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the securities be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) (the "the SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

        Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, then securities, debentures and units of securities and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the securities under Section 275 except: (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (ii) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (iii) by operation of law.

        The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange ("SIX") or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing

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material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

        Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes ("CISA"). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

        No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC"), in relation to the offering. This prospectus supplement does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the "Corporations Act"), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

        Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the "Exempt Investors") who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

        The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

        This prospectus supplement contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus supplement is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

        This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York is representing us in connection with this offering. The underwriter is being represented in this offering by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York.

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PROSPECTUS

LOGO


COMMON STOCK

        This prospectus relates solely to sales of our common stock by selling stockholders. The selling stockholders, who will be named in a prospectus supplement, may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms that will be determined at the time of any such offering. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock to be offered by the selling stockholders.

        This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to our common stock. Each time any common stock is offered pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement and attach it to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will contain more specific information about the offering, including the number of shares of our common stock to be sold by the selling stockholders. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision.

        This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell shares of our common stock unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus.

        The shares of our common stock may be sold at fixed prices, prevailing market prices at the times of sale, prices related to the prevailing market prices, varying prices determined at the times of sale or negotiated prices. The shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may be offered by the selling stockholders directly to investors or to or through underwriters, dealers or other agents. The prospectus supplement for each offering will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering and will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the offering and any applicable fees, commissions or discount arrangements.

        Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BKU."

        Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" on page 1 before you make your investment decision.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is March 6, 2013.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  ii

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  iii

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  iv

THE COMPANY

  1

RISK FACTORS

  1

USE OF PROCEEDS

  1

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

  2

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

  7

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  8

LEGAL MATTERS

  12

EXPERTS

  12

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, as a "well-known seasoned issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act. Under the automatic shelf process, the selling stockholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock. We will also be required to provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the selling stockholders and the terms on which our common stock is being offered and sold. We may also add, update or change in a prospectus supplement information contained in this prospectus.

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference herein as described under "Where You Can Find More Information," and any free writing prospectus that we prepare and distribute. Neither we nor the selling stockholders have authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus.

        The selling stockholders may only offer to sell, and seek offers to buy, shares of our common stock in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted.

        This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement on Form S-3, including its exhibits. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and, therefore, file reports and other information with the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are only summaries. If SEC rules require that any agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for its complete contents.

        You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any other offering materials is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of each document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since then.

        Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "we," "our," "us," and the "Company" refer to BankUnited, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, prospectus and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains our reports, proxy and other information regarding us at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available free of charge at our website (www.bankunited.com). The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

        The SEC allows "incorporation by reference" into this prospectus of information that we file with the SEC. This permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is considered to be a part of this prospectus and any information filed by us with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus automatically will be deemed to update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents which we have filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been "furnished" but not "filed" for purposes of the Exchange Act):

        We incorporate by reference any filings made with the SEC in accordance with Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and the date all of the securities offered hereby are sold or the offering is otherwise terminated, with the exception of any information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, which is not deemed filed and which is not incorporated by reference herein. Any such filings shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference and to be a part of this prospectus from the respective dates of filing of those documents.

        We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus. You should direct requests for documents to:

BankUnited, Inc.
Investor Relations
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
(305) 569-2000

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect the Company's current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the historical performance of the Company or on the Company's current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the future plans, estimates or expectations so contemplated will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the Company's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary materially from those indicated in these statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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THE COMPANY

        BankUnited, Inc. is a national bank holding company with three direct wholly-owned subsidiaries: BankUnited, National Association ("BankUnited"), Herald National Bank ("Herald"), and BankUnited Investment Services, Inc. ("BUIS"). BankUnited, a national banking association headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida with $11.7 billion of assets as of December 31, 2012, provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through 98 branches located in 15 Florida counties. Herald is a national banking association with 2 branch locations in New York. BUIS is a Florida insurance agency providing wealth management and financial planning services. The operations of BUIS have not historically been significant to the results of operations or financial position of the Company. We intend to discontinue the operations of BUIS in 2013.

        The Company has built, through organic growth and acquisitions, a premier regional bank with a low-risk, long-term value-oriented business model focused on small and medium sized businesses and consumers. We endeavor to provide personalized customer service and offer a full range of traditional banking products and services to both our commercial and retail customers.

Corporate Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016. Our telephone number is (305) 569-2000. Our Internet address is www.bankunited.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.


RISK FACTORS

        You should consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, the risk factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in any applicable prospectus supplement and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, before making an investment decision. Based on the information currently known to us, we believe that the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus identifies the most significant risk factors affecting our company. Each of risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment. The risks and uncertainties are not limited to those set forth in the risk factors described in these documents. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be less significant than the risk factors incorporated by reference herein may also adversely affect our business. In addition, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        All shares of common stock sold pursuant to this prospectus will be sold by the selling stockholders and we will not receive any of the proceeds from such sales.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following descriptions include summaries of the material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated by-laws and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL. For more information on how you can obtain our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws, see "Where You Can Find More Information." We urge you to read our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws in their entirety.

General

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.

        At February 20, 2013, there were outstanding:

Common Stock

        Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of our common stock, voting together as a single class, including the election of directors. Our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the voting shares are able to elect all of the directors.

        Subject to the prior rights of holders of preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors.

        Subject to the prior rights of our creditors and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock, in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders.

Preferred Stock

        Our board of directors has the authority, without action by our stockholders, to issue preferred stock and to fix voting powers for each class or series of preferred stock, and to provide that any class or series may be subject to redemption, entitled to receive dividends, entitled to rights upon dissolution, or convertible or exchangeable for shares of any other class or classes of capital stock. The rights with respect to a series or class of preferred stock may be greater than the rights attached to our common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of our preferred stock on the rights of holders of our common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights attached to that preferred stock. The effect of issuing preferred stock could include, among other things, one or more of the following:

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        In February, 2012, the Company created a series of 5,415,794 shares of preferred stock designated "Series A Nonvoting Convertible Preferred Stock", par value $0.01 per share. The preferred stock ranks pari passu with the Company's common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or distributions and has a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share. Subject to certain restrictions, each share of preferred stock is convertible into one share of common stock at the option of the holder or upon written request of the Company and is mandatorily convertible into common stock upon certain transfers. For additional information, see "Certain Related Party Relationships—Blackstone Exchange Agreement" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, which we filed with the SEC on April 4, 2012.

Registration Rights

        BankUnited, Inc., certain funds affiliated with Blackstone Private Equity Group, or "Blackstone," the Carlyle Group, or "Carlyle," Centerbridge Partners, L.P., or "Centerbridge," and WL Ross & Co. LLC, or "WL Ross," all together referred to as the "Sponsors," and each individually as a "Sponsor," John A. Kanas, John Bohlsen, Rajinder P. Singh, and Douglas J. Pauls (together with Messrs. Kanas, Bohlsen and Singh, the "Management Members"), LF Moby LLC (which is beneficially owned by Richard S. LeFrak and his sons), Eugene F. DeMark, Ambassador Sue M. Cobb, and all other members of BU Financial Holdings LLC, previously the sole stockholder of BankUnited, Inc., entered into a registration rights agreement on February 2, 2011.

        Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, the Sponsors have been provided with demand registration rights, which became exercisable after expiration of the lockup provisions applicable to them. The demand registration rights require BankUnited, Inc. to register the shares of common stock beneficially owned by the demanding Sponsor with the SEC for sale by it to the public in a non-shelf registered offering, provided that the value of the registrable securities proposed to be sold by such demanding Sponsor is at least the lesser of $50.0 million or the value of all registrable securities held by such Sponsor. Subject to certain restrictions, any demanded non-shelf registered offering may, at BankUnited, Inc.'s option, include shares to be sold by BankUnited, Inc. for its own account and will also include shares to be sold by stockholders that exercise their related piggyback rights in accordance with the registration rights agreement. The registration rights provisions also provide that BankUnited, Inc. may be required under certain circumstances to file a shelf registration statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act. BankUnited, Inc. may postpone the filing of such a registration statement or suspend the effectiveness of any registration statement for a reasonable "blackout period" not in excess of 90 days if BankUnited, Inc.'s board of directors determines that such registration or offering could materially interfere with a bona fide business or financing transaction of BankUnited, Inc. or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of material, non-public information, the premature disclosure of which BankUnited, Inc.'s board of directors reasonably determines in the exercise of its good faith judgment would not be in the best interests of BankUnited, Inc.; provided that BankUnited, Inc. shall not postpone the filing of a registration statement or suspend the effectiveness of any registration statement for more than 90 days in the aggregate in any 360-day period.

        In addition, pursuant to the registration rights agreement, in the event that BankUnited, Inc. is registering additional shares of common stock for sale to the public, whether on its own behalf (except

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with respect to registered primary offerings by BankUnited, Inc. (i) covered by a Form S-4 registration statement, Form S-8 registration statement or a successor form applicable to employee benefit-related or stock compensation and incentive offers and sales or (ii) where the shares are not being sold for cash) or through a demand registration on behalf of a Sponsor (as described above), BankUnited, Inc. is required to give notice of such registration to all parties to the registration rights agreement that hold registrable securities (which includes members of BankUnited, Inc. management that hold shares of BankUnited, Inc. common stock) of the intention to effect such a registration. Such notified persons have piggyback registration rights providing them the right to have BankUnited, Inc. include the shares of common stock owned by them in any such registration if BankUnited, Inc. has received written requests for inclusion therein within prescribed time limits, subject to other provisions under the registration rights agreement.

Corporate Opportunity

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the doctrine of "corporate opportunity" will not apply against the Sponsors, any of their affiliates or any of our directors or officers, and that the Company renounces any interest or expectancy in any business opportunities that are presented to any of the Sponsors or any of their affiliates or to any of the directors or officers of the Company, even if such opportunity is of a character that could be taken by the Company. To the extent that the Sponsors, any of their affiliates, or any of our directors and officers participate in any such business opportunity, they may have differing interests than our other stockholders.

Anti-Takeover Considerations and Special Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws and Delaware Law

        The following sets forth certain provisions of the DGCL, and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws. Banking laws also impose notice approval and ongoing regulatory requirements on any stockholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect "control" of an FDIC-insured depository institution. For additional information, see "Business—Regulation and Supervision—Notice and Approval Requirements Related to Control" in Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time by a majority of our board of directors or by the Chief Executive Officer or the President. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provide that a holder, or a group of holders, of capital stock holding 25.0% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may cause us to call a special meeting of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes at any time.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws provide that stockholders are not entitled to act by written consent.

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        Our board of directors, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the board of directors, has the power without the assent or vote of the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the by-laws. The by-laws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the shares of outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon, subject to a specified exception relating to indemnification and advancement of expenses.

        The DGCL provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless an entity's certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

        Except as may otherwise be required by applicable law and subject to the rights of holders of preferred stock then outstanding, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will provide that stockholders may not remove directors without cause.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors.

        We have elected to "opt out" of Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, with the following exceptions:

In general, Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:

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        In general, Section 203 defines an "interested stockholder" as an entity or person who, together with the person's affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15.0% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

        A Delaware corporation may "opt out" of Section 203 with an expressed provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an expressed provision in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws resulting from amendments approved by holders of at least a majority of the corporation's outstanding voting shares.

Listing

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BKU."

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is the Registrar and Transfer Company.

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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

        Information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by the selling stockholders, the number of shares being offered by the selling stockholders and the number of shares beneficially owned by the selling stockholders after the applicable offering, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment, or in filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act which are incorporated by reference.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The selling stockholders may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:

        In addition, the manner in which the selling stockholders may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus includes any method permitted by law, including, without limitation, through:

        The selling stockholders may also enter into hedging transactions. For example, the selling stockholders may:

        The securities covered by this prospectus may be sold:

        In addition, the selling stockholders may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from the selling stockholders or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from the selling stockholders to close out any related short positions. The selling stockholders may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an

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event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

        A prospectus supplement with respect to each offering of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

        The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by the selling stockholders, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:

General

        Any public offering price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be changed from time to time. Any selling stockholders, underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be "underwriters" as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from the selling stockholders and any profits they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The selling stockholders will identify any underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their commissions, fees or discounts in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

        The selling stockholders and other persons participating in the sale or distribution of the securities will be subject to applicable prospectus of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the securities by the selling stockholders or any other person. The anti-manipulation rules under the Securities Act may apply to sales of securities in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and any affiliates of the selling stockholders. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. These restrictions may affect the marketability of the securities and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the securities.

        The selling stockholders are not restricted as to the price or prices at which they may sell the securities. Sales of such securities may have an adverse effect on the market price of the securities.

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Moreover, it is possible that a significant number of shares of common stock could be sold at the same time, which may have an adverse effect on the market price of the securities.

        We cannot assure you that the selling stockholder will sell all or any portion of the securities offered hereby.

Underwriters and Agents

        If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. These sales may be made at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to such prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may offer the securities to the public through an underwriting syndicate or through a single underwriter. The underwriters in any particular offering will be mentioned in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

        Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we and the applicable selling stockholders will enter into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

        The selling stockholders may designate agents to sell the offered securities. Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. The selling stockholders may also sell the offered securities to one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us or any selling stockholders. These firms will remarket the offered securities upon purchasing them in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with the selling stockholders and its compensation.

        In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, the selling stockholders may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which the selling stockholders receive outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from the selling stockholders under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.

Dealers

        The selling stockholders may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. The selling stockholders may negotiate and pay dealers' commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with the selling stockholders at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may allow other dealers to participate in resales.

Direct Sales

        The selling stockholders may choose to sell the offered securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.

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Institutional Purchasers

        The selling stockholders may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.

        The selling stockholders will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that the selling stockholders approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.

Indemnification; Other Relationships

        The selling stockholders may have agreements with agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the selling stockholders in the ordinary course of business. This includes commercial banking and investment banking transactions.

Market-Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions

        In connection with any offering of common stock, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common stock in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. "Covered" short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters' over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make "naked" short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

        In connection with any offering, the underwriters may also engage in penalty bids. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.

Fees and Commissions

        In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"), the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be; however, it is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this amount.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York will provide opinions regarding the authorization and validity of the securities. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may also provide opinions regarding certain other matters. Any underwriters will also be advised about legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in the prospectus supplement.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of BankUnited, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The Company acquired Herald National Bank (Herald) during 2012, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, Herald's internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $490.5 million and total net interest income of $13.5 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012. KPMG LLP's audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Herald.

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