UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192021
OR
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☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from __________________ to __________________
Commission file number 001-39123
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Maryland | Maryland | | 33-0227337 | |
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4250 Executive Square,, Suite 300,, La Jolla,, CA92037
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(858) (858) 362-6300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: |
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | SI | New York Stock Exchange |
Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of 5.375% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A | SI PRA | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐☒ No☒☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange actAct of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | ☐☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☒☐ |
Non-accelerated Filer | ☒☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒☐ | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
At June 30, 2019 there was 0t a public market for the registrant’s common stock. The aggregate value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of December 31, 2019June 30, 2021 was $224.9 million.$2.9 billion.
As of March 3, 2020,February 21, 2022, the registrant had 18,371,16031,624,497 shares of Class A voting common stock and 296,836 shares of Class B non-voting common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such information is incorporated herein by this reference.
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I |
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PART III |
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” or words or phases of similar meaning. We caution that the forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors, which are in many instances, beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements:
•the success of the digital currency industry, the development and acceptance of which is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, as well as the continued evolution of the regulation of this industry and uncertainty of adoption of digital currencies;
•the success of the digital currency initiative and our ability to implement aspects of our growth strategy;
•the concentration of our depositor relationships in the digital currency industry generally and among digital currency exchanges in particular;
•our ability to grow or sustain our low-cost funding strategy related to the digital currency initiative;
•system failure or cybersecurity breaches of our network security;
•our ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the industry or implement new technology effectively;
•our reliance on third-party service providers for core systems support, informational website hosting, internet services, online account opening and other processing services;
•our reliance on third party custodians to hold bitcoin in connection with our SEN Leverage product;
•economic conditions (including interest rate environment, government economic and monetary policies, the strength of global financial markets and inflation and deflation) that impact the financial services industry and/or our business;
•increased competition in the financial services industry, particularly from regional and national institutions;
•credit risks, including risks related to the significance of commercial real estate loans in our portfolio, our ability to manage our credit risk effectively and the potential deterioration of the business and economic conditions in our primary market areas;conditions;
•results of examinations of us by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or to write-down assets;
•changes in the value of collateral securing our loans;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property and the risks we face with respect to claims and litigation initiated against us;
interest rate risk associated with our business, including sensitivity of our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to interest rates, and the impact to our earnings from changes in interest rates;
•our dependence on our management team and changes in management composition;
•the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and our ability to remediate any future material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.reporting;
•the sufficiency of our capital, including sources of capital and the extent to which we may be required to raise additional capital to meet our goals;
•potential exposure to fraud, negligence, computer theft and cyber-crime and other disruptions in our computer systems relating to our development and use of new technology platforms;
•the adequacy of our risk management framework;
•our involvement from time to time in legal proceedings, examinations and remedial actions by regulators;
•changes in the laws, rules, regulations, interpretations or policies relating to financial institution, accounting, tax, trade, monetary, digital currency and fiscal matters;
•the financial soundness of other financial institutions;
•natural disasters and adverse weather, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, and other matters beyond our control; and
•other factors that are discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports and registration statements filed by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements. We will not update the forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and statements should not be viewed as predictions, and should not be the primary basis upon which investors evaluate us. Any investor in our common stock should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filings with the SEC, all of which are accessible on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
PART I
Item 1. Business
All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Silvergate” or the “Company” mean Silvergate Capital Corporation and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Silvergate Bank, our primary operating subsidiary. All references to the ‘‘Bank’’ refer to Silvergate Bank. All references to the “Corporation” refer to Silvergate Capital Corporation. References to “common stock” or “Class A Common Stock” refer to our Class A voting common stock. References to “Class B Common Stock” refer to our Class B non-voting common stock.
Overview
Silvergate Capital Corporation is the holding company for our wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary, Silvergate Bank, which we believe is the leading provider of innovative financial infrastructure solutions and services to participants in the nascent and expanding digital currency industry. We leverage our technology platform and our management team's expertise to develop solutions for many of the largest U.S. digital currency exchanges and investors around the globe. Our solutions are built on our deep-rooted commitment and proprietary approach to regulatory compliance.
InstrumentalKey to our leadership position and growth strategy is the Silvergate Exchange Network (the “SEN”(“SEN”), our proprietary, virtually instantaneous payment network for participants in the digital currency industry which serves as a platform for the development of additional products and services. The SEN has a powerful network effect that makes it more valuable as participants and utilization increase. The SEN has enabled us to focus on significantly growinggrow our noninterest bearing deposit product for digital currency industry participants, which has provided the majority of our funding over the last twofour years. This unique source of funding is a distinctivedistinct advantage over most traditional financial institutions and allows us to generate revenue from a conservative portfolio of investments in cash, short term securities and certain types of loans that we believe generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. In addition, use of the SEN has resulted in an increase in noninterest income that we believe will become a valuable source of additional revenue as we develop and deploy fee-based solutions in connection with our digital currency initiative. We are also evaluating additional products or product enhancements specifically targeted at providing further financial infrastructure solutions to our customers and strengthening SEN network effects.effects, such as our SEN Leverage lending product described below under “Lending Activities”.
The Company’sCompany is a Maryland corporation whose assets consist primarily of its investment in the Bank and its primary activities are conducted through the Bank. The Company is a registered bank holding company (“BHC”) that is subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal(“Federal Reserve”). The Bank is subject to supervision by the California Department of Business Oversight,Financial Protection and Innovation, Division of Financial Institutions (the “DBO”(“DFPI”), and, as a Federal Reserve member bank since 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to legal limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
The Bank provides financial services that include commercial banking, commercial and residential real estate lending, mortgage warehouse lending and commercial business lending. Our client base is diverse and consists of business and individual clients in California and other states and includes digital currency-related customers in the United States and internationally. In 2009,2013, we began introducing an expanded array of relationship-oriented business products and services, which inexploring the past six yearshas been augmented by our digital currency initiative. Whileindustry and have significantly expanded and reoriented our commercial real estate lending activities are concentrated in California, we have a broader, nationwide focus onproduct and service menus since that time to support our growing digital currency initiative, including the implementation of deposit and cash management services for digital currency-relatedcurrency related businesses, as well asdomestically and internationally. Because of our focus on the digital currency industry in recent years and the unique value-add solutions and services we provide, we have experienced a significant increase in our noninterest bearing deposits which has allowed us to generate attractive returns on lower risk assets through increased investments in interest earning deposits in other banks and securities. Correspondingly, we have significantly de-emphasized our real estate lending and, currently, our lending activities are focused on digital currency collateralized loans or SEN Leverage, and mortgage warehouse loans. In fact, our SEN Leverage lending product, which was piloted during 2020, is now one of the Company’s core lending products. The growing acceptance and correspondent residential lending. Our goal ispromise of our digital currency initiative led to establish profitable long-term banking relationships.our initial public offering (“IPO”) in 2019 and our rapid growth in the fourth quarter of 2020 through 2021 was fueled by four capital raising transactions in 2021 resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $1.3 billion, all as further discussed below.
The Company completed its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”)IPO of 3.3 million shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $12.00 per share on November 7, 2019. The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SI.” The IPO generated aggregate net proceeds to the Company of $6.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. Of
In 2021, the offered shares, 824,605 shares were offered by Silvergate and 2,508,728 shares were offered by selling shareholders. On November 15, 2019, the underwriters purchased an additional 499,999 sharesCompany completed four significant capital raising transactions, including underwritten public offerings of the Company’s Class A common stock fromin January (4.6 million shares at a price of $63.00 per share) and December (3.8 million shares at a price of $145.00), an at the Company’s selling shareholdersmarket offering of Class A Common Stock in connection with the exerciseMarch through May in fullwhich it sold 2.8 million shares of their option to purchase additional shares.Class A common stock at an average price of approximately $107.38, and an underwritten public offering in August of 8 million depositary shares at $25 per share, each share representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of 5.375% fixed rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series A. The Company did not receive anyaggregate net proceeds of these transactions were approximately $1.3 billion, after discounts and offering expenses. The net proceeds from these offerings have been used to further supplement the saleregulatory capital levels of shares by the selling shareholders. The Company intends to useand the net proceeds to support continued growth, including organic growthBank and for other general corporate purposes, which couldmay include repayment of long-term debt, futureproviding capital to support the Company’s growth organically or through strategic acquisitions, and other growth initiatives.initiatives, including the Bank’s SEN Leverage lending product, discussed below, custody and other digital asset services.
Recent Developments. On January 31, 2022, the Company announced that it had acquired intellectual property and other technology assets related to running a blockchain-based payment network from the Diem Group, further investing in its
platform and enhancing its existing stablecoin infrastructure. The acquired assets acquired include development, deployment and operations infrastructure and tools for running a blockchain-based payment network designed to facilitate payments for commerce and cross-border remittances. The network, which had been operating in a pre-launch phase, was built over a two-year development cycle with architectural quality evidenced by its security, reliability and scalability. Included in the acquisition are proprietary software elements critical to running a regulatory-compliant stablecoin network.
Digital Currency Initiative
We began exploring the digital currency industry in 2013. Digital currencies are recognized as an asset class with the prospect to act as a store of value, a currency with the ability to facilitate financial transactions, and a worldwide medium of exchange, performing each function in ways that differ meaningfully from traditional fiat currencies.
In response to the rapid growth in the industry and challenges faced by investors, we began developing technology solutions, including the SEN. While innovations, such as the SEN, have enabled increasing numbers of institutional investors to
begin investing in digital currencies, many of the world’s largest investors remain unable to invest in the asset class due to the continuing limitations of existing infrastructure. We believe that additional industry innovation will address these infrastructure challenges, enabling increased and accelerated growth in the industry. Services such as digital currency borrowing facilities do not currently exist in a meaningful way, creating significant opportunities for us to facilitate growth in the industry and to extend our leadership position into other elements of digital currency infrastructure.
We leverage the SEN and our management team’s expertise in the digital currency industry to develop, implement and maintain critical financial infrastructure solutions and services for many of the largest U.S. digital currency exchanges and global investors, as well as other digital currency infrastructure providers that utilize the Company as a foundational layer for their products. The SEN is a central element of the operations of our digital currency related customers, which enables us to grow with our existing customers and to attract new customers who can benefit from our innovative solutions and services. We believe that our vision and advanced approach to compliance complement the SEN and empower us to extend our leadership position in the industry by developing additional infrastructure solutions and services that will facilitate growth in our business.
We began exploring the digital currency industry in 2013 based on market dynamics which we believed were highly attractive:
•Significant and Growing Industry: Digital currency presented a revolutionary model for executing financial transactions with substantial potential for growth.
•Infrastructure Needs: In order to become widely adopted, digital currency would need to rely on many traditional elements of financial services, including those services that support funds transfers, customer account controls and other security measures.
•Regulatory Complexity as a Barrier to Entry: Providing infrastructure solutions and services to the digital currency industry would require specialized compliance capabilities and a management team with a deep understanding of both the digital currency and the financial services industries.
These insights have been proven correct and we believe they remain true today. In fact, we believe that the market opportunity for digital currencies, the need for infrastructure solutions and services and the regulatory complexity have all expanded significantly since 2013. Our ability to address these market dynamics over the past eight years has provided us with a first-mover advantage within the digital currency industry that is the cornerstone of our leadership position today.
Digital Currency Customers
Our customer base has grown rapidly, as many customers proactively approach us due to our reputation as the leading provider of innovative financial infrastructure solutions and services to participants in the digital currency industry, which includes our unique technology solutions. As of December 31, 2021, we had over 300 prospective digital currency customer leads in various stages of our customer onboarding process and pipeline, which includes extensive regulatory compliance diligence and integrating of the customer’s technology stack for those new digital currency customers interested in using our proprietary, cloud-based application programming interface (“API”).
The following list sets forth summary information regarding the types of market participants who are our primary customers:
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• | Digital Currency Exchanges: Exchanges through which digital currencies are bought and sold; includes over-the-counter (“OTC”) trading desks.
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• | Institutional Investors: Hedge funds, venture capital funds, private equity funds, family offices and traditional asset managers, which are investing in digital currencies as an asset class.
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• | Other Customers: Digital Currency Exchanges: Exchanges through which digital currencies are bought and sold; includes over-the-counter (“OTC”) trading desks.
•Institutional Investors: Hedge funds, venture capital funds, private equity funds, family offices and traditional asset managers, which are investing in digital currencies as an asset class. •Other Customers:Companies developing new protocols, platforms and applications; mining operations; and providers of other services. |
Our customers include some of the largest U.S. exchanges and global investors in the digital currency industry. These market participants generally hold either or both of two distinct types of funds: (i) those funds that market participants use for digital currency investment activities, which we refer to as investor funds, and (ii) those funds that market participants use for business operations, which we refer to as operating funds.
Our customer ecosystem also includes software developers, digital currency miners, custodians and general industry participants that need our solutions and services.
The following table presents a breakdown of our digital currency customer base and the deposits held by such customers at the dates noted below:
| | | | December 31, 2019 | | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) |
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| | (Dollars in millions) | | (Dollars in millions) |
Digital currency exchanges | | 60 |
| | $ | 527 |
| | 37 |
| | $ | 618 |
| Digital currency exchanges | | 94 | | | $ | 8,288 | | | 76 | | | $ | 2,479 | | | 60 | | | $ | 527 | |
Institutional investors | | 509 |
| | 432 |
| | 363 |
| | 577 |
| Institutional investors | | 894 | | | 4,220 | | | 607 | | | 1,811 | | | 509 | | | 432 | |
Other customers | | 235 |
| | 286 |
| | 142 |
| | 274 |
| Other customers | | 393 | | | 1,603 | | | 286 | | | 749 | | | 235 | | | 286 | |
Total | | 804 |
| | $ | 1,246 |
| | 542 |
| | $ | 1,470 |
| Total | | 1,381 | | | $ | 14,111 | | | 969 | | | $ | 5,039 | | | 804 | | | $ | 1,246 | |
________________________(1)Total deposits may not foot due to rounding.
The following chart sets forth our digital currency customer related fee income for the periods noted below:
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(1) | Total deposits may not foot due to rounding.Fee Income from Digital Currency Customers |
(Dollars in millions)
Silvergate Exchange Network
We designed the SEN as a network of digital currency exchanges and digital currency investors that enables the efficient movement of U.S. dollars between SEN participants 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In this respect, the SEN is a first-of-its-kind digital currency infrastructure solution.
The core function of the SEN is to allow participants to make transfers of U.S. dollars from their SEN account at the Bank to the Bank account of another SEN participant with which a counterparty relationship has been established, and to view funds transfers received from their SEN counterparties. Counterparty relationships between parties effecting digital currency transactions are established on the SEN to facilitate U.S. dollar transfers associated with those transactions.
SEN transfers occur on a virtually instantaneous basis as compared to electronic funds transfers being sent outside of the Bank, such as wire transfers and ACH transactions, which can take from several hours to several days to complete. Our proprietary, cloud-based application programming interface (“API”)API combined with our online banking tools, allows customers to efficiently control their fiat currency, transact through the SEN and automate their interactions with our technology platform.
The following table presentsFor the numberyears ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 there were $787.4 billion, $135.7 billion and $32.7 billion, respectively, of transactions and the U.S. dollar volume of transactionstransfers that occurred on the SEN for the periods presented:
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| | Year Ended December 31, | | % Increase |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
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# SEN Transactions | | 46,063 |
| | 7,869 |
| | 485.4 | % |
$ Volume of SEN Transfers | | $ | 32,733 |
| | $ | 8,270 |
| | 295.8 | % |
SEN.Compliance
Our digital currency industry solutions and services are currently offered through the Bank. Our solutions and services are built on our deep-rooted commitment and proprietary approach to regulatory compliance. Over the past sixeight years we have further developed our proprietary compliance capabilities-whichcapabilities, which include ongoing monitoring of customer activities and evaluating a market participant’s ability to actively monitor the flow of funds of their own customers. We believe these capabilities are a distinct competitive advantage for us, and provide a meaningful barrier to entry against our potential competitors, as there is not currently a well-established and easily navigable regulatory roadmap for competitors to serve digital
currency industry customers. For this reason, our long-term investment in developing and enhancing our highly specialized compliance capabilities will remain a strategic priority for us.
Our Business Model
Our digital currency initiative has contributed significantly to an increase in our noninterest bearing deposits, which has driven the Bank’s funding costs to among the lowest in the U.S. banking industry.This has allowed us to generate attractive returns on lower risk assets through increased investments in interest earning deposits in other banks and securities, as well as funding limited loan growth. Our low risk asset strategy supports a net interest margin of 3.47% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The primary components of our business model are described more fully below:
Prudently Leveraging Lower-Cost Core Deposit Base—Our lower-cost core deposit base is a key element of our financial success. We have increased our noninterest bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits from 21.7% as of December 31, 2016 to 74.0% as of December 31, 2019, an increase that is largely attributable to our digital currency initiative. This funding base allows us to manage our interest earning assets conservatively and we have transitioned from primarily deploying our funding into loans to deploying funds into assets such as interest earning deposits in other banks and securities that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. For example, loans held-for-investment, net have decreased as a percentage of our total assets from 68.2% at December 31, 2016 to 31.2% at December 31, 2019 while the aggregate amount of interest earning deposits in other banks and securities available-for-sale have increased from 12.2% of total assets to 48.4% over the same time period.
We deploy our deposits into assets that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. Our interest earning deposits in other banks and our securities portfolio have grown substantially as our noninterest bearing deposits attributable to our digital currency initiative have expanded.
We segment our deposits based on their potential volatility, which drives our choices regarding the assets we fund with such deposits. Deposits attributable to digital currency exchange customer funds and investor funds are assigned the highest potential volatility. These deposits amounted to $809.2 million as of December 31, 2019, and we invest these funds primarily in interest earning deposits in other banks and adjustable rate securities available-for-sale.
As of December 31, 2019, our interest earning deposits in other banks totaled $132.0 million. Our average yield on these deposits was 2.24% for the year ended December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, our portfolio of securities available-for-sale totaled $897.8 million, an increase of 151.3% from December 31, 2018. This portfolio is primarily composed of adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pools of government sponsored student loans. We view our available-for-sale securities as a conservatively managed portfolio which offers a source of additional interest income and provides liquidity management flexibility.
We have more flexibility in deciding how to deploy our deposits attributable to digital currency customer operating funds, which totaled $436.6 million as of December 31, 2019.
Conservative Lending and Niche Asset Growth—We also selectively deploy our funding into specialty lending businesses, including commercial and residential real estate lending, mortgage warehouse lending, correspondent lending, and commercial business lending. We have developed underwriting expertise across these asset classes and believe that these loans offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We use a portion of our deposits attributable to digital currency exchange and investor funds as the funding source for our mortgage warehouse lending activities. We are comfortable with this strategy because of the short-term nature of our mortgage warehouse assets and because we can access funding at the Federal Home Loan Bank should we experience heightened volatility in the deposit balances related to these digital currency exchange and investor funds.
We use a portion of our deposits attributable to operating funds to make loans across our other lending businesses. A significant portion of our portfolio consists of loans on residential real estate and both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate. The properties securing these loans are located primarily throughout our markets and, with respect to commercial real estate loans, are generally diverse in terms of type.
Noninterest Income—For the year ended December 31, 2019, we had noninterest income of $15.8 million compared to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Our noninterest income for the 2019 period included a pre-tax gain on sale of $5.5 million for the Bank’s San Marcos branch and business loan portfolio, which was completed in March 2019. Our noninterest income excluding the gain on sale for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $10.2 million. Our ratio of noninterest income to average assets excluding the gain was 0.49%. Our noninterest income is primarily driven by service fees related to our digital currency customers, mortgage warehouse fee income and other fees.
The following chart sets forth our digital currency customer related fee income for the periods noted below:
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Fee Income from Digital Currency Customers |
(Dollars in thousands)
Deposits
Our deposits serve as the primary funding source for lending, investing and other general banking purposes. We provide a full rangepurposes, and one of the key elements of our financial success is our low-cost deposit products and services, including a variety of checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, remote deposit capture, online banking, mobile banking, e-Statements, bank-by-mail and direct deposit services.
base. Our digital currency initiative has enabled the Bank to rapidly grow deposits from digital currency customers. Because of our focus on the digital currency industry in recent years and the unique value-add solutions and services we provide, we have achieved substantial improvements in our deposit base, specifically an increase in our noninterest bearing deposits, which has driven the Bank’s funding costs to among the lowest in the U.S. banking industry.
Additionally,Our noninterest bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits was 99.5% as of December 31, 2021. This funding base allows us to manage our interest earning assets conservatively and we have transitioned from primarily deploying our funding into loans to deploying funds into other assets that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We segment our deposits based on their potential volatility, which drives our choices regarding the assets we fund with such deposits. Deposits attributable to digital currency customer investor funds are assigned the highest potential volatility. These deposits were approximately $11.7 billion as of December 31, 2021, and we invest these funds primarily in adjustable rate securities available-for-sale and interest earning deposits in other banks. We also use a portion of our deposits attributable to investor funds as the funding source for specialized lending opportunities, such as mortgage warehouse and SEN Leverage lending activities. We are comfortable with this strategy because of the short-term nature of those assets and because we can access funding at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) should we experience heightened volatility in the deposit balances related to these digital currency investor funds.
We use deposits attributable to digital currency customer operating funds to make loans across our other lending businesses, in Southern California, we also offer business accounts and cash management services, including business checking and savings accounts and treasury management services, which we selectively seek to cross-sell at loan origination.as discussed below.
Lending Activities
Overview. We maintain a diversified loan portfolio in terms of the types of loan products and customer characteristics, with a focus on shorter term and higher yielding products. The interest ratesCurrently, our lending activities are focused on ourdigital currency collateralized loans generally have initial fixed rate terms for 5-7 yearsunder the commercial and adjust annually thereafter. Our lending services coverindustrial loan category and mortgage warehouse loans although we continue to hold commercial real estate loans, multi-family real estate loans, construction loans, commercial and industrial loans, consumer loans and mortgage warehouse loans. Lending activities originate from the efforts of our loan officers, with an emphasis on lending to small- to medium-sized businesses and commercial companies primarily located in our market areas. Although all lending involves a degree of risk, we believe that commercial and industrial loans, commercialone-to-four family real estate loans and multi-family loans present greater risks than other types of loans in our portfolio. We mitigate these risks through conservative underwriting and continuous monitoring of credit quality indicators.loans.
The following table presents the composition of our total loan portfolio, by segment, as of December 31, 2019:2021:
LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
| | | | Amount | | Percentage of Total Gross Loans | | Amount | | Percentage of Total Gross Loans |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | Real estate: | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 193,367 |
| | 28.9 | % | One-to-four family | | $ | 105,098 | | | 11.8 | % |
Multi-family | | 81,233 |
| | 12.2 | % | Multi-family | | 56,751 | | | 6.3 | % |
Commercial | | 331,052 |
| | 49.6 | % | Commercial | | 210,136 | | | 23.5 | % |
Construction | | 7,213 |
| | 1.1 | % | Construction | | 7,573 | | | 0.8 | % |
Subtotal real estate | | 612,865 |
| | 91.8 | % | Subtotal real estate | | 379,558 | | | 42.4 | % |
Commercial and industrial | | 14,440 |
| | 2.1 | % | |
Consumer and other | | 122 |
| | 0.0 | % | |
Reverse mortgage | | 1,415 |
| | 0.2 | % | |
Commercial and industrial(1) | | Commercial and industrial(1) | | 335,862 | | | 37.6 | % |
| Reverse mortgage and other | | Reverse mortgage and other | | 1,410 | | | 0.2 | % |
Mortgage warehouse | | 39,247 |
| | 5.9 | % | Mortgage warehouse | | 177,115 | | | 19.8 | % |
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | $ | 668,089 |
| | 100.0 | % | Total gross loans held-for-investment | | $ | 893,945 | | | 100.0 | % |
Total loans held-for-sale(1) | | $ | 375,922 |
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Total loans held-for-sale(2) | | Total loans held-for-sale(2) | | $ | 893,194 | | |
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(1) | Loans held-for-sale includes $365.8 million of mortgage warehouse loans. |
One-to-Four Family Real Estate Loans. Our one-to-four family real estate loans primarily consist of non-qualified (“Non-QM”) single-family residential (“SFR”) mortgage loans and purchases of loan pools.
Prior to the January 2014 effective date for the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) mandated SFR Ability to Repay (“ATR”), and QM Rule, the Bank devoted considerable time to determining how to best satisfy the ATR components of this rule. The Bank believed that following the rule’s effective date most banks would likely avoid Non-QM loans, which do not enjoy the presumptive compliance with ATR requirements that QM loans do. Given the rigorous ATR compliance processes the Bank built, we identified this loan category as a significant market opportunity and were among the first to offer an adjustable rate Non-QM SFR loan product to be purchased from originating mortgage lenders. The limited competition in this space resulted in the Bank being able to acquire Non-QM SFR Loans with yields above QM loans and with generally lower loan-to-value ratios and other risk metrics. Our Non-QM SFR loans may either be held-for-investment or held-for-sale. At December 31, 2019, gross Non-QM SFR loans were approximately $170.2 million.
Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. We offer multi-family real estate loans for the purchase or refinancing of apartment properties located primarily in our Southern California market area. We may periodically purchase these loans. These loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and on the underlying real property collateral. Loans are generally extended for 10 years or less and amortize generally over 30 years or less, with interest rates being initially fixed for 5-7 years and adjusting annually thereafter, and we routinely charge an origination fee for our services.
(1)Commercial Real Estate Loans. We originate and periodically purchase commercial real estateindustrial loans consists primarily of SEN Leverage loans. These loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. Commercial real estate loans are generally extended for 10 years or less and amortize generally over 30 years or less. The interest rates on our commercial real estate loans generally have initial fixed rate terms for 5-7 years and adjust annually thereafter, and we routinely charge an origination fee for our services. We require a review of the principal owners’ personal financial statements and global debt service obligations and may require personal guarantees from borrowers. The properties securing the portfolio are located primarily throughout our markets and are generally diverse in terms of type. This diversity helps reduce the exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single industry.
Construction Loans(2). Our construction loans are offered very selectively within our Southern California operating area to buildersLoans held-for-sale consists of commercial or multi-family residential properties and single-family homes (generally in small subdivisions). Our construction loans typically have termsmortgage warehouse loans.
Commercial and Industrial Loans. Our commercial and industrial loans consistare U.S. dollar denominated loans collateralized almost exclusively by bitcoin or U.S. dollars. We developed SEN Leverage line of credit loans within the framework of the Bank’s legal lending authority, conservative credit culture and robust loan approval process. Borrowers accessing SEN Leverage provide bitcoin or U.S. dollars as collateral in an amount greater than the line of credit eligible to be advanced. The Bank works with regulated digital currency exchanges and other indirect lenders, as the case may be, to both act as its collateral custodian for such loans, and to liquidate the collateral in the event of a decline in collateral coverage below levels required in the borrower’s loan agreement.
Our SEN Leverage product enables our digital currency customers to borrow U.S. dollars directly from the Bank to provide liquidity to support bitcoin trading activity using bitcoin as the collateral for these loans, which we refer to as SEN Leverage direct lending. In the SEN Leverage direct lending structure, a digital currency service provider, acting as custodian, holds the borrower’s bitcoin and the Bank uses the SEN to fund the loan directly to the borrower’s account at the exchange. In addition, the Bank also provides loans collateralized by bitcoin to digital currency industry companies for corporate treasury and other business purposes, which we refer to as SEN Leverage indirect lending. In the indirect lending structure, the lender uses bitcoin to collateralize its loan with the Bank and the funding of the loan and liquidation of the collateral may or may not occur via the SEN. The Bank uses a custodian to custody the bitcoin collateral and may use a separate digital currency service provider to monitor the bitcoin collateral coverage ratio and, if necessary, to liquidate the bitcoin collateral. We believe our SEN Leverage product is unique in the digital currency industry, creating both deeper relationships with our clients and an attractive source of potential future revenue growth.
At no time does the Bank directly hold the pledged bitcoin digital currency. The Bank sets collateral coverage ratios at levels intended to yield collateral liquidation proceeds in excess of the borrower’s loan amount, but the borrower remains obligated for the payment of any deficiency notwithstanding any change in the condition of the exchange, financial or otherwise.
As of December 31, 2021, we had SEN Leverage approved lines of credit totaling $570.5 million, as compared to small and medium-sized businesses in a wide variety$82.5 million at December 31, 2020. The outstanding balance of industries, including distributors, manufacturers, software developers, business
services companies and independent finance companies. Commercial and industrialSEN Leverage loans are generally collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, loan and lease receivables and other commercial assets, and may be supported by credit enhancements such as personal guarantees. Risk may arise from differences between expected and actual cash flows and/was $335.9 million, or liquidity levels of the borrowers, as well as the type of collateral securing these loans and the reliability of the conversion thereof to cash. Since the March 2019 sale18.9% of our businesstotal loan portfolio, commercial and industrialincluding our loans consist primarilyheld-for-sale, at December 31, 2021 compared to $77.2 million, or 4.8% of asset based loans.our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2020.
Mortgage Warehouse LoansLoans.. Our mortgage warehouse lending division provides short-term interim funding primarily for single-family residential mortgage loans originated by mortgage bankers or other lenders pending the sale oflenders. We hold legal title to such loans infrom the date they are funded by us until the loans are sold to secondary market.market investors pursuant to pre-existing take out commitments, generally within a few weeks of origination, with loan sale proceeds applied to pay down Company funding. Our risk is mitigated by comprehensive policies, procedures, and controls governing this activity, partial loan funding by the originating lender, guarantees or additional monies pledged to the Company as security, and the short holding period of funded loans on the Company’s balance sheet. In addition, loss rates of this portfolio have historically been minimal, and these loans are allprimarily subject to written purchase commitments from takeout investors or are hedged. Our mortgage warehouse loans may either be held-for-investment or held-for-sale depending on the underlying contract. Since the opening of the mortgage warehouse division in April 2009 through December 31, 2019,2021, we purchased $31.2$55.1 billion in loans and incurred only $61,000 of net losses in 2017. We sold approximately $151.3$0.8 million and $165.1$191.5 million of loans to participants during the yearyears ended December 31, 20192021 and 2018,2020, respectively. At December 31, 2019,2021, gross mortgage warehouse loans were approximately $405.0$1.1 billion.
Real Estate Loans. Real estate loans include loans for which the Company holds one-to-four family, multi-family, commercial and construction real property as collateral. Our one-to-four family real estate loans primarily consist of non-qualified (“Non-QM”) single-family residential mortgage loans and purchases of loan pools. The Bank engaged in purchases and sales of Non-QM loans from 2014 until deciding to cease new loan purchases in mid-2020, but has retained remaining previously purchased loans as interest earning assets on its balance sheet. Multi-family real estate loans have been offered for the purchase or refinancing of apartment properties located primarily in our Southern California market area. Commercial real estate lending activity has historically been primarily focused on investor properties that are owned by customers with an established banking relationship with the Company. The primary risks of real estate mortgage loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral and significant increases in interest rates, which may make the real estate mortgage loan unprofitable. Real estate loans also may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The Bank has been de-emphasizing the origination of real estate loans and currently is not actively originating such loans. At December 31, 2021, total real estate loans were approximately $379.6 million.
Credit Policies and Procedures
General. We adhere to what we believe are disciplined underwriting practices, pursuant to conservative standards and guidelines. We remain cognizant of the need to serve the credit needs of customers in our primary market areas by offering flexible loan solutions in a responsive and timely manner. We maintain asset quality through an emphasis on market knowledge, long-term customer relationships, consistent
and thorough underwriting for all loans, continuous surveillance and monitoring of the loan portfolio and a conservative credit culture. We also seek to maintain a diversified loan portfolio. These components, together with active portfolio management, are the foundation of our credit culture, which we believe is critical to maintaining and enhancing the long-term value of our organization to our customers, employees, shareholders and communities.culture.
Credit Concentrations. We actively monitor and manage the composition of our loan portfolio, including credit concentrations. Our credit policies establish concentration limits by loan product types and geographic locations to enhance portfolio diversification. The Bank’s concentration management program couples quantitative data with a thorough qualitative approach to provide an in-depth understanding of its loan portfolio concentrations. The Bank’s routine commercial real estate portfolio analysis includes concentration trends by portfolio product type, overall commercial real estate growth trends, pool correlations, risk rating trends, policy and/or underwriting exceptions, nonperforming asset trends, market and submarket analysis and changing economic conditions. The portfolio concentration limits set forth in Bank’s Lending and CollectionLoan Concentration Policy are reviewed and approved by the Bank’s board of directors at least annually. Concentration levels are monitored by management and reported to the Bank’s Directors’ Loan Committee (“DLC”) monthly and board of directors at least quarterly.
Loan Approval Process. As of December 31, 2019,2021, the Bank had a legal lending limit of approximately $57.7$388.6 million for loans secured by cash, readily marketable collateral, or real estate collateral qualifying under the California Financial Code (the “Financial Code”), and $34.6$233.1 million for loans without such collateral or any collateral. The Bank’s lending activities are governed by written underwriting policies, standards and procedures that have been approved by the DLC.Management Lending Committee (“MLC”). The policies provide delegated lending authority to subcommittees of the DLC and senior management of the Bank. The lending authority hierarchy varies depending on loan amount, exceptions and total borrower exposure. We believe that our credit approval process provides for thorough underwriting and efficient decision making.
Loan Reviews and Problem Loan Management. Our credit administration staff conducts meetings at least four times a year to review asset quality and loan delinquencies.delinquencies with the MLC. The Bank’s LendingLoan Portfolio Management Procedure prescribes loan review frequency and Collection Policy requiresscope through a risk-based approach that we perform annual reviews of everyconsiders loan of $500,000 or more not rated special mention or adversely classified.amount, type, risk rating and payment status. Individual loan reviews encompass a loan’s payment status and history, current and projected paying capacity of the borrower and/or guarantor(s), current condition and estimated value of any collateral, sufficiency of credit and collateral documentation, and compliance with Bank and regulatory lending standards. Loan reviewers assign an overall loan risk rating from one of the Bank’s loan rating categories and prepare a written report summarizing the review.
Once a loan is identified as a problem loan or a loan requiring a workout, the Bank makes an evaluation and develops a plan for handling the loan. In developing such a plan, management reviews all relevant information from the loan file and any internal or third-party loan review reports. We have conversations with the borrower and update current and projected financial information (including borrower global cash flows when possible) and collateral valuation estimates. Following analysis of all available relevant information, management adopts an action plan from the following alternatives: (a) continuation of loan collection efforts on
their existing terms, (b) a restructure or extension of the loan’s terms, (c) a sale of the loan, (d) a charge off or partial charge off, (e) foreclosure on pledged collateral, or (f) acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Investments
We manage our securities portfolio and cash to maintain adequate liquidity and to ensure the safety and preservation of invested principal, with a secondary focus on yield and returns. Specific objectives of our investment policy and portfolio are as follows:
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• | •Ensure the Safety of Principal—Bank investments are generally limited to investment-grade instruments that fully comply with all applicable regulatory guidelines and limitations. Allowable non-investment-grade instruments must be approved by the board of directors. •Income Generation—The Bank’s investment portfolio is managed to maximize income on invested funds in a manner that is consistent with the Bank’s overall financial goals and risk considerations. •Provide Liquidity—The Bank’s investment portfolio is managed to remain sufficiently liquid to meet anticipated funding demands either through declines in deposits and/or increases in loan demand. •Mitigate Interest Rate Risk—Portfolio strategies are used to assist the Bank in managing its overall interest rate sensitivity position in accordance with goals and objectives approved by the Asset Liability Management Committee (or “ALCO”). |
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• | Income Generation—The Bank’s investment portfolio is managed to maximize income on invested funds in a manner that is consistent with the Bank’s overall financial goals and risk considerations.
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• | Provide Liquidity—The Bank’s investment portfolio is managed to remain sufficiently liquid to meet anticipated funding demands either through declines in deposits and/or increases in loan demand.
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• | Mitigate Interest Rate Risk—Portfolio strategies are used to assist the Bank in managing its overall interest rate sensitivity position in accordance with goals and objectives approved by the ALCO.
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Since we are required to maintain high levels of liquidity for our customers who operate in the digital currency industry, our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of available for sale securities such as mortgage-backed securities backed by government-sponsored entities, or highly rated credit or government-sponsored asset backed securities.securities, highly rated commercial mortgage-backed securities, and highly rated municipal bonds.
Our investment policy is reviewed and approved annually by our board of directors. Overall investment objectives are established by our board through our investment policy and monitored through our ALCO. Day-to-day activities pertaining to the securities portfolio are conducted under the supervision of the ALCO’s Securities Investment SubcommitteeALCO consisting of our Chairman, CEO, President, CFO,Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Finance ManagerChief Operating Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Portfolio Manager.Director of Treasury. We actively monitor our investments on an ongoing basis to identify any material changes in our mix of securities. We also review our securities for potential impairment (other than temporary impairments) at least quarterly.
Competition
The banking and financial services industry is highly competitive, and we compete with a wide range of financial institutions within our markets, including local, regional and national commercial banks and credit unions. We also compete with brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, fintech companies and other financial intermediaries for certain of our products and services. Some of our competitors are not currently subject to the regulatory restrictions and the level of regulatory supervision applicable to us.
We face direct competition from a handful of banks that are actively seeking relationships with our current and prospective digital currency customers. In addition, we compete with other infrastructure service providers primarily related to the digital currency industry. As adoption of digital currency grows, we expect additional banks, other financial institutions and other infrastructure service providers to enter into the digital currency industry and compete with us for our current and prospective digital currency customers. Additionally, some of our current digital currency customers are also licensed financial institutions that may attempt to compete with us in the future. The pace of innovation within the digital currency industry is rapid and may result in competitors or new competing business models that we are not aware of today.
Interest rates on loans and deposits, as well as prices on fee-based services, are typically significant competitive factors within the banking and financial services industry. Many of our competitors are much larger financial institutions that have greater financial resources than we do and compete aggressively for market share. These competitors attempt to gain market share through their financial product mix, pricing strategies and banking center locations.
Other important standard competitive factors in our industry and markets include office locations and hours, quality of customer service, community reputation, continuity of personnel and services, capacity and willingness to extend credit, and ability to offer sophisticated banking products and services. While we seek to remain competitive with respect to fees charged, interest rates and pricing, we believe that our broad and sophisticated commercial banking product suite, our high quality customer service culture, our positive reputation and long-standing community relationships will enable us to compete successfully within our markets and enhance our ability to attract and retain customers.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
EmployeesSilvergate aspires to create an empowering workplace that enables employees to advance new solutions, while working consciously to help protect the planet. We aim to empower employees’ lives outside of work, with a strong benefits package as well as flexibility and support for parents and other caregivers. Our commitment to remote work minimizes environmental impact while also helping our employees lead healthier, happier lives.
At December 31, 2019,2021, we employed 215279 persons, all of which 208 were employed on a full-time basis. None of our employees are represented by any collective bargaining unit or are a party to a collective bargaining agreement. ManagementSilvergate’s ability to attract and retain employees is a key to its success. Silvergate offers a competitive total rewards program to our employees and we monitor the competitiveness of our compensation and benefits programs in our various market areas.
Diversity and Inclusion
Silvergate strongly believes that a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment improve individual and organizational performance. We are proud of the diversity of thought, culture and background represented within Silvergate’s employees, and continually work toward enhancing our inclusive culture.
EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHICS(1)
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(1)Data as of December 31, 2021.
Company considers its employee relationsCulture
Silvergate prides itself on being a values-driven organization, where employees are empowered to be excellent.interact collaboratively, take ownership, and do more than what’s expected for our clients, while building a fun, vibrant and performance driven culture. Silvergate’s core values guide the way we work together on behalf of our customers and the digital currency industry as a whole as we strive to:
•Challenge convention
•Cultivate awesome
•Do what’s right
•Empower people
•Exceed expectations
•Take ownership
Our company core values guide each team member as we explore, innovate and embrace change. In addition, we are committed to developing our staff through continuing education and training programs. Leadership development is supported through various programs available to all levels of leadership within the organization.
Environmental Impact
The safety, health and wellness for our employees is a top priority. We successfully moved to a virtual-first workplace in 2020, with approximately 96% of our employees working remotely as of December 31, 2021. The Company has adopted preventative measures to protect employees working in the office and continually provides guidelines to employees to promote healthy habits and we rely on technology to stay connected while working remotely. As a result, the environmental impact of our operations is limited.
Supervision and Regulation
General
We are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. These laws restrict permissible activities and investments and require compliance with various consumer protection provisions applicable to lending, deposit, brokerage, and fiduciary activities. They also impose capital adequacy requirements and conditions on a BHC’sbank holding company’s (“BHC”) ability to pay dividends to its shareholders, to repurchase stock or to receive dividends from its subsidiary banks. As a BHC, the Corporation is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve. We are required to file with the Federal Reserve quarterly and annual reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). The Federal Reserve conducts examinations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Corporation is also a BHC within the meaning of the California Financial Code. As such, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DBO.DFPI. As a California state-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve, the Bank is subject to supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the DBODFPI and the Federal Reserve. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”). Based on of this deposit insurance function, the FDIC also has certain supervisory authority and powers over the Bank as well as all other FDIC insured institutions. As a California-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is also subject to certain provisions of California law. The Corporation’s and the Bank’s regulators generally have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on our operations. Bank regulation is intended to protect depositors and consumers and not shareholders. This supervisory framework could materially impact the conduct and profitability of our activities.
To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of applicable statutory and regulatory provisions. Proposals to changeLegislative and regulatory initiatives, which necessarily impact the laws and regulations governingregulation of the bankingfinancial services industry, are frequently raised at bothintroduced from time-to-time. We cannot predict whether or when potential legislation or new regulations will be enacted, and if enacted, the stateeffect that new legislation or any implemented regulations and federal levels.supervisory policies would have on our financial condition and results of operations. The likelihoodDodd-Frank Act, by way of example, contains a comprehensive set of provisions designed to govern the practices and timingoversight of anyfinancial institutions and other participants in the financial markets. The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes in these lawsthe regulation of financial institutions and regulations,their holding companies. Some of the changes brought about by the Dodd-Frank Act have been modified by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (the “Regulatory Relief Act”), signed into law on May 24, 2018. The Dodd-Frank Act has increased the impact such changes may have on us, are difficult to ascertain. In addition to lawsregulatory burden and regulations,compliance costs of the Corporation. Moreover, bank regulatory agencies may issue policy statements, interpretive letterscan be more aggressive in responding to concerns and similar written guidance applicabletrends identified in examinations, which could result in an increased issuance of enforcement actions to the Corporation or the Bank. A change in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory guidance, or in the manner such laws, regulations or regulatory guidance are interpreted by regulatory agencies or courts, may have a material effect on our business, operations,financial institutions requiring action to address credit quality, liquidity and earnings.risk management, and capital adequacy, as well as other safety and soundness concerns.
Regulation of Silvergate Capital Corporation
We are registered as a BHC under the BHC Act and are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve. The BHC Act and Home Owners’ Loan Act require us to secure the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before we own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all the assets of any bank, thrift, bank holding company or thrift holding company, or merge or consolidate with another bank or thrift holding company. Further, under the BHC Act, our activities and those of any nonbank subsidiary are limited to: (i) those activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto, and (ii) investments in companies not engaged in activities closely related to banking, subject to quantitative limitations on the value of such investments. Prior approval of the Federal Reserve may be required before engaging in certain activities. In making such determinations, the Federal Reserve is required to weigh the expected benefits to the public, such as greater convenience, increased competition, and gains in efficiency, against the possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, and unsound banking practices.
Subject to various exceptions, the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act (the “CBCA”), together with related regulations, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a BHC, such as the Corporation. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the BHC. With respect to the CBCA, a rebuttable presumption of control arises if a person or company acquires 10% or more, but less than 25%, of any class of voting securities and either: (i) the BHC has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Act; or (ii) no other person owns a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. The Federal Reserve may require an investor to enter into passivity and, if other companies are making similar investments, anti-association commitments.
The BHC Act was substantially amended by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”), which, among other things, permits a “financial holding company” to engage in a broader range of nonbanking activities, and to engage on less restrictive terms in certain activities than were previously permitted. These expanded activities include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and sales, and merchant banking activities. To become a financial holding company, a BHC
must certify that it and all depository institutions that it controls are both “well capitalized” and “well managed” (as defined by federal law), and that all subsidiary depository institutions have at least a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) rating. To date we have not elected to become a financial holding company.
There are several restrictions imposed on us by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential loss to depositors and to the DIF in the event that a subsidiary depository institution should become insolvent. For example, federal law requires a BHC to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so in the absence of the rule. The Federal Reserve also has the authority under the BHC Act to require a BHC to terminate any activity or to relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the BHC.
Any capital loan by a BHC to a subsidiary depository institution is subordinate in right of payment to deposits and certain other indebtedness of the institution. In addition, in the event of the BHC’s bankruptcy, any commitment made by the BHC to a federal banking regulatory agency to maintain the capital of its subsidiary depository institution(s) will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee or receivership and entitled to a priority of payment.
The FDIC provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution (including the claims of the FDIC as a subrogee of insured depositors) and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the institution’s holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.
The ability of any bank holding company to acquire another bank holding company or bank is also significantly impacted by subjective decisions of federal regulators, including political appointees, as to whether any proposed merger would be consistent with national financial institutions policies. These subjective views may have an impact on the ability of any bank holding company to engage in a merger transaction.
Regulation of Silvergate Bank
The operations and investments of our Bank are subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the DBODFPI and the Federal Reserve and to federal banking statutes and regulations related to, among other things, the level of reserves that our Bank must maintain against deposits, restrictions on the types, amount, and terms and conditions of loans it may originate, and limits on the types of other activities in which our Bank may engage and the investments that it may make. Because our Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law, it is also subject to certain FDIC regulations, and the FDIC has backup examination authority and some enforcement powers over our Bank. If, based on an
examination of our Bank, the regulators should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of the Bank’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the Bank or our management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, various remedies are available to the regulators. Such remedies include the power to enjoin unsafe or unsound practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in capital, to restrict growth, to assess civil monetary penalties, to remove officers and directors and ultimately to request the FDIC to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance. As a California-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is also subject to certain provisions of California law.
Regulatory Relief Act
On May 24, 2018, President Trump signed into law the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act” (the “Regulatory Relief Act”), which amends parts of the Dodd-Frank Act and other laws that involve regulation of the financial industry. While the Regulatory Relief Act keeps in place fundamental aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act’s regulatory framework, it does make regulatory changes that are favorable to depository institutions with assets under $10 billion, such as the Bank and to BHCs with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, such as the Company. The Regulatory Relief Act also makes changes to consumer mortgage and credit reporting regulations and to the authorities of the agencies that regulate the financial industry. Certain provisions of the Regulatory Relief Act favorable to the Company and the Bank require the federal banking agencies to either promulgate regulations or amend existing regulations, and it will likely take some time for these agencies to implement the necessary regulations.
Provisions That Are Favorable to Community Banks. There are several provisions in the Regulatory Relief Act that will have a favorable impact on community banks such as the Bank. These are briefly referenced below.
Increase in Small Bank Holding Company Policy Threshold. The Regulatory Relief Act directs the Federal Reserve to increase the asset threshold for qualifying for the Federal Reserve’s “Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement” (the “Policy”), from $1 billion to $3 billion. The Federal Reserve’s revisions to the Policy took effect on August 30, 2018. Small BHCs or SLHCs are excluded from the Policy if they are engaged in significant nonbanking activities, engaged in significant off-balance sheet activities, or have a material amount of debt or equity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Federal Reserve also retains the authority to exclude any BHC or SLHC from the Policy if such action is warranted for supervisory purposes. The Policy allows covered BHCs to operate with higher levels of debt than would
normally be permitted, subject to certain restrictions on dividends and the expectation that the BHC will reduce its reliance on debt over time. Also, BHCs that are subject to the Policy are exempt from the Federal Reserve’s consolidated risk-based and leverage capital rules implementing Basel III and are instead subject to the capital requirements that had been in place before the U.S. implementation of the Basel III standards, which are generally less onerous. BHCs subject to the Policy also have less extensive regulatory reporting requirements than larger organizations filing reports on a semi-annual rather than quarterly basis. Management believes the Corporation meets the conditions of the Federal Reserve’s Policy and is therefore excluded from consolidated capital requirements at December 31, 2019; however the Bank remains subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.
Increase in Asset Threshold for Qualifying for an 18-Month Examination Cycle. The Regulatory Relief Act increases the asset threshold for institutions qualifying for an 18-month on-site examination cycle from $1 billion to $3 billion in total consolidated assets.
Short Form Call Reports. The Regulatory Relief Act requires the federal banking agencies to promulgate regulations allowing an insured depository institution with less than $5 billion in total consolidated assets (and that satisfies such other criteria as determined to be appropriate by the agencies) to submit a short-form call report for its first and third quarters.
Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders
We are subject to federal laws, such as Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (the “FRA”), that limit the size, number and terms of the transactions that depository institutions may engage in with their affiliates. Under these provisions, covered transactions by a bank with nonbank affiliates (such as loans to or investments in an affiliate by the bank) must be on arms-length terms and generally be limited to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus for all covered transactions with any one affiliate, and 20% of capital and surplus for all covered transactions with all affiliates. Any extensions of credit to affiliates, with limited exceptions, must be secured by eligible collateral in specified amounts. Banks are also prohibited from purchasing any “low quality” assets from an affiliate. The Dodd-Frank Act generally enhanced the restrictions on transactions with affiliates under Section 23A and 23B of the FRA, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions” to include derivatives transactions, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and securities lending or borrowing transactions and an increase in the period of time during which collateral requirements regarding covered credit transactions must be satisfied. The Federal Reserve has promulgated Regulation W, which codifies prior interpretations under Sections 23A and 23B of the FRA and provides interpretive guidance with respect to affiliate transactions. Affiliates of a bank include, among other entities, a bank’s BHC parent and companies that are under common control with the bank. We are considered to be an affiliate of the Bank.
We are also subject to restrictions on extensions of credit to our executive officers, directors, shareholders who own more than 10% of our Class A and Class B Common Stock, and their related interests. These extensions of credit must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties, and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Loans to such persons and certain affiliated entities of any of the foregoing, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated entities, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated entities, the institution’s loans-to-one-borrower limit as discussed under “Loans to One Borrower.” Federal regulations also prohibit loans above amounts prescribed by the appropriate federal banking agency to directors, executive officers, and shareholders who own more than 10% of an institution, and their respective affiliates, unless such loans are approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the institution. Any “interested” director may not participate in the voting. The proscribed loan amount, which includes all other outstanding loans to such person, as to which such prior board of director approval is required, is the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus up to $500,000. Furthermore, we are prohibited from engaging in asset purchases or sales transactions with our officers, directors, or principal shareowners unless the transaction is on market terms and, if the transaction represents greater than 10% of the capital and surplus of the bank, a majority of the bank’s disinterested directors has approved the transaction.
Indemnification payments to any director, officer or employee of either a bank or a BHC are subject to certain constraints imposed by the FDIC. Additionally, most transactions that the Bank engages in with an affiliate, including where an affiliate performs a service for the Bank, must be on similar terms and conditions as the Bank would get from a non-affiliate.
Incentive Compensation
FederalIn 2010, the federal banking agencies have issued joint guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that appropriately balance risk and rewards in a manner that does not encourage imprudent risk taking, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies prohibit incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk
taking by covered financial institutions (generally institutions that have over $1 billion in assets) and are deemed to be excessive, or that may lead to material losses.
The Federal Reserve will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company,Corporation, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s
ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.
The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on executive compensation may continue to evolve in the future. It presently cannot be determined whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the Company’sCorporation’s ability to hire, retain and motivate its key employees.
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets, such as the Corporation and the Bank, that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure of incentive based compensation arrangements to regulators.
The agencies proposed initial regulations in April 2011 and proposed revised regulations during the second quarter of 2016 that would establish general qualitative requirements applicable to all covered entities. The proposed general qualitative requirements include (i) prohibiting incentive arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation; (ii) prohibiting incentive arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks that could lead to a material financial loss; (iii) establishing requirements for performance measures to appropriately balance risk and reward; (iv) requiring board of director oversight of incentive arrangements; and (v) mandating appropriate record-keeping. As of this filing, the agencies have not finalized these proposed regulations.
In August 2015, the SEC adopted final rules implementing the pay ratio provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act by requiring companies to disclose the ratio of the compensation of its chief executive officer to the median compensation of its employees. Under SEC guidance issued in September 2017, companies such as the Corporation are able to use widely-recognized tests to determine who counts as an employee under the rule, use existing internal records such as payroll and tax information and describe the ratio as an estimate.
Loans to One Borrower
Under California law, our ability to make aggregate secured and unsecured loans-to-one-borrower is limited to 25% and 15%, respectively, of unimpaired capital and surplus. At December 31, 2019,2021, the Bank’s limit on aggregate secured loans-to-one-borrower was approximately $57.7$388.6 million for loans secured by cash, readily marketable collateral, or real estate collateral qualifying under the California Financial Code, and $34.6$233.1 million for loans without such collateral or any collateral.
Deposit Insurance
Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC. The DIF is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged in 2006. Deposit insurance is mandatory. We are required to pay assessments to the FDIC on a quarterly basis. The assessment amount is the product of multiplying the assessment base by the assessment amount.rate.
The assessment base against which the assessment rate is applied to determine the total assessment due for a given period is the depository institution’s average total consolidated assets during the assessment period less average tangible equity during that assessment period. Tangible equity is defined in the assessment rule as Tier 1 Capital and is calculated monthly, unless the insured depository institution has less than $1 billion in assets, in which case the insured depository institution calculates Tier 1 Capital on an end-of-quarter basis. Parents or holding companies of other insured depository institutions are required to report separately from their subsidiary depository institutions.
The FDIC’s methodology for setting assessmentsassessment rates for individual banks has changed over time, although the broad policy is that lower-risk institutions should pay lower assessments than higher-risk institutions. The FDIC now uses a methodology, known as the “financial ratios method,” that began to apply on July 1, 2016, in order to meet requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The statute established a minimum designated reserve ratio (the “DFR”“DRR”), for the DIF of 1.35% of the estimated insured deposits and required the FDIC to adopt a restoration plan should the reserve ratio fall below 1.35%. The financial ratios took effect when the DRR exceeded 1.15%. The FDIC declared that the DIF reserve ratio exceeded 1.15% by the end of the second quarter of 2016. Accordingly, beginning July 1, 2016, the FDIC began to use the financial ratios method. This methodology assigns a specific assessment rate to each institution based on the institution’s leverage capital, supervisory ratings, and information from the institution’s call report. Under this methodology, the assessment rate schedules used to determine assessments due from insured depository institutions become progressively lower when the reserve ratio in the DIF exceeds 2% and 2.5%.
The Dodd-Frank Act also raised the limit for federal deposit insurance to $250,000 for most deposit accounts and increased the cash limit of Securities Investor Protection Corporation protection from $100,000 to $250,000.
The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance assessments would likely have an adverse effect on our operating expenses and results of operations. We cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future. Furthermore, deposit insurance may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an insured depository institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC.
Dividends
It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that BHCs, such as the Company,Corporation, should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that BHCs should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to itstheir banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the
current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that BHCs should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. It is our policy to retain earnings, if any, to provide funds for use in our business. We have never declared or paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock.
The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the CompanyCorporation is subject to restrictions set forth in the Financial Code. The Financial Code provides that a bank may not make a cash distribution to its shareholders exceeding the lesser of a bank’s (1) retained earnings; or (2) net income for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the bank or by any majority-owned subsidiary of the bank to the shareholders of the bank during such period. However, a bank may, with the approval of the DBO,DFPI, make a distribution to its shareholders in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (a) its retained earnings; (b) its net income for its last fiscal year; or (c) its net income for its current fiscal year. If bank regulators determine that the shareholders’ equity of a bank is inadequate or that the making of a distribution by the bank would be unsafe or unsound, the regulators may order the bank to refrain from making a proposed distribution. The payment of dividends could, depending on the financial condition of a bank, be deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Under the foregoing provision of the Financial Code, the amount available for distribution from the Bank to the CompanyCorporation was approximately $59.4$138.0 million at December 31, 2019.2021.
Approval of the Federal Reserve is required for payment of any dividend by a state chartered bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve, such as the Bank, if the total of all dividends declared by the bank in any calendar year would exceed the total of its retained net income for that year combined with its retained net income for the preceding two years. In addition, a state member bank may not pay a dividend in an amount greater than its undivided profits without regulatory and shareholder approval. The Bank is also prohibited under federal law from paying any dividend that would cause it to become undercapitalized.
Capital Adequacy Guidelines
In December 2010,Bank holding companies and banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal agencies. These agencies may establish higher minimum requirements if, for example, a banking organization previously has received special attention or has a high susceptibility to interest rate risk. Risk-based capital requirements determine the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released its final framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation, or Basel III. Basel III requires banks to maintain a higher leveladequacy of capital than previously required, with a greater emphasisbased on common equity. Thethe risk inherent in various classes of assets and off-balance sheet items. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, imposed generally applicablethe Federal Reserve must apply consolidated capital requirements with respect to BHCs and their bank subsidiaries and mandateddepository institution holding companies that the federal banking regulatory agencies adopt rules and regulationsare no less stringent than those currently applied to implement the Basel III requirements.
In July 2013, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule, or the Basel III Final Rule, implementing these standards. Under the Basel III Final Rule, trust preferred securities are excluded from Tier 1 capital unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by a BHC with less than $15 billion in assets, subject to certain limits. The trust preferred securities issued by our unconsolidated subsidiary capital trusts qualify as Tier 1 capital.depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act additionally provides for countercyclicalrequires capital requirements to be countercyclical so that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with safety and soundness.
Under federal regulations, bank holding companies and banks must meet certain risk-based capital requirements. Effective as of January 1, 2015, the Basel III Final Rule, which implements this concept, banks must maintainfinal capital framework, among other things, (i) introduces as a new capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equitymeasure “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”), (ii) specifies that Tier 1 capital equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above each of the required minimum capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying certain discretionary bonuses. This new capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased by this amount each year until it became fully implemented at 2.5% in January 2019.
For purposes of calculating risk-weighted assets, the Basel III Final Rule is designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks, to account for off-balance sheet exposures, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under this rule, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets, which reflect on- and off-balance sheet items.
For this purpose, certain off-balance sheet items are assigned certain credit conversion factors to convert them to asset-equivalent amounts to which an appropriate risk-weighting will apply. Those computations result in the total risk-weighted assets. Most loans are assigned to the 100% risk category, except for performing first mortgage loans fully secured by residential property, which carry a 50% risk weighting. Most investment securities (including, primarily, general obligation claims of states or other political subdivisions of the United States) are assigned to the 20% category. Exceptions include municipal or state revenue bonds, which have a 50% risk weighting, and direct obligations of the United States Treasury or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, which have a 0% risk weighting. In converting off-balance sheet items, direct credit substitutes, including general guarantees and standby letters of credit backing financial obligations, are assigned a 100% credit conversion factor. Transaction-related contingencies such as bid bonds, standby letters of credit backing non-financial obligations, and undrawn commitments (including commercial credit lines with an initial maturity of more than one year) are assigned a 50% credit conversion factor. Short-term commercial letters of credit are
assigned a 20% credit conversion factor, and certain short-term unconditionally cancelable commitments are assigned a 0% credit conversion factor.
Minimum capital standards under the Basel III Final Rule for banks of our size took effect on January 1, 2015 with a phase-in period that generally extended through January 1, 2019 for certain of the changes. As discussed under “-Prompt Corrective Action,” depository institutions and depository holding companies with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, such as the Company and the Bank, will be deemed to satisfy both the leverage and risk-based capital requirements, provided they satisfy a new “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” required to be promulgated by the Federal Banking agencies.
Under the Basel III Final Rule, the minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%. While there was previously no required ratio of “Common Equity Tier 1 Capital” (“CET1”) (which generally consists of common stock, retained earnings, certain qualifying capital instruments issued by consolidated subsidiaries, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, subject to certain adjustments and deductions for items such as goodwill, other intangible assets, reciprocal holdings of other banking organizations’ capital instruments, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and any other deductions as determined by the appropriate regulator) to risk-weighted assets, a required minimum ratio of 4.5% became effective on January 1, 2015 as well. The required ratio of “Tier 1 Capital” (consisting generally of CET1 and qualifying preferred stock) to risk-weighted assets is 6%. The remainder of total capital, or Tier 2 Capital, may consist of (a) the allowance for loan losses of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, (b) preferred stock not qualifying as“Additional Tier 1 Capital, (c) hybridcapital” instruments meeting specified requirements, (iii) defines CET1 narrowly by requiring that most adjustments to regulatory capital instruments, (d) perpetual debt, (e) mandatory convertible securities,measures be made to CET1 and (f) certain subordinated debtnot to the other components of capital, and intermediate-term preferred stock up(iv) expands the scope of the adjustments as compared to 50% of Tier 1 Capital. Total Capital is the sum of Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital.
As ofexisting regulations. Beginning January 1, 2019, the Bank is2016, financial institutions were required to maintain a minimum Tier“capital conservation buffer” to avoid restrictions on capital distributions such as dividends and equity repurchases and other payments such as discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The minimum capital conservation buffer has been phased-in over a four year transition period with minimum buffers of 0.625%, 1.25%, 1.875%, and 2.50% during 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively.
As fully phased-in on January 1, leverage2019, Basel III subjects banks to the following risk-based capital requirements:
•a minimum ratio of 4.0%, a minimum CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, or 7%;
•a minimum ratio of 7%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, or 8.5%;
•a minimum ratio of 8.5% and a minimum totalTotal (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, or 10.5%.; and
The Basel III Final Rule also includes•a minimum leverage ratio requirements for banking organizations,of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 Capitalcapital to adjusted average consolidated assets. Priorbalance sheet exposures plus certain off-balance sheet exposures.
The Basel III final framework provides for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the effective dateextent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Basel III also includes, as part of the definition of CET1 capital, a requirement that banking institutions include the amount of Additional Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), which primarily consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, which are not required to be treated as other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax) in calculating regulatory capital. Banking institutions had the option to opt out of including AOCI in CET1 capital if they elected to do so in their first regulatory report following January 1, 2015. As permitted by Basel III, the Corporation and the Bank have elected to exclude AOCI from CET1.
In addition, goodwill and most intangible assets are deducted from Tier 1 capital. For purposes of applicable total risk-based capital regulatory guidelines, Tier 2 capital (sometimes referred to as “supplementary capital”) is defined to include, subject to limitations: perpetual preferred stock not included in Tier 1 capital, intermediate-term preferred stock and any related surplus, certain hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt securities, allowances for loan and lease losses, and intermediate-term subordinated debt instruments. The maximum amount of qualifying Tier 2 capital is 100% of qualifying Tier 1 capital. For purposes of determining total capital under federal guidelines, total capital equals Tier 1 capital, plus qualifying Tier 2 capital, minus investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, reciprocal holdings of bank holding company capital securities, and deferred tax assets and other deductions.
Basel III changed the manner of calculating risk-weighted assets. New methodologies for determining risk-weighted assets in the general capital rules are included, including revisions to recognition of credit risk mitigation, including a greater recognition of financial collateral and a wider range of eligible guarantors. They also include risk weighting of equity exposures and past due loans; and higher (greater than 100%) risk weighting for certain commercial real estate exposures that have higher credit risk profiles, including higher loan to value and equity components. In particular, loans categorized as “high-volatility commercial real estate” loans (“HVCRE loans”), as defined pursuant to applicable federal regulations, are required to be assigned a 150% risk weighting, and require additional capital support.
In addition to the uniform risk-based capital guidelines and regulatory capital ratios that apply across the industry, the regulators have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and ratios. Future changes in regulations or practices could further reduce the amount of capital recognized for purposes of capital adequacy. Such a change could affect our ability to grow and could restrict the amount of profits, if any, available for the payment of dividends.
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal banking agencies to adopt capital requirements that address the risks that the activities of an institution poses to the institution and the public and private stakeholders, including risks arising from certain enumerated activities.
Basel III is applicable to the Corporation and the Bank. Overall, the Corporation believes that implementation of the Basel III Final Rule bankshas not had and BHCs meeting certain specified criteria, including havingwill not have a material adverse effect on the highest regulatory rating and not experiencing significant growthCorporation’s or expansion, were permittedthe Bank’s capital ratios, earnings, shareholder’s equity, or its ability to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capitalpay dividends, effect stock repurchases or pay discretionary bonuses to adjusted average quarterly assets equal to 3%. Other banks and BHCs generally were required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio between 4% and 5%. Under the Basel III Final Rule, as of January 1, 2015, the required minimum leverage ratio for all banks is 4%.
As an additional means of identifying problems in the financial management of depository institutions, the federal banking regulatory agencies have established certain non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions for which they are the primary federal regulator. The standards relate generally to operations and management, asset quality, interest rate exposure, and executive compensation. The agencies are authorized to take action against institutions that fail to meet such standards.
The requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act are still in the process of being implemented over time and most will be subject to regulations implemented over the course of several years. In addition, the Regulatory Relief Act modifies several provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, but are subject to implementing regulations. Given the uncertainty associated with the how the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the Regulatory Relief Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on our operations is unclear. On September 27, 2017, the federal banking agencies proposed a rule intended to reduce the regulatory compliance burden, particularly on community banking organizations, by simplifying several requirements in the Basel III-based capital rules. Specifically, the proposed rule simplifies the capital treatment for certain acquisition, development, and construction loans, mortgage servicing assets, certain deferred tax assets, investments in the capital instruments of unconsolidated financial institutions, and minority interest. In 2017, the federal banking agencies adopted an extension of the transition period for application of the Basel III-based capital rules to certain investments, effectively freezing the capital treatment of affected investments until the changes proposed in the September 2017 proposal are finalized and effective. In addition, the Regulatory Relief Bill addressed the capital treatment of certain acquisition, development and construction loans. See “—Commercial Real Estate Construction Guidelines.”officers.
In December 2017, the Basel Committee published standards that it described as the finalization of the Basel III post-crisis regulatory reforms which(the standards are commonly referred to as Basel IV.“Basel IV”). Among other things, these standards revise the Basel Committee’s standardized approach for credit risk (including the recalibration of therecalibrating risk weights and the introduction ofintroducing new capital requirements for certain “unconditionally cancellable commitments,” such as unused credit card lines of credit) and provides a new standardized approach for operational risk capital. Under the Basel framework, these standards will generally be effective on January 1, 2022, with an aggregate output floor phasing in through January 1, 2027. Under the current U.S. capital rules, operational risk capital requirements and a capital floor apply only to advanced approaches institutions, and not to the Corporation or the Bank. The impact of Basel IV on us will depend on howthe manner in which it is implemented by the federal bank regulators.
Commercial Real Estate Concentration Guidelines
In December 2006,2018, the federal banking regulatorsbank regulatory agencies issued guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” to address increased concentrations ina variety of proposals and made statements concerning regulatory capital standards. These proposals touched on such areas as commercial real estate loans.exposure, credit loss allowances under generally accepted accounting principles and capital requirements for covered swap entities, among others. Public statements by key agency officials have also suggested a revisiting of capital policy and supervisory approaches on a going-forward basis. In addition, in December 2015,July 2019, the federal bank regulators adopted a final rule that simplifies the capital treatment for certain deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing assets, investments in non-consolidated financial entities and minority interests for banking organizations,
such as the Corporation and the Bank, that are not subject to the advanced approaches requirements. We will be assessing the impact on us of these new regulations and supervisory approaches as they are proposed and implemented.
In February 2019, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies approved a final rule modifying their regulatory capital rules and providing an option to phase-in over a three-year period the Day 1 adverse regulatory capital effects of the current expected credit loss (or “CECL”) accounting standard. Additionally, in March 2020, the U.S. Federal bank regulatory agencies issued an interim final rule that provides banking organizations an option to delay the estimated CECL impact on regulatory capital for an additional guidance entitled “Statementtwo years for a total transition period of up to five years to provide regulatory relief to banking organizations to better focus on Prudent Risk Management for Commercial Real Estate Lending.” Together, these guidelines describesupporting lending to creditworthy households and businesses in light of recent strains on the criteria the agencies will useU.S. economy as indicators to identify institutions potentially exposed to CRE concentration risk. An institution that has (i) experienced rapid growth in CRE lending, (ii) notable exposure to a specific type of CRE, (iii) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land representing 100% or moreresult of the institution’sCoronavirus Disease 2019 (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. The capital or (iv) total non-owner-occupied CRE (including construction) loans representing 300% or morerelief in the interim is calibrated to approximate the difference in allowances under CECL relative to the incurred loss methodology for the first two years of the institution’s capital, andtransition period using a 25% scaling factor. The cumulative difference at the outstanding balanceend of the institutions CRE portfolio has increased by 50% or more in the prior 36 months, may be identified for further supervisory analysissecond year of the leveltransition period is then phased in to regulatory capital at 25% per year over a three-year transition period. The final rule was adopted and nature of its CRE concentration risk.
At December 31, 2019, the Bank’s ratio of construction loans to total capital was 3.1%, its ratio of total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans to total capital ratio was 142.5% and, therefore, was under the 100% and 300% regulatory guideline thresholds set forthbecame effective in clauses (iii) and (iv) above.September 2020. As a result, we areentities may gradually phase in the full effect of CECL on regulatory capital over a five-year transition period. The Corporation is not deemed to have a concentration in commercial real estate lending under applicable regulatory guidelines.
Currently, loans categorized as “high-volatility commercial real estate” loans (“HVCRE loans”), are required to be assigned a 150% risk weighting, and require additional capital support. HVCRE loans are defined to include any credit facility that finances or has financedimplement the acquisition, development or construction of real property, unless it finances: 1-4 family residential properties; certain community development investments; agricultural land used or usable for, and whose value is based on, agricultural use; or commercial real estate projects in which: (i) the loan to value is less than the applicable maximum supervisory loan to value ratio established by the bank regulatory agencies; (ii) the borrower has contributed cash or unencumbered readily marketable assets, or has paid development expenses out of pocket, equal to at least 15% of the appraised “as completed” value; (iii) the borrower contributes its 15% before the bank advances any funds; and (iv) the capital contributed by the borrower, and any funds internally generated by the project, is contractually required to remain in the projectCECL model until the facility is converted to permanent financing, sold or paid in full.January 1, 2023.
The Regulatory Relief Act prohibits federal banking agencies from assigning heightened risk weights to HVCRE exposures, unless the exposures are classified as HVCRE acquisition, development, and construction loans. The Federal banking agencies issued a proposal in September 2017 to simplify the treatment of HVCRE and to create a new category of commercial real estate loans-“high-volatility acquisition, development or construction,”(“HVADC exposures”)-with a lower risk weight of 130%. A significant difference between the Regulatory Relief Act and the agencies’ HVADC proposal arises from the Regulatory Relief Act’s preservation of the exemption for projects where the borrower has contributed at least 15% of the real property’s appraised “as completed” value.
Prompt Corrective Action
In addition to the required minimum capital levels described above, federal law establishes a system of “prompt corrective actions” thatThe federal banking agenciesregulators are required to take and certain actions that they have discretion to take, based upon the capital category into which a federally regulated depository institution falls. Regulations set forth detailed procedures and criteria for implementing prompt corrective action in the case of any institution which is not adequately capitalized. Under the prompt corrective action rules, an institution is deemed “well capitalized” if its leverage ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, Tier 1 Capital ratio, and Total Capital ratio meet or exceed 5%, 6.5%, 8%, and 10%, respectively. An institution is deemed to be “adequately capitalized” or better if its leverage, Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and Total Capital ratios meet or exceed the minimum federal regulatory capital requirements set forth in the Basel III Final Rule. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it fails to meet the minimum capital requirements. An institution is “significantly undercapitalized” if any one of its leverage, Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and Total Capital ratios falls below 3%, 3%, 4%, and 6%, respectively, and “critically undercapitalized” if the institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.
The Regulatory Relief Act requires the federal banking agencies to promulgate a rule establishing a new “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” of 8% to 10% for depository institutions and depository institution holding companies, including banks and BHCs, with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, such as the Company and the Bank. If such a depository institution or holding company maintains tangible equity in excess of this leverage ratio, it would be deemed in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements: (1) the leverage and risk-based capital requirements promulgated by the federal banking agencies; (2) in the case of a depository institution, the capital ratio requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under the federal banking agencies’ “prompt corrective action” regime;with respect to capital-deficient institutions. Federal banking regulations define, for each capital category, the levels at which institutions are “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and (3) any other“critically undercapitalized.” Under applicable regulations, the Bank was “well capitalized,” which means it had a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or higher; a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or higher; a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or higher; a leverage requirements to which the depository institutionratio of 5.0% or holding company is subject, in each case, unless the appropriate federal banking agency determines otherwise based on the particular institution’s risk profile.
The prompt corrective action rules require an undercapitalized institution to file a written capital restoration plan, along with a performance guaranty by its holding company or a third party. In addition, an undercapitalized institution becomes
higher; and was not subject to certain automatic restrictions, includingany written agreement, order or directive requiring it to maintain a prohibition on payment of dividends and a limitation on asset growth and expansion in certain cases, a limitation on the payment of bonuses or raises to senior executive officers, and a prohibition on the payment of certain “management fees” to any “controlling person.” Institutions that are classified as undercapitalized are also subject to certain additional supervisory actions, including increased reporting burdens and regulatory monitoring; limitations on the institution’s ability to make acquisitions, open new branch offices, or engage in new lines of business; obligations to raise additional capital; restrictions on transactions with affiliates; and restrictions on interest rates paid by the institution on deposits. In certain cases, banking regulatory agencies may require replacement of senior executive officers or directors, or sale of the institution to a willing purchaser. If an institution is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized” and continues in that category for 90 days, the statute requires, with certain narrowly limited exceptions, that the institution be placed in receivership.
An insured depository institution’sspecific capital level may have consequences outside the prompt corrective action regime. For example, only well-capitalized institutions may accept brokered deposits without restrictions on rates, while adequately capitalized institutions must seek a waiver from the FDIC to accept such deposits and are subject to rate restrictions. Well-capitalized institutions may be eligible for expedited treatment of certain applications, an advantage not available to other institutions.any capital measure.
As noted above, Basel III integrates the new capital requirements into the prompt corrective action category definitions. As a result of the Federal Reserve’s revisions to the Policy raising the total consolidated asset limit in the Policy from $1 billion to $3 billion, the Corporation is currently exempt from the consolidated capital requirements.
definitions set forth below. |
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Capital Category | Total Risk- Based Capital Ratio | | Tier 1 Risk- Based Capital Ratio | | Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital Ratio | | Leverage Ratio | | Tangible Equity to Assets | | Supplemental Leverage Ratio |
Well Capitalized | 10% or greater | | 8% or greater | | 6.5% or greater | | 5% or greater | | n/a | | n/a |
Adequately Capitalized | 8% or greater | | 6% or greater | | 4.5% or greater | | 4% or greater | | n/a | | 3% or greater |
Undercapitalized | Less than 8% | | Less than 6% | | Less than 4.5% | | Less than 4% | | n/a | | Less than 3% |
Significantly Undercapitalized | Less than 6% | | Less than 4% | | Less than 3% | | Less than 3% | | n/a | | n/a |
Critically Undercapitalized | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | Less than 2% | | n/a |
As of December 31, 2019,2021, the Bank was “well capitalized” accordingand Corporation exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and exceeded the minimum CET 1, Tier 1 and total capital ratio inclusive of the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer of 7.0%, 8.5%, and 10.5%, respectively.
An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. An institution’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the institution’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.
In the event an institution becomes “undercapitalized,” it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company having control of the undercapitalized institution guarantees the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution’s holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy. The aggregate liability of the holding company of an undercapitalized bank is limited to the guidelines as generally discussed above.lesser of 5% of the institution’s assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to cause the institution to be “adequately capitalized.” The bank regulators have greater power in situations where an institution becomes “significantly” or “critically” undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. In addition to requiring undercapitalized institutions to submit a capital restoration plan, bank regulations contain broad restrictions on certain activities of undercapitalized institutions including asset growth, acquisitions, branch establishment and expansion into new lines of business. With certain exceptions, an insured depository institution is prohibited from making capital distributions, including dividends, and is prohibited from paying management fees to control persons if the institution would be undercapitalized after any such distribution or payment.
As an institution’s capital decreases, the regulators’ enforcement powers become more severe. A significantly undercapitalized institution is subject to mandated capital raising activities, restrictions on interest rates paid and transactions with affiliates, removal of management, and other restrictions. A regulator has limited discretion in dealing with a critically undercapitalized institution and is virtually required to appoint a receiver or conservator.
Banks with risk-based capital and leverage ratios below the required minimums may also be subject to certain administrative actions, including the termination of deposit insurance upon notice and hearing, or a temporary suspension of insurance without a hearing in the event the institution has no tangible capital.
In addition to the federal regulatory capital requirements described above, the DFPI has authority to take possession of the business and properties of a bank in the event that the tangible stockholders’ equity of a bank is less than the greater of (i) 3% of the bank’s total assets or (ii) $1.0 million.
Safety and Soundness Standards
The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines designed to assist the federal banking agencies in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines set forth operational and managerial standards relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) asset growth; (v) earnings; and (vi) compensation, fees and benefits.
In addition, the federal banking agencies have also adopted safety and soundness guidelines with respect to asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. These guidelines provide six standards for establishing and maintaining a system to identify problem assets and prevent those assets from deteriorating. Under these standards, an insured depository institution should: (i) conduct periodic asset quality reviews to identify problem assets; (ii) estimate the inherent losses in problem assets and establish reserves that are sufficient to absorb estimated losses; (iii) compare problem asset totals to capital; (iv) take appropriate corrective action to resolve problem assets; (v) consider the size and potential risks of material asset concentrations; and (vi) provide periodic asset quality reports with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess the level of asset risk.
Community Reinvestment Act
The CRA requires the federal bankingbank regulatory agencies to assess all financial institutions that they regulate to determine whether these institutions are meeting the credit needs of the communities they serve, including their assessment area(s) (as established for these purposes in accordance with applicable regulations based principally on the location of branch offices). In addition to substantial penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA into account when regulating and supervising other activities. Under the CRA, institutions are assigned a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve,” or “unsatisfactory.” An institution’s record in meeting the requirements of the CRA is based on a performance-based evaluation system, and is made publicly available and is taken into consideration in evaluating any applications it files with federal regulators to engage in certain activities, including approval of a branch or other deposit facility, mergers and acquisitions, office relocations, or expansions into nonbanking activities. Our Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent CRA evaluation.
In April 2018, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued a memorandum to the federal banking regulators recommending changes to the CRA’s regulations to reduce their complexity and associated burden on banks, and in December 2019, the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) proposed for public comment rules to modernize the agencies' regulations under the CRA. In September 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System released for public comment its proposed rules to modernize CRA regulations. As of this issuance, the FRB has not moved forward in the rulemaking process. In July 2021, the FRB, FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued an interagency statement committing to joint agency action on CRA. This may signal that additional regulatory action on this issue will be forthcoming in 2022. We will continue to evaluate the impact of any changes to the CRA regulations.
Anti-Terrorism, Money Laundering Legislation and OFAC
The Bank is subject to the Bank Secrecy Act and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PatriotPATRIOT Act”). These statutes and related rules and regulations impose requirements and limitations on specified financial transactions and accounts and other relationships intended to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing. The principal requirements for an insured depository institution include (i) establishment of an anti-money laundering program that includes training and audit components, (ii) establishment of a “know your customer” program“customer identification program” involving due diligence to confirm the identities of persons seeking to open accounts and to deny accounts to those persons unable to demonstrate their identities, (iii) the filing of currency transaction reports for deposits and withdrawals of large amounts of cash and suspicious activitiesactivity reports for activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities, (iv) additional precautions for accounts sought and managed
for non-U.S. persons and (v) verification and certification of money laundering risk with respect to private banking and foreign correspondent banking relationships. For many of these tasks a bank must keep records to be made available to its primary federal regulator. Anti-money laundering rules and policies are developed by a bureau within FinCEN,the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), but compliance by individual institutions is overseen by its primary federal regulator.
The Bank has established appropriate anti-money laundering and customer identification programs. The Bank also maintains records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments, files reports of certain cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount), and reports suspicious activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act. The Bank otherwise has implemented policies and procedures to comply with the foregoing requirements.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, persons, non-governmental organizations, associations, and persons,criminal networks, among others, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes lists of persons that are the target of sanctions, including the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Financial institutions are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of and transactions with sanctioned persons and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked and rejected transactions after their occurrence. If the CompanyCorporation or the Bank finds a name or other information on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list or that otherwise indicates that the transaction involves a target of OFAC-administered sanctions program, the CompanyCorporation or the Bank generally must freeze or block such account or transaction, file a suspicious activity report, and notify the appropriate authorities. Banking regulators examine banks for compliance with the economic sanctions regulations administered by OFAC.
The Bank has implemented policies and procedures to comply with the foregoing requirements.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
The GLBA and the implementing regulations issued by federal regulatory agencies require financial institutions (including banks, insurance agencies, and broker/dealers) to adopt policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about their customers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions are required to explain to customers their policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information and, unless otherwise required or permitted by law, financial institutions are prohibited from disclosing such information except as provided in their policies and procedures. Specifically, the GLBA established certain information security guidelines that require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
Recent cyber-attacks against banks and other financial institutions that resulted in unauthorized access to confidential customer information have prompted the federal banking regulators to issue extensive guidance on cybersecurity. Among other things, financial institutions are expected to design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and ensure that their risk management processes address the risks posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to authenticate customers accessing internet-based services. A financial institution also should have a robust business continuity program to recover from a cyberattack and procedures for monitoring the security of third-party service providers that may have access to nonpublic data at the institution.
In November 2021, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a joint rule establishing computer-security incident notification requirements for banking organizations and their service providers. This rule requires new notification requirements where a banking organization experiences a computer-security incident.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which is an independent bureau with broad authority to regulate the consumer finance industry, including regulated financial institutions, nonbanks and others involved in extending credit to consumers. The CFPB has authority through rulemaking, orders, policy statements, guidance, and enforcement actions to administer and enforce federal consumer financial laws, to oversee several entities and market
segments not previously under the supervision of a federal regulator, and to impose its own regulations and pursue enforcement actions when it determines that a practice is unfair, deceptive, or abusive. The federal consumer financial laws and all the functions and responsibilities associated with them, many of which were previously enforced by other federal regulatory agencies, were transferred to the CFPB on July 21, 2011. While the CFPB has the power to interpret, administer, and enforce federal consumer financial laws, the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the federal banking regulatory agencies continue to have examination and enforcement powers over the financial institutions that they supervise relating to the matters within the
jurisdiction of the CFPB if such institutions have less than $10 billion in assets. The Dodd-Frank Act also gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce some federal consumer protection laws.
Mortgage Loan OriginationThe Volcker Rule
The Dodd-Frank Act authorizesOn December 10, 2013, the CFPBfederal regulators adopted final regulations to establish certain minimum standards forimplement the origination of residential mortgages, including a determinationproprietary trading and private fund prohibitions of the borrower’s ability to repay.Volcker Rule under the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the Dodd-Frank Actfinal regulations, banking entities are generally prohibited, subject to significant exceptions from: (i) short-term proprietary trading as principal in securities and other financial instruments, and (ii) sponsoring or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in private equity and hedge funds. Revisions to the implementing final rule adopted by the CFPB, or the ATR/QMVolcker Rule a financial institution may not make a residential mortgage loan to a consumer unless it first makes a “reasonable and good faith determination”in 2019, that the consumer has a “reasonable ability” to repay the loan. In addition, the ATR/QM Rule limits prepayment penalties and permits borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage,” as defined by the CFPB. For this purpose, the ATR/QM Rule defines a “qualified mortgage” to include a loan with a borrower debt-to-income ratio of less than or equal to 43% or, alternatively, a loan eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac while they operate under federal conservatorship or receivership, and loans eligible for insurance or guarantee by the Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration, or United States Department of Agriculture. Additionally, a qualified mortgage may not: (i) contain excess upfront points and fees; (ii) have a term greater than 30 years; or (iii) include interest only or negative amortization payments. The ATR/QM Rule specifies the types of income and assets that may be considered in the ability-to-repay determination, the permissible sources for verification, and the required methods of calculating the loan’s monthly payments. The ATR/QM Rule becamebecome effective in January 2014.
2020, simplifies and streamlines the compliance requirements for banks that do not have significant trading activities. In 2020, the OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission finalized further amendments to the Volcker Rule. The Regulatory Relief Act provides that for certain insured depository institutions and insured credit unions with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, mortgage loans that are originated and retained in portfolio will automatically be deemed to satisfy the “ability to repay” requirement. To qualify for this, the insured depository institutions and credit unions must meet conditions relating to prepayment penalties, points and fees, negative amortization, interest-only features and documentation.
The Regulatory Relief Act directs Federal banking agencies to issue regulations exempting certain insured depository institutions and insured credit unions with assets of $10 billion or lessamendments include new exclusions from the requirement to establish escrow accounts forVolcker Rule’s general prohibitions on banking entities investing in and sponsoring private equity funds, hedge funds, and certain residential mortgage loans.
Insured depository institutions and insured credit unions that originated fewer than 500 closed-end mortgage loans or 500 open-end lines of credit in each of the two preceding years are exempt from a subset of disclosure requirements (recently imposed by the CFPB) under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (“HMDA”), provided they have received certain minimum CRA ratings in their most recent examinations.
The Regulatory Relief Act also directs the Comptroller of the Currency to conduct a study assessing the effect of the exemption described above on the amount of HMDA data available at the national and local level.
In addition, Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act amended the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) to require sponsors of asset-backed securities (“ABS”) to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of the assets underlying the securities and generally prohibits sponsors from transferring or hedging that credit risk. In October 2014, the federal banking regulatory agencies adopted a final rule to implement this requirement (the “Risk Retention Rule”other investment vehicles (collectively “covered funds”). Among other things, the Risk Retention Rule requires a securitizer to retain not less than 5% of the credit risk of any asset that the securitizer, through the issuance of an ABS, transfers, sells, or conveys to a third party; and prohibits a securitizer from directly or indirectly hedging or otherwise transferring the credit risk that the securitizer is required to retain. In certain situations,The amendments in the final rule, allows securitizers to allocate a portion of the risk retention requirement to the originator(s) of the securitized assets, if an originator contributes at least 20% of the assets in the securitization. The Risk Retention Rule also provides an exemption to the risk retention requirements for an ABS collateralized exclusively by Qualified Residential Mortgages (“QRMs”),which became effective on October 1, 2020, clarify and ties the definition of a QRM to the definition of a “qualified mortgage” established by the CFPB for purposes of evaluating a consumer’s ability to repay a mortgage loan. The federalexpand permissible banking agencies have agreed to review the definition of QRMs in 2019, following the CFPB’s own review of its “qualified mortgage” regulation. For purposes of residential mortgage securitizations, the Risk Retention Rule took effect on December 24, 2015. For all other securitizations, the rule took effect on December 24, 2016.
The Volcker Rule
In December, 2013, five federal financial regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, adopted final rules implementing the so-called “Volcker Rule” embodied in Section 13 of the BHC Act, which was added by the Dodd-Frank Act. In general, the Volcker Rule prohibits banking entities from (1) engaging in short-term proprietary trading for their own accounts, and (2) having certain ownership interests in,activities and relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds, or covered funds. The Volcker Rule is intended to provide greater clarity with respect to both the extent of those primary prohibitions and the related exemptions and exclusions.
The Regulatory Relief Act creates an exemption from prohibitions on propriety trading, and relationships with certain investment funds for banking entities with (i) less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and (ii) trading assets and trading liabilities less than 5% of its total consolidated assets. Currently, all banks are subject to these prohibitions pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. Any insured depository institution that is controlled by a company that itself exceeds these $10 billion and 5% thresholds would not qualify the exemption. In addition, the Regulatory Relief Act eases certain Volcker Rule restrictions on all bank entities, regardless of size, for simply sharing a name with hedge funds and private equity funds they organize. While the Company would be exempt from the prohibition on proprietary trading pursuant to the Regulatory Relief Act, currently, the Company does not have any ownership interest in, or relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds, or covered funds, or engage in any activities that would have previously subjected it tounder the Volcker Rule.
Other Provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Act implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape. In addition to the reforms previously mentioned, the Dodd-Frank Act also:
•requires BHCs and banks to be both well capitalized and well managed in order to acquire banks located outside their home state and requires any BHC electing to be treated as a financial holding company to be both well managed and well capitalized;
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•eliminates all remaining restrictions on interstate banking by authorizing national and state banks to establish de novo branches in any state that would permit a bank chartered in that state to open a branch at that location; and • | eliminates all remaining restrictions on interstate banking by authorizing national and state banks to establish de novo branches in any state that would permit a bank chartered in that state to open a branch at that location; and
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repeals Regulation Q, the federal prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.
Although a significant number of the rules and regulations mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act have been finalized, many of the requirements called for have yet to be implemented and will likely be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various agencies, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions’ operations is unclear.
Federal Home Loan Bank Membership
The Bank is a member of the FHLB. Each member of the FHLB is required to maintain a minimum investment in the Class B stock of the FHLB. The Board of Directors of the FHLB can increase the minimum investment requirements in the event it has concluded that additional capital is required to allow it to meet its own regulatory capital requirements. Any increase in the minimum investment requirements outside of specified ranges requires the approval of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Because the extent of any obligation to increase the level of investment in the FHLB depends entirely upon the occurrence of a future event, we presently are unable to determine the extent of future required potential payments to the FHLB. Additionally, if a member financial institution fails, the right of the FHLB to seek repayment of funds loaned to that institution will take priority (a super lien) over the rights of all other creditors.
Other Laws and Regulations
Our operations are subject to several additional laws, some of which are specific to banking and others of which are applicable to commercial operations generally. For example, with respect to our lending practices, we are subject to the following laws and regulations, among several others:
•Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
HMDA,•Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (“HMDA”), requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
•Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
•Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections, and certain credit and other disclosures;
•Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing how consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;
•Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring certain disclosures concerning loan closing costs and escrows, and governing transfers of loan servicing and the amounts of escrows for loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties;
•Rules and regulations established by the National Flood Insurance Program;
•Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.
Our deposit operations are subject to federal laws applicable to depository accounts, including:
•Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;
•Truth-In-Savings Act, requiring certain disclosures for consumer deposit accounts;
•Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E of the Federal Reserve, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; and
•Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.
We are also subject to a variety of laws and regulations that are not limited to banking organizations. For example, in lending to commercial and consumer borrowers, and in owning and operating our own property, we are subject to regulations and potential liabilities under state and federal environmental laws. In addition, we must comply with privacy and data security laws and regulations at both the federal and state level.
We are heavily regulated by regulatory agencies at the federal and state levels. Like most of our competitors, we have faced and expect to continue to face increased regulation and regulatory and political scrutiny, which creates significant uncertainty for us, as well as for the financial services industry in general.
Enforcement Powers
The federal regulatory agencies have substantial penalties available to use against depository institutions and certain “institution-affiliated parties.” Institution-affiliated parties primarily include directors, management, employees, and agentscontrolling shareholders of a financial institution, as well as, under limited circumstances, independent contractors and consultants, such as attorneys, accountants, appraisers, and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution’s affairs. An institution can be subject to an enforcement action due to the failure to timely file required reports, the filing of false or misleading information, or the submission of inaccurate reports, or engaging in other unsafe or unsound banking practices. Civil penalties may be as high as $1,924,589 per day for violations.
The Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act provided regulators with greater flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties and to terminate an institution’s deposit insurance. It also expanded the power of banking regulatory agencies to issue regulatory orders. Such orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnification, or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate. The Dodd-Frank Act increases regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks, BHCs, and their respective subsidiaries by the appropriate regulatory agency.
Future Legislation and Regulation
Regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry in recent years, leading in many cases to greater uncertainty and compliance costs for regulated entities. Proposals that could substantially intensify the regulation of the financial services industry have been and may be expected to continue to be introduced in the United States Congress, in state legislatures, and by applicable regulatory authorities. These proposals may change banking statutes and regulations and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, these proposals could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any of these proposals will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that these proposals, or any implementing regulations, would have on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Available Information
The CompanyCorporation maintains an internet site at www.silvergatebank.comwww.silvergate.com on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, stockholders may access these reports and documents on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The information on, or accessible through, our website or any other website cited in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be relied upon in determining whether to make an investment decision.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors included below together with all of the information included in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as the same may be updated from time to time by our future filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act, before making a decision to invest in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of the matters included in the following information about risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, you may lose all or a substantial part of your investment. To the extent that any of the information contained in this document constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors below should be reviewed as cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. See “Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.”
Risks Related to the Digital Currency Industry
The characteristics of digital currency have been, and may in the future continue to be, exploited to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and ransomware scams; if any of our customers do so or are alleged to have done so, it could adversely affect us.
Digital currencies and the digital currency industry are relatively new and, in many cases, lightly regulated or largely unregulated. Some types of digital currency have characteristics, such as the speed with which digital currency transactions can be conducted, the ability to conduct transactions without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, the irreversible nature of certain digital currency transactions and encryption technology that anonymizes these transactions, that make digital currency particularly susceptible to use in illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and ransomware scams. Two prominent examples of marketplaces that accepted digital currency payments for illegal activities include Silk Road, an online marketplace on the dark web that, among other things, facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and forged legal documents using digital currencies and AlphaBay, another darknet market that utilized digital currencies to hide the locations of its servers and identities of its users. Both of these marketplaces were investigated and closed by U.S. law enforcement authorities. U.S. regulators, including the SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), and Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), as well as non-U.S. regulators, have taken legal action against persons alleged to be engaged in Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent schemes involving digital currencies. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has noted the increasing use of digital currency in various ransomware scams.
While we believe that our risk management and compliance framework, which includes thorough reviews we conduct as part of our due diligence process (either in connection with onboarding new customers or monitoring existing customers), is reasonably designed to detect any such illicit activities conducted by our potential or existing customers (or, in the case of digital currency exchanges, their customers), we cannot ensure that we will be able to detect any such illegal activity in all instances. Because the speed, irreversibility and anonymity of certain digital currency transactions make them more difficult to track, fraudulent transactions may be more likely to occur. We or our banking counterparties may be specifically targeted by individuals seeking to conduct fraudulent transfers, and it may be difficult or impossible for us to detect and avoid such transactions in certain circumstances. If one of our customers (or in the case of digital currency exchanges, their customers) were to engage in or be accused of engaging in illegal activities using digital currency, we could be subject to various fines and sanctions, including limitations on our activities, which could also cause reputational damage and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For more information regarding the regulatory agencies and regulations to which we are subject, see “—Risks Related to Regulation”. Lastly, we may experience a reduction in our deposits if such an incident were to impact one of our customers, even if there was no wrongdoing on our part.
Risks Related to Our Digital Currency Initiative
The majority of the Bank’s deposits are from businesses involved in the digital currency industry. As a result, weWe rely heavily on the success of the digital currency industry, the development and acceptance of which is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to evaluate.
We have grown rapidly because of our initiative to provide traditional banking and other services to customers in the digital currency industry. We have created a unique, technology-led infrastructure platform, including the SEN and cash management solutions, to facilitate cash transactions for the Bank’s digital currency deposit customers. This platform has driven growth of a customer base that includes some of the largest and fastest growing companies within the digital currency industry, consisting primarily of digital currency exchanges, institutional investors and other industry participants. See “Item 1. Business—Digital Currency Customers.” As of December 31, 2019, the Bank’s 10 largest depositors accounted for $523.6 million in deposits, or approximately 28.9% of the Bank’s total deposits, nine of whom are customers in the digital currency industry.
The businesses in which these customers engage involve digital currencies such as bitcoin, other technologies underlying digital currencies such as blockchain, and services associated with digital currencies and blockchain. The digital currency industry includes a diverse set of businesses that use digital currencies for different purposes and provide services to others who use digital currencies. This is a new and rapidly evolving industry, and the viability and future growth of the industry and adoption of digital currencies and the underlying technology is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, including based upon the adoption of the technology, regulation of the industry, and price volatility, among other factors. Because the sector is relatively new, your investment may be exposed to additional risks which are not yet known or quantifiable.
Bitcoin, the first widely used digital currency, and many other digital currencies were designed to function as a form of money. However, digital currencies have only recently become selectively accepted as a means of payment for goods and
services and then only by some retail and commercial businesses. Use of digital currency by consumers as a form of payment is limited. Some digital currencies were built for uses other than as a substitute for fiat money. For example, the Ethereum network is intended to permit the development and use of smart contracts, which are programs that execute on a blockchain. The digital asset known as Ether was designed to facilitate transactions involving smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Many of these digital currencies are listed on digital currency exchanges and are traded and purchased as investments by a variety of market participants.
Other factors affecting the further development of the digital currency industry and our business include, but are not limited to:
•the adoption and use of digital currencies, including adoption and use as a substitute for fiat currency or for other uses, which may be adversely impacted by continued price volatility;
government and quasi-government regulation of digital currencies, their use, and intermediaries and other businesses involved in digital currencies, noting in particular that the SEC has taken action against several cryptocurrency operators and has raised questions whether certain digital currency exchanges must be registered with the SEC to continue operating;
•the use of digital currencies, or the perception of such use, to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and ransomware scams by our customers;
restrictions on or regulation of access to and operation of the digital currency exchanges or other platforms that facilitate trading in digital currencies;
•heightened risks to digital currency businesses, such as digital currency exchanges, of hacking, malware attacks, and other cyber-security risks, which can lead to significant losses;
•developments in digital currency trading markets, including decreasing price volatility of digital currencies, resulting in narrowing spreads for digital currency trading and diminishing arbitrage opportunities across digital currency exchanges, or increased price volatility, which could negatively impact our customers and therefore our deposits, either of which in turn may reduce the benefits of the SEN and negatively impact our business; and
changes in consumer demographics and public taste and preferences;
•the maintenance and development of the software protocol of the digital currency networks;
the availability and popularity of other forms or methods of buying and selling goods and services, including new means of using fiat currencies;
the use of the networks supporting digital currencies for developing smart contracts and distributed applications;
general economic conditions and the regulatory environment relating to digital currencies; and
increased regulatory oversight of digital currencies and the costs associated with such regulatory oversight.networks.
If any of these factors, or other factors, slows development of the digital currency industry, it could adversely affect our digital currency initiative and therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. For example, a decline in the digital currency industry that leads to a decline in deposit balances by our digital currency customers would negatively affect our sources of funding. In such circumstances, we may be forced to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less stable funding sources. Consequently, a decline in the growth of the digital currency industry could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to implement aspects of our growth strategy, which may impact our position as the leading provider of innovative financial infrastructure solutions and services to participants in the digital currency industry and adversely affect our ability to maintain our recent growth and earnings trends.
We have grown rapidly, primarily through organic growth related to our digital currency initiative. We may not be able to execute on aspects of our growth strategy, which may impair our ability to sustain this rate of growth or prevent us from growing at all. More specifically, we may not be able to generate sufficient amounts of new loans and deposits within acceptable risk and expense tolerances or obtain the personnel or funding necessary for additional growth, which may therefore preclude us from developing products and services relating to stablecoin transaction flows and collateral, custodian services, international expansion of our customer base and other potential fintech opportunities. The process of developing new or improved solutions or services for digital currency industry participants is expensive, complex and involves uncertainties.
The success of new or improved solutions and services depends on several factors, including costs, timely completion, regulatory approvals, the introduction, reliability and stability of our solutions and services, differentiation of new or improved solutions and market acceptance. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing and marketing our digital currency initiative in a timely manner or at all, or that our new or improved solutions and services will adequately address market demands. Market acceptance and adoption of solutions and services within our digital currency initiative will depend on, among other things, the solutions and services demonstrating a real advantage over existing products and services, the success of our sales and marketing teams in creating awareness of our solutions and services, competitive pricing of such solutions and services, customer recognition of the value of our technology and the general willingness of potential customers to try new technologies. In particular, if we are unable to achieve sufficient market adoption of the SEN, our growth strategy may be adversely affected.
Various factors, such as general economic conditions, conditions in the digital currency industry and competition with other financial institutions and infrastructure service providers, may impede or preclude the growth of our operations. Our business and the growth of our operations are dependent on, among other things, the continued success and growth of the SEN. If conditions in digital currency markets change such that certain trading strategies currently employed by our institutional investor customers become less profitable, the benefits of the SEN and the API may be diminished, resulting in a decrease in our deposit balances and adversely impacting our growth strategy. In addition, if a competitor or another third party were to launch an alternative to the SEN (such as the Federal Reserve’s recently announced plan to develop a virtually real time payment system for banks, which is expected to be available as early as 2023), we could lose noninterest bearing deposits and our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth strategy could be adversely impacted. Further, we may be unable to attract and retain experienced employees, which could adversely affect our growth.
The success of our strategy also depends on our ability to manage our growth effectively, which depends on many factors, including our ability to adapt our regulatory, compliance, credit, operational, technology and governance infrastructure to accommodate expanded operations, particularly as these relate to the digital currency industry. If we are successful in continuing our growth, we cannot assure you that further growth would offer the same levels of potential profitability, or that we would be successful in controlling costs and maintaining asset quality in the face of that growth. Accordingly, an inability to maintain growth, or an inability to effectively manage growth, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. The further development and acceptance of digital currencies and blockchain technology are subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to evaluate, as discussed above. The slowing or stopping of the development or acceptance of digital currency networks and blockchain technology may adversely affect our ability to continue to grow and capitalize on our digital currency strategy.
The Bank has several large depositor relationships that are concentrated in the digital currency industry generally and among digital currency exchanges in particular, the loss of any of which could force us to fund our business through more expensive and less stable sources.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, the Bank’s 10 largest depositors accounted for $523.6 million$6.5 billion in deposits, or approximately 28.9%45.3% of the Bank’s total deposits, nine of whom are customers operating in the digital currency industry.deposits. Deposits from digital currency exchanges represent approximately 29.1%58.0% of the Bank’s overall deposits and are held by approximately 6094 exchanges. Digital currency exchanges have discretion over which financial institution holds deposits on behalf of its customers. As a result, the Bank is exposed to high customer concentration with our exchange customers. A decision by the customers of an
exchange to exit the exchange or a decision by an exchange to withdraw deposits or move deposits to our competitors could result in substantial changes in our deposit base. Exchanges present additional risks because they have been frequent targets and victims of fraud and cyber attacks and the failure or exit of one or more exchanges as customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors could force us to rely more heavily on borrowingsresult in a decrease in our cash and other sourcescash equivalents and a sale of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affectingsecurities which would negatively impact our net interest margin and results of operations. The Bank may also be forced, because of deposit withdrawals, to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less stable funding sources. Consequently, the occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.income.
Our digital currency initiative has contributed significantly to an increase in our noninterest bearing deposits, which has driven the Bank’s funding costs to levels that may not be sustainable.
Our digital currency initiative has contributed significantly to an increase in our noninterest bearing deposits, and has allowed us to generate attractive returns on lower risk assets through increased investments in interest earning deposits in other banks and securities, as well as funding limited loan growth. We have increased ourOur noninterest bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits from 12.4%was 99.5% as of December 31, 2013 to 74.0% as of December 31, 2019, an increase that2021, which is largely attributable to our digital currency initiative. Our future growth may be adversely impacted if we are unable to retain and grow this strong, low-cost deposit base. There may be competitive pressures to pay higher interest rates on deposits to our digital currency customers, which could increase funding costs and compress net interest margins. Further, even if we are otherwise able to grow and maintain our noninterest bearing deposit base, our deposit balances may still decrease if our digital currency customers are offered more attractive returns from our competitors. If our digital currency customers move funds out ofwithdraw deposits, we could lose a low cost source of funds increasingwhich would likely increase our funding costs reducingand reduce our net interest income and net interest margin, whichmargin. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The prices of digital currencies are extremely volatile. Fluctuations in the price of various digital currencies may cause uncertainty in the market and could negatively impact trading volumes of digital currencies and therefore the extent to which participants in the digital currency industry demand our services and solutions, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The value of digital currencies is based in part on market adoption and future expectations, which may or may not be realized. As a result, the prices of digital currencies are highly speculative. The prices of digital currenciesspeculative and have been subject to dramatic fluctuations to date. Several factors may affect price, including, but not limited to:
Global digital currency supply, including various alternative currencies which exist, and global digital currency demand, which can be influenced by the growth or decline of retail merchants’ and commercial businesses’ acceptance of digital currencies as payment for goods and services, the security of online digital currency exchanges and digital wallets that hold digital currencies, the perception that the use and holding of digital currencies is safe and secure and regulatory restrictions on their use;
Changes in the software, software requirements or hardware requirements underlying a blockchain network. For example, a fork occurs when there is a change to a digital currency’s underlying protocol, which creates new rules for the system. Forks in the future are likely to occur and there is no assurance that such a fork would not result in a sustained decline in the market price of digital currencies;
Changes in the rights, obligations, incentives, or rewards for the various participants in a blockchain network;
The maintenance and development of the software protocol of digital currencies;
Digital currency exchanges deposit and withdrawal policies and practices, liquidity on such exchanges and interruptions in service from or failures of such exchanges;
Regulatory measures, if any, that affect the use and value of crypto-assets;
Competition for and among various digital currencies that exist and market preferences and expectations with respect to adoption of individual currencies;
Actual or perceived manipulation of the markets for digital currencies;
Actual or perceived threats that digital currencies and related activities such as mining have adverse effects on the environment or are tied to illegal activities; and
Expectations with respect to the rate of inflation in the economy, monetary policies of governments, trade restrictions and currency devaluations and revaluations.
The digital currency market is volatile, and changes in the prices and/or trading volume of digital currencies may adversely impact our growth strategy and our business. In particular, the impact that changes in prices and/or trading volume of digital currencies have on our deposit balance from customers in the digital currency industry is unpredictable, as any reduction in deposits attributable to such changes may be amplified or mitigated by other developments, such as the onboarding of new customers, loss of existing customers and changes in our customers’ operational and trading strategies. We have experienced deposit fluctuations over the last 18 months,few years which have been correlated with or contrary to the price and/or trading volume of digital currencies at various times. There can be no assurance that a decreaseVolatility in the valueprices and/or trading volume of digital currencies would notmay adversely impact the amount of such deposits in the future. In addition, volatility in the values of digital currencies caused by the factors described above or other factors may impactfuture, our growth strategy and the demand for our services and therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Technology
System failure or cybersecurity breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other potential losses.
Our computer systems and network infrastructure, including the SEN and API, could be vulnerable to hardware and cybersecurity issues. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event. We could also experience a breach by intentional or negligent conduct on the part of employees or other internal sources. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations are also dependent upon our ability to protect our computer systems and network infrastructure, including the SEN, the API, and our other online banking systems, against damage from physical break-ins, cybersecurity breaches and other disruptive problems caused by the internet or other users. Such computer break-ins and other disruptions would jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability, damage our reputation and inhibit the use of our internet banking services by current and potential customers. We could also become the target of various cyberattacks as a result of our focus on the digital currency industry. We regularly add additional security measures to our computer systems and network infrastructure to mitigate the possibility of cybersecurity breaches, including firewalls and penetration testing. However, it is difficult or impossible to defend against every risk being posed by changing technologies as well as acts of cyber-crime. Increasing sophistication of cyber criminals and terrorists make keeping up with new threats difficult and could result in a system breach. Controls employed by our information technology department and cloud vendors could prove inadequate. A breach of our security that results in unauthorized access to our data could expose us to a disruption or challenges relating to our daily operations, as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, significant increases in compliance costs and reputational damage, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not have the resources to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the industry or implement new technology effectively.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to serving customers better, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. As a result, to stay current with the industry, our business model may need to evolve as well. Our future success will depend, at least in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our products and service offerings. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements or products, which could impair our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner. From time to time, we may modify aspects of our business model relating to our product mix and service offerings. We cannot offer any assurance that these or any other modifications will be successful.
The technology relied upon by the Company, including the SEN, the API and our other on-line banking systems, may not function properly, which may have a material impact on the Company’s operations and financial conditions. There may be no alternatives available if such technology does not work as anticipated. The importance of the SEN, the API and our other on-line banking systems to the Company’s operations means that any technological problems in its functionality would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. This technology may malfunction because of internal problems or because of cyberattacks or external security breaches. Any such technological problems would have a material adverse impact on the Company’soperations, business model and growth strategy.
Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Third parties upon which we rely for our technology needs may not be able to develop, on a cost-effective basis, systems that will enable us to keep pace with such developments. As a result, our larger competitors may be able to offer additional or superior products
compared to those that we will be able to provide, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. We may lose customers seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services. The ability to keep pace with technological change is important and the failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations could be interrupted if our third-party service providers experience operational or other systems difficulties, terminate their services or fail to comply with banking regulations.
We outsource some of our operational activities and accordingly depend on relationships with many third-party service providers. Specifically, we rely onto third parties for certain services, including, but not limited to, core systems support, informational website hosting, internet services, online account opening and other processing services. Our business depends on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party service providers. The failure of these systems, a cybersecurity breach involving any of our third-party service providers or the termination or change in terms of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. Replacing vendors or addressing other issues with our third-party service providers could entail significant delay, expense and disruption of service.
As a result, if these third-party service providers experience difficulties, are subject to cybersecurity breaches, or terminate their services, and we are unable to replace them with other service providers, particularly on a timely basis, our operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Even if we can replace third-party service providers, it may be at a higher cost to us, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the Bank’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, has issued guidance outlining the expectations for third-party service provider oversight and monitoring by financial institutions. The federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, have also issued enforcement actions against financial institutions for failure in oversight of third-party providers and violations of federal banking law by such providers when performing services for financial institutions. Accordingly, ourOur operations could be interrupted if any of our third-party service providers experience difficulties, are subject to cybersecurity breaches, terminate their services or fail to comply with banking regulations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our failure to adequately oversee the actions of our third-party service providers could result in regulatory actions against the Bank, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Traditional Banking Business
As a business operating in the financial services industry, our business and operations may be adversely affected in numerous and complex ways by weak economic conditions.
Our business and operations, which primarily consist of borrowing money from clients in the form of deposits, investing in securities and interest earning deposits in other banks, and lending money to clients in the form of loans, borrowing money from clients in the form of deposits and investing in interest earning deposits in other banks and securities, are sensitive to
general business and economic conditions in the United States. We solicit deposits throughout the United States and, while our primary lending market is the state of California, we purchase and originate loans throughout the United States. If the U.S. economy weakens, our growth and profitability from our lending, deposit and investment operations could be constrained. Uncertainty about the federal fiscal policymaking process, the medium- and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government and future tax rates is a concern for businesses, consumers and investors in the United States. While there has been an improvement in the U.S. economy since the 2008 financial crisis as evidenced by a rebound in the housing market, lower unemployment and higher equity capital markets, economic growth has been uneven and opinions vary on the strength and direction of the economy. Uncertainties also have arisen regarding the potential for a reversal or renegotiation of international trade agreements, the effects of the legislation commonly known as Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), and the impact such actions and other policies the current administration may have on economic and market conditions.
Weak economic conditions are characterized by numerous factors, including deflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, a lack of liquidity and depressed prices in the secondary market for mortgage loans, increased delinquencies on mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, residential and commercial real estate price declines and lower levels of home sales and commercial activity. The current economic environment is characterized by lower interest rates than historically have been the case, which impacts our ability to generate attractive earnings through our loan and investment portfolios. These factors can individually or in the aggregate be detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable. Adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unpredictable future developments related to or resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our commercial banking clientsBecause there have been no comparable recent global pandemics that resulted in a similar global impact, we do not yet know the full extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on our business, operations, or the global economy as a whole. Any future development will be highly uncertain and their operations are concentrated in Southern Californiacannot be predicted, including the scope and we are more sensitive than our more geographically diversified competitors to adverse changes induration of the local economy.
Unlike manypandemic, the effectiveness of our larger competitors that maintain significant operations located outsidework from home arrangements, third party providers’ ability to support our market area,operation, and any actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic. We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and related risks, although the rapid development and fluidity of the situation precludes any specific prediction as to its ultimate impact on us. However, if the pandemic continues to spread or otherwise results in a substantial portioncontinuation or worsening of ourthe current economic and commercial business clients are located and doing business in Southern California. Therefore, our success depends substantially upon the general economic conditions in this area, which we cannot predict with certainty. As a result, our operations and profitability may be more adversely affected by a local economic downturn in Southern California than those of larger, more geographically diverse competitors. A downturn in the local economy generally could make it more difficult for our borrowers to repay their loans and may lead to loan losses that are not offset by operations in other markets. For these reasons, any regional or local economic downturn that affects Southern California, or existing or prospective borrowers in Southern California, could have a material adverse effect onenvironments, our business, financial condition, and results of operations. To a significantly lesser extent,operations and cash flows as well as our Bank provides financing to clients who live or have companies or properties located outsideregulatory capital and liquidity ratios could be materially adversely affected and many of the risks described in our core Southern California markets, such as Arizona and Florida. In such cases, we would face similar local market risks in those communities for these clients.2021 Form 10-K will be heightened.
We face strong competition from financial services companies and other companies that offer banking services.
We operate in the highly competitive financial services industry and face significant competition for customers from financial institutions located both within and beyond our principal markets. We compete with commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, nonbank financial services companies and other financial institutions operating both within our market areas and nationally, and in respect of our digital currency initiative we also compete with other entities in the digital currency industry, including a limited number of other banks providing services to the digital currency industry and digital currency exchanges. In addition, as customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the internet and for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic payment systems. The banking industry is experiencing rapid changes in technology and, as a result, our future success will depend in part on our ability to address our customers’ needs by using technology. Customer loyalty can be influenced by a competitor’s new products, especially offerings that could provide cost savings or a higher return to the customer. Increased lending activity of competing banks following the 2008-2009 economic downturn has also led to increased competitive pressures on loan rates and terms for high quality credits. We may not be able to compete successfully with other financial institutions in our markets, and we may have to pay higher interest rates to attract deposits, accept lower yields to attract loans and pay higher wages for new employees, resulting in lower net interest margins and reduced profitability.
Many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our activities and may have greater flexibility in competing for business. The financial services industry could become even more competitive because of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. In addition, some of our current commercial banking customers may seek alternative banking sources as they develop needs for credit facilities larger than we may be able to accommodate.
Our inability to compete successfully in the markets in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may not be able to measure and limit our credit risk adequately, which could lead to unexpected losses.
The business of lending is inherently risky, including risks that the principal of or interest on any loan will not be repaid in a timely manner or at all or that the value of any collateral supporting the loan will be insufficient to cover our outstanding exposure. These risks may be affected by the financial condition of the borrower, the strength of the borrower’s business sector and local, regional and national market and economic conditions. Many of our loans are made to small- to medium-sized businesses that may be less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers. Our risk management practices, such as monitoring the concentration of our loans within specific industries, and our credit approval practices may not adequately reduce credit risk. Further, our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting customers and the quality of the loan portfolio. A failure to measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio effectively could lead to unexpected losses and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan portfolio.
We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s judgment of probable losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2019, our allowance for loan losses totaled $6.2 million, which represents approximately 0.93% of our total gross loans held-for-investment. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of general economic conditions, diversification and seasoning of the loan portfolio, historic loss experience, identified credit problems, delinquency levels and adequacy of collateral. The determination of the appropriate level of our allowance for loan losses is inherently highly subjective and requires management to make significant estimates of and
assumptions regarding current credit risks, all of which may undergo material changes. Inaccurate management assumptions, deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification or deterioration of additional problem loans, acquisition of problem loans and other factors (including third-party review and analysis), both within and outside of our control, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, our regulators, as an integral part of their periodic examination, review our methodology for calculating, and the adequacy of, our allowance for loan losses and may direct us to make additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Further, if actual charge-offs in future periods exceed the amounts allocated to our allowance for loan losses, we may need additional provisions for loan losses to restore the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. Finally, the measure of our allowance for loan losses depends on the adoption and interpretation of accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has recently issued a new credit impairment model, the Current Expected Credit Loss (the “CECL model”), which will become applicable to us on January 1, 2023. The CECL model will require financial institutions to estimate and develop a provision for credit losses over the lifetime of the loan at origination, as opposed to reserving for probable incurred losses up to the balance sheet date. Under the CECL model, our estimate of credit losses over the life of the loan would be reflected in the statement of operations in the period of origination or acquisition of the loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. Accordingly, the CECL model could require financial institutions like the Bank to increase their allowances for loan losses. Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in our level of allowance for loan losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our commercial real estate loan portfolio exposes us to credit risks that may be greater than the risks related to other types of loans.
As of December 31, 2019, approximately $331.1 million, or 49.6%, of our total gross loans held-for-investment were commercial real estate loans (including owner-occupied commercial real estate loans). Further, as of December 31, 2019, our commercial real estate loans (excluding owner-occupied commercial real estate loans) totaled 142.5% of our total risk-based capital. These loans typically involve repayment that depends upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service. The availability of such income for repayment may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. These loans expose a lender to the risk of liquidating the collateral securing these loans in times when there may be significant fluctuation of commercial real estate values. Additionally, commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio could require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio held-for-investment is comprised of real estate loans, negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity could impair the value of collateral securing our real estate loans and result in loan and other losses.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, approximately $614.3$381.0 million, or 91.9%42.6%, of our total gross loans held-for-investment were loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. As a result, adverse developments affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in our primary markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, and could result in losses that adversely affect our credit quality, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our market areas could significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses. Collateral may
have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, which could result in losses on such loans. Such declines and losses would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we
Our nascent SEN Leverage product has unique risks and may not perform to our expectations in the future, which would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Appraisals and other valuation techniques we use in evaluating and monitoring loans secured by real property, other real estate owned and repossessed personal property may not accurately describe the net valueOur SEN Leverage product, which was piloted during 2020, is now one of the asset.
In considering whetherCompany’s core lending products. SEN Leverage currently allows certain of our SEN customers to make a loan secured by real property, we generally require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate ofborrow US dollars against the value of the property atdigital currency bitcoin.
The loan to value (“LTV”) ratio of a SEN Leverage loan fluctuates in relation to the timevalue of bitcoin held as collateral, which has historically been volatile and which serves as the appraisalcollateral for these loans. There is made and, as real estate values may change significantlyno assurance that customers will be able to timely provide additional collateral under these loans or reduce the principal amount of the loan to maintain the loan’s required LTV ratio in relatively short periods of time (especially in periods of heightened economic uncertainty), this estimate may not accurately describea scenario where the net value of the real propertybitcoin, serving as the collateral afterfor the loan, drops precipitously.
We utilize third party custodians to hold the bitcoin serving as the collateral of the SEN Leverage loans. Custodians of digital currency present additional risks because they are frequent targets and victims of cyber-attacks, which could impact the custodian’s timely delivery of digital currency collateral to us. If a SEN Leverage loan customer defaults on its loan and the bitcoin collateral is made. Asnot liquidated in a result, we may not be able to realize the full amount of any remaining indebtedness when we foreclose on and sell the relevant property. In addition, we rely on appraisals and other valuation techniques to establish the value of our other real estate owned (“OREO”) and personal property that we acquire through foreclosure proceedings and to determine certain loan impairments. If any of
these valuations are inaccurate, our combined and consolidated financial statements may not reflect the correct value of our OREO, and our allowance for loan losses may not reflect accurate loan impairments. This could have a material adverse effect ontimely manner, our business, financial condition orand results of operations.operations could be adversely impacted.
In the case of defaults on loans secured by real estate, we may be forced to foreclose on the collateral, subjecting us to the costs and potential risks associated with the ownership of the real property, or consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law that may substantially raise the cost of foreclosure or prevent us from foreclosing at all.
Since we originate loans secured by real estate, weWe may have to foreclose on the collateral property to protect our investment and may thereafter own and operate such property for some period, in which case we would be exposed to the risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. As of December 31, 2019, we held approximately $128,000 in OREO that is currently marketed for sale. The amount that we, as a mortgagee, may realize after a default depends on factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to, general or local economic conditions, environmental cleanup liabilities, assessments, interest rates, real estate tax rates, operating expenses of the mortgaged properties, our ability to obtain and maintain adequate occupancy of the properties, zoning laws, governmental and regulatory rules, and natural disasters. Our inability to manage the amount of costs or size of the risks associated with the ownership of real estate, or write-downs in the value of other real estate owned, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially increase the time and expense associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all. Some states in recent years have either considered or adopted foreclosure reform laws that make it substantially more difficult and expensive for lenders to foreclose on properties in default. If new state or federal laws or regulations are ultimately enacted that significantly raise the cost of foreclosure or raise outright barriers, such laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
We are subject to claims and litigation pertaining to intellectual property.
Banking and other financial services companies, such as our Company, rely on technology companies to provide information technology products and services necessary to support their day-to-day operations. Technology companies frequently pursue litigation based on allegations of patent infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. In addition, patent holding companies seek to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise obtained. Competitors of our vendors, or other individuals or companies, may from time to time claim to hold intellectual property sold to us by our vendors. Such claims may increase in the future as the financial services sector becomes more reliant on information technology vendors. The plaintiffs in these actions frequently seek injunctions and substantial damages.
Regardless of the scope or validity of such patents or other intellectual property rights, or the merits of any claims by potential or actual litigants, we may have to engage in protracted litigation. Such litigation is often expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. If we are found to infringe one or more patents or other intellectual property rights, we may be required to pay substantial damages or royalties to a third party. In certain cases, we may consider entering into licensing agreements for disputed intellectual property, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur. These licenses may also significantly increase our operating expenses. If legal matters related to intellectual property claims were resolved against us or settled, we could be required to make payments in amounts that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Third parties may assert intellectual property claims relating to the holding and transfer of digital assets and their source code. Regardless of the merit of any intellectual property or other legal action, any threatened action that reduces confidence in long-term viability or the ability of end-users to hold and transfer the currency may adversely affect an investment in digital currencies. Additionally, a meritorious intellectual property claim could prevent investors and other end-users from accessing, holding or transferring their digital currency, which could force the liquidation of holdings of such digital currency (if liquidation is possible). As a result, intellectual property claims against large digital currency participants could adversely affect the business and operations of digital currency exchanges as well as our own.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights, and may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.
Competitors may violate our intellectual property rights. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, litigation may be necessary to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets and/or to determine the validity and scope of our own intellectual property rights or the proprietary rights of others. Such litigation can be expensive and time consuming, which could divert management resources and harm our business and financial results. Potential competitors may have the ability to dedicate greater resources to litigate intellectual property rights than we can. Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property.
We may be subject to environmental liabilities relating to the real properties we own and the foreclosure on real estate assets securing loans in our loan portfolio.
In conducting our business, we may foreclose on and take title to real estate or otherwise be deemed to be in control of property that serves as collateral on loans we make. As a result, we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to those properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties relating to environmental contamination, or we may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property.
The cost of removal or abatement may substantially exceed the value of the affected properties or the loans secured by those properties, we may not have adequate remedies against the prior owners or other responsible parties and we may not be able to resell the affected properties either before or after completion of any such removal or abatement procedures. If material environmental problems are discovered before foreclosure, we generally will not foreclose on the related collateral or will transfer ownership of the loan to a subsidiary. It should be noted, however, that the transfer of the property or loans to a subsidiary may not protect us from environmental liability. Furthermore, despite these actions on our part, the value of the property as collateral will generally be substantially reduced or we may elect not to foreclose on the property and, as a result, we may suffer a loss upon collection of the loan. Any significant environmental liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our concentration of large loans to a limited number of borrowers may increase our credit risk.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, our 10 largest borrowing relationships accounted for approximately 38.6%60.1% of our total gross loans held-for-investment. Along with other risks inherent in these loans, such as the deterioration of the underlying businesses or property securing these loans, thisThis high concentration of borrowers presents a risk to our lending operations. If any one of these borrowers becomes unable to repay its loan obligations because of economic or market conditions, or personal circumstances, such as divorce or death, our nonaccrual loans and our allowance for loan and lease losses could increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our assets, business, financial condition and results of operations.
A lack of liquidity could impair our ability to fund operations and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, sales of our investment securities, sales of loans or other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity and our ability to continue our growth strategy.
Our most important source of funds is deposits. As of December 31, 2019,2021, approximately $1.3$14.2 billion, or 74.0%99.5%, of our total deposits were noninterest bearing demand accounts. These deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations due to certain factors that may be outside of our control, such as a loss of confidence by customers in us or the banking sector
generally, customer perceptions of our financial health and general reputation, any of which could result in significant outflows of deposits within short periods of time increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income. Substantially all of these noninterest bearing demand accounts are deposits from our customers in the digital currency industry.
Additional liquidity is provided by our ability to borrow from the Federal Home Loan BankFHLB of San Francisco (the “FHLB”) and the FRB. We also may borrow funds from third-party lenders, such as other financial institutions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms that are acceptable to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. Our access to funding sources could also be affected by one or more adverse regulatory actions against us.
Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses or fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to additional credit and market risk.
By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to counterparty credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk exists to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative. Market risk exists to the extent that interest rates change in ways that are significantly different from what was modeled when we entered into the derivative transaction. The existence of credit and market risk associated with our derivative instruments could adversely affect our revenue and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent on the use of data and modeling in our management’s decision-making, and faulty data or modeling approaches could negatively impact our decision-making ability or possibly subject us to regulatory scrutiny in the future.
The use of statistical and quantitative models and other quantitative analyses is necessary for bank decision-making, and the employment of such analyses is becoming increasingly widespread in our operations.
Liquidity stress testing, interest rate sensitivity analysis and the identification of possible violations of anti-money laundering regulations are all examples of areas in which we are dependent on models and the data that underlies them. The use of statistical and quantitative models is also becoming more prevalent in regulatory compliance. While we are not currently subject to annual Dodd-Frank Act stress testing and the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review submissions, we believe that model-derived testing may become more extensively implemented by regulators in the future.
We anticipate data-based modeling will penetrate further into bank decision-making, particularly risk management efforts, as the capacities developed to meet rigorous stress testing requirements are able to be employed more widely and in differing applications. While we believe these quantitative techniques and approaches improve our decision-making, they also create the possibility that faulty data or flawed quantitative approaches could negatively impact our decision-making ability or, if we become subject to regulatory stress-testing in the future, adverse regulatory scrutiny. Secondarily, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision-making.
We are subject to interest rate risk as fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings.
Most of our banking assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates. Like most financial institutions, our earnings are significantly dependent on our net interest income, the principal component of our earnings, which is the difference between interest earned by us from our interest earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest paid by us on our interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest earning assets, or vice versa. In either case, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this gap will negatively impact our earnings. The impact on earnings is more adverse when the slope of the yield curve flattens; that is, when short-term interest rates increase more than long-term interest rates or when long-term interest rates decrease more than short-term interest rates. Many factors impact interest rates, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, international economic weakness and disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. In addition, the Federal Reserve has stated its intention to end its quantitative easing program and has begun to reduce the size of its balance sheet by selling securities, which might also affect interest rates. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 69.4% of our interest earning assets and approximately 30.8% of our interest bearing liabilities had a variable interest rate.
Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our borrowers, which increases the potential for default and could result in a decrease in the demand for loans. At the same time, the marketability of the property securing a loan may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their loans at lower rates. In addition, in a low interest rate environment, loan customers often pursue long-term fixed rate borrowings, which could adversely affect our earnings and net interest margin if rates later increase. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. At the same time, we continue to incur costs to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets could have a material adverse impact on net interest income. If short-term interest rates remain at their historically low levels for a prolonged period and assuming longer-term interest rates fall further, we could experience net interest margin compression as our interest earning assets would continue to reprice downward while our interest bearing liability rates could fail to decline in tandem. Such an occurrence would reduce our net interest income and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increased regulatory oversight and uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process and potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may adversely affect the results of our operations.
On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”), announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. It is impossible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR, whether LIBOR rates will cease to be published or supported before or after 2021 or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. Efforts in the United States to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates include proposals by the Alternative Reference Rates
Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes in other reforms to LIBOR may adversely affect LIBOR rates and the value of LIBOR-based loans, and to a lesser extent securities in our portfolio, and may impact the availability and cost of hedging instruments and borrowings, including the rates we pay on our subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities. If LIBOR rates are no longer available or do not remain an acceptable market benchmark, any successor or replacement interest rates may perform differently, which may adversely affect our revenue or our expenses. We may incur significant costs to transition both our borrowing arrangements and the loan agreements with our customers from LIBOR, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, we may face exposure to litigation over the nature and performance of any replacement index. The impact of alternatives to LIBOR on the valuations, pricing and operation of our financial instruments is not yet known.
Any future failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could impair the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business, impair investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and our access to the capital markets and cause the price of our common stock to decline and subject us to regulatory penalties.
If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately and in a timely manner, in which case our business may be harmed, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, we could be subject to regulatory penalties and the price of our common stock may decline.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for evaluating and reporting on that system of internal control. Our internal control over financial reporting consists of a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). As a public company,If we will be requiredfail to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. When we are required to certify our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the future, we will be required to furnish annually a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm may be required to report on the effectiveness of ourmaintain effective internal control over financial reporting, at such time.we may not be able to report our financial results accurately and in a timely manner, in which case our business may be harmed, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, we could be subject to regulatory penalties and the price of our common stock may decline.
The accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting policies are inaccurate.
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our critical accounting policies, which are included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” describe those significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements that we consider critical because they require judgments, assumptions and estimates that materially affect our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As a result, if future events or regulatory views concerning such analysis differ significantly from the judgments, assumptions and estimates in our critical accounting policies, those events or assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, in each case resulting in our need to revise or restate prior period financial statements, cause damage to our reputation and the price of our common stock and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There could be material changes to our financial statements and disclosures if there are changes in accounting standards or regulatory interpretations of existing standards
From time to time the FASB or the SEC may change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. Such changes may result in us being subject to new or changing accounting and reporting standards. In addition, the bodies that interpret the accounting standards (such as banking regulators or outside auditors) may change their interpretations or positions on how new or existing standards should be applied. These changes may be beyond our control, can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, or apply an existing standard differently and retrospectively, in each case resulting in our needing to revise or restate prior period financial statements, which could materially change our financial statements and related disclosures, cause damage to our reputation and the price of our common stock, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We could recognize losses on investment securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate.
We invest a percentagesignificant portion of our total assets (42.2%(53.9% as of December 31, 2019)2021) in investment securities with the primary objectives of providing a source of liquidity, providing an appropriate return on funds invested and managing interest rate risk and
meeting pledging requirements.risk. As of December 31, 2019,2021, the fair value of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio was $897.8 million,$8.6 billion, which included gross unrealized losses of $7.7$58.5 million and gross unrealized gains of $13.4$44.8 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly and adversely influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio. For example, fixed-rate securities are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or individual borrowers with respect to the underlying securities and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could cause other-than-temporary impairment in future periods and result in realized losses. The process for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary usually requires difficult, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting interest rates, the financial condition of issuers of the securities and the performance of the underlying
collateral, we may recognize realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer, employee or third-party fraud and data processing system failures and errors.fraud.
Employee errors and employee or customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence.
We maintain a system of internal controls to mitigate operational risks, including data processing system failures and errors and customer or employee fraud, as well as insurance coverage designed to protect us from material losses associated with these risks, including losses resulting from any associated business interruption. If our internal controls fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we rely heavily upon information supplied by third parties, including the information contained in credit applications, property appraisals, title information and employment and income documentation, in deciding which loans we will originate, as well as the terms of those loans.parties. If any of the information upon which we rely is misrepresented, either fraudulently or inadvertently, and the misrepresentation is not detected prior to loan funding, the value of the loan may be significantly lower than expected, or we may fund a loan that we would not have funded or on terms that do not comply with our general underwriting standards. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the applicant or another third party, we generally bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. A loan subject to a material misrepresentation is typically unsellable or subject to repurchase if it is sold prior to detection of the misrepresentation. The sources of the misrepresentations are often difficult to locate, and it is often difficult to recover any of the resulting monetary losses we may suffer, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely heavily on our executive management team and other key employees, and we could be adversely affected by the unexpected loss of their services.
We are led by an experienced core management team with substantial experience in the markets that we serve, and our operating strategy focuses on providing products and services through long-term relationship managers and ensuring that our largest clients have relationships with our senior management team. Accordingly, our success depends in large part on the performance of these key personnel, as well as on our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified senior and middle management. Competition for employees is intense and the process of locating key personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business plan may be lengthy. If any of our executive officers, other key personnel or directors leaves us or our Bank, our financial condition and results of operations may suffer because of his or her skills, knowledge of our market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified personnel to replace him or her.
Negative public opinion regarding the Company or failure to maintain our reputation in the communities we serve could adversely affect our business and prevent us from growing our business.
As a community bank and service provider to the digital currency industry, our Bank’s reputation within the communities we serve is critical to our success. We believe we have built strong personal and professional relationships with our customers and are active members of the communities we serve. As such, we strive to enhance our reputation by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve and delivering superior service to our customers. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees or otherwise, including because of a successful cyberattack against us or other unauthorized release or loss of customer information, we may be less successful in attracting new talent and customers or may lose existing customers, and our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, if the reputation of the digital currency industry as a whole is harmed, including due to events such as cybersecurity breaches, scams perpetrated by bad actors or other unforeseen developments as a result of the evolving regulatory landscape of the digital currency industry, our reputation may be negatively affected due to our connection with the digital currency industry, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our exposure to and interactions with the digital currency industry put us at a higher risk of media attention and scrutiny. Further, negative public opinion can expose us to litigation and regulatory action and delay and impede our efforts to implement our expansion strategy, which could further adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to raise the additional capital needed, in absolute terms or on terms acceptable to us, to fund our growth strategy in the future if we continue to grow at our current pace.
As of December 31, 2021, our total consolidated assets were $16.0 billion, an increase of $10.4 billion, or 186.5%, from December 31, 2020. In light of our rapid growth and to sustain our growth strategy, we will likely need to raise additional capital in the future, though the timing and amounts of future capital needs are presently unknown.
We believe that we have sufficient capital to meet our capital needs for our immediate growth plans. However, we will continue to need capital to support our longer-term growth plans. If capital is not available on favorable terms when we need it, we will have to either issue common stock or other securities on less than desirable terms or reduce our rate of growth until market conditions become more favorable. Either ofAny such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The failure to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements could result in one or more of our regulators placing limitations or conditions on our activities, including our growth initiatives, or restricting the commencement of new activities, and could adversely affect customer and investor confidence, our role in the digital currency ecosystem, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Regulation
There is substantial legal and regulatory uncertainty regarding the regulation of digital currencies and digital currency activities. This uncertainty or adverse regulatory changes may inhibit the growth of the digital currency industry, including our customers, and therefore have a material adverse effect on the digital currency initiative.
The U.S. Congress, U.S. state legislatures, and a number of U.S. federal and state regulators and law enforcement agencies, including FinCEN, U.S. federal banking regulators, SEC, CFTC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the CFPB, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), and state banking regulators, state financial services regulators, and states attorney generals, have been examining the operations of digital currency networks, exchanges, and digital currency businesses, with particular focus on the extent to which digital currencies can be used for illegal activities, including but not limited to laundering the proceeds of illegal activities, funding criminal or terrorist enterprises, engaging in fraudulent activities (see “—Risks Related to the Digital Currency Industry”), as well as whether and the extent to which digital currency businesses should be subject to existing or new regulation, including those applicable to banks, securities intermediaries, derivatives intermediaries, or money transmitters.
For example, FinCEN requires firms engaged in the business of administration, exchange, or transmission of a virtual currency to register with FinCEN under its money services business licensing regime. The New York DFS has established a licensing regime for businesses involved in virtual currency business activity in or involving New York, commonly known as BitLicense regime. The SEC and CFTC have each issued formal and informal guidance on the applicability of securities and derivatives regulations to digital currencies and digital currency activities. The SEC has suggested that, depending on the circumstances, an initial coin offering (“ICO”) may constitute securities offerings subject to the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Exchange Act, and that some ICOs in the past have been illegal, which could, in turn, result in regulatory actions or other scrutiny against our customers or us. The SEC has also stated that venues that permit trading of tokens that are deemed securities are required to either register as national securities exchanges under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or obtain an exemption. If we or any of our digital currency customers are subject to regulatory actions relating to illegal securities offerings or are required to register as a national securities exchange under the Exchange Act, we may experience a substantial loss of deposits and our business may be materially adversely affected.
Many state and federal agencies have also issued consumer advisories regarding the risks posed to users and investors in digital currencies. U.S. federal and state legislatures, regulators and law enforcement agencies continue to develop views and approaches to a wide variety of digital currencies and activities involved in digital currencies and it is likely that, as the legal and regulatory landscape develops, additional regulatory requirements could apply to digital currency businesses, including our digital currency customers and us. U.S. state and federal, and foreign regulators and legislatures have taken legal actions against digital currency businesses or adopted restrictions in response to adverse publicity arising from hacks, consumer harm, criminal activity, or other activities related to digital currencies. Ongoing and future regulatory actions may alter, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the nature of the digital currency industry or the ability of our customers to continue to operate. This may significantly impede the viability or growth of our existing funding sources based on deposits from digital currency business as well as our digital currency initiative. In addition, we may become subject to additional regulatory scrutiny as a result of certain aspects of our growth strategy, including our plans to develop credit products for the purchase of digital currency, custodian services and to expand our international customer base.
Digital currencies and digital currency related activities also currently face an uncertain regulatory landscape in many foreign jurisdictions such as the European Union, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Russia, Israel, Poland, India, Hong Kong, Canada and Singapore. Various foreign jurisdictions may adopt laws regulations or directives that affect digital currencies. Such laws, regulations or directives may conflict with those of the United States and may negatively impact the acceptance of digital currencies by users, merchants and service providers outside the United States and may therefore impede the growth or sustainability of the digital currency industry in these jurisdictions as well as in the United States and elsewhere, or otherwise negatively affect the digital currency industry or our customers, which may adversely affect our digital currency initiative and could therefore result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Legislative and regulatory actions taken now or in the future may increase our costs and impact our business, governance structure, financial condition or results of operations.
Economic conditions that contributed to the financial crisis in 2008, particularly in the financial markets, resulted in government regulatory agencies and political bodies placing increased focus and scrutiny on the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in 2010 as a response to the financial crisis, significantly changed the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations thereunder have affected both large and small financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, imposed new capital requirements on bank holding companies; changed the base for FDIC insurance assessments to a bank’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, rather than upon its deposit base; raised the standard deposit insurance limit to $250,000; and expanded the FDIC’s authority to raise insurance premiums. The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which has broad rulemaking authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards, and contains provisions on mortgage-related matters, such as steering incentives, determinations as to a borrower’s ability to repay and prepayment penalties. Compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations has and may continue to result in additional operating and compliance costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
On May 24, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Regulatory Relief Act, which amends parts of the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as other laws that involve regulation of the financial industry. While the Regulatory Relief Act keeps in place fundamental aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act’s regulatory framework, it does make regulatory changes that are favorable to depository institutions with assets under $10 billion, such as the Bank, and to bank holding companies (“BHCs”), with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, such as the Company, and also makes changes to consumer mortgage and credit reporting regulations and to the authorities of the agencies that regulate the financial industry. These and other changes are more fully discussed under “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Regulatory Relief Act.” Certain provisions of the Regulatory Relief Act favorable to the Company and the Bank require the federal banking agencies to either promulgate regulations or amend existing regulations, and it may take some time for these agencies to implement the necessary regulations or amendments.
Federal and state regulatory agencies frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the way existing regulations are applied. Regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry, if enacted or adopted, may impact the profitability of our business activities, require more oversight or change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require us to invest significant
management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the Dodd-Frank Act and related rulemaking, the Bank and the Company are subject to more stringent capital requirements.
In July 2013, the U.S. federal banking authorities approved the implementation of regulatory capital reforms of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which is referred to as Basel III, and issued rules effecting certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. Basel III is applicable to all U.S. banks that are subject to minimum capital requirements as well as to bank and saving and loan holding companies other than those subject to the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement. The Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement currently applies to certain holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3.0 billion that do not have a material amount of SEC-registered debt or equity securities outstanding. Management believes the Corporation meets the conditions of the Federal Reserve’s Policy and is therefore excluded from consolidated capital requirements at December 31, 2019; however the Bank remains subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.
Relative to the capital requirements that predated it, Basel III increased most of the required minimum regulatory capital ratios and introduced a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio and the concept of a capital conservation buffer. Basel III also narrowed the definition of capital by establishing additional criteria that capital instruments must meet to be considered
additional Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. The Basel III capital rules became effective as applied to the Bank on January 1, 2015 and to the Company on January 1, 2018 prior to the amendment to the Small Bank Holding Company Statement discussed above. See “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Adequacy Guidelines.”
Certain ratios calculated under the Basel III rules are sensitive to changes in total deposits, including the minimum leverage ratio that is discussed further under “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Adequacy Guidelines.” Due to the potential volatility of deposits related to our Digital Currency Initiative, we may be at increased risk of a sudden adverse change in these ratios.
The failure to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements could result in one or more of our regulators placing limitations or conditions on our activities, including our growth initiatives, or restricting the commencement of new activities, and could affect customer and investor confidence, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Federal and state banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we are or become subject based on such examinations could adversely affect us.
As part of the bank regulatory process, the Federal Reserve and the DBODFPI periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations. If, based on an examination, one of these federal banking agencies were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, asset sensitivity, risk management or other aspects of any of our operations have become unsatisfactory, or that the Company, the Bank or their respective management were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take such remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin unsafe or unsound practices, to require affirmative actions to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital levels, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against us, the Bank or their respective officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance. If we become subject to such regulatory actions, our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation could be adversely affected.
Our regulators may limit current or planned activities related to the digital currency industry.
The digital currency industry is relatively new and is subject to significant risks. The digital currency initiative involves customers and activities with which regulators, including our primary banking regulators the Federal Reserve and DBO,DFPI, may be less familiar and which they may consider higher risk than those involving more established industries. While we have consulted, and will continue to consult with, our regulators regarding our activities involving digital currency industry customers and the digital currency initiative, in the future a regulator may determine to limit or restrict one or more of these activities. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Financial institutions, such as the Bank, face risks of noncompliance and enforcement actions related to the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations (in particular, as such statutes and regulations relate to the digital currency industry).
The Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, FinCEN and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. To administer the Bank Secrecy Act, FinCEN is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and the IRS. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the sanctions programs and rules administered and enforced by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Our compliance with the anti-money laundering laws is in part dependent on our ability to adequately screen and monitor our customers for their compliance with these laws. Customers associated with our digital currency initiative may represent an increased compliance risk given the prevalence of money laundering activities using digital currencies. We have developed enhanced procedures to screen and monitor these customers, which include, but are not limited to, system monitoring rules tailored to digital currency activities, a system of “red flags” specific to various customer types and activities, the development of and investment in proprietary technology tools to supplement our third-party transaction monitoring system, customer risk scoring with risk factors specific to the digital-currency industry, and the use of various blockchain monitoring tools. We believe these enhanced procedures adequately screen and monitor our customers associated with the digital currency initiative for their compliance with anti-money laundering laws; however, given the rapid developments in digital currency markets and technologies, there can be no assurance that these enhanced procedures will be adequate to detect or prevent money laundering activity. If regulators determine that our enhanced procedures are insufficient to address the financial crimes risks posed by
digital currencies, the digital currency initiative may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To comply with regulations, guidelines and examination procedures in this area, we have dedicated significant resources to our anti-money laundering program. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we could be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the inability to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plans, including acquisitions and de novo branching.
We are subject to anticorruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and we may be subject to other anti-corruption laws, as well as anti-money laundering and sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations, to the extent our business expands to non-U.S. jurisdictions. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We continue to pursue deposit sourcing opportunities outside of the United States. We are currently subject to anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. The FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws generally prohibit us, our employees and intermediaries from bribing, being bribed or making other prohibited payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain other business advantages. We may also participate in collaborations and relationships with third parties whose actions could potentially subject us to liability under the FCPA or other jurisdictions’ anti-corruption laws. There is no assurance that we will be completely effective in ensuring our compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. If we are not in compliance with the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement and other sanctions and remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws by authorities in the United States or other jurisdictions where we conduct business could also have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations, designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws or regulations could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.
The CRA directs all insured depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which they are located, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Each institution is examined periodically by its primary federal regulator, which assesses the institution’s performance. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The CFPB, the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. The CFPB was created under the Dodd-Frank Act to centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection with broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of federal consumer financial laws with respect to all financial institutions that offer financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB is also authorized to prescribe rules applicable to any covered person or service provider, identifying and prohibiting acts or practices that are “unfair, deceptive, or abusive” in any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product, or service. The ongoing broad rulemaking powers of the CFPB have potential to have a significant impact on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services. The CFPB has indicated that it may propose new rules on overdrafts and other consumer financial products or services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if any such rules limit our ability to provide such financial products or services.
A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA, fair lending or consumer lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion, and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties may also challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increases in FDIC insurance premiums could adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.
The deposits of our Bank are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, subject it to the payment of FDIC deposit insurance assessments as determined according to the calculation described in “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Deposit Insurance.” To maintain a strong funding position and restore the reserve ratios of the DIF following the financial crisis, the FDIC increased deposit insurance assessment rates and charged special assessments to all FDIC-insured financial institutions. Further increases in assessment rates or special assessments may occur in the future, especially if there are significant additional financial institution failures. Any future special assessments, increases in assessment rates or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank at a time when our resources are limited, which may require us to borrow funds or raise capital on unfavorable terms.
The Federal Reserve requires a BHC to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to support its subsidiary banks. Under the “source of strength” doctrine that was codified by the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve may require a BHC to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank at times when the BHC may not be inclined to do so and may charge the BHC with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. Accordingly, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank if it experiences financial distress.
A capital injection may be required at a time when our resources are limited, and we may be required to borrow the funds or raise capital to make the required capital injection. Any loan by a BHC to its subsidiary bank is subordinate in right of repayment to payments to depositors and certain other creditors of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a BHC’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company’s general unsecured creditors, including the holders of any note obligations. Thus, any borrowing by a BHC for making a capital injection to a subsidiary bank often becomes more difficult and expensive relative to other corporate borrowings. Borrowing funds or raising capital on unfavorable terms for such a capital injection may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to various types of credit risk due to interconnectivity in the financial services industry and could be adversely affected by the insolvency of other financial institutions.
Financial services institutions are interrelated based on trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when our collateral cannot be foreclosed upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due. Any such losses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to influence the U.S. money supply and credit conditions. Among the traditional methods that have been used to achieve this objective are open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate for bank borrowings, expanded access to funds for non-banks and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. More recently, the Federal Reserve has, as a response to the financial crisis, significantly increased the size of its balance sheet by buying securities and has paid interest on excess reserves held by banks at the Federal Reserve. Both the traditional and more recent methods are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, interest rates on loans and securities, and rates paid for deposits.
The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve are influenced by various factors, including inflation, unemployment, and short-term and long-term changes in the international trade balance and in the fiscal policies of the U.S. government. Following a prolonged period in which the federal funds rate was stable or decreasing, the Federal Reserve has begun to increase this benchmark rate. In addition, the Federal Reserve has stated its intention to end its quantitative easing program and has begun to reduce the size of its balance sheet by selling securities. Future monetary policies including whether the Federal Reserve will continue to increase the federal funds rate and whether or at what pace it will continue to reduce the size of its balance sheet, cannot be predicted, and although we cannot determine the effects of such policies on us now, such policies could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Effective December 31, 2021, the Company no longer qualified as an “an emerging growth company” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies no longer apply, which will increase the Company’s costs and demands on management.
As a result of the Company’s public float (the market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates) as of June 30, 2021, the Company became a large accelerated filer as of December 31, 2021 and no longer qualifies as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012.
As an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, the Company previously had the option to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in the Company’s periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions related to certain “Say-on-Pay” rules under Section 14A of the Exchange Act, including requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on named executive officer compensation, the frequency of such votes and arrangements with named executive officers regarding compensation based on or related to an acquisition, merger, or similar transaction.
Further, as an emerging growth company, the Company was not subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. In particular, the Company must perform system and process evaluation, document its controls and perform testing of its key controls over financial reporting to allow management to assess, and, its independent public accounting firm to report, on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Its testing, or the subsequent testing by the Company’s independent public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in its internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Preparing such attestation report and the cost of compliance with reporting requirements that the Company has not previously implemented will increase the Company’s expenses and require significant management time. In addition, material weaknesses in internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of the Company’s common stock.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations, which may make it difficult for you to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for you to resell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired. There are many factors that may affect the market price and trading volume of our common stock, including, without limitation, the risks discussed elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section and:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, financial condition or asset quality;
changes in general economic or business conditions;
changes in digital currency industry conditions;
the effectsmost of and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve;
publication of research reports about us, our competitors or the financial services industry generally, or changes in, or failure to meet, securities analysts’ estimateswhich are outside of our financial and operating performance, or lack of research reports by industry analysts or ceasing of coverage;
operating and stock price performance of companies that investors deem comparable to us;
additional or anticipated sales of our common stock or other securities by us or our existing shareholders;
additions or departures of key personnel;
perceptions in the marketplace regarding our competitors or us;
significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving our competitors or us;
other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory or technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services; and
other news, announcements or disclosures (whether by us or others) related to us, our competitors, our core markets or the financial services industry.control.
The stock market and the market for financial institution stocks has experienced substantial fluctuations in recent years, which in many cases have been unrelated to the operating performance and prospects of particular companies. In addition, significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our common stock may cause significant price variations to occur. Increased market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, which could make it difficult to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
We may require additional capital in the future to continue our planned growth. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, you may experience substantial dilution.
Our common stock is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness and preferred stock.
Our common stock ranks junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us, including claims in the event of our liquidation. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future to increase our capital resources or if our total capital ratio or the total capital ratio of the Bank falls below the required minimums. Furthermore, our common stock is subordinate to our outstanding preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock we may issue in the future.
While our growth strategy is focused on the digital currency industry, investors should not expect that the value of our common stock to be correlated with the value of digital currencies. Our common stock is not a proxy for gaining exposure to digital currencies.
While our growth strategy is focused on the digital currency industry and the majority of the Bank’s deposits are from digital currency-relatedcurrency related activities, our common stock is not a proxy for gaining exposure to digital currencies. The impact of fluctuations in prices and/or trading volume of digital currencies on our deposit balance from customers in the digital currency industry and, by extension, our profitability, is unpredictable, and the price of our common stock may not be correlated to the prices of digital currencies.
Though not a proxy for gaining exposure to digital currencies, market participants may view our common stock as such, which could in turn attract investors seeking to buy or sell short our common stock in order to gain such exposure, therefore increasing the price volatility of our common stock. There may also be a heightened level of speculation in our common stock as a result of our exposure to the digital currency industry. For more information regarding the volatility of digital currencies, see “—Risks Related to Our Digital Currency Initiative—The prices of digital currencies are extremely volatile.” Fluctuations in the price of various digital currencies may cause uncertainty in the market and could negatively impact trading volumes of digital currencies and therefore the extent to which participants in the digital currency industry demand our services and solutions, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
Our management and board of directors have significant control over our business.
As of December 31, 2019, our directors, our named executive officers and their respective family members and affiliated entities beneficially owned an aggregate of 3,932,999 shares, or approximately 22.1% of our issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock. Consequently, our management and board of directors may be able to significantly affect the outcome of the election of directors and the potential outcome of other matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, such as mergers, the sale of substantially all our assets and other extraordinary corporate matters. The interests of these insiders could conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including you.
The holders of our existing debt obligations, as well as debt obligations that may be outstanding in the future, will have priority over our common stock with respect to payment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up and with respect to the payment of interest.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, our common stock would rank below all claims of debt holders against us. As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding $15.8 million in aggregate principal amount of subordinated debentures issued to statutory trusts that, in turn, issued $15.5 million of trust preferred securities. Payments of the principal and interest on the trust preferred securities are conditionally guaranteed by us. In addition, at December 31, 2019,
the Company had a term loan from a commercial bank with an outstanding principal balance of $3.7 million. Our debt obligations are senior to our shares of common stock. As a result, we must make payments on our debt obligations before any dividends can be paid on our common stock. In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of our debt obligations must be satisfied before any distributions can be made to the holders of our common stock. To the extent that we issue additional debt obligations, the additional debt obligations will be of equal rank with, or senior to, our existing debt obligations and senior to our shares of common stock.
We may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our common stock, which could depress the price of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, (the “Articles”) authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of directors will have the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our shareholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our common stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discouraging bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price, and materially adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.
We are an emerging growth company, and the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company we may take advantage of reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. These include, without limitation, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced financial reporting requirements, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding non-binding shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute payments. The JOBS Act also permits an emerging growth company such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. However, we have irrevocably opted out of this provision, and we will comply with new or revised accounting standards to the same extent that compliance is required for non-emerging growth companies.
We may take advantage of some or all of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time as we cease to qualify as an emerging growth company, which will occur if we have more than $1.07 billion in total annual gross revenue, if we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in a three-year period, or if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of any June 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. Investors may find our common stock less attractive because we intend to rely on certain of these exemptions, which may result in a less active trading market and increased volatility in our stock price.
We are dependent upon the Bank for cash flow, and the Bank’s ability to make cash distributions is restricted.
Our primary asset is Silvergate Bank. We depend upon the Bank for cash distributions (through dividends on the Bank’s common stock) that we use to pay our operating expenses and satisfy our obligations (including our junior subordinated debentures). Federal and state statutes, regulations and policies restrict the Bank’s ability to make cash distributions to us. Further, the Federal Reserve and the DBO can restrict the Bank’s payment of dividends by supervisory action. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations or, if applicable, pay dividends on our common stock. See “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends.”
Our future ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions.
Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. We have not paid any cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock since inception and we currently have no plans to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any declaration and payment of dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock in the future will depend on regulatory restrictions, our earnings and financial condition, our liquidity and capital requirements, the general economic climate, contractual restrictions, our ability to service any equity or debt obligations senior to our Class A and Class B Common Stock and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Furthermore, consistent with our strategic plans, growth initiatives, capital availability, projected liquidity needs and other factors, we have made, and will continue to make, capital management decisions and policies that could adversely affect the amount of dividends, if any, paid to our common shareholders.
The Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy in relation to the organization’s overall asset quality, current and prospective earnings and level, composition and quality of capital. The guidance provides that we inform and consult with the Federal Reserve prior to declaring and paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in an adverse change to our capital structure,
including interest on the senior promissory note, the subordinated debt obligations, the subordinated debentures underlying our trust preferred securities and our other debt obligations. If regularly scheduled payments on our outstanding junior subordinated debentures, held by our unconsolidated subsidiary trusts, are not made or are deferred, or dividends on any preferred stock we may issue are not paid, we will be prohibited from paying dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock.
Provisions in our governing documents and Maryland law may have an anti-takeover effect, and there are substitutionalsubstantial regulatory limitations on changes of control of bank holding companies.
Our corporate organizational documents and provisions of federal and state law to which we are subject contain certain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, make more difficult or prevent an attempted acquisition that you may favor or an attempted replacement of our board of directors or management.
Our Articles and our Bylaws may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change of control or a replacement of our board of directors or management. Our governing documents and Maryland law include provisions that:
empower our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to issue our preferred stock, the terms of which, including voting power, are to be set by our board of directors;
divide our board of directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms;
provide that directors may be removed from office (i) without cause but only upon an 80% vote of shareholders and (ii) for cause but only upon a majority shareholder vote;
eliminate cumulative voting in elections of directors;
permit our board of directors to alter, amend or repeal our Bylaws or to adopt new bylaws;
permit our board of directors to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of our Class A and Class B Common Stock and preferred stock;
require the request of holders of at least 20% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote at a meeting to call a special shareholders’ meeting;
require shareholders that wish to bring business before annual or special meetings of shareholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of shareholders, to provide timely notice of their intent in writing; and
enable our board of directors to increase, between annual meetings, the number of persons serving as directors and to fill the vacancies created by such increase by a majority vote of the directors present at a meeting of directors.
In addition, certain provisions of Maryland law may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control. Furthermore, banking laws impose notice, approval, and ongoing regulatory requirements on any shareholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution or its holding company. These laws include the BHC Act and the CBCA. These laws could delay or prevent an acquisition.
Our common stock is not an insured deposit and is subject to risk of loss.
Our common stock is not a savings account, deposit account or other obligation of any of the Bank or any of our other subsidiaries and will not be insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Investment in our common stock is subject to risk, including possible loss.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
Our headquarters office is currently located at 4250 Executive Square, La Jolla, California 92037. The following table summarizes pertinent details of our principal leased office properties.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Location | | Owned/ Leased | | Lease Expiration | | Type of Office |
4250 Executive Square, Suites 101,Suite 300 400, 420, 450 La Jolla, CA 92037 | | Leased | | 10/31/20222027 | | Headquarters |
4250 Executive Square, Suite 100
La Jolla, CA 92037
| | Leased | | 10/31/2022 | | and Branch |
We believe that the leases to which we are subject have terms that are generally consistent with prevailing market terms. None of the leases involve any of our directors, officers or beneficial owners of more than 5% of our voting securities or any affiliates of the foregoing. We believe that our facilities are in good condition and are adequate to meet our operating needs for the foreseeable future.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. We are from time to time subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims and litigation may include, among other things, allegations of violation of banking and other applicable regulations, competition law, labor laws and consumer protection laws, as well as claims or litigation relating to intellectual property, securities, breach of contract and tort. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against any pending or future claims and litigation.
In the current opinion of management, the likelihood is remote that the impact of such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in any claim or litigation against us could have a material adverse effect for the period in which they are resolved. In addition, regardless of their merits or their ultimate outcomes, such matters are costly, divert management’s attention and may materially adversely affect our reputation, even if resolved in our favor.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Shareholder Information
The Class A Common Stock of the Company has been publicly traded since November 7, 2019 and is currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SI. As of March 3, 2020,February 21, 2022, there were approximately 282138 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock.
Dividends
Holders of our Class A and Class B Common Stock are only entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. We have not paid any cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock since inception, and we currently have no plans to pay dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock for the foreseeable future. As a Maryland corporation, we are only permitted to pay dividends out of net earnings.
Because we are a bank holding company and do not engage directly in business activities of a material nature, our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders depends, in large part, upon our receipt of dividends from the Bank, which is also subject to numerous limitations on the payment of dividends under California banking laws, regulations and policies. See “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends.”
Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders in the future will depend on regulatory restrictions, our liquidity and capital requirements, our earnings and financial condition, the general economic climate, contractual restrictions, our ability to service any equity or debt obligations senior to our Class A and Class B Common Stock and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2019, with respect to options and restricted stock units outstanding and shares available for future awards under the Company’s active equity incentive plans.
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| | | | | | | | | | |
Plan Category | | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: | | | | | | |
2010 Equity Compensation Plan | | 632,159 |
| | $ | 4.38 |
| | — |
|
2018 Equity Compensation Plan | | 368,325 |
| | 14.52 |
| | 1,228,428 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | 1,000,484 |
| | $ | 7.54 |
| | 1,228,428 |
|
Unregistered Sales and Issuer Repurchases of Common Stock
There were no unregistered sales of the Company’s stock during the fourth quarter of 2019.2021. The Company did not repurchase any of its shares during the fourth quarter of 20192021 and does not have any authorized share repurchase programs.
For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans, see “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”
Item 6. Selected Financial Data[Reserved]
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report. Information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is derived from audited financial statements presented separately herein, while information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is derived from audited financial statements not included herein. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of any future period. The performance ratios and asset quality and capital ratios are unaudited and derived from our audited financial statements and other financial information as of and for the periods presented. Average balances have been calculated using daily averages. The selected historical consolidated financial and other data presented below contains certain financial measures that are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are not audited. A reconciliation table is set forth below following the selected historical financial and other data.Not applicable.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |
Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 81,035 |
| | $ | 72,752 |
| | $ | 48,306 |
| | $ | 41,541 |
| | $ | 36,728 |
|
Interest expense | | 10,078 |
| | 3,129 |
| | 6,355 |
| | 7,729 |
| | 5,947 |
|
Net interest income | | 70,957 |
| | 69,623 |
| | 41,951 |
| | 33,812 |
| | 30,781 |
|
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses | | (439 | ) | | (1,527 | ) | | 262 |
| | 1,136 |
| | 1,906 |
|
Net interest income after provision | | 71,396 |
| | 71,150 |
| | 41,689 |
| | 32,676 |
| | 28,875 |
|
Noninterest income | | 15,754 |
| | 7,563 |
| | 3,448 |
| | 3,308 |
| | 4,797 |
|
Noninterest expense | | 52,478 |
| | 48,314 |
| | 30,706 |
| | 24,214 |
| | 21,525 |
|
Income before income taxes | | 34,672 |
| | 30,399 |
| | 14,431 |
| | 11,770 |
| | 12,147 |
|
Income tax expense(1) | | 9,826 |
| | 8,066 |
| | 6,788 |
| | 4,735 |
| | 4,737 |
|
Net income | | 24,846 |
| | 22,333 |
| | 7,643 |
| | 7,035 |
| | 7,410 |
|
Dividends on preferred stock | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 13 |
| | 159 |
|
Net income available to common shareholders | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
| | $ | 7,643 |
| | $ | 7,022 |
| | $ | 7,251 |
|
Financial Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Return on average assets (ROAA) | | 1.19 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 0.66 | % | | 0.76 | % | | 0.82 | % |
Return on average equity (ROAE) | | 11.54 | % | | 13.47 | % | | 10.80 | % | | 10.45 | % | | 10.63 | % |
Return on average common equity (ROACE) | | 11.54 | % | | 13.47 | % | | 10.80 | % | | 10.55 | % | | 11.93 | % |
Net interest margin(2) | | 3.47 | % | | 3.49 | % | | 3.68 | % | | 3.68 | % | | 3.52 | % |
Noninterest income / average assets | | 0.76 | % | | 0.38 | % | | 0.30 | % | | 0.36 | % | | 0.54 | % |
Noninterest expense / average assets | | 2.52 | % | | 2.41 | % | | 2.67 | % | | 2.60 | % | | 2.44 | % |
Efficiency ratio(3) | | 60.52 | % | | 62.59 | % | | 67.64 | % | | 65.23 | % | | 60.50 | % |
Loan yield(4) | | 5.45 | % | | 5.52 | % | | 5.20 | % | | 4.92 | % | | 4.44 | % |
Per Share Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share | | $ | 1.38 |
| | $ | 1.35 |
| | $ | 0.83 |
| | $ | 0.72 |
| | $ | 0.74 |
|
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 1.35 |
| | $ | 1.31 |
| | $ | 0.79 |
| | $ | 0.70 |
| | $ | 0.72 |
|
Common stock shares issued and outstanding at end of period | | 18,668 |
| | 17,818 |
| | 9,224 |
| | 9,224 |
| | 9,728 |
|
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | | 17,957 |
| | 16,543 |
| | 9,224 |
| | 9,705 |
| | 9,762 |
|
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | | 18,385 |
| | 17,023 |
| | 9,618 |
| | 10,039 |
| | 10,067 |
|
Book value per share at end of period | | $ | 12.38 |
| | $ | 10.73 |
| | $ | 8.00 |
| | $ | 7.13 |
| | $ | 7.24 |
|
35
| |
(1) | The year ended December 31, 2017 included a $1.2 million increase in income tax expense related to the revaluation of our deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in the corporate income tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. |
| |
(2) | Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the same period. |
| |
(3) | Efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expenses by net interest income plus noninterest income. |
| |
(4) | Includes nonaccrual loans and loans 90 days and more past due. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Statement of Financial Condition Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | $ | 132,025 |
| | $ | 670,243 |
| | $ | 793,717 |
| | $ | 31,055 |
| | $ | 45,182 |
|
Securities | | 897,766 |
| | 357,251 |
| | 191,921 |
| | 89,455 |
| | 47,226 |
|
Loans held-for-sale | | 375,922 |
| | 350,636 |
| | 190,392 |
| | 166,986 |
| | 169,190 |
|
Loans held-for-investment, net | | 664,622 |
| | 592,781 |
| | 689,303 |
| | 669,136 |
| | 637,510 |
|
Total assets | | 2,128,127 |
| | 2,004,318 |
| | 1,891,948 |
| | 981,068 |
| | 951,854 |
|
Total deposits | | 1,814,654 |
| | 1,783,005 |
| | 1,775,146 |
| | 767,862 |
| | 633,533 |
|
FHLB advances | | 49,000 |
| | — |
| | 15,000 |
| | 115,000 |
| | 199,000 |
|
Total liabilities | | 1,897,091 |
| | 1,813,072 |
| | 1,818,148 |
| | 915,261 |
| | 881,461 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity | | 231,036 |
| | 191,246 |
| | 73,800 |
| | 65,807 |
| | 70,393 |
|
Nonperforming Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Nonperforming loans | | $ | 5,909 |
| | $ | 8,303 |
| | $ | 4,510 |
| | $ | 5,126 |
| | $ | 4,020 |
|
Troubled debt restructurings | | 1,791 |
| | 514 |
| | 592 |
| | 944 |
| | 2,356 |
|
Other real estate owned, net | | 128 |
| | 31 |
| | 2,308 |
| | 562 |
| | 1,292 |
|
Nonperforming assets | | 6,037 |
| | 8,334 |
| | 6,818 |
| | 5,688 |
| | 5,312 |
|
Asset Quality Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Nonperforming assets / assets | | 0.28 | % | | 0.42 | % | | 0.36 | % | | 0.58 | % | | 0.56 | % |
Nonperforming loans / loans(1) | | 0.88 | % | | 1.39 | % | | 0.65 | % | | 0.76 | % | | 0.63 | % |
Nonperforming assets / loans(1) + other real estate owned | | 0.90 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 0.98 | % | | 0.84 | % | | 0.82 | % |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans(1) | | 0.01 | % | | (0.01 | )% | | 0.02 | % | | 0.00 | % | | (0.01 | )% |
Allowance for loan losses to total loans(1) | | 0.93 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.17 | % | | 1.19 | % | | 1.07 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans | | 104.77 | % | | 80.97 | % | | 181.04 | % | | 156.93 | % | | 171.64 | % |
Company Capital Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 11.23 | % | | 9.00 | % | | 6.15 | % | | 8.65 | % | | 9.70 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 24.52 | % | | 23.10 | % | | 10.54 | % | | 10.17 | % | | 9.82 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 26.21 | % | | 24.96 | % | | 12.72 | % | | 12.52 | % | | 13.36 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 26.90 | % | | 25.77 | % | | 13.88 | % | | 13.77 | % | | 14.44 | % |
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets | | 10.86 | % | | 9.54 | % | | 3.90 | % | | 6.71 | % | | 7.40 | % |
Bank Capital Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 10.52 | % | | 8.51 | % | | 6.33 | % | | 9.03 | % | | 9.40 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 24.55 | % | | 23.68 | % | | 13.11 | % | | 13.06 | % | | 12.96 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 24.55 | % | | 23.68 | % | | 13.11 | % | | 13.06 | % | | 12.96 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 25.24 | % | | 24.50 | % | | 14.29 | % | | 14.31 | % | | 14.04 | % |
________________________ | |
(1) | Loans exclude loans held-for-sale at each of the dates presented. |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Our accounting and reporting policies conform to GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, we also evaluate our performance based on certain additional financial measures discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as being “non-GAAP financial measures.” We identify certain financial measures as non-GAAP financial measures if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, that are not included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our statements of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios that are calculated using exclusively financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain non-GAAP financial measures for the year ended December 31, 2019 in order to present our results of operations for that period on a basis consistent with our historical operations. On November 15, 2018, the Company and the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with HomeStreet Bank to sell the Bank’s retail branch located in San Marcos, California and business loan portfolio to HomeStreet Bank. This transaction, which was completed in March 2019, generated a pre-tax gain on sale of $5.5 million.
We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP. However, non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations, are not necessarily comparable to GAAP measures and should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate non-GAAP financial measures may differ from that of other companies reporting non-GAAP measures with similar names. You should understand how such other companies calculate their financial measures that may be similar or have names that are similar to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures. Our management uses the non-GAAP financial measures set forth below in its analysis of our performance.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Net income | | | | |
Net income, as reported | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
|
Adjustments: | | | | |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | (5,509 | ) | | — |
|
Tax effect(1) | | 1,574 |
| | — |
|
Adjusted net income | | $ | 20,911 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
|
| | | | |
Noninterest income / average assets | | | | |
Noninterest income | | $ | 15,754 |
| | $ | 7,563 |
|
Adjustments: | | | | |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | (5,509 | ) | | — |
|
Adjusted noninterest income | | 10,245 |
| | 7,563 |
|
Average assets | | 2,082,007 |
| | 2,008,853 |
|
Noninterest income / average assets, as reported | | 0.76 | % | | 0.38 | % |
Adjusted noninterest income / average assets | | 0.49 | % | | 0.38 | % |
| | | | |
Return on average assets (ROAA) | | | | |
Adjusted net income | | $ | 20,911 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
|
Average assets | | 2,082,007 |
| | 2,008,853 |
|
Return on average assets (ROAA), as reported | | 1.19 | % | | 1.11 | % |
Adjusted return on average assets | | 1.00 | % | | 1.11 | % |
| | | | |
Return on average equity (ROAE) | | | | |
Adjusted net income | | $ | 20,911 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
|
Average equity | | 215,338 |
| | 165,820 |
|
Return on average equity (ROAE), as reported | | 11.54 | % | | 13.47 | % |
Adjusted return on average equity | | 9.71 | % | | 13.47 | % |
| | | | |
Efficiency ratio | | | | |
Noninterest expense | | $ | 52,478 |
| | $ | 48,314 |
|
Net interest income | | 70,957 |
| | 69,623 |
|
Noninterest income | | 15,754 |
| | 7,563 |
|
Total net interest income and noninterest income | | 86,711 |
| | 77,186 |
|
Adjustments: | | | | |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | (5,509 | ) | | — |
|
Adjusted total net interest income and noninterest income | | 81,202 |
| | 77,186 |
|
Efficiency ratio, as reported | | 60.52 | % | | 62.59 | % |
Adjusted efficiency ratio | | 64.63 | % | | 62.59 | % |
________________________ | |
(1) | Amount represents the total income tax effect of the adjustment, which is calculated based on the applicable marginal tax rate of 28.58%. |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks uncertainties and assumptions. Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to those set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statementsstatements.
Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Net Income. Net income is calculated by taking interest and noninterest income and subtracting our costs to do business, such as interest, salaries, taxes and other operational expenses. We evaluate our net income based on measures that include net interest margin, return on average assets and return on average equity.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income represents interest income, less interest expense. We generate interest income from interest, dividends and fees received on interest earning assets, including loans, interest earning deposits in other banks and investment securities we own. We incur interest expense from interest paid on interest bearing liabilities, including interest bearing deposits, borrowings and other forms of indebtedness. Net interest income typically is the most significant contributor to our net income. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor: (i) yields on our loans, securities, interest earning deposits in other banks and other interest earning assets; (ii) the costs of our deposits and other funding sources; (iii) our net interest spread; and (iv) our net interest margin. Net interest spread is the difference between rates earned on interest earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the same period. Because noninterest bearing sources of funds, such as noninterest bearing deposits and shareholders’ equity, also fund interest earning assets, net interest margin includes the benefit of these noninterest bearing sources.
Changes in market interest rates and interest we earn on interest earning assets or pay on interest bearing liabilities, as well as the volume and types of our interest earning assets, interest bearing and noninterest bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity, usually have the largest impact on periodic changes in our net interest spread, net interest margin and net interest income. We measure net interest income before and after our provision for loan losses.
Provision for Loan Losses. Provision for loan losses is the amount of expense that, based on our management’s judgment, is required to maintain our allowance for loan losses at an adequate level to absorb probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio at the applicable balance sheet date and that, in our management’s judgment, is appropriate under relevant accounting guidance. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is complex and involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. For a description of the factors considered by our management in determining the allowance for loan losses see “—Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses.”
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income consists of, among other things: (i) deposit related fees; (ii) mortgage warehouse fee income; (ii) service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits; (iii) deposit related fees; (iv) gain on sale of loans;securities; (iv) other gain and losses; and (v) other noninterest income. Service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits are fees earned for off-balance sheet deposit placements, primarily for our digital currency customers. The placements are facilitated under agreements we have entered into with customers and nationally recognized third party service providers that, in accordance with customer instructions, allow us to sweep customer funds into deposit accounts at other insured depository institutions. In connection with such sweeps and placements, the Bank earns noninterest income based on the difference between the gross interest earned on such deposit placements and the net interest the Bank agreed to pay on such swept funds (if any). Deposit related fees include cash management fees, such as analyzed checking fees, account maintenance fees, insufficient funds fees, overdraft fees, stop payment fees, foreign exchange fee income, domestic and foreign wire transfer fees, SEN related fees and card processing fee income. Mortgage warehouse fee income consists of transaction fees collected as the funded loans are sold or settled.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense includes, among other things: (i) salaries and employee benefits; (ii) occupancy and equipment expense; (iii) communications and data processing feesfees; (iv) professional services fees; (v) federal deposit insurance; (vi) correspondent bank charges; (vii) other loan expense and (vii)(viii) other general and administrative expenses.
Salaries and employee benefits include compensation, stock-based compensation, employee benefits and tax expenses for our personnel. Occupancy and equipment expense includes depreciation expense, lease expense on our leased properties and other occupancy-related expenses. Equipment expense includes expenses related to our furniture, fixtures, equipment and software. Communications expense includes costs for telephone and internet. Data processing fees include expenses paid to our third-party data processing system provider and other data service providers. Professional fees include legal, accounting, consulting and other outsourcing arrangements. Federal deposit insurance expense relates to FDIC assessments based on the level of our deposits. Correspondent bank charges include wire transfer fees, transaction fees and service charges related to transactions settled with correspondent relationships. Other loan expense includes custodial fees for our digital currency collateralized loans and loan servicing related expenses. Other general and administrative expenses include expenses associated
with travel, meals, advertising, promotions, sponsorships, training, supplies, postage, insurance, board of director expenses and other expenses related to being a public company. Noninterest expenses generally increase as we grow our business.
Noninterest expenses have increased as we have grown organically and as we have expanded and modernized our operational infrastructure and implemented our plan to build an efficient, technology-driven banking operation with significant capacity for growth. In addition, we have expanded our information technology and security division to support enhancements in our technology infrastructure.
Financial Condition
The primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our financial condition include asset quality, capital and liquidity.
Asset Quality. We manage the diversification and quality of our assets based on factors that include the level, distribution, severity and trend of problem, classified, delinquent, nonaccrual, nonperforming and restructured assets, the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, the diversification and quality of our loan and investment portfolios, the extent of counterparty risks, credit risk concentrations and other factors.
Capital. Financial institution regulators have established guidelines for minimum capital ratios for banks and bank holding companies. The Company and the Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 20192021 exceeded all current well capitalized regulatory requirements.
We manage capital primarily based upon factors that include:upon: (i) the level and quality of capital, our growth rate and our overall financial condition; (ii) the trend and volume of problem assets; (iii) the adequacy of reserves; (iv) the level and quality of earnings; (v)(iii) the risk exposures in our balance sheet; (vi) the levels of Tier 1 and total capital; (vii) the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the total risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 leverage ratio, and the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio; (viii) the state of local and national(iv) general economic conditions; and (ix) other factors including our asset growth rate, as well as certain liquidity ratios.conditions.
Liquidity. We manage liquidity based on factors that include the amount of core deposits as a percentage of total deposits, the level of diversification of our funding sources, the allocation and amount of our deposits among deposit types, the short-term funding sources used to fund assets, the amount of non-deposit funding used to fund assets, the availability of unused funding sources, off-balance sheet obligations, the availability of assets to be readily converted into cash without undue loss, the amount of cash, interest earning deposits in other banks and liquid securities we hold, the re-pricing characteristics and maturities of our assets when compared to the re-pricing characteristics of our liabilities and other factors.
We maintain high levels of liquidity for our customers who operate in the digital currency industry, as these deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations due to certain factors that may be outside of our control. As a result, the Bank deploys its customer deposits into interest earning deposits in other banks and securities, as well as into specialized lending opportunities.
Selected Historical Financial Data
Information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is derived from audited financial statements presented separately herein, while information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 is derived from audited financial statements not included herein. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of any future period. The performance ratios and asset quality and capital ratios are unaudited and derived from our audited financial statements and other financial information as of and for the periods presented. Average balances have been calculated using daily averages.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (In thousands, except per share data) |
Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 130,394 | | | $ | 79,590 | | | $ | 81,035 | | | $ | 72,752 | | | $ | 48,306 | |
Interest expense | | 1,127 | | | 7,226 | | | 10,078 | | | 3,129 | | | 6,355 | |
Net interest income | | 129,267 | | | 72,364 | | | 70,957 | | | 69,623 | | | 41,951 | |
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses | | — | | | 742 | | | (439) | | | (1,527) | | | 262 | |
Net interest income after provision | | 129,267 | | | 71,622 | | | 71,396 | | | 71,150 | | | 41,689 | |
Noninterest income | | 45,256 | | | 19,177 | | | 15,754 | | | 7,563 | | | 3,448 | |
Noninterest expense | | 89,120 | | | 59,605 | | | 52,478 | | | 48,314 | | | 30,706 | |
Income before income taxes | | 85,403 | | | 31,194 | | | 34,672 | | | 30,399 | | | 14,431 | |
Income tax expense(1) | | 6,875 | | | 5,156 | | | 9,826 | | | 8,066 | | | 6,788 | |
Net income | | 78,528 | | | 26,038 | | | 24,846 | | | 22,333 | | | 7,643 | |
Dividends on preferred stock | | 3,016 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net income available to common shareholders | | $ | 75,512 | | | $ | 26,038 | | | $ | 24,846 | | | $ | 22,333 | | | $ | 7,643 | |
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Financial Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Return on average assets (ROAA) | | 0.66 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 1.19 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 0.66 | % |
Return on average equity (ROAE) | | 8.49 | % | | 9.78 | % | | 11.54 | % | | 13.47 | % | | 10.80 | % |
Return on average common equity (ROACE) | | 9.32 | % | | 9.78 | % | | 11.54 | % | | 13.47 | % | | 10.80 | % |
Net interest margin(2) | | 1.20 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 3.47 | % | | 3.49 | % | | 3.68 | % |
Noninterest income to average assets | | 0.40 | % | | 0.76 | % | | 0.76 | % | | 0.38 | % | | 0.30 | % |
Noninterest expense to average assets | | 0.78 | % | | 2.37 | % | | 2.52 | % | | 2.41 | % | | 2.67 | % |
Efficiency ratio(3) | | 51.06 | % | | 65.11 | % | | 60.52 | % | | 62.59 | % | | 67.64 | % |
Loan yield(4) | | 4.40 | % | | 4.64 | % | | 5.45 | % | | 5.52 | % | | 5.20 | % |
Cost of deposits | | 0.00 | % | | 0.27 | % | | 0.43 | % | | 0.10 | % | | 0.44 | % |
Cost of funds | | 0.01 | % | | 0.32 | % | | 0.54 | % | | 0.17 | % | | 0.59 | % |
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Share Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per common share | | $ | 2.95 | | | $ | 1.39 | | | $ | 1.38 | | | $ | 1.35 | | | $ | 0.83 | |
Diluted earnings per common share | | $ | 2.91 | | | $ | 1.36 | | | $ | 1.35 | | | $ | 1.31 | | | $ | 0.79 | |
Common stock shares issued and outstanding at end of period | | 30,403 | | | 18,834 | | | 18,668 | | | 17,818 | | | 9,224 | |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | | 25,582 | | | 18,691 | | | 17,957 | | | 16,543 | | | 9,224 | |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | | 25,922 | | | 19,177 | | | 18,385 | | | 17,023 | | | 9,618 | |
Book value per common share at end of period | | $ | 46.55 | | | $ | 15.63 | | | $ | 12.38 | | | $ | 10.73 | | | $ | 8.00 | |
________________________
(1)The year ended December 31, 2017 included a $1.2 million increase in income tax expense related to the revaluation of our deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in the corporate income tax rate as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
(2)Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis for interest income on tax-exempt securities using the federal statutory tax rate of 21.0%, divided by average interest earning assets for the same period.
(3)Efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expenses by net interest income plus noninterest income.
(4)Includes nonaccrual loans and loans 90 days and more past due.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Statement of Financial Condition Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 5,387,946 | | | $ | 2,962,087 | | | $ | 133,604 | | | $ | 674,420 | | | $ | 797,668 | |
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value | | 8,625,259 | | | 939,015 | | | 897,766 | | | 357,178 | | | 191,802 | |
Loans held-for-sale | | 893,194 | | | 865,961 | | | 375,922 | | | 350,636 | | | 190,392 | |
Loans held-for-investment, net | | 887,304 | | | 746,751 | | | 664,622 | | | 592,781 | | | 689,303 | |
Other | | 211,792 | | | 72,421 | | | 56,213 | | | 29,303 | | | 22,783 | |
Total assets | | $ | 16,005,495 | | | $ | 5,586,235 | | | $ | 2,128,127 | | | $ | 2,004,318 | | | $ | 1,891,948 | |
Deposits | | $ | 14,290,628 | | | $ | 5,248,026 | | | $ | 1,814,654 | | | $ | 1,783,005 | | | $ | 1,775,146 | |
Borrowings | | 15,845 | | | 15,831 | | | 68,530 | | | 20,659 | | | 36,788 | |
Other liabilities | | 90,186 | | | 28,079 | | | 13,907 | | | 9,408 | | | 6,214 | |
Total liabilities | | 14,396,659 | | | 5,291,936 | | | 1,897,091 | | | 1,813,072 | | | 1,818,148 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | 1,608,836 | | | 294,299 | | | 231,036 | | | 191,246 | | | 73,800 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | $ | 16,005,495 | | | $ | 5,586,235 | | | $ | 2,128,127 | | | $ | 2,004,318 | | | $ | 1,891,948 | |
Nonperforming Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Nonaccrual loans | | $ | 4,003 | | | $ | 4,984 | | | $ | 5,825 | | | $ | 8,221 | | | $ | 4,410 | |
Troubled debt restructurings | | 1,713 | | | 1,525 | | | 1,791 | | | 514 | | | 592 | |
Other real estate owned, net | | — | | | — | | | 128 | | | 31 | | | 2,308 | |
Nonperforming assets | | 4,003 | | | 4,984 | | | 5,953 | | | 8,252 | | | 6,718 | |
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Asset Quality Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Nonperforming assets to total assets | | 0.03 | % | | 0.09 | % | | 0.28 | % | | 0.41 | % | | 0.36 | % |
Nonaccrual loans to total loans(1) | | 0.45 | % | | 0.66 | % | | 0.87 | % | | 1.37 | % | | 0.63 | % |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans(1) | | 0.00 | % | | 0.00 | % | | 0.01 | % | | (0.01) | % | | 0.02 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to total loans(1) | | 0.77 | % | | 0.92 | % | | 0.92 | % | | 1.12 | % | | 1.17 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | | 172.77 | % | | 138.76 | % | | 106.28 | % | | 81.78 | % | | 185.15 | % |
Company Capital Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 11.07 | % | | 8.29 | % | | 11.23 | % | | 9.00 | % | | 6.15 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 49.53 | % | | 21.53 | % | | 24.52 | % | | 23.10 | % | | 10.54 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 56.82 | % | | 22.88 | % | | 26.21 | % | | 24.96 | % | | 12.72 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 57.08 | % | | 23.49 | % | | 26.90 | % | | 25.77 | % | | 13.88 | % |
Common equity to total assets | | 8.84 | % | | 5.27 | % | | 10.86 | % | | 9.54 | % | | 3.90 | % |
Bank Capital Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 10.49 | % | | 8.22 | % | | 10.52 | % | | 8.51 | % | | 6.33 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 53.89 | % | | 22.71 | % | | 24.55 | % | | 23.68 | % | | 13.11 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 53.89 | % | | 22.71 | % | | 24.55 | % | | 23.68 | % | | 13.11 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 54.15 | % | | 23.32 | % | | 25.24 | % | | 24.50 | % | | 14.29 | % |
________________________(1)Loans exclude loans held-for-sale at each of the dates presented.
Results of Operations
Net Income
The following table sets forth the principal components of net income for the periods indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Interest income | | $ | 130,394 | | | $ | 79,590 | | | $ | 50,804 | | | 63.8 | % |
Interest expense | | 1,127 | | | 7,226 | | | (6,099) | | | (84.4) | % |
Net interest income | | 129,267 | | | 72,364 | | | 56,903 | | | 78.6 | % |
Provision for loan losses | | — | | | 742 | | | (742) | | | N/M |
Net interest income after provision | | 129,267 | | | 71,622 | | | 57,645 | | | 80.5 | % |
Noninterest income | | 45,256 | | | 19,177 | | | 26,079 | | | 136.0 | % |
Noninterest expense | | 89,120 | | | 59,605 | | | 29,515 | | | 49.5 | % |
Net income before income taxes | | 85,403 | | | 31,194 | | | 54,209 | | | 173.8 | % |
Income tax expense | | 6,875 | | | 5,156 | | | 1,719 | | | 33.3 | % |
Net income | | $ | 78,528 | | | $ | 26,038 | | | $ | 52,490 | | | 201.6 | % |
________________________ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Interest income | | $ | 81,035 |
| | $ | 72,752 |
| | $ | 8,283 |
| | 11.4 | % |
Interest expense | | 10,078 |
| | 3,129 |
| | 6,949 |
| | 222.1 | % |
Net interest income | | 70,957 |
| | 69,623 |
| | 1,334 |
| | 1.9 | % |
Reversal of provision for loan losses | | (439 | ) | | (1,527 | ) | | 1,088 |
| | 71.3 | % |
Net interest income after provision | | 71,396 |
| | 71,150 |
| | 246 |
| | 0.3 | % |
Noninterest income | | 15,754 |
| | 7,563 |
| | 8,191 |
| | 108.3 | % |
Noninterest expense | | 52,478 |
| | 48,314 |
| | 4,164 |
| | 8.6 | % |
Net income before income taxes | | 34,672 |
| | 30,399 |
| | 4,273 |
| | 14.1 | % |
Income tax expense | | 9,826 |
| | 8,066 |
| | 1,760 |
| | 21.8 | % |
Net income | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
| | $ | 2,513 |
| | 11.3 | % |
N/M—Not meaningfulNet income for the year ended December 31, 20192021 was $24.8$78.5 million, an increase of $2.5$52.5 million, or 11.3%201.6%, from net income of $22.3$26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $1.3$56.9 million, or 1.9%78.6%, in net interest income, and an increase of $8.2$26.1 million, or 108.3%136.0%, in noninterest income, partially offset by a $4.2
an increase of $1.7 million, or 8.6%33.3%, in income tax expense and a $29.5 million, or 49.5%, increase in noninterest expense and an increase of $1.8 million, or 21.8% in income tax expense, all as described below.
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin Analysis (Taxable Equivalent Basis)
We analyze our ability to maximize income generated from interest earning assets and control the interest expenses of our liabilities, measured as net interest income, through our net interest margin and net interest spread. Net interest income is the difference between the interest and fees earned on interest earning assets, such as loans, interest earning deposits in other banks and securities, and the interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, which are used to fund those assets.
Changes in market interest rates and the interest rates we earn on interest earning assets or pay on interest bearing liabilities, as well as in the volume and types of interest earning assets, interest bearing and noninterest bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity, are usually the largest drivers of periodic changes in net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread. Fluctuations in market interest rates are driven by many factors, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, macroeconomic developments, changes in unemployment, the money supply, political and international conditions and conditions in domestic and foreign financial markets. Periodic changes in the volume and types of loans in our loan portfolio are affected by, among other factors, economic and competitive conditions in the Southern California region, developments affecting the real estate, technology, hospitality, tourism and financial services sectors within our target markets and throughout the Southern California region, the volume and availability of residential loan pools and non-qualified residential loans and mortgage banker relationships. Our ability to respond to changes in these factors by using effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to maintaining the stability of our net interest income and net interest margin as our primary sources of earnings.
The following tables show the average outstanding balance of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, together with the average yields on our assets and the average costs of our liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costcosts are calculated by dividing income or expense by the average daily balances of the associated assets or liabilities for the same period.
Tax-exempt income from securities is calculated on a taxable equivalent basis. Net interest income, net interest spread and net interest margin are presented on a taxable equivalent basis to consistently reflect income from taxable securities and tax-exempt securities based on the federal statutory tax rate of 21.0%.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST ANALYSIS
| | | | Year Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | Average Outstanding Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield/ Rate | | Average Outstanding Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield/ Rate | | Average Outstanding Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield/ Rate | | Average Outstanding Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield/ Rate |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | (Dollars in thousands) |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | Assets | |
Interest earning assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Interest earning assets: | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | $ | 389,707 |
| | $ | 8,723 |
| | 2.24 | % | | $ | 851,283 |
| | $ | 16,606 |
| | 1.95 | % | Interest earning deposits in other banks | | $ | 4,860,447 | | | $ | 6,799 | | | 0.14 | % | | $ | 335,201 | | | $ | 1,639 | | | 0.49 | % |
Securities | | 702,215 |
| | 20,161 |
| | 2.87 | % | | 263,903 |
| | 7,332 |
| | 2.78 | % | |
Taxable securities | | Taxable securities | | 3,761,396 | | | 36,094 | | | 0.96 | % | | 735,534 | | | 17,465 | | | 2.37 | % |
Tax-exempt securities(1) | | Tax-exempt securities(1) | | 975,880 | | | 21,900 | | | 2.24 | % | | 193,282 | | | 6,408 | | | 3.32 | % |
Loans(2)(3) | | 943,912 |
| | 51,445 |
| | 5.45 | % | | 871,271 |
| | 48,100 |
| | 5.52 | % | | 1,559,118 | | | 68,619 | | | 4.40 | % | | 1,180,390 | | | 54,732 | | | 4.64 | % |
Other | | 10,686 |
| | 706 |
| | 6.61 | % | | 9,284 |
| | 714 |
| | 7.69 | % | Other | | 27,623 | | | 1,581 | | | 5.72 | % | | 13,612 | | | 692 | | | 5.08 | % |
Total interest earning assets | | 2,046,520 |
| | 81,035 |
| | 3.96 | % | | 1,995,741 |
| | 72,752 |
| | 3.65 | % | Total interest earning assets | | 11,184,464 | | | 134,993 | | | 1.21 | % | | 2,458,019 | | | 80,936 | | | 3.29 | % |
Noninterest earning assets | | 35,487 |
| | | | | | 13,112 |
| | | | | Noninterest earning assets | | 172,374 | | | 59,018 | | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,082,007 |
| | | | | | $ | 2,008,853 |
| | | | | Total assets | | $ | 11,356,838 | | | $ | 2,517,037 | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | |
Interest bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Interest bearing liabilities: | |
Interest bearing deposits | | $ | 340,595 |
| | $ | 7,713 |
| | 2.26 | % | | $ | 258,583 |
| | $ | 1,787 |
| | 0.69 | % | Interest bearing deposits | | $ | 92,137 | | | $ | 134 | | | 0.15 | % | | $ | 213,345 | | | $ | 5,807 | | | 2.72 | % |
FHLB advances and other borrowings | | 51,829 |
| | 1,293 |
| | 2.49 | % | | 7,825 |
| | 427 |
| | 5.46 | % | FHLB advances and other borrowings | | 14 | | | — | | | 0.00 | % | | 68,546 | | | 336 | | | 0.49 | % |
Subordinated debentures | | 15,809 |
| | 1,072 |
| | 6.78 | % | | 15,794 |
| | 915 |
| | 5.79 | % | |
Subordinated debentures and other | | Subordinated debentures and other | | 15,838 | | | 993 | | | 6.27 | % | | 16,629 | | | 1,083 | | | 6.51 | % |
Total interest bearing liabilities | | 408,233 |
| | 10,078 |
| | 2.47 | % | | 282,202 |
| | 3,129 |
| | 1.11 | % | Total interest bearing liabilities | | 107,989 | | | 1,127 | | | 1.04 | % | | 298,520 | | | 7,226 | | | 2.42 | % |
Noninterest bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Noninterest bearing liabilities: | |
Noninterest bearing deposits | | 1,445,232 |
| | | | | | 1,554,852 |
| | | | | Noninterest bearing deposits | | 10,319,141 | | | 1,931,310 | | |
Other liabilities | | 13,204 |
| | | | | | 5,979 |
| | | | | Other liabilities | | 40,123 | | | 21,012 | | |
Shareholders’ equity | | 215,338 |
| | | | | | 165,820 |
| | | | | Shareholders’ equity | | 889,585 | | | 266,195 | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 2,082,007 |
| | | | | | $ | 2,008,853 |
| | | | | Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 11,356,838 | | | $ | 2,517,037 | | |
Net interest spread(3)(4) | | | | | | 1.49 | % | | | | | | 2.54 | % | | | | 0.17 | % | | | | 0.87 | % |
Net interest income | | | | $ | 70,957 |
| | | | | | $ | 69,623 |
| | | |
Net interest income, taxable equivalent basis | | Net interest income, taxable equivalent basis | | $ | 133,866 | | | | | $ | 73,710 | | | |
Net interest margin(4)(5) | | | | | | 3.47 | % | | | | | | 3.49 | % | | | | 1.20 | % | | | | 3.00 | % |
Reconciliation to reported net interest income: | | Reconciliation to reported net interest income: | | | | |
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis | | Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis | | (4,599) | | | (1,346) | | |
Net interest income, as reported | | Net interest income, as reported | | $ | 129,267 | | | $ | 72,364 | | |
________________________(1)Net interest marginInterest income on tax-exempt securities is presented on a ratio calculated as net interest income divided by average interest earning assetstaxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% for the same period.all periods presented.
(2)Loans include nonaccrual loans and loans held-for-sale, net of deferred fees and before allowance for loan losses.
(3)Interest income includes amortization of deferred loan fees, net of deferred loan costs.
(3)(4)Net interest spread is the difference between interest rates earned on interest earning assets and interest rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(4)(5)Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as annualized net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, divided by average interest earning assets for the same period.
Information regarding the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated for each major component of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and distinguishes between the changes
attributable to changes in volume and changes attributable to changes in interest rates. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been proportionately allocated to both volume and rate.
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to 2020 |
| | Change Due To | | Interest Variance |
| | Volume | | Rate | |
| | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Interest Income: | | | | | | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | $ | 22,127 | | | $ | (16,967) | | | $ | 5,160 | |
Taxable securities | | 71,848 | | | (53,219) | | | 18,629 | |
Tax-exempt securities(1) | | 25,946 | | | (10,454) | | | 15,492 | |
Loans | | 20,758 | | | (6,871) | | | 13,887 | |
Other | | 712 | | | 177 | | | 889 | |
Total interest income | | 141,391 | | | (87,334) | | | 54,057 | |
Interest Expense: | | | | | | |
Interest bearing deposits | | (5,447) | | | (226) | | | (5,673) | |
FHLB advances and other borrowings | | (336) | | | — | | | (336) | |
Subordinated debentures and other | | (34) | | | (56) | | | (90) | |
Total interest expense | | (5,817) | | | (282) | | | (6,099) | |
Net interest income, taxable equivalent basis | | $ | 147,208 | | | $ | (87,052) | | | $ | 60,156 | |
______________________ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to 2018 |
| | Change Due To | | Interest Variance |
| | Volume | | Rate | |
| | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Interest Income: | | | | | | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | $ | (10,048 | ) | | $ | 2,165 |
| | $ | (7,883 | ) |
Securities | | 12,576 |
| | 253 |
| | 12,829 |
|
Loans | | 3,967 |
| | (622 | ) | | 3,345 |
|
Other | | 100 |
| | (108 | ) | | (8 | ) |
Total interest income | | 6,595 |
| | 1,688 |
| | 8,283 |
|
Interest Expense: | | | | | | |
Interest bearing deposits | | 725 |
| | 5,201 |
| | 5,926 |
|
FHLB advances and other borrowings | | 1,213 |
| | (347 | ) | | 866 |
|
Subordinated debentures | | (1 | ) | | 158 |
| | 157 |
|
Total interest expense | | 1,937 |
| | 5,012 |
| | 6,949 |
|
Net interest income | | $ | 4,658 |
| | $ | (3,324 | ) | | $ | 1,334 |
|
(1)Interest income on tax-exempt securities is presented on a taxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% for all periods presented.Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis increased $1.3$60.2 million to $71.0$133.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20192021 compared to $69.6$73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, due to an increase of $8.3$54.1 million in interest income partially offset by an increaseand a decrease of $6.9$6.1 million in interest expense. In March 2019, we implemented a hedging strategy that includes purchases of interest rate floors and commercial mortgage-backed securities, primarily funded by callable brokered certificates of deposit. The implementation of this hedging strategy positively impacted interest income earned on securities which was partially offset by interest expense incurred on the callable brokered certificates of deposit. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2019, we called and reissued a portion of these certificates of deposit, which resulted in the recognition of a $1.6 million premium amortization in interest expense. For a further discussion of our hedging strategy, see “—Financial Condition—Securities.” Average total interest earning assets increased $50.8 million,$8.7 billion, or 2.5%355.0%, from $2.00$2.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 to $2.05$11.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019.2021. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans and securities, partially offset by a decrease in interest earning deposits . The average balance of interest earning deposits decreased by $461.6 million, or 54.2% from $851.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $389.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Securities increased $438.3 million, or 166.1% from $263.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $702.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in securities was driven by the net purchases of $558.7 million in fixed-rate commercial mortgage-backed securitiesother banks and adjustable rate residential mortgage-backed securities. The shift from interest earning deposits to securities was due to our hedging strategy and the use of such deposits to fund the purchase of higher yielding securities. The increase in the average balance of loans was primarily driven by an increase in mortgage warehouse and multi-family loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial loans related to the sale of the San Marcos branch in the first quarter of 2019. The average yield on total interest earning assets increaseddecreased from 3.65%3.29% for the year ended December 31, 20182020 to 3.96%1.21% for the year ended December 31, 20192021 primarily due primarily to the increases in higher yielding securities relative to interest earning deposits in other banks being a greater percentage of interest earning assets, and lower yields on securities and interest earning deposits.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $126.0decreased $190.5 million, or 44.7%63.8%, for the year ended December 31, 20192021 as compared to 20182020 primarily due to an increase in interest bearing deposits and borrowings between periods. The increase in interest bearing deposits was primarily due tocalling the issuanceremaining balance of callable brokered certificates of deposits, which were used to funddeposit in the fixed-rate commercial mortgage-backed securities, both associated with our hedging strategy.second quarter of 2020 and lower FHLB advances. The average rate on total interest bearing liabilities increaseddecreased to 2.47%1.04% for the year ended December 31, 20192021 compared to 1.11%2.42% for the same period in 20182020 primarily due to interest on callablethe impact of calling the remaining balance of brokered certificates deposits associated with our hedging strategy.of deposit in the first half of 2020. The average balance of noninterest bearing deposits decreased from $1.6 billiontotal interest expense, including accelerated premium amortization, related to the brokered certificates was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, noninterest bearing deposits amounted to $1.3 billion or 74.0% of total deposits.2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2019,2021, the net interest spread was 1.49%0.17% and the net interest margin was 3.47%1.20% compared to 2.54%0.87% and 3.49%3.00%, respectively, for 2018.2020. The decreasesdecrease in the net interest spread for the year ended December 31, 2019 were2021 was primarily due to lower yields on securities and interest earning deposits due to a declining interest rate environment. The decrease in the callable brokered certificatesnet interest margin was primarily due to a greater proportion of lower yielding interest earning deposits associated with our hedging strategy, as described above.
a percentage of total interest earning assets, which was driven by the increase in noninterest bearing digital currency customer deposits. The decrease in the net interest margin was also due to lower yields on securities and interest earning deposits.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is a charge to income to bring our allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management. For a description of the factors considered by our management in determining the allowance for loan losses see “—Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses” and “—Critical Accounting Policies—Allowance for Loan Losses.”
We recorded a reversal ofno provision for loan losses of $0.4 millionfor the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a reversalprovision of $1.5$0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net reversal for the year ended December 31, 2019 was due to improvements in qualitative factors related to the loan portfolio and the continued low charge-off rates. The reversal for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to reclassifying $125.2 million in loans held-for-investment as loans held-for-sale in connection with the Company’s November 2018 agreement to sell the Bank’s business loan portfolio.2020. The allowance for loan losses to total gross loans held-for-investment was 0.93%0.77% at December 31, 20192021 compared to 1.13%0.92% at December 31, 2018.2020. Management determined that no provision was necessary for the year ended December 31, 2021, based on the mix of our loan portfolio, our historically strong credit quality and minimal loan
charge-offs, and the loan-to-value ratios in the low- to mid-50% range in our commercial, multi-family and one-to-four family residential real estate held-for-investment loan portfolios.
Noninterest Income
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest income:
NONINTEREST INCOME
| | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) | | | 2021 | | 2020 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | | (Dollars in thousands) |
Noninterest income: | | | | | | | | | Noninterest income: | |
Mortgage warehouse fee income | | $ | 1,473 |
| | $ | 1,505 |
| | $ | (32 | ) | | (2.1 | )% | Mortgage warehouse fee income | | $ | 3,056 | | | $ | 2,539 | | | $ | 517 | | | 20.4 | % |
Service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits | | 1,637 |
| | 2,422 |
| | (785 | ) | | (32.4 | )% | |
| Deposit related fees | | 5,302 |
| | 2,435 |
| | 2,867 |
| | 117.7 | % | Deposit related fees | | 35,981 | | | 11,341 | | | 24,640 | | | 217.3 | % |
Gain on sale of securities, net | | Gain on sale of securities, net | | 5,238 | | | 3,753 | | | 1,485 | | | 39.6 | % |
Gain on sale of loans, net | | 828 |
| | 711 |
| | 117 |
| | 16.5 | % | Gain on sale of loans, net | | — | | | 354 | | | (354) | | | N/M |
Gain on sale of securities, net | | 724 |
| | — |
| | 724 |
| | N/M |
| |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | 5,509 |
| | — |
| | 5,509 |
| | N/M |
| |
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | | Gain on extinguishment of debt | | — | | | 925 | | | (925) | | | N/M |
Other income | | 281 |
| | 490 |
| | (209 | ) | | (42.7 | )% | Other income | | 981 | | | 265 | | | 716 | | | 270.2 | % |
Total noninterest income | | $ | 15,754 |
| | $ | 7,563 |
| | $ | 8,191 |
| | 108.3 | % | Total noninterest income | | $ | 45,256 | | | $ | 19,177 | | | $ | 26,079 | | | 136.0 | % |
________________________N/M—Not meaningful
Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 20192021 was $15.8$45.3 million, an increase of $8.2$26.1 million, or 108.3%136.0%, compared to noninterest income of $7.6$19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. This increase was primarily due to a pre-tax gain on sale of $5.5 million for our San Marcos branch and business loan portfolio that was completed in March 2019, a $2.9$24.6 million increase in deposit related fees, substantially all of which are fees from our digital currency customers, and a $0.7$1.5 million increase in gain on sale of securities, offset by a $0.8securities. The $24.6 million decreaseincrease in service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits.
Service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits decreased due to lower average balances in off-balance sheet deposit placements for our digital currency customers in addition to a decrease in the spread earned on those deposits. Deposit related fees increasedwas primarily due to increases in cash management, foreign exchange, and SEN related fees associated with our digital currency initiative. During the year ended December 31, 2019,2021, we sold a total of $42.0 million in$1.5 billion of securities and realized a net gain on sale of $0.7$5.2 million, compared to a total of $216.4 million in sales of securities and net gain on sale of $3.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company initiated and settled a $64.0 million FHLB five-year term advance. Due to an increase in FHLB advance rates after settlement, the Company repaid the advance and recorded a gain of $0.9 million.
Other income for the year ended December 31, 2021 included a $0.9 million gain on sale of assets related to the sale of interest rate swaps.
Noninterest Expense
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest expense:
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Noninterest expense: | | | | | | | | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | $ | 45,794 | | | $ | 36,493 | | | $ | 9,301 | | | 25.5 | % |
Occupancy and equipment | | 2,464 | | | 5,690 | | | (3,226) | | | (56.7) | % |
Communications and data processing | | 7,072 | | | 5,406 | | | 1,666 | | | 30.8 | % |
Professional services | | 9,776 | | | 4,460 | | | 5,316 | | | 119.2 | % |
Federal deposit insurance | | 13,537 | | | 1,172 | | | 12,365 | | | N/M |
Correspondent bank charges | | 2,515 | | | 1,533 | | | 982 | | | 64.1 | % |
Other loan expense | | 1,117 | | | 326 | | | 791 | | | 242.6 | % |
Other general and administrative | | 6,845 | | | 4,525 | | | 2,320 | | | 51.3 | % |
Total noninterest expense | | $ | 89,120 | | | $ | 59,605 | | | $ | 29,515 | | | 49.5 | % |
________________________N/M—Not meaningful
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | | % Increase/ (Decrease) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Noninterest expense: | | | | | | | | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | $ | 33,897 |
| | $ | 29,898 |
| | $ | 3,999 |
| | 13.4 | % |
Occupancy and equipment | | 3,638 |
| | 3,091 |
| | 547 |
| | 17.7 | % |
Communications and data processing | | 4,607 |
| | 3,088 |
| | 1,519 |
| | 49.2 | % |
Professional services | | 4,605 |
| | 6,050 |
| | (1,445 | ) | | (23.9 | )% |
Federal deposit insurance | | 415 |
| | 1,230 |
| | (815 | ) | | (66.3 | )% |
Correspondent bank charges | | 1,191 |
| | 1,163 |
| | 28 |
| | 2.4 | % |
Other loan expense | | 412 |
| | 419 |
| | (7 | ) | | (1.7 | )% |
Other real estate owned expense | | 170 |
| | 27 |
| | 143 |
| | 529.6 | % |
Other general and administrative | | 3,543 |
| | 3,348 |
| | 195 |
| | 5.8 | % |
Total noninterest expense | | $ | 52,478 |
| | $ | 48,314 |
| | $ | 4,164 |
| | 8.6 | % |
Noninterest expense increased $4.2$29.5 million, or 8.6%49.5%, for the year ended December 31, 20192021 compared to the year ended December 31, 20182020 primarily due to increases in federal deposit insurance, salaries and employee benefits, communications and data processing expense, and occupancy and equipment, partially offset by decreases in professional services and federal deposit insurance expense.other general and administrative.
The increase of $4.0$9.3 million, or 13.4%25.5%, in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to an increase in headcount and an increase in cost per full-time equivalent employee, including a $1.0 million increase in employee related stock-based compensation expense. The Company’s average full-time equivalent employees increased from 210 for the year ended December 31, 2020 to 235 for 2021. Occupancy and equipment decreased $3.2 million, or 56.7%, due to a reduction in costs related to our leased office space and fixed assets no longer in use that were written off during the year ended December 31, 2020. Communications and data processing increased $1.7 million, or 30.8%, primarily due to additional core processing expense due to higher transaction volumes, continued investment in scalable cloud-based software solutions and investments in compliance software to support our digital currency related customers. Professional services increased $5.3 million, or 119.2%, primarily due to consulting and legal fees for projects related to our strategic growth initiatives, including expenses related to our stablecoin project. In addition, professional services increased due to legal settlements and higher audit expense. Federal deposit insurance increased $12.4 million due to a rate increase driven by the significant growth in assets. Correspondent bank charges increased $1.0 million, or 64.1%, due to increased staffingwire volumes and expanded correspondent relationships. Other loan expense increased $0.8 million, or 242.6%, due to increased custodial fees related to the growth of the Bank. The Bank’s average full-time equivalent employees grew from 195 for the year ending December 31, 2018 to 208 for 2019 with increases in the Bank’s project management, software development, operationsour SEN Leverage loans. Other general and compliance divisions offset by decreases in branch, lending and administration divisions. In March 2019, we sold the San Marcos branch resulting in the reduction of 12 employees. Occupancy and equipmentadministrative expense increased $0.5$2.3 million, or 17.7%%51.3%, primarily due to expansion ofan increase for expanded insurance coverage and an increase in the corporate headquarters. Communications and data processing increased $1.5 million or 49.2% primarily due to updating our IT infrastructure and expansion projects to support our digital currency initiative offset by capitalized costsprovision for unfunded commitments related to software implementation for our foreign currency platform enhancements. In 2018, we committed to expanding our banking platform with a cloud-based API-enabled payment hub to complement our API-enabled SEN. In addition, we are implementing a customer-facing foreign exchange platform. The decreasethe increase in SEN Leverage loans total lines of $1.4 million or 23.9% in professional services fees was primarily related to lower consulting, external audit and legal services. Consulting fees were higher in 2018 as a result of numerous Bank initiatives designed to support infrastructure growth including technology improvements and enhanced internal control processes. Consulting fees for these projects were higher in 2018, due to bringing some of the support in-house and capitalizing software related costs. External audit services were higher in 2018 as the Company prepared for complying with enhanced audit standards in connection with the IPO. The decrease of $0.8 million or 66.3% in federal deposit insurance payments was due to an FDIC assessment credit as well as a reduction in the multiplier based on significant asset growth for the prior fiscal year relative to the current comparable period.credit.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $9.8$6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20192021 compared to $8.1$5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. The increase in income tax expense was primarily related to increased pre-tax income and an increase in the effective tax rate.pre-tax income. Our effective tax rates for the yearyears ended December 31, 20192021 and 20182020 were 28.3%8.1% and 26.5%16.5%, respectively. The increasedecrease in the Company’s effective tax rate in 2021 was primarily related to higher blended state taxes, lower excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation and an increase in non-deductible expenses compared to 2018.tax-exempt income earned on certain municipal bonds.
Financial Condition
As of December 31, 2019,2021, our total assets increased to $2.1$16.0 billion compared to $2.0$5.6 billion as of December 31, 2018.2020. Shareholders’ equity increased $39.8 million,$1.3 billion, or 20.8%446.7%, to $231.0$1.6 billion at December 31, 2021 compared to $294.3 million at December 31, 2019 compared to $191.2 million at December 31, 2018.2020. A summary of the individual components driving the changes in total assets, total liabilities and shareholders' equity is discussedset forth below.
Interest Earning Deposits in Other Banks
Interest earning deposits in other banks decreasedincreased from $670.2 million$2.9 billion at December 31, 20182020 to $132.0 million$5.2 billion at December 31, 2019.2021. The decreasemajority of the Company’s interest earning deposits in other banks is cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank. The increase in interest earning deposits was due to lower balances with the FRBgrowth in total deposits exceeding growth in total loans and purchases of securities particularly during the first half of 2019 as the Bank implemented its hedging strategy, discussed below.securities.
Securities Available-for-sale
We use our securities portfolio to primarily provide a source of liquidity, provide an appropriatea return on funds invested and manage interest rate risk, meet collateral requirements and meet regulatory capital requirements.risk.
Management classifies investment securities primarily as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale based on our intentions and the Company’s ability to hold such securities until maturity. In determining such classifications, securities that management has the positive intent and the Company has the ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All other securities are designated as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. For the years presented, substantially all securities were classified as available-for-sale.
Our securities available-for-sale increased $540.6 million,$7.7 billion, or 151.3%818.5%, from $357.2$939.0 million at December 31, 20182020 to $897.8 million$8.6 billion at December 31, 2019.2021. To supplement interest income earned on our loan portfolio, we invest in high quality mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, andother asset backed securities. Our securities portfolio has grown substantially due to the implementation of a hedging strategy and utilizing cash to purchase high quality available-for-sale securities. In March 2019, we implemented a hedging strategy that includes purchases of interest rate floors and commercial mortgage-backed securities, primarily funded by callable brokered certificates of deposit. We entered into repurchase agreements to temporarily fund the purchase of securities while waiting for executed callable brokered certificates of deposit to settle. This hedging strategy is intended to reduce our exposure to a decline in earnings in a declining interest rate environment with a minimal impact on current earnings. As of December 31, 2019, we had purchased $400.0 million in notional amount of interest rate floors, $350.4 million in fixed-rate commercial mortgage-backed securities and issued $325.0 million of callable brokered certificates of deposit related to this hedging strategy. The callable brokered certificates of deposit had an unamortized premium of $2.6 million and an average life of 4.6 years as of December 31, 2019. These certificates of deposit are initially callable within three to six months after issuance and monthly thereafter. The call dates for all callable brokered certificates of deposit are from December 2019 through March 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we called $237.5 million of callable brokered certificates of deposit and reissued new callable brokered certificates of deposit at lower rates. The premium expense associated with calling these certificates was $1.6 million. This premium expense will be offset in the future as a result of the newly issued certificates at lower rates.municipal bonds. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold a total2021, the Company purchased $9.6 billion of $42.0securities, including $4.1 billion of agency residential mortgage-backed securities, $2.5 billion of municipal bonds, $2.4 billion of U.S. agency securities, $333.2 million of fixed-rateU.S. Treasury securities, $220.0 million of agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, and realized$133.1 million of private-label commercial mortgage-backed securities. In addition, we sold U.S. Treasury and longer duration securities for $1.5 billion and recognized a net gain on sale of $0.7 million, which partially offset the premium expense associated with calling the brokered certificates$5.2 million.
In the first quarter of 2020, the Company executed several transactions related to the hedging strategy discussed above. See “Note 21—Subsequent Events” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
The following tables summarize the contractual maturities and weighted-average yields of investment securities at December 31, 20192021 and the amortized cost and carrying value of those securities as of the indicated dates. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities are classified below based on the final maturity date, however these are amortizing securities with expected average lives primarily less than ten years. The weighted average yield is a prospective yield computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities. Actual yields earned may differ significantly based upon actual prepayments.
SECURITIES
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | One Year or Less | | More Than One Year Through Five Years | | More Than Five Years Through 10 Years | | More Than 10 Years | | Total |
| One Year or Less | | More Than One Year Through Five Years | | More Than Five Years Through 10 Years | | More Than 10 Years | | Total | | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Weighted Average Yield |
| Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Weighted Average Yield | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Weighted Average Yield | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2021 | | |
Securities Available-for-Sale: | | Securities Available-for-Sale: | | |
| (Dollars in thousands) | |
December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities Available-for-Sale: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. agency securities - excluding mortgage-backed securities | | U.S. agency securities - excluding mortgage-backed securities | | — | | | — | | | $ | 2,243 | | | 0.59 | % | | $ | 955,367 | | | 0.38 | % | | $ | 219,842 | | | 0.35 | % | | $ | 1,177,452 | | | $ | 1,178,767 | | | 0.38 | % |
Residential mortgage-backed securities: | Residential mortgage-backed securities: | Residential mortgage-backed securities: |
Government agency mortgage-backed securities | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 769 |
| | 4.03 | % | | $ | 769 |
| | $ | 801 |
| | 4.03 | % | Government agency mortgage-backed securities | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,428,365 | | | 0.85 | % | | 1,428,365 | | | 1,414,117 | | | 0.85 | % |
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | 411 |
| | 1.42 | % | | 241,792 |
| | 2.27 | % | | 242,203 |
| | 241,918 |
| | 2.27 | % | Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 61 | | | 1.69 | % | | 1,659,064 | | | 0.35 | % | | 1,659,125 | | | 1,645,003 | | | 0.35 | % |
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — |
| | 26,346 |
| | 3.52 | % | | 26,346 |
| | 26,500 |
| | 3.52 | % | Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,425 | | | 2.35 | % | | 1,425 | | | 1,433 | | | 2.35 | % |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities: | Commercial mortgage-backed securities: | Commercial mortgage-backed securities: |
Government agency mortgage-backed securities | | Government agency mortgage-backed securities | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,106,680 | | | 0.57 | % | | 1,106,680 | | | 1,103,604 | | | 0.57 | % |
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | | Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 212,266 | | | 0.58 | % | | — | | | — | | | 212,266 | | | 210,915 | | | 0.58 | % |
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — |
| | 364,719 |
| | 3.12 | % | | 364,719 |
| | 377,016 |
| | 3.12 | % | Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 144,204 | | | 1.23 | % | | 144,204 | | | 143,634 | | | 1.23 | % |
Municipal bonds: | | Municipal bonds: |
Tax-exempt | | Tax-exempt | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 13,625 | | | 3.15 | % | | 2,259,169 | | | 1.84 | % | | 2,272,794 | | | 2,297,737 | | | 1.85 | % |
Taxable | | Taxable | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 225,076 | | | 1.67 | % | | 178,203 | | | 2.20 | % | | 403,279 | | | 397,604 | | | 1.90 | % |
Asset backed securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Asset backed securities: | | |
Government sponsored student loan pools | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — |
| | 258,022 |
| | 2.53 | % | | 258,022 |
| | 251,531 |
| | 2.53 | % | Government sponsored student loan pools | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 233,374 | | | 0.69 | % | | 233,374 | | | 232,445 | | | 0.69 | % |
| Total securities | — |
| | — | | — |
| | — | | $ | 411 |
| | 1.42 | % | | $ | 891,648 |
| | 2.73 | % | | $ | 892,059 |
| | $ | 897,766 |
| | 2.73 | % | Total securities | | — | | | — | | | $ | 2,243 | | | 0.59 | % | | $ | 1,406,395 | | | 0.64 | % | | $ | 7,230,326 | | | 1.02 | % | | $ | 8,638,964 | | | $ | 8,625,259 | | | 0.96 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2019 | | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
| | Total | | Total | | Total |
| | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Securities Available-for-Sale: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Government agency mortgage-backed securities | | $ | 769 |
| | $ | 801 |
| | $ | 932 |
| | $ | 957 |
| | $ | 1,075 |
| | $ | 1,114 |
|
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | | 242,203 |
| | 241,918 |
| | 50,888 |
| | 50,300 |
| | 52,994 |
| | 52,680 |
|
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | | 26,346 |
| | 26,500 |
| | 23,988 |
| | 23,945 |
| | 32,475 |
| | 32,538 |
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Government agency collateralized mortgage obligation | | — |
| | — |
| | 23,817 |
| | 22,752 |
| | 24,123 |
| | 23,370 |
|
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligation | | 364,719 |
| | 377,016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Asset backed securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Government sponsored student loan pools | | 258,022 |
| | 251,531 |
| | 260,050 |
| | 259,224 |
| | 82,191 |
| | 82,100 |
|
Securities Held-to-Maturity: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateralized mortgage obligations | | — |
| | — |
| | 73 |
| | 72 |
| | 119 |
| | 119 |
|
Total securities | | $ | 892,059 |
| | $ | 897,766 |
| | $ | 359,748 |
| | $ | 357,250 |
| | $ | 192,977 |
| | $ | 191,921 |
|
Loan Portfolio
Our primary source of income is derived from interest earned on loans. Our loan portfolio consists primarily of mortgage warehouse loans, loans secured by real estate and mortgage warehouse loans. Our loan customers primarily consist of small- to medium-sized businesses, professionals, real estate investors, small residential builders and individuals. Our owner-occupied and investment commercial real estate loans multi-family loans andsecured by bitcoin which are included in the commercial and industrial loans provide us with higher risk-adjusted returns, relatively shorter maturities and more sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, and are complemented by our relatively lower risk residential real estate loans to individuals. Our commercial real estate, multi-family real estate, construction and
commercial and industrial lending activities are primarily directed to our market area of Southern California. Our one-to-four family residential loans and warehouse loans are sourced throughout the United States.
loan segment. The following table summarizes our loan portfolio by loan segment as of the dates indicated:
COMPOSITION OF LOAN PORTFOLIO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 105,098 | | | 11.8 | % | | $ | 187,855 | | | 25.0 | % |
Multi-family | | 56,751 | | | 6.3 | % | | 77,126 | | | 10.3 | % |
Commercial | | 210,136 | | | 23.5 | % | | 301,901 | | | 40.2 | % |
Construction | | 7,573 | | | 0.8 | % | | 6,272 | | | 0.8 | % |
Commercial and industrial(1) | | 335,862 | | | 37.6 | % | | 78,909 | | | 10.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Reverse mortgage and other | | 1,410 | | | 0.2 | % | | 1,495 | | | 0.2 | % |
Mortgage warehouse | | 177,115 | | | 19.8 | % | | 97,903 | | | 13.0 | % |
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | 893,945 | | | 100.0 | % | | 751,461 | | | 100.0 | % |
Deferred fees, net | | 275 | | | | | 2,206 | | | |
Total loans held-for-investment | | 894,220 | | | | | 753,667 | | | |
Allowance for loan losses | | (6,916) | | | | | (6,916) | | | |
Total net loans held-for-investment | | $ | 887,304 | | | | | $ | 746,751 | | | |
Loans held-for-sale(2) | | $ | 893,194 | | | | | $ | 865,961 | | | |
________________________ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 193,367 |
| | 28.9 | % | | $ | 190,885 |
| | 32.0 | % | | $ | 219,855 |
| | 31.6 | % | | $ | 220,784 |
| | 32.7 | % | | $ | 231,107 |
| | 35.9 | % |
Multi-family | | 81,233 |
| | 12.2 | % | | 40,584 |
| | 6.8 | % | | 23,958 |
| | 3.4 | % | | 26,344 |
| | 3.9 | % | | 30,421 |
| | 4.7 | % |
Commercial | | 331,052 |
| | 49.6 | % | | 309,655 |
| | 51.9 | % | | 346,227 |
| | 49.8 | % | | 284,547 |
| | 42.1 | % | | 211,303 |
| | 32.9 | % |
Construction | | 7,213 |
| | 1.1 | % | | 3,847 |
| | 0.6 | % | | 5,171 |
| | 0.7 | % | | 39,529 |
| | 5.9 | % | | 43,761 |
| | 6.8 | % |
Commercial and industrial | | 14,440 |
| | 2.1 | % | | 8,586 |
| | 1.4 | % | | 50,852 |
| | 7.3 | % | | 40,816 |
| | 6.0 | % | | 25,768 |
| | 4.0 | % |
Consumer and other | | 122 |
| | 0.0 | % | | 150 |
| | 0.0 | % | | 1,262 |
| | 0.2 | % | | 1,321 |
| | 0.2 | % | | 2,355 |
| | 0.4 | % |
Reverse mortgage | | 1,415 |
| | 0.2 | % | | 1,742 |
| | 0.3 | % | | 2,524 |
| | 0.4 | % | | 4,534 |
| | 0.7 | % | | 157 |
| | 0.1 | % |
Mortgage warehouse | | 39,247 |
| | 5.9 | % | | 41,586 |
| | 7.0 | % | | 45,718 |
| | 6.6 | % | | 57,525 |
| | 8.5 | % | | 98,035 |
| | 15.2 | % |
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | 668,089 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 597,035 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 695,567 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 675,400 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 642,907 |
| | 100.0 | % |
Deferred fees, net | | 2,724 |
| | | | 2,469 |
| | | | 1,901 |
| | | | 1,780 |
| | | | 1,503 |
| | |
Total loans held-for-investment | | 670,813 |
| | | | 599,504 |
| | | | 697,468 |
| | | | 677,180 |
| | | | 644,410 |
| | |
Allowance for loan losses | | (6,191 | ) | | | | (6,723 | ) | | | | (8,165 | ) | | | | (8,044 | ) | | | | (6,900 | ) | | |
Total net loans | | $ | 664,622 |
| | | | $ | 592,781 |
| | | | $ | 689,303 |
| | | | $ | 669,136 |
| | | | $ | 637,510 |
| | |
Loans held-for-sale | | $ | 375,922 |
| | | | $ | 350,636 |
| | | | $ | 190,392 |
| | | | $ | 166,986 |
| | | | $ | 169,190 |
| | |
(1)Commercial and industrial loans includes $335.9 million and $77.2 million of SEN Leverage loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.(2)Loans held-for-sale are comprised entirely of mortgage warehouse loans for all periods presented.
The repayment of loans is a source of additional liquidity for us.the Bank. The following table details maturities and sensitivity to interest rate changes for our loans held-for-investment at December 31, 2019:2021:
LOAN MATURITY AND SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| | Due in One Year or Less | | Due in One to Five Years | | Due After Five Years to 15 Years | | Due After 15 Years | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 672 | | | $ | 6,857 | | | $ | 98,283 | | | $ | 105,838 | |
Multi-family | | — | | | 35,603 | | | 20,178 | | | 1,074 | | | 56,855 | |
Commercial | | 22,002 | | | 132,087 | | | 56,037 | | | — | | | 210,126 | |
Construction | | 7,502 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 7,502 | |
Commercial and industrial | | 335,405 | | | (47) | | | 4 | | | — | | | 335,362 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Reverse mortgage and other | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,418 | | | 1,422 | |
Mortgage warehouse | | 177,115 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 177,115 | |
Total loans held-for-investment | | $ | 542,054 | | | $ | 168,315 | | | $ | 83,076 | | | $ | 100,775 | | | $ | 894,220 | |
Amounts with fixed rates | | $ | 323,625 | | | $ | 153,267 | | | $ | 12,737 | | | $ | 3,239 | | | $ | 492,868 | |
Amounts with floating rates | | $ | 218,429 | | | $ | 15,048 | | | $ | 70,339 | | | $ | 97,536 | | | $ | 401,352 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, 2019 |
| | Due in One Year or Less | | Due in One to Five Years | | Due After Five Years | | Total |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 944 |
| | $ | 192,420 |
| | $ | 193,367 |
|
Multi-family | | 1,241 |
| | 35,752 |
| | 44,240 |
| | 81,233 |
|
Commercial | | 36,185 |
| | 136,389 |
| | 158,478 |
| | 331,052 |
|
Construction | | 5,254 |
| | 1,959 |
| | — |
| | 7,213 |
|
Commercial and industrial | | 10,885 |
| | 3,555 |
| | — |
| | 14,440 |
|
Consumer and other | | 122 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 122 |
|
Reverse mortgage | | — |
| | — |
| | 1,415 |
| | 1,415 |
|
Mortgage warehouse | | 39,247 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 39,247 |
|
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | $ | 92,937 |
| | $ | 178,599 |
| | $ | 396,553 |
| | $ | 668,089 |
|
Amounts with fixed rates | | $ | 58,079 |
| | $ | 149,612 |
| | $ | 82,894 |
| | $ | 290,585 |
|
Amounts with floating rates | | $ | 34,858 |
| | $ | 28,987 |
| | $ | 313,659 |
| | $ | 377,504 |
|
Nonperforming Assets
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether such loans are actually past due. In general, we place loans on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due. We also place loans on nonaccrual status if they are less than 90 days past due if the collection
of principal or interest is in doubt. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed from income. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments received exceed principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are, in management’s opinion, reasonably assured. Any loan which the Bank deems to be uncollectible, in whole or in part, is charged off to the extent of the anticipated loss. Loans that are past due for 180 days or more are charged off unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.
We believe our disciplined lending approach and focused management of nonperforming assets has resulted in sound asset quality and timely resolution of problem assets. We have several procedures in place to assist us in maintaining the overall quality of our loan portfolio. We have established underwriting guidelines to be followed by our loan officers, and we also monitor our delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends. There can be no assurance, however, that our loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrower credit due to general economic conditions.
NonperformingNonaccrual loans decreased to $5.9$4.0 million, or 0.88%0.45% of total loans, at December 31, 20192021 compared to $8.3$5.0 million, or 1.39%0.66% of total loans, at December 31, 2018.2020. The decrease in nonperformingnonaccrual loans during the year ended December 31, 20192021 was primarily due to payoffs and loan principal repayments offset by higher average balances on one-to-four family loans.
Other real estate owned increased to $128,000 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $31,000 as of December 31, 2018 due to foreclosure on one reverse mortgage loan at the end of the year.loans.
Total nonperforming assets were $6.0$4.0 million and $8.3$5.0 million at December 31, 20192021 and 2018,2020, respectively, or 0.28%0.03% and 0.42%0.09%, respectively, of total assets.
The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
| | | | As of December 31, | | | December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | | (Dollars in thousands) |
Nonaccrual loans | | | | | | | | | | | Nonaccrual loans | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | Real estate: | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 3,963 |
| | $ | 3,062 |
| | $ | 2,652 |
| | $ | 2,500 |
| | $ | 1,911 |
| One-to-four family | | $ | 3,080 | | | $ | 4,105 | |
Commercial | | — |
| | 422 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,776 |
| |
Commercial and industrial | | 1,098 |
| | 3,596 |
| | — |
| | 177 |
| | 176 |
| |
Reverse mortgage | | 848 |
| | 1,223 |
| | 1,858 |
| | 2,250 |
| | 157 |
| |
| Reverse mortgage and other | | Reverse mortgage and other | | 923 | | | 879 | |
| Total nonaccrual loans | | Total nonaccrual loans | | 4,003 | | | 4,984 | |
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 199 |
| | — |
| Accruing loans 90 or more days past due | | — | | | — | |
Total gross nonperforming loans | | 5,909 |
| | 8,303 |
| | 4,510 |
| | 5,126 |
| | 4,020 |
| |
Total nonperforming loans | | Total nonperforming loans | | 4,003 | | | 4,984 | |
Other real estate owned, net | | 128 |
| | 31 |
| | 2,308 |
| | 562 |
| | 1,292 |
| Other real estate owned, net | | — | | | — | |
Total nonperforming assets | | $ | 6,037 |
| | $ | 8,334 |
| | $ | 6,818 |
| | $ | 5,688 |
| | $ | 5,312 |
| Total nonperforming assets | | $ | 4,003 | | | $ | 4,984 | |
Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans(1) | | 0.88 | % | | 1.39 | % | | 0.65 | % | | 0.76 | % | | 0.63 | % | |
Ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans(1) | | Ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans(1) | | 0.45 | % | | 0.66 | % |
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | | Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | | 172.77 | % | | 138.76 | % |
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets | | 0.28 | % | | 0.42 | % | | 0.36 | % | | 0.58 | % | | 0.56 | % | Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets | | 0.03 | % | | 0.09 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Troubled debt restructurings | | | | | | | | | | | |
Troubled debt restructurings: | | Troubled debt restructurings: | |
Restructured loans-nonaccrual | | $ | 1,202 |
| | $ | 301 |
| | $ | 424 |
| | $ | 903 |
| | $ | 1,993 |
| Restructured loans-nonaccrual | | $ | 564 | | | $ | 564 | |
Restructured loans-accruing | | 589 |
| | 213 |
| | 168 |
| | 41 |
| | 363 |
| Restructured loans-accruing | | 1,149 | | | 961 | |
Total troubled debt restructurings | | $ | 1,791 |
| | $ | 514 |
| | $ | 592 |
| | $ | 944 |
| | $ | 2,356 |
| Total troubled debt restructurings | | $ | 1,713 | | | $ | 1,525 | |
________________________(1)Total loans exclude loans held-for-sale at each of the dates presented.
From a credit risk standpoint, we grade watchlist and problem loans into one
| |
• | Pass.Contents Loans in all classes that are not adversely rated, are contractually current as to principal and interest, and are otherwise in compliance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management believes that there is a low likelihood of loss related to those loans that are considered pass.
|
| |
• | Special Mention. A special mention loan has potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention. If uncorrected, such weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in our credit position at some future date.
|
| |
• | Substandard. A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current financial condition and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected.
|
| |
• | Doubtful. A doubtful loan has all weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
|
| |
• | Loss. Credits rated as loss are charged-off. We have no expectation of the recovery of any payments in respect of credits rated as loss.
|
The following table presents the loan balances by segment as well as risk rating. No assets were classified as loss during the periods presented.
LOAN CLASSIFICATION
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Risk Grades |
| | Pass | | Special Mention | | Substandard | | Doubtful | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate loans: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 189,405 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,962 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 193,367 |
|
Multi-family | | 81,233 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 81,233 |
|
Commercial | | 322,671 |
| | 8,381 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 331,052 |
|
Construction | | 7,213 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,213 |
|
Commercial and industrial | | 11,726 |
| | — |
| | 2,714 |
| | — |
| | 14,440 |
|
Consumer and other | | 122 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 122 |
|
Reverse mortgage | | 435 |
| | 132 |
| | 848 |
| | — |
| | 1,415 |
|
Mortgage warehouse | | 39,247 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 39,247 |
|
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | $ | 652,052 |
| | $ | 8,513 |
| | $ | 7,524 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 668,089 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Risk Grades |
| | Pass | | Special Mention | | Substandard | | Doubtful | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate loans: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 187,823 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,062 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 190,885 |
|
Multi-family | | 40,584 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 40,584 |
|
Commercial | | 309,233 |
| | — |
| | 422 |
| | — |
| | 309,655 |
|
Construction | | 3,847 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,847 |
|
Commercial and industrial | | 4,630 |
| | 360 |
| | 3,596 |
| | — |
| | 8,586 |
|
Consumer and other | | 150 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 150 |
|
Reverse mortgage | | 214 |
| | 305 |
| | 1,223 |
| | — |
| | 1,742 |
|
Mortgage warehouse | | 41,586 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 41,586 |
|
Total gross loans held-for-investment | | $ | 588,067 |
| | $ | 665 |
| | $ | 8,303 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 597,035 |
|
Loan Reviews and Problem Loan Management
Our credit administration staff conducts meetings at least four times a year to review asset quality and loan delinquencies. The Bank’s Lending and Collection Policy requires that we perform annual reviews of every loan of $500,000 or more not rated special mention or adversely classified. Individual loan reviews encompass a loan’s payment status and history, current and projected paying capacity of the borrower and/or guarantor(s), current condition and estimated value of any collateral, sufficiency of credit and collateral documentation, and compliance with Bank and regulatory lending standards. Loan reviewers assign an overall loan risk rating from one of the Bank’s loan rating categories and prepare a written report summarizing the review.
Once a loan is identified as a problem loan or a loan requiring a workout, the Bank makes an evaluation and develops a plan for handling the loan. In developing such a plan, management reviews all relevant information from the loan file and any loan review reports. We have a conversation with the borrower and update current and projected financial information (including borrower global cash flows when possible) and collateral valuation estimates. Following analysis of all available relevant information, management adopts an action plan from the following alternatives: (a) continuation of loan collection efforts on their existing terms, (b) a restructure of the loan’s terms, (c) a sale of the loan, (d) a charge off or partial charge off, (e) foreclosure on pledged collateral, or (f) acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Impaired Loans and TDRs.
Impaired loans also include certain loans that have been modified as troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs. As of December 31, 20192021, the Company held nineeight loans amounting to $1.8totaling $1.7 million whichthat were TDRs, compared to seven loans amounting to $0.5totaling $1.5 million at December 31, 2018. The increase from the prior year was due to the TDR status for two Non-QM loans and one commercial and industrial loan with higher balances. Two of these loans are in compliance with their restructured terms while the third loan with an outstanding balance of approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2019 is not performing in accordance with its restructured terms.2020.
A loan is identified as a TDR when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and, for economic or legal reasons related to these difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. The Company has granted a concession when, as a result of the restructuring, it does not expect to collect all amounts due or within the time periods originally due under the original contract, including one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a temporary forbearance with regard to the payment of principal or interest. All troubled debt restructuringsTDRs are reviewed for potential impairment. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a minimum period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can perform under the restructured terms. If the borrower’s performance under the new terms is not reasonably assured, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loans classified as TDRs are reported as impaired loans.
Loans Grading
From a credit risk standpoint, we grade watchlist and problem loans into one of five categories: pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss. The classifications of loans reflect a judgment about the risks of default and loss associated with the loan. We review the ratings on credits regularly. Ratings are adjusted regularly to reflect the degree of risk and loss that our management believes to be appropriate for each credit. Our methodology is structured so that specific reserve allocations are increased in accordance with deterioration in credit quality (and a corresponding increase in risk and loss) or decreased in accordance with improvement in credit quality (and a corresponding decrease in risk and loss).
The following table presents the loan balances by segment as well as risk rating. No assets were classified as loss during the periods presented.
LOAN CLASSIFICATION
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Risk Grades |
| | Pass | | Special Mention | | Substandard | | Doubtful | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate loans: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 102,307 | | | $ | 451 | | | $ | 3,080 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 105,838 | |
Multi-family | | 56,855 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 56,855 | |
Commercial | | 199,598 | | | 10,528 | | | — | | | — | | | 210,126 | |
Construction | | 7,502 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 7,502 | |
Commercial and industrial | | 335,362 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 335,362 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Reverse mortgage and other | | 499 | | | — | | | 923 | | | — | | | 1,422 | |
Mortgage warehouse | | 177,115 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 177,115 | |
Total loans held-for-investment | | $ | 879,238 | | | $ | 10,979 | | | $ | 4,003 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 894,220 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Risk Grades |
| | Pass | | Special Mention | | Substandard | | Doubtful | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate loans: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 182,760 | | | $ | 3,335 | | | $ | 4,105 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 190,200 | |
Multi-family | | 77,288 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 77,288 | |
Commercial | | 288,471 | | | 5,854 | | | 7,755 | | | — | | | 302,080 | |
Construction | | 6,137 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6,137 | |
Commercial and industrial | | 78,275 | | | — | | | 274 | | | — | | | 78,549 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Reverse mortgage and other | | 631 | | | — | | | 879 | | | — | | | 1,510 | |
Mortgage warehouse | | 97,903 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 97,903 | |
Total loans held-for-investment | | $ | 731,465 | | | $ | 9,189 | | | $ | 13,013 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 753,667 | |
Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s best estimate of the loan losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance for loan losses should not be interpreted as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will necessarily occur in those amounts, or at all. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of our loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates. See “Critical Accounting Policies—Allowance for Loan Losses.”
In reviewing our loan portfolio, we consider risk elements attributable to particular loan types or categories in assessing the quality of individual loans. Some of the risk elements we consider include:
for residential mortgage loans, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, including a consideration of the debt-to-income ratio and employment and income stability, the loan-to-value ratio, and the age, condition and marketability of the collateral;
for commercial and multi-family mortgage loans, the debt service coverage ratio, operating results of the owner in the case of owner-occupied properties, the loan-to-value ratio, the age and condition of the collateral and the volatility of income, property value and future operating results typical of properties of that type;
for construction loans, the perceived feasibility of the project including the ability to sell improvements constructed for resale, the quality and nature of contracts for presale, if any, experience and ability of the builder, loan-to-cost ratio and loan-to-value ratio;
for commercial and industrial loans, the debt service coverage ratio (income from the business exceeding operating expenses compared to loan repayment requirements), the operating results of the commercial or professional enterprise,
the borrower’s business, professional and financial ability and expertise, the specific risks and volatility of income and operating results typical for businesses in that category and the value, nature and marketability of collateral; and
for mortgage warehouse loans held-for-investment, despite our negligible loss history, we provide a loss allowance factor subject to quarterly adjustment. Mortgage warehouse loans held-for-sale are not subject to any loan loss allowance.
The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods and dates indicated:
ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period | | $ | 6,723 |
| | $ | 8,165 |
| | $ | 8,044 |
| | $ | 6,900 |
| | $ | 4,956 |
|
Charge-offs: | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | 93 |
| | 6 |
| | 53 |
| | — |
| | 38 |
|
Commercial and industrial | | — |
| | — |
| | 83 |
| | 6 |
| | 18 |
|
Reverse mortgage | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5 |
| | — |
|
Mortgage warehouse | | — |
| | — |
| | 76 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total charge-offs | | 93 |
| | 6 |
| | 212 |
| | 11 |
| | 56 |
|
Recoveries: | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | — |
| | (10 | ) | | (49 | ) | | — |
| | (18 | ) |
Multi-family | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (76 | ) |
Commercial and industrial | | — |
| | (80 | ) | | (6 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Reverse mortgage | | — |
| | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (19 | ) | | — |
|
Mortgage warehouse | | — |
| | — |
| | (15 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Total recoveries | | — |
| | (91 | ) | | (71 | ) | | (19 | ) | | (94 | ) |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) | | 93 |
| | (85 | ) | | 141 |
| | (8 | ) | | (38 | ) |
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses | | (439 | ) | | (1,527 | ) | | 262 |
| | 1,136 |
| | 1,906 |
|
Allowance for loan losses at period end | | $ | 6,191 |
| | $ | 6,723 |
| | $ | 8,165 |
| | $ | 8,044 |
| | $ | 6,900 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total gross loans outstanding (end of period) | | $ | 668,089 |
| | $ | 597,035 |
| | $ | 695,567 |
| | $ | 675,400 |
| | $ | 642,907 |
|
Average loans outstanding | | $ | 660,092 |
| | $ | 687,257 |
| | $ | 673,922 |
| | $ | 649,234 |
| | $ | 617,603 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for loan losses to period end loans | | 0.93 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.17 | % | | 1.19 | % | | 1.07 | % |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans | | 0.01 | % | | (0.01 | )% | | 0.02 | % | | 0.00 | % | | (0.01 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | |
| | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period | | $ | 6,916 | | | $ | 6,191 | | | |
Charge-offs: | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | — | | | 17 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total charge-offs | | — | | | 17 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total recoveries | | — | | | — | | | |
Net charge-offs | | — | | | 17 | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | — | | | 742 | | | |
Allowance for loan losses at period end | | $ | 6,916 | | | $ | 6,916 | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total loans outstanding (end of period) | | $ | 894,220 | | | $ | 753,667 | | | |
Average loans outstanding | | $ | 779,244 | | | $ | 720,960 | | | |
| | | | | | |
Allowance for loan losses to period end loans | | 0.77 | % | | 0.92 | % | | |
Net charge-offs to average loans | | 0.00 | % | | 0.00 | % | | |
Net charge-offs to average loans by segment: | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | |
One-to-four family | | 0.00 | % | | 0.01 | % | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Our allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20192021 and 20182020 was $6.2$6.9 million, or 0.77% and $6.7 million, respectively, or 0.93% and 1.13%0.92% of loans for each respective period-end. The overall level of the allowance was based on Silvergate’s historically strong credit quality and
minimal loan charge-offs, and the loan-to-values ratios in the low- to mid-50% range, based on last required appraisal value, in the Company’s commercial, multi-family and one-to-four family real estate loans as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment from December 31, 2020 was due to the changes in loan product and segment mix.
We had $93,000 inno charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2019 and no recoveries compared to charge-offs of $6,000 and $91,000 of recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2018.2021 compared to charge-offs of $17,000 and no recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Although we believe that we have established our allowance for loan losses in accordance with GAAP and that the allowance for loan losses was adequate to provide for known and inherent losses in the portfolio at all times shown above, future provisions for loan losses will be subject to ongoing evaluations of the risks in our loan portfolio.
The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among loan categories and certain other information as of the dates indicated. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any loan category.
ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
| | | | As of December 31, | | | As of December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | Amount | | Percent(1) | | Amount | | Percent(1) | | Amount | | Percent(1) | | Amount | | Percent(1) | | Amount | | Percent(1) | | | Amount | | Percent(1) | | Amount | | Percent(1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | | (Dollars in thousands) |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Real estate: | |
One-to-four family | | $ | 2,051 |
| | 0.31 | % | | $ | 1,848 |
| | 0.31 | % | | $ | 1,991 |
| | 0.29 | % | | $ | 2,046 |
| | 0.30 | % | | 1,994 |
| | 0.31 | % | One-to-four family | | $ | 1,023 | | | 0.11 | % | | $ | 1,245 | | | 0.17 | % |
Multi-family | | 653 |
| | 0.10 | % | | 483 |
| | 0.08 | % | | 226 |
| | 0.03 | % | | 271 |
| | 0.04 | % | | 351 |
| | 0.05 | % | Multi-family | | 682 | | | 0.08 | % | | 878 | | | 0.12 | % |
Commercial | | 2,791 |
| | 0.41 | % | | 3,854 |
| | 0.65 | % | | 4,711 |
| | 0.68 | % | | 3,624 |
| | 0.54 | % | | 2,486 |
| | 0.39 | % | Commercial | | 2,017 | | | 0.23 | % | | 1,810 | | | 0.24 | % |
Construction | | 96 |
| | 0.01 | % | | 98 |
| | 0.02 | % | | 140 |
| | 0.02 | % | | 1,082 |
| | 0.16 | % | | 1,193 |
| | 0.19 | % | Construction | | 776 | | | 0.09 | % | | 590 | | | 0.08 | % |
Commercial and industrial | | 312 |
| | 0.05 | % | | 156 |
| | 0.03 | % | | 677 |
| | 0.10 | % | | 612 |
| | 0.09 | % | | 499 |
| | 0.08 | % | Commercial and industrial | | 1,566 | | | 0.17 | % | | 1,931 | | | 0.24 | % |
Consumer and other | | 1 |
| | 0.00 | % | | 1 |
| | 0.00 | % | | 18 |
| | 0.00 | % | | 18 |
| | 0.00 | % | | 18 |
| | 0.00 | % | |
Reverse mortgage | | 37 |
| | 0.01 | % | | 54 |
| | 0.01 | % | | 41 |
| | 0.00 | % | | 75 |
| | 0.01 | % | | 16 |
| | 0.00 | % | |
| Reverse mortgage and other | | Reverse mortgage and other | | 12 | | | 0.00 | % | | 39 | | | 0.01 | % |
Mortgage warehouse | | 250 |
| | 0.04 | % | | 229 |
| | 0.04 | % | | 361 |
| | 0.05 | % | | 316 |
| | 0.05 | % | | 343 |
| | 0.05 | % | Mortgage warehouse | | 840 | | | 0.09 | % | | 423 | | | 0.06 | % |
Total allowance for loan losses | | $ | 6,191 |
| | 0.93 | % | | $ | 6,723 |
| | 1.13 | % | | $ | 8,165 |
| | 1.17 | % | | $ | 8,044 |
| | 1.19 | % | | 6,900 |
| | 1.07 | % | Total allowance for loan losses | | $ | 6,916 | | | 0.77 | % | | $ | 6,916 | | | 0.92 | % |
________________________(1)Loan categoryamount as a percentage of total gross loans.
Deposits
Deposits are the major source of funding for the Company. We offer a variety of deposit products including interest and noninterest bearing demand accounts, money market and savings accounts and certificates of deposit,Company, substantially all of which we market at competitive pricing. We generate depositsare derived from our customers on a relationship basis and through the efforts of our commercial lending officers.digital currency customer base. Deposits remained flat at $1.8increased $9.0 billion, or 172.3%, to $14.3 billion at December 31, 20192021 compared to $5.2 billion at December 31, 2018.2020. Noninterest bearing deposits totaled $1.3$14.2 billion (representing approximately 74.0%99.5% of total deposits) at December 31, 2019,2021, compared to $1.6$5.1 billion (representing approximately 88.7%97.8% of total deposits) at December 31, 2018. 2020. The increase in total deposits from the prior year end was driven by an increase in deposits from digital currency exchanges, institutional investors in digital assets and other fintech related customers.
At December 31, 2019,2021, deposits by foreign depositors amounted to $481.5 million$4.0 billion, or 26.5%28.0% of total deposits. Total deposits, increased slightlycompared to $1.4 billion, or 27.6% of total deposits, at December 31, 2020.
Deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 and over totaled $14.1 billion at December 31, 2021. The amounts stated for uninsured deposits as of the reported period are estimates due to the issuanceimpracticability of $325.0 million in callable brokeredprecisely measuring amounts of uninsured deposits for accounts held through fiduciary relationships, some portion of which may qualify for “pass-through” insurance coverage under FDIC regulations. Accordingly, a portion of our reported uninsured deposits may be eligible for pass-through deposit insurance coverage. There were no uninsured certificates of deposit associated withat December 31, 2021.
Our continued growth has been accompanied by significant fluctuations in the implementationlevel of a hedging strategy, offset byour deposits, in particular our deposits from customers in the saledigital currency industry, as our customers in this industry typically carry higher balances over the weekend to take advantage of the San Marcos branch, which reduced24/7 availability of the SEN, and carry lower balances during the business week. The Bank’s average total digital currency deposits by $74.5 million. The decrease in noninterest bearing deposits reflect changes induring the year ended December 31, 2021 amounted to $10.2 billion and the high and low daily total digital currency deposit levels during such time were $16.0 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively, compared to an average of $1.9 billion during the year ended December 31, 2020, and a high and low daily deposit levels of our digital currency customers. While deposits may fluctuate in$5.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
Demand for new deposit accounts is generated by the ordinary course ofCompany’s banking platform for innovators that includes the SEN, which is enabled through Silvergate’s proprietary API, and other cash management solutions. These tools enable Silvergate’s clients to grow their business we continue to add new digital currency customers each quarter.
and scale operations. The following table presents a breakdown of our digital currency customer base and the deposits held by such customers at the dates noted below:
| | | | December 31, 2019 | | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) | | Number of Customers | | Total Deposits(1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in millions) | | (Dollars in millions) |
Digital currency exchanges | | 60 |
| | $ | 527 |
| | 37 |
| | $ | 618 |
| Digital currency exchanges | | 94 | | | $ | 8,288 | | | 76 | | | $ | 2,479 | |
Institutional investors | | 509 |
| | 432 |
| | 363 |
| | 577 |
| Institutional investors | | 894 | | | 4,220 | | | 607 | | | 1,811 | |
Other customers | | 235 |
| | 286 |
| | 142 |
| | 274 |
| Other customers | | 393 | | | 1,603 | | | 286 | | | 749 | |
Total | | 804 |
| | $ | 1,246 |
| | 542 |
| | $ | 1,470 |
| Total | | 1,381 | | | $ | 14,111 | | | 969 | | | $ | 5,039 | |
________________________ | |
(1) | (1)Total deposits may not foot due to rounding. |
We segment our deposits based on their potential volatility, which drives our choices regarding the assets we fund with such deposits. Deposits attributablemay not foot due to digital currency exchange and investor funds have the highest potential volatility. We invest these funds primarily in interest earning deposits in other banks and adjustable rate securities available-for-sale.rounding.
Our cost of total deposits and our cost of funds was 0.43%0.00% and 0.54%0.01%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 20192021 as compared to 0.10%0.27% and 0.17%0.32%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. The increasedecrease in the weighted average cost of deposits and cost of funds compared to the prior period was driven by the additionabsence of new callableany interest expense associated with brokered certificates of deposit, associated with a hedging strategy, as discussedwhich were called in “Financial Condition—Securities” above. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the hedging strategy increased the costsecond quarter of deposits by 36 basis points2020, and due to the fundinghigher balances of the strategy with callable brokered certificates of deposit.
noninterest bearing deposits.
The following table presents the average balances and average rates paid on deposits for the periods indicated:
COMPOSITION OF DEPOSITS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | |
| | Average Balance | | Average Rate | | Average Balance | | Average Rate | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Noninterest bearing demand accounts(1) | | $ | 10,319,141 | | | — | | | $ | 1,931,310 | | | — | | | | | |
Interest bearing accounts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing demand accounts | | 21,310 | | | 0.12 | % | | 44,991 | | | 0.14 | % | | | | |
Money market and savings accounts(2) | | 70,215 | | | 0.15 | % | | 71,432 | | | 0.46 | % | | | | |
Certificates of deposit: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brokered certificates of deposit | | — | | | — | | | 95,611 | | | 5.65 | % | | | | |
Other | | 612 | | | 0.65 | % | | 1,311 | | | 0.92 | % | | | | |
Total interest bearing deposits | | 92,137 | | | 0.15 | % | | 213,345 | | | 2.72 | % | | | | |
Total deposits | | $ | 10,411,278 | | | 0.00 | % | | $ | 2,144,655 | | | 0.27 | % | | | | |
________________________ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Average Balance | | Average Rate | | Average Balance | | Average Rate | | Average Balance | | Average Rate |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Noninterest bearing demand accounts | | $ | 1,445,232 |
| | — |
| | $ | 1,554,852 |
| | — |
| | $ | 503,480 |
| | — |
|
Interest bearing accounts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing demand accounts | | 49,052 |
| | 0.14 | % | | 53,627 |
| | 0.14 | % | | 27,117 |
| | 0.16 | % |
Money market and savings accounts | | 90,551 |
| | 0.87 | % | | 146,055 |
| | 0.59 | % | | 277,615 |
| | 0.67 | % |
Certificates of deposit: | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |
Brokered certificates of deposit | | 187,966 |
| | 3.54 | % | | — |
| | — |
| | 48,034 |
| | 1.32 | % |
Other | | 13,026 |
| | 1.49 | % | | 58,901 |
| | 1.45 | % | | 129,325 |
| | 1.39 | % |
Total interest bearing deposits | | 340,595 |
| | 2.26 | % | | 258,583 |
| | 0.69 | % | | 482,091 |
| | 0.90 | % |
Total deposits | | $ | 1,785,827 |
| | 0.43 | % | | $ | 1,813,435 |
| | 0.10 | % | | $ | 985,571 |
| | 0.44 | % |
The following table presents(1)Noninterest bearing demand accounts includes an average balance of $3.1 billion of foreign deposits for the maturities of our certificates of deposit as ofyear ended December 31, 2019:2021. Data is not available for 2020.
MATURITIES OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months or Less | | Over Three Through Six Months | | Over Six Through Twelve Months | | Over Twelve Months | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
$100,000 or more | | $ | 311 |
| | $ | 111 |
| | $ | 370 |
| | $ | 634 |
| | $ | 1,426 |
|
Less than $100,000 | | 260 |
| | 131 |
| | 16 |
| | 322,655 |
| | 323,062 |
|
Total | | $ | 571 |
| | $ | 242 |
| | $ | 386 |
| | $ | 323,289 |
| | $ | 324,488 |
|
(2)Money market and savings accounts includes an average balance of $0.5 million of foreign deposits with an average rate paid of 0.05% for the year ended December 31, 2021. Data is not available for 2020.Borrowings
We primarily utilize short-term and long-term borrowings to supplement deposits to fund our lending and investment activities, each of which is discussed below.
FHLB Advances. The FHLB allows us to borrow up to 35% of the Bank’s assets on a blanket floating lien status collateralized by certain securities and loans. As of December 31, 2019,2021, approximately $875.9 million$1.4 billion in real estate loans were pledged as collateral for our FHLB borrowings. We utilizemay use these borrowings to meet liquidity needs and to fund certain fixed rate loans in our portfolio. As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had $554.6no outstanding FHLB advances and had an additional $973.9 million in available borrowing capacity from the FHLB. At December 31, 2019, we had $49.0 million in outstanding FHLB advances.
The following table sets forth certain information on our FHLB borrowings during the periods presented:
FHLB ADVANCES
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Amount outstanding at period-end | | $ | 49,000 |
| | — |
| | $ | 15,000 |
|
Weighted average interest rate at period-end | | 1.66 |
| | — |
| | 1.37 | % |
Maximum month-end balance during the period | | $ | 218,000 |
| | $ | 15,000 |
| | $ | 165,000 |
|
Average balance outstanding during the period | | $ | 28,205 |
| | $ | 1,274 |
| | $ | 65,452 |
|
Weighted average interest rate during the period | | 1.94 | % | | 1.49 | % | | 1.17 | % |
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The FRB has an available borrower in custody arrangement that allows us to borrow on a collateralized basis. The Company’sBanks’s borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve’s discount window program was $7.5
$5.2 million as of December 31, 2019.2021. Certain commercial loans are pledged under this arrangement. We maintain this
borrowing arrangement to meet liquidity needs pursuant to our contingency funding plan. No advances were outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2019.2021.
The Company has also issued subordinated debentures obtained a term loan, entered into repurchase agreements and purchasedhas access to borrow federal funds.funds or lines of credit with correspondent banks. At December 31, 2019,2021, these borrowings amounted to $19.5$15.8 million.
Notes Payable. On January 29, 2016, the Company obtained a term loan from a commercial bank with a single principal advance of $8.0 million due to mature on January 29, 2021. Loan interest and principal is payable quarterly commencing April 2016 and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to 2.60% plus the greater of zero percent and the one-month LIBOR rate. As of December 31, 2019, the one-month LIBOR rate was 1.76%. The proceeds were used to redeem preferred stock and can be prepaid at any time. The outstanding principal at December 31, 2019 was $3.7 million. Annual principal payments on outstanding borrowings are $1.1 million in 2020 and $2.6 million in 2021.
Subordinated Debentures. A trust formed by the Company issued $12.5 million of floating rate trust preferred securities in July 2001 as part of a pooled offering of such securities. The Company issued subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for its proceeds from the offering. The debentures and related accrued interest represent substantially all the assets of the trust. The subordinated debentures bear interest at six-month LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate (or “LIBOR”) plus 375 basis points, which adjusts every six months in January and July of each year. Interest is payable semiannually. At December 31, 2019,2021, the interest rate for the Company’s next scheduled payment was 5.94%3.91%, based on six-month LIBOR of 2.19%0.16%. On any January 25 or July 25 the Company may redeem the 2001 subordinated debentures at 100% of principal amount plus accrued interest. The 2001 subordinated debentures mature on July 25, 2031.
A second trust formed by the Company issued $3.0 million of trust preferred securities in January 2005 as part of a pooled offering of such securities. The Company issued subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for its proceeds from the offering. The debentures and related accrued interest represent substantially all the assets of the trust. The subordinated debentures bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 185 basis points, which adjusts every three months. Interest is payable quarterly. At December 31, 2019,2021, the interest rate for the Company’s next scheduled payment was 3.74%2.05%, based on three-month LIBOR of 1.89%0.20%. On the 15th day of any March, June, September, or December, the Company may redeem the 2005 subordinated debentures at 100% of principal amount plus accrued interest. The 2005 subordinated debentures mature on March 15, 2035.
The Company also retained a 3% minority interest in each of these trusts which is included in subordinated debentures. The balance of the equity in the trusts is comprised of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities. The subordinated debentures may be included in Tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. The Company has the right to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed five years.
Other Borrowings. At December 31, 2019,2021, the Company had no outstanding balance of repurchase agreements or federal funds purchased and had available lines of credit of $32.0$108.0 million with other correspondent banks.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Liquidity is defined as the Bank’s capacity to meet its cash and collateral obligations at a reasonable cost. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the Bank’s ability to meet both expected and unexpected cash flows and collateral needs efficiently without adversely affecting either daily operations or the financial condition of the Bank. Liquidity risk is the risk that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they become due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. The Bank’s obligations, and the funding sources used to meet them, depend significantly on our business mix, balance sheet structure and the cash flow profiles of our on- and off-balance sheet obligations. In managing our cash flows, management regularly confronts situations that can give rise to increased liquidity risk. These include funding mismatches, market constraints on the ability to convert assets into cash or in accessing sources of funds (i.e., market liquidity) and contingent liquidity events. Changes in economic conditions or exposure to credit, market, operation, legal and reputational risks also could affect the Bank’s liquidity risk profile and are considered in the assessment of liquidity and asset/liability management.
We maintain high levels of liquidity for our customers who operate in the digital currency industry, as these deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations due to certain factors that may be outside of our control. As a result, we have a significant amount of interest earning deposits in other banks and our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of mortgage-backed securities backed by government-sponsored entities, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and asset-backed securities.
Management has established a comprehensive management process for identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling liquidity risk. Because of its critical importance to the viability of the Bank, liquidity risk management is fully integrated into our risk management processes. Critical elements of our liquidity risk management include: effective corporate
governance consisting of oversight by the board of directors and active involvement by management; appropriate strategies, policies, procedures, and limits used to manage and mitigate liquidity risk; comprehensive liquidity risk measurement and monitoring systems (including assessments of the current and prospective cash flows or sources and uses of funds) that are commensurate with the complexity and business activities of the Bank; active management of intraday liquidity and collateral; an appropriately diverse mix of existing and potential future funding sources; adequate levels of cash and cash equivalents and
highly liquid marketable securities free of legal, regulatory or operational impediments, that can be used to meet liquidity needs in stressful situations; comprehensive contingency funding plans that sufficiently address potential adverse liquidity events and emergency cash flow requirements; and internal controls and internal audit processes sufficient to determine the adequacy of the institution’s liquidity risk management process.
The movement of funds on our balance sheet among different SEN deposit customers does not reduce the Bank’s deposits and thus does not presentresult in liquidity issues or require any borrowing by the Company or the Bank. In addition, to the extent that SEN participants fully withdraw funds from the Bank, no material liquidity issues or borrowing needs would be presentedarise since the majority of SEN deposit fundsparticipants deposits are held in liquid assets, such as available-for-sale securities and cash, or other short duration liquid assets.used to fund short-term mortgage warehouse loans.
We expect funds to be available from basic banking activity sources, including the core deposit base, the repayment and maturity of loans and investment security cash flows. Other potential funding sources include borrowings from the FHLB, the FRB, other lines of credit and brokered certificates of deposit. As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had $554.6$973.9 million of available borrowing capacity from the FHLB, $7.5$5.2 million of available borrowing capacity from the FRB and available lines of credit of $32.0$108.0 million with other correspondent banks. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 20192021 were $133.6 million. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $49.0 million in outstanding FHLB advances and no borrowings outstanding with the FRB.$5.4 billion. Accordingly, our liquidity resources were at sufficient levels to fund loans and meet other cash needs as necessary.
Off-Balance Sheet Items
In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in our consolidated statements of financial condition. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and issue letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk exceeding the amounts recognized in our consolidated statements of financial condition. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments. The same credit policies and procedures are used in making these commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments. We are not aware of any accounting loss to be incurred by funding these commitments; however, we maintain an allowance for off-balance sheet credit risk which is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. At December 31, 2021, we had $248.6 million of credit extension commitments. For details of our commitments to extend credit, and commercial and standby letters of credit, please refer to “Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies—Off-Balance Sheet Items” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Capital Resources
Shareholders’ equity increased $39.8 million$1.3 billion to $231.0$1.6 billion at December 31, 2021 compared to $294.3 million at December 31, 2019 compared to $191.2 million at December 31, 2018.2020. The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to three common equity offerings, which resulted in the issuance of a total of 11,164,214 shares of Class A common stock for net proceeds of $1.1 billion after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, as applicable, and a $200.0 million preferred equity offering that resulted in net proceeds of $193.6 million. In addition, net income available to common shareholders after payment of $3.0 million in preferred stock dividends, for the year ended December 31, 2019, which2021 amounted to $24.8$75.5 million, an increasewhich was partially offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $8.5$53.0 million, and an increase of $6.5 million in connection with our IPO. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive income was primarily due to the decrease in unrealized gains in theon available-for-sale securities purchased in connection with the Bank’s hedging strategy.portfolio and derivative assets.
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 1,250%. The Bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio.
In July 2013, federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with certain standards that were developed by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule currently applies to all depository institutions and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with total consolidated assets of more than $3 billion. The Company has total consolidated assets of less than $3 billion and is currently exempt from the consolidated capital requirements.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, the Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements to which it was subject, and was classified as “well capitalized” for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations. As we deploy our capital and continue to grow our operations, our regulatory capital levels may decrease depending on our level of earnings. However, we intend to monitor and control our growth to remain in compliance with all regulatory capital standards applicable to us.
The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company (assuming minimum capital adequacy ratios were applicable to the Company) and the Bank as of the dates indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Actual | | Minimum capital adequacy | | To be well capitalized |
| | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | $ | 240,135 |
| | 11.23 | % | | $ | 85,501 |
| | 4.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 224,635 |
| | 24.52 | % | | 41,233 |
| | 4.50 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 240,135 |
| | 26.21 | % | | 54,978 |
| | 6.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 246,447 |
| | 26.90 | % | | 73,304 |
| | 8.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
The Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 224,605 |
| | 10.52 | % | | 85,399 |
| | 4.00 | % | | 106,749 |
| | 5.00 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 224,605 |
| | 24.55 | % | | 41,163 |
| | 4.50 | % | | 59,458 |
| | 6.50 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 224,605 |
| | 24.55 | % | | 54,884 |
| | 6.00 | % | | 73,179 |
| | 8.00 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 230,917 |
| | 25.24 | % | | 73,179 |
| | 8.00 | % | | 91,474 |
| | 10.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Actual | | Minimum capital adequacy(1) | | To be well capitalized |
| | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | $ | 1,631,257 | | | 11.07 | % | | $ | 589,614 | | | 4.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 1,422,136 | | | 49.53 | % | | 129,198 | | | 4.50 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 1,631,257 | | | 56.82 | % | | 172,264 | | | 6.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 1,638,794 | | | 57.08 | % | | 229,686 | | | 8.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
The Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 1,546,693 | | | 10.49 | % | | 589,595 | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 736,994 | | | 5.00 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 1,546,693 | | | 53.89 | % | | 129,162 | | | 4.50 | % | | 186,567 | | | 6.50 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 1,546,693 | | | 53.89 | % | | 172,216 | | | 6.00 | % | | 229,622 | | | 8.00 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 1,554,230 | | | 54.15 | % | | 229,622 | | | 8.00 | % | | 287,027 | | | 10.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Actual | | Minimum capital adequacy | | To be well capitalized |
| | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | $ | 263,763 | | | 8.29 | % | | $ | 127,338 | | | 4.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 248,263 | | | 21.53 | % | | 51,882 | | | 4.50 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 263,763 | | | 22.88 | % | | 69,176 | | | 6.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 270,803 | | | 23.49 | % | | 92,234 | | | 8.00 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
The Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 261,791 | | | 8.22 | % | | 127,344 | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 159,180 | | | 5.00 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 261,791 | | | 22.71 | % | | 51,869 | | | 4.50 | % | | 74,923 | | | 6.50 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 261,791 | | | 22.71 | % | | 69,159 | | | 6.00 | % | | 92,212 | | | 8.00 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 268,831 | | | 23.32 | % | | 92,212 | | | 8.00 | % | | 115,265 | | | 10.00 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Actual | | Minimum capital adequacy | | To be well capitalized |
| | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | $ | 208,807 |
| | 9.00 | % | | $ | 92,812 |
| | 4.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 193,307 |
| | 23.10 | % | | 37,650 |
| | 4.50 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 208,807 |
| | 24.96 | % | | 50,200 |
| | 6.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 215,638 |
| | 25.77 | % | | 66,933 |
| | 8.00 | % | | N/A |
| | N/A |
|
The Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 leverage ratio | | 197,175 |
| | 8.51 | % | | 92,637 |
| | 4.00 | % | | 115,796 |
| | 5.00 | % |
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio | | 197,175 |
| | 23.68 | % | | 37,472 |
| | 4.50 | % | | 54,127 |
| | 6.50 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 197,175 |
| | 23.68 | % | | 49,963 |
| | 6.00 | % | | 66,618 |
| | 8.00 | % |
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 204,006 |
| | 24.50 | % | | 66,618 |
| | 8.00 | % | | 83,272 |
| | 10.00 | % |
Contractual Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt and lease agreements. While our liquidity monitoring and management consider both present and future demands for and sources of liquidity, the following table of contractual commitments focuses only on future obligations and summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Due in 1 Year or Less | | Due After 1 Through 3 Years | | Due After 3 Through 5 Years | | Due After 5 Years | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
As of December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | |
FHLB advances | | $ | 49,000 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 49,000 |
|
Notes payable | | 1,143 |
| | 2,571 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,714 |
|
Subordinated debt | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 15,816 |
| | 15,816 |
|
Operating leases | | 1,676 |
| | 3,511 |
| | 26 |
| | — |
| | 5,213 |
|
Certificates of deposit $100,000 or more | | 792 |
| | 634 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,426 |
|
Certificates of deposit less than $100,000 | | 407 |
| | 249 |
| | 274,797 |
| | 47,609 |
| | 323,062 |
|
Total | | $ | 53,018 |
| | $ | 6,965 |
| | $ | 274,823 |
| | $ | 63,425 |
| | $ | 398,231 |
|
Off-Balance Sheet Items
In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in our consolidated statements of financial condition. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and issue letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk exceeding the amounts recognized in our consolidated statements of financial condition. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments. The same credit policies and procedures are used in making these commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments. We are not aware of any accounting loss to be incurred by funding these commitments; however, we maintain an allowance for off-balance sheet credit risk which is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Our commitments associated with outstanding letters of credit and commitments to extend credit expiring by period as of the date indicated are summarized below. Since commitments associated with letters of credit and commitments to extend credit may expire unused, the amounts shown do not necessarily reflect the actual future cash funding requirements.
CREDIT EXTENSION COMMITMENTS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
Unfunded lines of credit | | $ | 47,433 |
| | $ | 71,398 |
| | $ | 58,180 |
|
Letters of credit | | 655 |
| | 10 |
| | 278 |
|
Total credit extension commitments | | $ | 48,088 |
| | $ | 71,408 |
| | $ | 58,458 |
|
Unfunded lines of credit represent unused credit facilities to our current borrowers that represent no change in credit risk that exist in our portfolio. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. In the event of nonperformance by the customer in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, we would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment is funded, we would be entitled to seek recovery from the client from the underlying collateral, which can include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and/or marketable securities. Our policies generally require that letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants like those contained in loan agreements and our credit risk associated with issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as the risk involved in extending loan facilities to our customers.
We minimize our exposure to loss under letters of credit and credit commitments by subjecting them to the same credit approval and monitoring procedures as we do for on-balance sheet instruments. The effect on our revenue, expenses, cash flows and liquidity of the unused portions of these letters of credit commitments cannot be precisely predicted because there is no guarantee that the lines of credit will be used.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend funds to a customer, if there is no violation of any condition established in the contract, for a specific purpose. Commitments generally have variable interest rates, fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being fully drawn, the total commitment amounts disclosed above do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We
evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if considered necessary by us, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Accounting policies, as described in detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are an integral part of our financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. We believe that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates, which are likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we could have reasonably used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
See “Note 1—Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loans that are deemedManagement groups loans into different categories based on loan type to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted fromdetermine the appropriate allowance for each loan losses. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses. The allowance consists
The general component covers loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and loans that are not individually identified for impairment evaluation. The general component is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors and includes actual loss history experienced for the preceding rolling twelve year period or less, if twelve years of data is not available. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans (including TDRs); levels and trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in volumes and terms of loans; migration of loans to the classification of special mention, substandard, or doubtful; effects of any change in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies and procedures; national and local economic trends and conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.
group. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Amounts are charged off when available information confirms that specific loans, or portions thereof, are uncollectible. This methodology for determining charge-offs is consistently applied to each group of loans. Management groupsLoans that are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans into different categoriespreviously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on loan typecurrent information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to determinecollect all amounts due according to the appropriate allowance for each loan group.
A loan is considered impaired when full payment undercontractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is not expected. Impairment is evaluated on an individual loan basis for allexperiencing financial difficulties, are considered TDRs and classified as impaired.
The general component covers loans that meet the criteria for specifically evaluated impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net of the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s original effective rate or at the fair value of collateral less estimated costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting all amounts when due. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and accordingly, theyloans that are not separatelyindividually identified for impairment disclosures. Loans thatevaluation. The general component is based on historical loss experience insignificant payment delaysadjusted for current factors and payment shortfalls are generallyincludes actual loss history experienced for the preceding rolling twelve year period or less, if twelve years of data is not classified as impaired. Management consideredavailable. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the significance of payment delays onrisks present for each portfolio segment using a case by case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstancesqualitative scorecard model.
Management’s determination of the loan and borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, the amountadequacy of the shortfall in relation to principal and interest owed.
Loans are reported as TDRs when the Company grants concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that it would not otherwise consider. Exampleslevel of such concessions include forgiveness of principal or accrued interest, extending the
maturity date, or providing a lower interest rate than would be normally available for a transaction of similar risk. As a result of these concessions, restructured loans are impaired as the Company will not collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, in accordance with the terms of the original loan agreement. TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and included in separately identified impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is determined to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determined the amount of the allowance on the loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other relevant factors which are inherently subjective as it requires significant estimates by management. These factors may be susceptible to significant change. Specific reserves reflect estimated losses on impaired loans individually identified as impaired. The Company incorporates recent historical experience related to TDRs,from managements analyses which involve a high degree of judgement in estimating the amount of loss associated with specific loans, including the performanceamount and timing of TDRs that subsequently defaulted, intofuture cash flows and collateral values. The general reserve is based on estimate losses of homogeneous loans based historical loss experience, qualitative factors and consideration of current economic trends and conditions. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $6.9 million.
Securities. Management determines the allowance calculation by loan portfolio segment.
Fair Value Measurement.appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase. The Company measures and presents fair values in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, that definesof securities available-for-sale and trading securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair value, establishesvalues are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2), using matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a framework for measuring fair value, and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptionsmathematical technique commonly used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restrictionprice debt securities that are not actively traded, which values debt securities without relying exclusively on the sale or use of an asset.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This standard’s fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2—Significant observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assetsspecific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time, but not necessarily to be held-to-maturity or liabilities; quoted priceson a long-term basis, are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in markets that are not active; oraccumulated other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.comprehensive income.
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a Company’s own assumptions aboutThe valuation of debt securities involves significant judgment, is subject to variability, is established using management's best estimate, and is revised as additional information becomes available. Due to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense is the totalsubjective nature of the current year income tax due or refundablevaluation process, it is possible that the actual fair values of these investments could differ from the estimated amounts, thereby affecting our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by various pricing models. Our procedures include initial and ongoing review of pricing methodologies and trends. We perform an analysis on the changepricing of investment securities to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. Depending upon the type of security, management employs various techniques to analyze the pricing it receives from third-parties, such as reviewing model inputs, reviewing comparable trades, analyzing changes in deferred tax assetsmarket yields and, liabilities. Deferred tax assetsin certain instances, reviewing the underlying collateral of the security. Management reviews changes in fair values from period to period and liabilitiesperforms testing to ensure that the prices received from third parties are recognized forconsistent with their expectation of the future tax amounts attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, computed using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.market.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a financial institution, our primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Our Asset Liability Management Policy sets forth guidelines for effective funds management and establishes an approach for measuring and monitoring our net interest rate sensitivity.
Interest rate risk is the probability of an increase or decline in the value of an asset or liability due to fluctuations in interest rates. These fluctuations have an impact on both the level of interest income and interest expense as well as the market value of all interest earning assets and liabilities. The objective is to measure the impact that different interest rate scenarios have on net interest income and ensure that the results are within policy limits while maximizing income. The results can be reflected as an increase or decrease of future net interest income or an increase or decrease of current fair market value.
Exposure to interest rates is managed by structuring the balance sheet in a ‘business as usual’ or ‘base case’ scenario. We do not enter into instruments such as leveraged derivatives, financial options or financial future contracts for the purpose of reducing interest rate risk. We hedge interest rate risk by utilizing interest rate floors, interest rate caps and interest rate caps.swaps. The interest rate floors hedge our cash and securities, and the interest rate caps hedge our subordinated debentures.debentures and the interest rate swaps hedge our taxable municipal bonds. Based on the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. We do not own any trading assets.
Exposure to interest rate risk is managed by the Bank’s Asset Liability Management Committee in accordance with policies approved by the board of directors. The committee formulates strategies based on appropriate levels of interest rate risk. In determining the appropriate level of interest rate risk, the committee considers the impact on earnings and capital under the current interest rate outlook, potential changes in interest rates, regional economies, liquidity, business strategies and other factors. The committee meets regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, purchase and sale activities, commitments to originate loans, and the maturities of investments and borrowings. Additionally, the committee reviews liquidity, cash flow flexibility, maturities of deposits, and consumer and commercial deposit activity. Management employs
methodologies to manage interest rate risk that include an analysis of relationships between interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as well as utilizing an interest rate simulation model where various rate scenarios can be analyzed.
The following table indicates that, for periods less than one year, rate-sensitive assets exceed rate-sensitive liabilities, resulting in an asset-sensitive position. For a bank with an asset-sensitive position, or positive gap, rising interest rates would generally be expected to have a positive effect on net interest income, and falling interest rates would generally be expected to have the opposite effect. Due to our asset sensitive position, we have implemented a hedgehedging strategy to reduce our interest rate risk exposure in a declining rate environment. For a discussion of our hedging strategy, see “Item 1. Business—Financial Condition—Securities.”
INTEREST SENSITIVITY GAP
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Within One Month | | After One Month Through Three Months | | After Three Through Twelve Months | | Within One Year | | Greater Than One Year or Non -Sensitive | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans(1) | | $ | 457,651 |
| | $ | 42,956 |
| | $ | 163,730 |
| | $ | 664,337 |
| | $ | 382,398 |
| | $ | 1,046,735 |
|
Securities(2) | | 483,149 |
| | 1,415 |
| | 17,648 |
| | 502,212 |
| | 405,818 |
| | 908,030 |
|
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | 132,025 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 132,025 |
| | — |
| | 132,025 |
|
Total earning assets | | $ | 1,072,825 |
| | $ | 44,371 |
| | $ | 181,378 |
| | $ | 1,298,574 |
| | $ | 788,216 |
| | $ | 2,086,790 |
|
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing deposits | | $ | 146,423 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 146,423 |
| | $ | 76 |
| | $ | 146,499 |
|
Certificates of deposit | | 497 |
| | 74 |
| | 628 |
| | 1,199 |
| | 323,289 |
| | 324,488 |
|
Total interest bearing deposits | | 146,920 |
| | 74 |
| | 628 |
| | 147,622 |
| | 323,365 |
| | 470,987 |
|
FHLB advances | | 49,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 49,000 |
| | — |
| | 49,000 |
|
Total interest bearing liabilities | | $ | 195,920 |
| | $ | 74 |
| | $ | 628 |
| | $ | 196,622 |
| | $ | 323,365 |
| | $ | 519,987 |
|
Period gap | | $ | 876,905 |
| | $ | 44,297 |
| | $ | 180,750 |
| | $ | 1,101,952 |
| | $ | 464,851 |
| | $ | 1,566,803 |
|
Cumulative gap | | $ | 876,905 |
| | $ | 921,202 |
| | $ | 1,101,952 |
| | $ | 1,101,952 |
| | $ | 1,566,803 |
| | |
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets | | 42.02 | % | | 44.14 | % | | 52.81 | % | | 52.81 | % | | 75.08 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Within One Month | | After One Month Through Three Months | | After Three Through Twelve Months | | Within One Year | | Greater Than One Year or Non -Sensitive | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans(1) | | $ | 1,437,374 | | | $ | 27,105 | | | $ | 108,474 | | | $ | 1,572,953 | | | $ | 214,461 | | | $ | 1,787,414 | |
Securities(2) | | 4,728,658 | | | 16,983 | | | 128,875 | | | 4,874,516 | | | 3,784,753 | | | 8,659,269 | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | 5,175,472 | | | — | | | 1,265 | | | 5,176,737 | | | 3,016 | | | 5,179,753 | |
Total earning assets | | $ | 11,341,504 | | | $ | 44,088 | | | $ | 238,614 | | | $ | 11,624,206 | | | $ | 4,002,230 | | | $ | 15,626,436 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing deposits | | $ | 76,167 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 76,167 | | | $ | 449 | | | $ | 76,616 | |
Certificates of deposit | | — | | | 100 | | | 348 | | | 448 | | | 92 | | | 540 | |
Total interest bearing deposits | | 76,167 | | | 100 | | | 348 | | | 76,615 | | | 541 | | | 77,156 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest bearing liabilities | | $ | 76,167 | | | $ | 100 | | | $ | 348 | | | $ | 76,615 | | | $ | 541 | | | $ | 77,156 | |
Period gap | | $ | 11,265,337 | | | $ | 43,988 | | | $ | 238,266 | | | $ | 11,547,591 | | | $ | 4,001,689 | | | $ | 15,549,280 | |
Cumulative gap | | $ | 11,265,337 | | | $ | 11,309,325 | | | $ | 11,547,591 | | | $ | 11,547,591 | | | $ | 15,549,280 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets | | 72.09 | % | | 72.37 | % | | 73.90 | % | | 73.90 | % | | 99.51 | % | | |
_______________________________________________ | |
(1) | Includes loans held-for-sale. |
| |
(2) | Includes FHLB and FRB stock. |
(1)Includes loans held-for-sale.
(2)Includes FHLB and FRB stock.
We use quarterly Interest Rate Risk, or IRR, simulations to assess the impact of changing interest rates on our net interest income and net income under a variety of scenarios and time horizons. These simulations utilize both instantaneous and parallel
changes in the level of interest rates, as well as non-parallel changes such as changing slopes and twists of the yield curve. Static simulation models are based on current exposures and assume a constant balance sheet with no new growth. Dynamic simulation models are also utilized that rely on detailed assumptions regarding changes in existing lines of business, new business, and changes in management and client behavior.
We also use economic value-based methodologies to measure the degree to which the economic values of the Bank’s positions change under different interest rate scenarios. The economic-value approach focuses on a longer-term time horizon and captures all future cash flows expected from existing assets and liabilities. The economic value model utilizes a static approach in that the analysis does not incorporate new business; rather, the analysis shows a snapshot in time of the risk inherent in the balance sheet.
Many assumptions are used to calculate the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest income, such as asset prepayments, non-maturity deposit price sensitivity and decay rates, and key rate drivers. Because of the inherent use of these estimates and assumptions in the model, our actual results may, and most likely will, differ from our static IRR results. In
addition, static IRR results do not include actions that our management may undertake to manage the risks in response to anticipated changes in interest rates or client behavior. For example, as part of our asset/liability management strategy, management can increase asset duration and decrease liability duration to reduce asset sensitivity, or to decrease asset duration and increase liability duration in order to increase asset sensitivity.
The following table summarizes the results of our IRR analysis in simulating the change in net interest income and fair value of equity over a 12-month horizon as of December 31, 2019:2021.
IMPACT ON NET INTEREST INCOME UNDER A STATIC BALANCE SHEET, PARALLEL INTEREST RATE SHOCK
| | Earnings at Risk as of: | | -100 bps | | Flat | | +100 bps | | +200 bps | | +300 bps | Earnings at Risk as of: | | -100 bps | | Flat | | +100 bps | | +200 bps | | +300 bps |
December 31, 2019 | | (5.15 | )% | | 0.00 | % | | 10.12 | % | | 23.04 | % | | 35.16 | % | |
December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2021 | | (21.56) | % | | 0.00 | % | | 59.71 | % | | 123.97 | % | | 189.23 | % |
Utilizing an economic value of equity, or EVE, approach, we analyze the risk to capital from the effects of various interest rate scenarios through a long-term discounted cash flow model. This measures the difference between the economic value of our assets and the economic value of our liabilities, which is a proxy for our liquidation value. While this provides some value as a risk measurement tool, management believes IRR is more appropriate in accordance with the going concern principle.
The following table illustrates the results of our EVE analysis as of December 31, 2019.2021.
ECONOMIC VALUE OF EQUITY ANALYSIS UNDER A STATIC BALANCE SHEET, PARALLEL INTEREST RATE SHOCK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of: | | -100 bps | | Flat | | +100 bps | | +200 bps | | +300 bps |
December 31, 2021 | | (4.56) | % | | 0.00 | % | | 1.44 | % | | 3.83 | % | | 4.19 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of: | | -100 bps | | Flat | | +100 bps | | +200 bps | | +300 bps |
December 31, 2019 | | (4.71 | )% | | 0.00 | % | | 5.39 | % | | 11.10 | % | | 14.84 | % |
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
| | | | | | | |
| | Page |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 173) | | |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations | | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | | |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity | | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Silvergate Capital Corporation
La Jolla, California
OpinionOpinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Silvergate Capital Corporation (the "Company"“Company”) as of December 31, 20192021 and 2018,2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20192021 and 2018,2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for OpinionOpinions
These
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, are the responsibilityfor maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the Company's management.effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"(“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ Crowe LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Atlanta, GeorgiaCosta Mesa, California
March 10, 2020February 28, 2022
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(In Thousands, Except Par Value and Per Share Amounts)
| | | | December 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
ASSETS | | | | | ASSETS | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | $ | 1,579 |
| | $ | 4,177 |
| Cash and due from banks | | $ | 208,193 | | | $ | 16,405 | |
Interest earning deposits in other banks | | 132,025 |
| | 670,243 |
| Interest earning deposits in other banks | | 5,179,753 | | | 2,945,682 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 133,604 |
| | 674,420 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 5,387,946 | | | 2,962,087 | |
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value | | 897,766 |
| | 357,178 |
| Securities available-for-sale, at fair value | | 8,625,259 | | | 939,015 | |
Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $72 as of December 31, 2018) | | — |
| | 73 |
| |
| Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value | | 375,922 |
| | 350,636 |
| Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value | | 893,194 | | | 865,961 | |
Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance for loan losses of $6,191 and $6,723 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively | | 664,622 |
| | 592,781 |
| |
Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance for loan losses of $6,916 at December 31, 2021 and 2020 | | Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance for loan losses of $6,916 at December 31, 2021 and 2020 | | 887,304 | | | 746,751 | |
Federal home loan and federal reserve bank stock, at cost | | 10,264 |
| | 9,660 |
| Federal home loan and federal reserve bank stock, at cost | | 34,010 | | | 14,851 | |
Accrued interest receivable | | 5,950 |
| | 5,770 |
| Accrued interest receivable | | 40,370 | | | 8,698 | |
Other real estate owned, net | | 128 |
| | 31 |
| |
Premises and equipment, net | | 3,259 |
| | 3,656 |
| Premises and equipment, net | | 3,008 | | | 2,072 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | | 4,571 |
| | — |
| |
Derivative assets | | 23,440 |
| | 999 |
| Derivative assets | | 34,056 | | | 31,104 | |
Low income housing tax credit investment | | 954 |
| | 1,044 |
| |
Deferred tax assets | | — |
| | 3,329 |
| |
Other assets | | 7,647 |
| | 4,741 |
| Other assets | | 100,348 | | | 15,696 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,128,127 |
| | $ | 2,004,318 |
| Total assets | | $ | 16,005,495 | | | $ | 5,586,235 | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
Deposits: | | | | | Deposits: | |
Noninterest bearing demand accounts | | $ | 1,343,667 |
| | $ | 1,525,922 |
| Noninterest bearing demand accounts | | $ | 14,213,472 | | | $ | 5,133,579 | |
Interest bearing accounts | | 470,987 |
| | 152,911 |
| Interest bearing accounts | | 77,156 | | | 114,447 | |
Deposits held-for-sale | | — |
| | 104,172 |
| |
| Total deposits | | 1,814,654 |
| | 1,783,005 |
| Total deposits | | 14,290,628 | | | 5,248,026 | |
Federal home loan bank advances | | 49,000 |
| | — |
| |
Notes payable | | 3,714 |
| | 4,857 |
| |
| Subordinated debentures, net | | 15,816 |
| | 15,802 |
| Subordinated debentures, net | | 15,845 | | | 15,831 | |
Operating lease liabilities | | 4,881 |
| | — |
| |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | 9,026 |
| | 9,408 |
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | 90,186 | | | 28,079 | |
Total liabilities | | 1,897,091 |
| | 1,813,072 |
| Total liabilities | | 14,396,659 | | | 5,291,936 | |
Commitments and contingencies | |
| |
| Commitments and contingencies | | 0 | | 0 |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 10,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 | | — |
| | — |
| |
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 125,000 shares; 17,775 and 16,629 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively | | 178 |
| | 166 |
| |
Class B non-voting common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 25,000 shares; 893 and 1,190 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively | | 9 |
| | 12 |
| |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 10,000 shares; $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 200 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 10,000 shares; $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 200 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | 2 | | | — | |
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 125,000 shares; 30,403 and 18,770 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | Class A common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 125,000 shares; 30,403 and 18,770 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | 304 | | | 188 | |
Class B non-voting common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 25,000 shares; 0 and 64 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | Class B non-voting common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 25,000 shares; 0 and 64 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | | — | | | 1 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 132,138 |
| | 125,665 |
| Additional paid-in capital | | 1,421,592 | | | 129,726 | |
Retained earnings | | 92,310 |
| | 67,464 |
| Retained earnings | | 193,860 | | | 118,348 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | 6,401 |
| | (2,061 | ) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | | Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | | (6,922) | | | 46,036 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | 231,036 |
| | 191,246 |
| Total shareholders’ equity | | 1,608,836 | | | 294,299 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 2,128,127 |
| | $ | 2,004,318 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 16,005,495 | | | $ | 5,586,235 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
| | | | Year Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Interest income | | | | | Interest income | | | | |
Loans, including fees | | $ | 51,445 |
| | $ | 48,100 |
| Loans, including fees | | $ | 68,619 | | | $ | 54,732 | |
Securities | | 20,161 |
| | 7,332 |
| |
Taxable securities | | Taxable securities | | 36,094 | | | 17,465 | |
Tax-exempt securities | | Tax-exempt securities | | 17,301 | | | 5,062 | |
Other interest earning assets | | 8,723 |
| | 16,606 |
| Other interest earning assets | | 6,799 | | | 1,639 | |
Dividends and other | | 706 |
| | 714 |
| Dividends and other | | 1,581 | | | 692 | |
Total interest income | | 81,035 |
| | 72,752 |
| Total interest income | | 130,394 | | | 79,590 | |
Interest expense | | | | | Interest expense | |
Deposits | | 7,713 |
| | 1,787 |
| Deposits | | 134 | | | 5,807 | |
Federal home loan bank advances | | 546 |
| | 19 |
| Federal home loan bank advances | | — | | | 336 | |
Notes payable and other | | 747 |
| | 408 |
| |
Subordinated debentures | | 1,072 |
| | 915 |
| |
| Subordinated debentures and other | | Subordinated debentures and other | | 993 | | | 1,083 | |
Total interest expense | | 10,078 |
| | 3,129 |
| Total interest expense | | 1,127 | | | 7,226 | |
Net interest income before provision for loan losses | | 70,957 |
| | 69,623 |
| Net interest income before provision for loan losses | | 129,267 | | | 72,364 | |
Reversal of provision for loan losses | | (439 | ) | | (1,527 | ) | |
Provision for loan losses | | Provision for loan losses | | — | | | 742 | |
Net interest income after provision for loan losses | | 71,396 |
| | 71,150 |
| Net interest income after provision for loan losses | | 129,267 | | | 71,622 | |
Noninterest income | | | | | Noninterest income | |
Mortgage warehouse fee income | | 1,473 |
| | 1,505 |
| Mortgage warehouse fee income | | 3,056 | | | 2,539 | |
Service fees related to off-balance sheet deposits | | 1,637 |
| | 2,422 |
| |
| Deposit related fees | | 5,302 |
| | 2,435 |
| Deposit related fees | | 35,981 | | | 11,341 | |
Gain on sale of securities, net | | Gain on sale of securities, net | | 5,238 | | | 3,753 | |
Gain on sale of loans, net | | 828 |
| | 711 |
| Gain on sale of loans, net | | — | | | 354 | |
Gain on sale of securities, net | | 724 |
| | — |
| |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | 5,509 |
| | — |
| |
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | | Gain on extinguishment of debt | | — | | | 925 | |
Other income | | 281 |
| | 490 |
| Other income | | 981 | | | 265 | |
Total noninterest income | | 15,754 |
| | 7,563 |
| Total noninterest income | | 45,256 | | | 19,177 | |
Noninterest expense | | | | | Noninterest expense | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | 33,897 |
| | 29,898 |
| Salaries and employee benefits | | 45,794 | | | 36,493 | |
Occupancy and equipment | | 3,638 |
| | 3,091 |
| Occupancy and equipment | | 2,464 | | | 5,690 | |
Communications and data processing | | 4,607 |
| | 3,088 |
| Communications and data processing | | 7,072 | | | 5,406 | |
Professional services | | 4,605 |
| | 6,050 |
| Professional services | | 9,776 | | | 4,460 | |
Federal deposit insurance | | 415 |
| | 1,230 |
| Federal deposit insurance | | 13,537 | | | 1,172 | |
Correspondent bank charges | | 1,191 |
| | 1,163 |
| Correspondent bank charges | | 2,515 | | | 1,533 | |
Other loan expense | | 412 |
| | 419 |
| Other loan expense | | 1,117 | | | 326 | |
Other real estate owned expense | | 170 |
| | 27 |
| |
Other general and administrative | | 3,543 |
| | 3,348 |
| Other general and administrative | | 6,845 | | | 4,525 | |
Total noninterest expense | | 52,478 |
| | 48,314 |
| Total noninterest expense | | 89,120 | | | 59,605 | |
Income before income taxes | | 34,672 |
| | 30,399 |
| Income before income taxes | | 85,403 | | | 31,194 | |
Income tax expense | | 9,826 |
| | 8,066 |
| Income tax expense | | 6,875 | | | 5,156 | |
Net income | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
| Net income | | 78,528 | | | 26,038 | |
Basic earnings per share | | $ | 1.38 |
| | $ | 1.35 |
| |
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 1.35 |
| | $ | 1.31 |
| |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | | | | | |
Dividends on preferred stock | | Dividends on preferred stock | | 3,016 | | | — | |
Net income available to common shareholders | | Net income available to common shareholders | | $ | 75,512 | | | $ | 26,038 | |
Basic earnings per common share | | Basic earnings per common share | | $ | 2.95 | | | $ | 1.39 | |
Diluted earnings per common share | | Diluted earnings per common share | | $ | 2.91 | | | $ | 1.36 | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | |
Basic | | 17,957 |
| | 16,543 |
| Basic | | 25,582 | | | 18,691 | |
Diluted | | 18,385 |
| | 17,023 |
| Diluted | | 25,922 | | | 19,177 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net income | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | |
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | | 8,928 |
| | (1,441 | ) |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income | | (724 | ) | | — |
|
Income tax effect | | (2,348 | ) | | 412 |
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | | 5,856 |
| | (1,029 | ) |
Change in net unrealized gain on derivative assets | | 3,653 |
| | 271 |
|
Income tax effect | | (1,047 | ) | | (86 | ) |
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax | | 2,606 |
| | 185 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 8,462 |
| | (844 | ) |
Total comprehensive income | | $ | 33,308 |
| | $ | 21,489 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 |
Net income | | $ | 78,528 | | | $ | 26,038 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | |
Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities | | (48,731) | | | 38,310 | |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income | | (5,238) | | | (3,753) | |
Income tax effect | | 15,323 | | | (9,670) | |
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | | (38,646) | | | 24,887 | |
Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative assets | | (17,780) | | | 22,186 | |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income | | (2,046) | | | (1,713) | |
Income tax effect | | 5,514 | | | (5,725) | |
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax | | (14,312) | | | 14,748 | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | | (52,958) | | | 39,635 | |
Total comprehensive income | | $ | 25,570 | | | $ | 65,673 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
| | | | | Preferred Stock | | Class A Common Stock | | Class B Common Stock | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | Total Shareholders’ Equity |
| | | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | | Balance at January 1, 2020 | | | — | | | $ | — | | | 17,775,160 | | | $ | 178 | | | 892,836 | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 132,138 | | | $ | 92,310 | | | $ | 6,401 | | | $ | 231,036 | |
Total comprehensive income, net of tax | | Total comprehensive income, net of tax | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 26,038 | | | 39,635 | | | 65,673 | |
| | | | Class A Common Stock | | Class B Common Stock | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | Total Shareholders’ Equity | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | |
Balance at January 1, 2018 | | 6,189,206 |
| | $ | 62 |
| | 3,035,004 |
| | $ | 30 |
| | $ | 29,794 |
| | $ | 45,131 |
| | $ | (1,217 | ) | | $ | 73,800 |
| |
Total comprehensive income, net of tax | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 22,333 |
| | (844 | ) | | 21,489 |
| |
Net proceeds from stock issuance | | 9,500,000 |
| | 95 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 107,789 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 107,884 |
| |
Repurchase of common stock | | (317,050 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (680,456 | ) | | (7 | ) | | (11,361 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (11,371 | ) | |
| Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock | | 1,165,000 |
| | 11 |
| | (1,165,000 | ) | | (11 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock | | | — | | | — | | | 828,639 | | | 8 | | | (828,639) | | | (8) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Stock-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 112 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 112 |
| Stock-based compensation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 884 | | | — | | | — | | | 884 | |
Exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | 91,785 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (669 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (668 | ) | |
Balance at December 31, 2018 | | 16,628,941 |
| | 166 |
| | 1,189,548 |
| | 12 |
| | 125,665 |
| | 67,464 |
| | (2,061 | ) | | 191,246 |
| |
Exercise of stock options and issuance of share-based awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | Exercise of stock options and issuance of share-based awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | | — | | | — | | | 165,972 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | (3,296) | | | — | | | — | | | (3,294) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | Balance at December 31, 2020 | | | — | | | — | | | 18,769,771 | | | 188 | | | 64,197 | | | 1 | | | 129,726 | | | 118,348 | | | 46,036 | | | 294,299 | |
Total comprehensive income, net of tax | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 24,846 |
| | 8,462 |
| | 33,308 |
| Total comprehensive income, net of tax | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 78,528 | | | (52,958) | | | 25,570 | |
| Dividends on preferred stock | | Dividends on preferred stock | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (3,016) | | | — | | | (3,016) | |
Net proceeds from stock issuance | | 824,605 |
| | 8 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,454 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,462 |
| Net proceeds from stock issuance | | | 200,000 | | | 2 | | | 11,164,214 | | | 111 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,291,323 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,291,436 | |
| Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock | | 296,712 |
| | 3 |
| | (296,712 | ) | | (3 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock | | | — | | | — | | | 64,197 | | | 1 | | | (64,197) | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Stock-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 177 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 177 |
| Stock-based compensation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,932 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,932 | |
Exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | 24,902 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (158 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (157 | ) | |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | | 17,775,160 |
| | $ | 178 |
| | 892,836 |
| | $ | 9 |
| | $ | 132,138 |
| | $ | 92,310 |
| | $ | 6,401 |
| | $ | 231,036 |
| |
Exercise of stock options and issuance of share-based awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | Exercise of stock options and issuance of share-based awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes | | | — | | | — | | | 404,524 | | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | (1,389) | | | — | | | — | | | (1,385) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | Balance at December 31, 2021 | | | 200,000 | | | $ | 2 | | | 30,402,706 | | | $ | 304 | | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,421,592 | | | $ | 193,860 | | | $ | (6,922) | | | $ | 1,608,836 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
| | | | Year Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | Cash flows from operating activities | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 24,846 |
| | $ | 22,333 |
| Net income | | $ | 78,528 | | | $ | 26,038 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 2,673 |
| | 1,178 |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 2,620 | | | 5,584 | |
Amortization of securities premiums and discounts, net | | 1,993 |
| | 385 |
| Amortization of securities premiums and discounts, net | | 55,003 | | | 3,890 | |
Amortization of loan premiums and discounts and deferred loan origination fees and costs, net | | 938 |
| | (483 | ) | Amortization of loan premiums and discounts and deferred loan origination fees and costs, net | | 604 | | | 825 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 177 |
| | 112 |
| Stock-based compensation | | 1,932 | | | 884 | |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | | 359 |
| | (154 | ) | |
Reversal of provision for loan losses | | (439 | ) | | (1,527 | ) | |
Gain on sale of loans, net | | (828 | ) | | (711 | ) | |
Gain on sale of securities, net | | (724 | ) | | — |
| |
Originations/purchases of loans held-for-sale | | (3,424,898 | ) | | (2,732,900 | ) | |
Provision for loan losses | | Provision for loan losses | | — | | | 742 | |
Originations of loans held-for-sale | | Originations of loans held-for-sale | | (12,655,625) | | | (7,728,152) | |
Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale | | 3,277,954 |
| | 2,708,161 |
| Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale | | 12,628,392 | | | 7,227,762 | |
Gain on sale of branch, net | | (5,509 | ) | | — |
| |
| Other gains, net | | Other gains, net | | (9,202) | | | (8,684) | |
Other, net | | 1,147 |
| | (67 | ) | Other, net | | (174) | | | (70) | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
Accrued interest receivable and other assets | | (1,223 | ) | | (2,361 | ) | Accrued interest receivable and other assets | | (93,948) | | | (6,779) | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | (3,328 | ) | | 2,967 |
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | 71,628 | | | (1,354) | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | (126,862 | ) | | (3,067 | ) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | 79,758 | | | (479,314) | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | Cash flows from investing activities | |
Purchases of securities available-for-sale | | (600,657 | ) | | (185,980 | ) | Purchases of securities available-for-sale | | (9,648,657) | | | (283,706) | |
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale | | 42,005 |
| | — |
| Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale | | 1,465,506 | | | 216,355 | |
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of securities available-for-sale | | 24,316 |
| | 18,217 |
| Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of securities available-for-sale | | 381,354 | | | 58,769 | |
Loan originations/purchases and payments, net | | (130,119 | ) | | (58,195 | ) | Loan originations/purchases and payments, net | | (141,157) | | | (109,442) | |
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale previously classified as held-for-investment | | 64,416 |
| | 21,867 |
| Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale previously classified as held-for-investment | | — | | | 36,400 | |
Purchase of federal home loan and federal reserve bank stock, net | | (603 | ) | | (2,308 | ) | Purchase of federal home loan and federal reserve bank stock, net | | (19,160) | | | (4,587) | |
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned | | 125 |
| | 2,390 |
| |
Purchase of premises and equipment | | (1,213 | ) | | (2,664 | ) | Purchase of premises and equipment | | (1,922) | | | (916) | |
Proceeds from sale of branch, net of cash | | 47,390 |
| | — |
| |
Purchases of derivative contracts, net of proceeds | | (20,165 | ) | | — |
| |
| (Payments for) proceeds from derivative contracts, net | | (Payments for) proceeds from derivative contracts, net | | (19,494) | | | 16,372 | |
Other, net | | 4 |
| | 40 |
| Other, net | | (6) | | | 173 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | (574,501 | ) | | (206,633 | ) | Net cash used in investing activities | | (7,983,536) | | | (70,582) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | Cash flows from financing activities | |
Net change in noninterest bearing deposits | | (195,503 | ) | | 117,659 |
| Net change in noninterest bearing deposits | | 9,079,893 | | | 3,789,913 | |
Net change in interest bearing deposits | | 301,603 |
| | (109,800 | ) | Net change in interest bearing deposits | | (37,291) | | | (356,541) | |
Net change in federal home loan bank advances | | 49,000 |
| | (15,000 | ) | Net change in federal home loan bank advances | | — | | | (48,075) | |
| Payments made on notes payable | | (1,143 | ) | | (1,143 | ) | Payments made on notes payable | | — | | | (3,714) | |
Proceeds from common stock issuance, net | | 6,462 |
| | 107,884 |
| Proceeds from common stock issuance, net | | 1,097,815 | | | — | |
Repurchase of common stock | | — |
| | (11,371 | ) | |
| Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net | | Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net | | 193,621 | | | — | |
| Payments of preferred stock dividends | | Payments of preferred stock dividends | | (3,016) | | | — | |
Proceeds from stock option exercise | | — |
| | 119 |
| Proceeds from stock option exercise | | 1,923 | | | 41 | |
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | | (157 | ) | | (787 | ) | Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | | (3,308) | | | (3,335) | |
Other, net | | 285 |
| | (1,109 | ) | Other, net | | — | | | 90 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | 160,547 |
| | 86,452 |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | 10,329,637 | | | 3,378,379 | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | (540,816 | ) | | (123,248 | ) | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | 674,420 |
| | 797,668 |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 133,604 |
| | $ | 674,420 |
| |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | 2,425,859 | | | 2,828,483 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | 2,962,087 | | | 133,604 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 5,387,946 | | | $ | 2,962,087 | |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Silvergate Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Silvergate Bank (the “Bank”), collectively referred to as (the “Company” or “Silvergate”).
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the Company include its wholly owned subsidiaries. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are based uponconform with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and conform to predominant practices within the financial services industry. Significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented below.
Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent amounts inassets and liabilities at the Company’sdate of the financial statements and the accompanying notes.notes, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Management bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Management evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis including the economic impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (or “COVID-19”). Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Interest income is recognized under the interest method and includes amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of purchase discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized or accreted based on the level-yield method,a level yield methodology, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities
where prepayments are anticipated. Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific identification method and are recorded on tradesettlement date. Securities classified as available-for-sale include securities that management intends to use as part of its asset / liability management strategy and may be sold to provide liquidity in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk, or other related factors. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent to hold the securities to maturity.
For each security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date is recognized in earnings.
For impaired securities that are not intended for sale and will not be required to be sold prior to recovery of the Company’s amortized cost basis, the Company determines if the impairment has a credit loss component. For both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities, if there is no credit loss, no further action is required. For both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities, if the amount or timing of cash flows expected to be collected are less than those at the last reporting date, an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred and the credit loss component is recognized in earnings as the present value of the change in expected future cash flows. In determining the present value of the expected cash flows the Company discounts the expected cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of purchase. The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the amortized basis is deemed to be due to factors that are not credit related and is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees, unamortized premiums and discounts and an allowance for loan loss. Interest on loans is accrued using the effective interest method based on principal amounts outstanding.
Nonrefundable loan fees and certain direct costs associated with the origination of loans are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loans using the level yield method, without anticipating prepayments, or straight linedstraight-lined for loans with revolving features such as construction loans or lines of credit. The accretion of loan fees and costs is discontinued on nonaccrual loans.
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the full and timely collection of principal or interest is in doubt. Generally, the accrual of interest is discontinued when principal or interest payments become 90 or more than 90 days past due. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of the principal or interest is considered doubtful. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against current income. Subsequent collections of unpaid amounts on such a loan are applied to reduce principal when received, except when the ultimate collectability of principal is probable, in which case interest payments are credited to income.
Nonaccrual loans may be restored to accrual status if and when principal and interest become current and full repayment is expected.expected, which is typically after six months of continuous on time payments.
The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loans that are deemedManagement groups loans into different categories based on loan type to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted fromdetermine the appropriate allowance for each loan losses. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current
A loan is considered impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Impairment is evaluated on an individual loan basis for all loans that meet the criteria for specifically evaluated impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net of the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s original effective rate or at the fair value of collateral less estimated costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting all amounts when due. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not classified as impaired. Management considered the significance of payment delays on a case by case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstances of the loan and borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to principal and interest owed.
effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determined the amount of the allowance on the loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified as impaired. The Company incorporates recent historical experience related to TDRs, including the performance of TDRs that subsequently defaulted, into the allowance calculation by loan portfolio segment.
Certain loans originated or acquired and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains or losses realized on the sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans sold, adjusted for any servicing asset or liability. Gains and losses on sales of loans are included in noninterest income.
Transfers of loans are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control through an agreement to purchase them before their maturity.
In the event of a breach of representations and warranties, the Company may be required to repurchase a mortgage loan or indemnify the purchaser, and any subsequent loss on the mortgage loan may be borne by the Company. If there is no breach of a representation and warranty provision, the Company has no obligation to repurchase the loan or indemnify the investor against loss. In cases where the Company repurchases loans, it bears the subsequent credit loss on the loans. Repurchased loans
are classified as held-for-sale and are initially recorded at fair value until disposition. The Company seeks to manage the risk of repurchase and associated credit exposure through our underwriting and quality assurance practices and by servicing mortgage loans to meet investor standards.
The Bank is a member of the FHLB of San Francisco and the FRB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. Investments in nonmarketable equity securities, such as FHLB stock and FRB stock, are recorded at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation of equipment, furniture, and automobiles is charged to operating expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives of equipment, furniture, and automobiles range from three to ten years. Software is stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization of software is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the software or contract, and this period is typically three to five years.
Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in
noninterest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the item being hedged.
The Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized in the statement of financial condition under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and the amounts recognized in earnings is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax amounts attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, computed using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on
the measurement date. This standard’s fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
The majority of the Company's revenues are not subject to ASC 606, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as loans, letters of credit, and derivatives and investment securities, as these activities are subject to other applicable GAAP. Revenue streams within the scope of and accounted under ASC 606 include service charges and fees on deposit accounts, fees from other services the Company provides its customers, such as mortgage warehouse fee income and foreign exchange fee income and gains and losses from the sale of other real estate owned and property, premises and equipment. These revenue streams are presented in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as components of noninterest income.
Service charges on deposit accounts and other service fee income consist of periodic service charges on deposit accounts and transaction based fees such as those related to wire transfer fees, ACH fees, stop payment fees, insufficient funds fees, foreign exchange fee income and mortgage warehouse fees. Performance obligations for periodic service charges are typically short-term in nature, can be canceled anytime by the customer or the Company and are generally satisfied over a monthly period, while performance obligations for other transaction based fees are typically satisfied at a point in time (which may consist of only a few moments to perform the service or transaction) with no further obligation beyond the completion of the service or transaction. Periodic service charges are generally collected directly from a customer’s deposit account on a monthly basis, at the end of a statement cycle, while transaction-based service charges are typically collected and earned at the time of or soon after the service is performed.
Other revenue streams that may be applicable to the Company include gains and losses from the sale of non-financial assets such as other real estate owned and property, premises and equipment. The Company accounts for these revenue streams in accordance with ASC 610-20, which requires the Company to refer to guidance in ASC 606 in the application of certain measurement and recognition concepts. The Company records gains and losses on the sale of non-financial assets when control of the asset has been surrendered to the buyer, which generally occurs at a specific point in time.
While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Operating results are not reviewed by senior management to make resource allocation or performance decisions. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in 1 reportable operating segment.
Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and any dilutive common equivalent shares resulting from stock options or awards.
The fair value of available-for-sale securities and their related gross unrealized gains and losses at the dates indicated are as follows:
Securities with unrealized losses as of the dates indicated, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:
bond rating agencies have occurred, and if credit quality has deteriorated. When performing a cash flow analysis the Company uses models that project prepayments, default rates, and loss severities on the collateral supporting the security, based on underlying loan level borrower and loan characteristics and interest rate assumptions. In addition, the Company has contracted with third party companies to perform independent cash flow analyses of its securities portfolio as needed. Based on these analyses and reviews conducted by the Company, and assisted by independent third parties, the Company determined that none of its securities required an other-than-temporary impairment charge at December 31, 20192021 or December 31, 2018.2020. Management continues to expect to recover the adjusted amortized cost basis of these bonds.
The following disclosure reports the Company’s loan portfolio segments and classes. Segments are groupings of similar loans at a level in which the Company has adopted systematic methods of documentation for determining its allowance for loan and credit losses. Classes are a disaggregation of the portfolio segments. The Company’s loan portfolio segments are:
receivable, inventory, equipment, loan and lease receivables and other commercial assets, and may be supported by other credit enhancements such as personal guarantees. RiskRisks may arise from differences between expected and actual cash flows and/or liquidity levels of the borrowers, as well as the type of collateral securing these loans and the reliability of the
conversion thereof to cash. SinceBorrowers accessing SEN Leverage provide bitcoin or U.S. dollars as collateral in an amount greater than the March 2019 saleline of our business loan portfolio, commercialcredit eligible to be advanced. The Bank works with regulated digital currency exchanges and industrial loans consist primarily of asset based loans.
The following tables present the allocation of the allowance for loan losses, as well as the activity in the allowance by loan class, and recorded investment in loans held-for-investment as of and for the periods presented:
The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s investment in impaired loans as of and for the periods presented:year then ended:
For purposes of this disclosure, the unpaid principal balance is not reduced for partial charge-offs. Cash basis interest income is not materially different than interest income recognized.
A loan is identified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and, for economic or legal reasons related to these difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. The Company has granted a concession when, as a result of the restructuring, it does not expect to collect all amounts due or within the time periods originally due under the original contract, including one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a temporary forbearance with regard to the payment of principal or interest. All troubled debt restructurings are reviewed for potential impairment. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a minimum period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can perform under the restructured terms. If the borrower’s performance under the new terms is not reasonably assured, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loans classified as TDRs are reported as impaired loans.
Modifications of loans classified as TDRs during the periods presented, are as follows:
A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. There were 0no loans modified as TDRs for which there was a payment default within twelve months during the year ended
The following tables present by portfolio class the Company’s internal risk grading system as well as certain other information concerning the credit quality of the Company’s recorded investment in loans held-for-investment as of the periods presented. No assets were classified as loss or doubtful during the periods presented.
The following table presents loans held-for-investment purchased and/or sold during the year by portfolio segment:
The Company leases all of its office facilities under operating lease arrangements. Leases are typically payable in monthly installments with original lease terms ranging from 12 to 84 months and may contain renewal options. The leases provide that the Company pays real estate taxes, insurance, and certain other operating expenses applicable to the leased premises in addition to the monthly minimum payments. In the secondfourth quarter of 2019,2020, the Company consolidated its La Mesa branch with the La Jolla branch and subleasedheadquarters offices into one floor and recorded an impairment of the facilitiesright-of-use assets no longer in use.
The following table presents the composition of our deposits as of the dates presented:
A trust formed by the Company issued $12.5 million of floating rate trust preferred securities in July 2001 as part of a pooled offering of such securities. The Company issued subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for its proceeds from the offering. The debentures and related accrued interest represent substantially all of the assets of the trust. The subordinated
debentures bear interest at six-month LIBOR plus 375 basis points, which adjusts every six months in January and July of each year. Interest is payable semiannually. At December 31, 2019,2021, the interest rate for the Company’s next scheduled payment was 5.94%3.91%, based on six-month LIBOR of 2.19%0.16%. On any January 25 or July 25 the Company may redeem the 2001 subordinated debentures at 100% of principal amount plus accrued interest. The 2001 subordinated debentures mature on July 25, 2031.
A second trust formed by the Company issued $3.0 million of trust preferred securities in January 2005 as part of a pooled offering of such securities. The Company issued subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for its proceeds from the offering. The debentures and related accrued interest represent substantially all of the assets of the trust. The subordinated debentures bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 185 basis points, which adjusts every three months. Interest is payable quarterly. At December 31, 2019,2021, the interest rate for the Company’s next scheduled payment was 3.74%2.05%, based on three-month LIBOR of 1.89%0.20%. On the 15th day of any March, June, September, or December, the Company may redeem the 2005 subordinated debentures at 100% of principal amount plus accrued interest. The 2005 subordinated debentures mature on March 15, 2035.
The Company also retained a 3% minority interest in each of these trusts which is included in subordinated debentures. The balance of the equity in the trusts is comprised of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities. The subordinated debentures may be included in Tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. The Company has the right to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed five years.
The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The Company utilizes interest rate derivatives as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the derivative does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual derivative agreements. In accordance with accounting guidance, changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. The Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with
the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions. TheFor cash flow and fair value hedges, the initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized in the statement of financial conditionearnings under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and the amounts recognized in earnings is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. The changes in fair value of the hedged item is recorded as a basis adjustment to the hedged assets or liabilities. The amount included as basis adjustments would be reclassified to current earnings on a straight-line basis over the original life of the hedged item should the hedges no longer be considered effective.
In 2012 the Company entered into a $12.5 million and a $3.0 million notional forward interest rate cap agreement (the “Cap“LIBOR Cap Agreements”) to hedge its variable rate subordinated debentures. The LIBOR Cap Agreements expire July 25, 2022 and March 15, 2022, respectively. The Company utilizes interest rate caps as hedges against adverse changes in cash flows on the designated preferred trusts attributable to fluctuations in three-month LIBOR beyond 0.50% for the $3.0 million subordinated debenture and six-month LIBOR beyond 0.75% for the $12.5 million subordinated debenture. The Cap Agreements were determined to be fully effective during all periods presented and, as such, no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income. The upfront fee paid to the counterparty in entering into these LIBOR Cap Agreements was approximately $2.5 million. The Company held approximately 0 and $1.2 million