UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (631) 537-1000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

(Title of Class)

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes¨     Nox

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes¨Nox

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesx 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). Yesx No¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company,” and“emerging growth company”in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerx Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes¨ Nox

The approximate aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on June 30, 2016,2017, was $469,323,830.$621,775,535.

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on February 28, 20172018 was 19,692,088.19,780,705.

Portions of the following documents are incorporated into the Parts of this Report on Form 10-K indicated below:

The Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20172018 Annual Meeting to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before April 28, 201730, 2018 (Part III).

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Registrant” or “Company”), is a registered bank holding company for BNB Bank (the “Bank”), which was formerly known as The Bridgehampton National Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank was establishedprior to the Bank’s conversion to a New York chartered commercial bank in 1910 as a national banking association and is headquartered in Bridgehampton, New York.December 2017. The Registrant was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1988, at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company pursuant to a plan of reorganization under which the former shareholders of the Bank became the shareholders of the Company. Since commencing business in March 1989, after the reorganization, the Registrant has functioned primarily as the holder of all of the Bank’s common stock. In May 1999, the Bank established a real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc. (“BCI”), as an operating subsidiary. The assets transferred to BCI are viewed by the bank regulators as part of the Bank’s assets in consolidation. The operations of the Bank also include Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, which is a broker of title insurance services and Bridge Financial Services LLC (“Bridge Financial Services”), an investment services subsidiary that was formed in March 2014. In October 2009, the Company formedBridge Statutory Capital Trust II (the “Trust”) as a subsidiary, which sold $16.0 million of 8.5% cumulative convertible Trust Preferred Securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) in a private placement to accredited investors. The Trust Preferred Securities were redeemed effective January 18, 2017.2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017.

Federally charteredThe Bank was established in 1910 and is headquartered in Bridgehampton, New York. During 2017, the Bank was founded by local farmersconducted a branch rationalization study analyzing branch performance and merchantsmarket opportunities. As a result of the study, and in an effort to increase efficiency and remove branch redundancy, the Bank closed six locations in the first quarter of 2018. The branches closed in Suffolk County, New York are located in Cutchogue, Center Moriches, and Melville, and the branches closed in Nassau County, New York are located in Massapequa, New Hyde Park and Hewlett. The Bank now operates fortythirty-eight branches in its primary market areas of Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs, including thirty-eightthirty-five in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, onetwo in Bayside, Queens and one in Manhattan. For over a century, the Bank has maintained its focus on building customer relationships in its market area. The mission of the CompanyBank is to grow through the provision of exceptional service to its customers, its employees, and the community. The CompanyBank strives to achieve excellence in financial performance and build long termlong-term shareholder value. The Bank engages in full service commercial and consumer banking business, including accepting time, savings and demand deposits from the consumers, businesses and local municipalities in its market area. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, are invested primarily in: (1) commercial real estate loans; (2) multi-family mortgage loans; (3) residential mortgage loans; (4) secured and unsecured commercial and consumer loans; (5) home equity loans; (6) construction loans; (7) FHLB, FNMA, GNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and other asset backed securities; (8) New York State and local municipal obligations; and (9) U.S. government sponsored entity (“U.S. GSE”) securities. The Bank also offers the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) programs, providing multi-millions of dollars of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance on deposits to its customers. In addition, the Bank offers merchant credit and debit card processing, automated teller machines, cash management services, lockbox processing, online banking services, remote deposit capture, safe deposit boxes, and individual retirement accounts as well as investment services through Bridge Financial Services, which offers a full range of investment products and services through a third party broker dealer. Through its title insurance abstract subsidiary, the Bank acts as a broker for title insurance services. The Bank’s customer base is comprised principally of small businesses, municipal relationships and consumer relationships.

TheAs of December 31, 2017, the Bank employs 477 people on ahad 480 full-time and part-time basis.equivalent employees. The Bank provides a variety of employment benefits and considers its relationship with its employees to be positive. In addition, the Company maintains equity incentive plans under which it may issue shares of common stock of the Company.

All phases of the Bank’s business are highly competitive. The Bank faces direct competition from a significant number of financial institutions operating in its market area, many with a statewide or regional presence, and in some cases, a national presence. There is also competition for banking business from competitors outside of its market areas. Most of these competitors are significantly larger than the Bank, and therefore have greater financial and marketing resources and lending limits than those of the Bank. The fixed cost of regulatory compliance remains high for community banks as compared to their larger competitors that are able to achieve economies of scale. The Bank considers its major competition to be local commercial banks as well as other commercial banks with branches in the Bank’s market area. Other competitors include savings banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers and financial services firms other than financial institutions such as investment and insurance companies. Increased competition within the Bank’s market areas may limit growth and profitability. Additionally, as the Bank’s market area expands westward, competitive pressure in new markets is expected to be strong. The title insurance abstract subsidiary also faces competition from other title insurance brokers as well as directly from the companies that underwrite title insurance. In New York State, title insurance is obtained on most transfers of real estate and mortgage transactions.

The Bank’s principal market areas are Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs with its legacy markets being primarily in Suffolk County and its newer expansion markets being primarily in Nassau County, and Bayside, Queens and

Manhattan. Long Island has a population of approximately 3 million and both counties are relatively affluent and well-educated enjoying above average median household incomes. In total, Long Island has a sizable industry base with a majority of Suffolk County tending towards high tech manufacturing and Nassau County favoring wholesale and retail trade. Suffolk County, particularly Eastern Long Island, is semi-rural and also the point of origin for the Bank. Surrounded by water and including the Hamptons and North Fork, the region is a recreational destination for the New York metropolitan area, and a highly regarded resort locale world-

wide.worldwide. While the local economy flourishes in the summer months as a result of the influx of tourists and second homeowners, the year-round population has grown considerably in recent years, resulting in a reduction of the seasonal fluctuations in the economy which has boosted the Bank’s legacy market opportunities. The Bank’s opportunities in Nassau County are vast as there is a deposit base totaling approximately $21$17 billion across zip codes in which the Bank operates. As the Bank currently has $454$362 million, or 2%, of this Nassau County deposit base, there is much room for growth in these expansion markets. Industries represented across the principal market area include retail establishments; construction and trades; restaurants and bars; lodging and recreation; professional entities; real estate; health services; passenger transportation; high-tech manufacturing; and agricultural and related businesses. Given its proximity, Long Island’s economy is closely linked with New York City’s and major employers in the area include municipalities, school districts, hospitals, and financial institutions.

The Company, the Bank and its subsidiaries, with the exception of the real estate investment trust, which files its own federal and state income tax returns, report their income on a consolidated basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal and state income taxation. In general, banks are subject to federal income tax in the same manner as other corporations. However, gains and losses realized by banks from the sale of available for sale securities are generally treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gains or losses. The Bank is subject to the New York State Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations based on certain criteria. The taxation of net income is similar to federal taxable income subject to certain modifications. On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”), resulting in significant changes to existing tax law, including a lower federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Tax Act was generally effective as of January 1, 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $7.6 million, which consisted primarily of the deferred tax asset remeasurement from the previous 35% federal statutory rate to the new 21% federal statutory tax rate.

DeNovo Branch Expansion

Since 2010, the Bank has opened tenfourteen new branches, and has plans to open between two andof which four locations were opened over the next year.last year, to continue expansion into new markets and strengthen the Bank’s position in existing markets. The Bank opened two branches in 2012: one in Ronkonkoma, New York with proximity to MacArthur Airport complementing the Patchogue branch and extending the Bank’s reach into the Bohemia market, and one branch and administrative offices in Hauppauge, New York. In 2013, the Bank opened two branches: one in Rocky Point, New York and one on Shelter Island, New York. In 2014, the Bank opened three branches: one in Bay Shore, New York, one in Port Jefferson, New York and one in Smithtown, New York. TheseIn 2017, the Bank opened three branches in Suffolk County, New York: one in Riverhead, capitalizing on a new market opportunity presented by the sale of Suffolk County National Bank to People’s United Bank in the second quarter, one in East Moriches, and a second satellite branch in Sag Harbor. The Bank also opened a branch in Astoria, New York in 2017. This record of consistent branch openings demonstratedemonstrates the Bank’s commitment to traditional growth through branch expansion and movemoves the Bank geographically westward.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Hamptons State Bank

In May 2011, the Bank acquired Hamptons State Bank (“HSB”) which increased the Bank’s presence in an existing market with a branch located in the Village of Southampton.

FNBNY

On February 14, 2014, the Company acquired FNBNY Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the First National Bank of New York (collectively “FNBNY”) at a purchase price of $6.1 million and issued an aggregate of 240,598 Company shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding stock of FNBNY. The purchase price was subject to certain post-closing adjustments equal to 60 percent of the net recoveries on $6.3 million of certain identified problem loans over a two-year period after the acquisition. As of February 14, 2016, a net recovery of $0.4 million was realized and $0.3 million has been distributed to the former FNBNY shareholders. At acquisition, FNBNY hadtotal acquired assets on a fair value basis of $211.9 million, with loans of $89.7 million, investment securities of $103.2 million and deposits of $169.9 million. With three full-service branches, including the Company’s first two branches in Nassau County located in Merrick and Massapequa, and one in western Suffolk County located in Melville, the The transaction expanded the Company’s geographic footprint into Nassau County, complemented the existing branch network and enhanced asset generation capabilities. The expanded branch network allows the Bank to serve a greater portion of the Long Island and metropolitan marketplace.

Community National Bank

On June 19, 2015, the Company acquired Community National Bank (“CNB”) at a purchase price of $157.5 million, issued an aggregate of 5.647 million Bridge Bancorp common shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding common stock of CNB and recorded goodwill of $96.5 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes. At acquisition, CNB had total acquired assets on a fair value basis of $895.3 million, with loans of $729.4 million, investment securities of $90.1 million and deposits of $786.9 million. The transaction expanded the Company’s geographic footprint across Long Island including Nassau County, Queens and into New York City. It complements the Bank’s existing branch network and enhances asset generation capabilities. The expanded branch network allows the Bank to serve a greater portion

Management will continue to seek opportunities to expand its reach into other contiguous markets by network expansion, or through the addition of professionals with established customer relationships. The Bank routinely adds to its menu of products and services, continually meeting the needs of consumers and businesses. Management believes positive outcomes in the future will result from the expansion of the Company’s geographic footprint, investments in infrastructure and technology and continued focus on placing customers first.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

The Bridgehampton NationalBNB Bank

The Bank is a nationalNew York chartered commercial bank organized under the lawsand a member of the United States of America.Federal Reserve System (a “member bank”). The lending, investment, and other business operations of the Bank are governed by New York and federal lawlaws and regulations, and the Bank is prohibited from engaging in any operations not specifically authorized by such laws and regulations. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the OfficeNew York State Department of the Comptroller of the CurrencyFinancial Services (“OCC”NYSDFS”) and, toas a lesser extent by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer as well asmember bank, by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC under its Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). and the FDIC has certain regulatory authority as deposit insurer. A summary of the primary laws and regulations that govern the operations of the Bank are set forth below.

The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) made extensive changes in the regulation of insured depository institutions. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or require the issuance of implementing regulations. The regulatory process is ongoing and the impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, the Dodd-Frank Act has resulted in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company and the Bank.

Loans and Investments

ThereThe powers of a New York commercial bank are no restrictions on theestablished by New York law and applicable federal law. New York commercial banks have authority to originate and purchase any type of loan, including commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgages or consumer loans. Aggregate loans by a nationalstate commercial bank can originate and/to any single borrower or purchase. However, OCCgroup of related borrowers are generally limited to 15% of the Bank’s capital and surplus, plus an additional 10% if secured by specified readily marketable collateral.

Federal and state law and regulations governlimit the Bank’s investment authority. Generally, a nationalstate member bank is prohibited from investing in corporate equity securities for its own account.account other than the equity securities of companies through which the bank conducts its business. Under OCCfederal and state regulations, a nationalNew York state member bank may invest in investment securities whichfor its own account up to specified limit depending upon the type of security. “Investment Securities” are generally defined as marketable securitiesobligations that are investment grade and not predominantly speculative in the form of a note, bond or debenture. The OCC classifiesnature. Applicable regulations classify investment securities into five different types and, depending on its type, a nationalstate member bank may have the authority to deal in and underwrite the security. The OCC hasNew York-chartered state member banks may also permitted national banks to purchase certain noninvestment gradenon-investment securities that can be reclassified and underwritten as loans.

Lending Standards

The federal banking agencies adopted uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction of a building or other improvements to real estate. Under these regulations, all insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, adopted and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens or interests in real estate or are made for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real estate. These policies must establish loan portfolio diversification standards, prudent underwriting standards (including loan-to-value limits) that are clear and measurable, loan administration procedures, and documentation, approval and reporting requirements. The real estate lending policies must reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies that have been adopted by the federal bank regulators.

Federal Deposit Insurance

The Bank is a member of the DIF, which is administered by the FDIC. Deposit accounts at the Bank are insured by the FDIC. Effective July 22, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act permanently raised the deposit insurance available on all deposit accounts to $250,000 with a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2008.

The FDIC assesses insured depository institutions to maintain the DIF. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, institutions deemed less risky pay lower assessments. Assessments for institutions of less than $10 billion of assets are now based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of an institution’s failure within three years. That system, effective July 1, 2016, replaced the previous system under which institutions were placed into risk categories.

The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range at 2.5 basis points to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. In conjunction with the DIF’s reserve ratio achieving 1.15%, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced for insured institutions of less than $10 billion of total assets to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points, effective July 1, 2016.

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target DIF ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act requires insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more to fund the increase from 1.15% to 1.35% and, effective July 1, 2016, such institutions are subject to a surcharge to achieve that goal. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC, and the FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long-range fund ratio of 2%.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an 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. The Company does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

In addition to the FDIC assessments, the Financing Corporation (FICO) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the FDIC, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to maturematuring beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2016,2017, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 0.560.54 basis points of average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity.

Capitalization

Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions, including nationalstate member banks, to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8.0%, and a tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio of 4.0%. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Common equity tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity tier 1 and additional tier 1 capital. Additional tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes tier 1 capital (common equity tier 1 capital plus additional tier 1 capital) and tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one-to-four family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The capital conservation buffer was 1.25% in calendar year 2017 and increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018.

Safety and Soundness Standards

Each federal banking agency, including the OCC,FRB, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees, and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and

practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder.

On April 26, 2016, the federal regulatory agencies approved a second proposed joint rulemaking to implement Section 956 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which prohibits incentive-based compensation that encourages inappropriate risk taking. In addition, the NYSDFS issued guidance applicable to incentive compensation in October 2016.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the statute establishes five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.

The OCCFRB may order nationalmember banks which have insufficient capital to take corrective actions. For example, a bank, which is categorized as “undercapitalized” would be subject to other growth limitations, and would be required to submit a capital restoration plan, and a holding company that controls such a bank would be required to guarantee that the bank complies with the restoration plan. A “significantly undercapitalized” bank would be subject to additional restrictions. NationalMember banks deemed by the OCCFRB to be “critically undercapitalized” would be subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The final rule that increased regulatory capital standards adjusted the prompt corrective action tiers as of January 1, 2015. The various categories have been revised to incorporate the new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, the increase in the tier 1 to risk-based assets requirement and other changes. Under the revised prompt corrective action requirements, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following in order to qualify as “well capitalized:” (1) a common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5% (new standard); (2) a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% (increased from 6.0%); (3) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% (unchanged); and (4) a tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.0% (unchanged).

Dividends

Under federal law and applicable regulations, a nationalNew York member bank may generally declare a dividend, without prior regulatory approval, from the OCC, in an amount equal to its year-to-date net income plus the prior two years’ net income that is still available for dividend. Dividends exceeding those amounts require application to and approval by the OCC.NYSDFS and FRB. In addition, a member bank may be limited in paying cash dividends if it does not maintain the capital conservation buffer described previously.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act govern transactions between a national bank and its affiliates, which includes the Company. The FRB has adopted Regulation W, which comprehensively implements and interprets Sections 23A and 23B, in part by codifying prior FRB interpretations under Sections 23A and 23B.

An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. A subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution or a “financial subsidiary” under federal law is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for the purposes of Sections 23A and 23B; however, the OCCFRB has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of a bank as affiliates on a case-by-case basis. Sections 23A and 23B limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, and limit all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The statutory sections also require that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to 130 percent of the loan amounts. In addition, any covered transaction by an association with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by an association from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate.

A bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of more than 10% of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such person (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the FRB’s Regulation O thereunder. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks. All loans by a bank to all insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence, may not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, but in no event more than $100,000. Regulation O also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the bank, with any interested director not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests,

would exceed either $500,000 or the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Generally, such loans must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not present more than a normal risk of collectibility.collectability. An exception is made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees of the bank.

Examinations and Assessments

The Bank is required to file periodic reports with and is subject to periodic examination by the OCC. FederalNYSDFS and the FRB. Applicable laws and regulations generally require annualperiodic on-site examinations for all depository institutions and annual audits by independent public accountants for all insured institutions. The Bank is required to pay an annual assessment to the OCCNYSDFS to fund its supervision.

Community Reinvestment Act

Under the federal Community Reinvestment ActActs (“CRA”), the Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate incomemoderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OCCFRB in connection with its examination of the Bank, to assess its record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take that record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the Bank. For example, the regulations specify that a bank’s CRA performance will be considered in its expansion (e.g., branching)branching or mergers) proposals and may be the basis for approving, denying or conditioning the approval of an application. As of the date of its most recent regulatoryCRA examination, which was conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Bank’s regulator under its previous national bank charter, the Bank’s CRA performance was rated “satisfactory”.

New York law imposes a similar obligation on the Bank was rated “satisfactory” with respect to serve the credit needs of its community. New York law contains its own CRA compliance.provisions, which are substantially similar to federal law.

USA PATRIOT Act

The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 gave the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA PATRIOT Act also required the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money launderingmoney-laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if the Bank engages in a merger or other acquisition, the Bank’s controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. The Bank has established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

The Company, as a bank holding company controlling the Bank, is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the rules and regulations of the FRB under the BHCA applicable to bank holding companies. The Company is required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the FRB.

The FRB previously adopted consolidated capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding structured similarly, but not identically, to those of the OCC forapplicable to the Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act directed the FRB to issue consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implements the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary banks applied to bank holding companies as of January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer is being phased-in between 2016 and 2019. The new capital rule eliminates from tier 1 capital the inclusion of certain instruments, such as trust preferred securities, that were previously includable by bank holding companies. However, the final rule grandfathers trust preferred issuances prior to May 19, 2010 in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act. The Company issued trust preferred securities that qualified for grandfathering. These securities were redeemed as of January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017. The Company met all capital adequacy requirements under the new capital rules on December 31, 2016.2017.

The policy of the FRB is that a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks by providing capital and other support in times of distress. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength policy.

Under the prompt corrective action provisions of federal law, a bank holding company parent of an undercapitalized subsidiary bank is required to guarantee, within specified limits, the capital restoration plan that is required of an undercapitalized bank. If an

undercapitalized bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails to implement an accepted plan, the FRB may prohibit the bank holding company parent of the undercapitalized bank from paying dividends or making any other capital distribution.

As a bank holding company, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB to acquire more than 5% of a class of voting securities of any additional bank or bank holding company or to acquire all, or substantially all, the assets of any additional bank or bank holding company. In addition, the bank holding companies may generally only engage in activities that are closely related to banking as determined by the FRB. Bank holding companies that meet certain criteria may opt to become a financial holding company and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities.

FRB policy is that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past two years is sufficient to fund the dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, FRB guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with FRB staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should inform the FRB and should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends if (i) net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (ii) prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

A bank holding company that is not well capitalized or well managed, as such terms are defined in the regulations, or that is subject to any unresolved supervisory issues, is required to receivegive the FRB prior FRB approvalwritten notice of theany repurchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchaserepurchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchasesrepurchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, will be equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. Such approval is not requiredThe FRB may disapprove such a repurchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice or violate a law or regulation. FRB guidance generally provides for bank holding company consultation with Federal Reserve Bank staff prior to engaging in a repurchase or redemption of a bank holding company that meets certain qualitative criteria.company’s stock, even if a formal written notice is not required.

These regulatory authoritiesThe NYSDFS and FRB have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions and holding companies that they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound banking practices. Enforcement actions may include: the appointment of a conservator or receiver;receiver for an institution; the issuance of a cease and desist order; the termination of deposit insurance; the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties; the issuance of directives to increase capital; the issuance of formal and informal agreements; the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties; and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions. Any change in applicable New York or federal laws and regulations whether by the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB or through legislation, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and the Company and their operations and stockholders.

During 2008, the Company received approval and began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BDGE”. Equity incentive plan grants of stock options and stock awards are recorded directly to the holding company. The Company’s sources of funds are dependent on dividends from the Bank, its own earnings, additional capital raised and borrowings. The information in this report reflects principally the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank. The Bank’s results of operations are primarily dependent on its net interest income. The Bank also generates non-interest income, such as fee income on deposit accounts and merchant credit and debit card processing programs, investment services, income from its title insurance abstract subsidiary, and net gains on sales of securities and loans. The level of its non-interest expenses, such as salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses, expenses from its title insurance abstract subsidiary, and income tax expense, further affects the Bank’s net income.

The Company had nominal results of operations for 2017, 2016, 2015, and 20142015 on a parent-only basis. The Company’s capital strength is paralleled by the solid capital position of the Bank, as reflected in the excess of its regulatory capital ratios over the risk-based capital adequacy ratio levels required for classification as a “well capitalized” institution by the FDIC (see Note 1618 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Since 2013, the Company has actively managed its capital position in response to its growth and has raised $259.2$260.2 million in capital.

The Company files certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the federal securities laws. The Company’s operations are also subject to extensive regulation by other federal, state and local governmental authorities and it is subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on part or all of its operations. Management believes that the Company is in substantial compliance, in all material respects, with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Because the Company’s business is highly regulated, the laws, rules and regulations applicable to it are subject to regular modification and change. There can be no assurance that these proposed laws, rules and regulations, or any other laws, rules or regulations, will not be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or prospects.

OTHER INFORMATION

Through a link on the Investor Relations section of the Bank’s website ofwww.bridgenb.comwww.bnbbank.com, copies of the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) for 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC. Copies of such reports and other information also are available at no charge to any person who requests them or atwww.sec.gov. Such requests may be directed to Bridge Bancorp, Inc., Investor Relations, 2200 Montauk Highway, PO Box 3005, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, (631) 537-1000.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The concentration of the Bank’s loan portfolio in loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located on Long Island and the New York City boroughs could materially adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations if general economic conditions or real estate values in this area decline.

Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, the Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of real estate loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, and in the New York City boroughs. The local economic conditions on Long Island and in New York City have a significant impact on the

volume of loan originations and the quality of loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans, and the value of collateral securing these loans. A considerable decline in the general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond the Bank’s control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, decreases in tenant occupancy may also have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on the Bank’s earnings.

If bank regulators impose limitations on the Bank’s commercial real estate lending activities, earnings could be adversely affected.

In 2006, the FDIC, the OCC and the FRBfederal bank regulatory agencies (collectively, the “Agencies”) issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. The Bank’s level of non-owner occupied commercial real estate equaled 312%345% of total risk-based capital at December 31, 2016.2017. Including owner-occupied commercial real estate, the ratio of commercial real estate loans to total risk-based capital ratio would be 425%458% at December 31, 2016.2017.

In December 2015, the Agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the Agencies express concerns about easing commercial real estate underwriting standards, direct financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicate that the Agencies will continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If the OCCNYSDFS or FRB were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans the Bank can hold in its portfolio, or require higher capital ratios as a result of the level of commercial real estate loans held, the Bank’s earnings would be adversely affected.

Changes in interest rates could affect the Bank’s profitability.

The Bank’s ability to earn a profit, like most financial institutions, depends primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that the Bank earns on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest expense that the Bank pays on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Bank’s profitability depends on its ability to manage its assets and liabilities during periods of changing market interest rates.

In a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on the Bank’s assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on its liabilities. In an increasing interest rate environment, the Bank’s cost of funds is expected to increase more rapidly than interest earned on its loan and investment portfolio as its primary source of funds is deposits with generally shorter maturities than those on its loans and investments. This makes the balance sheet more liability sensitive in the short term.

A sustained decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect the Bank’s earnings. When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance higher-rate, fixed-rate loans at lower rates. Under those circumstances, the Bank would not be able to reinvest those prepayments in assets earning interest rates as high as the rates on those prepaid loans or in investment securities. In addition, the majority of the Bank’s loans are at variable interest rates, which would adjust to lower rates.

Changes in interest rates also affect the fair value of the securities portfolio.  Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates.  As of December 31, 2016,2017, the securities portfolio totaled $1.08 billion.$976.1 million.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibition on paying interest on demand deposits effective July 21, 2011, thus allowing businesses to have interest-bearing checking accounts.  Depending on competitive responses, this change to existing law could increase the Bank’s interest expense.

Strong competition within the Bank’s market area may limit its growth and profitability.

The Bank’s primary market area is located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. Competition in the banking and financial services industry remains intense. The profitability of the Bank depends on the continued ability to successfully compete. The Bank competes with commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms. Many of the Bank’s competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than the Bank and may offer certain services that the Bank does not provide. In addition, competitors may offer deposits at higher rates and loans with lower fixed rates, more attractive terms and less stringent credit structures than the Bank has been willing to offer.

Acquisitions involve integrations and other risks.

Acquisitions involve a number of risks and challenges including: the Bank’s ability to integrate the branches and operations acquired, and the associated internal controls and regulatory functions, into the Bank’s current operations; the Bank’s ability to limit the outflow of deposits held by the Bank’s new customers in the acquired branches and to successfully retain and manage the loans acquired; and the Bank’s ability to attract new deposits and to generate new interest-earning assets in geographic areas not previously served. Additionally, no assurance can be given that the operation of acquired branches would not adversely affect the Bank’s existing profitability; that the Bank would be able to achieve results in the future similar to those achieved by the Bank’s existing banking business; that the Bank would be able to compete effectively in the market areas served by acquired branches; or that the Bank would be able to manage any growth resulting from the transaction effectively. The Bank faces the additional risk that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or within the time period expected. Finally, acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and trading values and therefore, may result in dilution of the Company’s book and tangible book value per share.

The Company’s future success depends on the success and growth of The Bridgehampton NationalBNB Bank.

The Company’s primary business activity for the foreseeable future will be to act as the holding company of the Bank. Therefore, the Company’s future profitability will depend on the success and growth of this subsidiary.  The continued and successful implementation of the Company’s growth strategy will require, among other things that the Bank increases its market share by attracting new customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in the Bank’s market area.  In addition, the Company’s ability to successfully grow will depend on several factors, including favorable market conditions, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in the Bank’s market area, and the Bank’s ability to maintain high asset quality.  While the Company believes it has the management resources, market opportunities and internal systems in place to obtain and successfully manage future growth, growth opportunities may not be available and the Company may not be successful in continuing its growth strategy.  In addition, continued growth requires that the Company incurs additional expenses, including salaries, data processing and occupancy expense related to new branches and related support staff.  Many of these increased expenses are considered fixed expenses.  Unless the Company can successfully continue its growth, its results of operations could be negatively affected by these increased costs. 

The loss of key personnel could impair the Company’s future success.

The Company’s future success depends in part on the continued service of its executive officers, other key management, and staff, as well as its ability to continue to attract, motivate, and retain additional highly qualified employees. The loss of services of one or more of the Company’s key personnel or its inability to timely recruit replacements for such personnel, or to otherwise attract, motivate, or retain qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

The Company operates in a highly regulated environment.

The Bank and Company are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB and the SEC. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which a financial institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the consumer rather than for the protection of shareholders. In order to comply with regulations, guidelines and examination procedures in this area as well as other areas of the Bank’s operations, the Company has been required to adopt new policies and procedures and to install new systems. The Company cannot be certain that the policies, procedures, and systems in place are effective and there is no assurance that in every instance the Company is in full compliance with these requirements. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, may have a material impact on the Company’s operations.

The Company may be adversely affected by current economic and market conditions.

Although economic and real estate conditions improved in 2016,2017, the Company continues to operate in a challenging environment both nationally and locally. This poses significant risks to both the Company’s business and the banking industry as a whole. Although the Company has taken, and continues to take, steps to reduce its exposure to the risks that stem from adverse changes in such conditions, it nonetheless could be impacted by them to the degree that they affect the loans the Bank originates and the securities it invests in. Specific risks include reduced loan demand from quality borrowers; increased competition for loans; increased loan loss provisions resulting from deterioration in loan quality caused by, among other things, depressed real estate values and high levels of unemployment; reduced net interest income and net interest margin caused by a sustained period of low interest rates; interest rate volatility; price competition for deposits due to liquidity concerns or otherwise; and volatile equity markets.

Increases to the allowance for credit losses may cause the Bank’s earnings to decrease.

Customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral securing the payment of those loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. Hence, the Bank may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on its operating results. The Bank makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Bank relies on loan quality reviews, past loss experience, and an evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors. If its assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. Material additions to the allowance through charges to earnings would materially decrease the Bank’s net income.

Bank regulators periodically review the allowance for credit losses and may require the Bank to increase its provision for credit losses or loan charge-offs. Any increase in the allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s results of operations and/or financial condition.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has adopted a new accounting standard that will be effective for the Company for the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019.  This standard, referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss, will require that the Bank determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for loan losses.  This will change the current method of providing allowances for loan losses that are probable, which may require the Bank to increase its allowance for loan losses, and will greatly increase the types of data the Bank would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses.

The subordinated debentures the Company issued have rights that are senior to those of the Company’s common shareholders.

In 2015, the Company issued $40.0$40.0 million of 5.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2025 and $40.0 million of 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2030.Because these subordinated debentures rank senior to the Company’s common stock, if the Company fails to timely make principal and interest payments on the subordinated debentures, the Company may not pay any dividends on its common stock. Further, if the Company declares bankruptcy, dissolves or liquidates, it must satisfy all of its subordinated debenture obligations before it may pay any distributions on its common stock.

The Dodd-Frank Act tightenedCompany operates in a highly regulated environment, Federal and state regulators periodically examine the Company’s business, and it may be required to remediate adverse examination findings.

The FRB and the NYSDFS, periodically examine the Company’s business, including its compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a federal banking agency were to determine that the Company’s financial condition, capital standards, createdresources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of its operations had become unsatisfactory, or that the Company was in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a newnumber of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions 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 the Company’s capital, to restrict the Company’s growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against the Company’s 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 and place it into receivership or conservatorship. If the Company becomes subject to any regulatory actions, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

New and future rulemaking from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and resulted in new laws and regulations that are expected to increasemay have a material effect on the Company’s cost of operations.operations and operating costs.

The Dodd-Frank Act is significantly changing the bank regulatory structure and is impacting the largest financial institutions as well as regional banks and community banks. The federal regulatory agencies, specifically the SEC and the new CFPB, are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing regulations.

The major bank-related provisions under the Dodd-Frank Act pertained to: capital requirements; mortgage reform and minimum lending standards; CFPB; sale of mortgage loans (including risk retention requirements); FDIC insurance-related provisions; preemption standards for national banks; abolishment of the Office of Thrift Supervision; interchange fee for debit card transactions; regulation of derivatives/swaps; Financial Services Oversight Council; resolution authority; and corporate governance matters (e.g.; “say on pay”, new executive compensation disclosure and clawbacks, etc.). Given the range of topics in the Dodd-Frank Act and the voluminous regulations required to be implemented by the Dodd-Frank Act, the full impact will not be known for some time.

Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act impacted banks upon enactment of the legislation. Examples of this were the permanent increase of FDIC deposit insurance limits, the FDIC assessment base calculation change and the removal of the cap for the DIF, all of which in turn affected banks' FDIC deposit insurance premiums. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act had a near-term effect on the Company. For example, a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest-bearing checking accounts. 

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new CFPB with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptiveissue new consumer finance regulations and is authorized, individually or abusive” actsjointly with bankregulatoryagencies, to conduct investigations to determine whether any person is, or has, engaged in conduct that violates new and practices. The CFPBexisting consumer financial laws or regulations. However, because the Bank has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with moreless than $10 billion in assets. Bankstotal consolidated assets, the FRB and savings institutionsNYSDFS, not the CFPB, are responsible for examining and supervising the Bank’s compliance with $10 billion or less in assets are examined by their applicable bank regulators.  The Dodd-Frank Act also weakened the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federalthese consumer protection laws.laws and regulations. In addition, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding entered into between the CFPB and U.S. Department of Justice, the two agencies have agreed to coordinate efforts related to enforcing the fair lending laws, which includes information sharing and conducting joint investigations, and have done so on a number of occasions.

It is difficultIn addition, the CFPB has issued a final rule on arbitration that, among other things, prohibits class action waivers in certain consumer financial services contracts. The rule, which became effective on September 18, 2017, applies to fully assess at this time what specific impact the Dodd-Frank Act and the implementing rules and regulationscontracts entered into on or after March 19, 2018 (and will have on community banks. However, it is expectednot apply to prior contracts with class action waivers or arbitration agreements unless such accounts or debts are sold after that at a minimum they willdate). This rule could increase the Company’s operatinglikelihood that the Bank becomes subject to class action litigation concerning consumer banking products and compliance costsservices and could increase interest expense.result in increased litigation costs.

The Bank is subject to the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. With respect to the Bank, the NYSDFS, FRB, the United States Department of Justice and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Bank faces a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the federal Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) and other anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing statutes and regulations.

The BSA, the USA PATRIOT Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among others, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering compliance program and to file reports such as suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports. The Bank’s products and services, including its debit card issuing business, are subject to an increasingly strict set of legal and regulatory requirements intended to protect consumers and to help detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities. The Banks is required to comply with these and other anti-money laundering requirements. The federal banking agencies and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network are authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and have recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts against banks and other financial services providers with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. The Bank is also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. If the Bank violates these laws and regulations, or its policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, the Bank would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of the Bank’s business plan, including its acquisition plans.

Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for the Bank. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and anticipated new capital rules are uncertain.

In July 2013, the OCC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, the rule established a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets, set the leverage ratio at a uniform 4.0% of total assets, increased the minimum tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets and assigned a higher risk weight of 150% to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-out is exercised. The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The final rule became effective January 1, 2015. The “capital conservation buffer’ is being phased in from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer will be effective.

The application of more stringent capital requirements could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if the Company was unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in the Company having to lengthen the terms of funding, restructure business models, and/or increase holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers, could result in management modifying the Company’s business strategy and could limit its ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or buying back shares.

Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could negatively affect the Company’s operations and earnings.

Information technology systems are critical to the Company’s business. The Company collects, processes and stores sensitive customer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by it and third party service providers. The

Company has established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of the Company’s systems could deter customers from using the Bank’s products and services. Although the Company relies on security systems to provide security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect the systems from compromises or breaches of security.

In addition, the Company maintains interfaces with certain third-party service providers. If these third-party service providers encounter difficulties, or if the Company has difficulty communicating with them, the Company’s ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage the Company’s reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby subjecting it to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose it to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is exposed to cyber-security risks, including denial of service, hacking, and identity theft.

There have been well-publicized distributed denials of service attacks on large financial services companies. Distributed denial of service attacks are designed to saturate the targeted online network with excessive amounts of network traffic, resulting in slow response times, or in some cases, causing the site to be temporarily unavailable. Hacking and identity theft risks, in particular, could cause serious reputational harm. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and the Company may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks. The Company may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize these risks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss.

Severe weather, acts of terrorism and other external events could impact the Company’s ability to conduct business.

In the past, weather-related events have adversely impacted the Company’s market area, especially areas located near coastal waters and flood prone areas. Such events that may cause significant flooding and other storm-related damage may become more common events in the future. Financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising operating and communication systems and the metropolitan New York area remains a central target for potential acts of terrorism. Such events could cause significant damage, impact the stability of the Company’s facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing repayment of loans, and result in the loss of revenue. While the

Company has established and regularly tests disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations and financial condition.

Changes in tax laws could have a negative impact on the Company.

The Company is subject to income tax under Federal, New York State, New York City and New Jersey State laws and regulations. Changes in such laws and regulations could increase the Company’s tax burden and such increase could have a material negative impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company may incur impairment to its goodwill.

Goodwill arises when a business is purchased for an amount greater than the fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company recognized goodwill as an asset on its balance sheet in connection with the CNB, FNBNY and HSB acquisitions. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually. Although the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired during 2016,2017, a significant and sustained decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in its expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or other factors could result in impairment of goodwill. If the Company waswere to conclude that a future write-down of the goodwill was necessary, then it would record the appropriate charge to earnings, which could be materially adverse to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

At present, the Registrant does not own or lease any property. The Registrant uses the Bank’s space and employees without separate payment. Headquarters are located at 2200 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, New York 11932. The Bank’s internet address iswww.bridgenb.comwww.bnbbank.com..

As of December 31, 2016,2017, the Bank hasowns seven owned properties:properties in New York: its headquarters and branch office in Bridgehampton; five branches located in Montauk, Southold, Westhampton Beach, Southampton Village, and East Hampton Village; and a drive updrive-up facility located in Sag Harbor which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2017.Harbor. In 2011, the Bank purchased real estate in the Town of Southold, New York, which will also be considered as a site for a future branch facility. The Bank currently leases out a portion of the Montauk and Westhampton Beach buildings. The Bank leases thirty fivethirty-six additional properties as branch locations: twenty fourlocations in New York: twenty-four in Suffolk County, including one property in East Moriches scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2017;County; nine in Nassau County; onetwo in

Queens; and one in Manhattan. The Bank currently subleases a portion of the leased property located in Patchogue and Melville, New York. Additionally, the Bank leases two propertiesone property as a loan production offices: one in Riverhead, New York and oneoffice in New York City.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Registrant and its subsidiary are subject to certain pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of any such pending or threatened litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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

At December 31, 2016,2017, the Company had approximately 1,0301,000 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or the street name through various banks and brokers.

The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BDGE”. The following table details the quarterly high and low sale prices of the Company’s common stock and the dividends declared for such periods.

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

Stockholders received cash dividends totaling $18.2 million in 2017 and $16.1 million in 2016 and $13.4 million in 2015.2016. The ratio of dividends paid to net income was 88.80% in 2017 compared to 45.48% in 2016 compared to 63.55% in 2015.2016.

There are various legal limitations with respect to the Company’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company.  Under the New York Business Corporation Law, the Company may pay dividends on its outstanding shares unless the Company is insolvent or would be made insolvent by the dividend.  Under federalthe banking law,laws, the prior approval of the FRB and the OCCNYSDFS may be required in certain circumstances prior to the payment of dividends by the Company or the Bank.  A nationalNew York state member bank, such as BNB Bank, may generally declare a dividend, without approval from the OCC,NYSDFS or the FRB, in an amount equal to its year-to-date net income plus the prior two years’ net income that is still available for dividend.  At January 1, 2017,dividends. The NYSDFS and the Bank had $37.6 million of retained net income available for dividends to the Company. The OCC also hasFRB have the authority to prohibit a nationalNew York commercial bank from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, as a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, the Bank may not pay dividends or distribute any of its capital assets while it remains in default on any assessment due to the FDIC. The Bank currently is not (and never has been) in default under any of its obligations to the FDIC.

The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the FRB’s policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The FRB has the authority to prohibit the Company from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Pursuant to the regulations of the SEC, the graph below compares the performance of the Company with that of the total return for the NASDAQ® stock market and for certain bank stocks of financial institutions with an asset size of $1 billion to $5 billion, as reported by SNL Financial LC (“SNL”) from December 31, 20112012 through December 31, 2016.2017. The graph assumes the reinvestment of dividends in additional shares of the same class of equity securities as those listed below.

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table sets forth information in connection with repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017: