In response to the pandemic, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, has also suspended residential property foreclosure sales, evictions, and involuntary automobile repossessions, and is offering fee waivers, payment deferrals, and other expanded assistance for credit card, automobile, mortgage, small business and personal lending customers. These programs, as well as certain accommodations made to commercial customers, are expected to negatively impact revenue and other results of operations of the Bancorp in the near term and, if not effective in mitigating the effect of COVID-19 on Bancorp customers, may adversely affect the Bancorp’s business and results of operations more substantially over a longer period of time.
Among other relief programs, the Bancorp is participating in the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and has originated approximately 38,000 loans in the amount of $5.5 billion under the program as of June 30, 2020. Paycheck Protection Program loans are fixed, low interest rate loans that are guaranteed by the SBA and subject to numerous other regulatory requirements, and a borrower may apply to have all or a portion of the loan forgiven. If Paycheck Protection Program borrowers fail to qualify for loan forgiveness, the Bancorp faces a heightened risk of holding these loans at unfavorable interest rates for an extended period of time. While the Paycheck Protection Program loans are guaranteed by the SBA, various regulatory requirements will apply to the Bancorp’s ability to seek recourse under the guarantees, and related procedures are currently subject to uncertainty. If a borrower defaults on a Paycheck Protection Program loan, these requirements and uncertainties may limit the Bancorp’s ability to fully recover against the loan guarantee or to seek full recourse against the borrower.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Bancorp’s business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as its regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy will likely require some time to recover from its effects, the length of which is unknown and during which time the U.S. may experience a recession. As a result, we anticipate our business may be materially and adversely affected during this recovery. Moreover, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may heighten many of the other risks described in in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K including, but not limited to, risks of credit deterioration, interest rate changes, rating agency actions, governmental actions, market volatility, theft, fraud, security breaches and technology interruptions.
Financial disruption or a prolonged economic downturn could materially and adversely affect our business.
Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments and decreased economic activity. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Bancorp’s ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial events, we may face increased regulation. Many of the other risks described in in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K identify risks that result from, or are exacerbated by, a financial economic downturn. These include risks related to our investments portfolio, the competitive environment and regulatory developments.
Fifth Third is exposed to reputational risk.
Fifth Third’s actual or alleged conduct in activities, such as certain sales and lending practices, data security, corporate governance and acquisitions, inappropriate behavior or misconduct of employees, association with particular customers, business partners, investments or vendors, as well as developments from any of the other risks described above, may result in negative public opinion at large (or with certain segments of the public) and may damage Fifth Third’s reputation. Actions taken by government regulators, shareholder activists and community organizations may also damage Fifth Third’s reputation.
Additionally, whereas negative public opinion once was primarily driven by adverse news coverage in traditional media, the advent and expansion of social media facilitates the rapid dissemination of information or misinformation. Though Fifth Third monitors social media channels, the potential remains for rapid and widespread dissemination of inaccurate, misleading
