General

Broadway Financial Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under Delaware law in 1995 for the purpose of acquiring and holding all of the outstanding capital stock of Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association as part of the bank’s conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings association to a federally chartered stock savings bank. In connection with the conversion, the bank’s name was changed to Broadway Federal Bank, f. In connection with the conversion, the Bank’s name was changed to Broadway Federal Bank, f. s.b. (“Broadway Federal”). The conversion was completed, and the Broadway Federal became a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Company, in January 1996.

On April 1, 2021, the Company completed its merger (the “Merger”) with CFBanc Corporation (“CFBanc”), with the Company continuing as the surviving entity. Immediately following the Merger, Broadway Federal merged with and into City First Bank of D. Immediately following the Merger, Broadway Federal Bank, f. C, National Association with City First Bank of D.C., National Association continuing as the surviving entity (combined with Broadway Federal, “City First” or the “Bank”). Concurrently with the Merger, the Bank changed its name to City First Bank, National Association. Concurrently with the Merger, the Bank changed its name to City First Bank, National Association.

Concurrently with the completion of the Merger, the Company converted to become a public benefit corporation. The Company works to spur equitable economic development with a mission to strengthen the overall well-being of historically excluded communities and has deployed loans and investments in the communities we serve that we believe has helped close funding gaps, preserved or increased access to affordable housing, created and preserved jobs, and expanded critical social services. The Company works to spur equitable economic development with a mission to strengthen the overall well-being of historically excluded communities and has deployed loans and investments in the communities we serve that we believe has helped close funding gaps, preserved or increased access to affordable housing, created and preserved jobs, and expanded critical social services. We believe our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation aligns our business model of creating social, economic, and environmental value for underserved communities with a stakeholder governance model that allows us to give careful consideration to the impact of our decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, the environment, and our impact on society; and to align further our mission and values to our organizational documents. We believe our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation aligns our business model of creating social, economic, and environmental value for underserved communities with a stakeholder governance model that allows us to give careful consideration to the impact of our decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, the environment, and our impact on society; and to align further our mission and values to our organizational documents.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser acquired an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, for an aggregate purchase price equal to $150.0 million in cash. The liquidation value of the Series C Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share.

In June 2022, the Company down streamed $75.0 million of the proceeds from the Private Placement to the Bank to enhance capital of the Bank.

Reverse Stock Split

On October 31, 2023 the Company purchased 244,771 shares of its Class A (voting) Common Stock (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which obtained the shares when it was appointed receiver for First Republic Bank upon its closure earlier in 2023. The purchased shares represented just under 4.0% of the Company’s total voting shares prior to the purchase, and over 2.6% of the Company’s total common equity. The Company purchased the shares at a price of $7.2760 per share (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023), which represented the 20-day volume weighted average price for the Class A shares over the period ended October 24, 2023. The purchase was financed from cash on hand and the shares were retired.

The Company is currently regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank is currently regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank is currently regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”). See “Regulation” for further descriptions of the regulatory systems to which the Company and the Bank are subject. See “Regulation” for further descriptions of the regulatory systems to which the Company and the Bank are subject.

Available Information

Our internet website address is www.cityfirstbank.com. Our annual reports on Form 10‑K, quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q, current reports on Form 8‑K and all amendments to those reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and can be obtained free of charge by sending a written request to Broadway Financial Corporation, 4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150, Los Angeles, California 90010 Attention: Audrey Phillips. Our annual reports on Form 10‑K, quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q, current reports on Form 8‑K and all amendments to those reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and can be obtained free of charge by sending a written request to Broadway Financial Corporation, 4160 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150, Los Angeles, California 90010 Attention: Audrey Phillips. The SEC also maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC.

Business Overview

The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and our principal business is the operation of our wholly‑owned subsidiary, City First, which has three offices: two in California (in Los Angeles and the nearby city of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D.C. City First’s principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding our branch offices, loan customers, large non-profit entities, local municipalities, and depositors who believe in the Bank’s mission-driven focus. City First’s principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding our branch offices and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in mortgage loans secured by residential properties with five or more units (“multi‑family”) and commercial real estate. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in loans secured by residential properties with five or more units (“multi‑family”) and commercial real estate. Our assets also include loans secured by commercial business assets as well as residential properties with one‑to‑four units (“single-family”). In addition, we invest in securities issued by federal government agencies, residential mortgage‑backed securities and other investments. In addition, we invest in securities issued by federal government agencies, residential mortgage‑backed securities and other investments.

Our revenue is derived primarily from interest income on loans and investments. Our principal costs are interest expenses that we incur on deposits and borrowings, together with general and administrative expenses. Our earnings are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly monetary trends, and conditions, including changes in market interest rates and the differences in market interest rates for the interest-bearing deposits and borrowings that are our principal funding sources and the interest yielding assets in which we invest, as well as government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. Our earnings are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly monetary trends, and conditions, including changes in market interest rates and the differences in market interest rates for the interest bearing deposits and borrowings that are our principal funding sources and the interest yielding assets in which we invest, as well as government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

Lending Activities

General

Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of mortgage loans which are secured by multi‑family residential properties, single-family residential properties and commercial real estate, including charter schools, community facilities, and churches. The remainder of the loan portfolio consists of commercial business loans, loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) and construction-to-permanent loans. At December 31, 2023, our net loan portfolio totaled $880.5 million, or 64.0% of total assets.

We emphasize the origination of adjustable‑rate loans, most of which are hybrid loans (loans having an initial fixed rate period which are initially 5 years, followed by an adjustable rate period), for our portfolio of loans held for investment. We originate these loans in order to maintain a high percentage of loans that have provisions for periodic repricing, thereby reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. At December 31, 2023, more than 82% of our loans had adjustable rate features. At December 31, 2021, more than 69% of our mortgage loans had adjustable rate features. However, most of our adjustable rate loans behave like fixed rate loans for periods of time because the loans may still be in their initial fixed‑rate period or may be subject to interest rate floors.

The types of loans that we originate are subject to federal laws and regulations. The interest rates that we charge on loans are affected by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and the rates offered by competitors. These factors are in turn affected by, among other things, economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the FRB, and legislative tax policies. See “Regulation” for more information on the government regulations to which we are subject.

The following table details the composition of our portfolio of loans held for investment by type, dollar amount and percentage of loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

The following table presents loan categories by maturity for the period indicated. Actual repayments historically have, and will likely in the future, differ significantly from contractual maturities because individual borrowers generally have the right to prepay loans, with or without prepayment penalties.

Multi‑Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending

Our primary lending emphasis has been on the origination of loans for multi-family with five or more units. These multi‑family loans amounted to $561.4 million and $502.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These multi‑family loans amounted to $393.7 million and $272.4 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Multi‑family loans represented 63.33% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 compared to 65.08% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2022. Most of our multi‑family loans amortize over 30 years. Multi‑family loans represented 60.36% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2021 compared to 75.24% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2020. The vast majority of our multi‑family loans amortize over 30 years. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest multi‑family credit had an outstanding balance of $11.6 million, was current, and was collateralized by a 53-unit apartment complex in Downey, California. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our multi‑family portfolio was $1.3 million. At December 31, 2021, the average balance of a loan in our multi‑family portfolio was $1.1 million.

Our commercial real estate loans amounted to $119.4 million and $114.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Commercial real estate loans represented 13.47% and 14.85% of our gross loan portfolios at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Commercial real estate loans represented 14.29% and 6.71% of our gross loan portfolios at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Most commercial real estate loans are originated with principal repayments on a 25- to 30-year amortization schedule but are due in 5 years or 10 years. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest commercial real estate credit had an outstanding principal balance of $10.6 million, was current, and was collateralized by a charter school located in Washington, D. As of December 31, 2021, our single largest commercial real estate credit had an outstanding principal balance of $9.7 million, was current, and was secured by a charter school building located in Washington, D. C. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our commercial real estate portfolio was $2.0 million. At December 31, 2021, the average balance of a loan in our non-real estate commercial loan portfolio was $1.0 million.

The interest rates on multi‑family and commercial adjustable-rate mortgage loans (“ARM Loans”) are based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The interest rates on commercial real estate loans are based on a variety of indices, including two-year Treasury, five-year Treasury, seven-year Treasury and ten-year Treasury and the 5-year FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta).

All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently offer adjustable rate loans with interest rates that adjust either semi‑annually or semi‑annually upon expiration of an initial three‑ or five‑year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans.

Loans secured by multi‑family and commercial properties are granted based on the income producing potential of the property and the financial strength of the borrower. The primary factors considered include, among other things, the net operating income of the mortgaged premises before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to required principal and interest payments, or debt service), and the ratio of the loan amount to the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the collateral. The primary factors considered include, among other things, the net operating income of the mortgaged premises before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to required principal and interest payments, or debt service), and the ratio of the loan amount to the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the collateral.

We seek to mitigate the risks associated with multi‑family and commercial real estate loans by applying appropriate underwriting requirements, which include limitations on loan‑to‑value ratios and debt service coverage ratios. Under our underwriting policies, loan‑to‑value ratios on our multi‑family and commercial real estate loans usually do not exceed 75% of the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the underlying property. We also generally require minimum debt service coverage ratios of 120% for multi‑family loans and commercial real estate loans. We also generally require minimum debt service coverage ratios of 120% for multi‑family loans and commercial real estate loans. Properties securing multi‑family and commercial real estate loans are appraised by management‑approved independent appraisers. Title insurance is required on all loans. Title insurance is required on all loans.

Multi‑family and commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than single-family residential loans and typically involve higher loan principal amounts than loans secured by single-family residential real estate. Because payments on loans secured by multi‑family and commercial real properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or general economy. Adverse economic conditions in our primary lending market area could result in reduced cash flows on multi‑family and commercial real estate loans, vacancies and reduced rental rates on such properties. We seek to reduce these risks by originating such loans on a selective basis and generally restrict such loans to our general market area. In 2008, Broadway Federal ceased out‑of‑state lending for all types of loans. In 2008, Broadway Federal ceased out‑of‑state lending for all types of loans. As a result of the Merger, in 2021 we resumed out-of-state lending on a selective basis; however, we currently do not have any loans outstanding that are outside of our market area, which consists of Southern California and the Washington, D. As a result of the Merger, in 2021 we resumed out-of-state lending on a selective basis, however we currently do not have any loans outstanding that are outside of our market area, which consists of Southern California and the Washington, D. C. area (including parts of Maryland and Virginia).

Certain multi-family loans have adjustable-rate features based on SOFR but are fixed for the first five years. Depending on interest rate trends, some multi-family loans may pay-off during the first five years, while others continue into the adjustable rate phase. The interest rates on loans that continue into the adjustable rate phase are adjusted semi-annually subject to interest rate caps.

Our church loans totaled $12.7 million and $15.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which represented 1.43% and 2.04% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Broadway Federal ceased originating church loans in 2010 in Southern California; however, City First originates loans to churches in the Washington, D. Broadway Federal ceased originating church loans in 2010 in Southern California, however City First originates loans to churches in the Washington D. C. area as part of its community development mission. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest church loan had an outstanding balance of $2.2 million, was current, and was collateralized by a church building and parcel of land in Baltimore, Maryland. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our church loan portfolio was $636 thousand. At December 31, 2021, the average balance of a loan in our church loan portfolio was $726 thousand.

Single-Family Mortgage Lending

While we have historically been primarily a multi‑family and commercial real estate lender, we also have purchased or originated loans secured by single-family residential properties, including investor‑owned properties, with maturities of up to 30 years. Single-family loans totaled $24.7 million and $30.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Single family loans totaled $45.4 million and $48.2 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Of the single-family residential mortgage loans outstanding at December 31, 2023, more than 23% had adjustable rate features. Of the single family residential mortgage loans outstanding at December 31, 2021, more than 51% had adjustable rate features. We did not purchase any single-family loans during 2023 and 2022. Of the $24.7 million of single-family loans at December 31, 2023, $17.7 million are secured by investor‑owned properties. We did not purchase any single family loans during 2021 and 2020. Of the $45.4 million of single family loans at December 31, 2021, $23.3 million are secured by investor‑owned properties.

The interest rates for our single-family ARM Loans are indexed to COFI, SOFR, 12‑MTA and 1‑Yr. CMT. All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently offer loans with interest rates that adjust either semi‑annually or semi‑annually upon expiration of an initial three‑ or five‑year fixed rate period. All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2021. We currently offer loans with interest rates that adjust either semi‑annually or semi‑annually upon expiration of an initial three‑ or five‑year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans. Most of our single-family adjustable rate loans behave like fixed rate loans because the loans are still in their initial fixed rate period or are subject to interest rate floors. Most of our single family adjustable rate loans behave like fixed rate loans because the loans are still in their initial fixed rate period or are subject to interest rate floors.

We qualify our ARM Loan borrowers based upon the fully indexed interest rate (SOFR or other index plus an applicable margin) provided by the terms of the loan. However, we may discount the initial rate paid by the borrower to adjust for market and other competitive factors. However, we may discount the initial rate paid by the borrower to adjust for market and other competitive factors. The ARM Loans that we offer have a lifetime adjustment limit that is set at the time that the loan is approved. In addition, because of interest rate caps and floors, market rates may exceed or go below the respective maximum or minimum rates payable on our ARM Loans. In addition, because of interest rate caps and floors, market rates may exceed or go below the respective maximum or minimum rates payable on our ARM Loans.

The mortgage loans that we originate generally include due‑on‑sale clauses, which provide us with the contractual right to declare the loan immediately due and payable if the borrower transfers ownership of the property.

Construction Lending

Construction loans totaled $89.9 million and $40.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and represented 10.14% and 5.27% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022. We provide loans for the construction of quality, affordable single-family, multi‑family and commercial real estate projects and for land development. We generally make construction and land loans at variable interest rates based upon the applicable Treasury Index plus a margin. We generally make construction and land loans at variable interest rates based upon the Prime Rate, or the applicable Treasury Index plus a margin. Generally, we require a loan‑to‑value ratio not exceeding 75% and a loan‑to‑cost ratio not exceeding 85% on construction loans.

Construction loans involve risks that are different from those for completed project lending because we advance loan funds based upon the security and estimated value at completion of the project under construction. If the borrower defaults on the loan, we may have to advance additional funds to finance the project’s completion before the project can be sold. If the borrower defaults on the loan, we may have to advance additional funds to finance the project’s completion before the project can be sold. Moreover, construction projects are affected by uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, potential delays in construction schedules due to supply chain or other issues, market demand and the accuracy of estimates of the value of the completed project considered in the loan approval process. Moreover, construction projects are affected by uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, potential delays in construction schedules due to supply chain or other issues, market demand and the accuracy of estimates of the value of the completed project considered in the loan approval process. In addition, construction projects can be risky as they transition to completion and lease‑up. In addition, construction projects can be risky as they transition to completion and lease‑up. Tenants who may have been interested in leasing a unit or apartment may not be able to afford the space when the building is completed, or may fail to lease the space for other reasons such as more attractive terms offered by competing lessors, making it difficult for the building to generate enough cash flow for the owner to obtain permanent financing. Tenants who may have been interested in leasing a unit or apartment may not be able to afford the space when the building is completed, or may fail to lease the space for other reasons such as more attractive terms offered by competing lessors, making it difficult for the building to generate enough cash flow for the owner to obtain permanent financing. We specialize in the origination of construction loans for affordable housing developments where rents are subsidized by housing authority agencies. We specialize in the origination of construction loans for affordable housing developments where rents are subsidized by housing authority agencies. During 2023, we originated $40.0 million of construction loans, compared to $29.6 million of construction loan originations during 2022.

Commercial Lending

Our commercial lending portfolio consists of loans and lending activities to businesses in our market area that are secured by business assets including inventory, receivables, machinery, and equipment. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, non-real estate commercial loans totaled $63.5 million and $64.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, non-real estate commercial loans totaled $46.5 million and $57 thousand, respectively. Commercial loans represented 7.16% of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we originated $43.3 million of commercial loans. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest commercial loan had an outstanding balance of $15.0 million. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our non-real estate commercial loan portfolio was $2.0 million. At December 31, 2021, the average balance of a loan in our non-real estate commercial loan portfolio was $1.0 million.

The risks related to commercial loans differ from loans secured by real estate and relate to the ability of borrowers to successfully operate their businesses and the difference between expected and actual cash flows of the borrowers. In addition, the recoverability of our investment in these loans is also dependent on other factors primarily dictated by the type of collateral securing these loans. The fair value of the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. The fair value of the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the recovery of our investment is dependent upon the borrower’s ability to collect amounts due from customers.

SBA Guaranteed Loans

City First is an approved SBA lender. We originate loans in Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia under the SBA’s 7(a), SBA Express, International Trade and 504(a) loan programs, in conformity with SBA underwriting and documentation standards. SBA loans are similar to commercial business loans but have additional credit enhancement provided by the U.S. Federal Government with guarantees between 50-85%. Certain loans classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. Certain loans classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. All other SBA loans are secured by business assets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, SBA loans totaled $15.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Our December 31, 2023 SBA loans included $2.5 million of loans issued under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. PPP loans have terms of two to five years and earn interest at 1%. PPP loans have terms of two to five years and earn interest at 1%. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA and have virtually no risk of loss. The Bank expects the vast majority of the PPP loans to be fully forgiven by the SBA. The Bank expects the vast majority of the PPP loans to be fully forgiven by the SBA. SBA loans totaled 1.68% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.

Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales

The following table summarizes loan originations, purchases, sales, and principal repayments for the periods indicated:

(1)	Amount is before deferred origination costs, purchase premiums and discounts, and the allowance for credit losses.

Loan originations are derived from various sources including our loan personnel, local mortgage brokers, and referrals from customers. More than 85% of multi-family loan originations during 2023, 2022 and 2021 were sourced from wholesale loan brokers. More than 90% of multi-family loan originations during 2021, 2020 and 2019 were sourced from wholesale loan brokers. All commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial loans and SBA loans were derived from our loan personnel, except that we partner with a third-party certified development company to originate and underwrite certain SBA 504 loans. All commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial loans and SBA loans were derived from our loan personnel. No single-family or consumer loans were originated during the last three years. No single family or consumer loans were originated during the last three years. For all loans that we originate, upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered, and certain other information is verified by an independent credit agency. For all loans that we originate, upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered, and certain other information is verified by an independent credit agency. If necessary, additional financial information is requested. If necessary, additional financial information is requested. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required to be performed by an independent licensed or certified appraiser designated and approved by us. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required to be performed by an independent licensed or certified appraiser designated and approved by us. The Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) annually reviews our appraisal policy. The Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) annually reviews our appraisal policy. Management reviews annually the qualifications and performance of independent appraisers that we use. Management reviews annually the qualifications and performance of independent appraisers that we use.

It is our policy to obtain title insurance on collateral for all real estate loans. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance naming the Bank as a loss payee prior to loan closing. If the original loan amount exceeds 80% on a sale or refinance of a first trust deed loan, we may require private mortgage insurance and the borrower is required to make payments to a mortgage impound account from which we make disbursements to pay private mortgage insurance premiums, property taxes and hazard and flood insurance as required. If the original loan amount exceeds 80% on a sale or refinance of a first trust deed loan, we may require private mortgage insurance and the borrower is required to make payments to a mortgage impound account from which we make disbursements to pay private mortgage insurance premiums, property taxes and hazard and flood insurance as required.

Each loan requires at least two signatures for approval. The Board has authorized loan approval limits for various management team members up to $7 million per individual, and up to $12 million for the Chief Executive. Loans in excess of $7 million require review and approval by members of the Board’s Loan Committee. In addition, it is our practice that all loans approved be reported to the Loan Committee no later than the month following their approval and be ratified by the Board.

From time to time, we purchase loans originated by other institutions based upon our investment needs and market opportunities. The determination to purchase specific loans or pools of loans is subject to our underwriting policies, which consider, among other factors, the financial condition of the borrowers, the location of the underlying collateral properties and the appraised value of the collateral properties. The determination to purchase specific loans or pools of loans is subject to our underwriting policies, which consider, among other factors, the financial condition of the borrowers, the location of the underlying collateral properties and the appraised value of the collateral properties. We did not purchase any loans during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021.

During 2023 and 2022, we did not originate or sell any loans that were classified as held for sale.

Asset Quality

General

The underlying credit quality of our loan portfolio is dependent primarily on each borrower’s ability to continue to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to continue to do so, the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any. A borrower’s ability to pay, in the case of single-family residential loans and consumer loans, typically is dependent primarily on employment and other sources of income. A borrower’s ability to pay, in the case of single family residential loans and consumer loans, typically is dependent primarily on employment and other sources of income. Multi‑family and commercial real estate loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the cash flow generated by the property, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Multi‑family and commercial real estate loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the cash flow generated by the property, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Commercial business and SBA loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the successful operation of their businesses or their ability to collect amounts due from their customers. Commercial business and SBA loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the successful operation of their businesses or their ability to collect amounts due from their customers. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also impact a borrower’s ability to make loan payments. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also impact a borrower’s ability to make loan payments. Collateral values, particularly real estate values, are also impacted by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, demographics, property maintenance and collection or foreclosure delays.

Delinquencies

We perform a weekly review of all delinquent loans and a monthly loan delinquency report is made to the Internal Asset Review Committee of the Board of Directors. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take several steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take several steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. The procedures we follow with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the type of loan, the type of property securing the loan, and the period of delinquency. In the case of residential mortgage loans, we generally send the borrower a written notice of non‑payment promptly after the loan becomes past due. In the event payment is not received promptly thereafter, additional letters are sent, and telephone calls are made. In the event payment is not received promptly thereafter, additional letters are sent, and telephone calls are made. If the loan is still not brought current and it becomes necessary for us to take legal action, we generally commence foreclosure proceedings on all real property securing the loan. In the case of commercial real estate loans, we generally contact the borrower by telephone and send a written notice of intent to foreclose upon expiration of the applicable grace period. In the case of commercial real estate loans, we generally contact the borrower by telephone and send a written notice of intent to foreclose upon expiration of the applicable grace period. Decisions not to commence foreclosure upon expiration of the notice of intent to foreclose for commercial real estate loans are made on a case‑by‑case basis. Decisions not to commence foreclosure upon expiration of the notice of intent to foreclose for commercial real estate loans are made on a case‑by‑case basis. We may consider loan workout arrangements with commercial real estate borrowers in certain circumstances.

The following table shows our loan delinquencies by type and amount at the dates indicated:

Non‑Performing Assets

Non‑performing assets (“NPAs”) include non‑accrual loans and real estate owned through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure (“REO”). We had no NPAs at December 31, 2023 compared to $144 thousand, or 0.01% of total assets, at December 31, 2022.

Non-accrual loans consist of delinquent loans that are 90 days or more past due and other loans, including loans modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty, that do not qualify for accrual status. The $144 thousand decrease in non‑accrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2023 was the result of the payoff of one non-accrual loan.

The following table provides information regarding our non‑performing assets at the dates indicated:

There were no accrual loans that were contractually past due by 90 days or more at December 31, 2023 or 2022. We had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on non‑accrual status at December 31, 2023.

We discontinue accruing interest on loans when the loans become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due date (three missed payments). In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and uncollected interest for those loans through a charge to interest income. In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and uncollected interest for those loans through a charge to interest income. While loans are in non‑accrual status, interest received on such loans is credited to principal, until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Classification of Assets

Federal regulations and our internal policies require that we utilize an asset classification system as a means of monitoring and reporting problem and potential problem assets. We have incorporated asset classifications as a part of our credit monitoring system and thus classify potential problem assets as “Watch” and “Special Mention,” and problem assets as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss. We have incorporated asset classifications as a part of our credit monitoring system and thus classify potential problem assets as “Watch” and “Special Mention,” and problem assets as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss”. ” An asset is considered “Watch” if the loan is current but temporarily presents higher than average risk and warrants greater than routine attention and monitoring. An asset is considered “Watch” if the loan is current but temporarily presents higher than average risk and warrants greater than routine attention and monitoring. An asset is considered “Special Mention” if the loan is current but there are some potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. An asset is considered “Substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “Doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified “Substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as “Doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified “Substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable. ” Assets classified as “Loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted.” Assets classified as “Loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but that are considered to possess some weaknesses, are designated “Special Mention. Assets which do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but that are considered to possess some weaknesses, are designated “Special Mention. ” Our Internal Asset Review Department reviews and classifies our assets and independently reports the results of its reviews to the Internal Asset Review Committee of our Board of Directors monthly.

The following table provides information regarding our criticized loans (Watch and Special Mention) and classified assets (Substandard) at the dates indicated:

Criticized assets increased to $130.0 million at December 31, 2023, from $82.3 million at December 31, 2022. City First has historically classified all newly originated construction loans as Watch loans until a history of loan performance can be established or until the construction project is complete, which is the main driver for the increase in total criticized loans of $47.7 million during 2023. In addition, certain loans were downgraded as part of the internal review process, which also caused the increase in substandard loans of $15.9 million.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Qualitative adjustments may include, but are not limited to, factors such as: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge offs, and recovery practices; (ii) changes in international, national, regional, and local conditions; (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; (iv) changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management; (v) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar conditions; (vi) changes in the quality of the organization’s loan review system; (vii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; (viii) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (ix) the effect of other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. These qualitative factors incorporate the concept of reasonable and supportable forecasts, as required by ASC 326.

The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans that have recently been modified in response to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans, and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.

The estimation of the appropriate level of the ACL requires significant judgment by management. Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Changes in management’s estimates of forecasted net losses could materially change the level of the ACL. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ACL based on judgments different from those of management.

The Company has segmented the loan portfolio according to loans that share similar attributes and risk characteristics. Each segment possesses varying degrees of risk based on, among other things, the type of loan, the type of collateral, and the sensitivity of the borrower or industry to changes in external factors such as economic conditions. The Company determines the ACL for loans based on this more detailed loan segmentation and classification. These segments, and the risks associated with each segment, are as follows:

Real Estate: Single-Family – Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy leading to increased default rate, decreased market values from oversupply in a geographic area and incremental rate increases on adjustable-rate mortgages which may impact the ability of borrowers to maintain payments.

Real Estate: Multi‑Family – Subject to adverse various market conditions that cause a decrease in market value or lease rates, changes in personal funding sources for tenants, oversupply of units in a specific region, population shifts and reputational risks.

Real Estate: Commercial Real Estate – Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy which may lead to reduced cash flows due to vacancies and reduced rental rates, and decreases in the value of underlying collateral.

Real Estate: Church – Subject to adverse economic and employment conditions, which may lead to reduced cash flows from members’ donations and offerings, and the stability, quality, and popularity of church leadership.

Real Estate: Construction – Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy, which may lead to reduced demand for new commercial, multi‑family, or single-family buildings or reduced lease or sale opportunities once the building is complete.

Commercial and SBA Loans – Subject to industry and economic conditions including decreases in product demand.

Consumer – Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy, which may lead to higher default rates.

We determined that an ACL of $7.3 million, or 0.84% of net loans held for investment, was appropriate at December 31, 2023, compared to the allowance for loan and lease losses “ALLL”) of $4.4 million, or 0.57% of loans held for investment at December 31, 2022.

Prior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company classified loans as impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or it was determined that the likelihood of the Company receiving all scheduled payments, including interest, when due was remote. Credit losses on impaired loans were determined separately based on the guidance in ASC 310. Beginning January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for credit losses on all loans in accordance with ASC 326, which eliminates the concept of an impaired loan within the context of determining credit losses, and requires all loans to be evaluated for credit losses collectively based on similar risk characteristics. Loans are only evaluated individually when they are deemed to no longer possess similar risk characteristics with other loans in the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2022, impaired loans totaled $1.7 million and had an aggregate specific allowance allocation of $7 thousand. At December 31, 2021, impaired loans totaled $2.3 million and had an aggregate specific allowance allocation of $7 thousand.

A federally chartered bank’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the OCC. The OCC, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, provides guidance for financial institutions on the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate valuation allowances, as well as guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of valuation allowances. The OCC, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, provides guidance for financial institutions on the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate valuation allowances, as well as guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of valuation allowances. It is required that all institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems, analyze all significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner and establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives of the guidelines issued by federal regulatory agencies. It is required that all institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems, analyze all significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner and establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives of the guidelines issued by federal regulatory agencies. While we believe that the ACL has been established and maintained at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ materially from the conditions on which we based our estimates at December 31, 2023. In addition, there can be no assurance that the OCC or other regulators, as a result of reviewing our loan portfolio and/or allowance, will not require us to materially increase our ACL, thereby affecting our financial condition and earnings. While we believe that the ALLL has been established and maintained at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ materially from the conditions on which we based our estimates at December 31, 2021. In addition, there can be no assurance that the OCC or other regulators, as a result of reviewing our loan portfolio and/or allowance, will not require us to materially increase our ALLL, thereby affecting our financial condition and earnings.

The following table details our allocation of the ACL/ALLL to the various categories of loans held for investment and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated:

The following table shows the activity in our ACL/ALLL related to our loans held for investment for the years indicated:

Investment Activities

The main objectives of our investment strategy are to provide a source of liquidity for deposit outflows, repayment of our borrowings and funding loan commitments, and to generate a favorable return on investments without incurring undue interest rate or credit risk. Subject to various restrictions, our investment policy generally permits investments in money market instruments such as federal funds sold, certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, securities issued by federal and other government agencies and mortgage‑backed securities, mutual funds, municipal obligations, corporate bonds, and marketable equity securities. Mortgage‑backed securities consist principally of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association which are backed by 30‑year amortizing hybrid ARM Loans, structured with fixed interest rates for periods of three to seven years, after which time the loans convert to one‑year or six‑month adjustable rate mortgage loans. Mortgage‑backed securities consist principally of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association which are backed by 30‑year amortizing hybrid ARM Loans, structured with fixed interest rates for periods of three to seven years, after which time the loans convert to one‑year or six‑month adjustable rate mortgage loans. At December 31, 2023, our securities portfolio, consisting primarily of federal agency debt, mortgage‑backed securities, bonds issued by the United States Treasury and the SBA, and municipal bonds, totaled $317.0 million, or 23.0% of total assets. At December 31, 2021, our securities portfolio, consisting primarily of federal agency debt, mortgage‑backed securities, bonds issued by the United States Treasury and the SBA, and municipal bonds, totaled $156.4 million, or 14.30% of total assets.

We classify investments as held‑to‑maturity or available‑for‑sale at the date of purchase based on our assessment of our internal liquidity requirements. Securities purchased to meet investment‑related objectives such as liquidity management or mitigating interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available‑for‑sale at the time of purchase. Securities purchased to meet investment‑related objectives such as liquidity management or mitigating interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available‑for‑sale at the time of purchase. Securities in the held‑to‑maturity category consist of securities purchased for long‑term investment in order to enhance our ongoing stream of net interest income. Securities in the held‑to‑maturity category consist of securities purchased for long‑term investment in order to enhance our ongoing stream of net interest in0come. Securities deemed held‑to‑maturity are classified as such because we have both the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Held‑to‑maturity securities are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Available‑for‑sale securities are reported at fair value. We currently have no securities classified as held‑to‑maturity securities. We currently have no securities classified as held‑to‑maturity securities.

The Company’s assessment of available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2023, indicated that an ACL was not required. The Company analyzed available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position and determined the decline in fair value for those securities was not related to credit, but rather related to changes in interest rates and general market conditions. As such, no ACL was recorded for available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2023.

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by type as of the dates indicated. At December 31, 2023, our securities portfolio did not contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies. At December 31, 2021, our securities portfolio did not contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies.

The table below presents the carrying amount, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our securities as of December 31, 2023. The table reflects stated final maturities and does not reflect scheduled principal payments or expected payoffs.

Sources of Funds

General

Deposits are our primary source of funds for supporting our lending and other investment activities and general business purposes. In addition to deposits, we obtain funds from the amortization and prepayment of loans and investment securities, sales of loans and investment securities, advances from the FHLB, and cash flows generated by operations. In addition to deposits, we obtain funds from the amortization and prepayment of loans and investment securities, sales of loans and investment securities, advances from the FHLB, and cash flows generated by operations.

Deposits

We offer a variety of deposit accounts featuring a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposits principally consist of savings accounts, checking accounts, interest checking accounts, money market accounts, and fixed‑term certificates of deposit. Our deposits principally consist of savings accounts, checking accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, and fixed‑term certificates of deposit. The maturities of term certificates generally range from one month to five years. We accept deposits from customers within our market area based primarily on posted rates, but from time to time we will negotiate the rate based on the amount of the deposit. We primarily rely on customer service and long‑standing customer relationships to attract and retain deposits. We seek to maintain and increase our retail “core” deposit relationships, consisting of savings accounts, checking accounts and money market accounts because we believe these deposit accounts tend to be a stable funding source and are available at a lower cost than term deposits. We seek to maintain and increase our retail “core” deposit relationships, consisting of savings accounts, checking accounts and money market accounts because we believe these deposit accounts tend to be a stable funding source and are available at a lower cost than term deposits. However, market interest rates, including rates offered by competing financial institutions, the availability of other investment alternatives, and general economic conditions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits. However, market interest rates, including rates offered by competing financial institutions, the availability of other investment alternatives, and general economic conditions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits.

We participate in a deposit program called the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”). CDARS is a deposit placement service that allows us to place our customers’ funds in FDIC‑insured certificates of deposit at other banks and, at the same time, receive an equal sum of funds from the customers of other banks in the CDARS Network (“CDARS Reciprocal”). CDARS is a deposit placement service that allows us to place our customers’ funds in FDIC‑insured certificates of deposit at other banks and, at the same time, receive an equal sum of funds from the customers of other banks in the CDARS Network (“CDARS Reciprocal”). These deposits totaled $114.8 million and $74.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively and are not considered to be brokered deposits. These deposits totaled $141.6 million and $35.8 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively and are not considered to be brokered deposits.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $286.4 million and $212.9 million of our total deposits were not insured by FDIC insurance.

The following table details the maturity periods of our certificates of deposit in amounts of $100 thousand or more at December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the distribution of our average deposits for the years indicated and the weighted average interest rates during the year for each category of deposits presented.

Borrowings

We utilize short‑term and long‑term advances from the FHLB as an alternative to retail deposits as a funding source for asset growth. FHLB advances are generally secured by mortgage loans and mortgage‑backed securities. Such advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had $209.3 million in outstanding FHLB advances and had the ability to borrow up to an additional $117.0 million based on available and pledged collateral.

The following table summarizes information concerning our FHLB advances at or for the periods indicated:

On December 27, 2023, the Bank borrowed $100 million from the Federal Reserve under the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), all of which was outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The interest rate on this borrowing is fixed at 4.84% and the borrowing matures on December 29, 2024. Investment securities with a book value of $107.3 million and a fair value of $98.3 million were pledged as collateral for this borrowing as of December 31, 2023. There are no prepayment penalties for early payoff. As the BTFP ended on March 11, 2024, no additional borrowings can be made under the program.

The Bank enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i. e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Bank’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Banks’s consolidated balance sheets, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities available-for-sale accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $73.5 million at an average rate of 2.60%. These agreements mature on a daily basis. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and included $47.8 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.2 million of federal agency debt, and $11.0 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $63.5 million at an average rate of 0.38%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $64.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and included $33.3 million of federal agency debt, $19.2 million of U.S. Treasuries and $11.9 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities

We participate in and have previously been an “Allocatee” of the New Markets Tax Credit Program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. In December 2015, a national brokerage firm made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 was the beneficiary of the loan from the brokerage firm and passed the proceeds from that loan through to a Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business (“QALICB”). In December 2015, a national brokerage firm made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 was the beneficiary of the loan from the brokerage firm and passed the proceeds from that loan through to a Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business (“QALICB”). The loan to the QALICB is secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust from which the funds for repayment of the loan will be derived. The loan to the QALICB is secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust from which the funds for repayment of the loan will be derived. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to the brokerage firm, less a servicing fee which is retained by CFC 45. This note was paid off during January 2024. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to the brokerage firm, less a servicing fee which is retained by CFC 45. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company.

Market Area and Competition

The Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) and a certified B Corp, offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Our retail banking network includes full-service banking offices, automated teller machines and internet banking capabilities that are available using our website at www. Our retail banking network includes full service banking offices, automated teller machines and internet banking capabilities that are available using our website at www. ciytfirstbank.com. We have three banking offices as of December 31, 2023: two in California (in Los Angeles and in the nearby City of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D. We have three banking offices as of December 31, 2021: two in California (in Los Angeles and in the nearby City of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D. C.

Both the Washington, D.C. and the Los Angeles metropolitan areas are highly competitive banking markets for making loans and attracting deposits. Although our offices are primarily located in low‑to‑moderate income communities that have historically been under‑served by other financial institutions, we face significant competition for deposits and loans in our immediate market areas, including direct competition from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Although our offices are primarily located in low‑to‑moderate income communities that have historically been under‑served by other financial institutions, we face significant competition for deposits and loans in our immediate market areas, including direct competition from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Most of these financial institutions are significantly larger than we are and have greater financial resources, and many have a regional, statewide, or national presence.

Human Capital Management

Human Capital

We are a unified, commercial CDFI with a focused vision, mission, and strategy that equitably drives economic, social, and environmental justice for our clients and communities in which we work making them better places to be. We believe that employees are one of our most important resources and in order to fulfill future and sustainable growth, our key objectives include attracting, selecting, retaining, and developing top talent in the marketplace that closely align our employees’ personal values with the organization’s values. We believe that our most important resource is our employees and in order to fulfill future and sustainable growth, our key objectives are to attract, select, retain, and develop top talent in the marketplace that closely align their personal values with the organization’s values. As such, our culture is defined by our Shared Values principles: “Clients and Communities First”; “We Think Big”; “We Model Excellence”; and “ONE City First.”

City First’s Shared Values principles are derived from critical beliefs and ingrained principles that guide the organization’s actions, behaviors, and culture towards our primary objectives. Our Shared Values mean that we stand for something in how we view each other, the world, and our place of service in it. Our Shared Values mean that we stand for something in how we view each other, the world, and our place of service in it. With these values centered in all that we do, we work collaboratively with mission-aligned customers looking to make an impact in under-resourced communities through affordable housing, charter schools, community health centers, nonprofits, and small to medium-sized businesses. With these values centered in all that we do, we work collaboratively with mission-aligned customers looking to make an impact in under-resourced communities through affordable housing, charter schools, community health centers, nonprofits, and small to medium-sized businesses. Our employees behave in a manner that is consistent with these beliefs. Our employees behave in a manner that is consistent with these beliefs.

While the Board of Directors oversees the strategic management of our human capital management, our internal Human Resources team drives the day-to-day management of our human capital operations and strategy.

As of December 31, 2023, we employed 98 full-time employees. Our employees are primarily located in Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C. in our corporate offices, branches, and operating facilities. We also employ several remote workers who are in various locations throughout the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

Our market competitive total employee compensation (salaries, bonuses and all benefits and rewards) is a critical tool enabling us to attract and retain talented people. In addition to base compensation, these programs include commission-based incentives, corporate incentive compensation plans, restricted stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution, an employee stock ownership plan, healthcare, and insurance benefits including telehealth connection services, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, will prep services, college tuition benefit programs, and vacation/sick/family leave. In addition to base compensation, these programs include commission-based incentives, corporate incentive compensation plans, restricted stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution, an employee stock ownership plan, healthcare, and insurance benefits including telehealth connection services, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, will prep services, college tuition benefit programs, and vacation/sick/family leave.

Our methodology is to provide pay levels and pay opportunities that are internally fair, cost-effective, and externally competitive to market-based salaries. To determine competitive market compensation levels, we use market surveys and economic research to benchmark our positions utilizing salary and compensation data of companies with similar positions, asset size and geographical locations. To determine competitive market compensation levels, we use market surveys and economic research to benchmark our positions utilizing salary and compensation data of companies with similar positions, asset size and geographical locations. We annually review our salary structures and grade ranges to keep pace with changes in the marketplace. We annually review our salary structures and grade ranges to keep pace with changes in the marketplace. With the support of third-party experts in this field and within the banking industry, we conduct regular job evaluations to meet changing business needs or when the scope of existing positions or organizational changes occur. Our standard pay practices are designed to honor and adhere to pay equity analysis. Our standard pay practices ensure that we honor and adhere to pay equity analysis.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our legacy and history matter at City First. We are proud of our expanded 75-year history with the merger with Broadway Federal. We are proud of our expanded 75-year history with the merger with Broadway Federal. Our founders in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. were local leaders who saw a need in the community for a bank that addressed the lack of access to capital for historically excluded and disinvested urban majority minority communities.

The Merger formed one of the largest Black-led Minority Depository Institutions (“MDI”) in the nation in the midst of a national reawakening to the systemic racial and economic disparities persisting and growing in our society. The Merger maintains the legacy of the constituents and honors the legacy of African American-led MDI’s across the country that were founded to address the unmet financing needs of the community. The Merger maintains the legacy of the constituent and honors the legacy of African American-led MDI’s across the country that were founded to address the unmet financing needs of the community. Our intent, purpose, and execution are grounded in our 75-year history of deep commitment to economic justice through the targeted provision of capital for historically excluded and disinvested urban majority minority communities. Our intent, purpose, and execution are grounded in our 75-year history of deep commitment to economic justice through the targeted provision of capital for historically excluded and disinvested urban majority minority communities.

Our ownership, responsibility, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the composition of our workforce, executive leadership team, and board of directors. As of December 31, 2023, more than 80% of the Company’s employees self-identified as minority, approximately 62% of our employees were women, and other diverse groups such as veterans and people with disabilities were also represented. As of December 31, 2021, more than 80% of the Company’s employees self-identified as minority, approximately 68% of our employees were women, and other diverse groups such as veterans and people with disabilities were also represented.

Workforce Training and Development

We align our talent strategy with our business strategy to provide guidance on the proper mix of skills, emerging talent and business needs or issues. This investment to allow employees to learn, grow, and be fulfilled in their work stems from our development of providing a multi-dimensional approach to curriculum design and competency-based learning centered around culture and technical skills. This investment to allow employees to learn, grow, and be fulfilled in their work stems from our development of providing a multi-dimensional approach to curriculum design and competency-based learning centered around culture and technical skills. Learning and development play a critical and strategic role as we prepare our organization for the future by recognizing continuous needs to upskill or reskill in order to scale our business. Learning and development play a critical and strategic role as we prepare our organization for the future by recognizing continuous needs to upskill or reskill in order to scale our business.

Our employees receive continuing education courses relevant to their respective roles within the organization, as well as access to on-demand learning solutions to enhance leadership capabilities, advance communications skills and techniques, college credit courses, seminars, and training deeply embedded in cultural dynamics and awareness. To support employees who wish to continue their development and education, we provide reimbursement to employees who seek development to upskill or reskill while employed at the company. To support employees who wish to continue their development and education, we provide reimbursement to employees who seek development to upskill or reskill while employed at the company.

Regulation

General

City First and Broadway Financial Corporation are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by several different federal agencies. City First is regulated by the OCC as its primary federal regulator. City First is regulated by the OCC as its primary federal regulator. The Bank’s deposits generally are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account; the Bank also is regulated by the FDIC as its deposit insurer. The Bank’s deposits generally are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account; the Bank also is regulated by the FDIC as its deposit insurer. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is subject to certain regulations of the FRB, including, for example, regulations concerning reserves required to be maintained against deposits and regulations governing transactions with affiliates, Broadway Financial Corporation is regulated, examined, and supervised by the FRB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRBR”) and is also required to file certain reports and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws. The Bank also is subject to consumer protection regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). The Bank also is subject to consumer protection regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).

The OCC regulates and examines the Bank’s business activities, including, among other things, capital standards, investment authority and permissible activities, deposit taking and borrowing authority, mergers and other business combination transactions, establishment of branch offices, and the structure and permissible activities of any subsidiaries of the Bank. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over national banks and has substantial discretion to impose enforcement actions on an institution that fails to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including capital requirements, or that engages in practices that examiners determine to be unsafe or unsound. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over national banks and has substantial discretion to impose enforcement actions on an institution that fails to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including capital requirements, or that engages in practices that examiners determine to be unsafe or unsound. In addition, the FDIC has “back-up” enforcement authority that enables it to recommend enforcement action to the OCC with respect to a national bank and, if the recommended action is not taken by the OCC, to take such action under certain circumstances. In certain cases, the OCC has the authority to refer matters relating to federal fair lending laws to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) if the OCC determines violations of the fair lending laws may have occurred.

Changes in applicable laws or the regulations of the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB, the CFPB, or other regulatory authorities, or changes in interpretations of such regulations or in agency policies or priorities, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and our Company, our operations, and the value of our debt and equity securities. We and our stock are also subject to rules issued by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), the stock exchange on which our voting common stock is traded. Failure to conform to Nasdaq’s rules could have an adverse impact on us and the value of our equity securities.

The following paragraphs summarize certain laws and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport to be complete descriptions of all the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that applies to us. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport to be complete descriptions of all the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that applies to us. In addition, the statutes and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank are subject to change, which can affect the scope and cost of their compliance obligations. In addition, the statutes and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank are subject to change, which can affect the scope and cost of their compliance obligations.

Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

In July 2010, the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd‑Frank Act”) was signed into law. The Dodd‑Frank Act is intended to address perceived weaknesses in the U.S. financial regulatory system and prevent future economic and financial crises.

The Dodd‑Frank Act established increased compliance obligations across a number of areas in the banking business. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies (comprising the FRB, the OCC, and the FDIC) substantially revised their consolidated and bank-level risk‑based and leverage capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies and certain non‑bank financial companies. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies (comprising the FRB, the OCC, and the FDIC) substantially revised their consolidated and bank-level risk‑based and leverage capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies and certain non‑bank financial companies. Under an existing FRB policy statement, bank holding companies with less than $3 billion in total consolidated assets are not subject to consolidated capital requirements provided they satisfy the conditions in the policy statement. The Dodd‑Frank Act requires bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength for any subsidiary of the holding company that is a depository institution by providing financial assistance in the event of the financial distress of the depository institution. The Dodd‑Frank Act requires bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength for any subsidiary of the holding company that is a depository institution by providing financial assistance in the event of the financial distress of the depository institution.

The Dodd‑Frank Act also established the CFPB. The CFPB has broad rule‑making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to banks and savings institutions of all sizes, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. At times during the past several years, the CFPB has been active in bringing enforcement actions against banks and nonbank financial institutions to enforce federal consumer financial laws and has developed a number of new enforcement theories and applications of these laws. The CFPB’s supervisory authority does not generally extend to insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, that have less than $10 billion in assets. The federal banking agencies, however, have authority to examine for compliance, and bring enforcement action for non-compliance, with respect to the CFPB’s regulations. The federal banking agencies, however, have authority to examine for compliance, and bring enforcement action for non-compliance, with respect to the CFPB’s regulations. State attorneys general and state banking agencies and other state financial regulators also may have authority to enforce applicable consumer laws with respect to institutions over which they have jurisdiction. State attorneys general and state banking agencies and other state financial regulators also may have authority to enforce applicable consumer laws with respect to institutions over which they have jurisdiction.

Capital Requirements

The Bank’s capital requirements are administered by the OCC and involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under applicable regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the OCC. Failure to meet capital requirements can result in regulatory action.

As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies have developed a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (“CBLR”) (the ratio of a bank’s tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies have set the Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 9%. Actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of the dates indicated are presented below:

At December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. In addition, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Management believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would materially adversely change the Bank’s capital classifications. From time to time, we may need to raise additional capital to support the Bank’s further growth and to maintain the “well capitalized” status. From time to time, we may need to raise additional capital to support the Bank’s further growth and to maintain the “well capitalized” status.

Deposit Insurance

The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits of federally insured banks, including national banks, up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor. Pursuant to the Dodd‑Frank Act, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Pursuant to the Dodd‑Frank Act, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.

The FDIC charges an annual assessment for the insurance of deposits based on the risk a particular institution poses to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank’s DIF assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the assessment base, which is defined as the average consolidated total assets less the average tangible equity of the Bank. The Bank’s DIF assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the assessment base, which is defined as the average consolidated total assets less the average tangible equity of the Bank. The initial base assessment rate is based on an institution’s capital level, and capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and in some cases, additional discretionary adjustments by the FDIC to reflect additional risk factors. The initial base assessment rate is based on an institution’s capital level, and capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and in some cases, additional discretionary adjustments by the FDIC to reflect additional risk factors.

The FDIC’s overall premium rate structure is subject to change from time to time to reflect its actual and anticipated loss experience. The financial crisis that began in 2008 resulted in substantially higher levels of bank failures than had occurred in the immediately preceding years. The financial crisis that began in 2008 resulted in substantially higher levels of bank failures than had occurred in the immediately preceding years. These failures dramatically increased the resolution costs incurred by the FDIC and substantially reduced the available amount of the DIF.

Consistent with the requirements of the Dodd‑Frank Act, the FDIC adopted its most recent DIF restoration plan in September 2020; that plan is designed to enable the FDIC to achieve the statutorily required reserve ratio of 1.35% by September 30, 2028. The FDIC Board has set the designated reserve ratio for each of the years 2023 and 2022 at 2%. The statute provides that in setting the amount of assessments necessary to meet the designated reserve ratio requirement, the FDIC is required to offset the effect of this provision on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, so that more of the cost of raising the reserve ratio will be borne by institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. The statute provides that in setting the amount of assessments necessary to meet the designated reserve ratio requirement, the FDIC is required to offset the effect of this provision on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, so that more of the cost of raising the reserve ratio will be borne by institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Accordingly, the FDIC has provided assessment credits to insured depository institutions, like the Bank, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion for the portion of their regular assessments that contribute to growth in the reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35%. The FDIC has applied the credits each quarter that the reserve ratio was at least 1.38% to offset the regular deposit insurance assessments of institutions with credits. The Bank did not receive any assessment credits during 2023 or 2022.

Although it rarely does so, the FDIC has the authority to terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of a bank’s depositors.

Guidance on Commercial Real Estate Lending

In December 2015, the federal banking agencies released a statement titled “Statement on Prudent Risk Management for Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “CRE Statement”). The CRE Statement expresses the banking agencies’ concerns with banking institutions that ease their commercial real estate underwriting standards, directs financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicates that the agencies will continue to pay special attention to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. The CRE Statement expresses the banking agencies’ concerns with banking institutions that ease their commercial real estate underwriting standards, directs financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicates that the agencies will continue to pay special attention to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. The banking agencies previously issued guidance titled “Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts” which provides guidance for financial institutions that are working with commercial real estate (“CRE”) borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties and details risk‑management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision‑making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The banking agencies previously issued guidance titled “Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts” which provides guidance for financial institutions that are working with commercial real estate (“CRE”) borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties and details risk‑management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision‑making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The banking agencies had also issued previous guidance titled “Interagency Guidance on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate” stating that a banking institution will be considered to be potentially exposed to significant CRE concentration risk, and should employ enhanced risk management practices, if total CRE loans represent 300% or more of its total capital and the outstanding balance of the institution’s CRE loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. The banking agencies had also issued previous guidance titled “Interagency Guidance on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate” stating that a banking institution will be considered to be potentially exposed to significant CRE concentration risk, and should employ enhanced risk management practices, if total CRE loans represent 300% or more of its total capital and the outstanding balance of the institution’s CRE loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months.

In October 2009, the federal banking agencies adopted a policy statement supporting workouts of CRE loans, which is referred to as the “CRE Policy Statement.” The CRE Policy Statement provides guidance for examiners, and for financial institutions that are working with CRE borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties. The CRE Policy Statement provides guidance for examiners, and for financial institutions that are working with CRE borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties. The CRE Policy Statement details risk‑management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision‑making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The CRE Policy Statement details risk‑management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision‑making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The CRE Policy Statement states that financial institutions that implement prudent loan workout arrangements after performing comprehensive reviews of the financial condition of borrowers will not be subject to criticism for engaging in these efforts, even if the restructured loans have weaknesses that result in adverse credit classifications. The CRE Policy Statement states that financial institutions that implement prudent loan workout arrangements after performing comprehensive reviews of the financial condition of borrowers will not be subject to criticism for engaging in these efforts, even if the restructured loans have weaknesses that result in adverse credit classifications. In addition, performing loans, including those renewed or restructured on reasonable modified terms, made to creditworthy borrowers, will not be subject to adverse classification solely because the value of the underlying collateral declined. In addition, performing loans, including those renewed or restructured on reasonable modified terms, made to creditworthy borrowers, will not be subject to adverse classification solely because the value of the underlying collateral declined. The CRE Policy Statement reiterates existing guidance that examiners are expected to take a balanced approach in assessing an institution’s risk‑management practices for loan workout activities.

In October 2018, the OCC provided Broadway Federal with a letter of “no supervisory objection” permitting it to increase the non‑multi-family commercial real estate loan concentration limit to 100% of Tier 1 Capital plus ALLL, including a sublimit of 50% for land/construction loans, which brought the total CRE loan concentration limit to 600% of Tier 1 Capital plus ALLL.

Loans to One Borrower

The Bank is in compliance with the statutory and regulatory limits applicable to loans to any one borrower. As of December 31, 2023, the lending limit for City First is $30.2 million. As of December 31, 2021, the lending limit for City First is $15.3 million. At December 31, 2023, our largest loan to a single borrower was $15.0 million; that loan was performing in accordance with its terms and was otherwise in compliance with regulatory requirements. At December 31, 2021, our largest loan to a single borrower was $9.7 million; that loan was performing in accordance with its terms and was otherwise in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending

The Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by OCC regulations (“CRA”), requires each national bank to make efforts to meet the credit needs of the communities it serves, including low‑ and moderate‑income neighborhoods. The CRA requires the OCC to assess an institution’s performance in meeting the credit needs of its communities as part of its examination of the institution, and to take such assessments into consideration in reviewing applications for mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions. An unsatisfactory CRA rating may be the basis for denying an application. Community groups have successfully protested applications on CRA grounds. In connection with the assessment of a savings institution’s CRA performance, the OCC assigns ratings of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance. In connection with the assessment of a savings institution’s CRA performance, the OCC assigns ratings of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance. ” The Company’s CRA performance was rated by the OCC as “outstanding” in their most recent CRA examination which was completed in 2022.

The Bank is also subject to federal fair lending laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) and the Federal Housing Act (“FHA”), which prohibit discrimination in credit and residential real estate transactions on prohibited bases, including race, color, national origin, gender, and religion, among others. A lender may be liable under one or both acts in the event of overt discrimination, disparate treatment, or a disparate impact on a prohibited basis. The compliance of national banks with these acts is primarily supervised and enforced by the OCC. The compliance of national banks of the Bank’s size with these acts is primarily supervised and enforced by the OCC. If the OCC determines that a lender has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of ECOA, the OCC refers the matter to the DOJ. Similarly, HUD is notified of violations of the FHA.

The USA Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), and Anti‑Money Laundering (“AML”) Requirements

The USA PATRIOT Act was enacted after September 11, 2001 to provide the federal government with powers to prevent, detect, and prosecute terrorism and international money laundering, and has resulted in the promulgation of several regulations that have a direct impact on savings associations. Financial institutions must have a number of programs in place to comply with this law, including: (i) a program to manage BSA/AML risk; (ii) a customer identification program designed to determine the true identity of customers, document and verify the information, and determine whether the customer appears on any federal government list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations; and (iii) a program for monitoring for the timely detection and reporting of suspicious activity and reportable transactions. Financial institutions must have a number of programs in place to comply with this law, including: (i) a program to manage BSA/AML risk; (ii) a customer identification program designed to determine the true identity of customers, document and verify the information, and determine whether the customer appears on any federal government list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations; and (iii) a program for monitoring for the timely detection and reporting of suspicious activity and reportable transactions. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in regulatory action, including the issuance of cease and desist orders, impositions of civil money penalties and adverse changes in an institution’s regulatory ratings, which could adversely affect its ability to obtain regulatory approvals for business combinations or other desired business objectives. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in regulatory action, including the issuance of cease and desist orders, impositions of civil money penalties and adverse changes in an institution’s regulatory ratings, which could adversely affect its ability to obtain regulatory approvals for business combinations or other desired business objectives.

Privacy Protection

City First is subject to OCC regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of federal law. These regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares “nonpublic personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. These regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares “nonpublic personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. The regulations also require City First to provide its customers with initial and annual notices that accurately reflect its privacy policies and practices. The regulations also require City First to provide its customers with initial and annual notices that accurately reflect its privacy policies and practices. In addition, to the extent its sharing of such information is not covered by an exception, the Bank is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt‑out” of having City First share their nonpublic personal information with unaffiliated third parties.

City First is also subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. The guidelines describe the agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The guidelines describe the agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to promote the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

Bank Holding Company Regulation

As a bank holding company, we are subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FRB and the FRBR. In addition, the FRB has enforcement authority over the Company. Applicable statutes and regulations administered by the FRB place certain restrictions on our activities and investments. Applicable statutes and regulations administered by the FRB place certain restrictions on our activities and investments. Among other things, we are generally prohibited, either directly or indirectly, from acquiring more than 5% of the voting shares of any depository or depository holding company that is not a subsidiary of the Company.

The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person, acting directly or indirectly or in concert with one or more persons, from acquiring control of a bank holding company unless the FRB has been given 60 days prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time period the FRB has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or extending for up to another 30 days the period during which a disapproval may be issued. The term “control” is defined for this purpose to include ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 25% or more of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities. The term “control” is defined for this purpose to include ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 25% or more of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities. Under a rebuttable presumption contained in the regulations of the FRB, ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 10% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank company will be deemed control for purposes of the Change in Bank Control Act if the institution (i) has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) no person will own, control, or have the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption contained in the regulations of the FRB, ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 10% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank company will be deemed control for purposes of the Change in Bank Control Act if the institution (i) has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) no person will own, control, or have the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. In addition, any company acting directly or indirectly or in concert with one or more persons or through one or more subsidiaries would be required to obtain the approval of the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, before acquiring control of a bank holding company. In addition, any company acting directly or indirectly or in concert with one or more persons or through one or more subsidiaries would be required to obtain the approval of the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, before acquiring control of a bank holding company. For this purpose, a company is deemed to have control of a bank holding company if the company (i) owns, controls, holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, 25% or more of any class of voting shares of the holding company, (ii) contributes more than 25% of the holding company’s capital, (iii) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the holding company’s directors, or (iv) directly or indirectly exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the national bank or other company. For this purpose, a company is deemed to have control of a bank holding company if the company (i) owns, controls, holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, 25% or more of any class of voting shares of the holding company, (ii) contributes more than 25% of the holding company’s capital, (iii) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the holding company’s directors, or (iv) directly or indirectly exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the national bank or other company. The FRB may also determine, based on the relevant facts and circumstances, that a company has otherwise acquired control of a bank holding company.

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions

In general, the prompt corrective action regulations prohibit a national bank from declaring any dividends, making any other capital distribution, or paying a management fee to a controlling person, such as its parent holding company, if, following the distribution or payment, the institution would be within any of the three undercapitalized categories set out in the regulations. In addition to the prompt corrective action restriction on paying dividends, OCC regulations limit certain “capital distributions” by national banks. In addition to the prompt corrective action restriction on paying dividends, OCC regulations limit certain “capital distributions” by national banks. Capital distributions are defined to include, among other things, dividends and payments for stock repurchases and payments of cash to stockholders in mergers.

Under the OCC capital distribution regulations, a national bank that is a subsidiary of a bank holding company must notify the OCC at least 30 days prior to the declaration of any capital distribution by its national bank subsidiary. The 30‑day period provides the OCC an opportunity to object to the proposed dividend if it believes that the dividend would not be advisable.

An application to the OCC for approval to pay a dividend is required if: (i) the total of all capital distributions made during that calendar year (including the proposed distribution) exceeds the sum of the institution’s year‑to‑date net income and its retained income for the preceding two years; (ii) the institution is not entitled under OCC regulations to “expedited treatment” (which is generally available to institutions the OCC regards as well run and adequately capitalized); (iii) the institution would not be at least “adequately capitalized” following the proposed capital distribution; or (iv) the distribution would violate an applicable statute, regulation, agreement, or condition imposed on the institution by the OCC.

The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company is also subject to a restriction if the Bank’s regulatory capital would be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion of the Bank from the mutual to the stock form of organization.

See Item 5 “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for a further description of dividend and other capital distribution limitations to which the Company and the Bank are subject.

Tax Matters

Federal Income Taxes

We report our income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations. See Note 14 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further description of tax matters applicable to our business. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further description of tax matters applicable to our business.

California Taxes

As a bank holding company filing California franchise tax returns on a combined basis with its subsidiaries, the Company is subject to California franchise tax at the rate applicable to “financial corporations.” The applicable statutory tax rate is 10.84%.” The applicable statutory tax rate is 10.84%.

Washington, D.C. Taxes

As a bank holding company filing Washington, D.C. franchise tax returns on a combined basis with its subsidiaries, the Company is subject to Washington, D.C. franchise tax at the rate applicable to “financial corporations.” The applicable statutory tax rate is 8.25%.

We are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our businesses. The discussion below addresses material factors, of which we are currently aware, that could have a material and adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations, and financial condition. The discussion below addresses material factors, of which we are currently aware, that could have a material and adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations, and financial condition. These risk factors and other forward-looking statements that relate to future events, expectations, trends and operating periods involve certain factors that are subject to change, and important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risk factors and other forward-looking statements that relate to future events, expectations, trends and operating periods involve certain factors that are subject to change, and important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties should not be considered a complete discussion of all the risks and uncertainties that we might face. These risks and uncertainties should not be considered a complete discussion of all the risks and uncertainties that we might face. Although the risks are organized by headings and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated.

The macroeconomic environment could pose significant challenges for the Company and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Inflation poses risk to the economy overall and could indirectly pose challenges to our clients and to our business. Elevated inflation can impact our business customers through loss of purchasing power for their customers, leading to lower sales. Rising inflation can also increase input and inventory costs for our customers, forcing them to raise their prices or lower their profitability. Supply chain disruption, also leading to inflation, can delay our customers’ shipping ability, or timing on receiving inputs for their production or inventory. Supply chain disruption, also leading to inflation, can delay our customers’ shipping ability, or timing on receiving inputs for their production or inventory. Inflation can lead to higher wages for our commercial customers, increasing costs. All of these inflationary risks for our commercial customer base can be financially detrimental, leading to increased likelihood that the customer may default on a loan. All of these inflationary risks for our commercial customer base can be financially detrimental, leading to increased likelihood that the customer may default on a loan.

In addition, sustained inflationary pressure led the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates seven times in 2022, and four times in 2023, which increased our interest rate risk. The failure of three regional banks in March 2023 and the resultant negative outlook on the banking sector has created concern regarding the exposure of banks to interest rate risk, and the exposure of banks to unrecognized investment losses due to investments classified as “held to maturity” on the balance sheet. Also, analysts have been monitoring the level of uninsured deposits in banks due to the liquidity risk associated with high levels of uninsured deposits. To the extent such conditions exist or worsen, we could experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Additionally, financial markets may be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, terrorism, or other geopolitical events.

Our future success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive financial services industry in the greater Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.

We face strong competition in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the Southern California Market. We compete with many different types of financial institutions, including commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and money market funds, as well as other local and community, super-regional, national, and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. We compete with many different types of financial institutions, including commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and money market funds, as well as other local and community, super-regional, national, and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive financial services environment. Many of our competitors in the greater Washington, D. Many of our competitors in the greater Washington, D. C. and Los Angeles metropolitan areas are well-established, larger financial institutions that have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business. Failure to compete effectively and to attract new or to retain existing clients may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business. Failure to compete effectively and to attract new or to retain existing clients may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business.

A downturn in the real estate market could seriously impair our loan portfolio and operating results.

Most of our loan portfolio consists of loans secured by various types of real estate located in Southern California and in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. If economic factors cause real estate values in the markets we serve to decline, higher vacancies to occur, or the deterioration of other factors, then the financial condition of the Bank’s borrowers could be harmed, and the collateral for loans will provide less security. If economic factors cause real estate values in the markets we serve to decline, higher vacancies to occur, or the deterioration of other factors, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, then the financial condition of the Bank’s borrowers could be harmed, and the collateral for loans will provide less security. In addition, a decline in real estate values in the regions served could result in the Bank experiencing increases in loan delinquencies and defaults, which result in increases in the amounts of nonperforming assets and which would likely cause the Bank to suffer losses.

Our allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.

Changes in interest rates affect profitability.

Changes in prevailing interest rates adversely affect our business. We derive income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. We derive income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. In general, the wider the spread, the more we will earn. When market rates of interest change, the interest the Bank receives on assets and the interest paid on liabilities will fluctuate. In addition, the timing and rate of change in the interest that the Bank earns on assets do not necessarily match the timing and rate of change in the interest that it must pay on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities, even though most of the loans have adjustable-rate features. This causes increases or decreases in the spread and can greatly affect income. This can cause increases or decreases in the spread and can greatly affect income. When the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings increase faster than the interest rates earned on loans and securities, the Bank’s spread decreases which has a negative impact on profitability. Also, the carrying value of our available-for-sale investment portfolio will continue to decrease due to increases in interest rates. In addition, interest rate fluctuations can affect how much money the Bank may be able to lend and its ability to attract and retain customer deposits, which are an important source of funds for making and holding loans. In addition, interest rate fluctuations can affect how much money the Bank may be able to lend and its ability to attract and retain customer deposits, which are an important source of funds for making and holding loans.

Changes in governmental regulation may impair operations or restrict growth.

We are subject to substantial governmental supervision and regulation, which are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than our stockholders. Statutes and regulations affecting our business may be changed at any time, and the interpretation of existing statutes and regulations by examining authorities may also change. Statutes and regulations affecting our business may be changed at any time, and the interpretation of existing statutes and regulations by examining authorities may also change. Within the last several years, Congress and the federal bank regulatory authorities have made significant changes to these statutes and regulations. There can be no assurance that such changes to the statutes and regulations or in their interpretation will not adversely affect our business. We are also subject to changes in other federal and state laws, including changes in tax laws, which could materially affect the banking industry. We will also be subject to changes in other federal and state laws, including changes in tax laws, which could materially affect the banking industry. If we fail to comply with federal bank regulations, our regulators may limit our activities or growth, assess civil money penalties against us or place the Bank into conservatorship or receivership. Bank regulations can hinder our ability to compete with financial services companies that are not regulated or are less regulated.

Negative public opinion regarding us or the failure to maintain our reputation in the communities we serve could adversely affect our business and prevent us from growing our business.

Our 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 an active member of the communities we serve. If our reputation is negatively affected, including as a result of actions of our employees or otherwise, we may be less successful in attracting new customers or talent or may lose existing customers, and our business, financial condition and earnings could be adversely affected.

We may not be successful in retaining key employees.

Our success will depend in part on its ability to retain the talents and dedication of key employees. If key employees unexpectedly terminate their employment, our business activities may be adversely affected and management’s attention may be diverted from successfully integrating operating our business to hiring suitable replacements, which may cause our business to suffer. If key employees terminate their employment, our business activities may be adversely affected and management’s attention may be diverted from successfully integrating operating our business to hiring suitable replacements, which may cause our business to suffer. In addition, we may not be able to identify or recruit suitable replacements in a timely manner if at all for any key employees who leave the Company. In addition, we may not be able to locate or retain suitable replacements for any key employees who leave the Company.

We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not remediated appropriately or timely, could affect our ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, impair our ability to prepare financial statements, negatively affect investor confidence, and cause reputational harm.

Effective internal controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable and accurate financial reporting and financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could lead to violations, unintentional or otherwise, of laws and regulations. As disclosed in Part I, Item 4 “Controls and Procedures,” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023, we determined that there is a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and as a result, our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of September 30, 2023. While the Company is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the material weakness, there can be no assurance that the efforts will fully remediate the material weakness in a timely manner. If the Company is unable to remediate the material weakness, or is otherwise unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected. As a public benefit corporation, we are required to seek to produce a public benefit or benefits and to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, balancing our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by our certificate of incorporation. Litigation, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions arising out of any such failure or alleged failure could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could materially and adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, and operating results. The material weakness, remediation efforts, and any related litigation, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions will require management attention and resources and cause us to incur unanticipated costs, and could negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements, cause us reputational harm, and raise other risks to our operations.

The market price of our common stock is volatile. Stockholders may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at times or at prices they find attractive.

The trading price of our common stock has historically and will likely in the future fluctuate significantly as a result of a number of factors, including the following:

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since 2010 and we may not pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock since June 2010, initially due, in part, to regulatory restrictions and the operating losses we have previously experienced. We have not determined to pay cash dividends on our common stock at any time in the near future. We have not determined to pay cash dividends on our common stock at any time in the near future.

Stock sales by us or other dilution of our equity may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

The issuance of additional shares of our common stock, or securities that are convertible into our common stock, may be determined to be necessary or advisable at times when our stock price is below book value, which could be substantially dilutive to existing holders of our common stock. The market value of our common stock could also decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of our common stock or any future class or series of stock or the perception that such sales could occur.

Anti-takeover provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal and state law and our stockholder rights plan may limit the ability of another party to acquire the Company, which could depress our stock price.

Various provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and certain other actions that we have taken could delay or prevent a third-party from acquiring control of the Company even if such a transaction might be considered beneficial by our stockholders. These include, among others, our classified board of directors, the fact that directors may only be removed for cause, advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations of director candidates or presenting proposals at our annual stockholder meetings, super-majority stockholder voting requirements for amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and for certain business combination transactions, and the authorization to issue “blank check” preferred stock by action of our board of directors, without obtaining stockholder approval. These include, among others, our classified board of directors, the fact that directors may only be removed for cause, advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations of director candidates or presenting proposals at our annual stockholder meetings, super-majority stockholder voting requirements for amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and for certain business combination transactions, and the authorization to issue “blank check” preferred stock by action of our board of directors, without obtaining stockholder approval. In addition, we approved a stockholder rights plan in September 2019, the purpose of which was to protect our stockholders against the possibility of attempts to acquire control of or influence over the Company through open market or privately negotiated purchases of our common stock without payment of a fair price to all of our stockholders or through other tactics that do not provide fair treatment to all stockholders. In addition, we approved a stockholder rights plan in September 2019, the purpose of which was to protect our stockholders against the possibility of attempts to acquire control of or influence over the Company through open market or privately negotiated purchases of our common stock without payment of a fair price to all of our stockholders or through other tactics that do not provide fair treatment to all stockholders. These provisions and the stockholder rights plan could be used by our board of directors to prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to stockholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our common stock.

Our common stock is not insured and stockholders could lose the value of their entire investment.

An investment in shares of our common stock is not a deposit and is not insured against loss or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) or any other government agency or authority.

If we were to lose our status as a CDFI, our ability to obtain grants and awards as a CDFI similar to those received in the past may be lost.

The Bank and the Company are certified as CDFIs by the United States Department of the Treasury. CDFI status increases a financial institution’s potential for receiving grants and awards that, in turn, enable the financial institution to increase the level of community development financial services that it provides to communities. CDFI status increases a financial institution’s potential for receiving grants and awards that, in turn, enable the financial institution to increase the level of community development financial services that it provides to communities. Broadway Federal Bank received over $3 million in Bank Enterprise Awards from the CDFI Fund over the last ten years. We reinvest the proceeds from CDFI-related grants and awards back into the communities we serve. While we believe we will be able to meet the certification criteria required to continue our CDFI status, there is no certainty that we will be able to do so. If we do not meet one or more of the criteria, the CDFI Fund, in its sole discretion, may provide an opportunity for us to cure deficiencies prior to issuing a notice of termination of certification. A loss of CDFI status, and the resulting inability to obtain certain grants and awards received in the past, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business. A loss of CDFI status, and the resulting inability to obtain certain grants and awards received in the past, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business.

Systems failures, interruptions and cybersecurity breaches in our information technology and telecommunications systems and of third-party service providers could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our business is dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and the systems of its third-party service providers. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. The failure of these systems, or the termination 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. 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. If significant, sustained, or repeated, a system failure or service denial could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If significant, sustained, or repeated, a system failure or service denial could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our information technology systems and of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security breaches. We likely will expend additional resources to protect against the threat of such cybersecurity incident, or to alleviate problems caused by such cybersecurity incident. We likely will expend additional resources to protect against the threat of such security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by such security breaches or viruses. However, there can be no certainty that these measures will be sufficient in safeguarding against any such threats. Security breaches and viruses potentially exposing sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information about our customers and employees, could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation costs and other possible liabilities and reputational harm. Security breaches and viruses potentially exposing sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information about our customers and employees, could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation costs and other possible liabilities and reputational harm. Further, there can be no assurance that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover any losses that may result from a cybersecurity incident or breach of our systems.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological change, and we may not have the resources to effectively implement new technology or may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs while increasing customer service and convenience. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs while increasing customer service and convenience. 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 create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our products and service offerings. 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 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 result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits from such new technology or incurring significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements or products, which could result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits from such new technology or incurring significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.

Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products compared to those that we are able to provide, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we may lose customers seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services.

The markets in which we operate are susceptible to natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, drought, flooding, extreme heat, and other severe weather or catastrophic events, any of which could result in a disruption of our operations and increases in loan losses.

A significant portion of our business is generated from markets that have been, and will continue to be, susceptible to damage by earthquakes, fires, drought, major seasonal flooding, and other severe weather or catastrophic events. In addition, natural disasters and other adverse external events can disrupt our operations, cause widespread property damage, and severely depress the local economies in which we operate. The value of real estate or other collateral that secures our loans could be materially and adversely affected by a disaster, resulting in decreased revenue and loan losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The value of real estate or other collateral that secures our loans could be materially and adversely affected by a disaster, resulting in decreased revenue and loan losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If the economies in our primary markets experience an overall decline as a result of a natural disaster, severe weather, or other catastrophic event, demand for loans and our other products and services could be reduced. In addition, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and loan losses may increase substantially, as uninsured property losses or sustained job interruption or loss may materially impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. In addition, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and loan losses may increase substantially, as uninsured property losses or sustained job interruption or loss may materially impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans.

We cannot provide any assurance that we will achieve our public benefit purposes.

As a public benefit corporation, we are required to seek to produce a public benefit or benefits and to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, balancing our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by our certificate of incorporation. There is no assurance that we will achieve our public benefit purposes or that the expected positive impact from being a public benefit corporation will be realized, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business. There is no assurance that we will achieve our public benefit purposes or that the expected positive impact from being a public benefit corporation will be realized, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business. As a public benefit corporation, we are required to report publicly at least biennially on the overall public benefit performance and on the assessment of our success in achieving our specific public benefit purpose. If we are not timely in providing this report or are unable to provide this report, or if the report is not viewed favorably by parties doing business with us or who are regulators or others reviewing its credentials, our reputation and status as a public benefit corporation may be harmed. If we are not timely in providing this report or are unable to provide this report, or if the report is not viewed favorably by parties doing business with us or who are regulators or others reviewing its credentials, our reputation and status as a public benefit corporation may be harmed.

As a Delaware public benefit corporation, our focus on specific public benefit purposes and producing a positive effect for society can negatively impact our financial performance.

Unlike traditional corporations, which have a fiduciary duty to focus primarily on maximizing stockholder value, directors of the Company (as a public benefit corporation) have a fiduciary duty to consider not only our stockholders’ interests, but also the Company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies and to balance those interests in making business decisions. As a result, actions we take that we believe to be in the best interests of those stakeholders and to help achieve our specific benefit purposes do not always fully align with our stockholder’s pecuniary interests. As a result, we may take actions that we believe to be in the best interests of those stakeholders materially affected by our specific benefit purposes, even if those actions do not further our stockholder’s pecuniary interests. While we intend our status as a public benefit corporation to provide an overall net benefit to the Company, our customers, employees, community, and stockholders, this could result in actions or decisions that may not maximize the income generated from our business. While we intend our status a public benefit corporation to provide an overall net benefit to the Company, our customers, employees, community, and stockholders, it could instead cause us to make decisions and take actions that may not maximize the income generated from our business. In addition, our pursuit of longer-term or non-pecuniary benefits may not materialize within the timeframe we expect or at all. Accordingly, our corporate form as a public benefit corporation and compliance with the related obligations can have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business. Accordingly, being a public benefit corporation and complying with the related obligations may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business.

Furthermore, as a public benefit corporation, we may be less attractive as a takeover target than a traditional company would be and, therefore, our stockholders’ ability to realize their investment through an acquisition may be reduced. Public benefit corporations may also not be attractive targets for activists or hedge fund investors because directors are required to balance our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our Company’s conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by the Company’s certificate of incorporation, and stockholders committed to the public benefit can bring a suit to enforce this balancing requirement. Public benefit corporations may also not be attractive targets for activists or hedge fund investors because directors would be required to balance our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by the Company’s certificate of incorporation, and stockholders committed to the public benefit can bring a suit to enforce this balancing requirement. Further, because the board of directors of a public benefit corporation considers additional constituencies rather than just maximizing stockholder value, Delaware public benefit corporation law could make it easier for a board to reject a hostile bid, even if the takeover would provide the greatest short-term financial gain to stockholders.

As a Delaware public benefit corporation, the Company’s directors have a fiduciary duty to consider not only our stockholders’ interests, but also the specific public benefit purposes we have committed to promote and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies. If a conflict between such interests arises, there is no guarantee such conflict would be resolved in favor of the interests of our stockholders.

While directors of traditional corporations are required to make decisions they believe to be in the best interests of their stockholders, directors of a public benefit corporation have a fiduciary duty to consider not only the stockholders’ interests, but also the company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies. Under Delaware law, directors are shielded from liability for breach of their fiduciary duties if they make informed and disinterested decisions that serve a rational purpose. Under Delaware law, directors are shielded from liability for breach of their fiduciary duties if they make informed and disinterested decisions that serve a rational purpose. Unlike traditional corporations which must focus exclusively on stockholder value, as a public benefit corporation, our directors are not merely permitted, but obligated, to consider, in addition to the interests of stockholders, the Company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies in making business decisions. Unlike traditional corporations which must focus exclusively on stockholder value, as a public benefit corporation, our directors are not merely permitted, but obligated, to consider, in addition to the interests of stockholders, the Company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies in making business decisions. In the event of a conflict between the interests of our stockholders and the specific public benefit purposes, we have a commitment to consider the interests of other stakeholder constituencies, and therefore, our directors are obligated to balance those interests, and are deemed to have satisfied their fiduciary duties as long as their decisions are informed and disinterested and are not decisions that no person of ordinary, sound judgment would approve. In the event of a conflict between the interests of our stockholders and the specific public benefit purposes we have committed to promote and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies, our directors are obligated to balance those interests, and are deemed to have satisfied their fiduciary duties as long as their decisions are informed and disinterested and are not decisions that no person of ordinary, sound judgment would approve. As a result, there is no certainty that a conflict would be resolved in favor of our stockholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business. As a result, there is no certainty that a conflict would be resolved in favor of our stockholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business.

As a Delaware public benefit corporation, we may be subject to increased derivative litigation concerning our duty to balance stockholder and public benefit interests, the occurrence of which may have an adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

Stockholders of a Delaware public benefit corporation (if they, individually or collectively, own at least two percent of the company’s outstanding shares or, in the case of a corporation with shares listed on a national securities exchange, the lesser of such percentage or shares with a market value of at least $2 million as of the date the action is filed) are entitled to file a lawsuit (individual, derivative, or any other type of action) claiming the directors failed to balance stockholder and public benefit interests. This potential claim does not exist for traditional corporations. Therefore, we are subject to the possibility of increased derivative litigation, which would require the attention of our management, and, as a result, may adversely impact management’s ability to effectively execute our strategy. Therefore, we may be subject to the possibility of increased derivative litigation, which would require the attention of our management, and, as a result, may adversely impact management’s ability to effectively execute our strategy. Additionally, such derivative litigation may be costly, which may have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business. Additionally, such derivative litigation may be costly, which may have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business.

Not applicable.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations and to store sensitive data. We employ an in‑depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes, and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We employ an in‑depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes, and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We employ a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected persistent threats. Notwithstanding the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cybersecurity attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. While to date we have not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, our systems and those of our customers and third‑party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that we could experience a significant event in the future. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of internet banking, mobile banking and other technology‑based products and services by us and our customers. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of internet banking, mobile banking and other technology‑based products and services by us and our customers.

The security and maintenance of our information technology systems is important to our operations and business strategy. To this end, we have implemented processes designed to assess, identify, and manage risks from potential unauthorized occurrences on or through our information technology systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of these systems and the data residing therein. These processes are managed and monitored by a dedicated information technology team, which is led by our Chief Information Security Officer, and includes mechanisms, controls, technologies, systems, and other processes designed to prevent or mitigate data loss, theft, misuse, or other security incidents or vulnerabilities affecting the data and to maintain a stable information technology environment. For example, we conduct penetration and vulnerability tests, data recovery tests, security audits, and ongoing risk assessments, including due diligence on our key technology vendors, contractors, and suppliers. We conduct regular employee training on cybersecurity and information security, among other topics. In addition, we consult with outside advisors and experts, when appropriate, on a regular basis to assist with assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity risks, including anticipated future threats and trends, and their estimated impact on the Company’s risk environment.