FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP INC

Current report

Emerging financial technologies such as digital assets, stablecoins, and distributed ledger systems may reduce the demand for traditional banking services and create new competitive pressures that adversely affect our business.

Current report

The rapid development and increasing regulatory acceptance of financial technologies such as digital assets (including cryptocurrencies and tokenized money), stablecoins, and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) could materially alter the landscape of financial services in the coming years. These technologies enable near-instantaneous value transfer, programmable money, and peer-to-peer settlement mechanisms, many of which may operate outside the traditional banking system.

Current report

Large technology companies, fintech platforms, and digital asset service providers—some of which are not subject to the same regulatory or capital constraints as depository institutions—are increasingly offering products that compete with core banking functions, such as payments, custody, lending, and liquidity management. The adoption of digital financial infrastructure by governments or central banks, such as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), or by major corporate platforms could accelerate these shifts.

Current report

As a relatively small financial institution, we may be disproportionately impacted by these developments. Our ability to compete with larger institutions or well-capitalized technology entrants in developing or integrating such technologies is limited by our size, risk appetite, and regulatory obligations. A failure to adapt to or participate in these emerging ecosystems—either directly or through strategic partnerships—could erode our relevance in key banking functions, reduce our share of customer deposits and fee income, and adversely affect our long-term growth prospects and financial condition.

Current report

Risks Related to Regulation of Payment Stablecoins and Digital Assets

Current report

Recent federal legislation, including the GENIUS Act enacted in mid-2025, established new regulatory requirements for payment stablecoins issued by banking organizations and their subsidiaries. Compliance with these requirements involves maintaining adequate asset reserves, extensive reporting obligations, independent audits, and increased supervisory oversight. Our potential involvement in issuing or supporting payment stablecoins could expose us to regulatory compliance risks, increased operational costs, and evolving legal uncertainties. Additionally, rapid changes in digital asset regulation or adverse regulatory interpretations could adversely affect our business strategies and prospects in this emerging market, which could materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.