ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

Current report

The development and use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) present risks and challenges that may adversely impact our business.

Current report

We have begun and intend to continue to selectively incorporate AI technology in certain business processes, fraud detections, services or products, including technologies that process sensitive financial and/or personal data. We have also selectively employed AI technologies to assist in drafting standardized documents and communications, and to search information on the internet. Furthermore, our third-party vendors, clients or counterparties may develop or incorporate AI technology into their business processes, services or products.

Current report

The development and use of AI present a number of risks and challenges to our business. The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving at both the state and federal level, and includes regulation targeted specifically at AI as well as provisions in intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, employment and other laws applicable to the use of AI. These evolving laws and regulations could require changes in our implementation of AI technology and increase our compliance costs and the risk of non-compliance, including in relation to data privacy and security requirements under laws such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley-Act (“GLBA”), which mandates the protection of consumer financial information.

Current report

AI models, particularly generative AI models, may produce output or decisions or take action that is incorrect, that results in the release of private, confidential or proprietary information, that reflects biases included in the data on which they are trained or that are inherent in their algorithms, that produces output that is, or is perceived to be, discriminatory or unfair, that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others, or that is otherwise harmful.

Current report

While we have policies and governance structures prohibiting our employees from using non-approved generative AI applications or websites on the Company or the Bank’s network or devices, there can be no assurances that our employees will adhere to these policies or that such policies and governance structures will be effective in mitigating the risks associated with using AI technology.

Current report

Since personally identifiable or nonpublic information may be used with AI applications, there is a risk that these technologies generate output that improperly discloses such personally identifiable or nonpublic information. The use of personally identifiable or nonpublic information could result in a violation of certain laws, including data privacy laws and the data privacy and security requirements of the GLBA, exposing us to legal liability or regulatory penalties. In addition, the complexity of many AI models makes it challenging to understand why they are generating particular outputs. This limited transparency increases the challenges associated with assessing the proper operation of AI models, understanding and monitoring the capabilities of the AI models, ensuring adherence to our privacy policies, reducing erroneous output, eliminating bias and discrimination and complying with regulations that require documentation or explanation of the basis on which decisions are made. Further, we may rely on AI models developed by third parties, and, to that extent, would be dependent in part on the manner in which those third parties develop and train their models, including risks arising from the inclusion of any unauthorized material in the training data for their models, and the effectiveness of the steps these third parties have taken to limit the risks associated with the output of their models, matters over which we may have limited visibility.

Current report

Any of these risks could expose us to liability or adverse legal or regulatory consequences and harm our reputation and the public perception of our business or the effectiveness of our security measures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Previous report

We have also been active in competing for New York and New Jersey governmental and municipal deposits. As of December 31, 2024, governmental and municipal deposits accounted for approximately $1.1 billion in deposits. The governor of New Jersey has proposed that the state form and own a bank in which governmental and municipal entities would deposit their excess funds, with the state-owned bank then financing small businesses and municipal projects in New Jersey. Although this proposal has not advanced, should this proposal be adopted and a state-owned bank formed, it could impede our ability to attract and retain governmental and municipal deposits.

Previous report

The Company will be subject to heightened regulatory requirements when total assets exceed $10 billion.

Previous report

The Company’s total assets were $9.880 billion as of December 31, 2024. Upon consummation of the FLIC merger, our assets will be substantially in excess of $10 billion. Banks with assets in excess of $10 billion are subject to requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations, including: the examination authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assess compliance with Federal consumer financial laws, imposition of higher FDIC premiums, and reduced debit card interchange fees, all of which increase operating costs and reduce earnings.

Previous report

As the Company has approached $10 billion in total consolidated assets, additional costs have been incurred to prepare for the implementation of these imposed requirements. The Company may be required to invest more significant management attention and resources to evaluate and continue to make any changes necessary to comply with the new statutory and regulatory requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act. Any failure of the Company to meet these requirements may negatively impact results of operations and financial condition.

Previous report

Risks Applicable to our Proposed Merger with FLIC

Previous report

Shareholders of ConnectOne will have less influence as shareholders of the combined company than as a shareholder of ConnectOne prior to the completion of the merger.

Previous report

The shareholders of ConnectOne will experience a decline in their influence over the resulting entity in the merger. Presently, ConnectOne shareholders have the right to control ConnectOne through their ability to elect the board of directors of ConnectOne and to vote on other matters affecting ConnectOne. As a result of the merger, the existing shareholders of ConnectOne will own approximately 76% of the combined company’s outstanding common stock. Consequently, while the existing shareholders of ConnectOne will continue to own a majority of the outstanding shares of the combined company and thus will continue to have the ability to control the vote on most matters submitted to the shareholders of the combined company, the extent of the existing ConnectOne shareholders’ influence over the management and policies of the combined company will be less than their current influence over the management and policies of ConnectOne.

Previous report

Before the merger and the bank merger may be completed, ConnectOne and FLIC must obtain approvals from, or provide notice to, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Other approvals, waivers or consents from regulators may also be required. In determining whether to grant these approvals the regulators consider a variety of factors. An adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing or these factors could result in an inability to obtain approvals or delay their receipt. These regulators may impose conditions on the completion of the holding company merger or the bank merger or require changes to the terms of the merger or the bank merger. Such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the merger or the bank merger or imposing additional costs on or limiting the revenues of the combined company following the merger and the bank merger, any of which might have an adverse effect on the combined company following the merger.

Previous report

ConnectOne may need to raise additional capital in connection with the merger.

Previous report

In order to further support the capital ratios of the combined entity, ConnectOne expects that it will raise additional capital as part of the transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, ConnectOne has agreed that it would raise up to $200 million in new capital if required to obtain any necessary regulatory approval. The actual amount of capital to be raised, the timing, and the type of securities to be issued by ConnectOne to raise such capital, have not yet been determined. We can offer you no assurances that ConnectOne will be able to raise additional capital in connection with the merger. If ConnectOne is unable to raise additional capital, it may negatively impact ConnectOne’s ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the merger.

Previous report

Failure to complete the merger could severely disadvantage ConnectOne.

Previous report

Completion of the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions. ConnectOne or FLIC cannot guarantee when or if these conditions will be satisfied or that the merger will be successfully completed. The consummation of the merger may be delayed, the merger may be consummated on terms different than those contemplated by the merger agreement, or the merger may not be consummated at all. If the merger is not completed, the ongoing business of ConnectOne may be adversely affected, and ConnectOne will be subject to several risks, including the following:

Previous report

In addition, if the merger is not completed, ConnectOne may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from its customers and employees. ConnectOne also could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or to enforcement proceedings commenced against ConnectOne to perform its obligations under the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, ConnectOne cannot assure shareholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect the stock price and business and financial results of ConnectOne.

Previous report

The expected benefits of the merger may not be realized if the combined company does not achieve cost savings and other benefits.

Previous report

The expectation by the management teams of ConnectOne and FLIC that cost savings and revenue enhancements are achievable is a forward-looking statement that is inherently uncertain. The combined company’s actual cost savings and revenue enhancements, if any, cannot be quantified at this time. Any actual cost savings or revenue enhancements will depend on future expense levels and operating results, the timing of certain events and general industry, regulatory and business conditions. Many of these events will be beyond the control of the combined company.

Previous report

ConnectOne will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions, while the merger is pending.

Previous report

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on ConnectOne. These uncertainties may impair ConnectOne’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is completed, and could cause customers and others that deal with ConnectOne to seek to change existing business relationships with ConnectOne. Retention of certain employees by ConnectOne may be challenging while the merger is pending, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with ConnectOne. If key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with ConnectOne, ConnectOne’s business could be harmed. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, ConnectOne has agreed to operate its business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practices, prior to closing. This could prohibit ConnectOne from taking advantage of a new business opportunity prior to consummation of the merger.

Previous report

Shareholder litigation could prevent or delay the completion of the merger or otherwise negatively impact the business and operations of ConnectOne.

Previous report

ConnectOne shareholders and/or FLIC shareholders may file lawsuits against ConnectOne, FLIC and/or the directors and officers of either company in connection with the merger. If any plaintiff were successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting ConnectOne or FLIC from completing the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, then such injunction may delay or prevent the effectiveness of the merger and could result in significant costs to ConnectOne, including any cost associated with the indemnification of directors and officers or the defense or settlement of any shareholder lawsuits filed in connection with the merger. Such litigation could have an adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations of ConnectOne and could prevent or delay the completion of the merger.

Previous report

The combined company may be unable to retain ConnectOne and/or FLIC personnel successfully after the merger is completed.

Previous report

The success of the merger will depend in part on the combined company’s ability to retain the talents and dedication of key employees currently employed by ConnectOne and FLIC. It is possible that these employees may decide not to remain with ConnectOne or FLIC, as applicable, while the merger is pending or with the combined company after the merger is consummated. If ConnectOne is unable to retain key employees, including management, who are critical to the successful integration and future operations of the companies, ConnectOne could face disruptions in their operations, loss of existing customers, loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated additional recruitment costs. In addition, following the merger, if key employees terminate their employment, the combined company’s business activities may be adversely affected, and management’s attention may be diverted from successfully hiring suitable replacements, all of which may cause the combined company’s business to suffer. ConnectOne also may not be able to locate or retain suitable replacements for any key employees who leave the company.

Previous report

Unanticipated costs relating to the merger could reduce ConnectOne’s future earnings per share.

Previous report

ConnectOne has incurred substantial legal, accounting, financial advisory and other merger-related costs, and ConnectOne’s management has devoted considerable time and effort in connection with the merger. If the merger is not completed, ConnectOne will bear certain fees and expenses associated with the merger without realizing the benefits of the merger. If the merger is completed, ConnectOne expects to incur substantial expenses in connection with integrating the business, operations, network, systems, technologies, policies and procedures of the two companies. The fees and expenses may be significant and could have an adverse impact on ConnectOne’s results of operations.

Previous report

ConnectOne believes that it has reasonably estimated the likely costs of integrating the operations of ConnectOne and FLIC, and the incremental costs of operating as a combined company. However, it is possible that unexpected transaction costs such as taxes, fees or professional expenses or unexpected future operating expenses such as increased personnel costs or increased taxes, as well as other types of unanticipated adverse developments, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the combined company. If unexpected costs are incurred, the merger could have a dilutive effect on ConnectOne’s earnings per share. In other words, if the merger is completed, the earnings per share of ConnectOne common stock could be less than anticipated or even less than if the merger had not been completed.

Previous report

Issuance of shares of ConnectOne common stock in connection with the merger may adversely affect the market price of ConnectOne common stock.

Previous report

In connection with the payment of the merger consideration, ConnectOne expects to issue approximately 12 million shares of ConnectOne common stock to FLIC shareholders. The issuance of these new shares of ConnectOne common stock may result in fluctuations in the market price of ConnectOne's common stock, including a stock price decrease.

Previous report

In addition to increases in interest rates, the FOMC has also changed its stance on monetary policy as an additional effort to reduce inflation. Beginning in the second half of 2022, the FOMC began reducing its balance sheet, implementing a program of quantitative tightening to reduce the overall money supply. As a result, we may face greater competition for deposits, resulting in a higher cost of funds and a reduced net interest margin, as well as greater liquidity risk to continue to fund our loan originations. We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of the FOMC’s quantitative tightening program. However, if the program significantly tightens the nation’s money supply, it may adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

Previous report

For example, implementation of all required regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act may result in substantial new compliance costs. The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law on July 21, 2010. Generally, the Dodd-Frank Act is effective the day after it was signed into law, but different effective dates apply to specific sections of the law, many of which will not become effective until various Federal regulatory agencies have promulgated rules implementing the statutory provisions. Ultimately, final implementation the Dodd-Frank Act could have a material adverse impact either on the financial services industry as a whole, or on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

An increase in interest rates applicable to their loans may negatively impact our borrowers, increasing their costs and potentially making it more difficult for them to continue to perform under their loan agreements. Any increase in late payments or defaults by our borrowers due to increases in the interest rates applicable to their loans could adversely affect our asset quality and results of operations.