PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES INC

Previous wording

The approvals received by the Company and the Bank from the bank regulatory authorities to consummate the merger with Lakeland were subject to certain regulatory conditions which continue to apply following the closing of the merger. The regulatory conditions include, but are not limited to: for three years following consummation of the merger, the Bank must maintain regulatory capital ratios at or above 8.50% for Tier 1 Leverage Capital and 11.25% for Total Risk Based Capital; and the Bank must maintain its commercial real estate concentrations (as a percent of capital and reserves) at levels at or below those forecasted in the pro forma financial projections that the Bank submitted to the FDIC. The failure to continue to comply with the regulatory conditions could result in supervisory and enforcement actions against the Company and the Bank, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties, and could constrain the Company’s business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

The approvals received by the Company and the Bank from the bank regulatory authorities to consummate the merger with Lakeland were subject to certain regulatory conditions which continue to apply following the closing of the merger. The regulatory conditions include, but are not limited to: for three years following consummation of the merger, the Bank must maintain regulatory capital ratios at or above 8.50% for Tier 1 Leverage Capital and 11.25% for Total Risk Based Capital; and the Bank must maintain its commercial real estate concentrations (as a percent of capital and reserves) at levels at or below those forecasted in the pro forma financial projections that the Bank submitted to the FDIC. The failure to continue to comply with the regulatory conditions may result in supervisory and enforcement actions against the Company and the Bank, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties, and could constrain the Company’s business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

On September 29, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey approved a consent order entered into by Lakeland Bank with the DOJ to resolve allegations of violations of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act within the Newark, New Jersey-Pennsylvania Metro Division, as constituted in 2015 (the “DOJ Consent Order”). The DOJ Consent Order required Lakeland Bank to, among other things, invest $12 million over five years in a loan subsidy fund to increase credit opportunities to residents of majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Union Counties, New Jersey (the “Newark Lending Area”), and devote a minimum of $400,000 over five years toward community development partnership contributions in the Newark Lending Area, and $150,000 per year over five years toward advertising, community outreach, and credit repair and education in the Newark Lending Area. The DOJ Consent Order also required Lakeland Bank to establish two new full-service branches in majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts: one in Newark, New Jersey and one in the Newark Lending Area. In addition, Lakeland Bank was required to continue to maintain its full-time Community Development Officer position to oversee these efforts throughout the term of the consent order.

Current wording

On September 29, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey approved a consent order entered into by Lakeland Bank with the DOJ to resolve allegations of violations of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act within the Newark, New Jersey-Pennsylvania Metro Division, as constituted in 2015 (the “DOJ Consent Order”). The DOJ Consent Order required Lakeland Bank to, among other things, invest $12 million over five years in a loan subsidy fund to increase credit opportunities to residents of majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Union Counties, New Jersey (the “Newark Lending Area”), and devote a minimum of $400,000 over five years toward community development partnership contributions in the Newark Lending Area, and $150,000 per year over five years toward advertising, community outreach, and credit repair and education in the Newark Lending Area. The DOJ Consent Order also required Lakeland Bank to establish two new full-service branches in majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts: one in Newark, New Jersey and one in the Newark Lending Area. In addition, Lakeland Bank was required to continue to maintain its full-time Community Development Officer position (or similar officer designated with the community lending function) to oversee these efforts throughout the term of the consent order.

Previous wording

As required by the terms of the DOJ Consent Order, the Bank, as the resulting institution in the bank merger, assumed all obligations of Lakeland Bank under the DOJ Consent Order. Although the Bank is committed to full compliance with the DOJ Consent Order, achieving such compliance has required and will require significant management attention from the Bank and has caused and may continue to cause the Bank to incur significant costs and expenses. Actions taken to achieve compliance with the DOJ Consent Order may affect the Bank’s business or financial performance and may require the Bank to reallocate resources away from existing businesses or to undertake significant changes to its business, operations, products and services and risk management practices. In addition, although the DOJ Consent Order resolved all claims by the DOJ against Lakeland Bank, the Company and the Bank could be subject to other enforcement actions relating to the alleged violations resolved by the DOJ Consent Order as well as relating to any failure or delay to comply with one or more of the terms of the DOJ Consent Order.

Current wording

As required by the terms of the DOJ Consent Order, the Bank, as the resulting institution in the bank merger, assumed all obligations of Lakeland Bank under the DOJ Consent Order. While the Bank is committed to full compliance with the DOJ Consent Order, achieving such compliance has required and will require significant management attention from the Bank and has caused and may continue to cause the Bank to incur significant costs and expenses. Actions taken to achieve compliance with the DOJ Consent Order may affect the Bank’s business or financial performance and may require the Bank to reallocate resources away from existing businesses or to undertake significant changes to its business, operations, products and services and risk management practices. In addition, although the DOJ Consent Order resolved all claims by the DOJ against Lakeland Bank, the Company and the Bank could be subject to other enforcement actions relating to the alleged violations resolved by the DOJ Consent Order as well as relating to any failure or delay to comply with one or more of the terms of the DOJ Consent Order.

Previous wording

As the Federal Reserve has maintained higher interest rates, our interest-bearing liabilities may continue to be subject to repricing or maturing more quickly than our interest-earning assets. Persistent elevated short-term rates continue to require us to increase the rates we pay on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than we can increase the interest rates we earn on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income. In addition, the effect of high rates continue to be compounded as deposit customers move funds into higher yielding accounts or are lost to competitors offering higher rates on their deposit products. We are unable to predict whether current rates will persist or if the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates going forward. Should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest income could also be negatively affected if competitive pressures prevent us from reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.

Current wording

As the Federal Reserve has maintained higher interest rates, our interest-bearing liabilities may continue to be subject to repricing or maturing more quickly than our interest-earning assets. Persistent elevated short-term rates could require us to increase the rates we pay on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than we can increase the interest rates we earn on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income. In addition, the effect of high rates continue to be compounded as deposit customers move funds into higher yielding accounts or are lost to competitors offering higher rates on their deposit products. We are unable to predict whether current rates will persist or if the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates going forward. Should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest income could also be negatively affected if competitive pressures prevent us from reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.

Previous wording

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets, and particularly our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, our available for sale debt securities portfolio totaled $2.77 billion. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Therefore, decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity.

Current wording

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets, and particularly our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2025, our available for sale debt securities portfolio totaled $3.16 billion. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Therefore, decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity.

Previous wording

A general economic slowdown could affect our core banking business. As of December 31, 2024, various economic indicators suggested that real gross domestic product had expanded throughout 2024. The unemployment rate had increased, on net, but remained low relative to historic levels. Consumer price inflation, as measured by the 12-month change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures, had moved lower compared to its peak level in 2023. Despite improved projections, unforeseen adverse changes in the economy and a possible recession could negatively affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or force us to offer lower interest rates to encourage new borrowing activity.

Current wording

Changes in economic conditions in the broader market, in our market area, or in our local market, could affect our core banking business. As of December 31, 2025, various economic indicators suggested that real gross domestic product had expanded throughout 2025. The unemployment rate had increased, on net, but remained low relative to historic levels. Consumer price inflation, as measured by the 12-month change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures, remained below its peak level in 2023. Nevertheless, unforeseen changes in the economy or in foreign or domestic policy such as tariffs or international conflicts could negatively affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or force us to offer lower interest rates to encourage new borrowing activity.

Previous wording

We consider our commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and construction loans to be higher risk categories in our loan portfolio. These loans are particularly sensitive to economic conditions. As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio of commercial real estate loans, including multi-family loans, totaled $10.61 billion, or 57.5% of total loans, our commercial and industrial loans totaled $4.61 billion, or 25.0% of portfolio loans, and our construction loans totaled $823.5 million, or 4.5% of total loans.

Current wording

We consider our commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and construction loans to be higher risk categories in our loan portfolio. These loans are particularly sensitive to economic conditions. As of December 31, 2025, our portfolio of commercial real estate loans, including multi-family loans, totaled $11.07 billion, or 57.3% of total loans, our commercial and industrial loans totaled $5.20 billion, or 26.9% of portfolio loans, and our construction loans totaled $662.1 million, or 3.4% of total loans.

Previous wording

Commercial real estate loans generally involve a higher degree of credit risk because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy, such as vacancy rates and changes in rental rates. Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate also often depend on the successful operation and management of the businesses that occupy these properties or the financial stability of tenants occupying the properties. Furthermore, these loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, declining rents, tenant defaults, or changes in government regulation. As of December 31, 2024, our CRE office portfolio totaled $884.1 million dollars, with approximately 13% being loans in New York. In our CRE multi-family portfolio,loans that are collateralized by rent stabilized apartments comprise less than 0.80% of the total loan portfolio and are all performing. In the case of commercial and industrial loans, although we strive to maintain high credit standards and limit exposure to any one borrower, the collateral for these loans often consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. This type of collateral typically does not yield substantial recovery in the event we need to foreclose on it and may rapidly deteriorate, disappear, or be misdirected in advance of foreclosure. This adds to the potential that our charge-offs will be volatile, which could significantly negatively affect our earnings in any quarter. In addition, some of our construction loans may pose higher risk than the levels expected at origination, as projects may stall, interest reserves may be inadequate, absorption may be slower than projected or sales prices or rents may be lower than forecasted. In addition, many of our borrowers have more than one commercial real estate or construction loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship may expose the Company to significantly greater risk of loss.

Current wording

Commercial real estate loans generally involve a higher degree of credit risk because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy, such as vacancy rates and changes in rental rates. Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate also often depend on the successful operation and management of the businesses that occupy these properties or the financial stability of tenants occupying the properties. Furthermore, these loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, declining rents, tenant defaults, or changes in government regulation. Included in our commercial real estate portfolio, our CRE office portfolio totaled $775.5 million, which includes but is not limited to markets such as New York (approximately 15% of such loans). In our CRE multi-family portfolio, loans that are collateralized by rent stabilized apartments comprise less than one percent of the total loan portfolio and are all performing. In the case of commercial and industrial loans, although we strive to maintain high credit standards and limit exposure to any one borrower, the collateral for these loans often consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. This type of collateral typically does not yield substantial recovery in the event we need to foreclose on it and may rapidly deteriorate, disappear, or be misdirected in advance of foreclosure. This adds to the potential that our charge-offs will be volatile, which could significantly negatively affect our earnings in any quarter. In addition, some of our construction loans may pose higher risk than the levels expected at origination, as projects may stall, interest reserves may be inadequate, absorption may be slower than projected or sales prices or rents may be lower than forecasted. In addition, many of our borrowers have more than one commercial real estate or construction loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship may expose the Company to significantly greater risk of loss.

Previous wording

As a result of uncertain political, credit and financial market conditions, including the potential consequences of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time due to federal debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government pose credit default and liquidity risks. Given that future deterioration in the U.S. credit and financial markets is a possibility, no assurance can be made that losses or significant deterioration in the fair value of our U.S. government issued or guaranteed investments will not occur. Downgrades to the U.S. credit rating could affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the federal government and the valuation or liquidity of our portfolio of such investment securities and could result in our counterparties requiring additional collateral for our borrowings. Further, unless and until U.S. political, credit and financial market conditions have been sufficiently resolved or stabilized, it may increase our future borrowing costs.

Current wording

As a result of uncertain political, credit and financial market conditions, including the potential consequences of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time due to federal debt ceiling limitations, failing to pass a federal budget through Congress, or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government pose credit default and liquidity risks. Given that future deterioration in the U.S. credit and financial markets is a possibility, no assurance can be made that losses or significant deterioration in the fair value of our U.S. government issued or guaranteed investments will not occur. Downgrades to the U.S. credit rating could affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the federal government and the valuation or liquidity of our portfolio of such investment securities and could result in our counterparties requiring additional collateral for our borrowings. Further, unless and until U.S. political, credit and financial market conditions have been sufficiently resolved or stabilized, it may increase our future borrowing costs.

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by various regulatory authorities, but primarily by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, our chartering authority, and by the FDIC, as insurer of our deposits. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which a bank and its holding company may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. Following the bank failures in early 2023, regulators have increasingly focused on banks’ sources of liquidity, deposit mixes and concentration within certain sectors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to require that we hold additional capital, restrict our operations, modify the classification of our assets, increase our allowance for credit losses, and strengthen the management of risks posed by our reliance on third party vendors. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on the Company’s operations.

Current wording

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by various regulatory authorities, but primarily by the NJDOBI, our chartering authority, and by the FDIC, as insurer of our deposits. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which a bank and its holding company may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. Following the bank failures in early 2023, regulators have increasingly focused on banks’ sources of liquidity, deposit mixes and concentration within certain sectors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to require that we hold additional capital, restrict our operations, modify the classification of our assets, increase our allowance for credit losses, and strengthen the management of risks posed by our reliance on third party vendors. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on the Company’s operations.

Previous wording

The Company's total assets were $24.05 billion as of December 31, 2024. Banks with assets in excess of $10 billion are subject to requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations including being subject to the examination authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assess our compliance with federal consumer financial laws, the imposition of higher FDIC premiums, reduced debit card interchange fees, and enhanced risk management frameworks, all of which increase operating costs and reduce earnings.

Current wording

The Company's total assets were $24.98 billion as of December 31, 2025. Banks with assets in excess of $10 billion are subject to requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations including being subject to the examination authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assess our compliance with federal consumer financial laws, the imposition of higher FDIC premiums, reduced debit card interchange fees, and enhanced risk management frameworks, all of which increase operating costs and reduce earnings.

Previous wording

As we continue to grow in size, we can expect greater regulatory scrutiny and expectations requiring us to invest significant management attention and make additional investments in staff and other resources to comply with applicable regulatory expectations. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations may have on us, these changes could be material.

Current wording

As we continue to grow in size and complexity, we can expect greater regulatory scrutiny and expectations requiring us to invest significant management attention and make additional investments in staff and other resources to comply with applicable regulatory expectations. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations may have on us, these changes could be material.

Previous wording

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the money supply and credit environment. Among the instruments used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. Government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The FRB’s policies determine in large part the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. Its policies can also adversely affect borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans. The monetary policies and regulations of the FRB have had a significant effect on the overall economy and the operating results of financial institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

Current wording

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB"). An important function of the FRB is to regulate the money supply and credit environment. Among the instruments used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. Government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The FRB’s policies determine in large part the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. Its policies can also adversely affect borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans. The monetary policies and regulations of the FRB have had a significant effect on the overall economy and the operating results of financial institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

Previous wording

Changes in FRB and other governmental policies, fiscal policy, and our regulatory environment generally are beyond our control, and we are unable to predict what changes may occur or the manner in which any future changes may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Changes in FRB and other governmental policies (including trade policies and tariffs), fiscal policy, and our regulatory environment generally are beyond our control, and we are unable to predict what changes may occur or the manner in which any future changes may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The FDIC, the OCC and the FRB (collectively, the “Agencies”) have issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance does not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by multi-family buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans (“CRE Loans”), represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the CRE Loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Our level of CRE Loans equaled 460.2% of total risk-based capital as of December 31, 2024, while our CRE Loan portfolio has increased by 72.2% during the preceding 36 months, primarily as a result of the addition of Lakeland. Based on the size of our CRE Loan portfolio as a percentage of capital, regulatory oversight of our management of this CRE concentration is elevated.

Current wording

The FDIC, the OCC and the FRB (collectively, the “Agencies”) have issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance does not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by multi-family buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans (“CRE Loans”), represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the CRE Loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Our level of CRE Loans equaled 432.1% of total risk-based capital as of December 31, 2025. Based on the size of our CRE Loan portfolio as a percentage of capital, regulatory oversight of our management of this CRE concentration is elevated.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, our consolidated balance sheet included goodwill of $624.1 million and other intangible assets of $195.2 million. Our business acquisitions, including our acquisition of Lakeland, typically result in goodwill and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future amortization expense and potential impairment expense. We make estimates and assumptions in valuing such intangible assets that affect our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with GAAP, our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. Impairment testing incorporates the current market price of our common stock, the estimated fair value of our assets and liabilities, and certain information of similar companies. Impairment testing may be based on valuation models that estimate fair value. In preparing the valuation models, we consider a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic conditions, future cash flows, and transactions and market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and our judgment in applying them to the impairment analyses. It is possible that future impairment testing could result in the identification of a decline in the fair value of our goodwill or other intangible assets, which may be less than the carrying value. If we determine that impairment exists at a given point in time, our earnings and the book value of goodwill or other related intangible asset will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. If we record an impairment loss related to our goodwill or other intangible assets, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the results of impairment testing on our goodwill or other intangible assets have no impact on our tangible book value or regulatory capital levels.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, our consolidated balance sheet included goodwill of $624.1 million and other intangible assets of $158.1 million. Our business acquisitions, including our acquisition of Lakeland, typically result in goodwill and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future amortization expense and potential impairment expense. We make estimates and assumptions in valuing such intangible assets that affect our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with GAAP, our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. Impairment testing incorporates the current market price of our common stock, the estimated fair value of our assets and liabilities, and certain information of similar companies. Impairment testing may be based on valuation models that estimate fair value. In preparing the valuation models, we consider a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic conditions, future cash flows, and transactions and market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and our judgment in applying them to the impairment analyses. It is possible that future impairment testing could result in the identification of a decline in the fair value of our goodwill or other intangible assets, which may be less than the carrying value. If we determine that impairment exists at a given point in time, our earnings and the book value of goodwill or other related intangible asset will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. If we record an impairment loss related to our goodwill or other intangible assets, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the results of impairment testing on our goodwill or other intangible assets have no impact on our tangible book value or regulatory capital levels.

Previous wording

The effects of climate change continue to create a level of concern for the state of the global environment. State legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies have proposed, and may propose in the future, initiatives, legislation, and regulations to supplement the global effort to combat climate change. Similar and even more expansive initiatives are expected, including potentially increasing supervisory expectations with respect to banks’ risk management practices, accounting for the effects of climate change in stress testing scenarios and systemic risk assessments, revising expectations for credit portfolio concentrations based on climate-related factors, and encouraging investment by banks in climate-related initiatives and lending to communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. The lack of empirical data surrounding the credit and other financial risks posed by climate change render it impossible to predict specifically how climate change may impact the financial condition and operations of the Company; however, the physical effects of climate change may also directly impact the Company. Specifically, unpredictable and more frequent weather disasters may adversely impact the value of real property securing certain loans in our portfolios. Further, the effects of climate change may negatively impact regional and local economic activity, which could lead to an adverse effect on our customers and impact our ability to raise and invest capital in potentially impacted communities. The effects of changing strategies, policies, and investments as the global community transitions to a lower-carbon economy will impose additional operational and compliance burdens, and may result in market trends that alter business opportunities. Compliance with any additional disclosure rules will require additional resources. Overall, climate change, its effects, and the resulting unknown impact could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The effects of climate change continue to create a level of concern for the state of the global environment. State legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies have proposed, and may propose in the future, initiatives, legislation, and regulations to supplement the global effort to combat climate change. This could include potentially increasing supervisory expectations with respect to banks’ risk management practices. The lack of empirical data surrounding the credit and other financial risks as well as potential physical effects posed by climate change render it impossible to predict specifically how climate change may impact the financial condition, assets, and operations of the Company. Further, the effects of climate change may negatively impact regional and local economic activity, which could lead to an adverse effect on our customers and impact our ability to raise and invest capital in potentially impacted communities. The effects of changing strategies, policies, and investments as parts of the global economy transition to a lower-carbon economy, as well as changes in insurance practices as insurers avoid insuring properties at risk from climate change, will impose additional operational and compliance burdens, and may result in market trends that alter business opportunities. Compliance with any additional disclosure rules will require additional resources. Overall, climate change, its effects, and the resulting unknown impact could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business is subject to risk from external events that could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, disrupt business operations and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. For example, financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising their operating and communication systems. The metropolitan New York and Philadelphia areas remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism, including cyber terrorism, which could affect not only our operations but those of our customers. Additionally, there could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume, electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters, events arising from local or larger scale geopolitical, political or social matters, including terrorist acts, and cyber-attacks from both private and state actors. The emergence of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, similar to the spread of COVID-19, could lead to regional quarantines, business shutdowns, labor shortages, disruptions to supply chains, and overall economic instability. Events such as these may become more common in the future and could cause significant damage such as disruption of power and communication services, impact the stability of our facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing the repayment of our loans, which could result in the loss of revenue. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition. Additionally, financial markets may be adversely affected by any current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including continuing war between Russia and Ukraine, conflicts and military tension in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, terrorism, cyber-attacks from nation states and non-state actors on financial institutions or other geopolitical events.

Current wording

Our business is subject to risk from external events that could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, disrupt business operations and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. For example, financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising their operating and communication systems. The metropolitan New York and Philadelphia areas remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism, including cyber terrorism, which could affect not only our operations but those of our customers. Additionally, there could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume, electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters, events arising from local or larger scale geopolitical, political or social matters, including terrorist acts, and cyber-attacks from both private and state actors. The emergence of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, similar to the spread of COVID-19, could lead to regional quarantines, business shutdowns, labor shortages, disruptions to supply chains, and overall economic instability. Events such as these may become more common in the future and could cause significant damage such as disruption of power and communication services, impact the stability of our facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing the repayment of our loans, which could result in the loss of revenue. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition. Additionally, financial markets may be adversely affected by any current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including continuing wars and military tensions, terrorism, cyber-attacks from nation states and non-state actors on financial institutions or other geopolitical events.

Previous wording

We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funding for our lending and investment activities. We also receive funds from loan repayments, investment maturities and income on other interest-earning assets. While we emphasize the generation of low-cost core deposits as a source of funding, there is strong competition for such deposits in our market area. Additionally, deposit balances can decrease if customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. Further, the demand for deposits may be reduced due to a variety of factors such as negative trends in the banking sector, the level of and/or composition of our uninsured deposits, demographic patterns, changes in customer preferences, reductions in consumers' disposable income, the monetary policy of the FRB or regulatory actions that decrease customer access to particular products. Accordingly, as a part of our liquidity management, we must use several funding sources in addition to deposits and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. As we continue to grow, we may become more dependent on these sources, which may include Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Federal Reserve Bank advances, federal funds purchased and brokered certificates of deposit. Adverse operating results or changes in industry conditions could lead to difficulty or an inability to access these additional funding sources.

Current wording

We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funding for our lending and investment activities. We also receive funds from loan repayments, investment maturities and income on other interest-earning assets. While we emphasize the generation of low-cost core deposits as a source of funding, there is strong competition for such deposits in our market area. Additionally, deposit balances can decrease if customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. Further, the demand for deposits may be reduced due to a variety of factors such as negative trends in the banking sector, the level of and/or composition of our uninsured deposits, demographic patterns, changes in customer preferences, reductions in consumers' disposable income, the monetary policy of the FRB or regulatory actions that decrease customer access to particular products. Accordingly, as a part of our liquidity management, we must use several funding sources in addition to deposits and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. As we continue to grow, we may become more dependent on these sources, which may include FHLBNY and FRB advances, federal funds purchased and brokered certificates of deposit. Adverse operating results or changes in industry conditions could lead to difficulty or an inability to access these additional funding sources.

Previous wording

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers, reduce costs and create capacity. For instance, as private and state-sponsored hackers and malicious actors increasingly leverage the power of artificial intelligence to conduct cyber-attacks and other fraudulent activity, financial institutions can adopt and learn to use the same technology in order to detect attempts and defend themselves. Adaptation to the current cybersecurity landscape requires resilience, flexibility, and collaboration in the face of increased threats enabled by technological advances. Our future success depends, 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, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers, or attract sufficient human capital to engage in rapid implementation and marketing.

Current wording

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers, reduce costs and create capacity. For instance, as private and state-sponsored hackers and malicious actors increasingly leverage the power of artificial intelligence to conduct cyber-attacks and other fraudulent activity, financial institutions can adopt and learn to use the same technology in order to detect attempts and defend themselves. Adaptation to the current cybersecurity landscape requires resilience, flexibility, and collaboration in the face of increased threats enabled by technological advances. Our future success depends, 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, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers, or attract sufficient human capital to engage in rapid implementation and marketing. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry and sustain a robust information security program through talent and human capital could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.