Finward Bancorp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 25, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 25, 2026
FNWD$43.74+0.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0001437749-25-010182
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-25.
0001628280-26-021073
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 81 previous paragraphs and 78 current paragraphs.
56 unchanged; 14 reworded; 8 added; 11 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 31 previous and 26 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
Due to the development of new technologies and regulatory actions encouraging the use of these technologies, consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions.
Current report
Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds, or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can complete transactions, such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. Transactions utilizing digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and other similar assets, have increased substantially over the course of the last several years. For example, the enactment of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025 (GENIUS Act) provides a legal framework for stablecoins to be issued in the United States, which may allow new and existing competitors to compete for funds that may have otherwise been deposited with banks, such as the Bank.
Current report
Certain characteristics of digital asset transactions, such as the speed with which such transactions can be conducted, the ability to transact without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, and the anonymous nature of the transactions, are appealing to certain consumers notwithstanding the various risks posed by such transactions as illustrated by the current and ongoing market volatility. Accordingly, digital asset service providers, which at present are not subject to supervision and regulation comparable to that which is faced by banking organizations and other financial institutions, have become active competitors for our customers’ banking business. The Trump Administration, through executive actions and public announcements, has established a more relaxed regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and financial technology firms, and created a more favorable environment for those asset classes and firms.
Current report
The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as disintermediation, could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. On October 22, 2024, the CFPB adopted a final rule regarding personal financial data rights that is designed to promote “open banking.” The final rule requires, among other things, that data providers, including any financial institution, make available to consumers and certain authorized third parties upon request certain covered transaction, account, and payment information. However, in August 2025, the CFPB issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to reconsider its final rule and, in October 2025, a district court issued a preliminary injunction preventing the CFPB from enforcing the final rule until the CFPB has completed its reconsideration of the rule. A final rule, if implemented, could lead to greater competition for products and services among banks and nonbanks alike. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Current report
The use of, or inability to use, artificial intelligence by us, our customers, and our shareholders presents risks and challenges that may adversely impact our business and operating results or the business and operating results of our customers and vendors.
Current report
We may use generative AI tools in our operations. If our competitors and peers use AI tools to optimize operations and we fail to utilize AI tools in a comparable manner, we may be competitively disadvantaged. However, while AI tools may facilitate optimization and operational efficiencies, they also have the potential for inaccuracy, bias, infringement, or misappropriation of intellectual property, and risks related to data privacy and cybersecurity. The use of AI tools may introduce errors or inadequacies that are not easily detectable, including deficiencies, inaccuracies, or biases in the data used for AI training, or in the content, analyses, or recommendations generated by AI applications. The results of such errors or inadequacies may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The legal requirements relating to AI continue to evolve and remain uncertain, including how legal developments could impact our business and ability to enforce our proprietary rights or protect against infringement of those rights.
Current report
Our customers also may use AI tools in their personal or business activities without our knowledge, and the providers of these tools may not meet the evolving regulatory or industry standards for privacy and data protection. Consequently, this may inhibit our or our customers’ ability to uphold an appropriate level of service and data privacy. If we, our customers, or other third parties with which we conduct business experience an actual or perceived breach of privacy or security incident due to the use of AI, we may be adversely impacted, lose valuable intellectual property or confidential information, and incur harm to our reputation and the public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures.
Current report
Our inability to adopt new technological capabilities and enhancements, including AI and machine learning, may put us at a competitive disadvantage or cause us to miss opportunities to innovate and achieve efficiencies in our operations which could adversely impact our business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition.
Removed paragraphs (11)
Previous report
We periodically evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities and conduct due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial services companies. We generally seek merger or acquisition partners that are culturally similar and possess either significant market presence or have potential for improved profitability through financial management, economies of scale, or expanded services. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:
Previous report
As a result, merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving the payment of cash or the issuance of our debt or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. To the extent we were to issue additional shares of common stock in any such transaction, our current shareholders would be diluted and such an issuance may have the effect of decreasing our stock price, perhaps significantly. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, merger and acquisition costs incurred by the Company may temporarily increase operating expenses.
Previous report
Regulatory changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices may adversely impact our reputation, compliance costs, and business operations.
Previous report
In light of the recent executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” which revokes previous mandates promoting DEI and directs federal agencies to combat “illegal DEI” practices in the private sector, many companies, including the Company, must reassess their ESG strategies to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory environment. The order signals a shift in federal oversight and enforcement priorities, potentially affecting internal policies, hiring practices, supplier diversity programs, and corporate governance frameworks.
Previous report
The executive order rescinds prior directives, such as Executive Order 11246, which required affirmative action and non-discriminatory practices by federal contractors. As a result, federal agencies may reevaluate existing contracts, scrutinize hiring and promotion policies, and take enforcement actions against companies perceived to be engaging in practices that do not align with the revised federal standards. Additionally, new guidance or rulemaking stemming from the executive order could impose restrictions on voluntary DEI initiatives, training programs, or supplier diversity efforts. These developments may necessitate changes to our internal policies, reporting obligations, and public disclosures, creating operational and compliance challenges.
Previous report
Failure to align our DEI and ESG efforts with the current legal framework could result in reputational damage, legal challenges, and adverse impacts on our operations. Government investigations, enforcement actions, or private litigation challenging our DEI- and ESG-related policies could lead to financial penalties, increased legal costs, and potential restrictions on our ability to engage in government contracting. Moreover, various private third-party organizations continue to evaluate companies based on ESG and DEI practices. Unfavorable ratings from these entities could influence investor decisions, limit access to capital, and generate negative sentiment among stakeholders.
Previous report
While the executive order aims to eliminate specific DEI programs, investors, customers, and other stakeholders may still expect transparency and commitment to broader ESG goals, including workforce diversity, community engagement, and responsible corporate governance. Companies that scale back DEI initiatives to comply with federal mandates may face backlash from institutional investors, advocacy groups, and employees who view such actions as a retreat from social responsibility commitments. Additionally, inconsistencies between federal and state-level DEI policies may create further complexities, as certain states continue to mandate affirmative action or corporate diversity disclosures. Moreover, the rapid pace of change in legal frameworks, regulatory guidance, and enforcement priorities resulting from the recent Presidential transition yields considerably increased uncertainty and compounds the difficulty of establishing and maintaining compliance.
Previous report
Adapting to the recent regulatory changes is crucial to maintaining our reputation, ensuring operational continuity, and meeting stakeholder expectations in the evolving ESG landscape. Noncompliance or perceived noncompliance with the executive order and related regulatory guidance could expose us to increased regulatory scrutiny, litigation risks, and limitations on business opportunities. At the same time, misalignment with investor and stakeholder expectations regarding ESG and DEI commitments could impair our brand value, reduce employee engagement and retention, and negatively impact our stock performance. Given these factors, we must carefully assess and adjust our policies, disclosures, and risk mitigation strategies to navigate the shifting legal and business environment effectively.
Previous report
The Company also is experiencing an increase in competition to acquire other banks, due to the overall strength of financial institutions and their high capital levels. In addition, credit unions and FinTech companies are now actively pursuing small bank acquisitions. Increased competition for bank acquisitions may slow the Company’s ability to grow earning assets at comparable historical growth rates.
Previous report
Acquisitions and the addition of branch facilities may not produce revenue enhancements or cost savings at levels or within timeframes originally anticipated and may result in unforeseen integration difficulties and dilution to existing shareholder value.
Previous report
We regularly explore opportunities to establish branch facilities and acquire other banks or financial institutions. New or acquired branch facilities and other facilities may not be profitable. We may not be able to correctly identify profitable locations for new branches. The costs to start up new branch facilities or to acquire existing branches, and the additional costs to operate these facilities, may increase our noninterest expense and decrease earnings in the short term. It may be difficult to adequately and profitably manage growth through the establishment of these branches. In addition, we can provide no assurance that these branch sites will successfully attract enough deposits to offset the expenses of operating these branch sites. Any new or acquired branches will be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that we will succeed in securing such approvals.
Reworded paragraphs (14)
Previous wording
As market interest rates increased during 2022 and continued into the early months of 2023, the Company experienced increased unrealized losses within its investment portfolio. The Company’s investment portfolio consists of federal funds, interest bearing balances in other financial institutions, U.S. government securities, federal agency obligations, obligations of state and local municipalities, and corporate securities. All of the instruments held in the Company’s investment portfolio are designated as available-for-sale, and many of these instruments are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, especially long-term fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds and corporate and municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2024, the Company held approximately $214.7 million of municipal securities within the investment portfolio, which comprised approximately 64.4% of the portfolio, and approximately $109.3 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities within the portfolio, which comprised approximately 32.8% of the portfolio. From December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, the investment portfolio experienced unrealized losses of approximately $9.0 million. The increase in unrealized losses is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) on the Company’s balance sheet and reduces the Company’s book capital and tangible common equity ratio. However, unrealized losses do not affect the Company’s regulatory capital ratios.
Current wording
As market interest rates increased during 2022 and continued into the early months of 2023, the Company experienced increased unrealized losses within its investment portfolio. The Company’s investment portfolio consists of federal funds, interest bearing balances in other financial institutions, U.S. government securities, U.S. Treasury securities, federal agency obligations, obligations of state and local municipalities, mortgage-backed securities and corporate securities. All of the instruments held in the Company’s investment portfolio are designated as available-for-sale, and many of these instruments are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, especially long-term fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds and corporate and municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2025, the Company held approximately $201.2 million of municipal securities within the investment portfolio, which comprised approximately 63.6% of the portfolio, and approximately $104.7 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities within the portfolio, which comprised approximately 33.1% of the portfolio. From December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025, the investment portfolio experienced a reduction in unrealized losses of approximately $21.6 million. The decrease in unrealized losses is reflected in AOCI on the Company’s balance sheet and increases the Company’s book capital and tangible common equity ratio. However, unrealized losses do not affect the Company’s regulatory capital ratios.
Previous wording
Management continues to actively monitor the investment portfolio and may sell securities from the portfolio before maturity in order to take advantage of restructuring opportunities. That said, it is unlikely the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity. However, the Company’s access to liquidity sources could be affected by unrealized losses if securities within the investment portfolio must be sold at a loss or tangible capital ratios decline from an increase in unrealized losses or realized credit losses.
Current wording
Management continues to actively monitor the investment portfolio and may sell securities from the portfolio before maturity in order to take advantage of restructuring opportunities, which would include reinvestment of sale proceeds at higher rates of return, improving duration or improving interest rate risk exposure. That said, it is unlikely the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity. However, the Company’s access to liquidity sources could be affected by unrealized losses if securities within the investment portfolio must be sold at a loss or tangible capital ratios decline from an increase in unrealized losses or realized credit losses.
Previous wording
Peoples Bank’s loan portfolio includes a significant amount of loans with fixed rates of interest. At December 31, 2024, $712.7 million, or 47.3% of the Bank’s total loans receivable had fixed interest rates. The Bank offers adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans and fixed-rate loans. Unlike ARM loans, fixed-rate loans carry the risk that, because they do not reprice to market interest rates, their yield may be insufficient to offset increases in the Bank’s cost of funds during a rising interest rate environment. Accordingly, a material and prolonged increase in market interest rates could be expected to have a greater adverse effect on the Bank’s net interest income compared to other institutions that hold a materially larger portion of their assets in ARM loans or fixed-rate loans that are originated for committed sale in the secondary market.
Current wording
Peoples Bank’s loan portfolio includes a significant amount of loans with fixed rates of interest. At December 31, 2025, $636.9 million, or 44.0% of the Bank’s total loans receivable had fixed interest rates. The Bank offers ARM loans and fixed-rate loans. Unlike ARM loans, fixed-rate loans carry the risk that, because they do not reprice to market interest rates, their yield may be insufficient to offset increases in the Bank’s cost of funds during a rising interest rate environment. Accordingly, a material and prolonged increase in market interest rates could be expected to have a greater adverse effect on the Bank’s net interest income compared to other institutions that hold a materially larger portion of their assets in ARM loans or fixed-rate loans that are originated for committed sale in the secondary market.
Previous wording
At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s commercial business loan portfolio amounted to $104.2 million, or 6.9% of total loans. Subject to market conditions and other factors, the Bank intends to expand its commercial business lending activities within its primary market areas. Commercial business lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation value of these assets in the event of a borrower default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories and equipment may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things.
Current wording
At December 31, 2025, the Bank’s commercial business loan portfolio amounted to $99.3 million, or 6.9% of total loans. Subject to market conditions and other factors, the Bank intends to expand its commercial business lending activities within its primary market areas. Commercial business lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation value of these assets in the event of a borrower default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories and equipment may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things.
Previous wording
At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio amounted to $551.7 million, or 36.6% of total loans. Commercial real estate lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Because payments on loans secured by commercial properties often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, among other things.
Current wording
At December 31, 2025, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio amounted to $555.6 million, or 38.3% of total loans. Commercial real estate lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Because payments on loans secured by commercial properties often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, among other things.
Previous wording
Our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single-family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae (the “Agencies”) and other institutional and non-institutional investors. These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans. Some of the largest participants in the secondary market, including the Agencies, are government-sponsored enterprises whose activities are governed by federal law. Any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of such government-sponsored enterprises could, in turn, adversely affect our operations.
Current wording
Our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single-family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by the Agencies and other institutional and non-institutional investors. These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans. Some of the largest participants in the secondary market, including the Agencies, are government-sponsored enterprises whose activities are governed by federal law. Any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of such government-sponsored enterprises could, in turn, adversely affect our operations.
Previous wording
In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by the U.S. government. Although to date, the conservatorship has not had a significant or adverse effect on our operations, and during 2010 and 2012 the Federal Housing Finance Agency indicated that the Treasury Department is committed to funding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to levels needed in order to sufficiently meet their funding needs, it is currently unclear whether further changes would significantly and adversely affect our operations. In addition, our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon our ability to remain eligible for the programs offered by the Agencies and other institutional and non-institutional investors. Our ability to remain eligible may also depend on having an acceptable peer-relative delinquency ratio for the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) and maintaining a delinquency rate with respect to Ginnie Mae pools that are below Ginnie Mae guidelines.
Current wording
In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by the U.S. government. Although to date, the conservatorship has not had a significant or adverse effect on our operations, and during 2010 and 2012 the Federal Housing Finance Agency indicated that the Treasury Department is committed to funding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to levels needed in order to sufficiently meet their funding needs, it is currently unclear whether further changes would significantly and adversely affect our operations. In addition, our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon our ability to remain eligible for the programs offered by the Agencies and other institutional and non-institutional investors. Our ability to remain eligible may also depend on having an acceptable peer-relative delinquency ratio for the FHA and maintaining a delinquency rate with respect to Ginnie Mae pools that are below Ginnie Mae guidelines.
Previous wording
The Bank relies heavily on internal and outsourced digital technologies, communications, and information systems to conduct its business. As our reliance on technology systems increases, the potential risks of technology-related operation interruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, or other systems or the occurrence of cyber incidents also increases. Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events including (i) unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruptions; (ii) denial-of- service attacks on websites; or (iii) intelligence gathering and social engineering aimed at obtaining information. The occurrence of operational interruption, cyber incident, or a deficiency in the cyber security of our technology systems (internal or outsourced) could negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
The Bank relies heavily on internal and outsourced digital technologies, communications, and information systems to conduct its business. As our reliance on technology systems increases, the potential risks of technology-related operation interruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, or other systems or the occurrence of cyber incidents increases within the industry. Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events including (i) unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruptions; (ii) denial-of-service attacks on websites; or (iii) intelligence gathering and social engineering aimed at obtaining information. The occurrence of operational interruption, cyber incidents, or a deficiency in the cyber security of our technology systems (internal or outsourced) could negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
We have policies and procedures expressly designed to prevent or limit the effect of a failure, interruption, or security breach of our systems and maintain cyber security insurance. However, such policies, procedures, or insurance may prove insufficient to prevent, repel, or mitigate a cyber incident. Significant interruptions to our business from technology issues could result in expensive remediation efforts and distraction of management. Although we have not experienced any material losses related to a technology-related operational interruption or cyber-attack, there can be no assurance that such failures, interruptions, or security breaches will not occur in the future or, if they do occur, that the impact will not be substantial.
Current wording
We have policies and procedures expressly designed to prevent or limit the effect of a failure, interruption, or security breach of our systems and maintain cyber security insurance. However, such policies, procedures, or insurance may prove insufficient to prevent, repel, or mitigate a cyber incident. Significant interruptions to our business from technology issues could result in expensive remediation efforts and distraction of management. Although we have not experienced any material losses related to technology-related operational interruption or cyber-attack, there can be no assurance that such failures, interruptions, or security breaches will not occur in the future or, if they do occur, that the impact will not be substantial.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.3 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, then we would record the appropriate charge, which could be materially adverse to our operating results and financial position. For further discussion, see Notes 1 and 5, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 this report.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, we had $23.6 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, then we would record the appropriate charge, which could be materially adverse to our operating results and financial position. For further discussion, see Notes 1 and 5, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 this report.
Previous wording
The Company and Bank are subject to extensive regulation and oversight, including with respect to the Order and MOU.
Current wording
The Company and Bank are subject to extensive regulation and oversight, including with respect to the MOU.
Previous wording
On November 7, 2023, the Bank entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order with its bank regulatory agencies, the FDIC and DFI, consenting to the issuance of a consent order (the “Order”) relating to the Bank’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA”). In consenting to the issuance of the Order, the Bank did not admit or deny any charges of unsafe or unsound banking practices or violations of law or regulation relating to its BSA compliance. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–* Regulatory Developments Regarding the Company and the Bank*” below for certain disclosures regarding the Order and MOU. The Order has resulted and is expected to continue to result in additional non-interest BSA compliance expenses for the Bank and the Company. It also may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Bank’s and the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approval for certain expansionary activities, to the extent desired by the Company. Our failure to comply with the Order or MOU may result in additional regulatory action, including civil money penalties against the Bank and its officers and directors or enforcement through court proceedings, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price.
Current wording
On August 9, 2024, the Bank entered into the MOU with the FDIC and DFI. The MOU is an informal administrative agreement pursuant to which the Bank has agreed to take various actions and comply with certain requirements to enhance certain areas of the Bank’s operations. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments Regarding the Bank” below for certain disclosures regarding the MOU. Our failure to comply with the MOU may result in additional regulatory action, including civil money penalties against the Bank and its officers and directors or enforcement through court proceedings, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price.
Previous wording
While economic conditions have remained relatively stable in spite of these headwinds, significant challenges remain, including the continued aggregate effect of inflation levels experienced in recent years and uncertainty related to government spending levels and federal budget deficits, as well as the potential effect of changes in trade policy and tariffs under the new Trump administration. As a result, there can be no assurance that economic conditions will continue on their current course. Market stress could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of our loans, and therefore, our financial condition and results of operations as well as other potential adverse impacts including:
Current wording
While economic conditions have remained relatively stable in spite of these headwinds, significant challenges remain, including the continued aggregate effect of inflation levels experienced in recent years and uncertainty related to government spending levels and federal budget deficits, as well as the potential effect of changes in trade policy and tariffs under the Trump administration. As a result, there can be no assurance that economic conditions will continue on their current course. Market stress could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of our loans, and therefore, our financial condition and results of operations as well as other potential adverse impacts including:
Previous wording
Also, technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for customers to complete financial transactions using neo-banks, non-banks, and financial technology (“FinTech”) companies that historically have involved banks at one or both ends of the transaction. These entities now offer products and services traditionally provided by community banks and often at lower costs. The wide acceptance of Internet- based commerce has resulted in a number of alternative payment processing systems, deposit, and lending platforms in which banks play only minor roles. For example, consumers can maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts or mutual funds. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. Use of emerging alternative payment platforms, such as Apple Pay or Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, can alter consumer credit card behavior and consequently impact our interchange fee income.
Current wording
Also, technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for customers to complete financial transactions using neo-banks, non-banks, and financial technology companies that historically have involved banks at one or both ends of the transaction. These entities now offer products and services traditionally provided by community banks and often at lower costs. The wide acceptance of Internet-based commerce has resulted in a number of alternative payment processing systems, deposit, and lending platforms in which banks play only minor roles. For example, consumers can maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts or mutual funds. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. Use of emerging alternative payment platforms, such as Apple Pay or Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, can alter consumer credit card behavior and consequently impact our interchange fee income.