Company: WAL-PA
Filing Date: 2025-02-25
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001212545-25-000090
Chunk: 55

Company: WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
Filing Date: 2025-02-25
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 55
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 These transactions are structured as credit linked notes, which transfer the risk of first losses on covered loans to these note holders. These notes have an aggregate principal amount of $434.2 million on a $8.6 billion reference pool of residential mortgages. Pursuant to these arrangements, in the event of borrower default, the principal balance of the notes will be reduced by the amount of the loss, up to the amount of the aggregate principal of the notes. However, all residual risk over and above the first loss position is retained by us. While current estimates of future credit losses are below the first loss position, no assurances can be given that future losses will not exceed the first loss position and, if credit losses were to exceed the first loss position, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely effected. We may enter into more such transactions in the future.

We engage in lending secured by real estate and may be forced to foreclose on the collateral and own the underlying real estate, subjecting us to the costs and potential risks associated with the ownership of the real property, or consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially raise the cost of foreclosure or prevent us from foreclosing at all.

Approximately 57% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 was secured by real estate. In the course of our business, we may foreclose on and take title to real estate from time to time to protect our investment and may thereafter own and operate such property, in which case we would be exposed to the risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. As of December 31, 2024, we held $52 million of assets in OREO. The amount that we may realize after a default is dependent upon factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to, general or local economic conditions, interest rates, real estate tax rates, zoning laws, governmental and regulatory rules and natural disasters. We may also be subject to environmental cleanup liabilities, assessments and investigations or held liable for personal injury. With respect to foreclosed properties with operations, the performance of these properties will also be dependent on our ability to obtain and maintain adequate occupancy of the properties as well as control and manage operating expenses. Our inability to manage the amount of costs or size of the risks associated with the ownership of real estate, or write-downs in the value of OREO, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or