Document:

Employment Agreement between NovaStar Financial, Inc. and Gregory S. Metz

 Exhibit 10.31 
  
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
  
 This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date below, by and between NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. (the
“EMPLOYER”) and Gregory Metz (the “EMPLOYEE”). The EMPLOYER hereby agrees to employ EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYEE hereby accepts employment upon the terms and conditions set forth below. 
  
 1. EMPLOYMENT BY COMPANY 
  
 EMPLOYEE shall be employed by the EMPLOYER in the position
of Chief Financial Officer, hereinafter referred to as “CFO”. EMPLOYEE shall be responsible to direct and control all corporate financial activity with final authority on financial policies and procedures as well as other
duties/territories, which shall be assigned at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER. Reports to the Chief Executive Officer. 
  
 EMPLOYEE warrants and agrees that he/she has the skill, aptitude, and ability to perform the services for which he/she is being employed,
and that he/she will adhere to the standards of performance for the fulfillment of those duties, which EMPLOYER shall in its discretion from time to time prescribe. EMPLOYEE represents that he/she has not entered into any agreements which are
effective at the time of the execution of this Agreement which would prevent him/her from performing his/her duties as CFO, including but not limited to, any non-competition or non-disclosure agreement with former employers. 
  
 EMPLOYEE hereby agrees that he/she will devote all of
his/her working time and attention and give his/her diligent effort and skill exclusively to the business and interests of EMPLOYER, and that he/she will perform such services, as may from time to time be assigned to him/her, and shall do his/her
utmost to further enhance and develop the best interests and welfare of the EMPLOYER in all respects. EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will give full attention and fully comply with the rules and procedures as may from time to time be promulgated by
EMPLOYER in its sole discretion. 
  
 EMPLOYEE
shall not, without prior written consent of the EMPLOYER, at any time during the term of this Agreement: (a) accept employment with, or render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any person other than the EMPLOYER; (b)
engage in, own or provide financial or other assistance to any person, venture or activity which the EMPLOYER may in good faith consider to be competitive with or adverse to the EMPLOYER, whether directly or indirectly, alone or with any other
person as a principle, agent, shareholder, participant, partner, promoter, director, officer, manager, employee, consultant, sales representative or otherwise; or (c) engage in any venture or activity which the Officers or the Board of Directors of
the EMPLOYER may in good faith consider to interfere with EMPLOYEE’S performance of his duties. 
  

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 2. COMPENSATION 
  

	 	A.	Base Salary. The EMPLOYER agrees to pay EMPLOYEE an annual base salary of $250,000. Base salary is payable in equal bi-weekly installments or at such other time or times as
the EMPLOYER’S policies and practices provide. EMPLOYEE will be eligible to receive annual salary increases during the term of this Agreement at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER. Any such increases shall automatically become part of this
Agreement and shall not alter any other terms of this Agreement. 

  

	 	B.	Performance Bonus. EMPLOYEE shall be eligible to receive a performance bonus, hereinafter referred to as “Bonus,” with a target of up to 100%, but not to exceed 200%, of
base salary (pro-rata over the portion of year employed) based upon predetermined goals approved by NovaStar’s Compensation Committee. For 2004 only, EMPLOYEE is guaranteed a Bonus of at least 50% of base salary (pro-rata for portion of year
employed) unless EMPLOYEE is terminated for cause. 

  

	 	C.	Benefits. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to participate in any benefit programs adopted from time to time by EMPLOYER for the benefit of its employees at an appropriate level for the
duties of EMPLOYEE, and EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to receive such other fringe benefits as may be granted from time to time by the EMPLOYER’S Board of Directors or its Compensation Committee for the benefit of its employees and/or employees at
an appropriate level of duties of EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to participate in any benefits plans available to other executive employees of EMPLOYER at an appropriate level for the duties of the office, subject to any restrictions
(including waiting periods) specified in such plans. Separate written descriptions of available benefits will be provided from time to time, and the EMPLOYER reserves, in its sole and absolute discretion, the right to modify these benefits in whole
or in part at any time. 

  

	 	D.	Vacation. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation on an annual basis, with such vacation to be accrued and taken in accordance with EMPLOYER’S standard
vacation policies. 

  

	 	E.	Business Expenses. EMPLOYER shall reimburse EMPLOYEE for any and all necessary, customary and usual expenses, properly receipted in accordance with EMPLOYER’S policies and
procedures, incurred by EMPLOYEE on behalf of EMPLOYER. 

  

	 	F.	Options and Restricted Stock. Company Stock Options and/or restricted stock, hereinafter referred to as “Incentives” may from time to time be offered to Company
Executives. Such Incentives shall be governed by a separate Incentive document and the decision to offer Incentives is at the sole discretion of EMPLOYER. 

  

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 3. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT 
  
 EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER acknowledge that there is no agreement, express or implied, between them for any
specified term or period of employment, nor for continuing or long-term employment. The employment relationship between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER is completely and, in all respects, at-will. Either EMPLOYEE or EMPLOYER has the absolute right to
terminate the employment relationship, at any time, with or without cause, for any reason or no reason and no reason need be given. The fact that other sections of this Agreement provide differential post-termination benefits to EMPLOYEE on the
basis of whether EMPLOYEE is termination With Cause or Without Cause, as defined, below, does not undermine the at-will nature of the employment relationship. This is the entire agreement between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER regarding the matters set forth
in this paragraph. 
  
 4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER

  
 Termination For Cause. For
purposes of this Agreement, Termination for Cause shall mean the existence of or a belief by the EMPLOYER in the existence of facts which constitute a basis for termination of employee’s employment in view of relevant factors and circumstances,
which may include, but are not limited to, EMPLOYEE’S duties, responsibilities, conduct on the job or otherwise, job performance, and employment record. Acts or omissions which could constitute a basis for termination for Cause include, but are
not limited to: 
  

	 	(a)	Breach of any of the terms of this Agreement; 

  

	 	(b)	Failure to perform duties in accordance with the standards from time to time established by the EMPLOYER or conduct which the EMPLOYER determines may impair or tend to impair the
integrity of the EMPLOYER, including but not limited to: 

  

	 	(1)	Insubordination; 

  

	 	(2)	Gross misconduct; 

  

	 	(2)	Theft, Misappropriation or Embezzlement; 

  

	 	(3)	Dishonesty; 

  

	 	(4)	Neglect in performance of or failure to attend to the performance of duties; 

  

	 	(5)	Employee’s breach of fiduciary duty; 

  

	 	(6)	Any inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading oral or written statements made by the EMPLOYEE at any time, including but not limited to, any such statements in interviews, resumes,
curriculum vitae, job application, or other related oral or written communications; and 

  

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	 	(c)	Any act or omission, which is inconsistent with the business interests of the EMPLOYER. 

  
 Termination For Death of Disability. EMPLOYEE’S employment may be terminated by EMPLOYER upon
the death or disability of EMPLOYEE, consistent with any rights or obligations of the EMPLOYER and the EMPLOYEE under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable constitutional provision or statute; 
  
 Termination Without Cause. EMPLOYEE’S employment
may be terminated by EMPLOYER without cause at any time and at its sole discretion. 
  
 5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 The EMPLOYEE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the
occurrence, without the EMPLOYEE’S written consent, of any one or more of the following events: 
  

	 	(a)	A reduction in title and/or compensation of the EMPLOYEE or the assignment of duties to the EMPLOYEE not consistent with those of an executive of the Company, except in connection
with the Company’s termination of the EMPLOYEE’S employment for Cause pursuant to Section 4 or as otherwise expressly contemplated herein; 

  

	 	(b)	The Company’s material breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a reduction by the Company in the EMPLOYEE’S Base Salary in effect
as of the Effective Date; or a material change in the conditions of the EMPLOYEE’S employment; or 

  

	 	(c)	The relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices to a location more than fifty (50) miles from its location as of the Effective Date or the Company’s requiring
the EMPLOYEE to be based anywhere other than the Company’s principal executive offices, except for requiring travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the EMPLOYEE’S duties hereunder.

  
 The EMPLOYEE agrees to provide the Company with
thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of any termination for Good Reason. 
  

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 6. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER FOR CAUSE OR BY
EMPLOYEE WITHOUT GOOD REASON. 
  
 Salary
Continuation. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to any continuation of salary or other base pay if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Incentive Pay. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to Incentive
Pay if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is either
terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period ceases immediately upon EMPLOYEE’s termination by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. The provisions of the Stock Option
Agreement will otherwise be controlling. 
  
 7. TREATMENT OF
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER AFTER CHANGE IN CONTROL OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE, OR BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 If the EMPLOYEE’S employment shall be terminated after a Change in Control as defined by Section 10, (a) by the Company other than for Cause, or (b)
by the EMPLOYEE for Good Reason, the EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to the following benefits: 
  
 Severance Payment. EMPLOYEE shall be paid an amount equal to two times the Executive’s combined current year Base Salary and
actual Bonus compensation for the preceding fiscal year; provided, however, the severance amount shall not be less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) nor more (once the minimum is reached, than one percent (1.0%) of the book value of
the Company (i.e., the amount reported on the Company’s balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as stockholder’s equity). The Severance Payment shall be payable fifty percent (50%) within five (5)
days after the termination date and the remaining fifty percent (50%) shall be payable in twelve (12) equal consecutive monthly installments beginning on the first day of the month following the termination date. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue
Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER after a Change in Control or if EMPLOYEE terminates employment with Good Reason. 
  

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 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. Vesting will accelerate to the date of
termination. In other words, after a Change in Control, if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER, other than for Cause, or if EMPLOYEE terminates employment with Good Reason, EMPLOYEE shall immediately be vested with all stock options and
restricted stock awarded by the Company which have not been exercised prior to the termination date. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will otherwise be controlling. 
  
 8. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION BY EMPLOYER FOR DEATH OR DISABILITY. 
  
 Salary Continuation. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to any
continuation of salary or other base pay if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to EMPLOYEE’s death or disability. 
  
 Incentive Pay. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to Incentive Pay if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to EMPLOYEE’s death or
disability. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE
(or EMPLOYEE’S family) is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to death or disability. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period continues without acceleration upon
EMPLOYEE’s termination by EMPLOYER due to disability. All stock options and restricted stock shall immediately and completely vest upon EMPLOYEE’s termination due to death. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will otherwise be
controlling. 
  
 9. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON
TERMINATION BY EMPLOYER WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 Consultancy Agreement. In the event EMPLOYEE is terminated without Cause or by EMPLOYEE for GOOD REASON, EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER shall immediately enter into an independent contractor/consultant agreement
pursuant to which EMPLOYEE shall receive pay in an amount equal to twelve (12) months base salary only (hereinafter “Consultancy Pay”) in exchange for consulting services. The term of the consultancy will be for 12 months after the date of
EMPLOYEE’s termination (“Consulting Period”). EMPLOYEE agrees to make himself or herself available to EMPLOYER for up to ten (10) hours per week, whether by telephone, e-mail, or in person, on an as-needed basis to consult with
respect to matters that were within EMPLOYEE’s job description during the course of EMPLOYEE’s employment. EMPLOYEE agrees to respond promptly, reasonably and cooperatively to EMPLOYER’s requests for assistance. Barring special
circumstances, the consulting 
  

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 hours shall not be cumulative; accordingly, hours not used within a given week will be waived by the
EMPLOYER, but EMPLOYEE will receive his or her full pay under this paragraph. However, EMPLOYER reserves the right to require EMPLOYEE to provide more than ten (10) hours of service per week in the event that special circumstances arise in which
EMPLOYEE’s unique assistance is required by EMPLOYER. (Examples of special circumstances include, but are not limited to assistance in litigation or responding to government inquiries). In order to protect EMPLOYER’s confidential and trade
secret information from use or disclosure to a party other than the EMPLOYER, and to enable the Company to be able to obtain the benefits of EMPLOYEE’s consulting obligations hereunder, EMPLOYEE agrees that so long as he is accepting
Consultancy Pay pursuant to this section, he (a) will not accept employment or consulting work in any capacity with any competitor of EMPLOYER; and (b) will continue to abide by the provisions of paragraphs 8, and 9, below. In the event that
EMPLOYEE accepts subsequent employment or other consulting work within the Consulting Period, EMPLOYEE will be required to spend no more than five (5) hours per week consulting with EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE understands that this is a material term of this
Agreement. 
  
 Incentive Pay. In the event
EMPLOYEE is terminated without Cause, EMPLOYEE, at EMPLOYER’S discretion, shall be entitled to Incentive Pay in an amount equal to the pro-rata portion of incentive pay for the period of employment beginning January 1st of the year in which the termination occurs and ending the date of termination. The full amount, at EMPLOYER’S
discretion, of pro-rated Incentive Pay will be paid to EMPLOYEE in one lump sum payment made within thirty (30) days after the EMPLOYEE’S termination date. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of
COBRA if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER without cause. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period for the year in which the termination occurs will accelerate to the date of termination. In other words, upon termination without cause, EMPLOYEE shall
immediately be vested with all stock options and restricted that would have been vested at the end of he year in which the termination occurred. All other vesting ceases upon termination. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will otherwise
be controlling. 
  
 10. CHANGE IN CONTROL. A “Change
in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if the conditions set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have been satisfied. 
  

	 	(a)	Any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) (other than the Company; any trustee or
other fiduciary holding securities under an Executive benefit plan of the Company; or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the stock of the
Company), is 

  

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 or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly
or indirectly, of the securities of the Company (not including securities beneficially owned by such person, any securities acquired directly from the Company or from a transferor in a transaction expressly approved or consented to by the Board of
Directors) representing more than 25% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or 
  

	 	(b)	During any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of the Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board
of Directors and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (a), (c) or (d) of this section), (i) whose election by the Board of
Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved or (ii) whose election is to replace a person who ceases to be a director due to death, disability or age, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or 

  

	 	(c)	The shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting
securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an Executive benefit plan of the Company, at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or
(ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

  

	 	(d)	The shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the
Company’s assets. 

  
 11. NON-COMPETITION
PROVISION 
  
 During Employment. EMPLOYEE agrees that
during his/her employment by EMPLOYER he/she will not engage directly or indirectly in any location within the United States, in any business of the same or similar nature to the business of EMPLOYER or any business in which EMPLOYER is engaged in
developing, nor will 
  

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 EMPLOYEE participate directly or indirectly in the ownership or management of any enterprise engaged in
such a business within the United States, including ownership or management as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This provision acts in concert with Section 1, Employment by Company, which requires EMPLOYEE to devote all of EMPLOYEE’S
effort and skill exclusively to EMPLOYER.  
  
 Upon
Termination of Employment. EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will not seek or accept employment with any business in direct competition with EMPLOYER for a period of one year after termination of the employment relationship, anywhere in the United
States. EMPLOYEE further agrees that for a period of one year, he/she will neither contact nor solicit business from any employee, customer or independent contractor, past, present or future, of the EMPLOYER. 
  
 12. NON-INTERFERENCE AND NON-SOLICITATION PROVISION 
  
 EMPLOYEE agrees that during the term of his/her employment
with EMPLOYER and for a period of one (1) year after termination of employment with EMPLOYER for any reason: (1) EMPLOYEE shall not either directly or directly interfere with the business of EMPLOYER or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; and (2)
EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly solicit any of EMPLOYER’S employees to leave EMPLOYER and/or to work for another employer or business, whether or not the solicited employee would commit any breach of his or her own employment terms by
leaving the service of the EMPLOYER. Thus, EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will not either directly or indirectly initiate any communications or direct others to initiate any communications with EMPLOYER’S employees regarding the possibility of
employment elsewhere during the term of this non-solicitation provision. 
  
 13. CONFIDENTIALITY/TRADE SECRET PROVISION 
  
 EMPLOYER has created, developed, and adopted confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information. Additionally, EMPLOYER has entered
into agreements with third parties whereby these third parties produce confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information for EMPLOYER. Such information has independent actual or potential economic value from not being generally known to the
public or other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and is not readily available or independently ascertainable through any source other than EMPLOYER. Such information is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its
secrecy. 
  
 The trade secrets of EMPLOYER
include, but are not limited to, EMPLOYER’S lending policies and procedures, contracts and agreements with lenders, investors, and other clients (“Clients”), information regarding the Clients (including but not limited to 

 

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 Client Lists and potential Client Lists), loan applicants, borrowers and other customers, budgets,
forecasts, financial statements, broker lists, client contracts, the particular needs of each client and broker, the manner in which business is conducted with each client and broker, records, sales techniques, methods of data processing, forecasts,
information concerning employees and their salaries, performance and personnel file information, and various financial information of EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE further understands and agrees that any and all of the above produced or used by EMPLOYEE during
the period of employment belongs to EMPLOYER and not to EMPLOYEE. 
  
 In recognition that the business of EMPLOYER and the nature of EMPLOYEE’S work will require EMPLOYEE to have access to confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret information of EMPLOYER and/or its clients
which, if disclosed in an unauthorized manner, could be highly prejudicial to EMPLOYER and/or its clients: 
  

	 	1.	EMPLOYEE agrees not to disclose in any manner any confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret information, either directly or indirectly, either during employment with EMPLOYER
or following termination of employment, except as required in the course of employment with EMPLOYER. 

  

	 	2.	EMPLOYEE agrees to take all precautions reasonably necessary to prevent the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret
information either during employment with EMPLOYER or following termination of employment. 

  

	 	3.	Upon termination, EMPLOYEE will immediately turn over to EMPLOYER all confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret documents, lists and records, or other writings or personal
property relating to the business of the EMPLOYER in any manner obtained during the term of employment. EMPLOYEE hereby agrees and understands that all loans, loan files, loan documentation, client lists and potential client lists are the possession
and property of EMPLOYER. Upon termination, EMPLOYEE shall cease using, shall immediately return, and shall not misappropriate or use any loans, loan files, loan documentation, client lists or potential client lists. In addition, upon termination,
EMPLOYEE shall leave in possession of EMPLOYER all equipment, furniture and supplies owned or leased by EMPLOYER. 

  
 EMPLOYEE recognizes and acknowledges that none of the above provisions or EMPLOYER”S exercise of any rights thereunder shall limit
the rights of EMPLOYER under applicable statutes and common law rules regarding trade secrets, including, without limitation, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. 
  

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 14. ASSIGNMENT: SUCCESSORS 
  
 The rights, which accrue to the EMPLOYER under this Agreement, shall pass to its successors and assigns.
EMPLOYEE may not assign any right under this Agreement with respect to the employment relationship, commencement, and termination of the employment relationship. 
  
 15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES 
  
 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement (“Entire Agreement”) of the parties and supercedes
any prior or contemporaneous agreement by and between the parties, except Stock Option Agreements as discussed herein. The Entire Agreement can be modified only by a written instrument executed by EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER’S President, on behalf of
the EMPLOYER. Section Headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose. 
  
 16. SEVERABILITY 
  
 In the event that one or more of the paragraphs contained herein are held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of the contract will continue in full force and effect. 
  
 17. GOVERNING LAW 
  
 This
Agreement and the legal relations thus created between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. 
  
 18. ARBITRATION PROVISION 
  

Any controversy, dispute or claim (“Claim”) whatsoever between EMPLOYEE on the one hand, and EMPLOYER, or any of its
employees, officers, and agents (collectively “COMPANY PARTIES”) on the other hand, including but not limited to any dispute about the validity, interpretation, effect or alleged violation of this Agreement, must be settled by binding
arbitration, at the request of either party, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Procedures of the American Arbitration Association or other similar organization in the County and State in which EMPLOYEE is employed. The claims
covered by this agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages and other compensation, claims for breach of contract (express or implied), tort claims, claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, 

  

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race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, and disability), and claims for violation of any federal,
state, or other governmental law, statute, regulations, or ordinance, except for claims for worker’s compensation or unemployment insurance benefits. 
  
 The Arbitrator shall apply the chosen State’s applicable substantive law and Evidence Code to the proceeding. The arbitration shall
take place in the County and State in which EMPLOYEE is or was employed by EMPLOYER. The parties shall be entitled to conduct discovery. The Arbitrator shall prepare in writing and provide to the parties a decision and award, which includes factual
findings and the reasons upon which the decision is based. The decision of the Arbitrator shall be binding and conclusive on the parties and unreviewable for error of law or legal reasoning of any kind, except as otherwise required by law. Judgment
upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered in any court having proper jurisdiction. The fees for the Arbitrator shall be paid by the EMPLOYER. Each party shall bear its or his/her own fees and costs incurred in connection with the
Arbitration, except for any attorneys’ fees or costs, which are awarded to a party by the Arbitrator pursuant to statute or contract which provides for recovery of such fees and/or costs from the other party. 
  
 The Arbitration agreement between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER
Parties constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters referenced herein. This Arbitration agreement can be modified only by a written instrument executed by the EMPLOYEE and the current President of the EMPLOYER.

  
 Both the EMPLOYER and the EMPLOYEE understand
and agree that by using arbitration to resolve any Claims between them or any or all of the EMPLOYER Parties they are giving up any right that they may have to a judge or jury trial with regard to those Claims. Both EMPLOYER and EMPLOYEE understand
and agree that each is entering into this Agreement voluntarily. 
  
 19. ATTORNEY’S FEES 
  
 The
prevailing party in any action or dispute between EMPLOYER and EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party
may be entitled. 
  
 20. WAIVER; MODIFICATION 

 
 Failure to insist upon compliance with any of the terms,
covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of, or failure to insist upon strict compliance with, any right or power hereunder at any one or more times be
deemed a waiver of or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times. 
  

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 21. NEGOTIATION 
  
 The parties warrant and agree that the terms of this Agreement were the subject of negotiations between
them. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that he/she has read this Agreement and has had full opportunity to seek independent legal advice before signing it. 
  

					
	Date:                     	 	  

	 	 	 	 	Gregory Metz
	 	 	 	 	EMPLOYEE
		
	Date:                     	 	  

	 	 	 	 	Scott Hartman
	 	 	 	 	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	 	 	 	 	NovaStar Financial, Inc.

  

 13Employment Agreement between NovaStar Financial, Inc. and Michael L. Bamburg

 Exhibit 10.32 
  
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
  
 This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date below, by and between NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. (the
“EMPLOYER”) and Mike Bamburg (the “EMPLOYEE”). The EMPLOYER hereby agrees to employ EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYEE hereby accepts employment upon the terms and conditions set forth below. 
  
 1. EMPLOYMENT BY COMPANY 
  
 EMPLOYEE shall be employed by the EMPLOYER in the position
of Senior Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer, hereinafter referred to as “SVP, Chief Investment Officer”. EMPLOYEE shall be responsible to direct and control all corporate portfolio activity with final authority on
portfolio policies and procedures as well as other duties/territories, which shall be assigned at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER. Reports to the Chief Executive Officer. 
  
 EMPLOYEE warrants and agrees that he/she has the skill, aptitude, and ability to perform the services for
which he/she is being employed, and that he/she will adhere to the standards of performance for the fulfillment of those duties, which EMPLOYER shall in its discretion from time to time prescribe. EMPLOYEE represents that he/she has not entered into
any agreements which are effective at the time of the execution of this Agreement which would prevent him/her from performing his/her duties as SVP-Chief Investment Officer, including but not limited to, any non-competition or non-disclosure
agreement with former employers. 
  
 EMPLOYEE
hereby agrees that he/she will devote all of his/her working time and attention and give his/her diligent effort and skill exclusively to the business and interests of EMPLOYER, and that he/she will perform such services, as may from time to time be
assigned to him/her, and shall do his/her utmost to further enhance and develop the best interests and welfare of the EMPLOYER in all respects. EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will give full attention and fully comply with the rules and procedures as
may from time to time be promulgated by EMPLOYER in its sole discretion. 
  
 EMPLOYEE shall not, without prior written consent of the EMPLOYER, at any time during the term of this Agreement: (a) accept employment with, or render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any
person other than the EMPLOYER; (b) engage in, own or provide financial or other assistance to any person, venture or activity which the EMPLOYER may in good faith consider to be competitive with or adverse to the EMPLOYER, whether directly or
indirectly, alone or with any other person as a principle, agent, shareholder, participant, partner, promoter, director, officer, manager, employee, consultant, sales representative or otherwise; or (c) engage in any venture or activity which the
Officers or the Board of Directors of the EMPLOYER may in good faith consider to interfere with EMPLOYEE’S performance of his duties. 
  

 1 

 2. COMPENSATION 
  

	 	A.	Base Salary. The EMPLOYER agrees to pay EMPLOYEE an annual base salary of $362,250.00. Base salary is payable in equal bi-weekly installments or at such other time or times as the
EMPLOYER’S policies and practices provide. EMPLOYEE will be eligible to receive annual salary increases during the term of this Agreement at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER. Any such increases shall automatically become part of this
Agreement and shall not alter any other terms of this Agreement. 

  

	 	B.	Performance Bonus. EMPLOYEE shall be eligible to receive a performance bonus, hereinafter referred to as “Bonus,” with a target of up to 100% of base salary (pro-rata over
the portion of year employed), not to exceed 200% of base salary, based upon predetermined goals approved by NovaStar’s Compensation Committee. 

  

	 	C.	Benefits. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to participate in any benefit programs adopted from time to time by EMPLOYER for the benefit of its employees at an appropriate level for the
duties of EMPLOYEE, and EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to receive such other fringe benefits as may be granted from time to time by the EMPLOYER’S Board of Directors or its Compensation Committee for the benefit of its employees and/or employees at
an appropriate level of duties of EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to participate in any benefits plans available to other executive employees of EMPLOYER at an appropriate level for the duties of the office, subject to any restrictions
(including waiting periods) specified in such plans. Separate written descriptions of available benefits will be provided from time to time, and the EMPLOYER reserves, in its sole and absolute discretion, the right to modify these benefits in whole
or in part at any time. 

  

	 	D.	Vacation. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation on an annual basis, with such vacation to be accrued and taken in accordance with EMPLOYER’S standard
vacation policies. 

  

	 	E.	Business Expenses. EMPLOYER shall reimburse EMPLOYEE for any and all necessary, customary and usual expenses, properly receipted in accordance with EMPLOYER’S policies and
procedures, incurred by EMPLOYEE on behalf of EMPLOYER. 

  

	 	F.	Options and Restricted Stock. Company Stock Options and/or restricted stock, may from time to time be offered to Company Executives. Such offerings shall be governed by a separate
document and the decision to offer options or restricted stock is at the sole discretion of EMPLOYER. 

  

 2 

 3. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT 
  
 EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER acknowledge that there is no agreement, express or implied, between them for any
specified term or period of employment, nor for continuing or long-term employment. The employment relationship between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER is completely and, in all respects, at-will. Either EMPLOYEE or EMPLOYER has the absolute right to
terminate the employment relationship, at any time, with or without cause, for any reason or no reason and no reason need be given. The fact that other sections of this Agreement provide differential post-termination benefits to EMPLOYEE on the
basis of whether EMPLOYEE is termination With Cause or Without Cause, as defined, below, does not undermine the at-will nature of the employment relationship. This is the entire agreement between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER regarding the matters set forth
in this paragraph. 
  
 4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER

  
 Termination For Cause. For
purposes of this Agreement, Termination for Cause shall mean the existence of or a belief by the EMPLOYER in the existence of facts which constitute a basis for termination of employee’s employment in view of relevant factors and circumstances,
which may include, but are not limited to, EMPLOYEE’S duties, responsibilities, conduct on the job or otherwise, job performance, and employment record. Acts or omissions which could constitute a basis for termination for Cause include, but are
not limited to: 
  

	 	(a)	Breach of any of the terms of this Agreement; 

  

	 	(b)	Failure to perform duties in accordance with the standards from time to time established by the EMPLOYER or conduct which the EMPLOYER determines may impair or tend to impair the
integrity of the EMPLOYER, including but not limited to: 

  

	 	(1)	Insubordination; 

  

	 	(2)	Gross misconduct; 

  

	 	(2)	Theft, Misappropriation or Embezzlement; 

  

	 	(3)	Dishonesty; 

  

	 	(4)	Neglect in performance of or failure to attend to the performance of duties; 

  

	 	(5)	Employee’s breach of fiduciary duty; 

  

	 	(6)	Any inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading oral or written statements made by the EMPLOYEE at any time, including but not limited to, any such statements in interviews, resumes,
curriculum vitae, job application, or other related oral or written communications; and 

  

 3 

	 	(c)	Any act or omission, which is inconsistent with the business interests of the EMPLOYER. 

  
 Termination For Death of Disability. EMPLOYEE’S employment may be terminated by EMPLOYER upon
the death or disability of EMPLOYEE, consistent with any rights or obligations of the EMPLOYER and the EMPLOYEE under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable constitutional provision or statute; 
  
 Termination Without Cause. EMPLOYEE’S employment
may be terminated by EMPLOYER without cause at any time and at its sole discretion. 
  
 5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 The EMPLOYEE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the
occurrence, without the EMPLOYEE’S written consent, of any one or more of the following events: 
  

	 	(a)	A reduction in title and/or compensation of the EMPLOYEE or the assignment of duties to the EMPLOYEE not consistent with those of an executive of the Company, except in connection
with the Company’s termination of the EMPLOYEE’S employment for Cause pursuant to Section 4 or as otherwise expressly contemplated herein; 

  

	 	(b)	The Company’s material breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a reduction by the Company in the EMPLOYEE’S Base Salary in effect
as of the Effective Date; or a material change in the conditions of the EMPLOYEE’S employment; or 

  

	 	(c)	The relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices to a location more than fifty (50) miles from its location as of the Effective Date or the Company’s requiring
the EMPLOYEE to be based anywhere other than the Company’s principal executive offices, except for requiring travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the EMPLOYEE’S duties hereunder.

  
 The EMPLOYEE agrees to provide the Company with
thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of any termination for Good Reason. 
  

 4 

 6. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER FOR CAUSE
OR BY EMPLOYEE WITHOUT GOOD REASON. 
  
 Salary Continuation. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to any continuation of salary or other base pay if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Incentive Pay. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to Incentive
Pay if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is either
terminated by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period ceases immediately upon EMPLOYEE’s termination by EMPLOYER for Cause or if EMPLOYEE resigns his/her employment. The provisions of the Stock Option
Agreement will otherwise be controlling. 
  
 7.
TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY EMPLOYER AFTER CHANGE IN CONTROL OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE, OR BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 If the EMPLOYEE’S employment shall be terminated after a Change in Control as defined by Section 10, (a) by the Company
other than for Cause, or (b) by the EMPLOYEE for Good Reason, the EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to the following benefits: 
  
 Severance Payment. EMPLOYEE shall be paid an amount equal to two times the Executive’s combined current year Base Salary and
actual Bonus compensation for the preceding fiscal year; provided, however, the severance amount shall not be less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) nor more (once the minimum is reached, than one percent (1.0%) of the book value of
the Company (i.e., the amount reported on the Company’s balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as stockholder’s equity). The Severance Payment shall be payable fifty percent (50%) within five (5)
days after the termination date and the remaining fifty percent (50%) shall be payable in twelve (12) equal consecutive monthly installments beginning on the first day of the month following the termination date. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue
Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER after a Change in Control or if EMPLOYEE terminates employment with Good Reason. 
  

 5 

 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. Vesting will accelerate to the date of
termination. In other words, after a Change in Control, if EMPLOYEE is either terminated by EMPLOYER, other than for Cause, or if EMPLOYEE terminates employment with Good Reason, EMPLOYEE shall immediately be vested with all stock options and
restricted stock awarded by the Company which have not been exercised prior to the termination date. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will otherwise be controlling. 
  
 8. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION BY EMPLOYER FOR DEATH OR DISABILITY. 
  
 Salary Continuation. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to any
continuation of salary or other base pay if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to EMPLOYEE’s death or disability. 
  
 Incentive Pay. EMPLOYEE is not entitled to Incentive Pay if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to EMPLOYEE’s death or
disability. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE
(or EMPLOYEE’S family) is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of COBRA if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER due to death or disability. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period continues without acceleration upon
EMPLOYEE’s termination by EMPLOYER due to disability. All stock options and restricted stock shall immediately and completely vest upon EMPLOYEE’s termination due to death. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will otherwise be
controlling. 
  
 9. TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION AND
BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION BY EMPLOYER WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON. 
  
 Consultancy Agreement. In the event EMPLOYEE is terminated without Cause or by EMPLOYEE for GOOD REASON, EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER
shall immediately enter into an independent contractor/consultant agreement pursuant to which EMPLOYEE shall receive pay in an amount equal to twelve (12) months base salary only (hereinafter “Consultancy Pay”) in exchange for consulting
services. The term of the consultancy will be for 12 months after the date of EMPLOYEE’s termination (“Consulting Period”). EMPLOYEE agrees to make himself or herself available to EMPLOYER for up to ten (10) hours per week, whether by
telephone, e-mail, or in person, on an as-needed basis to consult with respect to matters that were within EMPLOYEE’s job description during the course of EMPLOYEE’s employment. EMPLOYEE agrees to respond promptly, reasonably and
cooperatively to EMPLOYER’s requests for assistance. Barring special circumstances, the consulting 
  

 6 

 hours shall not be cumulative; accordingly, hours not used within a given week will be waived by the
EMPLOYER, but EMPLOYEE will receive his or her full pay under this paragraph. However, EMPLOYER reserves the right to require EMPLOYEE to provide more than ten (10) hours of service per week in the event that special circumstances arise in which
EMPLOYEE’s unique assistance is required by EMPLOYER. (Examples of special circumstances include, but are not limited to assistance in litigation or responding to government inquiries). In order to protect EMPLOYER’s confidential and trade
secret information from use or disclosure to a party other than the EMPLOYER, and to enable the Company to be able to obtain the benefits of EMPLOYEE’s consulting obligations hereunder, EMPLOYEE agrees that so long as he is accepting
Consultancy Pay pursuant to this section, he (a) will not accept employment or consulting work in any capacity with any competitor of EMPLOYER; and (b) will continue to abide by the provisions of paragraphs 8, and 9, below. In the event that
EMPLOYEE accepts subsequent employment or other consulting work within the Consulting Period, EMPLOYEE will be required to spend no more than five (5) hours per week consulting with EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE understands that this is a material term of this
Agreement. 
  
 Incentive Pay. In the event
EMPLOYEE is terminated without Cause, EMPLOYEE, at EMPLOYER’S discretion, shall be entitled to Incentive Pay in an amount equal to the pro-rata portion of incentive pay for the period of employment beginning January 1st of the year in which the termination occurs and ending the date of termination. The full amount, at EMPLOYER’S
discretion, of pro-rated Incentive Pay will be paid to EMPLOYEE in one lump sum payment made within thirty (30)- days after the EMPLOYEE’S termination date. 
  
 Health Benefits. EMPLOYEE is entitled to continue Health Benefits coverage pursuant to the terms of
COBRA if EMPLOYEE is terminated by EMPLOYER without cause. 
  
 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. The vesting period for the year in which the termination occurs will accelerate to the date of termination. In other words, upon termination without cause, EMPLOYEE shall
immediately be vested with all stock options and restricted stock that would have been vested at the end of the year in which the termination occurred. All other vesting ceases upon termination. The provisions of the Stock Option Agreement will
otherwise be controlling. 
  
 10. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if the conditions set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have been satisfied. 
  

	 	(a)	Any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) (other than the Company; any trustee or
other fiduciary holding securities under an Executive benefit plan of the Company; or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the stock of the
Company), is 

  

 7 

 or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly
or indirectly, of the securities of the Company (not including securities beneficially owned by such person, any securities acquired directly from the Company or from a transferor in a transaction expressly approved or consented to by the Board of
Directors) representing more than 25% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or 
  

	 	(b)	During any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of the Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board
of Directors and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (a), (c) or (d) of this section), (i) whose election by the Board of
Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved or (ii) whose election is to replace a person who ceases to be a director due to death, disability or age, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or 

  

	 	(c)	The shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting
securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an Executive benefit plan of the Company, at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or
(ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

  

	 	(d)	The shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the
Company’s assets. 

  
 11. NON-COMPETITION
PROVISION 
  
 During Employment. EMPLOYEE agrees that
during his/her employment by EMPLOYER he/she will not engage directly or indirectly in any location within the United States, in any business of the same or similar nature to the business of EMPLOYER or any business in which EMPLOYER is engaged in
developing, nor will 
  

 8 

 EMPLOYEE participate directly or indirectly in the ownership or management of any enterprise engaged in
such a business within the United States, including ownership or management as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This provision acts in concert with Section 1, Employment by Company, which requires EMPLOYEE to devote all of EMPLOYEE’S
effort and skill exclusively to EMPLOYER.  
  
 Upon
Termination of Employment. EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will not seek or accept employment with any business in direct competition with EMPLOYER for a period of one year after termination of the employment relationship, anywhere in the United
States. EMPLOYEE further agrees that for a period of one year, he/she will neither contact nor solicit business from any employee, customer or independent contractor, past, present or future, of the EMPLOYER. 
  
 12. NON-INTERFERENCE AND NON-SOLICITATION PROVISION 
  
 EMPLOYEE agrees that during the term of his/her employment
with EMPLOYER and for a period of one (1) year after termination of employment with EMPLOYER for any reason: (1) EMPLOYEE shall not either directly or directly interfere with the business of EMPLOYER or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; and (2)
EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly solicit any of EMPLOYER’S employees to leave EMPLOYER and/or to work for another employer or business, whether or not the solicited employee would commit any breach of his or her own employment terms by
leaving the service of the EMPLOYER. Thus, EMPLOYEE agrees that he/she will not either directly or indirectly initiate any communications or direct others to initiate any communications with EMPLOYER’S employees regarding the possibility of
employment elsewhere during the term of this non-solicitation provision. 
  
 13. CONFIDENTIALITY/TRADE SECRET PROVISION 
  
 EMPLOYER has created, developed, and adopted confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information. Additionally, EMPLOYER has entered
into agreements with third parties whereby these third parties produce confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information for EMPLOYER. Such information has independent actual or potential economic value from not being generally known to the
public or other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and is not readily available or independently ascertainable through any source other than EMPLOYER. Such information is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its
secrecy. 
  
 The trade secrets of EMPLOYER
include, but are not limited to, EMPLOYER’S lending policies and procedures, contracts and agreements with lenders, investors, and other clients (“Clients”), information regarding the Clients (including but not limited to 

 

 9 

 Client Lists and potential Client Lists), loan applicants, borrowers and other customers, budgets,
forecasts, financial statements, broker lists, client contracts, the particular needs of each client and broker, the manner in which business is conducted with each client and broker, records, sales techniques, methods of data processing, forecasts,
information concerning employees and their salaries, performance and personnel file information, and various financial information of EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE further understands and agrees that any and all of the above produced or used by EMPLOYEE during
the period of employment belongs to EMPLOYER and not to EMPLOYEE. 
  
 In recognition that the business of EMPLOYER and the nature of EMPLOYEE’S work will require EMPLOYEE to have access to confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret information of EMPLOYER and/or its clients
which, if disclosed in an unauthorized manner, could be highly prejudicial to EMPLOYER and/or its clients: 
  

	 	1.	EMPLOYEE agrees not to disclose in any manner any confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret information, either directly or indirectly, either during employment with EMPLOYER
or following termination of employment, except as required in the course of employment with EMPLOYER. 

  

	 	2.	EMPLOYEE agrees to take all precautions reasonably necessary to prevent the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret
information either during employment with EMPLOYER or following termination of employment. 

  

	 	3.	Upon termination, EMPLOYEE will immediately turn over to EMPLOYER all confidential, proprietary, and/or trade secret documents, lists and records, or other writings or personal
property relating to the business of the EMPLOYER in any manner obtained during the term of employment. EMPLOYEE hereby agrees and understands that all loans, loan files, loan documentation, client lists and potential client lists are the possession
and property of EMPLOYER. Upon termination, EMPLOYEE shall cease using, shall immediately return, and shall not misappropriate or use any loans, loan files, loan documentation, client lists or potential client lists. In addition, upon termination,
EMPLOYEE shall leave in possession of EMPLOYER all equipment, furniture and supplies owned or leased by EMPLOYER. 

  
  
 EMPLOYEE recognizes and acknowledges that none of the above
provisions or EMPLOYER”S exercise of any rights thereunder shall limit the rights of EMPLOYER under applicable statutes and common law rules regarding trade secrets, including, without limitation, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. 
  

 10 

 14. ASSIGNMENT: SUCCESSORS 
  
 The rights, which accrue to the EMPLOYER under this Agreement, shall pass to its successors and assigns.
EMPLOYEE may not assign any right under this Agreement with respect to the employment relationship, commencement, and termination of the employment relationship. 
  
 15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES 
  
 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement (“Entire Agreement”) of the parties and supercedes
any prior or contemporaneous agreement by and between the parties, except Stock Option Agreements as discussed herein. The Entire Agreement can be modified only by a written instrument executed by EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER’S President, on behalf of
the EMPLOYER. Section Headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose. 
  
 16. SEVERABILITY 
  
 In the event that one or more of the paragraphs contained herein are held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of the contract will continue in full force and effect. 
  
 17. GOVERNING LAW 
  
 This
Agreement and the legal relations thus created between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. 
  
 18. ARBITRATION PROVISION 
  

Any controversy, dispute or claim (“Claim”) whatsoever between EMPLOYEE on the one hand, and EMPLOYER, or any of its
employees, officers, and agents (collectively “COMPANY PARTIES”) on the other hand, including but not limited to any dispute about the validity, interpretation, effect or alleged violation of this Agreement, must be settled by binding
arbitration, at the request of either party, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Procedures of the American Arbitration Association or other similar organization in the County and State in which EMPLOYEE is employed. The claims
covered by this agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages and other compensation, claims for breach of contract (express or implied), tort claims, claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, 
  

 11 

 race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, and
disability), and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute, regulations, or ordinance, except for claims for worker’s compensation or unemployment insurance benefits. 
  
 The Arbitrator shall apply the chosen State’s
applicable substantive law and Evidence Code to the proceeding. The arbitration shall take place in the County and State in which EMPLOYEE is or was employed by EMPLOYER. The parties shall be entitled to conduct discovery. The Arbitrator shall
prepare in writing and provide to the parties a decision and award, which includes factual findings and the reasons upon which the decision is based. The decision of the Arbitrator shall be binding and conclusive on the parties and unreviewable for
error of law or legal reasoning of any kind, except as otherwise required by law. Judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered in any court having proper jurisdiction. The fees for the Arbitrator shall be paid by the EMPLOYER.
Each party shall bear its or his/her own fees and costs incurred in connection with the Arbitration, except for any attorneys’ fees or costs, which are awarded to a party by the Arbitrator pursuant to statute or contract which provides for
recovery of such fees and/or costs from the other party. 
  
 The Arbitration agreement between EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER Parties constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters referenced herein. This Arbitration agreement can be modified only by a
written instrument executed by the EMPLOYEE and the current President of the EMPLOYER. 
  
 Both the EMPLOYER and the EMPLOYEE understand and agree that by using arbitration to resolve any Claims between them or any or all of the
EMPLOYER Parties they are giving up any right that they may have to a judge or jury trial with regard to those Claims. Both EMPLOYER and EMPLOYEE understand and agree that each is entering into this Agreement voluntarily. 
  
 19. ATTORNEY’S FEES 
  
 The prevailing party in any action or dispute between
EMPLOYER and EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled. 
  
 20. WAIVER; MODIFICATION 
  
 Failure to insist upon compliance with any of the terms,
covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of, or failure to insist upon strict compliance with, any right or 
  

 12 

 power hereunder at any one or more times be deemed a waiver of or relinquishment of such right or power
at any other time or times. 
  
 21. NEGOTIATION 

 
 The parties warrant and agree that the terms of this
Agreement were the subject of negotiations between them. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that he/she has read this Agreement and has had full opportunity to seek independent legal advice before signing it. 
  

			
	Date:                         	 	  

	 	 	Mike Bamburg
	 	 	EMPLOYEE
		
	Date:                     	 	  

	 	 	Scott Hartman
	 	 	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	 	 	NovaStar Financial, Inc.

  

 13

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