EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1001171
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1001171_10-K_2024_0001140361-24-026827.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
General
Broadway Financial Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under Delaware law in 1995 for the purpose of acquiring and holding all of the outstanding capital stock of Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association as part of the bank’s conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings association to a federally chartered stock savings bank. In connection with the conversion, the bank’s name was changed to Broadway Federal Bank, f.s.b. (“Broadway Federal”). The conversion was completed, and the Broadway Federal became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in January 1996.
On April 1, 2021, the Company completed its merger (the “Merger”) with CFBanc Corporation (“CFBanc”), with the Company continuing as the surviving entity. Immediately following the Merger, Broadway Federal merged with and into City First Bank of D.C, National Association with City First Bank of D.C., National Association continuing as the surviving entity (combined with Broadway Federal, “City First” or the “Bank”). Concurrently with the Merger, the Bank changed its name to City First Bank, National Association.
Concurrently with the completion of the Merger, the Company converted to become a public benefit corporation. The Company works to spur equitable economic development with a mission to strengthen the overall well-being of historically excluded communities and has deployed loans and investments in the communities we serve that we believe has helped close funding gaps, preserved or increased access to affordable housing, created and preserved jobs, and expanded critical social services. We believe our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation aligns our business model of creating social, economic, and environmental value for underserved communities with a stakeholder governance model that allows us to give careful consideration to the impact of our decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, the environment, and our impact on society; and to align further our mission and values to our organizational documents.
On June 7, 2022, the Company closed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), pursuant to a Letter Agreement (collectively with the annexes, exhibits and schedules thereto, including the Securities Purchase Agreement - Standard Terms, the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 7, 2022, with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Purchaser”). The Purchase Agreement was entered into pursuant to the Purchaser’s Emergency Capital Investment Program.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser acquired an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, for an aggregate purchase price equal to $150.0 million in cash. The liquidation value of the Series C Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share.
In June 2022, the Company down streamed $75.0 million of the proceeds from the Private Placement to the Bank to enhance capital of the Bank.
Reverse Stock Split
On October 31, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a ratio of 1-for-8 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The shares of Class A Common Stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis at the open of business on November 1, 2023. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split was reduced such that every 8 shares of common stock held by a stockholder immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split were combined and reclassified into one share of common stock. All common stock share amounts and per share numbers discussed herein have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the Reverse Stock Split.
Share Repurchase
On October 31, 2023 the Company purchased 244,771 shares of its Class A (voting) Common Stock (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which obtained the shares when it was appointed receiver for First Republic Bank upon its closure earlier in 2023. The purchased shares represented just under 4.0% of the Company’s total voting shares prior to the purchase, and over 2.6% of the Company’s total common equity. The Company purchased the shares at a price of $7.2760 per share (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023), which represented the 20-day volume weighted average price for the Class A shares over the period ended October 24, 2023. The purchase was financed from cash on hand and the shares were retired.
The Company is currently regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank is currently regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”). See “Regulation” for further descriptions of the regulatory systems to which the Company and the Bank are subject.
Available Information
Our internet website address is www.cityfirstbank.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and can be obtained free of charge by sending a written request to Broadway Financial Corporation, 4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150, Los Angeles, California 90010 Attention: Audrey Phillips. The SEC also maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC.
Business Overview
The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and our principal business is the operation of our wholly-owned subsidiary, City First, which has three offices: two in California (in Los Angeles and the nearby city of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D.C. City First’s principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding our branch offices, loan customers, large non-profit entities, local municipalities, and depositors who believe in the Bank’s mission-driven focus. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in loans secured by residential properties with five or more units (“multi-family”) and commercial real estate. Our assets also include loans secured by commercial business assets as well as residential properties with one-to-four units (“single-family”). In addition, we invest in securities issued by federal government agencies, residential mortgage-backed securities and other investments.
Our revenue is derived primarily from interest income on loans and investments. Our principal costs are interest expenses that we incur on deposits and borrowings, together with general and administrative expenses. Our earnings are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly monetary trends, and conditions, including changes in market interest rates and the differences in market interest rates for the interest-bearing deposits and borrowings that are our principal funding sources and the interest yielding assets in which we invest, as well as government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.
Lending Activities
General
Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of mortgage loans which are secured by multi-family residential properties, single-family residential properties and commercial real estate, including charter schools, community facilities, and churches. The remainder of the loan portfolio consists of commercial business loans, loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) and construction-to-permanent loans. At December 31, 2023, our net loan portfolio totaled $880.5 million, or 64.0% of total assets.
We emphasize the origination of adjustable-rate loans, most of which are hybrid loans (loans having an initial fixed rate period which are initially 5 years, followed by an adjustable rate period), for our portfolio of loans held for investment. We originate these loans in order to maintain a high percentage of loans that have provisions for periodic repricing, thereby reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. At December 31, 2023, more than 82% of our loans had adjustable rate features. However, most of our adjustable rate loans behave like fixed rate loans for periods of time because the loans may still be in their initial fixed-rate period or may be subject to interest rate floors.
The types of loans that we originate are subject to federal laws and regulations. The interest rates that we charge on loans are affected by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and the rates offered by competitors. These factors are in turn affected by, among other things, economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the FRB, and legislative tax policies. See “Regulation” for more information on the government regulations to which we are subject.
The following table details the composition of our portfolio of loans held for investment by type, dollar amount and percentage of loan portfolio at the dates indicated:
December 31,
Amount
Percent
of total
Amount
Percent
of total
Amount
Percent
of total
Amount
Percent
of total
Amount
Percent
of total
(Dollars in thousands)
Single-family
$
24,702
2.79
%
$
30,038
3.89
%
$
45,372
6.96
%
$
48,217
13.32
%
$
72,883
18.23
%
Multi-family
561,447
63.33
%
502,141
65.08
%
393,704
60.36
%
272,387
75.24
%
287,378
71.90
%
Commercial real estate
119,436
13.47
%
114,574
14.85
%
93,193
14.29
%
24,289
6.71
%
14,728
3.68
%
Church
12,717
1.43
%
15,780
2.04
%
22,503
3.45
%
16,658
4.60
%
21,301
5.33
%
Construction
89,887
10.14
%
40,703
5.27
%
32,072
4.92
%
0.11
%
3,128
0.78
%
Commercial
63,450
7.16
%
64,841
8.40
%
46,539
7.13
%
0.02
%
0.07
%
SBA Loans
14,954
1.68
%
3,601
0.47
%
2.89
2.89
%
-
-
%
-
-
%
Consumer
-
%
-
%
-
-
%
-
%
0.01
%
Gross loans
886,606
100.00
%
771,689
100.00
%
652,220
100.00
%
362,044
100.00
%
399,701
100.00
%
Plus:
Premiums on loans purchased
Deferred loan costs, net
1,940
1,723
1,471
1,218
1,211
Less:
Credit and interest marks on purchased loans, net
1,010
1,842
-
-
Unamortized discounts
Allowance for credit/loan losses
7,348
4,388
3,391
3,215
3,182
Total loans held for investment
$
880,457
$
768,046
$
648,513
$
360,129
$
397,847
The following table presents loan categories by maturity for the period indicated. Actual repayments historically have, and will likely in the future, differ significantly from contractual maturities because individual borrowers generally have the right to prepay loans, with or without prepayment penalties.
December 31, 2023
One Year or Less
More Than One Year to Five Years
More Than Five Years to 15 Years
More Than 15 Years
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable held for investment:
Single-family
$
3,342
$
8,623
$
2,778
$
9,959
$
24,702
Multi-family
15,216
12,829
8,253
525,149
561,447
Commercial real estate
8,107
66,331
35,608
9,390
119,436
Church
4,113
3,934
4,670
-
12,717
Construction
26,299
37,082
26,506
-
89,887
Commercial - other
27,703
26,659
6,707
2,381
63,450
SBA loans
3,020
11,809
14,954
Consumer
-
-
-
$
84,809
$
158,478
$
84,631
$
558,688
$
886,606
Loans maturities after one year with:
Fixed rates
Single-family
$
8,137
$
1,686
$
6,085
$
15,908
Multi-family
8,831
4,223
-
13,054
Commercial real estate
59,736
22,864
-
82,600
Church
2,441
-
-
2,441
Construction
10,458
22,573
-
33,031
Commercial - other
11,659
5,643
17,482
SBA loans
2,453
-
-
2,453
Consumer
-
-
-
-
$
103,715
$
56,989
$
6,265
$
166,969
Variable rates
Single-family
$
$
1,092
$
3,874
$
5,452
Multi-family
3,998
4,030
525,149
533,177
Commercial real estate
6,595
12,744
9,390
28,729
Church
1,493
4,670
-
6,163
Construction
26,624
3,933
-
30,557
Commercial - other
15,000
1,064
2,201
18,265
SBA loans
11,809
12,485
Consumer
-
-
-
-
$
54,763
$
27,642
$
552,423
$
634,828
Total
$
158,478
$
84,631
$
558,688
$
801,797
Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending
Our primary lending emphasis has been on the origination of loans for multi-family with five or more units. These multi-family loans amounted to $561.4 million and $502.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Multi-family loans represented 63.33% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 compared to 65.08% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2022. Most of our multi-family loans amortize over 30 years. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest multi-family credit had an outstanding balance of $11.6 million, was current, and was collateralized by a 53-unit apartment complex in Downey, California. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our multi-family portfolio was $1.3 million.
Our commercial real estate loans amounted to $119.4 million and $114.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Commercial real estate loans represented 13.47% and 14.85% of our gross loan portfolios at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Most commercial real estate loans are originated with principal repayments on a 25- to 30-year amortization schedule but are due in 5 years or 10 years. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest commercial real estate credit had an outstanding principal balance of $10.6 million, was current, and was collateralized by a charter school located in Washington, D.C. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our commercial real estate portfolio was $2.0 million.
The interest rates on multi-family and commercial adjustable-rate mortgage loans (“ARM Loans”) are based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The interest rates on commercial real estate loans are based on a variety of indices, including two-year Treasury, five-year Treasury, seven-year Treasury and ten-year Treasury and the 5-year FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta).
All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently offer adjustable rate loans with interest rates that adjust either semi-annually or semi-annually upon expiration of an initial three- or five-year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans.
Loans secured by multi-family and commercial properties are granted based on the income producing potential of the property and the financial strength of the borrower. The primary factors considered include, among other things, the net operating income of the mortgaged premises before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to required principal and interest payments, or debt service), and the ratio of the loan amount to the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the collateral.
We seek to mitigate the risks associated with multi-family and commercial real estate loans by applying appropriate underwriting requirements, which include limitations on loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios. Under our underwriting policies, loan-to-value ratios on our multi-family and commercial real estate loans usually do not exceed 75% of the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the underlying property. We also generally require minimum debt service coverage ratios of 120% for multi-family loans and commercial real estate loans. Properties securing multi-family and commercial real estate loans are appraised by management-approved independent appraisers. Title insurance is required on all loans.
Multi-family and commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than single-family residential loans and typically involve higher loan principal amounts than loans secured by single-family residential real estate. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family and commercial real properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or general economy. Adverse economic conditions in our primary lending market area could result in reduced cash flows on multi-family and commercial real estate loans, vacancies and reduced rental rates on such properties. We seek to reduce these risks by originating such loans on a selective basis and generally restrict such loans to our general market area. In 2008, Broadway Federal ceased out-of-state lending for all types of loans. As a result of the Merger, in 2021 we resumed out-of-state lending on a selective basis; however, we currently do not have any loans outstanding that are outside of our market area, which consists of Southern California and the Washington, D.C. area (including parts of Maryland and Virginia).
Certain multi-family loans have adjustable-rate features based on SOFR but are fixed for the first five years. Depending on interest rate trends, some multi-family loans may pay-off during the first five years, while others continue into the adjustable rate phase. The interest rates on loans that continue into the adjustable rate phase are adjusted semi-annually subject to interest rate caps.
Our church loans totaled $12.7 million and $15.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which represented 1.43% and 2.04% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Broadway Federal ceased originating church loans in 2010 in Southern California; however, City First originates loans to churches in the Washington, D.C. area as part of its community development mission. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest church loan had an outstanding balance of $2.2 million, was current, and was collateralized by a church building and parcel of land in Baltimore, Maryland. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our church loan portfolio was $636 thousand.
Single-Family Mortgage Lending
While we have historically been primarily a multi-family and commercial real estate lender, we also have purchased or originated loans secured by single-family residential properties, including investor-owned properties, with maturities of up to 30 years. Single-family loans totaled $24.7 million and $30.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Of the single-family residential mortgage loans outstanding at December 31, 2023, more than 23% had adjustable rate features. We did not purchase any single-family loans during 2023 and 2022. Of the $24.7 million of single-family loans at December 31, 2023, $17.7 million are secured by investor-owned properties.
The interest rates for our single-family ARM Loans are indexed to COFI, SOFR, 12-MTA and 1-Yr. CMT. All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently offer loans with interest rates that adjust either semi-annually or semi-annually upon expiration of an initial three- or five-year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans. Most of our single-family adjustable rate loans behave like fixed rate loans because the loans are still in their initial fixed rate period or are subject to interest rate floors.
We qualify our ARM Loan borrowers based upon the fully indexed interest rate (SOFR or other index plus an applicable margin) provided by the terms of the loan. However, we may discount the initial rate paid by the borrower to adjust for market and other competitive factors. The ARM Loans that we offer have a lifetime adjustment limit that is set at the time that the loan is approved. In addition, because of interest rate caps and floors, market rates may exceed or go below the respective maximum or minimum rates payable on our ARM Loans.
The mortgage loans that we originate generally include due-on-sale clauses, which provide us with the contractual right to declare the loan immediately due and payable if the borrower transfers ownership of the property.
Construction Lending
Construction loans totaled $89.9 million and $40.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and represented 10.14% and 5.27% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022. We provide loans for the construction of quality, affordable single-family, multi-family and commercial real estate projects and for land development. We generally make construction and land loans at variable interest rates based upon the applicable Treasury Index plus a margin. Generally, we require a loan-to-value ratio not exceeding 75% and a loan-to-cost ratio not exceeding 85% on construction loans.
Construction loans involve risks that are different from those for completed project lending because we advance loan funds based upon the security and estimated value at completion of the project under construction. If the borrower defaults on the loan, we may have to advance additional funds to finance the project’s completion before the project can be sold. Moreover, construction projects are affected by uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, potential delays in construction schedules due to supply chain or other issues, market demand and the accuracy of estimates of the value of the completed project considered in the loan approval process. In addition, construction projects can be risky as they transition to completion and lease-up. Tenants who may have been interested in leasing a unit or apartment may not be able to afford the space when the building is completed, or may fail to lease the space for other reasons such as more attractive terms offered by competing lessors, making it difficult for the building to generate enough cash flow for the owner to obtain permanent financing. We specialize in the origination of construction loans for affordable housing developments where rents are subsidized by housing authority agencies. During 2023, we originated $40.0 million of construction loans, compared to $29.6 million of construction loan originations during 2022.
Commercial Lending
Our commercial lending portfolio consists of loans and lending activities to businesses in our market area that are secured by business assets including inventory, receivables, machinery, and equipment. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, non-real estate commercial loans totaled $63.5 million and $64.8 million, respectively. Commercial loans represented 7.16% of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we originated $43.3 million of commercial loans. As of December 31, 2023, our single largest commercial loan had an outstanding balance of $15.0 million. At December 31, 2023, the average balance of a loan in our non-real estate commercial loan portfolio was $2.0 million.
The risks related to commercial loans differ from loans secured by real estate and relate to the ability of borrowers to successfully operate their businesses and the difference between expected and actual cash flows of the borrowers. In addition, the recoverability of our investment in these loans is also dependent on other factors primarily dictated by the type of collateral securing these loans. The fair value of the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the recovery of our investment is dependent upon the borrower’s ability to collect amounts due from customers.
SBA Guaranteed Loans
City First is an approved SBA lender. We originate loans in Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia under the SBA’s 7(a), SBA Express, International Trade and 504(a) loan programs, in conformity with SBA underwriting and documentation standards. SBA loans are similar to commercial business loans but have additional credit enhancement provided by the U.S. Federal Government with guarantees between 50-85%. Certain loans classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. All other SBA loans are secured by business assets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, SBA loans totaled $15.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Our December 31, 2023 SBA loans included $2.5 million of loans issued under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. PPP loans have terms of two to five years and earn interest at 1%. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA and have virtually no risk of loss. The Bank expects the vast majority of the PPP loans to be fully forgiven by the SBA. SBA loans totaled 1.68% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.
Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales
The following table summarizes loan originations, purchases, sales, and principal repayments for the periods indicated:
(In thousands)
Gross loans: (1)
Beginning balance
$
771,689
$
652,220
$
362,044
Loans acquired in the Merger
-
-
225,885
Loans originated:
Multi-family
78,873
141,625
167,097
Commercial real estate
28,282
75,302
43,567
PPP Loans
-
-
26,497
Construction
39,950
29,628
24,884
Commercial
15,000
26,877
4,942
Total loans originated
162,105
273,432
266,987
Less:
Principal repayments
47,188
153,963
202,696
Sales of loans
-
-
-
Ending balance
$
886,606
$
771,689
$
652,220
(1)
Amount is before deferred origination costs, purchase premiums and discounts, and the allowance for credit losses.
Loan originations are derived from various sources including our loan personnel, local mortgage brokers, and referrals from customers. More than 85% of multi-family loan originations during 2023, 2022 and 2021 were sourced from wholesale loan brokers. All commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial loans and SBA loans were derived from our loan personnel, except that we partner with a third-party certified development company to originate and underwrite certain SBA 504 loans. No single-family or consumer loans were originated during the last three years. For all loans that we originate, upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered, and certain other information is verified by an independent credit agency. If necessary, additional financial information is requested. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required to be performed by an independent licensed or certified appraiser designated and approved by us. The Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) annually reviews our appraisal policy. Management reviews annually the qualifications and performance of independent appraisers that we use.
It is our policy to obtain title insurance on collateral for all real estate loans. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance naming the Bank as a loss payee prior to loan closing. If the original loan amount exceeds 80% on a sale or refinance of a first trust deed loan, we may require private mortgage insurance and the borrower is required to make payments to a mortgage impound account from which we make disbursements to pay private mortgage insurance premiums, property taxes and hazard and flood insurance as required.
Each loan requires at least two signatures for approval. The Board has authorized loan approval limits for various management team members up to $7 million per individual, and up to $12 million for the Chief Executive. Loans in excess of $7 million require review and approval by members of the Board’s Loan Committee. In addition, it is our practice that all loans approved be reported to the Loan Committee no later than the month following their approval and be ratified by the Board.
From time to time, we purchase loans originated by other institutions based upon our investment needs and market opportunities. The determination to purchase specific loans or pools of loans is subject to our underwriting policies, which consider, among other factors, the financial condition of the borrowers, the location of the underlying collateral properties and the appraised value of the collateral properties. We did not purchase any loans during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021.
During 2023 and 2022, we did not originate or sell any loans that were classified as held for sale.
Asset Quality
General
The underlying credit quality of our loan portfolio is dependent primarily on each borrower’s ability to continue to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to continue to do so, the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any. A borrower’s ability to pay, in the case of single-family residential loans and consumer loans, typically is dependent primarily on employment and other sources of income. Multi-family and commercial real estate loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the cash flow generated by the property, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Commercial business and SBA loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the successful operation of their businesses or their ability to collect amounts due from their customers. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also impact a borrower’s ability to make loan payments. Collateral values, particularly real estate values, are also impacted by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, demographics, property maintenance and collection or foreclosure delays.
Delinquencies
We perform a weekly review of all delinquent loans and a monthly loan delinquency report is made to the Internal Asset Review Committee of the Board of Directors. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take several steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. The procedures we follow with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the type of loan, the type of property securing the loan, and the period of delinquency. In the case of residential mortgage loans, we generally send the borrower a written notice of non-payment promptly after the loan becomes past due. In the event payment is not received promptly thereafter, additional letters are sent, and telephone calls are made. If the loan is still not brought current and it becomes necessary for us to take legal action, we generally commence foreclosure proceedings on all real property securing the loan. In the case of commercial real estate loans, we generally contact the borrower by telephone and send a written notice of intent to foreclose upon expiration of the applicable grace period. Decisions not to commence foreclosure upon expiration of the notice of intent to foreclose for commercial real estate loans are made on a case-by-case basis. We may consider loan workout arrangements with commercial real estate borrowers in certain circumstances.
The following table shows our loan delinquencies by type and amount at the dates indicated:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Loans delinquent
Loans delinquent
Loans delinquent
60-89 Days
90 days or more
60-89 Days
90 days or more
60-89 Days
90 days or more
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
$
2,423
-
$
-
Multi- family
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
$
2,423
-
$
-
% of Gross Loans
0.05
%
-
%
-
%
-
%
0.37
%
-
%
Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) include non-accrual loans and real estate owned through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure (“REO”). We had no NPAs at December 31, 2023 compared to $144 thousand, or 0.01% of total assets, at December 31, 2022.
Non-accrual loans consist of delinquent loans that are 90 days or more past due and other loans, including loans modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty, that do not qualify for accrual status. The $144 thousand decrease in non-accrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2023 was the result of the payoff of one non-accrual loan.
The following table provides information regarding our non-performing assets at the dates indicated:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
Single-family
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Church
-
Total non-accrual loans
-
Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing
-
-
-
-
-
Real estate owned acquired through foreclosure
-
-
-
-
-
Total non-performing assets
$
-
$
$
$
$
Non-accrual loans as a percentage of gross loans, including loans receivable held for sale
-
%
0.02
%
0.10
%
0.22
%
0.11
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
-
%
0.01
%
0.06
%
0.16
%
0.10
%
There were no accrual loans that were contractually past due by 90 days or more at December 31, 2023 or 2022. We had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on non-accrual status at December 31, 2023.
We discontinue accruing interest on loans when the loans become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due date (three missed payments). In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and uncollected interest for those loans through a charge to interest income. While loans are in non-accrual status, interest received on such loans is credited to principal, until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Classification of Assets
Federal regulations and our internal policies require that we utilize an asset classification system as a means of monitoring and reporting problem and potential problem assets. We have incorporated asset classifications as a part of our credit monitoring system and thus classify potential problem assets as “Watch” and “Special Mention,” and problem assets as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss.” An asset is considered “Watch” if the loan is current but temporarily presents higher than average risk and warrants greater than routine attention and monitoring. An asset is considered “Special Mention” if the loan is current but there are some potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. An asset is considered “Substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “Doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified “Substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “Loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but that are considered to possess some weaknesses, are designated “Special Mention.” Our Internal Asset Review Department reviews and classifies our assets and independently reports the results of its reviews to the Internal Asset Review Committee of our Board of Directors monthly.
The following table provides information regarding our criticized loans (Watch and Special Mention) and classified assets (Substandard) at the dates indicated:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Watch loans
$
124,208
$
65,717
Special mention loans
5,841
16,590
Total criticized loans
130,049
82,307
Substandard loans
21,684
5,750
Total classified assets
21,684
5,750
Total
$
151,733
$
88,057
Criticized assets increased to $130.0 million at December 31, 2023, from $82.3 million at December 31, 2022. City First has historically classified all newly originated construction loans as Watch loans until a history of loan performance can be established or until the construction project is complete, which is the main driver for the increase in total criticized loans of $47.7 million during 2023. In addition, certain loans were downgraded as part of the internal review process, which also caused the increase in substandard loans of $15.9 million.
Allowance for Credit Losses
In originating loans, we recognize that losses may be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss may vary as a result of many factors, including the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for the ACL on loans in accordance with ASC 326. ASC 326 requires the Company to recognize estimates for lifetime losses on loans and off-balance sheet loan commitments at the time of origination or acquisition. The recognition of losses at origination or acquisition represents the Company’s best estimate of the lifetime expected credit loss associated with a loan, given the facts and circumstances associated with the particular loan, and involves the use of significant management judgment and estimates, which are subject to change based on management’s on-going assessment of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and changes in economic forecasts used in the model. The Company uses the weighted-average remaining maturity (“WARM”) method when determining estimates for the ACL for each of its portfolio segments. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.
The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Qualitative adjustments may include, but are not limited to, factors such as: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge offs, and recovery practices; (ii) changes in international, national, regional, and local conditions; (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; (iv) changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management; (v) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar conditions; (vi) changes in the quality of the organization’s loan review system; (vii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; (viii) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (ix) the effect of other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. These qualitative factors incorporate the concept of reasonable and supportable forecasts, as required by ASC 326.
The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans that have recently been modified in response to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans, and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.
The estimation of the appropriate level of the ACL requires significant judgment by management. Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Changes in management’s estimates of forecasted net losses could materially change the level of the ACL. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ACL based on judgments different from those of management.
The Company has segmented the loan portfolio according to loans that share similar attributes and risk characteristics. Each segment possesses varying degrees of risk based on, among other things, the type of loan, the type of collateral, and the sensitivity of the borrower or industry to changes in external factors such as economic conditions. The Company determines the ACL for loans based on this more detailed loan segmentation and classification. These segments, and the risks associated with each segment, are as follows:
Real Estate: Single-Family - Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy leading to increased default rate, decreased market values from oversupply in a geographic area and incremental rate increases on adjustable-rate mortgages which may impact the ability of borrowers to maintain payments.
Real Estate: Multi-Family - Subject to adverse various market conditions that cause a decrease in market value or lease rates, changes in personal funding sources for tenants, oversupply of units in a specific region, population shifts and reputational risks.
Real Estate: Commercial Real Estate - Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy which may lead to reduced cash flows due to vacancies and reduced rental rates, and decreases in the value of underlying collateral.
Real Estate: Church - Subject to adverse economic and employment conditions, which may lead to reduced cash flows from members’ donations and offerings, and the stability, quality, and popularity of church leadership.
Real Estate: Construction - Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy, which may lead to reduced demand for new commercial, multi-family, or single-family buildings or reduced lease or sale opportunities once the building is complete.
Commercial and SBA Loans - Subject to industry and economic conditions including decreases in product demand.
Consumer - Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy, which may lead to higher default rates.
We determined that an ACL of $7.3 million, or 0.84% of net loans held for investment, was appropriate at December 31, 2023, compared to the allowance for loan and lease losses “ALLL”) of $4.4 million, or 0.57% of loans held for investment at December 31, 2022.
Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company maintained an ALLL in accordance with ASC 310 and ASC 450 that covered estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that were determined to be impaired, as well as estimated probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio.
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the Company evaluates loans collectively for purposes of determining the ACL in accordance with ASC 326. Collective evaluation is based on aggregating loans deemed to possess similar risk characteristics. In certain instances, the Company may identify loans that it believes no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio. These loans are typically identified from those that have exhibited deterioration in credit quality, since the specific attributes and risks associated with such loans tend to become unique as the credit deteriorates. Such loans are typically nonperforming, downgraded to substandard or worse, and/or are deemed collateral dependent, where the ultimate repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of or eventual sale of the collateral. Loans that are deemed by management to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the portfolio, or that have been identified as collateral dependent, are evaluated individually for purposes of determining an appropriate lifetime ACL. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach, using the loan’s effective interest rate, for determining the ACL on individually evaluated loans, unless the loan is deemed collateral dependent, which requires evaluation based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. The Company may increase or decrease the ACL for collateral dependent loans based on changes in the estimated fair value of the collateral.
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company classified loans as impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or it was determined that the likelihood of the Company receiving all scheduled payments, including interest, when due was remote. Credit losses on impaired loans were determined separately based on the guidance in ASC 310. Beginning January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for credit losses on all loans in accordance with ASC 326, which eliminates the concept of an impaired loan within the context of determining credit losses, and requires all loans to be evaluated for credit losses collectively based on similar risk characteristics. Loans are only evaluated individually when they are deemed to no longer possess similar risk characteristics with other loans in the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2022, impaired loans totaled $1.7 million and had an aggregate specific allowance allocation of $7 thousand.
A federally chartered bank’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the OCC. The OCC, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, provides guidance for financial institutions on the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate valuation allowances, as well as guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of valuation allowances. It is required that all institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems, analyze all significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner and establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives of the guidelines issued by federal regulatory agencies. While we believe that the ACL has been established and maintained at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ materially from the conditions on which we based our estimates at December 31, 2023. In addition, there can be no assurance that the OCC or other regulators, as a result of reviewing our loan portfolio and/or allowance, will not require us to materially increase our ACL, thereby affecting our financial condition and earnings.
The following table details our allocation of the ACL/ALLL to the various categories of loans held for investment and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated:
December 31,
Amount
Percent
of loans
in each
category
to total
loans
Amount
Percent
of loans
in each
category
to total
loans
Amount
Percent
of loans
in each
category
to total
loans
Amount
Percent
of loans
in each
category
to total
loans
Amount
Percent
of loans
in each
category
to total
loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Single-family
$
2.79
%
$
3.89
%
$
6.96
%
$
13.32
%
$
18.23
%
Multi-family
4,413
63.33
%
3,273
65.08
%
2,657
60.36
%
2,433
75.24
%
2,319
71.90
%
Commercial real estate
1,094
13.47
%
14.85
%
14.29
%
6.71
%
3.68
%
Church
1.43
%
2.04
%
3.45
%
4.60
%
5.33
%
Construction
10.14
%
5.27
%
4.92
%
0.11
%
0.78
%
Commercial
7.16
%
8.87
%
10.02
%
0.02
%
0.07
%
SBA loans
1.68
%
-
-
%
-
-
%
-
-
%
-
-
%
Consumer
-
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
%
0.01
%
Total allowance for credit losses
$
7,348
100.00
%
$
4,388
100.00
%
$
3,391
100.00
%
$
3,215
100.00
%
$
3,182
100.00
%
The following table shows the activity in our ACL/ALLL related to our loans held for investment for the years indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance balance at beginning of year
$
4,388
$
3,391
$
3,215
$
3,182
$
2,929
Charge-offs:
Single-family
-
-
-
-
-
Multi-family
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Church
-
-
-
-
-
Construction
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial
-
-
-
-
-
SBA Loans
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
Total charge-offs
-
-
-
-
-
Recoveries:
Single-family
-
-
-
-
Multi-family
-
-
-
-
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
Church
-
-
-
-
Construction
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial
-
-
-
-
-
SBA Loans
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
Total recoveries
-
-
Impact of CECL adoption
1,809
-
-
-
-
Loan loss provision (recapture)
(7
)
Allowance balance at end of year
$
7,348
$
4,388
$
3,391
$
3,215
$
3,182
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, excluding loans receivable held for sale
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
%
(0.07
%)
ACL/ALLL as a percentage of gross loans, excluding loans receivable held for sale (1)
0.83
%
0.57
%
0.52
%
0.88
%
0.79
%
ACL/ALLL as a percentage of total non-accrual loans
-
%
3,047.22
%
495.76
%
408.51
%
750.47
%
ACL/ALLL as a percentage of total non-performing assets
-
%
3,047.22
%
495.76
%
408.51
%
750.47
%
(1)
The ACL/ALLL as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 does not include any ACL/ALLL for the remaining balance of loans acquired in the City First Merger, which totaled $126.8 million and $146.3 million, respectively.
Investment Activities
The main objectives of our investment strategy are to provide a source of liquidity for deposit outflows, repayment of our borrowings and funding loan commitments, and to generate a favorable return on investments without incurring undue interest rate or credit risk. Subject to various restrictions, our investment policy generally permits investments in money market instruments such as federal funds sold, certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, securities issued by federal and other government agencies and mortgage-backed securities, mutual funds, municipal obligations, corporate bonds, and marketable equity securities. Mortgage-backed securities consist principally of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association which are backed by 30-year amortizing hybrid ARM Loans, structured with fixed interest rates for periods of three to seven years, after which time the loans convert to one-year or six-month adjustable rate mortgage loans. At December 31, 2023, our securities portfolio, consisting primarily of federal agency debt, mortgage-backed securities, bonds issued by the United States Treasury and the SBA, and municipal bonds, totaled $317.0 million, or 23.0% of total assets.
We classify investments as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale at the date of purchase based on our assessment of our internal liquidity requirements. Securities purchased to meet investment-related objectives such as liquidity management or mitigating interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available-for-sale at the time of purchase. Securities in the held-to-maturity category consist of securities purchased for long-term investment in order to enhance our ongoing stream of net interest income. Securities deemed held-to-maturity are classified as such because we have both the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. We currently have no securities classified as held-to-maturity securities.
The Company’s assessment of available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2023, indicated that an ACL was not required. The Company analyzed available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position and determined the decline in fair value for those securities was not related to credit, but rather related to changes in interest rates and general market conditions. As such, no ACL was recorded for available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2023.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by type as of the dates indicated. At December 31, 2023, our securities portfolio did not contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies.
At December 31,
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
(In thousands)
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
$
76,091
$
66,778
$
84,955
$
74,169
$
70,078
$
70,030
Federal agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”)
24,720
23,339
27,776
26,100
9,391
9,287
Federal agency debt
50,893
47,836
55,687
51,425
38,152
37,988
Municipal bonds
4,833
4,373
4,866
4,197
4,898
4,915
U.S. Treasuries
167,055
163,880
165,997
160,589
18,169
17,951
SBA pools
12,386
10,744
14,048
12,269
16,241
16,225
Total
$
335,978
$
316,950
$
353,329
$
328,749
$
156,929
$
156,396
The table below presents the carrying amount, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our securities as of December 31, 2023. The table reflects stated final maturities and does not reflect scheduled principal payments or expected payoffs.
At December 31, 2023
One year
or less
More than one
year to five years
More than five
years to ten years
More than
ten years
Total
Fair Value
Weighted
average
yield
Fair Value
Weighted
average
yield
Fair Value
Weighted
average
yield
Fair Value
Weighted
average
yield
Fair Value
Weighted
average
yield
(Dollars in thousands)
Available-for-sale:
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
$
4,946
2.84
%
$
1,115
1.57
%
$
9,934
1.50
%
$
50,783
2.54
%
$
66,778
2.39
%
Federal agency CMO
-
-
%
0.89
%
10,574
4.47
%
12,201
3.32
%
23,339
3.78
%
Federal agency debt
8,815
2.82
%
34,321
1.83
%
4,700
4.47
%
-
-
%
47,836
2.27
%
Municipal bonds
-
-
%
2,850
1.60
%
-
-
%
1,523
1.73
%
4,373
1.65
%
U.S. Treasuries
88,501
2.94
%
75,379
2.59
%
-
-
%
-
-
%
163,880
2.78
%
SBA pools
-
-
%
6.91
%
2,070
2.73
%
8,604
2.75
%
10,744
2.78
%
Total
$
102,262
2.92
%
$
114,299
2.32
%
$
27,278
3.26
%
$
73,111
2.68
%
$
316,950
2.68
%
Sources of Funds
General
Deposits are our primary source of funds for supporting our lending and other investment activities and general business purposes. In addition to deposits, we obtain funds from the amortization and prepayment of loans and investment securities, sales of loans and investment securities, advances from the FHLB, and cash flows generated by operations.
Deposits
We offer a variety of deposit accounts featuring a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposits principally consist of savings accounts, checking accounts, interest checking accounts, money market accounts, and fixed-term certificates of deposit. The maturities of term certificates generally range from one month to five years. We accept deposits from customers within our market area based primarily on posted rates, but from time to time we will negotiate the rate based on the amount of the deposit. We primarily rely on customer service and long-standing customer relationships to attract and retain deposits. We seek to maintain and increase our retail “core” deposit relationships, consisting of savings accounts, checking accounts and money market accounts because we believe these deposit accounts tend to be a stable funding source and are available at a lower cost than term deposits. However, market interest rates, including rates offered by competing financial institutions, the availability of other investment alternatives, and general economic conditions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits.
We participate in a deposit program called the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”). CDARS is a deposit placement service that allows us to place our customers’ funds in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit at other banks and, at the same time, receive an equal sum of funds from the customers of other banks in the CDARS Network (“CDARS Reciprocal”). These deposits totaled $114.8 million and $74.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively and are not considered to be brokered deposits.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $286.4 million and $212.9 million of our total deposits were not insured by FDIC insurance.
The following table presents the maturity of time deposits as of the dates indicated:
Three
Months or Less
Three to Six Months
Six Months
to One Year
Over One Year
Total
(In thousands)
December 31, 2023
Time deposits of $250,000 or less
$
36,931
$
26,248
$
63,118
$
18,202
$
144,499
Time deposits of more than $250,000
4,609
3,904
6,895
8,128
23,536
Total
$
41,540
$
30,152
$
70,013
$
26,330
$
168,035
Not covered by deposit insurance
$
3,109
$
2,154
$
4,395
$
6,628
$
16,286
December 31, 2022
Time deposits of $250,000 or less
$
30,244
$
23,155
$
49,461
$
4,281
$
107,141
Time deposits of more than $250,000
27,912
-
-
-
27,912
Total
$
58,156
$
23,155
$
49,461
$
4,281
$
135,053
Not covered by deposit insurance
$
17,913
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
17,913
The following table details the maturity periods of our certificates of deposit in amounts of $100 thousand or more at December 31, 2023.
December 31, 2023
Amount
Weighted
Average Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates maturing:
Less than three months
$
36,101
2.81
%
Three to six months
25,278
2.97
%
Six to twelve months
61,475
3.59
%
Over twelve months
21,254
2.33
%
Total
$
144,108
3.10
%
The following table presents the distribution of our average deposits for the years indicated and the weighted average interest rates during the year for each category of deposits presented.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Average
Balance
Percent
of Total
Weighted
Average
Cost of Funds
Average
Balance
Percent
of Total
Weighted
Average
Cost of Funds
Average
Balance
Percent
of Total
Weighted
Average
Cost of Funds
(Dollars in thousands)
Money market deposits
$
126,831
21.97
%
3.37
%
$
192,835
26.34
%
0.67
%
$
159,157
24.77
%
0.41
%
Savings deposits
59,928
10.38
%
0.25
%
66,033
9.02
%
0.09
%
67,660
10.53
%
0.30
%
Interest checking and other demand deposits
236,244
40.92
%
0.15
%
291,114
39.77
%
0.08
%
223,003
34.70
%
0.05
%
Certificates of deposit
154,275
26.73
%
1.77
%
182,050
24.87
%
0.30
%
192,795
30.00
%
0.37
%
Total
$
577,278
100.00
%
1.30
%
$
732,032
100.00
%
0.29
%
$
642,615
100.00
%
0.26
%
Borrowings
We utilize short-term and long-term advances from the FHLB as an alternative to retail deposits as a funding source for asset growth. FHLB advances are generally secured by mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. Such advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had $209.3 million in outstanding FHLB advances and had the ability to borrow up to an additional $117.0 million based on available and pledged collateral.
The following table summarizes information concerning our FHLB advances at or for the periods indicated:
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
FHLB Advances:
Average balance outstanding during the year
$
177,261
$
61,593
$
100,471
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year
$
210,242
$
128,823
$
113,580
Balance outstanding at end of year
$
209,319
$
128,344
$
85,952
Weighted average interest rate at end of year
4.91
%
3.74
%
1.85
%
Average cost of advances during the year
4.70
%
1.74
%
1.96
%
Weighted average maturity (in months)
On December 27, 2023, the Bank borrowed $100 million from the Federal Reserve under the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), all of which was outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The interest rate on this borrowing is fixed at 4.84% and the borrowing matures on December 29, 2024. Investment securities with a book value of $107.3 million and a fair value of $98.3 million were pledged as collateral for this borrowing as of December 31, 2023. There are no prepayment penalties for early payoff. As the BTFP ended on March 11, 2024, no additional borrowings can be made under the program.
The Bank enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Bank’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $73.5 million at an average rate of 2.60%. These agreements mature on a daily basis. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and included $47.8 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.2 million of federal agency debt, and $11.0 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $63.5 million at an average rate of 0.38%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $64.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and included $33.3 million of federal agency debt, $19.2 million of U.S. Treasuries and $11.9 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities
We participate in and have previously been an “Allocatee” of the New Markets Tax Credit Program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. In December 2015, a national brokerage firm made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 was the beneficiary of the loan from the brokerage firm and passed the proceeds from that loan through to a Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business (“QALICB”). The loan to the QALICB is secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust from which the funds for repayment of the loan will be derived. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to the brokerage firm, less a servicing fee which is retained by CFC 45. This note was paid off during January 2024. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company.
Market Area and Competition
The Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) and a certified B Corp, offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Our retail banking network includes full-service banking offices, automated teller machines and internet banking capabilities that are available using our website at www.ciytfirstbank.com. We have three banking offices as of December 31, 2023: two in California (in Los Angeles and in the nearby City of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D.C.
Both the Washington, D.C. and the Los Angeles metropolitan areas are highly competitive banking markets for making loans and attracting deposits. Although our offices are primarily located in low-to-moderate income communities that have historically been under-served by other financial institutions, we face significant competition for deposits and loans in our immediate market areas, including direct competition from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Most of these financial institutions are significantly larger than we are and have greater financial resources, and many have a regional, statewide, or national presence.
Human Capital Management
Human Capital
We are a unified, commercial CDFI with a focused vision, mission, and strategy that equitably drives economic, social, and environmental justice for our clients and communities in which we work making them better places to be. We believe that employees are one of our most important resources and in order to fulfill future and sustainable growth, our key objectives include attracting, selecting, retaining, and developing top talent in the marketplace that closely align our employees’ personal values with the organization’s values. As such, our culture is defined by our Shared Values principles: “Clients and Communities First”; “We Think Big”; “We Model Excellence”; and “ONE City First.”
City First’s Shared Values principles are derived from critical beliefs and ingrained principles that guide the organization’s actions, behaviors, and culture towards our primary objectives. Our Shared Values mean that we stand for something in how we view each other, the world, and our place of service in it. With these values centered in all that we do, we work collaboratively with mission-aligned customers looking to make an impact in under-resourced communities through affordable housing, charter schools, community health centers, nonprofits, and small to medium-sized businesses. Our employees behave in a manner that is consistent with these beliefs.
While the Board of Directors oversees the strategic management of our human capital management, our internal Human Resources team drives the day-to-day management of our human capital operations and strategy.
As of December 31, 2023, we employed 98 full-time employees. Our employees are primarily located in Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C. in our corporate offices, branches, and operating facilities. We also employ several remote workers who are in various locations throughout the U.S.
Compensation and Benefits
Our market competitive total employee compensation (salaries, bonuses and all benefits and rewards) is a critical tool enabling us to attract and retain talented people. In addition to base compensation, these programs include commission-based incentives, corporate incentive compensation plans, restricted stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution, an employee stock ownership plan, healthcare, and insurance benefits including telehealth connection services, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, will prep services, college tuition benefit programs, and vacation/sick/family leave.
Our methodology is to provide pay levels and pay opportunities that are internally fair, cost-effective, and externally competitive to market-based salaries. To determine competitive market compensation levels, we use market surveys and economic research to benchmark our positions utilizing salary and compensation data of companies with similar positions, asset size and geographical locations. We annually review our salary structures and grade ranges to keep pace with changes in the marketplace. With the support of third-party experts in this field and within the banking industry, we conduct regular job evaluations to meet changing business needs or when the scope of existing positions or organizational changes occur. Our standard pay practices are designed to honor and adhere to pay equity analysis.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our legacy and history matter at City First. We are proud of our expanded 75-year history with the merger with Broadway Federal. Our founders in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. were local leaders who saw a need in the community for a bank that addressed the lack of access to capital for historically excluded and disinvested urban majority minority communities.
The Merger formed one of the largest Black-led Minority Depository Institutions (“MDI”) in the nation in the midst of a national reawakening to the systemic racial and economic disparities persisting and growing in our society. The Merger maintains the legacy of the constituents and honors the legacy of African American-led MDI’s across the country that were founded to address the unmet financing needs of the community. Our intent, purpose, and execution are grounded in our 75-year history of deep commitment to economic justice through the targeted provision of capital for historically excluded and disinvested urban majority minority communities.
Our ownership, responsibility, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the composition of our workforce, executive leadership team, and board of directors. As of December 31, 2023, more than 80% of the Company’s employees self-identified as minority, approximately 62% of our employees were women, and other diverse groups such as veterans and people with disabilities were also represented.
Workforce Training and Development
We align our talent strategy with our business strategy to provide guidance on the proper mix of skills, emerging talent and business needs or issues. This investment to allow employees to learn, grow, and be fulfilled in their work stems from our development of providing a multi-dimensional approach to curriculum design and competency-based learning centered around culture and technical skills. Learning and development play a critical and strategic role as we prepare our organization for the future by recognizing continuous needs to upskill or reskill in order to scale our business.
Our employees receive continuing education courses relevant to their respective roles within the organization, as well as access to on-demand learning solutions to enhance leadership capabilities, advance communications skills and techniques, college credit courses, seminars, and training deeply embedded in cultural dynamics and awareness. To support employees who wish to continue their development and education, we provide reimbursement to employees who seek development to upskill or reskill while employed at the company.
Regulation
General
City First and Broadway Financial Corporation are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by several different federal agencies. City First is regulated by the OCC as its primary federal regulator. The Bank’s deposits generally are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account; the Bank also is regulated by the FDIC as its deposit insurer. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is subject to certain regulations of the FRB, including, for example, regulations concerning reserves required to be maintained against deposits and regulations governing transactions with affiliates, Broadway Financial Corporation is regulated, examined, and supervised by the FRB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRBR”) and is also required to file certain reports and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws. The Bank also is subject to consumer protection regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
The OCC regulates and examines the Bank’s business activities, including, among other things, capital standards, investment authority and permissible activities, deposit taking and borrowing authority, mergers and other business combination transactions, establishment of branch offices, and the structure and permissible activities of any subsidiaries of the Bank. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over national banks and has substantial discretion to impose enforcement actions on an institution that fails to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including capital requirements, or that engages in practices that examiners determine to be unsafe or unsound. In addition, the FDIC has “back-up” enforcement authority that enables it to recommend enforcement action to the OCC with respect to a national bank and, if the recommended action is not taken by the OCC, to take such action under certain circumstances. In certain cases, the OCC has the authority to refer matters relating to federal fair lending laws to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) if the OCC determines violations of the fair lending laws may have occurred.
Changes in applicable laws or the regulations of the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB, the CFPB, or other regulatory authorities, or changes in interpretations of such regulations or in agency policies or priorities, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and our Company, our operations, and the value of our debt and equity securities. We and our stock are also subject to rules issued by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), the stock exchange on which our voting common stock is traded. Failure to conform to Nasdaq’s rules could have an adverse impact on us and the value of our equity securities.
The following paragraphs summarize certain laws and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport to be complete descriptions of all the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that applies to us. In addition, the statutes and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank are subject to change, which can affect the scope and cost of their compliance obligations.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act is intended to address perceived weaknesses in the U.S. financial regulatory system and prevent future economic and financial crises.
The Dodd-Frank Act established increased compliance obligations across a number of areas in the banking business. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies (comprising the FRB, the OCC, and the FDIC) substantially revised their consolidated and bank-level risk-based and leverage capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies and certain non-bank financial companies. Under an existing FRB policy statement, bank holding companies with less than $3 billion in total consolidated assets are not subject to consolidated capital requirements provided they satisfy the conditions in the policy statement. The Dodd-Frank Act requires bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength for any subsidiary of the holding company that is a depository institution by providing financial assistance in the event of the financial distress of the depository institution.
The Dodd-Frank Act also established the CFPB. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to banks and savings institutions of all sizes, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. At times during the past several years, the CFPB has been active in bringing enforcement actions against banks and nonbank financial institutions to enforce federal consumer financial laws and has developed a number of new enforcement theories and applications of these laws. The CFPB’s supervisory authority does not generally extend to insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, that have less than $10 billion in assets. The federal banking agencies, however, have authority to examine for compliance, and bring enforcement action for non-compliance, with respect to the CFPB’s regulations. State attorneys general and state banking agencies and other state financial regulators also may have authority to enforce applicable consumer laws with respect to institutions over which they have jurisdiction.
Capital Requirements
The Bank’s capital requirements are administered by the OCC and involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under applicable regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the OCC. Failure to meet capital requirements can result in regulatory action.
As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies have developed a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (“CBLR”) (the ratio of a bank’s tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies have set the Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 9%. Actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of the dates indicated are presented below:
Actual
Minimum Required to be
Well Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023:
Community Bank Leverage Ratio
$
185,773
14.97
%
$
111,696
9.00
%
December 31, 2022:
Community Bank Leverage Ratio
$
181,304
15.75
%
$
103,591
9.00
%
At December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. In addition, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Management believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would materially adversely change the Bank’s capital classifications. From time to time, we may need to raise additional capital to support the Bank’s further growth and to maintain the “well capitalized” status.
Deposit Insurance
The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits of federally insured banks, including national banks, up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
The FDIC charges an annual assessment for the insurance of deposits based on the risk a particular institution poses to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank’s DIF assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the assessment base, which is defined as the average consolidated total assets less the average tangible equity of the Bank. The initial base assessment rate is based on an institution’s capital level, and capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and in some cases, additional discretionary adjustments by the FDIC to reflect additional risk factors.
The FDIC’s overall premium rate structure is subject to change from time to time to reflect its actual and anticipated loss experience. The financial crisis that began in 2008 resulted in substantially higher levels of bank failures than had occurred in the immediately preceding years. These failures dramatically increased the resolution costs incurred by the FDIC and substantially reduced the available amount of the DIF.
Consistent with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC adopted its most recent DIF restoration plan in September 2020; that plan is designed to enable the FDIC to achieve the statutorily required reserve ratio of 1.35% by September 30, 2028. The FDIC Board has set the designated reserve ratio for each of the years 2023 and 2022 at 2%. The statute provides that in setting the amount of assessments necessary to meet the designated reserve ratio requirement, the FDIC is required to offset the effect of this provision on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, so that more of the cost of raising the reserve ratio will be borne by institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Accordingly, the FDIC has provided assessment credits to insured depository institutions, like the Bank, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion for the portion of their regular assessments that contribute to growth in the reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35%. The FDIC has applied the credits each quarter that the reserve ratio was at least 1.38% to offset the regular deposit insurance assessments of institutions with credits. The Bank did not receive any assessment credits during 2023 or 2022.
Although it rarely does so, the FDIC has the authority to terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of a bank’s depositors.
Guidance on Commercial Real Estate Lending
In December 2015, the federal banking agencies released a statement titled “Statement on Prudent Risk Management for Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “CRE Statement”). The CRE Statement expresses the banking agencies’ concerns with banking institutions that ease their commercial real estate underwriting standards, directs financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicates that the agencies will continue to pay special attention to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. The banking agencies previously issued guidance titled “Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts” which provides guidance for financial institutions that are working with commercial real estate (“CRE”) borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties and details risk-management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision-making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The banking agencies had also issued previous guidance titled “Interagency Guidance on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate” stating that a banking institution will be considered to be potentially exposed to significant CRE concentration risk, and should employ enhanced risk management practices, if total CRE loans represent 300% or more of its total capital and the outstanding balance of the institution’s CRE loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months.
In October 2009, the federal banking agencies adopted a policy statement supporting workouts of CRE loans, which is referred to as the “CRE Policy Statement.” The CRE Policy Statement provides guidance for examiners, and for financial institutions that are working with CRE borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties. The CRE Policy Statement details risk-management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision-making within the framework of financial accuracy, transparency, and timely loss recognition. The CRE Policy Statement states that financial institutions that implement prudent loan workout arrangements after performing comprehensive reviews of the financial condition of borrowers will not be subject to criticism for engaging in these efforts, even if the restructured loans have weaknesses that result in adverse credit classifications. In addition, performing loans, including those renewed or restructured on reasonable modified terms, made to creditworthy borrowers, will not be subject to adverse classification solely because the value of the underlying collateral declined. The CRE Policy Statement reiterates existing guidance that examiners are expected to take a balanced approach in assessing an institution’s risk-management practices for loan workout activities.
In October 2018, the OCC provided Broadway Federal with a letter of “no supervisory objection” permitting it to increase the non-multi-family commercial real estate loan concentration limit to 100% of Tier 1 Capital plus ALLL, including a sublimit of 50% for land/construction loans, which brought the total CRE loan concentration limit to 600% of Tier 1 Capital plus ALLL.
Loans to One Borrower
The Bank is in compliance with the statutory and regulatory limits applicable to loans to any one borrower. As of December 31, 2023, the lending limit for City First is $30.2 million. At December 31, 2023, our largest loan to a single borrower was $15.0 million; that loan was performing in accordance with its terms and was otherwise in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending
The Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by OCC regulations (“CRA”), requires each national bank to make efforts to meet the credit needs of the communities it serves, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA requires the OCC to assess an institution’s performance in meeting the credit needs of its communities as part of its examination of the institution, and to take such assessments into consideration in reviewing applications for mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions. An unsatisfactory CRA rating may be the basis for denying an application. Community groups have successfully protested applications on CRA grounds. In connection with the assessment of a savings institution’s CRA performance, the OCC assigns ratings of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” The Company’s CRA performance was rated by the OCC as “outstanding” in their most recent CRA examination which was completed in 2022.
The Bank is also subject to federal fair lending laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) and the Federal Housing Act (“FHA”), which prohibit discrimination in credit and residential real estate transactions on prohibited bases, including race, color, national origin, gender, and religion, among others. A lender may be liable under one or both acts in the event of overt discrimination, disparate treatment, or a disparate impact on a prohibited basis. The compliance of national banks with these acts is primarily supervised and enforced by the OCC. If the OCC determines that a lender has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of ECOA, the OCC refers the matter to the DOJ. Similarly, HUD is notified of violations of the FHA.
The USA Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) Requirements
The USA PATRIOT Act was enacted after September 11, 2001 to provide the federal government with powers to prevent, detect, and prosecute terrorism and international money laundering, and has resulted in the promulgation of several regulations that have a direct impact on savings associations. Financial institutions must have a number of programs in place to comply with this law, including: (i) a program to manage BSA/AML risk; (ii) a customer identification program designed to determine the true identity of customers, document and verify the information, and determine whether the customer appears on any federal government list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations; and (iii) a program for monitoring for the timely detection and reporting of suspicious activity and reportable transactions. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in regulatory action, including the issuance of cease and desist orders, impositions of civil money penalties and adverse changes in an institution’s regulatory ratings, which could adversely affect its ability to obtain regulatory approvals for business combinations or other desired business objectives.
Privacy Protection
City First is subject to OCC regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of federal law. These regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares “nonpublic personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. The regulations also require City First to provide its customers with initial and annual notices that accurately reflect its privacy policies and practices. In addition, to the extent its sharing of such information is not covered by an exception, the Bank is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having City First share their nonpublic personal information with unaffiliated third parties.
City First is also subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. The guidelines describe the agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to promote the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
Bank Holding Company Regulation
As a bank holding company, we are subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FRB and the FRBR. In addition, the FRB has enforcement authority over the Company. Applicable statutes and regulations administered by the FRB place certain restrictions on our activities and investments. Among other things, we are generally prohibited, either directly or indirectly, from acquiring more than 5% of the voting shares of any depository or depository holding company that is not a subsidiary of the Company.
The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person, acting directly or indirectly or in concert with one or more persons, from acquiring control of a bank holding company unless the FRB has been given 60 days prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time period the FRB has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or extending for up to another 30 days the period during which a disapproval may be issued. The term “control” is defined for this purpose to include ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 25% or more of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities. Under a rebuttable presumption contained in the regulations of the FRB, ownership or control of, or holding with power to vote, 10% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank company will be deemed control for purposes of the Change in Bank Control Act if the institution (i) has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) no person will own, control, or have the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. In addition, any company acting directly or indirectly or in concert with one or more persons or through one or more subsidiaries would be required to obtain the approval of the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, before acquiring control of a bank holding company. For this purpose, a company is deemed to have control of a bank holding company if the company (i) owns, controls, holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, 25% or more of any class of voting shares of the holding company, (ii) contributes more than 25% of the holding company’s capital, (iii) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the holding company’s directors, or (iv) directly or indirectly exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the national bank or other company. The FRB may also determine, based on the relevant facts and circumstances, that a company has otherwise acquired control of a bank holding company.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions
In general, the prompt corrective action regulations prohibit a national bank from declaring any dividends, making any other capital distribution, or paying a management fee to a controlling person, such as its parent holding company, if, following the distribution or payment, the institution would be within any of the three undercapitalized categories set out in the regulations. In addition to the prompt corrective action restriction on paying dividends, OCC regulations limit certain “capital distributions” by national banks. Capital distributions are defined to include, among other things, dividends and payments for stock repurchases and payments of cash to stockholders in mergers.
Under the OCC capital distribution regulations, a national bank that is a subsidiary of a bank holding company must notify the OCC at least 30 days prior to the declaration of any capital distribution by its national bank subsidiary. The 30-day period provides the OCC an opportunity to object to the proposed dividend if it believes that the dividend would not be advisable.
An application to the OCC for approval to pay a dividend is required if: (i) the total of all capital distributions made during that calendar year (including the proposed distribution) exceeds the sum of the institution’s year-to-date net income and its retained income for the preceding two years; (ii) the institution is not entitled under OCC regulations to “expedited treatment” (which is generally available to institutions the OCC regards as well run and adequately capitalized); (iii) the institution would not be at least “adequately capitalized” following the proposed capital distribution; or (iv) the distribution would violate an applicable statute, regulation, agreement, or condition imposed on the institution by the OCC.
The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company is also subject to a restriction if the Bank’s regulatory capital would be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion of the Bank from the mutual to the stock form of organization.
See Item 5 “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for a further description of dividend and other capital distribution limitations to which the Company and the Bank are subject.
Tax Matters
Federal Income Taxes
We report our income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations. See Note 14 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further description of tax matters applicable to our business.
California Taxes
As a bank holding company filing California franchise tax returns on a combined basis with its subsidiaries, the Company is subject to California franchise tax at the rate applicable to “financial corporations.” The applicable statutory tax rate is 10.84%.
Washington, D.C. Taxes
As a bank holding company filing Washington, D.C. franchise tax returns on a combined basis with its subsidiaries, the Company is subject to Washington, D.C. franchise tax at the rate applicable to “financial corporations.” The applicable statutory tax rate is 8.25%.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our businesses. The discussion below addresses material factors, of which we are currently aware, that could have a material and adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations, and financial condition. These risk factors and other forward-looking statements that relate to future events, expectations, trends and operating periods involve certain factors that are subject to change, and important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties should not be considered a complete discussion of all the risks and uncertainties that we might face. Although the risks are organized by headings and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated.
Risks Relating to Our Business
The macroeconomic environment could pose significant challenges for the Company and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Inflation poses risk to the economy overall and could indirectly pose challenges to our clients and to our business. Elevated inflation can impact our business customers through loss of purchasing power for their customers, leading to lower sales. Rising inflation can also increase input and inventory costs for our customers, forcing them to raise their prices or lower their profitability. Supply chain disruption, also leading to inflation, can delay our customers’ shipping ability, or timing on receiving inputs for their production or inventory. Inflation can lead to higher wages for our commercial customers, increasing costs. All of these inflationary risks for our commercial customer base can be financially detrimental, leading to increased likelihood that the customer may default on a loan.
In addition, sustained inflationary pressure led the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates seven times in 2022, and four times in 2023, which increased our interest rate risk. The failure of three regional banks in March 2023 and the resultant negative outlook on the banking sector has created concern regarding the exposure of banks to interest rate risk, and the exposure of banks to unrecognized investment losses due to investments classified as “held to maturity” on the balance sheet. Also, analysts have been monitoring the level of uninsured deposits in banks due to the liquidity risk associated with high levels of uninsured deposits. To the extent such conditions exist or worsen, we could experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Additionally, financial markets may be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, terrorism, or other geopolitical events.
Our future success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive financial services industry in the greater Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
We face strong competition in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the Southern California Market. We compete with many different types of financial institutions, including commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and money market funds, as well as other local and community, super-regional, national, and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive financial services environment. Many of our competitors in the greater Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles metropolitan areas are well-established, larger financial institutions that have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business. Failure to compete effectively and to attract new or to retain existing clients may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business.
A downturn in the real estate market could seriously impair our loan portfolio and operating results.
Most of our loan portfolio consists of loans secured by various types of real estate located in Southern California and in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. If economic factors cause real estate values in the markets we serve to decline, higher vacancies to occur, or the deterioration of other factors, then the financial condition of the Bank’s borrowers could be harmed, and the collateral for loans will provide less security. In addition, a decline in real estate values in the regions served could result in the Bank experiencing increases in loan delinquencies and defaults, which result in increases in the amounts of nonperforming assets and which would likely cause the Bank to suffer losses.
Our allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.
Our provision for credit losses is based on estimates of expected lifetime credit losses for loans at the time of origination which may not cover actual future credit losses. Management utilizes a variety of inputs in the calculation of its estimate, including historical losses based on peer data, economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, volume and mix of the portfolio, and internal loan processes. We use historical loss data provided by our third-party service provider in the calculation of our ACL which may not approximate our own historical loss data. Our ability to accurately forecast and react to future losses may be impaired by significant uncertainties which could result in loan losses and other exposures that could exceed our allowance. Furthermore, if the models, estimates and assumptions we use to establish our ACL or the judgments we make in extending credit to our borrowers prove inaccurate in predicting future events, the result may also be losses in excess of our ACL. As economic conditions change, we may have to increase our ACL, which could adversely affect our results of operations, earnings, and financial condition.
Changes in interest rates affect profitability.
Changes in prevailing interest rates adversely affect our business. We derive income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. In general, the wider the spread, the more we will earn. When market rates of interest change, the interest the Bank receives on assets and the interest paid on liabilities will fluctuate. In addition, the timing and rate of change in the interest that the Bank earns on assets do not necessarily match the timing and rate of change in the interest that it must pay on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities, even though most of the loans have adjustable-rate features. This causes increases or decreases in the spread and can greatly affect income. When the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings increase faster than the interest rates earned on loans and securities, the Bank’s spread decreases which has a negative impact on profitability. Also, the carrying value of our available-for-sale investment portfolio will continue to decrease due to increases in interest rates. In addition, interest rate fluctuations can affect how much money the Bank may be able to lend and its ability to attract and retain customer deposits, which are an important source of funds for making and holding loans.
Changes in governmental regulation may impair operations or restrict growth.
We are subject to substantial governmental supervision and regulation, which are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than our stockholders. Statutes and regulations affecting our business may be changed at any time, and the interpretation of existing statutes and regulations by examining authorities may also change. Within the last several years, Congress and the federal bank regulatory authorities have made significant changes to these statutes and regulations. There can be no assurance that such changes to the statutes and regulations or in their interpretation will not adversely affect our business. We are also subject to changes in other federal and state laws, including changes in tax laws, which could materially affect the banking industry. If we fail to comply with federal bank regulations, our regulators may limit our activities or growth, assess civil money penalties against us or place the Bank into conservatorship or receivership. Bank regulations can hinder our ability to compete with financial services companies that are not regulated or are less regulated.
Negative public opinion regarding us or the failure to maintain our reputation in the communities we serve could adversely affect our business and prevent us from growing our business.
Our reputation within the communities we serve is critical to our success. We believe we have built strong personal and professional relationships with our customers and are an active member of the communities we serve. If our reputation is negatively affected, including as a result of actions of our employees or otherwise, we may be less successful in attracting new customers or talent or may lose existing customers, and our business, financial condition and earnings could be adversely affected.
We may not be successful in retaining key employees.
Our success will depend in part on its ability to retain the talents and dedication of key employees. If key employees unexpectedly terminate their employment, our business activities may be adversely affected and management’s attention may be diverted from successfully integrating operating our business to hiring suitable replacements, which may cause our business to suffer. In addition, we may not be able to identify or recruit suitable replacements in a timely manner if at all for any key employees who leave the Company.
General Risk Factors
We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not remediated appropriately or timely, could affect our ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, impair our ability to prepare financial statements, negatively affect investor confidence, and cause reputational harm.
Effective internal controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable and accurate financial reporting and financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could lead to violations, unintentional or otherwise, of laws and regulations. As disclosed in Part I, Item 4 “Controls and Procedures,” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023, we determined that there is a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and as a result, our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of September 30, 2023. While the Company is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the material weakness, there can be no assurance that the efforts will fully remediate the material weakness in a timely manner. If the Company is unable to remediate the material weakness, or is otherwise unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected. Litigation, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions arising out of any such failure or alleged failure could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could materially and adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, and operating results. The material weakness, remediation efforts, and any related litigation, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions will require management attention and resources and cause us to incur unanticipated costs, and could negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements, cause us reputational harm, and raise other risks to our operations.
The market price of our common stock is volatile. Stockholders may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at times or at prices they find attractive.
The trading price of our common stock has historically and will likely in the future fluctuate significantly as a result of a number of factors, including the following:
●
actual or anticipated changes in our operating results and financial condition;
●
actions by our stockholders, including sales of common stock by substantial stockholders and/or directors and executive officers, or perceptions that such actions may occur;
●
the limited number of shares of our common stock that are held by the general public, commonly called the “public float,” and our small market capitalization;
●
failure to meet stockholder or market expectations regarding loan and deposit volume, revenue, asset quality or earnings;
●
failure to meet Nasdaq listing requirements, including failure to satisfy the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement;
●
speculation in the press or the investment community relating to the Company or the financial services industry generally;
●
fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors;
●
proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;
●
investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us;
●
the performance of the national, California and Washington, D.C. economies and the real estate markets in Southern California and Washington, D.C.;
●
general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry;
●
additions or departures of key personnel;
●
changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts with respect to our common stock or those of other financial institutions; and
●
actions taken by bank regulatory authorities, including required additions to our loan loss reserves or the issuance of cease and desist orders, based on adverse evaluations of our loans and other assets, operating results, or management practices and procedures or other aspects of our business.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since 2010 and we may not pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock since June 2010, initially due, in part, to regulatory restrictions and the operating losses we have previously experienced. We have not determined to pay cash dividends on our common stock at any time in the near future.
Stock sales by us or other dilution of our equity may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
The issuance of additional shares of our common stock, or securities that are convertible into our common stock, may be determined to be necessary or advisable at times when our stock price is below book value, which could be substantially dilutive to existing holders of our common stock. The market value of our common stock could also decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of our common stock or any future class or series of stock or the perception that such sales could occur.
Anti-takeover provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal and state law and our stockholder rights plan may limit the ability of another party to acquire the Company, which could depress our stock price.
Various provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and certain other actions that we have taken could delay or prevent a third-party from acquiring control of the Company even if such a transaction might be considered beneficial by our stockholders. These include, among others, our classified board of directors, the fact that directors may only be removed for cause, advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations of director candidates or presenting proposals at our annual stockholder meetings, super-majority stockholder voting requirements for amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and for certain business combination transactions, and the authorization to issue “blank check” preferred stock by action of our board of directors, without obtaining stockholder approval. In addition, we approved a stockholder rights plan in September 2019, the purpose of which was to protect our stockholders against the possibility of attempts to acquire control of or influence over the Company through open market or privately negotiated purchases of our common stock without payment of a fair price to all of our stockholders or through other tactics that do not provide fair treatment to all stockholders. These provisions and the stockholder rights plan could be used by our board of directors to prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to stockholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our common stock.
Our common stock is not insured and stockholders could lose the value of their entire investment.
An investment in shares of our common stock is not a deposit and is not insured against loss or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) or any other government agency or authority.
If we were to lose our status as a CDFI, our ability to obtain grants and awards as a CDFI similar to those received in the past may be lost.
The Bank and the Company are certified as CDFIs by the United States Department of the Treasury. CDFI status increases a financial institution’s potential for receiving grants and awards that, in turn, enable the financial institution to increase the level of community development financial services that it provides to communities. Broadway Federal Bank received over $3 million in Bank Enterprise Awards from the CDFI Fund over the last ten years. We reinvest the proceeds from CDFI-related grants and awards back into the communities we serve. While we believe we will be able to meet the certification criteria required to continue our CDFI status, there is no certainty that we will be able to do so. If we do not meet one or more of the criteria, the CDFI Fund, in its sole discretion, may provide an opportunity for us to cure deficiencies prior to issuing a notice of termination of certification. A loss of CDFI status, and the resulting inability to obtain certain grants and awards received in the past, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business.
Systems failures, interruptions and cybersecurity breaches in our information technology and telecommunications systems and of third-party service providers could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our business is dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and the systems of its third-party service providers. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity, or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. If significant, sustained, or repeated, a system failure or service denial could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our information technology systems and of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security breaches. We likely will expend additional resources to protect against the threat of such cybersecurity incident, or to alleviate problems caused by such cybersecurity incident. However, there can be no certainty that these measures will be sufficient in safeguarding against any such threats. Security breaches and viruses potentially exposing sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information about our customers and employees, could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation costs and other possible liabilities and reputational harm. Further, there can be no assurance that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover any losses that may result from a cybersecurity incident or breach of our systems.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological change, and we may not have the resources to effectively implement new technology or may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs while increasing customer service and convenience. Our future success will depend, at least in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our products and service offerings. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements or products, which could result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits from such new technology or incurring significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.
Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products compared to those that we are able to provide, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we may lose customers seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services.
The markets in which we operate are susceptible to natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, drought, flooding, extreme heat, and other severe weather or catastrophic events, any of which could result in a disruption of our operations and increases in loan losses.
A significant portion of our business is generated from markets that have been, and will continue to be, susceptible to damage by earthquakes, fires, drought, major seasonal flooding, and other severe weather or catastrophic events. In addition, natural disasters and other adverse external events can disrupt our operations, cause widespread property damage, and severely depress the local economies in which we operate. The value of real estate or other collateral that secures our loans could be materially and adversely affected by a disaster, resulting in decreased revenue and loan losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If the economies in our primary markets experience an overall decline as a result of a natural disaster, severe weather, or other catastrophic event, demand for loans and our other products and services could be reduced. In addition, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and loan losses may increase substantially, as uninsured property losses or sustained job interruption or loss may materially impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans.
Risks Relating to the Company Being a Public Benefit Corporation
We cannot provide any assurance that we will achieve our public benefit purposes.
As a public benefit corporation, we are required to seek to produce a public benefit or benefits and to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, balancing our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by our certificate of incorporation. There is no assurance that we will achieve our public benefit purposes or that the expected positive impact from being a public benefit corporation will be realized, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business. As a public benefit corporation, we are required to report publicly at least biennially on the overall public benefit performance and on the assessment of our success in achieving our specific public benefit purpose. If we are not timely in providing this report or are unable to provide this report, or if the report is not viewed favorably by parties doing business with us or who are regulators or others reviewing its credentials, our reputation and status as a public benefit corporation may be harmed.
As a Delaware public benefit corporation, our focus on specific public benefit purposes and producing a positive effect for society can negatively impact our financial performance.
Unlike traditional corporations, which have a fiduciary duty to focus primarily on maximizing stockholder value, directors of the Company (as a public benefit corporation) have a fiduciary duty to consider not only our stockholders’ interests, but also the Company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies and to balance those interests in making business decisions. As a result, actions we take that we believe to be in the best interests of those stakeholders and to help achieve our specific benefit purposes do not always fully align with our stockholder’s pecuniary interests. While we intend our status as a public benefit corporation to provide an overall net benefit to the Company, our customers, employees, community, and stockholders, this could result in actions or decisions that may not maximize the income generated from our business. In addition, our pursuit of longer-term or non-pecuniary benefits may not materialize within the timeframe we expect or at all. Accordingly, our corporate form as a public benefit corporation and compliance with the related obligations can have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business.
Furthermore, as a public benefit corporation, we may be less attractive as a takeover target than a traditional company would be and, therefore, our stockholders’ ability to realize their investment through an acquisition may be reduced. Public benefit corporations may also not be attractive targets for activists or hedge fund investors because directors are required to balance our stockholders’ pecuniary interests, the best interests of those materially affected by our Company’s conduct, and the public benefit or benefits identified by the Company’s certificate of incorporation, and stockholders committed to the public benefit can bring a suit to enforce this balancing requirement. Further, because the board of directors of a public benefit corporation considers additional constituencies rather than just maximizing stockholder value, Delaware public benefit corporation law could make it easier for a board to reject a hostile bid, even if the takeover would provide the greatest short-term financial gain to stockholders.
As a Delaware public benefit corporation, the Company’s directors have a fiduciary duty to consider not only our stockholders’ interests, but also the specific public benefit purposes we have committed to promote and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies. If a conflict between such interests arises, there is no guarantee such conflict would be resolved in favor of the interests of our stockholders.
While directors of traditional corporations are required to make decisions they believe to be in the best interests of their stockholders, directors of a public benefit corporation have a fiduciary duty to consider not only the stockholders’ interests, but also the company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies. Under Delaware law, directors are shielded from liability for breach of their fiduciary duties if they make informed and disinterested decisions that serve a rational purpose. Unlike traditional corporations which must focus exclusively on stockholder value, as a public benefit corporation, our directors are not merely permitted, but obligated, to consider, in addition to the interests of stockholders, the Company’s specific public benefit purposes and the interests of other stakeholder constituencies in making business decisions. In the event of a conflict between the interests of our stockholders and the specific public benefit purposes, we have a commitment to consider the interests of other stakeholder constituencies, and therefore, our directors are obligated to balance those interests, and are deemed to have satisfied their fiduciary duties as long as their decisions are informed and disinterested and are not decisions that no person of ordinary, sound judgment would approve. As a result, there is no certainty that a conflict would be resolved in favor of our stockholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, assets or business.
As a Delaware public benefit corporation, we may be subject to increased derivative litigation concerning our duty to balance stockholder and public benefit interests, the occurrence of which may have an adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations.
Stockholders of a Delaware public benefit corporation (if they, individually or collectively, own at least two percent of the company’s outstanding shares or, in the case of a corporation with shares listed on a national securities exchange, the lesser of such percentage or shares with a market value of at least $2 million as of the date the action is filed) are entitled to file a lawsuit (individual, derivative, or any other type of action) claiming the directors failed to balance stockholder and public benefit interests. This potential claim does not exist for traditional corporations. Therefore, we are subject to the possibility of increased derivative litigation, which would require the attention of our management, and, as a result, may adversely impact management’s ability to effectively execute our strategy. Additionally, such derivative litigation may be costly, which may have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, assets, or business.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
We conduct our business through two administrative offices, one in Washington, D.C. and one in Los Angeles, California. We have three branch offices, one in Washington, D.C., one in Los Angeles, California, and one in Inglewood, California. Our loan service operation is also conducted from our Inglewood, California branch. There are no mortgages, material liens or encumbrances against any of our owned properties. We believe that all the properties are adequately covered by insurance, and that our facilities are adequate to meet our present needs.
Location
Leased
or Owned
Original Date
Leased or Acquired
Date of Lease
Expiration
East Coast Administrative Offices & Branch
1432 U Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Owned
-
Employee Parking Lot
14 T Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Owned
-
West Coast Administrative Offices/Loan Origination Center
4601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 150
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Leased
Oct. 2026
Branch Office/Loan Service Center
170 N. Market Street
Owned
-
Inglewood, CA 90301
Exposition Park Branch Office
Owned
-
4001 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we are defendants in various litigation matters from time to time. In our opinion, the disposition of any litigation and other legal and regulatory matters currently pending or threatened against us would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “BYFC.”
The closing sale price for our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 30, 2024 was $4.96 per share. As of April 25, 2024, we had 5,805 stockholders of record. As of April 30, 2024, we had 6,033,212 shares of Class A voting common stock outstanding, 1,425,574 shares of Class B non-voting common stock outstanding and 1,672,562 shares of Class C non-voting stock outstanding. Our non-voting common stock (Class B and Class C) is not listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market, but our Class C stock is convertible into our voting common stock in connection with certain sale or other transfer transactions.
In general, we may pay dividends out of funds legally available for that purpose at such times as our Board of Directors determines that dividend payments are appropriate, after considering our net income, capital requirements, financial condition, alternate investment options, prevailing economic conditions, industry practices and other factors deemed to be relevant at the time. We suspended our prior policy of paying regular cash dividends in May 2010 in order to retain capital for reinvestment in the Company’s business.
On October 31, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a ratio of 1-for-8 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The shares of Class A Common Stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a post- Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis at the open of business on November 1, 2023. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split was reduced such that every 8 shares of common stock held by a stockholder immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split were combined and reclassified into one share of common stock. All common stock share amounts and per share numbers discussed herein have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the Reverse Stock Split.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
Period
(a) Total number of share purchased(1)
(b) Average price paid per share(1)
(c) Total number of share purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) or shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 2023
244,771
(2)
$7.2760
(2)
-
-
November 2023
-
-
-
-
December 2023
-
-
-
-
Total
244,771
$7.2760
-
-
(1) Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023.
(2) On October 31, 2023 the Company purchased 244,771 shares of its Class A (voting) Common Stock (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which obtained the shares when it was appointed receiver for First Republic Bank upon its closure earlier in 2023. The purchased shares represented just under 4.0% of the Company’s total voting shares prior to the purchase, and over 2.6% of the Company’s total common equity. The Company purchased the shares at a price of $7.2760 per share (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023), which represented the 20-day volume weighted average price for the Class A shares over the period ended October 24, 2023. The purchase was financed from cash on hand and the shares were retired.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023.
Plan category
Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(a)
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
2008 Long Term Incentive Plan
-
$
-
-
2018 Long Term Incentive Plan
31,250
12.96
449,871
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:
None
-
-
-
Total
31,250
$
12.96
449,871
On June 21, 2023, the Company issued 92,720 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), of which 11,237 shares have been forfeited as of December 31, 2023. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award. These awarded shares of restricted stock fully vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months from their respective dates of grant. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $104 thousand of stock-based compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards.
In February 2023 and 2022, the Company awarded 9,230 and 5,898 shares of common stock, respectively, to its directors under the LTIP, which are fully vested. The Company recorded $95 thousand and $84 thousand of compensation expense in the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award.
In March 2022, the Company issued 61,908 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the LTIP, of which 17,012 shares have been forfeited as of December 31, 2023. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award. These awarded shares of restricted stock fully vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months from their respective dates of grant. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded $139 thousand and $133 thousand of stock-based compensation expense related to shares awarded to employees.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.
RESERVED

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors that have affected our reported results of operations and financial condition or may affect our future results or financial condition. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Total assets increased by $191.1 million to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2022, primarily due to growth in net loans of $112.4 million and growth in interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $91.1 million, partially offset by a decrease of $12.0 million in investment securities available-for-sale.
Total liabilities increased by $188.7 million to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023 from $904.6 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in total liabilities during 2023 resulted primarily from increases in borrowings of $100.0 million from the Bank Fund Term Program, as well as increases of $81.0 million in FHLB advances and $10.0 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, offset by a net $4.3 million decrease in total deposits.
We recorded net income of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 or $0.51 per share compared to net income of $5.6 million or $0.62 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $1.6 million decrease in pretax net income during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year was primarily due to a decline in net interest income of $3.4 million and an increase in non-interest expense of $2.4 million, which were primarily offset by an increase in grant income of $4.2 million.
The following table summarizes the return on average assets, the return on average equity and the average equity to average assets ratios for the periods indicated:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Return on average assets
0.37
%
0.52
%
(0.54
)%
Return on average equity
1.62
%
2.19
%
(4.46
)%
Average equity to average assets
22.60
%
23.60
%
11.54
%
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
General
Our most significant source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between our interest income and our interest expense. Generally, interest income is generated from our loans and investments (interest earning assets) and interest expense is incurred from deposits and borrowings (interest-bearing liabilities). Typically, our results of operations are also affected by our provision for credit losses, non-interest income generated from service charges and fees on loan and deposit accounts, gains or losses on the sale of loans and REO, non-interest expenses, and income taxes.
Net Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net interest income before provision for credit losses decreased by $3.4 million, or 10.3%, to $29.5 million, compared to $32.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease resulted from higher interest expense, primarily due to an increase in the cost of borrowings and deposits.
Interest income and fees on loans receivable increased by $8.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $134.0 million in the average balance of loans receivable which increased interest income by $6.0 million. In addition, there was an increase in the average loan yield from 4.26% for the year ended December 31, 2022, to 4.59% for the year ended December 31, 2023, which increased interest income by $2.4 million.
Interest income on securities increased by $3.1 million to $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest income on securities primarily resulted from an increase of $70.5 million in the average balance of securities, which increased interest income by $1.8 million. In addition, we had an increase of 47 basis points in the average interest yield earned on investment securities during 2023, which reflected the rising interest rate environment and increased interest income by $1.3 million.
Other interest income decreased by $0.6 million in 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease of $133.5 million in the average balances of interest-earning deposits which was partially offset by a 2.95% increase in the average yield on interest-earning deposits during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company also recorded $551 thousand in higher interest income on regulatory stock during 2023, primarily due to an $8.1 million increase in average balances of FRB & FHLB stock.
Interest expense on deposits increased by $5.4 million during calendar 2023, compared to calendar 2022, due to an increase of 99 basis points in the average cost of deposits. The average cost of deposits increased to 1.30% for 2023, compared to 0.31% for 2022, which increased interest expense by $6.1 million. This increase was offset by a decrease of $104.1 million in the average balance of deposits, which decreased interest expense by $684 thousand.
Interest expense on borrowings increased by $8.9 million to $10.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of outstanding FHLB advances of $115.7 million, which increased interest expense by $3.8 million, and a 296 basis point increase in the average rate paid on FHLB advances which increased interest expense by $3.5 million. Further, an increase in the average rate paid on securities sold under agreements to repurchase of 229 basis points compared to the prior year increased interest expense by $1.7 million.
The net interest margin decreased to 2.55% for the year ended 2023 from 3.05% for the year ended 2022, primarily due to the average cost of funds increasing to 2.15% for the year ended 2023 from 0.42% for the year ended 2022 due to rate increases by the Federal Reserve. This increase was partially offset by an improvement of 72 basis points in the average yield earned on average interest-earning assets.
Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the difference between income on interest earning assets and the expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends upon the relative amounts of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on them. The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred loan fees, deferred origination costs, and discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense. We do not accrue interest on loans that are on non-accrual status; however, the balance of these loans is included in the total average balance, which has the effect of reducing average loan yields.
For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Yield/
Cost
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-earning deposits
$
14,013
$
4.09
%
$
147,482
$
1,677
1.14
%
$
203,493
$
0.15
%
Securities
322,764
8,697
2.69
%
252,285
5,596
2.22
%
121,623
1,396
1.15
%
Loans receivable (1)
808,850
37,143
4.59
%
674,837
28,732
(2)
4.26
%
537,872
22,831
(3)
4.24
%
FRB and FHLB stock
11,860
6.87
%
3,732
7.07
%
3,862
5.77
%
Total interest-earning assets
1,157,486
$
47,228
4.08
%
1,078,336
$
36,269
3.36
%
866,850
$
24,752
2.86
%
Non-interest-earning assets
74,138
65,213
51,386
Total assets
$
1,231,624
$
1,143,549
$
918,236
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Money market deposits
$
126,831
$
4,269
3.37
%
$
192,835
$
1,288
0.67
%
$
159,157
$
0.41
%
Savings deposits
59,928
0.25
%
66,033
0.09
%
67,660
0.30
%
Interest checking and other demand deposits
236,244
0.15
%
240,380
0.08
%
213,286
0.05
%
Certificate accounts
154,275
1.77
%
182,050
0.30
%
192,795
0.37
%
Total deposits
577,278
7,512
1.30
%
681,298
2,104
0.31
%
632,898
1,676
0.26
%
FHLB advances
177,261
8,331
4.70
%
61,593
1,071
1.74
%
100,471
1,968
1.96
%
Junior subordinated debentures
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
%
2,335
2.57
%
BTFP borrowing
4.87
%
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
%
Other borrowings
72,465
1,883
2.60
%
61,106
0.38
%
46,836
0.10
%
Total borrowings
250,548
10,254
4.09
%
122,699
1,305
1.06
%
149,642
2,073
1.39
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
827,826
$
17,766
2.15
%
803,997
$
3,409
0.42
%
782,540
$
3,749
0.48
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
125,401
115,665
29,767
Stockholders’ equity
278,397
223,887
105,929
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,231,624
$
1,143,549
$
918,236
Net interest rate spread (4)
$
29,462
1.93
%
$
32,860
2.94
%
$
21,003
2.38
%
Net interest rate margin (5)
2.55
%
3.05
%
2.42
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
139.82
%
134.12
%
110.77
%
(1)
Amount is net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts and loans in process, and includes deferred origination costs, loan premiums and loans receivable held for sale.
(2)
Includes non-accrual interest of $102 thousand, reflecting interest recoveries on non-accrual loans that were paid off for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(3)
Includes non-accrual interest of $162 thousand, reflecting interest recoveries on non-accrual loans that were paid off for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(4)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Net interest rate margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
Changes in our net interest income are a function of changes in both rates and volumes of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table sets forth information regarding changes in our interest income and expense for the years indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (iii) the total change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Compared to
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Compared to
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Increase (Decrease) in Net
Interest Income
Increase (Decrease) in Net
Interest Income
Due to
Volume
Due to
Rate
Total
Due to
Volume
Due to
Rate
Total
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-earning deposits and other short-term investments
$
(2,536
)
$
1,432
$
(1,104
)
$
(105
)
$
1,480
$
1,375
Securities
1,753
1,348
3,101
2,248
1,952
4,200
Loans receivable, net
6,027
2,384
8,411
5,831
5,901
FRB and FHLB stock
(8
)
(8
)
Total interest-earning assets
5,802
5,157
10,959
7,966
3,551
11,517
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Money market deposits
(580
)
3,561
2,981
Savings deposits
(6
)
(5
)
(141
)
(146
)
Interest checking and other demand deposits
(4
)
Certificate accounts
(94
)
2,292
2,198
(38
)
(131
)
(169
)
Total deposits
(684
)
6,092
5,408
FHLB advances
3,807
3,453
7,260
(695
)
(202
)
(897
)
BTFP borrowing
-
-
-
-
Junior subordinated debentures
-
-
-
(60
)
-
(60
)
Other borrowings
1,598
1,649
Total borrowings
3,898
5,051
8,949
(737
)
(31
)
(768
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
3,214
11,143
14,357
(579
)
(340
)
Change in net interest income
$
2,588
$
(5,986
)
$
(3,398
)
$
8,545
$
3,312
$
11,857
Provision for Credit Losses
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a provision for credit losses under the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology of $933 thousand, compared to a loan loss provision under the previously used incurred loss model of $997 thousand during the same period in 2022. No loan charge-offs were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. The Bank recorded a recovery of $216 thousand during the fourth quarter of 2023. See “Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional information.
Non-Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2023, non-interest income totaled $5.4 million, compared to $1.2 million for the year-ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $4.2 million in non-interest income was primarily the result of non-recurring income of $3.7 million from a special grant from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund recognized during 2023 and a $437 thousand recurring Bank Enterprise Award grant.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expenses totaled $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expenses of $1.4 million, professional fees of $368 thousand, occupancy expense of $255 thousand and supervisory costs of $200 thousand, partially offset by a decrease in information services expense of $156 thousand.
The increase of $1.4 million in compensation and benefits expense during 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to additional full-time employees that the Bank hired over the past twelve months in various production and administrative support positions. These hires were part of the Company’s overall efforts to expand its operational capabilities to strategically grow its balance sheet and fulfill the intersecting lending objectives of the Company’s mission and the funding received from the Emergency Capital Investment Program of the United States Department of the Treasury. A portion of the increase in compensation expenses during the year ended December 31, 2023 pertained to recruiting expenses.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense or benefit is computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%. State taxes are recorded at the State of California tax rate and Washington, D.C. tax rate, according to the state apportionment calculation as Bank’s operations are conducted in both California and the Washington, D.C. area. The Company recorded an income tax expense of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an effective tax rate of 30.4%, compared to an income tax expense of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing an effective tax rate of 29.7%. The effective tax rate for each year differs from the 21% federal statutory rate due to the impact of state taxes as well as various permanent tax differences, vesting of stock-based compensation and other discrete items.
The effective tax rate for 2023 increased from 2022 primarily due to the effect of certain permanent tax differences and discrete items.
Our deferred tax asset totaled $9.5 million at December 31, 2023 and $11.9 million at December 31, 2022. See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 14 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of income taxes and a reconciliation of income tax at the federal statutory tax rate to the actual income tax benefit.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and 2022
Securities Available-For-Sale
As of December 31, 2023, we had $317.0 million of investment securities classified as available-for-sale, compared to $328.7 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease during 2023 was primarily due to $18.4 million of principal payments and maturities, partially offset by a $5.6 million increase in the fair value of investment securities available-for-sale during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Loans Receivable Held for Investment
Loans receivable held for investment, net of the allowance for credit losses, totaled $880.5 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $768.0 million at December 31, 2022. The increase of $112.4 million in loans receivable held for investment during 2023 was primarily due to originations of $162.1 million in new loans, $78.9 million of which were multi-family loans, $40 million of which were construction loans, $26.8 million of which were commercial loans, and $16.4 million of which were commercial real estate loans. Loan repayments during 2023 totaled $47.2 million.
During 2022, the Bank originated $273.4 million in new loans, $141.6 million of which were multi-family loans, $75.3 million of which were commercial real estate loans, $29.6 million of which construction loans, and $26.6 million of which were commercial loans.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326, which requires the Company to record an estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for loans at the time of origination or acquisition. The ACL is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for expected credit losses in the portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimating expected credit losses requires management to use relevant forward-looking information, including the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. The measurement of the ACL is performed by collectively evaluating loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company measures the ACL for each of its loan segments using the WARM method. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.
Our ACL was $7.3 million or 0.83% of our gross loans receivable held for investment at December 31, 2023 compared to $4.4 million, or 0.57% of our gross loans receivable held for investment at December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to the implementation of the CECL methodology adopted by the Bank effective January 1, 2023, which increased the ACL by $1.8 million. In addition, the Bank recorded an additional provision for credit losses of $935 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. CECL methodology includes estimates of expected loss rates in the future, whereas the former ALLL methodology did not.
Our non-performing loans consist of delinquent loans that are 90 days or more past due and other loans, including loans modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty, that do not qualify for accrual status. At December 31, 2023, NPLs totaled $0 compared to $144 thousand (or 0.02% of gross loans) at December 31, 2022. The decrease in NPLs was the result of payments received from borrowers that were applied to the outstanding principal balance. The Bank did not have any REO at December 31, 2023 or 2022. There were no loans that were modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty during 2023.
We believe the ACL is adequate to cover expected losses in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023, but because of uncertainty regarding the future value of the loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that actual losses will not exceed the estimated amounts. In addition, the OCC and the FDIC periodically review the ACL as an integral part of their examination process. These agencies may require an increase in the ACL based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examinations.
See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Office Properties and Equipment, Net
Net office properties and equipment decreased by $451 thousand to $9.8 million at December 31, 2023 from $10.3 million as of December 31, 2022. Depreciation expense was $385 thousand and $376 thousand for the years 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible
As a result of the Merger, the Company recorded $25.9 million of goodwill. Goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination that is determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the necessity for such impairment tests to be performed. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded no change in the deferred tax estimate expense related to the goodwill asset.
No impairment charges were recorded during 2023 for goodwill impairment. Management’s assessment of goodwill is performed in accordance with ASC 350-20 - Intangibles-Goodwill
and Other, which allows the Company to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine if it is more likely than not the fair value of the Company’s equity is below its carrying value. The Company performed its qualitative assessment as of December 31, 2023.
The Company recorded $3.3 million of core deposit intangible asset as a result of the Merger. The core deposit intangible asset is amortized on an accelerated basis reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up. The estimated life of the core deposit intangible is approximately 10 years. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $390 thousand of amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible asset.
The following table outlines the estimated amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible asset during the next five fiscal years and thereafter:
(In thousands)
$
Thereafter
$
2,111
Deposits
Deposits at December 31, 2023 were $682.6 million compared to $686.9 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease in deposits of $4.3 million was primarily caused by some depositors leaving the Bank for higher interest rates available elsewhere, even after management made reasonable attempts to be responsive to the higher interest rate environment.
Five customer relationships accounted for approximately 28% of our deposit balances at December 31, 2023. We expect to maintain these relationships with these customers for the foreseeable future.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $286.4 million and $212.9 million of our total deposits were not insured by FDIC insurance.
Borrowings
Total borrowings at December 31, 2023 consisted of advances to the Bank from the FHLB of $209.3 million, repurchase agreements of $73.5 million, and borrowings associated with the BTFP borrowing activities of $100.0 million, compared to advances from the FHLB of $128.3 million and repurchase agreements of $63.5 million at December 31, 2022.
Balances of outstanding FHLB advances increased to $209.3 million at December 31, 2023, from $128.3 million at December 31, 2022, primarily due to $456.1 million in advances from the FHLB of Atlanta, offset by repayments of $375.1 million of advances from the FHLB of Atlanta. The weighted average rate on FHLB advances was 4.91% at December 31, 2023, compared to 3.74% at December 31, 2022.
Borrowings under the BTFP with the Federal Reserve were $100 million as of December 31, 2023. The interest rate was fixed at 4.84% and the borrowing matures on December 29, 2024. Investment securities with a book value of $107.3 million and a fair value of $98.3 million were pledged as collateral for this borrowing as of December 31, 2023. There are no prepayment penalties for early payoff. As the BTFP ended on March 11, 2024, no additional borrowings can be made under the program.
The Bank enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Bank’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $73.5 million at an average rate of 2.60%. These agreements mature on a daily basis. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and included $47.8 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.2 million of federal agency debt, and $11.0 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $63.5 million at an average rate of 0.38%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $64.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and included $33.3 million of federal agency debt, $19.2 million of U.S. Treasuries and $11.9 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities.
One customer relationship accounted for 85% of our balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase. We expect to maintain this relationship for the foreseeable future.
In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of City First Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. This CDE acts in effect as a pass-through for a Merrill Lynch allocation totaling $14.0 million that needed to be deployed. In December 2015, Merrill Lynch made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 passed that loan through to a QALICB. The loan to the QALICB is secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust that, due to the pass-through, non-recourse structure, is operationally and ultimately for the benefit of Merrill Lynch rather than CFC 45. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to Merrill Lynch in return for which CFC 45 receives a servicing fee. This note was paid off during January 2024. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company.
Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity was $281.9 million, or 20.5% of the Company’s total assets, at December 31, 2023, compared to $279.5 million, or 23.6% of the Company’s total assets, at December 31, 2022. In 2022, the Company sold $150 million in preferred stock to the U.S. Government under the ECIP Program.
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company completed the exchange of all the Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, with an aggregate liquidation value of $3.0 million, plus accrued dividends, for 149,164 shares of Class A Common Stock at an exchange price of $2.51 per share of Class A Common Stock.
During December of 2022, the Company issued a $5 million line of credit to the ESOP Plan for the purchase of additional shares. As of December 31, 2023, the trustee for the ESOP had purchased 428,327 shares at a total cost of $3.9 million.
On October 31, 2023 the Company purchased 244,771 shares of its Class A (voting) Common Stock (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which obtained the shares when it was appointed receiver for First Republic Bank upon its closure earlier in 2023. The purchased shares represented just under 4.0% of the Company’s total voting shares prior to the purchase, and over 2.6% of the Company’s total common equity. The Company purchased the shares at a price of $7.2760 per share (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023), which represented the 20-day volume weighted average price for the Class A shares over the period ended October 24, 2023.
The Company’s book value per common share was $14.65 at December 31, 2023, and its tangible book value per common share was $11.55 at December 31, 2023. Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP measurement that excludes goodwill and the net unamortized core deposit intangible asset, which were both originally recorded in connection with the Merger. The Company uses this non-GAAP financial measure to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s financial condition and operational performance, and to enhance comparability with banks that have not recorded goodwill and core deposit intangibles in a merger transaction. A reconciliation between common book value (calculated in accordance with GAAP) and tangible book value per common share December 31, 2023 is shown as follows:
Common
Equity Capital
Shares
Outstanding
Per Share
Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
Common book value
$
131,903
9,001,613
$
14.65
Less:
Goodwill
25,858
Net unamortized core deposit intangible
2,111
Tangible book value
$
103,934
9,001,613
$
11.55
Capital Resources
Our principal subsidiary, City First, must comply with capital standards established by the OCC in the conduct of its business. Failure to comply with such capital requirements may result in significant limitations on its business or other sanctions. As a “small bank holding company”, we are not subject to consolidated capital requirements under the new Basel III capital rules. The current regulatory capital requirements and possible consequences of failure to maintain compliance are described in Part I, Item 1 “Business-Regulation” and in Note 16 “Regulatory Matters” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity
The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that we have the continuing ability to fund operations and meet our obligations on a timely and cost-effective basis. The Bank’s sources of funds include deposits, advances from the FHLB, other borrowings, proceeds from the sale of loans and investment securities, and payments of principal and interest on loans and investment securities. The Bank is currently approved by the FHLB of Atlanta to borrow up to 25% of total assets to the extent the Bank provides qualifying collateral and holds sufficient FHLB stock. This approved limit and collateral requirement would have permitted the Bank to borrow an additional $117.0 million at December 31, 2023 based on pledged collateral. In addition, the Bank had additional lines of credit of $10.0 million with other financial institutions as of that date.
The Bank has a significant concentration of deposits with five long-time customers that accounted for approximately 28% of its deposits as of December 31, 2023. In addition, the Bank has a significant concentration of short-term borrowings from one customer that accounted for 85% of out the outstanding balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2023. The Bank expects to maintain these relationships with the customers for the foreseeable future.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately $286.4 million of our total deposits (including deposits from affiliates) were not insured by FDIC insurance, which represented 37% of total deposits.
The Bank’s primary uses of funds include withdrawals of and interest payments on deposits, originations of loans, purchases of investment securities, and the payment of operating expenses. Also, when the Bank has more funds than required for reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, the Bank invests excess cash with the Federal Reserve Bank or other financial institutions. The Bank’s liquid assets at December 31, 2023 consisted of $105.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $186.0 million in securities available-for-sale that were not pledged, compared to $16.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $250.3 million in securities available-for-sale that were not pledged at December 31, 2022. We believe that the Bank has sufficient liquidity to support growth over the foreseeable future.
The Company’s liquidity, separate from the Bank, is based primarily on the proceeds from financing transactions, such as the preferred stock sold to the U.S. Treasury in 2022 and the private placements completed in December 2016, and April 2021 and dividends received from the Bank in 2022 and 2023.
The Company recorded consolidated net cash inflows from operating activities of $7.6 million and $6.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash inflows from operating activities during 2023 were primarily attributable to net income of $4.5 million and a $2.3 million net increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Net cash inflows from operating activities during 2022 were primarily attributable to net income of $5.7 million and a $1.5 million increase in deferred taxes.
The Company recorded consolidated net cash outflows from investing activities of $100.0 million and $324.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash outflows from investing activities during 2023 were primarily attributable to $115.3 million of net loan originations. Net cash outflows from investing activities during 2022 were primarily attributable to $215.5 million of purchases of available-for-sale securities and $120.0 of net loan originations.
The Company recorded consolidated net cash inflows from financing activities of $181.5 million and $102.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash inflows from financing activities during 2023 were primarily attributable to $456.1 million of proceeds from FHLB advances and $100.0 million of proceeds from the BTFP, partially offset by $375.1 million of FHLB repayments. Net cash inflows from financing activities during 2022 were primarily attributable to $150.0 million from the issuance of preferred stock and $95.5 million of proceeds from FHLB advances, offset by $101.1 million of net outflow of deposits and $53.1 million of FHLB repayments
We believe that the Company’s existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements and capital expenditure needs over at least the next 12 months.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We are party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of our business, primarily in order to meet the financing needs of our customers. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. In accordance with GAAP, these instruments are either not recorded in the consolidated financial statements or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. Such instruments primarily include lending commitments and lease commitments as described below.
Lending commitments include commitments to originate loans and to fund lines of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer if there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee by the borrower. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Our maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments.
In addition to our lending commitments, we have contractual obligations related to operating lease commitments. Operating lease commitments are obligations under various non-cancellable operating leases on buildings and land used for office space and banking purposes. The following table details our contractual obligations at December 31, 2023.
Less Than
One Year
More Than
One Year to
Three
Years
More Than
Three Years to
Five Years
More Than
Five Years
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of deposit
$
141,705
$
26,002
$
$
$
168,035
FHLB advances
176,638
32,681
-
-
209,319
Commitments to originate loans
7,560
-
-
-
7,560
Commitments to fund construction loans
42,678
-
-
-
42,678
Commitments to fund unused lines of credit
3,302
-
-
-
3,302
Operating lease obligations
-
-
Total contractual obligations
$
372,125
$
59,106
$
$
$
431,559
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Our consolidated financial statements, including accompanying notes, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP which require the measurement of financial position and operating results primarily in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in increased costs of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, nearly all our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services.
As a result, the Bank’s performance is influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, both domestic and foreign, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, and the policies of the regulatory agencies. The Federal Reserve implements national monetary policies (such as seeking to curb inflation and combat recession) by its open-market operations in U.S. government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for financial institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the discount rate applicable to borrowings by banks from the Federal Reserve Banks. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas can influence the growth of loans, investments, and deposits, and also affect interest rates charged on loans, and deposits. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are those that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty , and which have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the registrant. This discussion highlights those accounting estimates that management considers critical. All accounting policies are important, however, and therefore you are encouraged to review each of the policies included in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to gain a better understanding of how our financial performance is measured and reported. Management has identified the Company’s critical accounting estimates as follows:
Allowance for Credit Losses
In originating loans, we recognize that losses may be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss may vary as a result of many factors, including the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for the ACL on loans in accordance with ASC 326. ASC 326 requires the Company to recognize estimates for lifetime losses on loans and off-balance sheet loan commitments at the time of origination or acquisition. The recognition of losses at origination or acquisition represents the Company’s best estimate of the lifetime expected credit loss associated with a loan, given the facts and circumstances associated with the particular loan, and involves the use of significant management judgment and estimates, which are subject to change based on management’s on-going assessment of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and changes in economic forecasts used in the model. The Company uses the weighted-average remaining maturity (“WARM”) method when determining estimates for the ACL for each of its portfolio segments. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.
The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Qualitative adjustments may include, but are not limited to, factors such as: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge offs, and recovery practices; (ii) changes in international, national, regional, and local conditions; (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; (iv) changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management; (v) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar conditions; (vi) changes in the quality of the organization’s loan review system; (vii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; (viii) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (ix) the effect of other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. These qualitative factors incorporate the concept of reasonable and supportable forecasts, as required by ASC 326.
The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans that have recently been modified in response to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans, and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.
The estimation of the appropriate level of the ACL requires significant judgment by management. Although management uses the best information available to make these estimations, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Changes in management’s estimates of forecasted net losses could materially change the level of the ACL. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ACL based on judgments different from those of management.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information requested by this item pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of Broadway Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries below.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2023, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of the Company’s Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s PEO and PFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as further described below.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Broadway Financial Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a 15(f) under the Exchange Act. This system, which management has chosen to base on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and which is effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.
With the participation of the Company’s PEO and PFO, management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, management determined that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with appropriate levels of knowledge, experience, and training in internal control matters to perform assigned responsibilities and have appropriate accountability for the design and operation of internal control over financial reporting. The lack of sufficient appropriately skilled and trained personnel contributed to the Company’s failure to: (i) design and implement certain internal controls; and (ii) consistently operate its internal controls. This matter was considered to be a material weakness in the Company’s control environment.
The control environment material weaknesses contributed to other material weaknesses within the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting in the following COSO Framework components such that the Company did not design and implement effective controls, including the following:
●
Risk assessment - The Company did not appropriately identify and analyze risks to achieve its control objectives. This ineffective risk assessment process limited the Company’s ability to identify and remediate the weaknesses in the control activities, as described below.
●
Control activities - The Company did not design and implement effective controls over the consolidation, financial statement reporting, and the monthly close processes, including the lack of effectively designed and implemented controls related to the preparation and review of account reconciliations with appropriate supporting documentation. Specifically, several general ledger account reconciliations were discovered to have unidentified or stale reconciling items. The investigation and resolution of this matter caused the Company to delay its filing of the required Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, past its due date.
●
Monitoring activities - The Company’s ongoing evaluation of internal controls failed to detect the issues described above, and as a result limited management’s ability to correct and remediate the internal control issues in a timely manner.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Remediation Plan
In response to the material weakness that was identified, the Company has hired additional senior personnel with relevant experience and training in finance and accounting that will be able to assist the Company with appropriately assessing the risks of the Company and designing, implementing, and monitoring a system of internal control over financial reporting to address those risks. Related to the control over account reconciliations, the Company engaged a third-party firm to assist with reviewing general ledger account reconciliations to identify the population of account balance differences that were in need of correction. Such corrections have been made to the consolidated financial statements. Going forward, the Company’s controls over general ledger account reconciliations will be strengthened to require the use of a reconciliation checklist, with a formal signoff by the preparer and reviewer on each reconciliation, as well as by a separate member of management as evidence that every account reconciliation was reviewed each month. In addition, the Company will also request that its internal audit firm perform additional testing on the enhanced controls over general ledger account reconciliation during its audits.
Management is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the material weakness. Additional time is required to complete the design and test the operating effectiveness of the applicable controls to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remediation efforts. The material weakness cannot be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. However, management did implement changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2023 while preparing the interim financial information for the third quarter of 2023, designed to remediate the material weakness that was identified.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions, and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company’s certificate of incorporation provides that the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) shall be divided into three classes of directors, with the term of one class of directors to expire each year. The class whose terms expire in 2024, currently consisting of Mr. Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw, Ms. Marie C. Johns and Mr. David J. McGrady, is to be elected at the Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The membership of the Board and the membership of the board of directors of the Company’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary, City First Bank, National Association (the “Bank”) are identical.
Information Concerning Directors
The following table sets forth the names and information regarding the persons who are currently members of the Board.
Name
Age as of
March 31,
Director
Since
Current
Term
Expires
Positions Currently Held with the
Company and the Bank
DIRECTORS
Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw
Director, Vice Chair
Marie C. Johns
2014*
Lead Independent Director
David J. McGrady
1997*
Director
Brian E. Argrett(1)
2011*
Chair of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Mary Ann Donovan
2020*
Director
William A. Longbrake
2011*
Director
Robert C. Davidson, Jr.
Director
Dutch C. Ross III
Director
John M. Driver
Director
*
Including service as a director of CFBanc Corporation prior to the Merger.
(1)
Mr. Argrett was elected as Chair of the Board, effective April 1, 2023.
Directors
Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Broadway Federal Bank until the Merger of the Company with CFBanc, whereupon he became Chair of the Board of the Company and City First Bank, National Association. He relinquished his position as Chair of the Company in March 2023 and became Vice Chair effective April 1, 2023. Mr. Bradshaw joined the Company in February of 2009 as President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in January 2012. He was elected to serve as a director of both the Company and Broadway Federal Bank in September 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Bradshaw was the Regional President for Community and External Affairs of Washington Mutual Bank from 2003 to 2009. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles-based Family Savings Bank from 1989 until 2002 and Chief Deputy Superintendent for the California State Banking Department from 1981 to 1983. Mr. Bradshaw has served on many community and educational boards. He most recently served on the boards of directors of California State University Northridge, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, California Community Reinvestment Corporation, and the Western Bankers Association. He currently serves on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco - Los Angeles Branch and Louisville High School.
Mr. Bradshaw has over 52 years of experience in financial management and banking. He has the proven ability to plan and implement programs that optimize opportunities to accelerate profitable growth in highly competitive environments. Mr. Bradshaw has extensive experience in community banking, commercial banking, and as a bank regulator, and his knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board and as its Vice Chair.
Marie C. Johns has
over 30 years’ experience as a leader in business, civic, and government service. Ms. Johns focuses on community service in the areas of education and economic development. She served as President of Verizon Washington and was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, (“SBA”). In 2011, under Ms. Johns’ leadership and initiatives, the SBA lent more than $30 billion to more than 60,000 small businesses, a record in the history of the SBA. Over 10 years ago, Ms. Johns founded L&L Consulting, LLC (now PPC-Leftwich LLC), a business development, organizational effectiveness and public policy consulting practice, which is based in Washington, D.C. and where she continues to serve as CEO. Ms. Johns has served on several boards of directors, including the Federal City Council, the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., the Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce, WLR Foods (a poultry producer), Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Hager Sharp (a communications and marketing firm), Document Systems Inc. (a document imaging and storage firm) and Harvest Bank of Maryland. Ms. Johns is a Trustee of Howard University where she chairs the Student Life Committee and serves as vice chair of the Governance Committee. Ms. Johns is a member of the Greater Washington, D.C. Business Hall of Fame, one of the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s “Leaders of the Year” and the recipient of over 100 awards from different organizations for her community service. Ms. Johns received her B.S. and M.P.A. degrees from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University where she currently serves as a member of the Dean’s Council and she formerly served as a Board member for the Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence. Prior to the Merger, Ms. Johns, served as a Director of CFBanc since 2014 and as Chair of the Board of CFBanc since 2018. She was appointed to be the Lead Independent Director of the Company in 2021.
Ms. Johns has over 30 years executive management experience in the public and corporate sectors. She has served on a variety of private company and not-for-profit boards and her expertise in governance, regulatory issues, business development, and the Washington D.C. market qualify her to serve on the Board as our Lead Independent Director.
David J. McGrady is a consultant specializing in community development issues and is a nationally recognized expert on the New Markets Tax Credit program. He has been a key advisor on more than 30 successful New Markets Tax Credit applications, with allocations totaling more than $1.7 billion, and has assisted those recipients in developing and implementing capitalization and deployment plans in their respective markets. He also advises banks, investors, foundations, municipalities and CDFIs, on a range of issues, including corporate structure and governance, capitalization, market and risk assessment, product development, underwriting loans and investments, portfolio management, and tax credit programs. Mr. McGrady was Director of Commercial Programs for the Center for Community Self-Help in Durham, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the Center for Community Self-Help originated over 1,300 higher risk business loans totaling more than $80 million. He is also a director of City First Enterprises, which is the bank holding company of the Company, chair of City First Enterprises’ Directors Loan Committee and a member of Calvert Impact Capital’s Investment Committee. Mr. McGrady received his bachelor’s degree from King University and law degree from Harvard University. Prior to the completion of the Merger, Mr. McGrady, served as a Director on the Board of CFBanc since 1998, and was appointed to be a director of the Company upon completion of the Merger.
Mr. McGrady’s experience in corporate governance and community development matters and legal expertise, as well as his background in finance and the real estate, mortgage, and tax credit industries, qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.
Brian E. Argrett was Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFBanc and its wholly owned banking subsidiary from 2011 until the completion of the Merger, at which time he became Vice Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and the Bank. Effective April 1, 2023, he became Chair of the Company and the Bank.
Formerly, Mr. Argrett was founder and managing partner of both Fulcrum Capital Group, an investment manager, and Fulcrum Capital Partners, L.P., an institutionally-backed private equity limited partnership. He also served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and director of Fulcrum Venture Capital Corporation, a federally licensed and regulated Small Business Investment Company. Prior to joining the Fulcrum entities, Mr. Argrett was an attorney with the real estate law firm of Pircher, Nichols & Meeks in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Argrett has served as chair, been a member, or held observer rights on numerous Fulcrum portfolio company boards, as well as having served on the boards of directors of other financial industry companies. Mr. Argrett was a presidential appointee to the Community Development Advisory Board of the U.S. Treasury Department under the Obama administration. Mr. Argrett has held leadership positions at the National Association of Investment Companies and the National Conference for Community and Justice and has been an elder at the Knox Presbyterian Church.
Currently, Mr. Argrett serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of City First Enterprises, which is a bank holding company that holds equity in the Company. Mr. Argrett is a recent appointee to the Board of IntraFi Network, and he also serves on the Board of the California Bankers Association. Mr. Argrett is a past Chairman and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Community Development Bankers Association. He also serves as a member of the Global Alliance on Banking on Values, and is a member of the Board of the Expanding Black Business Credit Initiative.
Mr. Argrett served as a director of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta from 2016 through December of 2021, during which time he served as the Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of its Enterprise Risk and Operations Committee, as well as a member of its Finance Committee and its Audit and Compliance Committee.
Mr. Argrett is a member of The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., the Federal City Council, and the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2014. In addition, Mr. Argrett is a 2014 recipient of the Washington Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award. Mr. Argrett holds J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.
Mr. Argrett’s extensive experience in the financial services and banking industries, public and private company board experience, knowledge and experience in the Washington D.C. and Southern California markets, and knowledge of the Bank’s business, history, organization, and mission, and executive management experience qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.
Mary Ann Donovan has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Raza Development Fund, a Latino-led and focused Community Development Financial Institution, since August 1, 2022. Prior positions held by Ms. Donovan include Chief Operating Officer of Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Director of the United States Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) Fund, CEO of CoMetrics, Inc. (a social enterprise that provides affordable business intelligence tools to small businesses and nonprofit entities), Senior Policy Advisor to the White House from 2012-2013, working collaboratively with the Office of Social Innovation and the Council on Environmental Quality, and Chief Operating Officer of Capital Impact Partners, a certified CDFI. Ms. Donovan has been a thought leader and a board member of many of the highest performing organizations in the community development sector. Ms. Donovan has been a Senior Fellow at the Center for Community Investment. She has published papers and articles for the National Academy for Public Administration, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Forbes, the Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship, and the Milken Review. Ms. Donovan has a B.A. degree in Economics from Allegheny College and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Maryland. Prior to the completion of the Merger, Ms. Donovan was a director of CFBanc, and was appointed to be a director of the Company upon completion of the Merger.
Ms. Donovan’s operational experience, federal government public service, and community development knowledge and expertise, as well has her experience with corporate governance, marketing, and business development matters, all qualify her to serve on the Board.
William A. Longbrake has served as an Executive in Residence at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland since June 2009 where he participates in the Center for Financial Policy, the Ed Snider Center and the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium and writes a monthly economic newsletter for “Brain Trust.” Dr. Longbrake is active in numerous academic, business, and community service organizations, particularly those involving issues surrounding affordable housing and education. He is a current director of City First Enterprises. Dr. Longbrake is a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the College of Wooster, a residential four-year liberal arts college, and a former Chairman of the Board of HOPE LoanPort, a not-for-profit organization that provided a data management and communications web portal to housing counselors and home mortgage servicers. Dr. Longbrake is a director of the Boeing Employees Credit Union, President of the Seattle First Foundation, and a member of the Mortgage Markets Committee of the American Bankers Association. Dr. Longbrake was a Director of First Financial Northwest, a community bank located in Renton, Washington, from 2008-2010; a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle from 2002-2010; a Director of the Washington Financial League from 2002-2010 and a Director of the Washington State Investment Board from 2010-2023. He taught courses in business administration and finance at the University of Maryland and Seattle University. In 2007 Dr. Longbrake received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award from the Robert H. Smith School of Business of the University of Maryland. Dr. Longbrake began his career in Washington, D.C. where he served in various government positions, including Acting Senior Deputy Comptroller for Policy and Senior Deputy Comptroller for Resource Management for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and financial economist, chief financial officer, and deputy to the Chairman of the FDIC. He earned his B.A. degree in Economics from the College of Wooster and earned his master’s degree in Monetary Economics and his M.B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin. He received his Ph.D. degree in finance from the University of Maryland. Prior to the completion of the Merger, Dr. Longbrake was a director of CFBanc, and was appointed to be a director of the Company upon completion of the Merger.
Dr. Longbrake has extensive experience in finance and investments, macroeconomics and monetary policy, risk management, housing, and public policy. His extensive experience in accounting, banking, community development, and corporate governance experience, along with his regulatory, finance, and capital markets experience with both public and private companies qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.
Robert C. Davidson, Jr. served, until his retirement in 2007, in the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Surface Protection Industries, a paint and specialty coatings manufacturing company he founded in 1978, that became one of the leading African American-owned manufacturing companies in the United States and the largest in California. Previously, from 1972 to 1974, he co-founded and served as Vice President of Urban National Corporation, a private venture capital corporation that was focused specifically on investing in minority-controlled businesses. Mr. Davidson currently also serves on the boards of directors of Smithsonian American Art Museum (Chairman-Elect), Diversity Advisory Board at Toyota Motor North America, Morehouse College (Chairman Emeritus), Art Center College of Design (Chairman Emeritus), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Lifetime Member), and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Advisory Council.
Mr. Davidson has extensive entrepreneurial experience in developing and managing small and medium-sized businesses. He has hands-on experience in marketing and sales, human resources and strategic planning and implementation. He has a long history with, and extensive knowledge of the Company and of the markets and communities in which the Company operates. We believe that this history, knowledge, and overall experience qualify him to serve on the Board.
Dutch C. Ross III is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Economic Resources Corporation (“ERC”), a non-profit corporation with a mission of promoting economic development and job creation in underserved communities. Mr. Ross served in that capacity from 1996 until his retirement in August 2020. Prior to joining ERC, Mr. Ross held a variety of managerial, financial, and planning positions in the corporate headquarters, divisional, and subsidiary operations of Atlantic Richfield Company (“ARCO”) from January 1975 to December 1995. From 1971 to 1975, Mr. Ross was employed in financial analysis positions with The Wickes Corporation. Mr. Ross has been active in a number of community organizations in the Los Angeles area that are devoted to building stronger communities and has served on the board of directors of several such organizations, including Genesis L.A. Economic Growth Corporation, where he currently serves on the Audit and Finance Committees. He has served on the Board since 2016.
Mr. Ross received his B.S. degree in Industrial Economics and a Masters in Industrial Management from Purdue University.
Mr. Ross is a financial executive with over 45 years of managerial experience with Fortune 500 companies and non-profit economic development organizations and has extensive knowledge of the Company. Mr. Ross’ knowledge and experience qualifies him to serve on the Board.
John M. Driver is a technology entrepreneur and innovator with leadership experience in large, public and privately-held multinational companies and early-stage startups. He has a foundation in software marketing & sales and direct experience in new product launches for first-to-market categories. Navigating complexity, delivering innovation, and creating new opportunities within the IoT (Internet-of-Things) market are hallmarks of his career. As CEO, he currently leads Lynx Technology, a digital media technology company he founded through a management buyout of the multinational Connected Home operations of PacketVideo, a subsidiary of NTT DoCoMo. Previously, Mr. Driver served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of PacketVideo, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of JoynIn and in senior marketing leadership roles for Serena Software and Sun Microsystems.
Mr. Driver is currently an Independent Director at Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE). Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Fleet Science Center in San Diego and is a former Board Member of the San Diego YMCA Overnight Camps. He is actively involved with Stanford University, serving as former Chair of the Stanford Associates Board of Governors, a guest lecturer for Stanford’s Department of Management Science and Engineering, is the former President of the Stanford Multicultural Alumni Club of San Diego and a recipient of the Stanford Governor’s Award in recognition of exemplary and long-standing volunteer service. He is NACD Directorship CertifiedTM and earned the NACD Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight. Mr. Driver earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Mr. Driver has expertise in corporate governance, strategy, finance, acquisitions, international operations; enterprise, consumer, and mobile application software; enterprise computer systems & services, Internet-of-Things, global sales & marketing strategy, developing and patenting award-winning technologies, and corporate governance. Mr. Driver’s knowledge and experience qualifies him to serve on the Board.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to current executive officers of the Company and the Bank who are not directors. Except as noted, all references to the Bank refer to City First Bank, National Association. Officers of the Company and the Bank serve at the discretion of, and are elected annually by, the respective Boards of Directors.
Name
Age(1)
Principal Occupation during the Past Five Years
Brenda J. Battey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 2013 and the Bank(2) since April 2013. Senior Vice President and Senior Controller of the Bank of Manhattan from September 2011 to June 2012.
Ruth McCloud
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Bank since April 2021. Previously Executive Vice President of the Company, and Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer of the Bank(2) since July 2014.
John Tellenbach
Executive Vice President, West Commercial Regional Executive of the Company since February of 2023. Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Malaga Bank beginning in 2015.
LaShanya Washington
Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of the Company since April 2023 and Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Credit Officer since August 2022. Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer of the Bank since April 2022 and Credit Risk Officer since February 2019. Senior Credit Analyst at United Bank from November 2018 to February 2019, and Manager for Loan Servicing and Accounting for Capital Impact Partners from November 2015 until August 2018.
Sonja S. Wells
Executive Vice President, East Commercial Regional Executive of the Company, and of the Bank since April 2023. Previously Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank since January of 2021. Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Lending Officer of the Bank from May 2020 to January 2021 and prior to that Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager of the Bank from July 2015.
(1)
As of March 31, 2024.
(2)
Refers to Broadway Federal until April 1, 2021, the date on which Broadway Federal merged with and into City First, and to City First from and after that date.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.cityfirstbank.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Ethics, and waivers of the Code of Ethics granted to executive officers and directors, on the website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Dr. Longbrake (Chair), Ms. Donovan, Mr. Driver, and Ms. Johns. This committee is responsible for the engagement and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee, together with the corresponding committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors, is also responsible for oversight of the internal audit function of the Company, and assessment of accounting and internal control policies. All the members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined under the Nasdaq listing standards. In addition, the Board has determined that Dr. Longbrake’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting and evaluation of financial results qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the SEC.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Summary Compensation Table includes information concerning the compensation paid to or earned by our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our two other most highly compensated executive officers. Each executive is referred to herein as a named executive officer (“NEO”).
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
Stock
Awards(1)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(2)
All Other
Compensation(3)
Total
($)
Brian E. Argrett,
Chief Executive Officer
$
577,500
$
275,000
$
114,883
$
75,876
$
1,043,259
$
550,000
$
210,000
$
206,250
$
66,463
$
1,032,713
Brenda J. Battey
Chief Financial Officer
$
278,250
$
75,286
$
43,858
$
54,710
$
452,104
$
265,000
$
61,900
$
75,287
$
40,206
$
442,393
Ruth McCloud
Chief Operating Officer
$
270,000
$
73,736
$
42,621
$
38,263
$
424,620
$
260,000
$
52,700
$
73,736
$
26,270
$
412,706
(1)
This column reports the grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during each year reported. The amounts reported in this column have been calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A description of the methodologies and assumptions we use to value equity awards and the manner in which we recognize the related expense are described in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements, Stock-Based Compensation.
(2)
The amounts shown represent the cash incentive compensation awards earned by each NEO under the Bank’s Incentive Plan for Management (“Incentive Plan”), based on the objective criteria established by the Board at the beginning of each year. The Company’s achievement of such objective criteria is determined by the Board’s compensation and benefits committee (“Compensation Committee”). The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance results at the beginning of the following year and approves the amounts of bonuses to be paid.
(3)
Includes amounts paid by the Company to the 401(k) account of the NEO and allocations under the City First Bank, National Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Also includes perquisites and other benefits consisting of automobile and telephone allowances, health benefits and life insurance premiums.
Employment Agreements
Brian Argrett
The Company and Mr. Argrett are parties to an employment agreement effective November 17, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), providing for Mr. Argrett’s continued service as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board and the board of directors of the Bank. The Employment Agreement has a five-year term beginning on April 1, 2021, subject to annual one-year automatic extensions thereafter unless the Company or Mr. Argrett provides at least 90-days’ prior written notice. Under the agreement, Mr. Argrett was entitled to a base salary of $520,000 per year for the 2021 calendar year, which increased to $550,000 effective January 1, 2022, and $577,500 effective January 1, 2023, which may be further increased but not decreased (other than in connection with an across-the-board reduction in salary applicable to other executive officers) in the Board’s discretion. Mr. Argrett’s target bonus is equal to 30% of his base salary based on the degree of achievement of specified business plan objectives as evaluated annually by the Compensation Committee. No bonus will be paid if the degree of achievement of the business plan objectives is less than 80%. The cash bonus will range from 24% of base salary if the degree of achievement of the business plan objectives is 80% up to a maximum of 37.5% of base salary if the degree of achievement of the business plan objectives is 125% or more.
Mr. Argrett is eligible for annual opportunities to receive grants of restricted stock, with the grant date value determined by the Compensation Committee based on the degree of achievement of specified performance metrics determined by the Company. The target grant date value of such grants for each year is 40% of base salary. No equity grants will be made if the degree of achievement of specified business plan objectives is less than 80%, and the grants will range in grant date value from 32% of base salary if the degree of achievement of the business plan objectives is 80% up to a maximum of 50% of base salary if the degree of achievement of the business plan objectives is 125% or more. All such awards will vest as to 33% on the first anniversary of grant, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 24 months, or in full in the event of Mr. Argrett’s death, disability, termination for Good Reason, or termination by the Company without Cause. “Cause” includes Mr. Argrett’s failure to substantially perform duties or material breach of the Employment Agreement or Company policy by Mr. Argrett (each after a permitted cure period); willful violation of law or regulation; conviction of a felony and certain other events of a comparable nature. “Good Reason” includes the demotion of Mr. Argrett or reduction of his authority or responsibilities; reduction of his salary (other than a reduction described above); failure to reelect him to the Board or the board of directors of the Bank; relocation of his current primary work location by more than 20 miles; or the Company’s material breach of the Employment Agreement (after a permitted cure period).
Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Argrett is entitled to: (i) vacation of 30 days annually, with right to carry over up to 15 days of vacation; (ii) automobile allowance of $1,500 per month; (iii) medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, and other benefit programs provided to other senior executives of the Company; (iv) 401(k) plan participation with current Company matching contribution policy; and (v) social club dues in accordance with Company policy, including dues currently paid by the Company of $1,500 per month.
Mr. Argrett would be entitled to receive the following severance payments upon termination of his employment by the Company without Cause, by Mr. Argrett for Good Reason, or due to Disability. “Disability” under the agreement means that either (A) Mr. Argrett is deemed disabled for purposes of any group or individual long-term disability policy maintained by the Company that covers Mr. Argrett, or (B) in the good faith judgment of the Board, Mr. Argrett is substantially unable to perform his duties under the Employment Agreement for more than one hundred twenty (120) days, whether or not consecutive, in any twelve (12) -month period, by reason of a physical or mental illness or injury. Such payments would include the amount of any earned but unpaid bonus for services rendered by Mr. Argrett during the previous calendar year, plus 36 months of the base salary and other benefits summarized above (to the extent permitted under the applicable benefit plans) payable over that period in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. If Mr. Argrett’s employment is terminated by the Company upon his death or due to Disability, Mr. Argrett will also receive any earned but unpaid bonus for services rendered during the calendar year of termination, provided that he was employed by the Company for at least six months during the calendar year of termination. If he is employed by the Company for less than the full calendar year in which the termination occurs, the bonus will be prorated based on the ratio of the number of days he is employed during the calendar year to 365 days. Payment of the severance payment is conditioned on the execution of a release of claims against the Company. If Mr. Argrett’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Argrett for Good Reason within two years after a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement), he will be entitled to receive the discounted present value of the severance in a lump sum payable within 10 days after a release of claims against the Company becomes effective. The Employment Agreement also contains customary prohibitions against solicitation of customers and employees and prohibitions against disclosure of confidential information of the Company.
The Employment Agreement replaced in its entirety the prior employment agreement, dated December 29, 2017, by and among the Bank, CFBanc Corporation, and Mr. Argrett that was assumed by the Company in connection with the Merger.
Brenda Battey and Ruth McCloud
Each of Brenda Battey and Ruth McCloud serve in their respective positions pursuant to employment agreements (the “Executive Employment Agreements”) entered into with the Company and the Bank effective in May 2017 and subsequently amended in certain respects. The Executive Employment Agreements provided for an initial term of employment of three years, subject to annual one-year extensions by mutual agreement of the parties. The Executive Employment Agreements provide for the payment of an annual base salary, which is currently $278,250 for Ms. Battey, and $270,000 for Ms. McCloud, which are subject to annual review and possible increase by the Board. The Executive Employment Agreements also provide for participation in the Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, eligibility to receive equity-based awards pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan of such types and in such amounts as are determined by the Board, and eligibility to participate in all employee benefit plans applicable to senior executive officers, including the Bank’s Incentive Plan, the Company’s 401(k) plan (with continuation of the Company’s employee contribution matching policy as of the effective date of the employment agreements), and medical, dental, life and long-term disability programs.
Each Executive Employment Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without Cause (including failure by the Company to request an annual extension of an agreement’s term) and following the Merger may be terminated by the executive for any reason and will also terminate in the event of the death or Disability (as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement) of the executive. “Cause” is defined in each Executive Employment Agreement to include the executive’s failure substantially to perform her duties, or material breach by her of her employment agreement or any material written policy of the Company, in each case if not cured within 30 days after notice from the Board requiring such cure; willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (excluding traffic violations and similar offenses); entry of a final regulatory cease and desist order against her; and other offenses involving fraud, moral turpitude, or dishonesty involving personal profit.
In the event of any termination of employment by the Company of the executive’s employment (excluding a termination of employment for Cause), or any termination by the executive, the executive would be entitled to receive all amounts accrued for payment to her to the date of termination and not previously paid, including base salary, unreimbursed business expenses, vested amounts under the Company’s 401(k) Plan and other employee benefit plans (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). The executive would also be entitled to continue to receive an amount equal to her monthly base salary for a specified period (the “Severance Period”) and would continue during the Severance Period to be entitled to receive her automobile allowance and payment by the Company of her life, long-term disability, medical and dental insurance premiums provided for in her employment agreement (such payments during the Severance Period being collectively referred to as the “Severance Payments”). The Severance Periods specified in the Executive Employment Agreements are 24 months for Ms. Battey, and 18 months for Ms. McCloud. In the event of termination of employment for Cause or due to death, the executive’s estate would only be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Obligations.
Each Executive Employment Agreement provides that if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or by the executive for any reason, within two years after a Change in Control of the Company has occurred, she will be entitled to receive a single lump sum payment equal to the present value of the Severance Payments described above, subject to execution of a general release. The present value of the Severance Payments would be calculated using the Applicable Federal Rate published by the Internal Revenue Service from time to time. “Change in Control” is defined in each Executive Employment Agreement to include: events that would be required to be reported as such pursuant to the Exchange Act or federal banking laws and regulations; any person or entity acquiring beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the Company’s outstanding securities; and changes in the composition of the Board that result, with certain exceptions, in directors who were members of the board as of the effective date of the employment agreements ceasing to constitute a majority of the Board.
Each Executive Employment Agreement contains post-employment non-solicitation provisions pursuant to which, for a period of twelve months following termination the executive is prohibited from (i) attempting to influence any customer of the Company or the Bank to discontinue use of the Company’s or the Bank’s services, or (ii) attempting to disrupt the relationship between the Company or the Bank and any of their respective employees, customers or other persons having specified relationships with the Company or the Bank.
Incentive Compensation
The Bank’s Incentive Plan is designed to reward management for productivity, high performance, and implementing the business plan and vision of the Bank. The Compensation and Benefits Committee establishes performance objectives in advance of each year. These performance objectives are derived from the Company’s Strategic Plan, which is reviewed and approved by the Board annually, and typically covers the ensuing three years. The compensation payable under the Incentive Plan is tied directly to the attainment of the pre-established performance objectives. The Incentive Plan provides for a minimum, target, and maximum incentive opportunity equal to cash awards of 24%, 30%, and 37.5%, respectively, of base salary for the CEO, and cash awards of 20%, 25%, and 31%, respectively, of base salary for the other senior executive officers, and lower percentages of base salary for other managers.
In order for the Incentive Plan participants to receive any form of payout, a minimum financial threshold of 80% of the Board approved consolidated net earnings for the Incentive Plan year must be achieved. For each year, the Board establishes specific objectives in the following areas:
•
Net Earnings
•
Capital
•
Compliance
•
Net Loan Growth
•
Asset Quality
•
Core Deposit Growth
For 2023 and 2022, the specific goals related to Net Earnings, Mission Execution, Asset Quality, Net Portfolio Growth, Operational Efficiency, Net Interest Margin Improvement, Capital Management, and Compliance Risk Management. At the end of the Incentive Plan year, each goal is assessed, and results calculated. The Compensation Committee, pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan, determined that the pre-established objectives for 2023 and 2022 were achieved at least in part, and those achievements were used by the Committee to determine the payouts for the annual incentive awards for the respective year and the restricted stock awards that were granted in 2023 and 2022.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2023 and 2022
During 2023, a restricted stock award totaling 32,126 Class A shares was granted to Mr. Argrett under the Amended and Restated 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan. During 2022, a restricted stock award totaling 17,156 Class A shares was granted to Mr. Argrett under the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan.
During 2023, restricted stock awards totaling 8,795 and 8,614 shares were granted to each of Ms. Battey and Ms. McCloud, respectively, under the Amended and Restated 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan. During 2022, restricted stock awards totaling 5,057 and 4,305 shares were granted to each of Ms. Battey and Ms. McCloud, respectively, under the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan.
There were no grants of restricted stock units or stock options to the NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards held by each NEO as of December 31, 2023.
Option Awards
Restricted Stock Awards
Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
(Exercisable)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
(Unexercisable)(1)
Option
Exercise
Price ($)(2)
Option
Expiration
Date(3)
Number
of Shares
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares
That Have
Not Vested
($)
Brian E. Argrett
-
-
-
-
45,851
$
311,328
Brenda J. Battey
18,750
-
12.96
02/24/2026
12,841
$
87,190
Ruth McCloud
12,500
-
12.96
02/24/2026
12,058
$
81,874
(1)
Options became fully vested on February 24, 2021.
(2)
Based upon the fair market value of a share of Company common stock on the date of grant.
(3)
Terms of outstanding stock options are for a period of ten years from the date the option is granted.
(4)
7,149 of these shares vest ratably over the following 15 months after December 31, 2023, and 32,126 of these shares vest 33.3% on the one year anniversary of the grant date of June 21, 2023, and the remaining 66.6% of these shares vest ratably over the succeeding 24 months after the anniversary date.
(5)
4,046 of the shares for Ms. Battey and 3,444 of the shares for Ms. McCloud vest on each of March 16, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 and 8,795 of the shares for Ms. Battey and 8,614 of the shares for Ms. McCloud vest in five equal annual installments on each anniversary of June 21, 2023.
Anti-Hedging
Policy
Our employees, officers, and directors are prohibited from engaging in any kind of hedging transaction that could reduce or limit such person’s holdings, ownership, or interest in or to any securities of the Company. Prohibited transactions include the purchase of financial instruments such as prepaid variable forward contracts, instruments for short sale or purchase or sale of call or put options, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchangeable funds, that are designed to, or that may reasonably be expected to, have the effect of hedging or offsetting a decrease in the market value of any securities of the Company.
Clawback Policy
In October of 2023, we adopted a clawback policy intended to comply with the requirements of Nasdaq Listing Standard 5608 implementing Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act. In the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws, the Company will seek to recover, on a reasonably prompt basis, the excess incentive-based compensation received by any covered executive, including our named executive officers, during the prior three fiscal years that exceeds the amount that the executive otherwise would have received had the incentive-based compensation been determined based on the restated financial statements.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Effective January 1, 2022, the non-employee directors of the Company are entitled to a quarterly fee of $12,500 (“Board Service Retainer”). In addition, outside directors who serve as Chair of one or more committees receive an additional quarterly fee of $1,500 (“Committee Chair Service Retainer”). In lieu of the Board Service Retainer payments, any outside director who serves as Lead Independent Director receives a quarterly fee of $14,000, and any outside director who serves as Chair of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $15,000. In addition, each calendar year the Company issues $12,000 in unrestricted stock to each outside director for service during such year.
Members of the Board do not receive separate compensation for their service on the board of directors of the Bank.
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2023.
.
Name
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash(1)
Stock
Awards(2)
Total
Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw
$
58,500
$
12,000
$
70,500
Robert C. Davidson
$
56,000
$
12,000
$
68,000
Mary Ann Donovan
$
50,000
$
12,000
$
62,000
John Driver
$
50,000
$
12,000
$
62,000
Marie C. Johns
$
62,000
$
12,000
$
74,000
William A. Longbrake
$
56,000
$
12,000
$
68,000
David J. McGrady
$
56,000
$
12,000
$
68,000
Dutch C. Ross III
$
56,000
$
12,000
$
68,000
(1)
Includes payments of annual retainer fees, and retainer fees paid to chairs of Board committees.
(2)
The amounts shown reflect the aggregate fair value of stock awards on the grant date, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For each director, the number of shares of Common Stock was determined by dividing the grant date value of the award, $12,000, by $10.40, the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on February 21, 2023, the date of grant (adjusted for the reverse stock split on October 31, 2023.) As of December 31, 2023, none of the directors held any outstanding equity awards.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS (NOT FULLY UPDATED)
The following table sets forth information as of April 30, 2024 concerning the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by each person known to the Company to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s Voting Common Stock, each director or director nominee, each Named Executive Officer, and all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to any interests of the reporting person’s spouse, we believe that the beneficial owners of common stock listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. As of April 30, 2024, we had 6,033,212 shares of Voting Common Stock outstanding.
Beneficial Owner
Number of
Shares of
Voting
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
Percent of
Voting
Common
Stock
Number of
Shares of
Non-Voting
Common
Stock, Class B
Beneficially
Owned(1)
Number of
Shares of
Non-Voting
Common
Stock, Class C
Beneficially
Owned(2)
Percent of
Total Common
Stock
Outstanding(3)
5% Beneficial Owners:
City First Enterprises(4)
827,778
13.72
%
-
-
9.07
%
City First Bank, National Association Employee Stock Ownership Trust (5)
607,608
10.07
%
-
-
6.65
%
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center(6)
351,123
5.82
%
-
-
3.85
%
The Vanguard Group
326,102
5.41
%
3.57
%
Directors and Executive Officers(7):
Brian E. Argrett(8)
80,464
1.33
%
-
-
*
Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw
35,746
*
-
-
*
Robert C. Davidson(9)
13,069
*
-
-
*
Mary Ann Donovan
2,165
*
-
-
*
John M. Driver
1,153
*
-
-
*
Marie C. Johns
2,165
*
-
-
*
William A. Longbrake
9,665
*
-
-
*
David J. McGrady
2,165
*
-
-
*
Dutch C. Ross III
6,004
*
-
-
*
Brenda J. Battey(10)
49,254
*
-
-
*
Ruth McCloud(11)
40,782
*
-
-
*
John F. Tellenbach
5,298
*
-
-
*
LaShanya D. Washington(12)
12,177
*
-
-
*
Sonja S. Wells(13)
23,940
*
-
-
*
Current directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)
284,047
4.70
%
-
-
3.11
%
*
Less than 1%.
(1)
The Class B non-voting common stock may not be converted to Voting Common Stock.
(2)
The Class C non-voting common stock may be converted to Voting Common Stock only upon the occurrence of certain prescribed forms of sales to third parties that are not affiliated with the holders thereof.
(3)
The total number of outstanding common shares as of April 30, 2024 was 9,131,348, which includes all outstanding shares of Class A voting common stock, Class B non-voting common stock, and Class C non-voting common stock.
(4)
The address for City First Enterprises is 1 Thomas Circle, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005.
(5)
The address for the City First Bank, National Association Employee Stock Ownership Trust (“ESOP”) is 1432 U Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20009-3916.
(6)
The address for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is 8700 Beverly Boulevard, TRES 6500, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
(7)
The address for each of the directors and named executive officers is 4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
(8)
Includes 1,798 allocated shares under the ESOP.
(9)
Includes [[8,750]] shares that are held by the Robert and Alice Davidson Trust, dated August 11, 1982. Robert Davidson and Alice Davidson share investment and voting power with respect to the shares held by the Robert and Alice Davidson Trust in their capacities as trustees of the trust.
(10)
Includes 5,488 allocated shares under the ESOP and 18,750 shares subject to options granted under the LTIP, which options are all currently exercisable.
(11)
Includes 4,969 allocated shares under the ESOP and 12,500 shares subject to options granted under the LTIP, which options are all currently exercisable.
(12)
Includes 1,286 allocated shares under the ESOP.
(13)
Includes 1,678 allocated shares under the ESOP.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Transactions by us with related persons are subject to formal written policies, as well as regulatory requirements and restrictions. These requirements and restrictions include Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve’s Regulation W (which govern certain transactions by us with our affiliates) and the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O (which governs certain loans by the Bank to its executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders). We have adopted policies to comply with these regulatory requirements and restrictions. The Company’s current loan policy provides that all loans made by the Company or its subsidiary to its directors and executive officers or their associates must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates, collateral and repayment terms, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons of similar creditworthiness who are not related to the Company and must not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any loans to related parties or affiliates. Loans to insiders and their related interests require approval by the Board, or a Board designated committee. We also apply the same standards to any other transactions with an insider. Personal loans made to any executive officer or director must comply with Regulation O. Additionally, loans and other related party transactions are subject to Audit Committee review and approval requirements.
From time to time, City First Enterprises and the Bank will each make an investment in the same community development project. These loans by the Bank are made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the Bank, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. All such loans are reviewed, approved, or ratified by the Director’s Loan Committee of the Bank and are made in accordance with the Bank’s lending and credit policies.
Parents of Smaller Reporting Company
City First Enterprises is the owner of 827,778 shares of our Voting Common Stock, which represents approximately 13.72% of our Voting Common Stock outstanding. In addition, four members of our board - Mr. Argrett, our President and CEO, Dr. Longbrake, Mr. McGrady, and Ms. Donovan - are also members of the Board of Directors of City First Enterprises.
Director Independence
We have adopted standards for director independence pursuant to the Nasdaq listing standards. The Board has considered relationships, transactions, and/or arrangements with each of its directors, and has determined that all of the Company’s non-employee directors (Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Davidson, Ms. Donovan, Mr. Driver, Ms. Johns, Dr. Longbrake, Mr. McGrady, and Mr. Ross) are “independent” under applicable Nasdaq listing standards and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by its independent registered public accounting firm, as well as the fees charged for such services, in accordance with the pre-approval policies and procedures that have been established by the Audit Committee. All fees incurred in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for services rendered by Moss Adams were approved by the Audit Committee. No non-audit services were provided by Moss Adams for the years indicated.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us by Moss Adams for the years indicated, inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses.
(In thousands)
Audit fees(1)
$
$
Audit-related fees
-
-
Tax fees
-
-
All other fees
-
-
Total fees
$
$
(1)
Aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and for the reviews of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The services provided by the independent accounts are for SEC-related filings only.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto included under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
(b)
List of Exhibits
Exhibit
Number*
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on April 5, 2021)
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 1, 2023)
3.3
Bylaws of Registrant (Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on August 24, 2020)
3.4
Certificate of Designations for the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on September 11, 2019)
3.5
Certificate of Designations of Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on June 8, 2022)
4.1
Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on April 15, 2022)
4.2
Rights Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2019, entered between Broadway Financial Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on September 11, 2019)
4.3
Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2020, entered between Broadway Financial Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K file by Registrant on August 26, 2020)
4.4
Registration Rights Agreement (Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on June 8, 2022)
10.1**
Broadway Federal Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 28, 2016)
10.2**
Amended and Restated Broadway Financial Corporation 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q filed by Registrant on August 12, 2016)
10.3**
Amended Form of Award Agreement for stock options granted pursuant to Amended and Restated Broadway Financial Corporation 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed by Registrant on August 12, 2016)
10.4**
Broadway Financial Corporation Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.5**
Form of Award Agreement for restricted stock granted pursuant to Broadway Financial Corporation Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.6**
Employment Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2017, for Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw (Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 29, 2019)
10.7**
Award Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2019 for grant of restricted stock to Wayne-Kent A. Bradshaw pursuant to Broadway Financial Corporation 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 29, 2019)
10.8**
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2017, for Brenda J. Battey (Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 29, 2019)
10.9**
Amendment to Employment Agreement for Brenda J. Battey, dated as of January 14, 2021 (Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed by Registrant on January 14, 2021)
10.10**
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2017, for Norman Bellefeuille (Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 29, 2019)
10.11**
Amendment to Employment Agreement for Norman Bellefeuille, dated as of January 14, 2020 (Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed by Registrant on January 14, 2021)
10.12**
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2017, for Ruth McCloud (Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 29, 2019)
10.13**
Amendment to Employment Agreement for Ruth McCloud, dated as of January 14, 2020 (Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed by Registrant on January 14, 2021)
10.14**
Broadway Federal Bank Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.15**
Employment Agreement, dated and effective as of November 17, 2021, between Registrant and Brian E. Argrett (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 18, 2021)
10.16
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2016, entered between First Republic Bank and Registrant (Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 27, 2017)
10.17
ESOP Loan Agreement and ESOP Pledge Agreement, each dated as of December 19, 2016, entered into between Registrant and Miguel Paredes, as trustee for the Broadway Federal Bank, f.s.b., Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust, and related Promissory Note, dated as of December 19, 2016 (Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 27, 2017)
10.18
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2020, entered between Banc of America Strategic Investments Corporation and Registrant (Exhibit 10.15 to Registration Statement on S-4 filed by Registrant on January 19, 2021)
10.19
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2020, entered between Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Registrant (Exhibit 10.14 to Registration Statement on S-4 filed by Registrant on January 19, 2021)
10.20
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2020, entered between Wells Fargo Central Pacific Holdings, Inc. and Registrant (Exhibit 10.16 to Registration Statement on S-4 filed by Registrant on January 19, 2021)
10.21
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Ally Ventures, a business unit of Ally Financial Inc., and Registrant (Exhibit 10.24 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.22
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Banner Bank and Registrant (Exhibit 10.25 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.23
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Citicorp Banking Corporation and Registrant (Exhibit 10.26 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.24
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between First Republic Bank and Registrant (Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.25
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Gerald I. White and Registrant (Exhibit 10.28 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.26
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Gerald I. White, in his capacity as the trustee for the Grace & White, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, and Registrant (Exhibit 10.29 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.27
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Registrant and Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited as trustee of each of the following: The Lorraine Grace Will Trust, The Anne Grace Kelly Trust 99, The Gwendolyn Grace Trust 99, The Lorraine L. Grace Trust 99, and The Ruth Grace Jervis Millennium Trust (Exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.28
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2021, entered between Texas Capital Community Development Corporation and Registrant (Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.29
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2021, entered between J.P. Morgan Chase Community Development Corporation and Registrant (Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K filed by Registrant on March 31, 2021)
10.30
Letter Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement, dated June 7, 2022 (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on June 8, 2022)
21.1
List of Subsidiaries
23.1
Consent of Moss Adams LLP
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97.1
Compensation Clawback Policy
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
The cover page from this Annual Report on Form 10-K, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).
**
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.