Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Benin: An African Pioneer 

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Benin: An African Pioneer

    January 31, 2025

    Innovation and a strong reform drive have strengthened Benin’s resilience to regional and global challenges and supported progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Benin faced a number of negative spillovers in 2022: a deteriorating regional security situation at its northern border, the lingering scars of COVID-19, and higher living costs amid the war in Ukraine. To help counter those headwinds, the country tapped IMF support, including a $650 million blended Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, complemented by a $200 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in 2023. Development partners’ confidence in the country’s reform program has been reflected in budget support consistently exceeding expectations. Moreover, Benin was among the first countries to re-access the international capital market last year, following a two-year hiatus, with several sovereign credit rating upgrades in recent years.  

    Despite challenges, there are promising signs of economic transformation. Among other achievements, growth has been strong, fiscal adjustment is proceeding while allowing for a significant increase in social spending, and efforts to strengthen governance are gaining ground.

    Following the combined Fifth Review of the ongoing EFF/ECF arrangement and Second Review of the RSF, IMF Country Focus discussed the country’s economic performance with Romuald Wadagni, Senior Minister of State of Economy and Finance for Benin, and Constant Lonkeng, IMF Mission Chief for Benin.

    How is the current reform program affecting the daily lives of Beninese people?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: First and foremost, our ongoing reform program has allowed us to navigate an episode of severe and repeated shocks, with technical and financial support from our development partners. As a result, our economy has shown remarkable resilience, with growth averaging more than 6.5 percent in recent years.

    Economic resilience is helping harness the potential of Benin’s people. A key focus of our reform program is enhancing human capital, as articulated under our people-centric Government Action Program (PAG 2021–26).

    Our Integrated School Feeding Program currently provides free meals to students in 95 percent of elementary schools in rural areas (more than 1.3 million children), with full coverage targeted this year. Lower education is now tuition-free for girls across all of Benin’s 77 communes (estimated 2 million girls), with an ongoing pilot to extend to upper secondary school. We are also putting emphasis on technical education and vocational training to prepare our large youth population to seize job opportunities in high value-added activities.  

    More broadly, our flagship Insurance for Human Capital Enhancement (ARCH) seeks to foster social resilience through various programs including micro-credits, access to healthcare, and pensions. The social registry—established early on under the EFF/ECF with World Bank technical support—is an essential tool for targeting our support to the most vulnerable.  

    How has IMF engagement supported the authorities’ policy agenda?

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: One key design consideration of Benin’s IMF-supported program was balancing financing and fiscal adjustment in a shock-prone environment. Considering Benin’s established track record in macroeconomic management, we opted for a flexible design—a vote of confidence from the IMF.  

    Frontloaded financing supported the country’s appropriately strong counter-cyclical policy response to severe shocks—the IMF disbursed more than 40 percent of the total financing envelope of about 400 percent of Benin’s quota in the first 6 months of the 42-month program to smooth out fiscal adjustment. The EFF/ECF was subsequently complemented by an RSF (120 percent of Benin’s quota) to help enhance the country’s overall socio-economic resilience.  

    The authorities have since been re-building policy space, with domestic revenue mobilization being a key part of this effort and, more broadly, the cornerstone of the authorities’ reform program. A frontloaded tax policy reform under the program complemented efforts to digitalize the tax system to boost revenue collection. As the chart shows, Benin’s tax-to-GDP ratio increased by more than 2 percentage points during 2022–24, far exceeding the average improvement of other countries in this timeframe. 

    There are promising signs of economic transformation. How are you achieving this and what lessons did you learn along the way?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We first conducted an in-depth diagnostic of our economic and financial situation about a decade ago. We then embarked on a first wave of reforms to lay the foundations for structural transformation, cognizant of the fact that sound public finances, reliable energy, and infrastructure—including digital—are key prerequisites for sustained economic expansion.  

    The ongoing second wave of reforms seek to consolidate our initial achievements and climb up value chains by processing commodities locally. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone—which is dedicated to the local transformation of agricultural products including cotton, cashews, and soybeans—plays a strategic role in this regard. We intend to further develop the zone and, more broadly, pursue the structural transformation of our economy, including through continued modernization and enhanced resilience of agriculture. We will also step up investment in unlocking Benin’s tourism potential and modernizing the Port of Cotonou.

    In doing all of the above, we will expand the social safety nets to reach as many vulnerable people as possible. A key lesson from our experience so far is that sound governance is critical in economic transformation.  

    Benin innovated with the issuance of the first Social Development Goal (SDG) bond in the region – and is now extending this framework to catalyze private climate finance. Can you elaborate?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We developed an SDG bond framework around the country’s social and climate priorities as an integral part of our development finance strategy. The framework was initially used to issue a €500 million SDG bond in 2021, a first in the region. It has since facilitated the financing of key social and energy transition projects. We intend to leverage the SDG bond framework to catalyze financing for climate change adaptation, resilient agriculture, sustainable ecosystem management, and the energy transition.

    Relatedly, we secured climate financing pledges from our partners during the recent COP29, following the climate finance roundtable that we co-convened in Cotonou with the IMF and the World Bank.

    What has been the key to program engagement in your view, and what do you see as the main challenges ahead?   

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: First and foremost, program ownership has been key. Benin has an established tradition of public consultation around the country’s reform agenda—under the National Development Plan and the Government Action Program. The Fund-supported program therefore had a solid homegrown foundation to build on.  

    Going forward, continued expansion of the tax base, drawing on the country’s recently developed medium-term revenue strategy, would help fund Benin’s large development needs (the country’s median age is 18), and improve the country’s capacity to carry debt and preserve debt sustainability.  

    On the structural front, a continued move away from the traditional transit-centered growth model—supported by a balanced social contract—would foster private sector job creation in higher value-added activities for the large youth population. Enhancing resilience to climate change and maintaining the digitalization drive would also support overall socio-economic resilience in the long-term. All of this would help raise the living standards of the Beninese in a sustained and inclusive manner.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Phelps, Commissioning Editor, International Affairs

    This article was first published as World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK. Click here to receive this newsletter every Thursday, direct to your inbox.

    Hundreds of thousands of civilians returned to the northern Gaza Strip this week after checkpoints were reopened in line with the ceasefire agreement. Many will have found their homes destroyed after months of heavy fighting and bombardment – something the new US president, Donald Trump, has pointed out.

    In an exchange with reporters last weekend, Trump said: “I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now and it’s a mess, it’s a real mess.” He then went on to suggest Palestinians there should be “evacuated” to Egypt and Jordan where “they could maybe live in peace for a change”. “You’re talking about a million and a half people … we just clean out that whole thing,” he continued.

    Trump is seemingly no stranger to airing whatever thoughts come into his head. At his inauguration he claimed – without providing evidence – that “China is operating the Panama canal”. And he has since called Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine “ridiculous”. But even by these standards, his suggestion to evict Gazans from their land is brash to say the least.


    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.


    As Karin Aggestam of Lund University reports, Trump’s proposal has been met with disbelief across the Middle East. It has been widely criticised throughout the region as a potential “second Nakba” – referring to the displacement of Palestinians after Israel’s unilateral declaration of statehood in 1948.




    Read more:
    Donald Trump’s suggestion of ‘clearing out’ Gaza adds another risk to an already fragile ceasefire


    The proposal has also been rejected outright by Egypt and Jordan. Egypt’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Sunday objecting to any forced displacement of Palestinians. And Jordan’s minister of foreign affairs, Ayman Safadi, said his country was committed to “ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land”. The Arab League regional bloc has accused Trump of advocating ethnic cleansing.

    Aggestam says it’s not yet certain if moving Palestinians out of Gaza will become an official US policy position, or whether it is yet another example of Trump speaking his mind. But, in her view, Trump’s latest pronouncement will further complicate the already fragile ceasefire.

    The idea of relocating Palestinians to other countries has thrilled Israel’s extreme ultra-nationalist parties. The Israeli finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist party, Bezalel Smotrich, and the former national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have both previously encouraged the return of Israeli settlers to the Gaza Strip.

    Ben Gvir, who recently resigned from his ministerial position in protest at the Gaza ceasefire, asserted in October that “encouraging emigration” of Palestinian residents of Gaza would be the “most ethical” solution to the conflict.

    According to Leonie Fleischmann of City, University of London, the pair share an anti-Arab ideology and a messianic belief in the Jewish people’s right to what they call “Greater Israel”. This refers to a Jewish state that would also include the West Bank, which they referred to as “Judea and Samaria”, as well as Gaza and part of Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

    As Fleischmann explains, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were the sites of many key events in biblical times and were the home of a number of Israelite kingdoms. In the Bible, God even promises this land to the descendants of Abraham – the Jewish people. This, Fleischmann writes, is the reason behind Smotrich and Ben Gvir’s belief that the Jewish people have the God-given right to settle the whole of Greater Israel.




    Read more:
    The growing influence of Israel’s ultranationalist settler movement


    This is not a position held by the majority of Israelis. But Israel’s ultra-nationalists wield considerable political power, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government dependent on their support to remain in power. Indeed, days after Trump suggested clearing out Gaza, Smotrich spoke of turning it into an actionable policy.

    Speaking with reporters on Monday, he said: “There is nothing to be excited about the weak opposition of Egypt and Jordan to the plan. We saw yesterday how Trump [imposed his will on] Colombia to deport immigrants despite its opposition. When he wants it, it happens.”

    The events Smotrich was referring to in Colombia were certainly extraordinary. Outraged at the repatriation of Colombian migrants in military planes, Colombian president Gustavo Petro refused to allow the flights to land.

    Trump immediately vowed tariffs on Colombian goods and sanctions on government officials, which drew a furious social media response out of Petro and the start of a (very brief) trade war. But within a few hours, Petro had backed down and Colombia announced it would start receiving migrants, including on US military aircraft.

    The White House hailed the agreement as a victory for Trump’s hardline immigration strategy. However, according to Amalendu Misra of Lancaster University, Trump’s punishing tariff threats and foul rhetoric toward illegal immigrants may only damage the power and position of the US in the region.

    His willingness to wage a trade war with countries in Latin America could encourage others to speed up their search for alternative trade partners. And, worse still, he may even push them towards closer relations with governments and ideologies that are inimical to US interests, writes Misra.




    Read more:
    Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America


    Choppy waters ahead

    Back in the Middle East, the ceasefire in Gaza has offered the region a break from war. This has included a pledge by Houthi militants in Yemen not to attack commercial ships travelling through the Red Sea.

    These attacks have halved the number of ships passing through the Suez Canal, a crucial route for goods moving between Asia and Europe, with many diverting around the southern tip of Africa.

    This route adds thousands of miles to the journey, so supply chains have had to deal with higher shipping costs, product delivery delays and increased carbon emissions. In the view of Gokcay Balci, a logistics expert at Leeds University, this disruption is likely to continue.

    The situation in the Red Sea remains unpredictable, he writes. The leader of the Houthis, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said on Monday that the group was “ready to return to escalation again alongside our brothers, the fighters in Palestine”, and warned: “We have our finger on the trigger.” Shipping companies have, unsurprisingly, announced that they will continue to prioritise alternative routes.

    The Houthis seem unconvinced that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold. But, at least for now, it is providing civilians with some much-needed respite after more than a year of relentless violence.




    Read more:
    Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire


    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get our updates directly in your inbox.


    ref. How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-suggestion-to-clean-out-gaza-sent-shockwaves-through-the-middle-east-248461

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: Former Securitize Capital CEO Wilfred Daye Joins Mercurity Fintech as Chief Strategy Officer and Chaince Securities CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (Nasdaq: MFH), a digital fintech group, is pleased to announce that effective February 1, 2025, Wilfred Daye will be joining MFH as Chief Strategy Officer and will also serve as the CEO of JVDA, LLC, a subsidiary of MFH and doing business as “Chaince Securities”. 

    In his dual leadership roles, Daye will focus on driving strategic innovation and operational excellence across both organizations. As Chief Strategy Officer at MFH, Daye will lead the company’s efforts in global expansion and digital asset adoption, bringing a unique blend of strategic insight and market expertise to accelerate the firm’s growth initiatives. His leadership will ensure MFH remains at the forefront of innovation in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. In his capacity as CEO of Chaince Securities, Daye will run a client-centric investment banking and capital formation practice. His vision is to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic and sophisticated market.

    With a forward-thinking mindset and extensive expertise in structured credit trading and financial innovation, Daye brings over two decades of leadership at the crossroads of Wall Street and digital innovation. He previously served as CEO of Securitize Capital, the asset management arm of Securitize, a trailblazer in Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and a recognized leader in blockchain-enabled financial solutions. Under his leadership, Securitize successfully tokenized private equity assets for industry giants such as KKR and Hamilton Lane, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of digital assets.

    Daye has also held pivotal roles at some of the world’s leading financial institutions. As a trader at UBS, he specialized in complex cash and synthetic structured products, driving advancements in financial engineering. He also held senior positions at Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital, where he focused on global credit products. Additionally, he was a key member of the structured credit team at D.B. Zwirn after beginning his career at Lehman Brothers.  

    “What excites me most about joining MFH and Chaince Securities is the unique opportunity to shape the future of finance at a time when innovation and tradition are finding powerful new synergies,” said Wilfred. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how transformative the right combination of technology and financial expertise can be. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to build something truly exceptional—a bridge between traditional financial services and the digital future that creates lasting value for our clients and partners.”

    Shi Qiu, CEO of Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc., further commented, “When we envisioned the next chapter of MFH’s growth, we knew we needed a leader who not only understands the complexities of both traditional and digital finance but also shares our commitment to innovation with purpose. In Wilfred, we’ve found that rare combination. His genuine passion for financial innovation and deep understanding of institutional markets makes him the perfect architect for our future. We’re delighted to welcome him to our leadership team.”

    About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.
    Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. is a digital fintech company with subsidiaries specializing in distributed computing and business consultation across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Our focus is on delivering innovative financial solutions while adhering to principles of compliance, professionalism, and operational efficiency. Our aim is to contribute to the evolution of digital finance by providing secure and innovative financial services to individuals and businesses. Our dedication to compliance, professionalism, and operational excellence ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the rapidly transforming financial landscape. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at https://mercurityfintech.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:
    International Elite Capital Inc.
    Vicky Chueng
    Tel: +1(646) 866-7989
    Email: mfhfintech@iecapitalusa.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Donald Trump plays God in Gaza, Israel acts like spoiled brat

    The Gaza ceasefire deal proves that Israeli politics can only survive if it’s engaged in perpetual war.

    US President Donald Trump has unsettled Arab leaders with his obscene suggestion that Egypt and Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza.

    Both Egypt and Jordan have stated that this is a non-starter and will not happen.

    Israeli extremists have welcomed Trump’s comments with the hope that the forced expulsion of Palestinians would pave the way for Jewish settlements in Gaza.

    But the truth is that Israeli leaders likely feel deceived by Trump more than anything else. Benjamin Netanyahu and most of Israeli society were once clamouring for Donald Trump.

    All that has changed since President Trump sent his top Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel in which Witkoff reportedly lambasted Benjamin Netanyahu and forced him to accept a ceasefire agreement.

    Since then, Israeli leaders and Israeli society, are seemingly taken aback by Trump’s more restrained approach toward the Middle East and desire for a ceasefire.

    While the current ceasefire in place is a precarious endeavour at best, Israeli reactions to the cessation of hostilities highlight a profound point: not only did Netanyahu misread Trump’s intentions, but the entire Israeli political system itself seemingly only thrives during conflict in which the US provides it with unfettered military and diplomatic support.

    Geostrategic calculus
    Firstly, Israel believed that Trump’s second term would likely be a continuation of his first — where the US based its geostrategic calculus in the Middle East around Israel’s interests. This gave Israeli leaders the impression that Trump would give them the green light to attack Iran, resettle and starve Gaza, and formally annex the West Bank.

    However, Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ilk failed to take into consideration that Trump likely views blanket Israeli interests as liabilities to both the United States and Trump’s vision for the Middle East.

    Trump blessing an Israel-Iran showdown seems to be off the table. Trump himself stated this and is backing up his words by appointing Washington-based analyst Mike DiMino as a top Department of Defence advisor.

    DiMino, a former fellow at the non-interventionist think tank Defense Priorities, is against war with Iran and has been highly critical of US involvement in the Middle East. Steve Witkoff will also be leading negotiations with Iran.

    The appointment of DiMino and Witkoff has enraged the Washington neoconservative establishment and is a signal to Tel Aviv that Trump will not capitulate to Israel’s hawkish ambitions.

    The Trump effect
    As it pertains to his vision for the Middle East, Trump has been adamant about expanding the Abraham Accords, deepening US military ties with Saudi Arabia, and possibly pioneering Saudi-Israeli “normalisation”.

    The Saudi government has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it a genocide and also made it clear that they will not normalise relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state.

    While there is an explicit pro-Israel angle to all these components, none of Trump’s objectives for the Middle East would be feasible if the genocide in Gaza continued or if the US allowed Israel to formally annex the occupied West Bank, something Trump stopped during his first term.

    It is unlikely that a Palestinian state will arise under Trump’s administration; however, Trump has been in contact with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas.

    Trump’s Middle East Adviser Massad Boulos has also facilitated talks between Abbas and Trump. Steve Witkoff has also met with PA official Hussein al-Sheikh in Saudi Arabia to discuss where the PA fits into a post-October 7 Gaza and a possible pathway to a Palestinian state.

    Witkoff’s willingness to meet with PA, along with the quiet yet growing relationship between Trump and Abbas, was likely something Netanyahu did not anticipate and may have also factored into Netanyahu’s acquiescence in Gaza.

    Of equal importance, the Gaza ceasefire deal proves that Israeli politics can only survive if it’s engaged in perpetual war.

    Brutal occupation
    This is evidenced by its brutal occupation of the Palestinians, destroying Gaza, and attacking its neighbours in Syria and Lebanon. Now that Israel is forced to stop its genocide in Gaza, at least for the time being, fissures within the Israeli government are already growing.

    Jewish extremist Itamar Ben Gvir resigned from Netanyahu’s coalition due to the ceasefire after serving as Israel’s national security minister. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also threatened to leave if a ceasefire was enacted.

    Such dynamics within the Israeli government and its necessity for conflict are only possible because the US allows it to happen.

    In providing Israel with unfettered military and diplomatic support, the US allows Israel to torment the Palestinian people. Now that Israel cannot punish Gaza, it has shifted their focus to the West Bank.

    Since the ceasefire’s implementation, the Israeli army has engaged in deadly raids in the Jenin refugee camp which had displaced over 2000 Palestinians. The Israeli army has also imposed a complete siege on the West Bank, shutting down checkpoints to severely restrict the movement of Palestinians.

    All of Israel’s genocidal practices are a direct result of the impunity granted to them by the Biden administration; who willingly refused to impose any consequences for Israel’s blatant violation of US law.

    Joe Biden could have enforced either the Leahy Law or Section 620 I of the Foreign Assistance Act at any time, which would ban weapons from flowing to Israel due to their impediment of humanitarian aid into Gaza and use of US weapons to facilitate grave human rights abuses in Gaza.

    Instead, he chose to undermine US laws to ensure that Israel had everything it facilitate their mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.

    The United States has always held all the cards when it comes to Israel’s hawkish political composition. Israel was simply the executioner of the US’s devastating policies towards Gaza and the broader Palestinian national movement.

    Abdelhalim Abdelrahman is a freelance Palestinian journalist. His work has appeared in The New Arab, The Hill, MSN, and La Razon. Tis article was first published by The New Arab and is republished under Creative Commons.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bowman, Brief Remarks on the Economy, and Perspective on Mutual and Community Banks

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Let me begin by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew who perished in the tragic flight accident in Washington, D.C. Wednesday evening.
    Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today.1 It is a pleasure to be with you virtually for your CEO Summit. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet bankers from across the country, especially New England, to learn about the issues that are important to you. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its January meeting earlier this week, so I will begin by offering some brief remarks on the economy, and then share my views on a number of mutual and community bank issues, before addressing some questions that were submitted by your members in advance of today’s meeting.
    Update on the Most Recent FOMC MeetingAt our FOMC meeting this week, my colleagues and I voted to hold the federal funds rate target range at 4-1/4 to 4‑1/2 percent and to continue to reduce the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings. I supported this action because, after recalibrating the level of the policy rate towards the end of last year to reflect the progress made since 2023 on lowering inflation and cooling the labor market, I think that policy is now in a good place to position the Committee to pay closer attention to the inflation data as it evolves.
    Looking ahead to 2025, in my view, the current policy stance also provides the opportunity to review further indicators of economic activity and get clarity on the administration’s policies and their effects on the economy. It will be very important to have a better sense of the actual policies and how they will be implemented, in addition to greater confidence about how the economy will respond.
    Brief Remarks on the EconomyThe U.S. economy remained strong through the end of last year, with solid growth in economic activity and a labor market near full employment. Core inflation remains elevated, but my expectation is that it will moderate further this year. Even with this outlook, I continue to see upside risks to inflation.
    The rate of inflation declined significantly in 2023, but it slowed by noticeably less last year. Without having seen the December data released this morning, I estimate that the 12-month measure of core personal consumption expenditures inflation—which excludes food and energy prices—likely remained unchanged at 2.8 percent in December, only slightly below its 3.0 percent reading at the end of 2023. Progress has been slow and uneven since the spring of last year mostly due to a slowing in core goods price declines.
    After increasing at a solid pace, on average, over the initial three quarters of last year, gross domestic product appears to have risen a bit more slowly in the fourth quarter, reflecting a large drop in inventory investment, which is a volatile category. In contrast, private domestic final purchases, which provide a better signal about underlying growth in economic activity, maintained its strong momentum from earlier in the year, as personal consumption rose robustly again in the fourth quarter.
    Some measures of consumer sentiment appear to have improved recently but are still well below pre-pandemic levels, likely because of higher prices. And since housing, food, and energy price increases have far outpaced overall inflation since the pandemic, lower-income households have experienced the negative impacts of inflation hardest, especially as these households have limited options to trade down for lower-cost goods and services.
    Payroll employment gains rebounded strongly in December and averaged about 170,000 per month in the fourth quarter, a pace that is somewhat above average gains in the prior two quarters. The unemployment rate edged back down to 4.1 percent in December and has moved sideways since last June, remaining slightly below my estimate of full employment.
    The labor market appears to have stabilized in the second half of last year, after having loosened from extremely tight conditions. The rise in the unemployment rate since mid-2023 largely reflected weaker hiring, as job seekers entering or re-entering the labor force are taking longer to find work, while layoffs have remained low. The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers has remained close to the pre-pandemic level in recent months, and there are still more available jobs than available workers. The labor market no longer appears to be especially tight, but wage growth remains somewhat above the pace consistent with our inflation goal.
    I hope the revision of the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor data, which will be released next week, will more accurately capture the changing dynamics of immigration and net business creation and bring more clarity on the underlying pace of job growth. It is crucial that U.S. official data accurately capture structural changes in labor markets in real time, such as those in recent years, so we can more confidently rely on these data for monetary and economic policymaking. In the meantime, given conflicting economic signals, measurement challenges, and significant data revisions, I remain cautious about taking signal from only a limited set of real-time data releases.
    Assuming the economy evolves as I expect, I think that inflation will slow further this year. Its progress may be bumpy and uneven, and the upcoming inflation data for the first quarter will be an important indication of how quickly this will happen. That said, I continue to see greater risks to price stability, especially while the labor market remains near full employment.
    Despite the prospect for some reduction in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, global supply chains continue to be susceptible to disruptions, which could result in inflationary effects on food, energy, and other commodity markets. In addition, the release of pent-up demand following the election, especially with improving consumer and business sentiment, could lead to stronger economic activity, which could increase inflationary pressures.
    The Path ForwardAs we enter a new phase in the process of moving the federal funds rate toward a more neutral policy stance, I would prefer that future adjustments to the policy rate be gradual. We should take time to carefully assess the progress in achieving our inflation and employment goals and consider changes to the policy rate based on how the data evolves.
    Given the current stance of policy, I continue to be concerned that easier financial conditions over the past year may have contributed to the lack of further progress on slowing inflation. In light of the ongoing strength in the economy and with equity prices substantially higher than a year ago, it seems unlikely that the overall level of interest rates and borrowing costs are exerting meaningful restraint.
    I am also closely watching the increase in longer-term Treasury yields since we started the recalibration of our policy stance at the September meeting. Some have interpreted it as a reflection of investors’ concerns about the possibility of tighter-than-expected policy that may be required to address inflationary pressures. In light of these considerations, I continue to prefer a cautious and gradual approach to adjusting policy.
    There is still more work to be done to bring inflation closer to our 2 percent goal. I would like to see progress in lowering inflation resume before we make further adjustments to the target range. We need to keep inflation in focus while the labor market appears to be in balance and the unemployment rate continues to be at historically low levels. By the time of our March meeting, we will have received two inflation and two employment reports. I look forward to reviewing the first quarter inflation data, which, as I noted earlier, will be key to understanding the path of inflation going forward. I do expect that inflation will begin to decline again and that by year-end it will be lower than where it now stands.
    Looking forward, it is important to note that monetary policy is not on a preset course. At each FOMC meeting, my colleagues and I will make our decisions based on the incoming data and the implications for and risks to the outlook and guided by the Fed’s dual-mandate goals of maximum employment and stable prices. I will also continue to meet with a broad range of contacts as I assess the appropriateness of our monetary policy stance.
    Bringing inflation in line with our price stability goal is essential for sustaining a healthy labor market and fostering an economy that works for everyone in the longer run.
    Perspective on Mutual and Community BanksTurning to banking, I will start with a brief discussion of the important role of mutual banks in the banking system before addressing other bank regulatory issues. One of the unique characteristics of the U.S. banking system is the broad scope of institutions it includes and the wide range of customers and communities it serves. Given this institutional diversity, regulators must strive to foster a financial system that enables each and every bank, no matter its size, to thrive, supporting a vibrant economy and financial system.
    Mutual Bank IssuesIn the Northeast, everyone is familiar with mutual banks given their significant presence in this region. Since the early 1800s, these banks have been dedicated to serving their local communities.2 Their ownership structure differs from traditional banks in that mutuals are owned by their depositors, rather than by shareholders. Like other community banks, they focus on local issues that are important to their communities and to their depositors.
    Many of the challenges mutual banks face are similar to those faced by other financial institutions, including competition from other banks, credit unions, and non-banks. But mutual banks also face unique issues that can add cost and expense to their operations. Two issues I would like to discuss are the challenges mutual institutions face raising capital, and unique procedural hurdles mutuals face in managing the dividend process. While these issues are unique to mutuals, both highlight the challenges of a lack of transparency, and insufficient focus on efficiency.3
    Just as with other community banks, a challenge for many mutuals is the difficulty of raising additional capital. This difficulty is exacerbated by their ownership structure, which typically requires mutuals to rely heavily on retained earnings. Although mutual institutions have historically been more highly capitalized relative to their stock-owned peers, if a mutual capital raise is needed, it would be helpful to provide some regulatory flexibility in the process. Recently, some mutuals have issued subordinated debt as a form of capital, but another form of regulatory capital may be preferable: mutual capital certificates.
    To date, it has been unclear whether mutual capital certificates qualify as regulatory capital. These instruments could provide mutual banks an additional way to raise capital without disrupting their mutual structure. In my view, the banking agencies should be receptive to these kinds of instruments to ensure that mutual banks can both raise capital and maintain their depositor-owned structure. Mutuals need clarity and transparency about the regulatory treatment of these instruments and whether they qualify as regulatory capital.
    Another concern for mutuals is the annual requirement to receive regulatory approval for a mutual holding company’s waiver of a dividend issued by its subsidiary bank.4 The Board practice is to require a mutual holding company to submit an application each year to implement a waiver. This prior approval requirement is complex and imposes significant costs on these small institutions, reducing the investment they can make in their communities. Because of the time and expense of these waiver requirements, it is possible that the inefficiencies of the required application process erode the value of a mutual holding company structure, which would further constrain a mutual bank’s ability to raise capital.
    Since the Board has nearly 20 years of experience considering these waiver requests, it seems appropriate to consider whether the applications process for these waivers is efficient. What lessons have we learned? Is the prior approval requirement effective in its review of holding companies waiving receipt of their dividends, or can this be resolved in a more efficient and cost effective manner? In my view, the Board should consider whether this process is effective and efficient in addressing concerns related to dividend waivers.
    Mutual banks, like all community banks, are vital to the economic success of their communities. It is critical that our applications process not act as a limit on a particular type of institution simply due to regulatory inaction or lack of clarity and transparency. Regulators must find efficient and effective ways to support a vibrant and diverse banking system that enables these and other small institutions to thrive while supporting and investing in their local economy.
    TailoringTransparency and efficiency are just two of the necessary components of a regulatory approach that promotes a healthy and vibrant banking system. Another component that I speak about frequently is the use of “tailoring” in the regulatory framework. For those familiar with my philosophy on bank regulation and supervision, my interest and focus on tailoring will come as no surprise.5 In its most basic form, it is difficult to disagree with the virtue of regulatory and supervisory tailoring—calibrating the requirements and expectations imposed on a firm based on its size, business model, risk profile, and complexity—as a reasonable, appropriate and responsible approach for bank regulation and supervision. In fact, tailoring is embedded in the statutory fabric of the Federal Reserve’s bank regulatory responsibilities.6
    The bank regulatory framework inherently includes significant costs—both the cost of operating the banking agencies, and the cost to the banking industry of complying with regulations, the examination process, and supplying information to regulators both through formal information collections and through one-off requests. In the aggregate, these costs can ultimately affect the price and availability of credit, geographic access to banking services, and the broader economy. The cost of this framework—both to regulators and to the industry—reflects layers of policy decisions over many years. But this framework could be more effective in balancing the mandate to promote safety and soundness with the need to have a banking system that promotes economic growth.
    For example, let’s consider costs. As regulatory and supervisory demands grow, there is often parallel growth in the staff and budgets of the banking agencies. We should not only be cognizant of these costs, but we should act in a way that requires efficiency while ensuring safety and soundness. Some degree of elasticity in regulator capacity is necessary to respond to evolving economic and banking conditions, as well as emerging risks, but there must be reasonable constraints on growth. Expansion of the regulatory framework is not a cost-free endeavor, and the costs are shouldered by taxpayers, banks, and, ultimately, bank customers.
    The bank regulatory framework has great potential to provide significant benefits, including supporting an innovative banking system that enhances trust and confidence in our institutions, and promotes safety and soundness. When we consider the benefits and the costs, we can institute greater efficiencies in both banking regulation and in the banking industry itself. The bank regulatory framework is complex, and the various elements of this framework are intended to work in a complementary way. As banks evolve—by growing larger, or by engaging in new activities—tailoring can help us to quickly recalibrate requirements in light of the new risks posed by the firm.
    But the regulatory framework, especially how supervisors prioritize its application to the banking industry, can pose a serious threat to a bank’s viability. For example, imposing the same regulatory requirements on banks with assets of $2 billion to $2 trillion under the new rules implementing the Community Reinvestment Act demonstrated a missed opportunity to promote greater effectiveness and efficiency.7 I question the wisdom of applying the same evaluation standards to banks within such a broad range.
    Likewise, supervisory guidance can provide fertile ground to differentiate supervisory expectations under a more tailored approach. While supervisory guidance is not binding on banks as a legal matter, it can signal how regulators think about particular risks and activities, and often drives community banks to reallocate resources in a way that may not be necessary or appropriate. The Fed’s guidance on third-party risk management is an example of this. Originally, this guidance was published in a way that applied to all banks, including community banks. Yet, it was acknowledged even at the time of publication that it had known shortcomings, particularly in terms of its administration and lack of clarity for community banks.8
    Tailoring is important for all banks, but it is particularly important for community banks. There are real costs not only to banks, but to communities, when the framework is insufficiently tailored, as community banks faced with excessive regulatory burdens may be forced to raise prices or shut their doors completely. These banks often reach unbanked or underbanked corners of the U.S. economy, not only in terms of the customers they serve but also in terms of their geographic footprint. We are all familiar with banking deserts and the challenges many legitimate and law-abiding businesses and consumers have in accessing basic banking services and credit. It is difficult to imagine that a system with far fewer banks would as effectively serve U.S. banking and credit needs and sufficiently to support economic growth.
    It is imperative that we keep the benefits of tailoring in focus as the bank regulatory framework evolves. A tailored regulatory and supervisory approach can help inform our policies on a wide range of industry issues that are likely to emerge in the coming years.
    Problem-Based SolutionsOne of the most difficult challenges on the regulatory front is prioritization, both for banks managing their businesses and for regulators deciding how to fulfill their responsibilities. At a basic level, the role of regulators is dictated by statute. Congress granted the Federal Reserve and other banking agencies broad statutory powers but has constrained how those powers may be directed through the use of statutory mandates, including to promote a safe and sound banking system, and broader U.S. financial stability. In the execution of these responsibilities, the Federal Reserve must also balance the need to act in a way that enables the banking system to serve the U.S. economy and promote economic growth. While these objectives are not incompatible, they do require us to consider tradeoffs when establishing policy.
    How can regulators best meet these responsibilities? As many of you may already know, I strongly believe in a pragmatic approach to policymaking.9 This requires us to identify the problem we are trying to solve, determine whether we are the appropriate regulator to address the problem based on our statutory mandates and authorities, and explore options for addressing the identified issue.
    As a first step, we must be attuned to the banking system and how regulatory actions affect that system. We oversee a wide range of banks of varying sizes, activities, affiliates, and complexity. These banks interact with a range of service providers, financial market utilities, payments providers, and non-bank partners, regularly competing with non-bank financial intermediaries. The banking system can be a key driver of business formation, economic expansion, and opportunity.
    As we look at the banking system, including the regulatory framework, we must focus on those issues that are most important to advancing statutory priorities. There is always the risk of misidentification and mis-prioritization, and that we fail to take appropriately robust action on key issues or focus on issues that are less material to a bank’s safety and soundness. Our goal should be to develop a better filter to promote appropriate and effective prioritization.
    FraudWe have seen several instances where this filter did not produce appropriate results, as we have recently seen with fraud. The incidence of fraud, particularly check fraud, has been rising substantially over the past few years, causing harm to banks, damaging the perceived safety of the banking system, and importantly hurting consumers who are the victims of fraudulent activity. Sometimes these efforts target vulnerable populations, like the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to certain forms of fraud.
    Despite this known problem, efforts by regulators have been frustratingly slow to advance, and seem to have done little to address the underlying root causes of this increase in fraud. Why has this important issue failed to garner greater attention from all of the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement bodies? Different governmental agencies may share an important role in addressing this problem, but the need for a joint and coordinated solution does not excuse collective inaction.
    Climate-Related Financial RiskOf course, not every issue falls within the scope of the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities. Even when policymakers identify an issue or priority that they would like to pursue, it is imperative to ask whether that priority falls within the scope of our mandate and authorities. Statutes and regulations, paired with the “soft” power of examination, can be deployed in ways that may not be primarily directed towards the priorities mandated for banking regulators. I’ve noted previously that the banking agencies’ climate-related financial risk guidance arguably pushes the boundaries of appropriate regulatory responsibilities. Banks have long been required to manage all material risks, including weather- and climate-related risks. And while this additional guidance seemed to do little to advance the goals of promoting the safe and sound operation of banks it, in effect, posed significant risks of influencing credit allocation decisions. Ultimately, banking regulators should not dictate credit allocation decisions, either by rule or through supervision. Bank regulatory policy should be used to address the needs of the unbanked and expand the availability of banking services. It should not be used to limit or exclude access to banking services for legitimate customers and businesses in a way that is meant to further unrelated policy goals, sometimes referred to as “de-banking.”
    Once we have identified problems and determined that they are within the Fed’s responsibility, we must consider alternative approaches to address them, focusing on identifying efficient solutions. New technologies and services often require novel regulatory and supervisory approaches, and we recognize that past approaches may not be effective. Often regulators take a “more is better” approach to regulation and guidance. Over the past several years, the banking industry has faced an onslaught of proposed and final regulations and guidance, materials that require a significant time commitment to review, to comment on, and to implement. Many times, these require changes to policies and procedures or risk management practices.
    It is critical that in our urgency to address issues in the banking system—particularly for community banks—that we consider not just the direct and indirect effects of regulatory action but also this cumulative burden. Community banks are resilient and dedicated to serving their communities, but at some point, the cumulative burden of the bank regulatory framework can adversely affect the availability and pricing of banking services and threaten the ongoing viability of the community bank model. The community banks in this country are important economically and to their communities, and we should strive to support these institutions and their ongoing viability.
    Other Notable Issues and ConcernsIn preparation for today’s event, conference attendees were asked to submit questions in advance. So before concluding my remarks I’d like to address a few of these, since we won’t be able to do a live Q&A session in this virtual format. Thank you for submitting your questions in advance.
    As community bankers, we are deeply invested in supporting the growth and resilience of our local economies. With ongoing regulatory pressures, what specific actions can the Federal Reserve take to ensure smaller institutions like ours remain competitive and capable of delivering the personalized service that our communities depend on?One of the things I think is critical in identifying how to support community banks is listening to the industry—which issues are top-of-mind for you? Being an effective regulator requires a degree of humility, and receptiveness to hearing about issues that affect the business of banking, particularly when there are alternative ways that regulators can better promote safety and soundness, or where regulatory actions have resulted in unintended consequences. At the same time, during my conversations with banks, a few themes have emerged that deserve attention. This will be a non-exclusive list, but hopefully will give you a sense of the types of issues and concerns that I hear about most frequently when talking to community banks.
    First, I think there is room to improve the transparency of regulatory communication. Banks should not be left to guess what regulators think about the permissibility of particular activities, or what parameters and rules should apply to those activities. Uncertainty discourages investments in innovation and the expansion of banking activities, products, and services, and can call into question whether internal processes and procedures are consistent with supervisory expectations. Banks already must confront the challenges of dealing with evolving economic and credit conditions, regulators should not compound these challenges through opaque expectations and standards.
    Second, I think we need to address shortcomings in the processing of banking applications, employing a more nimble and predictable approach specifically in the de novo formation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) contexts. Today, the process to obtain regulatory approval can be influenced by many factors under a bank’s control—for example, the completeness of the application filed and responsiveness to addressing questions and providing necessary additional information. However, the timeline for application decisions is often uncertain and beyond the bank’s control. This can be due to questions about the minimum amount of capital needed and early-stage supervisory expectations (for a de novo bank), or uncertainty about the competitive effects of a transaction, or the filing of a public comment raising concerns about an application in the M&A context.
    Finally, I think regulatory and supervisory “trickle-down” is real and it has significantly harmed community banks. I am referring to regulators conveying expectations to community banks (for example, during the examination process) that lack a foundation in applicable rules or guidance, or that were designed for larger institutions, or based on a horizontal review of unique banks.
    It is very difficult to insulate community banks from the harmful consequences of “trickle-down,” and broader structural changes may be needed to shield them from inapplicable and unreasonable expectations. At the same time, we must preserve strong supervisory standards as banks cross asset thresholds, so banks that grow larger and riskier are subject to appropriately tailored and calibrated requirements and expectations. I would also note that some degree of “trickle down” has occurred over time because the regulatory asset “line” defining community banks has remained constant at $10 billion in assets for over a decade. During that time, the economy has grown significantly, and inflation has rendered this asset definition obsolete. Many “community banks”—as defined by business model and activities rather than asset size—now exceed the threshold and must comply with broader regulatory requirements that may be excessive.
    What support or guidance can community banks expect from the Federal Reserve as we navigate technological innovation and increased cybersecurity threats?Both innovation and cybersecurity are issues that are top of mind for me. Innovation has always been a priority for banks of all sizes and business models. Banks in the U.S. have a long history of developing and implementing new technologies, and innovation has the potential to make the banking and payments systems faster and more efficient, to bring new products and services to customers, and even to enhance safety and soundness.
    Regulators must be open to innovation in the banking system. Our goal should be to build and support a clear and sensible regulatory framework that anticipates ongoing and evolving innovation—one that allows the private sector to innovate while also maintaining appropriate safeguards. We must promote innovation through transparency and open communication, including demonstrating a willingness to engage during the development process. By providing clarity and consistency, we can encourage long-term business investment, while also continuing to support today’s products and services. A clear regulatory framework would also empower supervisors to focus on safety and soundness, while ensuring a safe and efficient banking and payment system.
    On cybersecurity, banks often note cybersecurity and third-party risk management as areas that raise significant concerns. Cyber-related events, including ransomware attacks and business email compromises, are costly in terms of expense and reputation, and are time-consuming events that pose unique challenges for community banks.
    The maintenance of cyber assets and technology resources required to support a successful cybersecurity program are often difficult for smaller banks. Regulators can promote cybersecurity, and stronger cyber-incident “resilience” and response capabilities by identifying resources and opportunities, such as exercises, for banks to develop “muscle memory” in cyber incident response.
    The Federal Reserve plays an important role in supervising banks and supporting risk management practices. For example, the Federal Reserve hosts the Midwest Cyber Workshop, with the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis.10 Over the past couple of years, this workshop has provided a forum to discuss cyber risk among community bankers, regulators, law enforcement, and other industry stakeholders. Community banks can also turn to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) website, which includes the FFIEC Cybersecurity Resource Guide and links to other external cybersecurity resources.
    We know well that cyber threats pose real risks to the banking system, and we recognize that community banks may have unique needs in preventing, remediating, and responding to cyber threats. Regulators should, therefore, ensure that a range of resources are available to support banks and seek further opportunities to help build bank resilience against these threats.
    Community banks are integral to rural and underserved communities. How can the Federal Reserve support us in maintaining our presence in these areas, particularly amid ongoing consolidation trends?As I noted earlier, it is essential that the U.S. banking system is broad and diverse, including institutions of all sizes serving all the different markets across the country. Community banks play a particularly valuable role in rural and underserved communities, and we need to ensure that the community banking model remains viable into the future.
    To do that, we need to have a regulatory system in which both de novo bank formations and M&A transactions are possible. Viable formation and merger options for banks of all sizes are necessary to avoid creating a “barbell” of the very largest and very smallest banks in the banking system, with the number of community banks continuing to erode over time.
    M&A ensures that banks have a meaningful path to transitioning bank ownership. In the absence of a viable M&A framework, there is potential for additional risks, including limited opportunities for succession planning, especially in smaller or rural communities. Uncertainty related to the M&A process also may act as a deterrent to de novo bank formation, as potential bank founders may stay on the sidelines knowing that future exit strategies—like the strategic acquisition of a de novo bank by a larger peer—may face long odds of success.
    Another challenge particularly in rural markets are the competitive “screens” that are used to evaluate the competitive effects of a proposed merger. Using these screens often results in a finding that M&A transactions in rural markets can have an adverse effect on competition and should therefore be disallowed.11 Even when these transactions are eventually approved, the mechanical approach to analyzing competitive effects often requires additional review or analysis and can lead to extensive delays in the regulatory approval process. Reducing the efficiency of the bank M&A process can be a deterrent to healthy bank transactions—it can reduce the effectiveness of M&A and de novo activity that preserves the presence of community banks in underserved areas, prevent institutions from pursuing prudent growth strategies, and actually undermine competition by preventing firms from growing to a larger scale.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. The first mutual banks in the United States were chartered in 1816. The Provident Institution for Savings and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society were both chartered that year. See https://www.jstor.org/stable/2123609; https://www.mass.gov/info-details/history-of-the-division-of-banks. Return to text
    3. Michelle W. Bowman, “Reflections on 2024: Monetary Policy, Economic Performance, and Lessons for Banking Regulation” (speech at the California Bankers Association 2025 Bank Presidents Seminar, Laguna Beach, California, January 9, 2025). Return to text
    4. 12 CFR § 239.8(d). Return to text
    5. See, e.g., Michelle W. Bowman, “Tailoring, Fidelity to the Rule of Law, and Unintended Consequences (PDF)” (speech at the Harvard Law School Faculty Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 5, 2024). Return to text
    6. See, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 115-174, § 401(a)(1) (amending 12 U.S.C. § 5365), 132 Stat. 1296 (2018). Return to text
    7. See dissenting statement, “Statement on the Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, October 24, 2023. Return to text
    8. See “Statement on Third Party Risk Management Guidance by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, June 6, 2023. Return to text
    9. Michelle W. Bowman, “Approaching Policymaking Pragmatically (PDF)” (remarks to the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, Florida, November 20, 2024). Return to text
    10. See Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, “Midwest Cyber Workshop 2024,” June 25‑26, 2024. Return to text
    11. Michelle W. Bowman, “The Role of Research, Data, and Analysis in Banking Reforms (PDF)” (speech at the 2023 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, October 4, 2023); Michelle W. Bowman, “The New Landscape for Banking Competition (PDF),” (speech at the 2022 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, September 28, 2022). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: First Hawaiian, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB), (“First Hawaiian” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for its quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “I’m pleased to report that we finished 2024 with a very strong quarter that was highlighted by good performance across our key earnings drivers. Our loan and deposit balances grew, net interest margin expanded, expenses were well controlled and credit quality remained excellent. We also maintained our commitment to supporting our communities with a $1 million contribution to the First Hawaiian Foundation,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President, and CEO. “During the fourth quarter we took action to strengthen our balance sheet and increase our future earnings power by restructuring a portion of our investment portfolio. This action, along with the positive trends we saw in the fourth quarter, positions us very well entering 2025.” 

    On January 29, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share. The dividend will be payable on February 28, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2025.

    Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program for up to $100.0 million of its outstanding common stock during 2025.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Restructured a portion of the investment portfolio by selling $290.4 million of low-yielding investment securities and reinvested the sale proceeds into $291.5 million of higher-yielding securities. Recognized a $26.2 million pre-tax ($19.2 million after-tax) loss on the sale of securities.
    • Net income of $52.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share
    • Total loans and leases increased $166.9 million versus prior quarter
    • Total deposits increased $94.5 million versus prior quarter
    • Net interest margin increased 8 basis points to 3.03%
    • Recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses
    • Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $23.8 billion at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Gross loans and leases were $14.4 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $166.9 million, or 1.2%, from $14.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Total deposits were $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $94.5 million, or 0.5%, from $20.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $158.8 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 1.3%, compared to $156.7 million for the prior quarter.

    The net interest margin was 3.03% in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 8 basis points compared to 2.95% in the prior quarter.

    Provision Expense

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses. In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a $7.4 million provision for credit losses.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income was $29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $23.9 million compared to noninterest income of $53.3 million in the prior quarter. Noninterest income in the fourth quarter of 2024 included a $26.2 million loss on the sale of investment securities.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $124.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $2.0 million compared to noninterest expense of $126.1 million in the prior quarter.

    The efficiency ratio was 65.5% and 59.8% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Taxes

    The effective tax rate was 18.9% and 19.6% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Asset Quality

    The allowance for credit losses was $160.4 million, or 1.11% of total loans and leases, as of December 31, 2024, compared to $163.7 million, or 1.15% of total loans and leases, as of September 30, 2024. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $32.8 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $33.7 million as of September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $3.4 million, or 0.09% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.11% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Total non-performing assets were $20.7 million, or 0.14% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on December 31, 2024, compared to total non-performing assets of $17.8 million, or 0.13% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on September 30, 2024.

    Capital

    Total stockholders’ equity was $2.6 billion on December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    The tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 and total capital ratios were 9.14%, 12.80% and 13.99%, respectively, on December 31, 2024, compared with 9.14%, 13.03% and 14.25%, respectively, on September 30, 2024.

    The Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $40.0 million under the stock repurchase program in the fourth quarter. The average cost was $27.14 per share repurchased. Total repurchases in 2024 were $40.0 million.

    As to the stock repurchase program approved for 2025, repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock may be conducted through open-market purchases, which may include purchases under a trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1, or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and exact amount of share repurchases, if any, will be subject to management’s discretion and various factors, including the Company’s capital position and financial performance, as well as market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason.

    First Hawaiian, Inc.

    First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian, Inc., visit the Company’s website, www.fhb.com.

    Conference Call Information

    First Hawaiian will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s results today at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 8:00 a.m. Hawaii Time.

    To access the call by phone, please register via the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI80003c73e95b445aa5fe62db794097bb, and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

    A live webcast of the conference call, including a slide presentation, will be available at the following link: www.fhb.com/earnings. The archive of the webcast will be available at the same location.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, “seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would”, “annualized” and “outlook”, or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, there can be no assurance that actual results will not prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) the risks and uncertainties associated with the domestic and global economic environment and capital market conditions and other risk factors. For a discussion of some of these risks and important factors that could affect our future results and financial condition, see our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these measurements are useful for investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate financial performance and capital adequacy relative to other financial institutions. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Investors should consider our performance and capital adequacy as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing our performance and capital adequacy.

    Table 14 at the end of this document provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures with their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

                                           
    Financial Highlights   Table 1
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31, 
        September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating Results:                                        
    Net interest income   $ 158,753     $ 156,707     $ 151,793     $ 622,738     $ 636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Net income     52,496       61,492       47,502       230,129       234,983  
    Basic earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.80       1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.79       1.84  
    Dividends declared per share     0.26       0.26       0.26       1.04       1.04  
    Dividend payout ratio     63.41 %     54.17 %     70.27 %     58.10 %     56.52 %
    Performance Ratios(1):                                      
    Net interest margin     3.03 %     2.95 %     2.81 %     2.95 %     2.92 %
    Efficiency ratio     65.51 %     59.77 %     67.28 %     61.57 %     59.48 %
    Return on average total assets     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(2)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
    Average Balances:                                      
    Average loans and leases   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Average earning assets     21,079,951       21,328,882       21,688,816       21,284,169       21,952,009  
    Average assets     23,795,735       24,046,696       24,404,727       23,996,723       24,625,445  
    Average deposits     20,249,573       20,367,805       20,908,221       20,373,975       21,160,155  
    Average stockholders’ equity     2,629,600       2,588,806       2,374,669       2,557,215       2,346,713  
    Market Value Per Share:                                      
    Closing     25.95       23.15       22.86       25.95       22.86  
    High     28.80       26.18       23.22       28.80       28.28  
    Low     22.08       20.28       17.18       19.48       15.08  
                             
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
    Total assets     23,828,186       23,780,285       24,926,474  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
                             
    Per Share of Common Stock:                        
    Book value   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value (non-GAAP)(2)     12.83       12.92       11.68  
                             
    Asset Quality Ratios:                        
    Non-accrual loans and leases / total loans and leases     0.14 %     0.13 %     0.13 %
    Allowance for credit losses for loans and leases / total loans and leases     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %
                             
    Capital Ratios:                        
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Total Capital Ratio     13.99 %     14.25 %     13.57 %
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio     9.14 %     9.14 %     8.64 %
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Non-Financial Data:                        
    Number of branches     48       48       50  
    Number of ATMs     273       273       275  
    Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees     1,997       2,022       2,089  

    (1) Except for the efficiency ratio, amounts are annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    (2) Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We compute our return on average tangible assets as the ratio of net income to average tangible assets, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total assets. We compute our return on average tangible stockholders’ equity as the ratio of net income to average tangible stockholders’ equity, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible book value per share as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to outstanding shares. Tangible stockholders’ equity is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets, each of which we calculate by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) the value of our goodwill. For a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see Table 14, GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.

                                         
    Consolidated Statements of Income   Table 2
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024   2023   2024     2023
    Interest income                                    
    Loans and lease financing   $ 198,347     $ 205,682     $ 196,276     $ 805,941     $ 748,053  
    Available-for-sale investment securities     12,767       12,850       19,033       54,306       74,241  
    Held-to-maturity investment securities     17,071       16,937       17,987       69,376       73,497  
    Other     11,977       14,527       7,734       50,421       27,788  
    Total interest income     240,162       249,996       241,030       980,044       923,579  
    Interest expense                                    
    Deposits     78,465       87,500       82,215       335,717       258,221  
    Short-term and long-term borrowings     2,685       5,397       6,232       19,988       26,289  
    Other     259       392       790       1,601       2,942  
    Total interest expense     81,409       93,289       89,237       357,306       287,452  
    Net interest income     158,753       156,707       151,793       622,738       636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Net interest income after (benefit) provision for credit losses     159,503       149,307       146,463       607,988       609,497  
    Noninterest income                                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     7,968       7,783       7,646       31,090       29,647  
    Credit and debit card fees     14,834       17,533       16,381       64,401       63,888  
    Other service charges and fees     13,132       11,790       9,535       45,862       37,299  
    Trust and investment services income     9,449       9,077       9,645       38,306       38,449  
    Bank-owned life insurance     5,713       4,502       5,063       17,861       15,326  
    Investment securities (losses) gains, net     (26,171 )           792       (26,171 )     792  
    Other     4,451       2,603       9,285       14,454       15,414  
    Total noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense                                    
    Salaries and employee benefits     59,003       59,563       55,882       235,565       225,755  
    Contracted services and professional fees     14,472       14,634       16,219       60,912       66,423  
    Occupancy     7,708       6,945       7,561       28,971       29,608  
    Equipment     14,215       13,078       12,547       53,902       45,109  
    Regulatory assessment and fees     3,745       3,412       20,412       19,091       32,073  
    Advertising and marketing     1,529       1,813       1,441       7,719       7,615  
    Card rewards program     7,926       8,678       7,503       33,831       31,627  
    Other     15,545       18,024       20,742       61,198       62,928  
    Total noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Income before provision for income taxes     64,736       76,448       62,503       292,602       309,174  
    Provision for income taxes     12,240       14,956       15,001       62,473       74,191  
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.80     $ 1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.79     $ 1.84  
    Basic weighted-average outstanding shares     127,350,626       127,886,167       127,612,734       127,702,573       127,567,547  
    Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares     128,167,502       128,504,035       128,028,964       128,325,865       127,915,873  
                       
    Consolidated Balance Sheets   Table 3
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except share amount)   2024     2024     2023  
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks   $ 258,057     $ 252,209     $ 185,015  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     912,133       820,603       1,554,882  
    Investment securities:                  
    Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2,190,448 as of December 31, 2024, $2,290,781 as of September 30, 2024 and $2,558,675 as of December 31, 2023)     1,926,516       2,055,959       2,255,336  
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $3,262,509 as of December 31, 2024, $3,475,143 as of September 30, 2024 and $3,574,856 as of December 31, 2023)     3,790,650       3,853,697       4,041,449  
    Loans held for sale                 190  
    Loans and leases     14,408,258       14,241,370       14,353,497  
    Less: allowance for credit losses     160,393       163,700       156,533  
    Net loans and leases     14,247,865       14,077,670       14,196,964  
                       
    Premises and equipment, net     288,530       287,036       281,461  
    Accrued interest receivable     79,979       81,875       84,417  
    Bank-owned life insurance     491,890       490,135       479,907  
    Goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Mortgage servicing rights     5,078       5,236       5,699  
    Other assets     831,996       860,373       845,662  
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Deposits:                  
    Interest-bearing   $ 13,347,068     $ 13,427,674     $ 13,749,095  
    Noninterest-bearing     6,975,148       6,800,028       7,583,562  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Retirement benefits payable     97,135       100,448       103,285  
    Other liabilities     541,349       554,101       504,466  
    Total liabilities     21,210,700       21,132,251       22,440,408  
                       
    Stockholders’ equity                  
    Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued/outstanding: 141,748,847 / 126,422,898 shares as of December 31, 2024, issued/outstanding: 141,735,601 / 127,886,167 shares as of September 30, 2024 and issued/outstanding: 141,340,539 / 127,618,761 shares as of December 31, 2023)     1,417       1,417       1,413  
    Additional paid-in capital     2,560,380       2,558,158       2,548,250  
    Retained earnings     934,048       915,062       837,859  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net     (463,994 )     (452,658 )     (530,210 )
    Treasury stock (15,325,949 shares as of December 31, 2024, 13,849,434 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 13,721,778 shares as of December 31, 2023)     (414,365 )     (373,945 )     (371,246 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
                                                       
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                               Table 4
        Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended  
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 948.9   $ 11.3   4.75 % $ 1,020.4   $ 13.9   5.40 % $ 568.0   $ 7.8   5.39 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     1,987.7     12.7   2.56     2,062.6     12.8   2.48     2,598.4     19.0   2.92  
    Non-Taxable     1.4       5.30     1.5       5.06     1.9       5.12  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     3,224.8     13.9   1.72     3,288.2     13.8   1.67     3,472.1     14.8   1.70  
    Non-Taxable     601.7     3.9   2.56     602.3     3.7   2.46     603.9     3.9   2.58  
    Total Investment Securities     5,815.6     30.5   2.10     5,954.6     30.3   2.03     6,676.3     37.7   2.25  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       5.75     2.2       5.64     0.7       7.41  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                                  
    Commercial and industrial     2,157.8     35.2   6.50     2,165.3     38.0   6.98     2,148.1     36.7   6.78  
    Commercial real estate     4,333.1     68.9   6.33     4,278.3     71.6   6.67     4,356.3     71.4   6.51  
    Construction     990.7     17.4   6.99     1,040.7     20.3   7.74     888.7     16.7   7.45  
    Residential:                                                  
    Residential mortgage     4,183.5     40.8   3.90     4,204.5     40.4   3.84     4,294.8     38.8   3.61  
    Home equity line     1,157.1     13.3   4.55     1,158.5     13.2   4.52     1,174.8     11.3   3.83  
    Consumer     1,033.2     19.0   7.29     1,035.3     18.7   7.19     1,132.4     18.4   6.43  
    Lease financing     420.7     4.4   4.18     422.2     4.0   3.72     354.2     3.6   4.03  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,276.1     199.0   5.55     14,304.8     206.2   5.74     14,349.3     196.9   5.45  
    Other Earning Assets     38.1     0.7   6.73     46.9     0.7   5.83     94.5       0.06  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,080.0     241.5   4.56     21,328.9     251.1   4.69     21,688.8     242.4   4.44  
    Cash and Due from Banks     226.2               242.3               240.8            
    Other Assets     2,489.5               2,475.5               2,475.1            
    Total Assets   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            
                                                       
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                                  
    Savings   $ 5,940.3   $ 21.1   1.42 % $ 5,963.1   $ 23.6   1.57 % $ 6,067.2   $ 22.4   1.46 %
    Money Market     4,053.6     26.6   2.61     4,179.5     31.9   3.04     3,905.0     27.5   2.79  
    Time     3,362.0     30.8   3.64     3,327.3     32.0   3.83     3,390.7     32.3   3.78  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,355.9     78.5   2.34     13,469.9     87.5   2.58     13,362.9     82.2   2.44  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     250.0     2.7   4.27     451.1     5.4   4.76     515.2     6.2   4.80  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     25.3     0.2   4.07     22.4     0.4   6.97     42.1     0.8   7.44  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,631.2     81.4   2.38     13,943.4     93.3   2.66     13,920.2     89.2   2.54  
    Net Interest Income         $ 160.1             $ 157.8             $ 153.2      
    Interest Rate Spread(3)               2.18 %             2.03 %             1.90 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)               3.03 %             2.95 %             2.81 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,893.7               6,897.9               7,545.3            
    Other Liabilities     641.2               616.6               564.5            
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,629.6               2,588.8               2,374.7            
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                                               
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                       Table 5
        Year Ended   Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 900.8     $ 47.3     5.25 % $ 512.3     $ 26.5     5.18 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     2,090.0       54.2     2.60     2,871.8       73.8     2.57  
    Non-Taxable     1.5       0.1     5.45     10.2       0.6     5.55  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     3,321.6       56.6     1.70     3,579.0       60.7     1.70  
    Non-Taxable     602.6       15.6     2.58     607.7       15.9     2.61  
    Total Investment Securities     6,015.7       126.5     2.10     7,068.7       151.0     2.14  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       0.1     6.02     0.4           6.63  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                          
    Commercial and industrial     2,172.4       148.6     6.84     2,182.3       141.0     6.46  
    Commercial real estate     4,310.1       282.3     6.55     4,257.9       266.0     6.25  
    Construction     985.4       73.5     7.46     877.7       62.1     7.08  
    Residential:                                          
    Residential mortgage     4,220.2       163.4     3.87     4,308.0       156.4     3.63  
    Home equity line     1,162.9       51.0     4.39     1,131.1       39.3     3.47  
    Consumer     1,051.5       73.4     6.98     1,178.6       71.5     6.07  
    Lease financing     410.3       16.3     3.98     330.7       14.1     4.26  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,312.8       808.5     5.65     14,266.3       750.4     5.26  
    Other Earning Assets     53.6       3.1     5.88     104.3       1.3     1.20  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,284.2       985.5     4.63     21,952.0       929.2     4.23  
    Cash and Due from Banks     238.3                   265.1                
    Other Assets     2,474.2                   2,408.3                
    Total Assets   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                
                                               
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                          
    Savings   $ 5,990.7     $ 91.6     1.53 % $ 6,124.7     $ 71.5     1.17 %
    Money Market     4,064.0       117.8     2.90     3,869.1       86.1     2.22  
    Time     3,324.8       126.3     3.80     3,040.0       100.6     3.31  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,379.5       335.7     2.51     13,033.8       258.2     1.98  
    Federal Funds Purchased                   17.2       0.8     4.45  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     424.9       20.0     4.70     261.9       13.0     4.98  
    Long-Term Borrowings                   261.6       12.5     4.78  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     29.6       1.6     5.39     57.1       3.0     5.15  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,834.0       357.3     2.58     13,631.6       287.5     2.11  
    Net Interest Income           $ 628.2                 $ 641.7        
    Interest Rate Spread(3)                   2.05 %                 2.12 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)                   2.95 %                 2.92 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,994.5                   8,126.4                
    Other Liabilities     611.0                   520.7                
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,557.2                   2,346.7                
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $5.4 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 6
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to September 30, 2024
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ (1.0 )   $ (1.6 )   $ (2.6 )
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.5 )     0.4       (0.1 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.3 )     0.4       0.1  
    Non-Taxable           0.2       0.2  
    Total Investment Securities     (0.8 )     1.0       0.2  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.1 )     (2.7 )     (2.8 )
    Commercial real estate     0.9       (3.6 )     (2.7 )
    Construction     (1.0 )     (1.9 )     (2.9 )
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (0.2 )     0.6       0.4  
    Home equity line           0.1       0.1  
    Consumer           0.3       0.3  
    Lease financing           0.4       0.4  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.4 )     (6.8 )     (7.2 )
    Other Earning Assets     (0.1 )     0.1        
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.3 )     (7.3 )     (9.6 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.1 )     (2.4 )     (2.5 )
    Money Market     (0.9 )     (4.4 )     (5.3 )
    Time     0.3       (1.5 )     (1.2 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     (0.7 )     (8.3 )     (9.0 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.2 )     (0.5 )     (2.7 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities           (0.2 )     (0.2 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (2.9 )     (9.0 )     (11.9 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 0.6     $ 1.7     $ 2.3  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 7
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 4.6     $ (1.1 )   $ 3.5  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )     (2.2 )     (6.3 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (1.1 )     0.2       (0.9 )
    Total Investment Securities     (5.2 )     (2.0 )     (7.2 )
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     0.1       (1.6 )     (1.5 )
    Commercial real estate     (0.4 )     (2.1 )     (2.5 )
    Construction     1.8       (1.1 )     0.7  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (1.0 )     3.0       2.0  
    Home equity line     (0.1 )     2.1       2.0  
    Consumer     (1.7 )     2.3       0.6  
    Lease financing     0.7       0.1       0.8  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.6 )     2.7       2.1  
    Other Earning Assets           0.7       0.7  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (1.2 )     0.3       (0.9 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.6 )     (0.7 )     (1.3 )
    Money Market     1.0       (1.9 )     (0.9 )
    Time     (0.2 )     (1.3 )     (1.5 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     0.2       (3.9 )     (3.7 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.9 )     (0.6 )     (3.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (0.3 )     (0.3 )     (0.6 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (3.0 )     (4.8 )     (7.8 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 1.8     $ 5.1     $ 6.9  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 8
        Year Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 20.4     $ 0.4     $ 20.8  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (20.4 )     0.8       (19.6 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.5 )           (0.5 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )           (4.1 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.3 )
    Total Investment Securities     (25.1 )     0.6       (24.5 )
    Loans Held for Sale     0.1             0.1  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.7 )     8.3       7.6  
    Commercial real estate     3.3       13.0       16.3  
    Construction     7.9       3.5       11.4  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (3.2 )     10.2       7.0  
    Home equity line     1.1       10.6       11.7  
    Consumer     (8.2 )     10.1       1.9  
    Lease financing     3.2       (1.0 )     2.2  
    Total Loans and Leases     3.4       54.7       58.1  
    Other Earning Assets     (0.9 )     2.7       1.8  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.1 )     58.4       56.3  
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (1.6 )     21.7       20.1  
    Money Market     4.5       27.2       31.7  
    Time     10.0       15.7       25.7  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     12.9       64.6       77.5  
    Federal Funds Purchased     (0.4 )     (0.4 )     (0.8 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     7.7       (0.7 )     7.0  
    Long-Term Borrowings     (6.3 )     (6.2 )     (12.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (1.5 )     0.1       (1.4 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     12.4       57.4       69.8  
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ (14.5 )   $ 1.0     $ (13.5 )

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                             
    Loans and Leases                     Table 9
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Commercial and industrial   $ 2,247,428     $ 2,110,077     $ 2,165,349  
    Commercial real estate     4,463,992       4,265,289       4,340,243  
    Construction     918,326       1,056,249       900,292  
    Residential:                        
    Residential mortgage     4,168,154       4,187,060       4,283,315  
    Home equity line     1,151,739       1,159,823       1,174,588  
    Total residential     5,319,893       5,346,883       5,457,903  
    Consumer     1,023,969       1,030,044       1,109,901  
    Lease financing     434,650       432,828       379,809  
    Total loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                             
    Deposits                     Table 10
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Demand   $ 6,975,148     $ 6,800,028     $ 7,583,562  
    Savings     6,021,364       5,896,029       6,445,084  
    Money Market     4,027,334       4,129,381       3,847,853  
    Time     3,298,370       3,402,264       3,456,158  
    Total Deposits   $ 20,322,216     $ 20,227,702     $ 21,332,657  
                             
    Non-Performing Assets and Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                     Table 11
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Non-Performing Assets                        
    Non-Accrual Loans and Leases                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 329     $ 934     $ 970  
    Commercial real estate     411       152       2,953  
    Total Commercial Loans     740       1,086       3,923  
    Residential Loans:                        
    Residential mortgage     12,768       9,103       7,620  
    Home equity line     7,171       7,645       7,052  
    Total Residential Loans     19,939       16,748       14,672  
    Total Non-Accrual Loans and Leases     20,679       17,834       18,595  
    Total Non-Performing Assets   $ 20,679     $ 17,834     $ 18,595  
                             
    Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 1,432     $ 529     $ 494  
    Commercial real estate           568       300  
    Construction     536              
    Total Commercial Loans     1,968       1,097       794  
    Residential mortgage     1,317       931        
    Consumer     2,734       2,515       2,702  
    Total Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More   $ 6,019     $ 4,543     $ 3,496  
                             
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                                   
    Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   Table 12
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Balance at Beginning of Period   $ 197,397     $ 193,930     $ 192,570     $ 192,138     $ 177,735  
    Loans and Leases Charged-Off                              
    Commercial Loans:                              
    Commercial and industrial     (851 )     (1,178 )     (910 )     (3,615 )     (3,482 )
    Commercial real estate           (400 )     (2,500 )     (400 )     (2,500 )
    Total Commercial Loans     (851 )     (1,578 )     (3,410 )     (4,015 )     (5,982 )
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage                             (122 )
    Home equity line                 (20 )           (292 )
    Total Residential Loans                 (20 )           (414 )
    Consumer     (4,774 )     (4,192 )     (4,147 )     (18,002 )     (17,110 )
    Total Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (5,625 )     (5,770 )     (7,577 )     (22,017 )     (23,506 )
    Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off                              
    Commercial and industrial     298       160       171       919       3,346  
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage     30       31       31       119       141  
    Home equity line     32       86       163       274       702  
    Total Residential Loans     62       117       194       393       843  
    Consumer     1,858       1,560       1,450       7,057       7,090  
    Total Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off     2,218       1,837       1,815       8,369       11,279  
    Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (3,407 )     (3,933 )     (5,762 )     (13,648 )     (12,227 )
    (Benefit) Provision for Credit Losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Balance at End of Period   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Components:                              
    Allowance for Credit Losses   $ 160,393     $ 163,700     $ 156,533     $ 160,393     $ 156,533  
    Reserve for Unfunded Commitments     32,847       33,697       35,605       32,847       35,605  
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Average Loans and Leases Outstanding   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Ratio of Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off to Average Loans and Leases Outstanding(1)     0.09 %     0.11 %     0.16 %     0.10 %     0.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Loans and Leases Outstanding     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %     1.11     1.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Non-accrual Loans and Leases     7.76x     9.18x     8.42x     7.76x     8.42x

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

                                                           
    Loans and Leases by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator     Table 13
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
                                            Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Commercial Lending                                                      
    Commercial and Industrial                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass   $ 163,980   $ 73,554   $ 185,433   $ 249,532   $ 17,775   $ 256,119   $ 1,118,075   $ 14,336   $ 2,078,804
    Special Mention     808     2,385     1,209     68     300     1,322     41,520         47,612
    Substandard             8,096     196     309     1,114     26,089         35,804
    Other (1)     17,132     8,928     6,937     2,797     765     1,279     47,370         85,208
    Total Commercial and Industrial     181,920     84,867     201,675     252,593     19,149     259,834     1,233,054     14,336     2,247,428
    Current period gross charge-offs         578     335     105     221     2,376             3,615
                                                           
    Commercial Real Estate                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     322,405     369,948     832,005     634,722     308,156     1,720,243     116,682     7,703     4,311,864
    Special Mention     9,014     2,252     7,510     41,399     3,265     10,860     11,861         86,161
    Substandard             54,952     1,002         9,732     148         65,834
    Other (1)                         133             133
    Total Commercial Real Estate     331,419     372,200     894,467     677,123     311,421     1,740,968     128,691     7,703     4,463,992
    Current period gross charge-offs                         400             400
                                                           
    Construction                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     91,583     198,382     332,000     186,682     41,596     13,824     14,972         879,039
    Special Mention                         155             155
    Other (1)     12,482     9,688     10,861     1,561     1,199     2,644     697         39,132
    Total Construction     104,065     208,070     342,861     188,243     42,795     16,623     15,669         918,326
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Lease Financing                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     149,615     101,684     60,898     14,328     17,703     84,663             428,891
    Special Mention                 220                     220
    Substandard     4,657     565     317                         5,539
    Total Lease Financing     154,272     102,249     61,215     14,548     17,703     84,663             434,650
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Commercial Lending   $ 771,676   $ 767,386   $ 1,500,218   $ 1,132,507   $ 391,068   $ 2,102,088   $ 1,377,414   $ 22,039   $ 8,064,396
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $ 578   $ 335   $ 105   $ 221   $ 2,776   $   $   $ 4,015
                                                           
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
    (continued)                                       Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Residential Lending                                                      
    Residential Mortgage                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater   $ 168,067   $ 187,710   $ 492,845   $ 946,390   $ 498,443   $ 1,115,557   $   $   $ 3,409,012
    680 – 739     18,368     34,901     65,735     103,622     57,369     138,469             418,464
    620 – 679     1,726     4,380     23,556     19,355     14,058     40,471             103,546
    550 – 619         820     6,526     7,745     4,042     13,783             32,916
    Less than 550         734     775     2,264     1,559     6,342             11,674
    No Score (3)     13,211     6,719     16,839     9,916     5,518     45,604             97,807
    Other (2)     9,456     12,404     16,564     14,311     10,769     28,812     2,419         94,735
    Total Residential Mortgage     210,828     247,668     622,840     1,103,603     591,758     1,389,038     2,419         4,168,154
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Home Equity Line                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater                             925,749     1,652     927,401
    680 – 739                             161,523     1,030     162,553
    620 – 679                             39,235     1,220     40,455
    550 – 619                             13,006     416     13,422
    Less than 550                             5,993     563     6,556
    No Score (3)                             1,352         1,352
    Total Home Equity Line                             1,146,858     4,881     1,151,739
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Residential Lending   $ 210,828   $ 247,668   $ 622,840   $ 1,103,603   $ 591,758   $ 1,389,038   $ 1,149,277   $ 4,881   $ 5,319,893
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $
                                                           
    Consumer Lending                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater     92,329     65,738     84,007     44,192     14,607     6,897     101,938     106     409,814
    680 – 739     68,371     46,533     44,504     21,829     7,652     5,278     86,935     509     281,611
    620 – 679     30,618     17,728     19,942     10,252     4,195     4,152     50,544     775     138,206
    550 – 619     6,108     6,768     9,312     5,702     2,574     3,106     15,641     778     49,989
    Less than 550     2,012     3,950     5,572     3,594     1,591     1,830     5,311     593     24,453
    No Score (3)     1,881     106     38         7     9     38,932     176     41,149
    Other (2)             277     887     99     956     76,528         78,747
    Total Consumer Lending   $ 201,319   $ 140,823   $ 163,652   $ 86,456   $ 30,725   $ 22,228   $ 375,829   $ 2,937   $ 1,023,969
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,055   $ 2,606   $ 1,388   $ 676   $ 2,685   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 18,002
                                                           
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 1,183,823   $ 1,155,877   $ 2,286,710   $ 2,322,566   $ 1,013,551   $ 3,513,354   $ 2,902,520   $ 29,857   $ 14,408,258
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,633   $ 2,941   $ 1,493   $ 897   $ 5,461   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 22,017

    (1) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily FICO scores. The majority of the loans in this population were originated to borrowers with a prime FICO score (680 and above). As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (2) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily internal risk ratings. The majority of the loans in this population were graded with a “Pass” rating. As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (3) No FICO scores are primarily related to loans and leases extended to non-residents. Loans and leases of this nature are primarily secured by collateral and/or are closely monitored for performance.

                                             
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation   Table 14
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Income Statement Data:                                        
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
                                             
    Average total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,629,600     $ 2,588,806     $ 2,374,669     $ 2,557,215     $ 2,346,713  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,634,108     $ 1,593,314     $ 1,379,177     $ 1,561,723     $ 1,351,221  
                                             
    Average total assets   $ 23,795,735     $ 24,046,696     $ 24,404,727     $ 23,996,723     $ 24,625,445  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible assets   $ 22,800,243     $ 23,051,204     $ 23,409,235     $ 23,001,231     $ 23,629,953  
                                             
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity(1)     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00 %     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(1)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
                                             
    Return on average total assets(1)     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
                             
                       
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,617,486     $ 2,648,034     $ 2,486,066  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,621,994     $ 1,652,542     $ 1,490,574  
                             
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible assets   $ 22,832,694     $ 22,784,793     $ 23,930,982  
                             
    Shares outstanding     126,422,898       127,886,167       127,618,761  
                             
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Book value per share   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 12.83     $ 12.92     $ 11.68  

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END EARNINGS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southampton, PA , Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQB: QNTO), the holding company for Quaint Oak Bank (the “Bank”), announced today net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $1.6 million, or $0.60 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.49 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.8 million, or $1.08 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $2.0 million, or $0.90 per basic and $0.89 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023.

    Robert T. Strong, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “I am pleased to report that our quarterly net income for the period ended December 31, 2024, of $1.6 million was an increase of 38.3% when compared to the income of the same period ended December 31, 2023. I am, additionally, pleased to report that our annual net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, of $2.8 million was an increase of 38.4% when compared to the income for the year ended December 31, 2023.”

    Mr. Strong added, “Our non-interest income continued to improve for both the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and the year-end December 31, 2024, when compared to the same periods ended December 31, 2023. We completed the sale-leaseback of our property in Allentown, Pennsylvania during the fourth quarter of 2024 that resulted in a one-time $1.5 million gain.”

    Mr. Strong continued, “As previously reported, we experienced a continuing minor weakness in the small business sector. Our non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans receivable, net was 1.07% at December 31, 2024. Our non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets at December 31, 2024, was 0.83%. Although not rising to a level of concern but one of continued monitoring, we have, however, increased our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable to 1.20% at year-end December 31, 2024. We also carry a percentage of 113.61% allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans.”

    Mr. Strong commented, “As of year-end December 31, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.34%. In conjunction with earnings and improved liquidity and capital ratios, the Board of Directors, as previously announced, declared a dividend in the amount of $0.13 per share payable February 10, 2025.”

    Mr. Strong concluded, “In closing, I am pleased that our stockholders’ equity from continuing operations improved by over $4.0 million during the year 2024. As always, our current and continued business strategy focuses on long-term profitability and maintaining healthy capital ratios both of which reflect our strong commitment to shareholder value.”

    On March 29, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank sold its 51% interest in Oakmont Capital Holdings, LLC (“OCH”). The decision was based on a number of strategic priorities and other factors. As a result of this action, the Company classified the operations of OCH as discontinued operations under ASC 205-20. The Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income present discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and retrospectively at December 31, 2023 and for prior periods. Included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a pretax gain of $1.4 million on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    Also on March 29, 2024, the Company discontinued the operations of Quaint Oak Real Estate, LLC (“Quaint Oak Real Estate”), a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Quaint Oak Real Estate was engaged in the real estate brokerage business.

    Comparison of Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $1.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $437,000, or 38.3%, compared to net income of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative quarterly basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $1.8 million, a decrease in interest expense of $756,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes of $166,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.0 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $619,000, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $488,000, and an increase in non-interest expense of $308,000.

    The $1.0 million, or 9.5%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $94.3 million from $702.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $608.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $1.4 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 27 basis point increase in the average yield on loans receivable, net from 6.05% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 6.32% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $412,000, and a $9.4 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $22.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $31.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $92,000.

    The $756,000, or 11.4%, decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a $310,000, or 96.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings due to a $29.8 million, or 89.5%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings which decreased from $33.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $3.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, combined with a $295,000, or 91.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings due to an $18.1 million, or 88.9%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $20.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Also contributing to the decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was a $192,000, or 3.5%, decrease in interest expense on deposits. The average interest rate spread increased from 1.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 1.88% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.39% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 2.54% for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    The $619,000, or 204.3%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the three months ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in charge-offs during the three months ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in loans receivable, net.

    The $1.8 million, or 82.6%, increase in non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to a $1.5 million gain on the sale and leaseback of the Company’s office building at 1710 Union Boulevard in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a $290,000, or 20.6%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $103,000, or 57.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, an $80,000, or 65.6%, increase in gain on sale of SBA loans, and a $41,000, or 23.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $184,000, or 86.0%, decrease in other fees and service charges, and a $6,000, or 100.0%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net.

    The $308,000, or 5.7%, increase in non-interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $392,000, or 11.4%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $111,000, or 33.1%, increase in professional fees, a $90,000, or 28.7%, increase in data processing expense, a $47,000 increase in directors’ fees and expenses, and a $25,000, or 33.3%, increase in advertising expense. These increases were partially offset by a $183,000, or 33.5%, decrease in other expense, a $96,000, or 18.5%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, and a $78,000, or 39.4%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment.

    The provision for income tax from continuing operations decreased $166,000, or 24.3%, from $682,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $516,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in state taxes related to subsidiary activity in additional states.

    Comparison of Year-End Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $775,000, or 38.4%, compared to net income of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative year-end basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $2.9 million, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $668,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes from continuing operations of $298,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.5 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $1.4 million, an increase in non-interest expense of $101,000, and an increase in interest expense of $93,000. The decrease in the net loss from discontinued operations was driven by the after-tax gain on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    The $1.5 million, or 3.3%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $116.0 million from $737.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $621.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $6.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 51 basis point increase in the yield on average loans receivable, net, including loans held for sale, which increased from 5.94% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.45% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $3.1 million, a $51.8 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $61.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $2.1 million, and a 93 basis point increase in the average yield on due from banks – interest earning which increased from 4.03% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.96% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $577,000.

    The $93,000, or 0.4%, increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a 106 basis point increase in the rate on average certificate of deposit accounts which increased from 3.09% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.5 million. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was an increase in the average balance of business checking accounts which increased from $49.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $93.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.2 million. The Bank pays interest on business checking accounts received through a correspondent banking relationship. Also impacting the increase in interest expense was a 28 basis point increase in the rate on average money market accounts which increased from 4.16% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $604,000. Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was a $71.3 million, or 98.3%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $72.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest expense $3.8 million. The average interest rate spread decreased from 1.91% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 1.84% for the year ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.56% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 2.59% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The $1.4 million, or 877.1%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in the amount of non-performing loans. There were seventeen individually evaluated loans which increased the provision for credit losses by $809,000. Also contributing to the increase in the provision for credit losses was $1.8 million in charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2024. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net.

    The $2.9 million, or 54.1%, increase in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to the $1.5 million gain on sale-leaseback transaction in the fourth quarter of 2024, described above, a $1.1 million, or 41.2%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $309,000, or 51.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, a $102,000, or 20.0%, increase in other fees and services charges, and an $81,000, or 12.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $119,000 or 50.6%, decrease in net loan servicing income, a $74,000, or 78.7%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net, and a $15,000, or 3.2%, decrease in gain on sale of SBA loans. The $1.1 million increase in the net gain on sale of loans was due primarily to increased sales volume from Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC and Oakmont Commercial, LLC.

    The $101,000, or 0.5%, increase in non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $786,000, or 5.7%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $247,000, or 23.5%, increase in data processing expense, and a $19,000, or 6.7%, increase in advertising expense, partially offset by a $253,000, or 29.2%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment, a $238,000, or 14.4%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, a $182,000, or 9.5%, decrease in other expenses, a $163,000, or 17.5%, decrease in professional fees, and a $115,000, or 36.4%, decrease in directors’ fees and expenses. The decrease in directors’ fees and expenses was primarily due to a reduction in director rates for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The provision for income tax on continuing operations decreased $298,000, or 22.4%, from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in taxable income from continuing operations.

    Comparison of Financial Condition

    The Company’s total assets at December 31, 2024 were $685.2 million, a decrease of $69.0 million, or 9.1%, from $754.1 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in total assets was primarily due to an $84.7 million, or 13.7%, decrease in loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses. The largest decreases within the loan portfolio occurred in commercial real estate loans which decreased $34.9 million, or 10.5%, commercial business loans which decreased $12.9 million, or 10.1%, construction loans which decreased $17.3 million, or 48.5%, one-to-four family non-owner occupied loans which decreased $6.9 million, or 17.0%, and multi-family residential loans which decreased $1.3 million, or 2.7%. Partially offsetting these decreases were one-to-four family owner occupied loans which increased $2.7 million, or 12.0%. Also contributing to the decrease in assets was a $1.0 million, or 38.8%, decrease in premises and equipment, net. Partially offsetting the decrease in total assets was a $29.5 million, or 80.9%, increase in loans held for sale, a $5.0 million, or 8.6%, increase in cash and cash equivalents, a $740,000, or 50.2%, increase in investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, a $459,000, or 13.1%, increase in accrued interest receivable, and a $118,000, or 2.7%, increase in bank-owned life insurance. The decrease in loans receivable, net was due to the transfer of $59.5 million of loans held for investment into loans held for sale.

    Loans held for sale increased $29.5 million, or 80.9%, from $36.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $65.9 million at December 31, 2024 as the Bank originated $51.6 million in equipment loans held for sale and sold $71.6 million of equipment loans during the year ended December 31, 2024. Partially offsetting this increase was $8.5 million of loan amortization and prepayments. On March 29, 2024, the Bank transferred $4.4 million of equipment loans held for sale into loans receivable as part of the discontinued operations of OCH. Additionally, the Bank’s mortgage banking subsidiary, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, originated $134.3 million of one-to-four family residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2024 and sold $131.4 million of loans in the secondary market during this same period. In the fourth quarter of 2024, management identified $49.2 million of commercial real estate loans and $10.3 million of SBA loans within the loan portfolio and transferred them to loans held for sale at amortized cost.

    Total deposits decreased $78.4 million, or 12.4%, to $553.3 million at December 31, 2024 from $631.7 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in deposits was primarily attributable to a decrease of $57.4 million, or 55.0%, in interest bearing checking accounts, a decrease of $56.2 million, or 25.7%, in money market accounts, a decrease of $31.6 million, or 34.2%, in non-interest bearing checking accounts, and a $349,000, or 41.5%, decrease in savings accounts. These decreases in deposits were partially offset by an increase of $67.0 million, or 31.1%, in certificates of deposit. The total decrease in interest bearing checking accounts was due to reduced correspondent banking activity.

    Total Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings increased $18.8 million, or 64.9%, to $47.9 million at December 31, 2024 from $29.0 million at December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company borrowed $110.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, paid down $65.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, and paid down $26.2 million of FHLB long-term borrowings.

    Total stockholders’ equity from continuing operations increased $4.1 million, or 8.5%, to $52.6 million at December 31, 2024 from $48.5 million at December 31, 2023. Contributing to the increase was net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $2.8 million, shares of common stock issued of $2.4 million, amortization of stock awards and options under our stock compensation plans of $242,000, the reissuance of treasury stock under the Bank’s 401(k) Plan of $118,000, and other comprehensive income, net of $10,000. The increase in stockholders’ equity was partially offset by dividends paid of $1.3 million, and $150,000 of purchases of treasury stock. In addition, there was a $3.1 million, or 100.0%, decrease in noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations. The $2.4 million of shares issued were due to two private placement offerings to two investors.

    Non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 totaled $5.7 million, or 1.07%, of total loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, consisting of $3.9 million of loans on non-accrual status and $1.8 million of loans 90-days or more delinquent. Non-accrual loans consist of one commercial real estate loan, and ten commercial business loans. Included in the ten commercial business loans is one pool of equipment loans. Loans 90-days or more past due include one one-to-four family residential owner occupied loan and two commercial real estate loans, all of which are still accruing. All non-performing loans are either well-collateralized or adequately reserved for. During the year ended December 31, 2024, 19 commercial business loans totaling $1.6 million, and one construction loan of $187,000, that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable was 1.20% at December 31, 2024 and 1.11% at December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans at December 31, 2023 consisted of one SBA loan on non-accrual status in the amount of $51,000 and one one-to-four family owner occupied loan that was 90 days or more past due but still accruing in the amount of $401,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two commercial business loans, one SBA loan, one multi-family residential loan, and two equipment loans totaling $272,000 that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. In addition, there was one commercial business loan in the amount of $652,000 that was partially charged off by $603,000.

    Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc., a Financial Services Company, is the parent company for the Quaint Oak Family of Companies. Quaint Oak Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered stock savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Southampton, Pennsylvania and conducts business through three regional offices located in the Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia markets. Quaint Oak Bank’s subsidiary companies include Quaint Oak Abstract, LLC, Quaint Oak Insurance Agency, LLC, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, and Oakmont Commercial, LLC, a specialty commercial real estate financing company. All companies are multi-state operations.

    Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. Factors which could result in material variations include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates which could affect net interest margins and net interest income, competitive factors which could affect net interest income and noninterest income, changes in demand for loans, deposits and other financial services in the Company’s market area; changes in asset quality, general economic conditions as well as other factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.

    In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those identified elsewhere in this press release, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts its operations; general economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities including the effects of the Tax Reform Act; changes in interest rates, deposit flows, the cost of funds, demand for loan products and the demand for financial services, competition, changes in the quality or composition of the Companys loan, investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios; geographic concentration of the Companys business; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Companys financial statements will become impaired; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Companys operations, markets, products, services and fees.

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In Thousands)
        At December 31,     At December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 62,989     $ 58,006  
    Investment in interest-earning time deposits     912       1,912  
    Investment securities available for sale at fair value     1,666       2,341  
    Loans held for sale     65,939       36,448  
      Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses (2024: $6,476; 2023: $6,758)     533,035       617,701  
    Accrued interest receivable     3,961       3,502  
    Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     2,214       1,474  
    Bank-owned life insurance     4,447       4,329  
    Premises and equipment, net     1,626       2,656  
    Goodwill     515       515  
    Other intangible, net of accumulated amortization     77       125  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     7,787       5,134  
    Assets from discontinued operations           19,975  
    Total Assets   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
                     
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity                
    Liabilities                
    Deposits                
    Non-interest bearing   $ 59,783     $ 92,215  
    Interest-bearing     493,469       539,484  
    Total deposits     553,252       631,699  
    Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     45,000        
    Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     2,855       29,022  
    Subordinated debt     22,000       21,957  
    Accrued interest payable     937       541  
    Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance     3,122       3,730  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     5,385       2,438  
    Liabilities from discontinued operations           13,166  
    Total Liabilities     632,551       702,553  
    Total Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. StockholdersEquity     52,617       48,491  
    Noncontrolling Interest from Discontinued Operations           3,074  
    Total StockholdersEquity     52,617       51,565  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
        At December 31,  
        2023  
        (Unaudited)  
    Assets from Discontinued Operations        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,121  
    Loans held for sale     9,580  
    Premises and equipment, net     277  
    Goodwill     2,058  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     3,939  
    Total Assets from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  
             
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations        
    Liabilities from Discontinued Operations        
    Other short-term borrowings   $ 5,549  
    Accrued interest payable     565  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     7,052  
    Total Liabilities from Discontinued Operations     13,166  
    Total StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations     6,809  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In Thousands, except share data)

        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Interest and Dividend Income                                
    Interest on loans, including fees   $ 9,613     $ 10,629     $ 40,058     $ 43,812  
    Interest and dividends on time deposits, investment securities, interest-bearing deposits with others, and Federal Home Loan Bank stock     333       359       3,379       1,109  
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     9,946       10,988       43,437       44,921  
    Interest Expense                                
    Interest on deposits     5,346       5,538       23,141       18,811  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     29       324       61       3,907  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     13       323       484       1,326  
    Interest on Federal Reserve Bank short-term borrowings           4             34  
    Interest on subordinated debt     473       428       1,934       1,449  
    Total Interest Expense     5,861       6,617       25,620       25,527  
    Net Interest Income     4,085       4,371       17,817       19,394  
    Provision for (Recovery of) Credit LossesLoans     279       (324 )     1,506       (45 )
    Provision for Credit LossesUnfunded Commitments     37       21       28       202  
    Total Provision for (Recovery of) Credit Losses     316       (303 )     1,534       157  
    Net Interest Income after Provision for (Recovery from) Credit Losses     3,769       4,674       16,283       19,237  
                                     
    Non-Interest Income                                
    Mortgage banking, equipment lending and title abstract fees     282       179       909       600  
    Real estate sales commissions, net           6       20       94  
    Insurance commissions     218       177       744       663  
    Other fees and services charges     30       214       612       510  
    Net loan servicing income     111       88       116       235  
    Income from bank-owned life insurance     31       27       118       102  
    Net gain on sale of loans     1,701       1,411       3,699       2,620  
    Gain on sale of SBA loans     202       122       453       468  
    Gain on sale-leaseback transaction     1,485             1,485        
    Total Non-Interest Income     4,060       2,224       8,156       5,292  
                                     
    Non-Interest Expense                                
    Salaries and employee benefits     3,818       3,426       14,636       13,850  
    Directors’ fees and expenses     48       1       201       316  
    Occupancy and equipment     422       518       1,418       1,656  
    Data processing     404       314       1,298       1,051  
    Professional fees     446       335       769       932  
    FDIC deposit insurance assessment     120       198       614       867  
    Advertising     100       75       302       283  
    Amortization of other intangible     12       12       48       48  
    Other     364       547       1,732       1,914  
    Total Non-Interest Expense     5,734       5,426       21,018       20,917  
    Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes   $ 2,095     $ 1,472     $ 3,421     $ 3,612  
    Income Taxes     516       682       1,032       1,330  
    Net Income from Continuing Operations   $ 1,579     $ 790     $ 2,389     $ 2,282  
    Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations           488       564       (364 )
    Income Tax (Benefit)           136       158       (102 )
    Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations   $     $ 352     $ 406     $ (262 )
    Net Income   $ 1,579     $ 1,142     $ 2,795     $ 2,020  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Per Common Share Data:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.02  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – basic   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.12 )
    Earnings per share, net – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.90  
    Average shares outstanding – basic     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,254,444  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.00  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – diluted   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.11 )
    Earnings per share, net – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.89  
    Average shares outstanding – diluted     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,275,034  
    Book value per share, end of period   $ 20.03     $ 20.15     $ 20.03     $ 20.15  
    Shares outstanding, end of period     2,626,535       2,407,048       2,626,535       2,407,048  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Selected Operating Ratios:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Average yield on interest-earning assets     6.19 %     6.01 %     6.32 %     5.93 %
    Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities     4.30 %     4.48 %     4.48 %     4.02 %
    Average interest rate spread     1.88 %     1.52 %     1.84 %     1.91 %
    Net interest margin     2.54 %     2.39 %     2.59 %     2.56 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     118.00 %     123.90 %     120.08 %     119.37 %
    Efficiency ratio     70.40 %     82.28 %     80.93 %     84.73 %
                                     
    Asset Quality Ratios (1):                                
    Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable, net     1.07 %     0.07 %     1.07 %     0.07 %
    Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets     0.83 %     0.06 %     0.83 %     0.06 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans     113.61 %   n/m       113.61 %   n/m  
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable     1.20 %     1.11 %     1.20 %     1.11 %
    Texas Ratio (2)     8.77 %     0.80 %     8.77 %     0.80 %

    (1) Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.
    (2) Total non-performing assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for credit losses.
    n/m – not meaningful

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Pacific Financial Corp Earns $2.2 Million, or $0.21 per Diluted Share for Fourth Quarter 2024; Reports Fiscal 2024 Earnings of $9.5 Million, or $0.92 per Diluted Share; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.14 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABERDEEN, Wash., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacific Financial Corporation (OTCQX: PFLC), (“Pacific Financial”) or the (“Company”), the holding company for Bank of the Pacific (the “Bank”), reported net income of $2.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024, and $2.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $9.5 million, or $0.92 per share compared to $14.6 million, or $1.40 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Except for year-end December 31, 2023, all results are unaudited.

    The board of directors of Pacific Financial declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on January 22, 2025. The dividend will be payable on February 28, 2025 to shareholders of record on February 14, 2025.

    “During the quarter we finalized the closure of our mortgage banking division recording termination costs of $773,000 impacting our fourth quarter 2024 operating results. Excluding those expenses adjusted net income was $2.8 million for the fourth quarter, an increase from the prior quarter. As we begin 2025, we expect the benefit of this closure to translate to improved efficiency of our operations moving forward,” said Denise Portmann, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    “Though the loan portfolio increased at a slower rate during the quarter, we continue to have healthy customer activity as pipelines began to improve with the decrease in index rates experienced early in the quarter. In addition, earnings for the year benefited from solid year over year growth in average loan balances. Our history of a strong net interest margin continued to be supported by solid relationships with our depositors with a strong core deposit base. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits at year end,” said Portmann. “In addition, our overall credit quality metrics remained strong with nonperforming assets remaining low at $1.1 million or 0.09% of total assets and with a net recovery to the ACL for the quarter. Our capital base and ratios continue to be robust and exceed regulatory well-capitalized ratios. This robust capital base allowed for the continued repurchase of shares during the year. With our strong capital ratios and strong balance sheet, we believe we remain well-positioned for the future.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 0.74%, compared to 0.90% for the third quarter 2024, and 1.02% for the fourth quarter 2023.
    • Return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 7.27%, compared to 8.77% from the preceding quarter, and 10.88% from the fourth quarter a year earlier.
    • Net interest income was $10.9 million, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, and $11.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) decreased to 3.99%, compared to 4.19% from the preceding quarter, and 4.34% for the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Provision for credit losses was a benefit of $103,000 for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a benefit of $66,000 for the preceding quarter and a provision of $111,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Gross loans balances held in portfolio increased by $5.3 million, or less than 1% to $704.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024, and increased by $19.5 million, or 3%, from $685.3 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Total deposits remained at $1.01 billion at December 31, 2024 relative to the previous quarter and one year earlier. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits, with non-interest bearing deposits representing 38% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.
    • Asset quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets declining to 0.09%, compared to 0.10% three months earlier, and increasing from 0.06% at December 31, 2023. Substandard loans decreased $911,000 to $2.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $3.6 million the prior quarter.
    • Shareholder equity decreased $7.2 million during the quarter largely due to accumulated other comprehensive income marks on the investment portfolio, stock repurchases and dividend payments offset by net income. Tangible book value per share was $9.93 at December 31, 2024.
    • Pacific Financial and Bank of the Pacific continues to exceed regulatory well-capitalized requirements. At December 31, 2024 Pacific Financial’s estimated leverage ratio was 11.3% and its estimated total risk-based capital ratio was 17.5%.

    Balance Sheet Review

    Total assets decreased slightly to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.16 billion at September 30, 2024, and was unchanged relative to December 31, 2023.

    Liquidity metrics continued to remain strong with total liquidity, both on and off balance sheet sources, at $550.6 million as of December 31, 2024. The Bank has established collateralized credit lines with borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) and from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, as well as $60.0 million in unsecured borrowing lines from various correspondent banks. There was no balance outstanding on any of these facilities at quarter-end. The Company’s available liquidity sources at December 31, 2024 represented a coverage of short-term funds available to uninsured and uncollateralized deposits of 217%. Uninsured or uncollateralized deposits were 25% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.

    The following table summarizes the Bank’s available liquidity:

    LIQUIDITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Deposits  
    ($ in 000s)      
                                             
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Short-term Funding                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,951 $ 85,430 $ 95,781   $ (17,479 ) -20% $ (27,830 ) -29%   7% 8% 9%  
    Unencumbered AFS Securities   158,472   154,565   140,049     3,907   3%   18,423   13%   16% 15% 14%  
    Secured lines of Credit (FHLB, FRB)   324,187   336,771   327,264     (12,584 ) -4%   (3,077 ) -1%   32% 33% 32%  
    Short-term Funding $ 550,610 $ 576,766 $ 563,094   $ (26,156 ) -5% $ (12,484 ) -2%   55% 57% 56%  
                                             

    Investment securities: The investment securities portfolio increased 3% to $304.5 million, compared to $296.8 million at September 30, 2024 and increased 4% compared to the like period a year ago. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily due to the purchase of $19.8 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities. These purchases were partially offset by an increase in net unrealized losses on available for sale investments which increased $7.6 million to $22.4 million ($17.5 million after-tax) at December 31, 2024, which represents 7% of the AFS portfolio.

    U.S. Treasury bonds and securities issued by the U.S. Government sponsored agencies accounted for 86%, 85%, and 85%, of the investment portfolio as of December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023. The largest investment category is collateralized mortgage obligations which accounted for 48% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2024, compared to 43% one year earlier. The average adjusted duration to reset of the investment securities portfolio was 4.19 years at December 31, 2024.

    Gross loans balances increased $5.3 million, or 1%, to $704.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter, new multi-family loans more than offset the decline in construction and development loans and the decline in residential 1-4 family loans.

    Year-over-year loan growth was 3%, or $19.5 million, with the largest increases in residential 1-4 family and multi-family loans increasing $7.2 million and $18.0 million, respectively. Loans classified as commercial real estate for regulatory concentration purposes totaled $267.9 million at December 31, 2024, or 192% of total risk-based capital.

    The Company continues to manage concentration limits that establish maximum exposure levels by certain industry segments, loan product types, geography and single borrower limits. In addition, the loan portfolio continues to be well-diversified and is collateralized with assets predominantly within the Company’s Western Washington and Oregon markets.

    Credit quality: Nonperforming assets were minimal and remained at $1.1 million, or 0.09% of total assets at December 31, 2024, compared to $664,000, or 0.06% at December 31, 2023. The Company has zero other real estate owned as of December 31, 2024 and accruing loans past due more than 30 days represent only 0.14% of total loans. Total loans designated as special mention increased by $6.0 million to $10.8 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $4.8 million at September 30, 2024 and was primarily related to a downgrade of one agriculture credit relationship of $4.2 million.

    Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans was $8.9 million, or 1.26% of gross loans at December 31, 2024, compared to $8.9 million or 1.27% of loans at September 30, 2024 and $8.5 million or 1.24% at December 31, 2023. A benefit for credit losses on loans of $119,000 was recorded in the current quarter. This compares to a provision for credit losses on loans of $27,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and a provision for credit losses on loans of $162,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The benefit for credit losses in the current quarter largely reflects net loan recoveries of $73,000 realized during the quarter, compared to a net recovery of $11,000 for the preceding quarter and $21,000 for the fourth quarter one year ago. Provisions for unfunded loans was $16,000 for the fourth quarter compared to a benefit of $93,000 the previous quarter and a benefit of $51,000 one year earlier.

    Total deposits remained at $1.01 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to the prior quarter and one year earlier. Deposit composition between non-maturity deposits and time deposit CDs also remained relatively unchanged for the quarter. Within non-maturity deposits, non-interest bearing demand deposits decreased which was more than offset by the growth in interest bearing demand deposits and reflects the Bank’s continued focused efforts on retaining core customer relationships. Pacific Financial continues to benefit from a strong core deposit base which positively impacts our net interest margin. Non-interest bearing deposits continues to remain the largest concentration of deposits and represented 38% of deposits at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. Interest-bearing demand and money market deposits both represent 19% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.

    Year-over-year the deposit composition changed slightly, primarily as a result of customers transferring balances to higher yielding accounts, and as a result, time deposits increased to $135.5 million, or 13% of total deposits at December 31, 2024 compared to $100.8 million or 10% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.

    Shareholders’ equity was $113.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $121.1 million at September 30, 2024, and $114.7 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in shareholders’ equity during the current quarter was due to repurchases of common stock, dividend payments and an increase in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities due to increases in interest rates. Net unrealized losses (after-tax) included in shareholders’ equity on available-for-sale securities was $17.5 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $11.5 million at September 30, 2024, and $16.1 million at December 31, 2023.

    Book value per common share was $11.26 at December 31, 2024, compared to $11.78 at September 30, 2024, and $11.04 at December 31, 2023. The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 8.8% at December 31, 2024 and 9.4% at September 30, 2024, compared to 8.9% at December 31, 2023. Regulatory capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank continue to exceed the well-capitalized regulatory thresholds, with the Company’s leverage ratio at 11.3% and total risk-based capital ratio at 17.5% as of December 31, 2024. These regulatory capital ratios are estimates, pending completion and filing of regulatory reports.

    In anticipation of the expiration of the stock repurchase plan authorized in 2023, in September 2024, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $2.6 million toward future repurchases; approximately 2.0% of total shares outstanding.

    Income Statement Review

    Net interest income decreased $353,000 to $10.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, and decreased $801,000 compared to $11.7 million for the fourth quarter a year ago. The change in the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter reflects lower overall loan and interest bearing cash yields. Though yields for newly originated loans and other variable rate loans plus purchased investments were recorded at higher yields, the downward repricing of floating rate loans and interest-earning cash tied to short term rate indexes as well as decreased balances of interest earning cash and increasing deposit costs impacted total net interest income.

    The decrease in net interest income compared to the year ago quarter reflects the increase in funding costs, with interest income remaining relatively flat, reflecting lower interest earning deposit balances offset by increased loan interest income as the Bank re-deployed interest earning deposit balances into higher yielding assets including both loans and investments.

    Though decreasing from 4.19% for the preceding quarter and 4.34% for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Bank’s net interest margin continued to remain strong at 3.99% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Yields on total interest earning assets decreased 19 basis points to 5.10% for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 5.29% for the prior quarter and 5.14% in the like quarter a year ago. Average loan yields decreased 15 basis points to 5.84% during the current quarter, compared to 5.99% for the preceding quarter and 5.80% for the fourth quarter 2023. The Bank’s total cost of funds increased only 2 basis points to 1.17% for the current quarter, compared to 1.15% for the preceding quarter, and 0.83% for the fourth quarter 2023. The small increase in the costs of deposits was due to retention efforts and competitive pricing of deposit products. As mentioned earlier, the large balance of non-interest bearing deposits at 38% has helped minimize volatility in deposit costs.

    Noninterest income increased to $1.8 million for the current quarter, compared to $1.7 million for the linked quarter and increased from $1.5 million a year earlier. The increase compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to $60,000 of death benefit income from a bank-owned life insurance policy. Fee and service charge income increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.3 million compared to $1.2 million in the previous quarter and the fourth quarter of 2023.

    The company closed its mortgage banking division in the fourth quarter. The elimination of the mortgage banking division is expected to improve the efficiency of the company in 2025.

    Noninterest expenses increased to $10.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $9.7 million for the prior quarter and increased from $9.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The current quarter reflects increased expenses associated with closing the mortgage division. Salaries and employee benefit expenses were elevated in the current quarter due to severance and retention payments while occupancy expenses were also elevated due to lease contract termination costs associated with our mortgage operations center. In addition, data processing and IT costs increased related to the termination of mortgage origination software contracts. Overall, expenses associated with closing the mortgage division were approximately $773,000. Excluding the mortgage division termination costs, total non-interest expenses would have been $9.3 million for the current quarter.

    The company’s efficiency ratio increased to 79.80% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 75.48% in the preceding quarter and increased from 72.22% in the same quarter a year ago. The efficiency ratio is expected to decline in 2025 with the elimination of expenses associated with the closed mortgage division.

    Income tax expense: Federal and Oregon state income tax expenses totaled $492,000 for the current quarter, and $633,000 for the preceding quarter, resulting in effective tax rates of 18.5% and 19.6%, respectively. These income tax expenses reflect the benefits of tax exempt income on tax-exempt loans and investments, affordable housing tax credit financing, and investments in bank-owned life insurance.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    (In 000s, except per share data)                                                  
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Earnings Ratios & Data                                                  
    Net Income $ 2,162 $ 2,594 $ 2,942   $ (432 ) -17% $ (780 ) -27% $ 9,532 $ 14,605   $ (5,073 ) -35%  
    Return on average assets   0.74%   0.90%   1.02%     -0.16%       -0.28%       0.84%   1.22%     -0.38%      
    Return on average equity   7.27%   8.77%   10.88%     -1.50%       -3.61%       8.20%   13.48%     -5.28%      
    Efficiency ratio(1)   79.80%   75.48%   72.22%     4.32%       7.58%       76.69%   66.56%     10.13%      
    Net-interest margin %(2)   3.99%   4.19%   4.34%     -0.20%       -0.35%       4.18%   4.39%     -0.21%      
                                                       
    Share Ratios & Data                                                  
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.28   $ (0.04 ) -16% $ (0.07 ) -25% $ 0.93 $ 1.40   $ (0.47 )    
    Diluted earning per share $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.28   $ (0.04 ) -16% $ (0.07 ) -25% $ 0.92 $ 1.40   $ (0.48 )    
    Book value per share(3) $ 11.26 $ 11.78 $ 11.04   $ (0.52 ) -4% $ 0.22   2%                    
    Tangible book value per share(4) $ 9.93 $ 10.47 $ 9.75   $ (0.54 ) -5% $ 0.18   2%                    
    Common shares outstanding   10,110   10,283   10,389     (173 ) -2%   (279 ) -3%                    
    PFLC stock price $ 12.45 $ 11.65 $ 10.70   $ 0.80   7% $ 1.75   16%                    
    Dividends paid per share $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.14   $   0% $   0% $ 0.56 $ 0.53   $ 0.03   6%  
                                                       
    Balance Sheet Data                                                  
    Assets $ 1,153,563 $ 1,158,410 $ 1,148,899   $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%                    
    Portfolio Loans $ 704,865 $ 699,603 $ 685,349   $ 5,262   1% $ 19,516   3%                    
    Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%                    
    Investments $ 304,502 $ 296,792 $ 293,579   $ 7,710   3% $ 10,923   4%                    
    Shareholders equity $ 113,856 $ 121,087 $ 114,691   $ (7,231 ) -6% $ (835 ) -1%                    
                                                       
    Liquidity Ratios                                                  
    Short-term funding to uninsured                                                  
    and uncollateralized deposits   217%   229%   243%     -12%       -26%                        
    Uninsured and uncollateralized                                                  
    deposits to total deposits   25%   25%   23%     0%       2%                        
    Portfolio loans to deposits ratio   69%   69%   67%     0%       2%                        
                                                       
    Asset Quality Ratios                                                  
    Non-performing assets to assets   0.09%   0.10%   0.06%     -0.01%       0.03%                        
    Non-accrual loans to portfolio loans   0.16%   0.16%   0.10%     0.00%       0.06%                        
    Loan losses to avg portfolio loans   -0.04%   -0.01%   -0.01%     -0.03%       -0.03%       0.00%   0.03%     -0.03%      
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.26%   1.27%   1.24%     -0.01%       0.02%                        
                                                       
    Capital Ratios (PFC)                                                  
    Total risk-based capital ratio   17.5%   17.9%   17.7%     -0.4%       -0.2%                        
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   16.3%   16.7%   16.5%     -0.4%       -0.2%                        
    Common equity tier 1 ratio   14.7%   15.0%   14.9%     -0.3%       -0.2%                        
    Leverage ratio   11.3%   11.6%   11.3%     -0.3%       0.0%                        
    Tangible common equity ratio   8.8%   9.4%   8.9%     -0.6%       -0.1%                        
                                                       
    (1) Non-interest expense divided by net interest income plus noninterest income.
    (2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.
    (3) Book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity divided by the period ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity less total intangible assets and liabilities, divided by the period ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
     
    INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change  
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                      
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Interest Income                                                      
    Loan interest & fee income $ 10,340   $ 10,520   $ 9,872   $ (180 ) -2% $ 468   5% $ 41,192 $ 37,037   $ 4,155   11%  
    Interest bearing cash income   942     1,108     1,440     (166 ) -15%   (498 ) -35%   3,833   9,109     (5,276 ) -58%  
    Investment income   2,590     2,503     2,501     87   3%   89   4%   9,978   9,334     644   7%  
    Interest Income   13,872     14,131     13,813     (259 ) -2%   59   0%   55,003   55,480     (477 ) -1%  
                                                           
    Interest Expense                                                      
    Deposits interest expense   2,796     2,684     1,914     112   4%   882   46%   9,829   5,351     4,478   84%  
    Other borrowings interest expense   225     243     247     (18 ) -7%   (22 ) -9%   951   929     22   2%  
    Interest Expense   3,021     2,927     2,161     94   3%   860   40%   10,780   6,280     4,500   72%  
    Net Interest Income   10,851     11,204     11,652     (353 ) -3%   (801 ) -7%   44,223   49,200     (4,977 ) -10%  
    Provision (benefit) for credit losses   (103 )   (66 )   111     (37   56%   (214 ) -193%   168   520     (352 ) -68%  
    Net Interest Income after provision   10,954     11,270     11,541     (316 ) -3%   (587 ) -5%   44,055   48,680     (4,625 ) -10%  
                                                           
    Non-Interest Income                                                      
    Fees and service charges   1,267     1,225     1,242     42   3%   25   2%   4,791   4,937     (146 ) -3%  
    Gain on sale of investments, net                 -100%     -100%   121   (154 )   275   -179%  
    Gain on sale of loans, net   267     267     95       0%   172   181%   1,132   635     497   78%  
    Income on bank-owned insurance   250     188     176     62   33%   74   42%   800   685     115   17%  
    Other non-interest income   (9 )   7     16     (16 ) -229%   (25 ) -156%   25   69     (44 ) -64%  
    Non-Interest Income   1,775     1,687     1,529     88   5%   246   16%   6,869   6,172     697   11%  
                                                           
    Non-Interest Expense                                                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   6,288     6,341     5,787     (53 ) -1%   501   9%   24,944   22,793     2,151   9%  
    Occupancy   768     601     679     167   28%   89   13%   2,574   2,215     359   16%  
    Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment   289     286     301     3   1%   (12 ) -4%   1,127   1,109     18   2%  
    Marketing & donations   149     201     169     (52 ) -26%   (20 ) -12%   680   549     131   24%  
    Professional services   267     233     342     34   15%   (75 ) -22%   1,163   1,283     (120 ) -9%  
    Data Processing & IT   1,380     1,185     1,223     195   16%   157   13%   4,921   4,713     208   4%  
    Other   934     883     1,019     51   6%   (85 ) -8%   3,775   4,194     (419 ) -10%  
    Non-Interest Expense   10,075     9,730     9,520     345   4%   555   6%   39,184   36,856     2,328   6%  
    Income before income taxes   2,654     3,227     3,550     (573 ) -18%   (896 ) -25%   11,740   17,996     (6,256 ) -35%  
    Provision for income taxes   492     633     608     (141 ) -22%   (116 ) -19%   2,208   3,391     (1,183 ) -35%  
    Net Income $ 2,162   $ 2,594   $ 2,942   $ (432 ) -17%   (780 ) -27% $ 9,532 $ 14,605   $ (5,073 ) -35%  
                                                           
    Effective tax rate   18.5%     19.6%     17.1%     -1.1%       1.4%       18.8%   18.8%     0.0%      
     
    BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
    ($ in 000s)      
                                                   
        Dec 31,    Sep 30,    Dec 31,      Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024    2024    2023      $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Assets                                              
    Cash on hand and in banks $ 18,136   $ 20,621   $ 16,716     $ (2,485 ) -12% $ 1,420   8%   2% 2% 1%  
    Interest bearing deposits   62,015     80,522     91,355       (18,507 ) -23%   (29,340 ) -32%   6% 7% 8%  
    Investment securities   304,502     296,792     293,579       7,710   3%   10,923   4%   26% 26% 26%  
    Loans held-for-sale       140     1,103       (140 ) -100%   (1,103 ) -100%   0% 0% 0%  
    Portfolio Loans, net of deferred fees   704,248     698,974     684,554       5,274   1%   19,694   3%   61% 60% 60%  
    Allowance for credit losses   (8,851 )   (8,897 )   (8,530 )     46   -1%   (321 ) 4%   -1% -1% -1%  
    Net loans   695,397     690,077     676,024       5,320   1%   19,373   3%   60% 60% 59%  
    Premises & equipment   16,952     17,124     15,579       (172 ) -1%   1,373   9%   1% 1% 1%  
    Goodwill & Other Intangibles   13,435     13,435     13,435         0%     0%   1% 1% 1%  
    Bank-owned life Insurance   28,333     28,084     27,497       249   1%   836   3%   2% 2% 2%  
    Other assets   14,793     11,615     13,611       3,178   27%   1,182   9%   2% 2% 2%  
    Total Assets $ 1,153,563   $ 1,158,410   $ 1,148,899     $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                                              
    Deposits $ 1,014,731   $ 1,011,473   $ 1,009,292     $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   88% 88% 88%  
    Borrowings   13,403   $ 13,403   $ 13,403         0%     0%   1% 1% 1%  
    Other liabilities   11,573   $ 12,447   $ 11,513       (874 -7%   60   1%   1% 1% 1%  
    Shareholders’ equity   113,856   $ 121,087   $ 114,691       (7,231 ) -6%   (835 ) -1%   10% 10% 10%  
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity $ 1,153,563   $ 1,158,410   $ 1,148,899     $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    INVESTMENT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                              
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Investment Securities                                              
    Collateralized mortgage obligations $ 147,262   $ 141,842   $ 126,949     $ 5,420   4% $ 20,313   16%   48% 48% 43%  
    Mortgage backed securities   46,112     41,264     38,103       4,848   12%   8,009   21%   15% 14% 13%  
    U.S. Government and agency securities   67,716     68,961     83,748       (1,245 ) -2%   (16,032 ) -19%   22% 23% 29%  
    Municipal securities   43,412     44,725     44,779       (1,313 ) -3%   (1,367 ) -3%   15% 15% 15%  
    Investment Securities $ 304,502   $ 296,792   $ 293,579     $ 7,710   3% $ 10,923 ) 4%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    Held to maturity securities $ 41,442   $ 42,301   $ 55,454     $ (859 ) -2% $ (14,012 ) -25%   14% 14% 19%  
    Available for sale securities $ 263,060   $ 254,491   $ 238,125     $ 8,569   3% $ 24,935   10%   86% 86% 81%  
                                                   
    Government & Agency securities $ 261,063   $ 252,039   $ 248,768     $ 9,024   4% $ 12,295   5%   86% 85% 85%  
    AAA, AA, A rated securities $ 42,773   $ 44,084   $ 43,687     $ (1,311 ) -3% $ (914 ) -2%   14% 15% 15%  
    Non-rated securities $ 666   $ 669   $ 1,124     $ (3 ) 0% $ (458 ) -41%   0% 0% 0%  
                                                   
    AFS Unrealized Gain (Loss) $ (22,437 ) $ (14,804 ) $ (20,808 )   $ (7,633 ) 52% $ (1,629 ) 8%   -7% -5% -7%  
     
    PORTFOLIO LOAN COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                              
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Portfolio Loans                                              
    Commercial & agriculture $ 75,240   $ 73,002   $ 75,444     $ 2,238   3% $ (204 ) 0%   10% 10% 11%  
    Real estate:                                              
    Construction and development   42,725     46,569     48,720       (3,844 ) -8%   (5,995 ) -12%   6% 7% 7%  
    Residential 1-4 family   103,489     105,298     96,301       (1,809 ) -2%   7,188   7%   15% 15% 14%  
    Multi-family   68,978     60,773     51,025       8,205   14%   17,953   35%   10% 9% 7%  
    CRE — owner occupied   165,120     167,086     164,443       (1,966 ) -1%   677   0%   23% 24% 24%  
    CRE — non owner occupied   159,582     157,347     155,280       2,235   1%   4,302   3%   23% 22% 23%  
    Farmland   26,864     26,553     27,273       311   1%   (409 ) -1%   4% 4% 4%  
    Consumer   62,867     62,975     66,863       (108 ) 0%   (3,996 ) -6%   9% 9% 10%  
    Portfolio Loans   704,865     699,603     685,349       5,262   1%   19,516   3%   100% 100% 100%  
    Less: ACL   (8,851 )   (8,897 )   (8,530 )                            
    Less: deferred fees   (617 )   (629 )   (795 )                            
    Net loans $ 695,397   $ 690,077   $ 676,024                              
                                                   
    Regulatory Commercial Real Estate $ 267,857   $ 261,292   $ 252,493     $ 6,565   3% $ 15,364   6%   38% 37% 37%  
    Total Risk Based Capital(1) $ 139,458   $ 140,971   $ 138,449     $ (1,513 ) -1% $ 1,009   1%          
    CRE to Risk Based Capital(1)   192%     185%     182%           7%       10%          
     
    CRE–MULTI-FAMILY & NON OWNER OCCUPIED COMPOSITION (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                        
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Collateral Composition(2)                                        
    Multifamily $ 73,575 $ 63,099 $ 59,557   $ 10,476   17% $ 14,018   24%   30% 27% 27%  
    Retail   36,813   37,685   29,470     (872 ) -2%   7,343   25%   15% 16% 13%  
    Hospitality   31,369   30,844   31,657     525   2%   (288 ) -1%   13% 13% 14%  
    Mini Storage   25,028   25,758   21,625     (730 ) -3%   3,403   16%   10% 11% 10%  
    Office   23,921   22,921   23,626     1,000   4%   295   1%   10% 10% 11%  
    Mixed Use   22,662   22,708   26,329     (46 ) 0%   (3,667 ) -14%   9% 10% 12%  
    Industrial   14,723   13,912   11,410     811   6%   3,313   29%   6% 6% 5%  
    Warehouse   7,531   7,582   6,169     (51 ) -1%   1,362   22%   3% 3% 3%  
    Special Purpose   6,921   6,968   7,102     (47 ) -1%   (181 ) -3%   3% 3% 3%  
    Other   3,155   3,174   3,326     (19 ) -1%   (171 ) -5%   1% 1% 2%  
    Total $ 245,698 $ 234,651 $ 220,271   $ 11,047   5% $ 25,427   12%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    (1) Bank of the Pacific                                        
    (2) Includes loans in process of construction                                        
     
    CREDIT QUALITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from  
       
    ($ in 000s)   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %  
    Risk Rating Distribution                                
    Pass $ 691,350 $ 691,199 $ 674,992   $ 151   0% $ 16,358   2%  
    Special Mention   10,811   4,789   4,669     6,022   126%   6,142   132%  
    Substandard   2,704   3,615   5,688     (911 ) -25%   (2,984 ) -52%  
    Portfolio Loans $ 704,865 $ 699,603 $ 685,349   $ 5,262   1% $ 19,516   3%  
                                     
    Nonperforming Assets                                
    Nonaccruing loans   1,094   1,138   664   $ (44 ) -4%   430   65%  
    Other real estate owned             0%     0%  
    Nonperforming Assets $ 1,094 $ 1,138 $ 664   $ (44 ) -4%   430   65%  
                                     
    Credit Metrics                                
    Classified loansto portfolio loans   0.38%   0.52%   0.83%     -0.14%       -0.45%      
    ACL to classified loans1   327.33%   246.11%   149.96%     81.22%       177.37%      
    Loans past due 30+ days to portfolio loans2   0.14%   0.03%   0.08%     0.11%       0.06%      
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.09%   0.10%   0.06%     -0.01%       0.03%      
    Nonaccruing loans to portfolio loans   0.16%   0.16%   0.10%     0.00%       0.06%      
                                     
    (1) Classified loans include loans rated substandard or worse and are defined as loans having a well-defined weakness or weaknesses related to the borrower’s financial capacity or to pledged collateral that may jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the possibility that the Bank may sustain some loss if the deficiencies giving rise to the substandard classification are not corrected.
    (2) Excludes non-accrual loans
                                     
    DEPOSIT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                        
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Deposits                                        
    Interest-bearing demand $ 194,526 $ 183,337 $ 183,436   $ 11,189   6% $ 11,090   6%   19% 18% 18%  
    Money market   193,324   192,185   179,344     1,139   1%   13,980   8%   19% 19% 18%  
    Savings   115,520   117,131   136,408     (1,611 ) -1%   (20,888 ) -15%   11% 12% 13%  
    Time deposits (CDs)   135,485   133,995   100,832     1,490   1%   34,653   34%   13% 13% 10%  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   638,855   626,648   600,020     12,207   2%   38,835   6%   62% 62% 59%  
    Non-interest bearing demand   375,876   384,825   409,272     (8,949 ) -2%   (33,396 ) -8%   38% 38% 41%  
    Total deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    Insured Deposits $ 629,600 $ 636,725 $ 647,330   $ (7,125 ) -1% $ (393,526 ) -61%   62% 63% 64%  
    Collateralized Deposits   131,327   122,448   129,895     8,879   7%   1,432   1%   13% 12% 13%  
    Uninsured Deposits   253,804   252,300   232,067     1,504   1%   397,533   171%   25% 25% 23%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    Consumer Deposits $ 466,826 $ 458,097 $ 470,425   $ 8,729   2% $ (3,599 ) -1%   46% 45% 46%  
    Business Deposits   406,308   420,845   398,977     (14,537 ) -3%   7,331   2%   40% 42% 40%  
    Public Deposits   141,597   132,531   139,890     9,066   7%   1,707   1%   14% 13% 14%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    NET INTEREST MARGIN (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                  
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $   %   $   %   2024   2023     $ %  
                                                       
    Average Interest Bearing Balances                                                  
    Portfolio loans $ 703,811 $ 697,904 $ 675,622   $ 5,907   1% $ 28,189   4% $ 697,527 $ 659,165   $ 38,362   6%  
    Loans held for sale $ 1,033 $ 1,276 $ 709   $ (243 ) -19% $ 324   46% $ 1,125 $ 628   $ 497   79%  
    Investment securities $ 302,501 $ 285,947 $ 289,245   $ 16,554   6% $ 13,256   5% $ 291,133 $ 286,473   $ 4,660   2%  
    Interest-bearing cash $ 78,296 $ 81,755 $ 105,177   $ (3,459 ) -4% $ (26,881 ) -26% $ 72,893 $ 180,781   $ (107,888 ) -60%  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 1,085,641 $ 1,066,882 $ 1,070,753   $ 18,759   2% $ 14,888   1% $ 1,062,678 $ 1,127,047   $ (64,369 ) -6%  
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 388,227 $ 383,332 $ 419,994   $ 4,895   1% $ (31,767 ) -8% $ 388,561 $ 448,234   $ (59,673 ) -13%  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 628,475 $ 615,388 $ 593,464   $ 13,087   2% $ 35,011   6% $ 607,678 $ 620,026   $ (12,348 ) -2%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,016,702 $ 998,720 $ 1,013,458   $ 17,982   2% $ 3,244   0% $ 996,239 $ 1,068,260   $ (72,021 ) -7%  
    Borrowings $ 13,403 $ 13,403 $ 13,403   $   0% $   0% $ 13,403 $ 13,401   $ 2   0%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 641,878 $ 628,791 $ 606,867   $ 13,087   2% $ 35,011   6% $ 621,081 $ 633,427   $ (12,346 ) -2%  
                                                       
    Yield / Cost $(1)                                                  
    Portfolio loans $ 10,336 $ 10,509 $ 9,879   $ (173 ) -2% $ 457   5% $ 41,169 $ 37,088   $ 4,081   11%  
    Loans held for sale $ 16 $ 22 $ 12   $ (6 ) -27% $ 4   33% $ 71 $ 39   $ 32   82%  
    Investment securities $ 2,622 $ 2,535 $ 2,536   $ 87   3% $ 86   3% $ 10,107 $ 9,489   $ 618   7%  
    Interest-bearing cash $ 942 $ 1,108 $ 1,440   $ (166 ) -15% $ (498 ) -35% $ 3,833 $ 9,109   $ (5,276 ) -58%  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 13,916 $ 14,174 $ 13,867   $ (258 ) -2% $ 49   0% $ 55,180 $ 55,725   $ (545 ) -1%  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,796 $ 2,684 $ 1,914   $ 112   4% $ 882   46% $ 9,829 $ 5,351   $ 4,478   84%  
    Borrowings $ 225 $ 243 $ 247   $ (18 ) -7% $ (22 ) -9% $ 951 $ 929   $ 22   2%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 3,021 $ 2,927 $ 2,161   $ 94   3% $ 860   40% $ 10,780 $ 6,280   $ 4,500   72%  
    Net interest income $ 10,895 $ 11,247 $ 11,706   $ (352 ) -3% $ (811 ) -7% $ 44,400 $ 49,445   $ (5,045 ) -10%  
                                                       
    Yield / Cost %(1)                                                  
    Yield on portfolio loans   5.84%   5.99%   5.80%     -0.15%       0.04%       5.90%   5.63%     0.27%      
    Yield on investment securities   3.45%   3.53%   3.48%     -0.08%       -0.03%       3.47%   3.31%     0.16%      
    Yield on interest-bearing cash   4.79%   5.39%   5.44%     -0.60%       -0.65%       5.26%   5.04%     0.22%      
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   1.77%   1.74%   1.28%     0.03%       0.49%       1.62%   0.86%     0.76%      
    Cost of borrowings   6.68%   7.21%   7.31%     -0.53%       -0.63%       7.10%   6.93%     0.17%      
    Cost of deposits and borrowings   1.17%   1.15%   0.83%     0.02%       0.34%       1.07%   0.58%     0.49%      
                                                       
    Yield on interest-earning assets   5.10%   5.29%   5.14%     -0.19%       -0.04%       5.19%   4.94%     0.25%      
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities   1.87%   1.85%   1.41%     0.02%       0.46%       1.74%   0.99%     0.75%      
    Net interest spread   3.23%   3.44%   3.73%     -0.21%       -0.50%       3.45%   3.95%     -0.50%      
    Net interest margin   3.99%   4.19%   4.34%     -0.20%       -0.35%       4.18%   4.39%     -0.21%      
                                                       
    (1) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.
                                                       
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (ACL) (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                            
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Allowance for Credit Losses                                                            
    Beginning of period balance $ 8,897   $ 8,859   $ 8,347     $ 38   0% $ 550   7% $ 8,530   $ 8,236     $ 294   4%  
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)                   -100%     -100%       (157 )     157   -100%  
    Charge-offs   (32 )   (5 )   (20 )     (27 ) 540%   (12 ) 60%   (129 )   (279 )     150   -54%  
    Recoveries   105     16     41       89   556%   64   156%   124     96       28   29%  
    Net (charge-off) recovery   73     11     21       62   564%   52   248%   (5 )   (183 )     178   -97%  
    Provision (benefit)   (119 )   27     162       (146 ) -541%   (281 ) -173%   326     634       (308 ) -49%  
    End of period balance $ 8,851   $ 8,897   $ 8,530     $ (46 ) -1% $ 321   4% $ 8,851   $ 8,530     $ 321   4%  
                                                                 
    Net charge-off (recovery) to                                                            
    average portfolio loans   -0.04%     -0.01%     -0.01%       -0.03%       -0.03%       0.00%     0.03%       -0.03%      
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.26%     1.27%     1.24%       -0.01%       0.02%       1.26%     1.24%       0.02%      
                                                                 
    Allowance for unfunded loans                                                            
    Beginning of period balance $ 524   $ 617   $ 749     $ (93 ) -15% $ (225 ) -30% $ 698   $ 203     $ 495   244%  
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)                   -100%     -100%       609       (609 ) -100%  
    Provision (benefit)   16     (93 )   (51 )     109   -117%   67   -131%   (158 )   (114 )     (44 ) 39%  
    End of period balance $ 540   $ 524   $ 698     $ 16   3% $ (158 ) -23% $ 540   $ 698     $ (158 ) -23%  
                                                                 

    ABOUT PACIFIC FINANCIAL CORPORATION

    Pacific Financial Corporation of Aberdeen, Washington, is the bank holding company for Bank of the Pacific, a state chartered and federally insured commercial bank. Bank of the Pacific offers banking products and services to small-to-medium sized businesses and professionals in western Washington and Oregon. At December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $1.15 billion and operated fifteen branches in the communities of Grays Harbor, Pacific, Thurston, Whatcom, Skagit, Clark and Wahkiakum counties in the State of Washington, and three branches in the communities of Clatsop and Clackamas counties in Oregon. The Company also operated loan production offices in the communities of Burlington, Washington and Salem, Oregon. Visit the Company’s website at www.bankofthepacific.com. Member FDIC.

    Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other laws, including all statements in this release that are not historical facts or that relate to future plans or events or projected results of Pacific Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of the Pacific. Such statements are based on information available at the time of communication and are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied, and could negatively impact the Company’s operating and stock price performance. These risks and uncertainties include various risks associated with growing the Bank and expanding the services it provides, development of new business lines and markets, competition in the marketplace, general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, extensive and evolving regulation of the banking industry, and many other risks. Any forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information at the time the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Readers of this release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mission 300: Significant new donor pledges in support of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa announced on margins of the Africa Energy Summit

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and France have unveiled new or additional contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, demonstrating strong support for the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)-managed fund as it expands energy access across Africa, including through the Mission 300 partnership. Another new donor – Japan –joined in December 2024 with a $5 million contribution under AGIA (https://apo-opa.co/3Eju6LT). 

    SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It aims to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Mission 300. 

    Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4hDAJqx), an ambitious new partnership of the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and other development partners, aims to provide access to electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.  

    France, a new donor to SEFA, will provide €10 million. Denmark, the UK and Spain will increase existing contributions by DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13) and €3 million, respectively.  

    France’s contribution will bolster the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA) (https://apo-opa.co/4aHQE4M), a platform of the African Development Bank, Africa 50 and other partners that will develop transformative sustainable infrastructure projects for investment.  

     These contributions come as SEFA enjoyed its best year on record in 2024, with $108 million approved for 14 projects. SEFA now boasts a portfolio of over $300 million in highly impactful investments and technical assistance programmes, which is expected to unlock up to $15 billion in investments and deliver approximately 12 million new electricity connections. 

    Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, said: “Africa is endowed with enormous untapped potential for renewable energy, which can fuel green industrialisation. The latest Danish financial contribution to SEFA will focus on the newly established Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), further supporting the continent’s ambitious development and climate goals.” 

    “We are halfway through this decisive decade to achieve the sustainable development goals and get on track to tackle climate change,” said Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “Achieving our collective goals of reliable, affordable and clean power is a golden thread that links economic growth, greater investment, strengthened resilience and climate ambition. By accelerating the roll-out of clean power, the UK and Mission 300 are putting green and inclusive growth at the heart of our partnerships with Africa. Our announcement of an additional £8.5 million in UK funding for the AfDB’s SEFA will mobilise the much-needed private sector investment so that more Africans can access clean power right across the continent.” 

    Inés Carpio San Román, Alternate Governor of Spain for the African Development Bank, said, “We are pleased that Spain has decided to renew its support for the SEFA fund with a contribution of €3 million. This reaffirms our commitment to the crucial sector of renewable energy, which plays a key role in fostering sustainable development across Africa.” 

    “As a strong supporter of Africa’s green infrastructure investments with financial tools that mobilise private finance, France is proud to contribute €10 million to the AGIA through SEFA,” stated Bertrand Dumont, Director General of the French Treasury and Governor for France at the African Development Bank. “This very first contribution is our first step towards reinforcing Africa’s sustainable development and accelerating the continent’s path to a low-carbon economy. By investing in green infrastructure in Africa, we are investing for the future.”  

    Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, said, “We welcome the new commitments from donors whose support underscores the impactful work of SEFA. These contributions are essential in enabling SEFA to fulfil its role as a key delivery vehicle for Mission 300 at this pivotal moment.” 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB and ESRB issue joint report on experiences of using the countercyclical capital buffer early in the cycle

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 January 2025

    • 17 EEA countries have adopted a positive neutral CCyB approach
    • Authorities using this approach do not expect it to result in higher CCyB requirements at the peak of the cycle
    • The European macroprudential framework could be clarified to facilitate a more flexible and proactive use of the CCyB

    A timely build-up of capital buffers that can be released in times of stress is essential for financial stability. One way to achieve this is by setting a positive countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate early in the cycle when cyclical systemic risks are neither subdued nor elevated. Understanding how authorities can apply this “positive neutral” approach is essential to advancing the use of the CCyB.

    The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) today published a joint report aimed at deepening our knowledge of the implementation of positive neutral approaches to setting the CCyB in the European Economic Area (EEA).

    The report describes the experience of countries that have adopted a positive neutral CCyB approach, as well as the views of those that have not. It outlines the perceived costs and benefits, implications for setting the CCyB through the cycle, calibration methods, conditions for build-up and release, interactions with other capital instruments, buffer usability and reciprocity.

    Motivations for the adoption of a positive neutral CCyB approach mostly relate to three areas. The first is the need to build up the CCyB in a timely manner, not only to address uncertainty in the identification of systemic risks, but also to ensure that releasable capital buffers are available in the early stages of the financial cycle. The second is to allow for a more gradual, and therefore less costly, build-up of the buffer. The third is increasing the amount of releasable buffers, also to boost resilience against a wider spectrum of potentially large shocks.

    The report highlights three common elements in the positive neutral CCyB approaches adopted by EEA countries. First, a positive neutral CCyB approach is not intended as a new buffer, but rather as an earlier activation of the CCyB in an environment where cyclical systemic risks are neither subdued nor elevated. Second, in most countries, adopting a positive neutral CCyB approach is not expected to yield higher CCyB requirements at the peak of the cycle. This is in line with the objective of building up the CCyB early in the cycle. Third, for most countries, this more proactive and flexible use of the CCyB does not need to be offset by lowering other requirements, consistent with the risk-based nature of the CCyB.

    Finally, the report describes what ESRB member institutions see as the challenges and obstacles to implementing a positive neutral CCyB approach, and presents potential avenues for overcoming them. First, more clarity on the objectives of a positive neutral CCyB could alleviate concerns about potential overlaps with the objectives of other instruments, most notably the systemic risk buffer. Second, some countries view a lack of clarity in EU legislation as an obstacle to adopting a positive neutral CCyB approach. In this context, it would be helpful to clarify the European macroprudential framework to ensure that the CCyB can be used more flexibly and proactively. This could be done notably by reducing the prominence of the credit-to-GDP gap and other credit indicators to guide the setting of the CCyB rate.

    The report could serve as a useful reference for countries within and outside the EEA region that are considering adopting such an approach. It may also provide valuable information to regulatory bodies looking at issuing further guidance on positive neutral CCyB approaches.

    For media queries, please contact Ettore Fanciulli tel.: +49 69 1344 95012.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Net income of $13.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024; the fourth quarter of 2024 included $3.9 million in expenses related to the merger and $0.5 million for a legal settlement compared to $17.0 million in expenses related to the merger, $15.5 million of provision for credit losses on non-purchase credit deteriorated loans and $4.8 million for an executive retirement, net of taxes, for the third quarter of 2024;
    • Excluding the impact of the non-recurring charges referenced above, net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively, were $16.7 million(1) and $0.87(1) for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share of $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1), respectively;
    • The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per common share, payable February 21, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2025; this represents an increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share, or 13%;
    • The previously announced cost save target of 18% has been achieved for the go-forward operating run rate as of December 31, 2024;
    • With the core conversion being completed in November 2024, the fourth quarter results reflected several ongoing activities associated with the conversion and the transitional period; the fourth quarter also included elevated salaries and employee benefit expenses due to year end performance-based incentive accruals;
    • Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024; the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks was $7.2 million of net interest income, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $5.8 million of net interest income, which represents 42 basis points of net interest margin, for the third quarter of 2024;
    • Commercial loans declined by $59.5 million, or 2%, from September 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024 due primarily to strategic actions to reduce risk in the portfolio, including reducing commercial real estate (“CRE”) loan concentrations; a pool of mostly commercial and industrial loans totaling $6.0 million was sold, including $2.6 million of nonaccrual loans; total classified loans declined by $16.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Noninterest income decreased by $1.2 million to $11.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024; this reduction was driven by certain courtesy fee waivers provided to clients as well as tax credits recognized in the third quarter of 2024 that did not recur in the fourth quarter;
    • The provision for credit losses was $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, inclusive of a charge-off of $2.4 million for one commercial and industrial (C&I) relationship and charge-offs associated with the loan sale of $0.6 million, which was offset by the acceleration of a purchase mark for the same amount;
    • Tangible book value per common share(1) increased to $21.19 per share at December 31, 2024 compared to $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF), the parent company of Orrstown Bank (the “Bank”), announced earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net income totaled $13.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and net income of $7.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $0.71 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to diluted loss per share of $0.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and diluted earnings per share of $0.73 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2024, excluding the impact of merger-related expenses and other non-recurring charges, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $16.7 million(1) and $0.87(1), respectively. For the third quarter of 2024, excluding the impact of the merger-related expenses, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1), respectively. For the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding the impact from the merger-related expenses, net income and diluted earnings per share were $8.6 million(1) and $0.83(1), respectively.

    “While we are pleased with another year of strong core earnings, we are even more excited about what lies ahead,” said Thomas R. Quinn, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. “We successfully completed our core conversion in November and have achieved the targeted 18% cost savings in our future operating run rate of the two banks’ combined noninterest expense base. With the integration behind us, we look forward to returning our focus to growing the company, enhancing shareholder value and building the premier community banking franchise in our Pennsylvania and Maryland markets.”

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

    Balance Sheet

    Loans

    Loans held for investment was $3.9 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $50.2 million, compared to $4.0 billion at September 30, 2024. The decrease from the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to strategic actions to reduce risk in the portfolio, including reducing CRE loan concentrations.

    Investment Securities

    Investment securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, increased by $2.9 million to $829.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $826.8 million at September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, investment securities totaling $37.7 million were purchased, partially offset by paydowns of $18.1 million and net unrealized losses of $16.2 million. The overall duration of the Company’s investment securities portfolio was 4.1 years at December 31, 2024 compared to 4.6 years at September 30, 2024. See Appendix B for a summary of the Bank’s investment securities at December 31, 2024, highlighting their concentrations, credit ratings and credit enhancement levels.

    Deposits

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, deposits decreased by $35.1 million to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $4.7 billion at September 30, 2024 due to normal seasonal activity. The Bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio decreased slightly to 85% at December 31, 2024 from 86% at September 30, 2024.

    Borrowings

    The Bank actively manages its liquidity position through its various sources of funding to meet the needs of its clients. FHLB advances and other borrowings remained at $115.4 million at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Bank seeks to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure client needs can be addressed in a timely basis. The Bank had available alternative funding sources, such as FHLB advances and other wholesale options, of approximately $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

    Goodwill decreased by $2.5 million from September 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024 due to certain purchase accounting adjustments, primarily an increase in the core deposit intangible of $4.1 million.

    Income Statement

    Net Interest Income and Margin

    Net interest income was $50.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $51.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased to 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024. The net interest margin was positively impacted by the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks on loans, securities, deposits and borrowings of $7.2 million, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin during the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks was $5.8 million, which represented 42 basis points of net interest margin. Funding costs show signs of stabilizing.

    Interest income on loans, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased by $2.7 million to $68.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $70.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average loans decreased by $28.0 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Interest income on investment securities, on a tax equivalent basis, was $9.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024.

    Interest expense, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased by $1.9 million to $29.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $31.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased by $58.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average borrowings decreased by $1.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. Interest expense includes $0.9 million and $1.5 million of amortization of purchase accounting marks for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans decreased to $48.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $49.6 million at September 30, 2024. The ACL to total loans was 1.24% at December 31, 2024 compared to 1.25% at September 30, 2024. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $3.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to net charge-offs of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Bank sold $6.0 million of mostly C&I loans, which resulted in a charge-off totaling $0.6 million. There was also a corresponding $0.6 million of purchase accounting accretion associated with these loans.

    Classified loans decreased by $16.9 million to $88.6 million at December 31, 2024 from $105.5 million at September 30, 2024 primarily due to a combination of repayments and net rating upgrades, in addition to the loan sale. Non-accrual loans decreased by $2.8 million to $24.1 million at December 31, 2024 from $26.9 million at September 30, 2024 partially due to a sale of mostly C&I loans on nonaccrual status totaling $2.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2024. Nonaccrual loans to total loans decreased to 0.61% at December 31, 2024 compared to 0.68% at September 30, 2024 and decreased from 1.11% at December 31, 2023. Management believes the ACL to be adequate based on current asset quality metrics and economic conditions.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income decreased by $1.2 million to $11.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 from $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024. There were reduced service charges in the fourth quarter due to fee waivers provided to clients in the post-conversion period from November through the end of the year.

    Wealth management income decreased to $4.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The team continues to provide value added services to clients and deliver strong results.

    Other income decreased by $0.3 million to $1.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $1.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 due to income from solar tax credits totaling $0.3 million recorded during the third quarter of 2024.

    Noninterest Expenses

    Noninterest expenses decreased by $17.4 million to $42.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 from $60.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    The Company’s financial results for any periods ended prior to July 1, 2024 reflect Orrstown’s results only on a standalone basis. As a result of this factor and the merger-related items below, the Company’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 may not be directly comparable to prior reported periods.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024, merger-related expenses totaled $3.9 million, a decrease of $13.1 million, compared to $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The merger costs incurred during the fourth quarter of 2024 include employee separation costs, software conversion costs and professional fees. The Company expect to incur some additional merger-related expenses in the first quarter of 2025.

    Salaries and benefits expense decreased by $4.8 million to $22.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The three months ended September 30, 2024 included $4.8 million of expenses associated with the retirement of an executive.

    Intangible asset amortization increased to $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase is due to the amortization expense recognized on the core deposit intangible of $40.1 million and wealth customer relationship intangible of $10.4 million established on July 1, 2024 from the merger. Due to the aforementioned purchase accounting adjustment, the three months ended December 31, 2024 included $0.4 million of additional amortization expense associated with this adjustment.

    Taxes other than income decreased by $0.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This decrease reflects tax credits recognized during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Income Taxes

    The Company’s effective tax rate was 20.1% for both the fourth and third quarters of 2024. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2024 is less than the 21% federal statutory rate primarily due to tax-exempt income, including interest earned on tax-exempt loans and securities and income from life insurance policies and tax credits partially offset by the disallowed portion of interest expense against earnings in association with the Bank’s tax-exempt investments under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (“TEFRA”) and the impact of nondeductible merger-related costs. The Company regularly analyzes its projected taxable income and makes adjustments to the provision for income taxes accordingly.

    Capital

    Shareholders’ equity totaled $516.7 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $516.2 million at September 30, 2024. The impact of net income of $13.7 million was offset by a reduction of $10.4 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss from an increase in unrealized losses in the investment portfolio and dividend payments of $4.4 million.

    Tangible book value per share(1) increased to $21.19 per share at December 31, 2024 from $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024.

    The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 7.5% at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.4% at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Company’s Tier 1 leverage ratio increased to 8.3% at December 31, 2024 compared to 8.0% at September 30, 2024 driven by earnings and a decrease in average assets during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    At December 31, 2024, all four capital ratios applicable to the Company were above regulatory minimum levels to be deemed “well capitalized” under current bank regulatory guidelines. The Company continues to believe that capital is adequate to support the risks inherent in the balance sheet, as well as growth requirements.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Neelesh Kalani
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    Phone (717) 510-7097
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)              
                   
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    Profitability for the period:              
    Net interest income $ 50,573     $ 26,018     $ 155,254     $ 104,906  
    Provision for credit losses   1,755       418       16,546       1,682  
    Noninterest income   11,247       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Noninterest expenses   42,930       22,392       148,337       83,843  
    Income before income tax expense   17,135       9,699       27,806       45,033  
    Income tax expense   3,451       2,056       5,756       9,370  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 13,684     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
                   
    Financial ratios:              
    Return on average assets (1)   1.00 %     1.00 %     0.51 %     1.19 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   1.22 %     1.13 %     1.30 %     1.22 %
    Return on average equity (1)   10.54 %     12.21 %     5.62 %     14.66 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   12.86 %     13.77 %     14.29 %     15.06 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.05 %     3.71 %     3.92 %     3.80 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.4 %     68.9 %     77.0 %     64.2 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2) (3)   62.3 %     65.6 %     62.5 %     63.4 %
    Income per common share:              
    Basic $ 0.72     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Basic, adjusted (2) (3) $ 0.87     $ 0.84     $ 3.80     $ 3.54  
    Diluted $ 0.71     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Diluted, adjusted (2) (3) $ 0.87     $ 0.83     $ 3.76     $ 3.51  
                   
    Average equity to average assets   9.45 %     8.18 %     9.08 %     8.11 %
                   
    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
    (2) Ratio has been adjusted for the non-recurring charges for all periods presented.
    (3) Non-GAAP based financial measure. Please refer to Appendix A – Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations for a discussion of our use of non-GAAP based financial measures, including tables reconciling GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures appearing herein.
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)      
    (continued)      
      December 31,   December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2023  
    At period-end:      
    Total assets $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   3,882,525       2,269,611  
    Loans held-for-sale, at fair value   6,614       5,816  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   829,711       513,519  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       2,558,814  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   141,227       147,285  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       32,093  
    Shareholders’ equity   516,682       265,056  
           
    Credit quality and capital ratios (1):      
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.24 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.61 %     1.11 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.45 %     0.83 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   202 %     112 %
    Total risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.4 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.4 %     12.8 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.3 %     8.9 %
    Orrstown Bank   9.1 %     9.5 %
           
    Book value per common share $ 26.65     $ 24.98  
           
    (1) Capital ratios are estimated for the current period, subject to regulatory filings. The Company elected the three-year phase in option for the day-one impact of ASU 2016-13 for current expected credit losses (“CECL”) to regulatory capital. Beginning in 2023, the Company adjusted retained earnings, allowance for credit losses includable in tier 2 capital and the deferred tax assets from temporary differences in risk weighted assets by the permitted percentage of the day-one impact from adopting the CECL standard.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)      
           
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 51,026     $ 32,586  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   187,282       32,575  
    Cash and cash equivalents   238,308       65,161  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,232       11,992  
    Securities available for sale (amortized cost of $864,920 and $549,089 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)   829,711       513,519  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   6,614       5,816  
    Loans   3,931,214       2,298,313  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses   (48,689 )     (28,702 )
    Net loans   3,882,525       2,269,611  
    Premises and equipment, net   50,217       29,393  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance   143,854       73,204  
    Goodwill   68,106       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   47,765       2,414  
    Accrued interest receivable   21,058       13,630  
    Deferred tax assets, net   42,647       22,017  
    Other assets   79,986       38,759  
    Total assets $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
           
    Liabilities      
    Deposits:      
    Noninterest-bearing $ 886,786     $ 430,959  
    Interest-bearing   3,728,920       2,127,855  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       2,558,814  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   25,863       9,785  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,364       137,500  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       32,093  
    Other liabilities   88,728       60,992  
    Total liabilities   4,914,341       2,799,184  
           
    Shareholders’ Equity      
    Preferred stock, $1.25 par value per share; 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding          
    Common stock, no par value—$0.05205 stated value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,722,640 shares issued and 19,389,967 outstanding at December 31, 2024; 11,204,599 shares issued and 10,612,390 outstanding at December 31, 2023   1,027       583  
    Additional paid—in capital   423,274       189,027  
    Retained earnings   126,540       117,667  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (26,316 )     (28,476 )
    Treasury stock— 332,673 and 592,209 shares, at cost at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   (7,843 )     (13,745 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,682       265,056  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest income                
    Loans   $ 67,870     $ 33,910     $ 210,287     $ 126,595  
    Investment securities – taxable     8,773       4,787       27,361       18,031  
    Investment securities – tax-exempt     880       871       3,521       3,462  
    Short-term investments     2,492       460       7,764       1,809  
    Total interest income     80,015       40,028       248,933       149,897  
    Interest expense                
    Deposits     26,850       12,118       84,234       37,510  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased     67       30       215       114  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings     1,165       1,358       4,945       5,350  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt     1,360       504       4,285       2,017  
    Total interest expense     29,442       14,010       93,679       44,991  
    Net interest income     50,573       26,018       155,254       104,906  
    Provision for credit losses     1,755       418       16,546       1,682  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     48,818       25,600       138,708       103,224  
    Noninterest income                
    Service charges     2,050       1,198       6,893       4,866  
    Interchange income     1,608       952       5,259       3,873  
    Swap fee income     597       588       1,676       1,039  
    Wealth management income     4,902       2,945       16,353       11,340  
    Mortgage banking activities     517       143       1,835       591  
    Investment securities (losses) gains     (5 )     (39 )     249       (47 )
    Other income     1,578       704       5,170       3,990  
    Total noninterest income     11,247       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Noninterest expenses                
    Salaries and employee benefits     22,444       12,848       76,581       50,983  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment     4,893       2,534       14,570       9,593  
    Data processing     1,540       1,247       6,088       4,913  
    Advertising and bank promotions     878       501       2,587       2,157  
    FDIC insurance     955       460       2,677       1,960  
    Professional services     1,591       702       4,142       2,905  
    Taxes other than income     (312 )     203       734       1,050  
    Intangible asset amortization     2,838       236       5,742       953  
    Merger-related expenses     3,887       1,059       22,671       1,059  
    Restructuring expenses     39             296        
    Other operating expenses     4,177       2,602       12,249       8,270  
    Total noninterest expenses     42,930       22,392       148,337       83,843  
    Income before income tax expense     17,135       9,699       27,806       45,033  
    Income tax expense     3,451       2,056       5,756       9,370  
    Net income   $ 13,684     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
    continued
                     
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Share information:                
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.72     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.71     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Dividends paid per share   $ 0.23     $ 0.20     $ 0.86     $ 0.80  
    Weighted average shares – basic     19,118       10,321       14,761       10,340  
    Weighted average shares – diluted     19,300       10,419       14,914       10,435  
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
         
      Three Months Ended
      12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
          Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-
      Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent
    (In thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
    Assets                                                          
    Federal funds sold & interest-bearing bank balances $ 199,236   $ 2,492     4.96 %   $ 184,465   $ 2,452     5.29 %   $ 142,868   $ 1,864     5.25 %   $ 74,523   $ 956     5.16 %   $ 37,873   $ 460     4.82 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   849,389     9,887     4.66       849,700     10,123     4.77       538,451     6,114     4.54       519,851     5,694     4.39       508,891     5,890     4.63  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)(6)   3,961,269     68,073     6.82       3,989,259     70,849     7.07       2,324,942     35,690     6.17       2,308,103     36,382     6.34       2,286,678     34,055     5.91  
    Total interest-earning assets   5,009,894     80,452     6.38       5,023,424     83,424     6.61       3,006,261     43,668     5.84       2,902,477     43,032     5.96       2,833,442     40,405     5.67  
    Other assets   454,271             491,719             204,863             196,295             204,382        
    Total assets $ 5,464,165           $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824        
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                                
    Interest-bearing demand deposits(7) $ 1,257,316     5,360     1.69     $ 2,554,743     16,165     2.52     $ 1,649,753     10,118     2.47     $ 1,570,622     9,192     2.35     $ 1,543,575     8,333     2.14  
    Savings deposits(7)   1,538,287     10,381     2.68       283,337     148     0.21       165,467     140     0.34       170,005     144     0.34       178,351     153     0.34  
    Time deposits   998,963     11,109     4.41       1,014,628     12,290     4.82       481,721     5,007     4.18       428,443     4,180     3.92       392,085     3,632     3.67  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,794,566     26,850     2.81       3,852,708     28,603     2.95       2,296,941     15,265     2.67       2,169,070     13,516     2.51       2,114,011     12,118     2.27  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   21,572     67     1.23       23,075     96     1.66       13,412     27     0.81       12,010     25     0.85       13,874     30     0.85  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,373     1,165     4.01       115,388     1,154     3.98       115,000     1,152     4.03       137,505     1,474     4.31       127,843     1,358     4.21  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,571     1,360     7.88       68,399     1,437     8.36       32,118     734     9.19       32,100     754     9.45       32,083     504     6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,000,082     29,442     2.92       4,059,570     31,290     3.07       2,457,471     17,178     2.81       2,350,685     15,769     2.70       2,287,811     14,010     2.43  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   849,999             807,886             423,037             417,469             441,695        
    Other liabilities   97,685             110,017             57,828             62,329             59,876        
    Total liabilities   4,947,766             4,977,473             2,938,336             2,830,483             2,789,382        
    Shareholders’ equity   516,399             537,670             272,788             268,289             248,442        
    Total $ 5,464,165           $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824        
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       51,010     3.46 %         52,134     3.55 %         26,490     3.02 %         27,263     3.26 %         26,395     3.24 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin         4.05 %           4.14 %           3.54 %           3.77 %           3.71 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (437 )             (437 )             (387 )             (382 )             (377 )    
    Net interest income     $ 50,573             $ 51,697             $ 26,103             $ 26,881             $ 26,018      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         125 %           124 %           122 %           123 %           124 %
                                                               
    NOTES:                                                          
    (1) Yields and interest income on tax-exempt assets have been computed on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate.
    (2) Average balance of investment securities is computed at fair value.
    (3) Average balances include nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Interest income on loans includes prepayment and late fees, where applicable.
    (5) Interest income on loans includes interest recovered of $1.6 million from the payoff of a commercial real estate loan on nonaccrual status in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
    (6) Interest income on loans includes accretion on purchase accounting marks of $7.6 million, $7.3 million, $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    (7) Changes between average deposit type balances are due to operational updates for deposit sweeps during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
    (continued)                      
      Twelve Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
          Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-
      Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent
    (In thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
    Assets                      
    Federal funds sold & interest-bearing bank balances $ 150,500     $ 7,764       5.14 %   $ 40,856     $ 1,809       4.43 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   690,223       31,817       4.60       520,465       22,414       4.31  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)(6)   3,150,425       210,994       6.68       2,239,574       127,107       5.68  
    Total interest-earning assets   3,991,148       250,575       6.26       2,800,895       151,330       5.40  
    Other assets   330,324               198,632          
    Total assets $ 4,321,472             $ 2,999,527          
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits(7) $ 1,147,124       21,455       1.87     $ 1,525,204       26,944       1.77  
    Savings deposits(7)   1,153,097       30,193       2.61       198,157       585       0.30  
    Time deposits   732,446       32,586       4.44       338,170       9,981       2.95  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,032,667       84,234       2.77       2,061,531       37,510       1.82  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   17,543       215       1.22       14,111       114       0.80  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   120,787       4,945       4.08       123,697       5,350       4.32  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   50,397       4,285       8.48       32,058       2,017       6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,221,394       93,679       2.91       2,231,397       44,991       2.02  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   625,714               470,349          
    Other liabilities   82,084               54,447          
    Total liabilities   3,929,192               2,756,193          
    Shareholders’ equity   392,280               243,334          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,321,472             $ 2,999,527          
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       156,896       3.36 %         106,339       3.39 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin           3.92 %             3.80 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (1,642 )             (1,433 )    
    Net interest income     $ 155,254             $ 104,906      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities           124 %             126 %
                           
    NOTES TO ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME:
    (1) Yields and interest income on tax-exempt assets have been computed on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate.
    (2) Average balance of investment securities is computed at fair value.
    (3) Average balances include nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Interest income on loans includes prepayment and late fees, where applicable.
    (5) Interest income on loans includes interest recovered of $1.6 million from the payoff of a commercial real estate loan on nonaccrual status for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.
    (6) Interest income on loans includes accretion on purchase accounting marks of $15.2 million and $0.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (7) Changes between average deposit type balances are due to operational updates for deposit sweeps during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.        
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
                       
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Profitability for the quarter:                  
    Net interest income $ 50,573     $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,018  
    Provision for credit losses   1,755       13,681       812       298       418  
    Noninterest income   11,247       12,386       7,172       6,630       6,491  
    Noninterest expenses   42,930       60,299       22,639       22,469       22,392  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   17,135       (9,897 )     9,824       10,744       9,699  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   3,451       (1,994 )     2,086       2,213       2,056  
    Net income (loss) $ 13,684     $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 7,643  
                       
    Financial ratios:                  
    Return on average assets (1)   1.00 %     (0.57) %     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.00 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   1.22 %     1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.13 %
    Return on average equity (1)   10.54 %     (5.85) %     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.21 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   12.86 %     15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.77 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.05 %     4.14 %     3.54 %     3.77 %     3.71 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.4 %     94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     68.9 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2)(3)   62.3 %     67.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.6 %
                       
    Per share information:                  
    Income (loss) per common share:                  
    Basic $ 0.72     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.74  
    Basic, adjusted (2)(3)   0.87       1.12       0.84       0.89       0.84  
    Diluted   0.71       (0.41 )     0.73       0.81       0.73  
    Diluted, adjusted (2)(3)   0.87       1.11       0.83       0.88       0.83  
    Book value   26.65       26.65       25.97       25.38       24.98  
    Book value, adjusted (2) (3)   28.40       28.24       26.12       25.44       25.07  
    Tangible book value (3)   21.19       21.12       24.08       23.47       23.03  
    Tangible book value, adjusted (2) (3)   22.94       22.72       24.23       23.53       23.12  
    Cash dividends paid   0.23       0.23       0.20       0.20       0.20  
                       
    Average basic shares   19,118       19,088       10,393       10,349       10,321  
    Average diluted shares   19,300       19,226       10,553       10,482       10,419  
                                           
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Ratio has been adjusted for non-recurring expenses for all periods presented.
    (3) Non-GAAP based financial measure. Please refer to Appendix A – Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations for a discussion of our use of non-GAAP based financial measures, including tables reconciling GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures appearing herein.
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.                
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Noninterest income:                  
    Service charges $ 2,050     $ 2,360     $ 1,283     $ 1,200     $ 1,198  
    Interchange income   1,608       1,779       961       911       952  
    Swap fee income   597       505       375       199       588  
    Wealth management income   4,902       5,037       3,312       3,102       2,945  
    Mortgage banking activities   517       491       369       458       143  
    Other income   1,578       1,943       884       765       704  
    Investment securities (losses) gains   (5 )     271       (12 )     (5 )     (39 )
    Total noninterest income $ 11,247     $ 12,386     $ 7,172     $ 6,630     $ 6,491  
                       
    Noninterest expenses:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 22,444     $ 27,190     $ 13,195     $ 13,752     $ 12,848  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment   4,893       4,333       2,705       2,639       2,534  
    Data processing   1,540       2,046       1,237       1,265       1,247  
    Advertising and bank promotions   878       537       774       398       501  
    FDIC insurance   955       862       419       441       460  
    Professional services   1,591       1,119       801       631       702  
    Taxes other than income   (312 )     503       49       494       203  
    Intangible asset amortization   2,838       2,464       215       225       236  
    Merger-related expenses   3,887       16,977       1,135       672       1,059  
    Restructuring expenses   39       257                    
    Other operating expenses   4,177       4,011       2,109       1,952       2,602  
    Total noninterest expenses $ 42,930     $ 60,299     $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,392  
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Balance Sheet at quarter end:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 238,308     $ 236,780     $ 132,509     $ 182,722     $ 65,161  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,232       20,247       11,147       11,453       11,992  
    Securities available for sale   829,711       826,828       529,082       514,909       513,519  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   6,614       3,561       1,562       535       5,816  
    Loans:                  
    Commercial real estate:                  
    Owner occupied   633,567       622,726       371,301       364,280       373,757  
    Non-owner occupied   1,160,238       1,164,501       710,477       707,871       694,638  
    Multi-family   274,135       276,296       151,542       147,773       150,675  
    Non-owner occupied residential   179,512       190,786       89,156       91,858       95,040  
    Agricultural   125,156       129,486       25,551       25,909       26,847  
    Commercial and industrial   451,384       471,983       349,425       339,615       340,238  
    Acquisition and development:                  
    1-4 family residential construction   47,432       56,383       32,439       22,277       24,516  
    Commercial and land development   241,424       262,317       129,883       118,010       115,249  
    Municipal   30,044       27,960       10,594       10,925       9,812  
    Total commercial loans   3,142,892       3,202,438       1,870,368       1,828,518       1,830,772  
    Residential mortgage:                  
    First lien   460,297       451,195       271,153       270,748       266,239  
    Home equity – term   5,988       6,508       4,633       4,966       5,078  
    Home equity – lines of credit   303,561       303,165       192,736       189,966       186,450  
    Installment and other loans   18,476       18,131       8,713       8,875       9,774  
    Total loans   3,931,214       3,981,437       2,347,603       2,303,073       2,298,313  
    Allowance for credit losses   (48,689 )     (49,630 )     (29,864 )     (29,165 )     (28,702 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,882,525       3,931,807       2,317,739       2,273,908       2,269,611  
    Goodwill   68,106       70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   47,765       46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414  
    Total assets   5,431,023       5,470,589       3,198,782       3,183,331       3,064,240  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       4,650,853       2,702,884       2,695,951       2,558,814  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   141,227       137,310       129,625       127,099       147,285  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       68,510       32,128       32,111       32,093  
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,682       516,206       278,376       271,682       265,056  
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Capital and credit quality measures (1):                  
    Total risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.4 %     12.4 %     13.3 %     13.4 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.4 %     12.2 %     13.1 %     13.1 %     12.8 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.2 %     10.0 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.0 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     9.8 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.0 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.3 %     8.0 %     8.9 %     9.0 %     8.9 %
    Orrstown Bank   9.1 %     8.8 %     9.5 %     9.6 %     9.5 %
                       
    Average equity to average assets   9.45 %     9.75 %     8.50 %     8.66 %     8.18 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.24 %     1.25 %     1.27 %     1.27 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.61 %     0.68 %     0.36 %     0.56 %     1.11 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.45 %     0.49 %     0.26 %     0.40 %     0.83 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   202 %     184 %     357 %     226 %     112 %
                       
    Other information:                  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 3,002     $ 269     $ 113     $ (42 )   $ (6 )
    Classified loans   88,628       105,465       48,722       48,997       55,030  
    Nonperforming and other risk assets:                  
    Nonaccrual loans   24,111       26,927       8,363       12,886       25,527  
    Other real estate owned   138       138                    
    Total nonperforming assets   24,249       27,065       8,363       12,886       25,527  
    Financial difficulty modifications still accruing   4,897       9,497                   9  
    Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing   641       337       187       99       66  
    Total nonperforming and other risk assets $ 29,787     $ 36,899     $ 8,550     $ 12,985     $ 25,602  
     
    (1) Capital ratios are estimated for the current period, subject to regulatory filings. The Company elected the three-year phase in option for the day-one impact of ASU 2016-13 for current expected credit losses (“CECL”) to regulatory capital. Beginning in 2023, the Company adjusted retained earnings, allowance for credit losses includable in tier 2 capital and the deferred tax assets from temporary differences in risk weighted assets by the permitted percentage of the day-one impact from adopting the new CECL standard.


    Appendix A – Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Management believes providing certain other “non-GAAP” financial information will assist investors in their understanding of the effect on recent financial results from non-recurring charges.

    As a result of acquisitions, the Company has intangible assets consisting of goodwill, core deposit and other intangible assets, which totaled $115.9 million and $21.1 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. In addition, during the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $3.9 million, $17.0 million, $1.1 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million in merger-related expenses, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the Company incurred other non-recurring charges totaling $0.5 million and $20.2 million, respectively.

    Tangible book value per common share and the impact of the non-recurring expenses on net income and associated ratios, as used by the Company in this earnings release, are determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). While we believe this information is a useful supplement to GAAP based measures presented in this earnings release, readers are cautioned that this non-GAAP disclosure has limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results and financial condition as reported under GAAP, nor are such measures necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. This supplemental presentation should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by similar adjustments to be determined in accordance with GAAP.

    The following tables present the computation of each non-GAAP based measure:

    (In thousands)

    Tangible Book Value per Common Share   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Shareholders’ equity (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 516,682     $ 516,206     $ 278,376     $ 271,682     $ 265,056  
    Less: Goodwill     68,106       70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets     47,765       46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414  
    Related tax effect     (10,031 )     (9,690 )     (415 )     (460 )     (507 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 410,842     $ 409,097     $ 258,093     $ 251,229     $ 244,425  
                         
    Common shares outstanding     19,390       19,373       10,720       10,705       10,612  
                         
    Book value per share (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 26.65     $ 26.65     $ 25.97     $ 25.38     $ 24.98  
    Intangible assets per share     5.46       5.53       1.89       1.91       1.95  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 21.19     $ 21.12     $ 24.08     $ 23.47     $ 23.03  
    (In thousands) Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    Adjusted Ratios for Non-recurring Charges December 31,
    2024
      September 30, 2024   June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Net income (loss) (A) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 13,684     $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
    Plus: Merger-related expenses (B)   3,887       16,977       1,135       672       1,059       22,671       1,059  
    Plus: Executive retirement expenses (B)   35       4,758                         4,793        
    Plus: Provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans (B)         15,504                         15,504        
    Plus: Provision for legal settlement (B)   478                               478        
    Less: Related tax effect (C)   (1,386 )     (7,915 )     (139 )     (1 )     (79 )     (9,442 )     (79 )
    Adjusted net income (D=A+B-C) – Non-GAAP $ 16,698     $ 21,421     $ 8,734     $ 9,202     $ 8,623     $ 56,054     $ 36,643  
                               
    Average assets (E) $ 5,464,165     $ 5,515,143     $ 3,211,124     $ 3,098,772     $ 3,037,824     $ 4,321,472     $ 2,999,527  
    Return on average assets (= A / E) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1)   1.00 %      (0.57) %     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.00 %     0.51 %     1.19 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (= D / E) – Non-GAAP (1)   1.22 %     1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.13 %     1.30 %     1.22 %
                               
    Average equity (F) $ 516,399     $ 537,670     $ 272,788     $ 268,289     $ 248,442     $ 392,280     $ 243,334  
    Return on average equity (= A / F) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1)   10.54 %     (5.85) %     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.21 %     5.62 %     14.66 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (= D / F) – Non-GAAP (1)   12.86 %     15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.77 %     14.29 %     15.06 %
                               
    Weighted average shares – basic (G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,118       19,088       10,393       10,349       10,321       14,761       10,340  
    Basic earnings (loss) per share (= A / G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 0.72     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Basic earnings per share, adjusted (= D / G) – Non-GAAP $ 0.87     $ 1.12     $ 0.84     $ 0.89     $ 0.84     $ 3.80     $ 3.54  
                               
    Weighted average shares – diluted (H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,300       19,226       10,553       10,482       10,419       14,914       10,435  
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share (= A / H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 0.71     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.73     $ 0.81     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Diluted earnings per share, adjusted (= D / H) – Non-GAAP $ 0.87     $ 1.11     $ 0.83     $ 0.88     $ 0.83     $ 3.76     $ 3.51  
                               
    continued
    (1) Annualized                          
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30, 2024   June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Noninterest expense (I) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 42,930     $ 60,299     $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,392     $ 148,337     $ 83,843  
    Less: Merger-related expenses (B)   (3,887 )     (16,977 )     (1,135 )     (672 )     (1,059 )     (22,671 )     (1,059 )
    Less: Executive retirement expenses (B)   (35 )     (4,758 )                       (4,793 )      
    Less: Provision for legal settlement (B)   (478 )                             (478 )      
    Adjusted noninterest expense (J = I – B) – Non-GAAP $ 38,531     $ 38,564     $ 21,504     $ 21,797     $ 21,333     $ 120,396     $ 82,784  
                               
    Net interest income (K) $ 50,573     $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,018     $ 155,254     $ 104,906  
    Noninterest income (L)   11,247       12,386       7,172       6,630       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Total operating income (M = K + L) $ 61,820     $ 64,083     $ 33,275     $ 33,511     $ 32,509     $ 192,689     $ 130,558  
                               
    Efficiency ratio (= I / M) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   69.4 %     94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     68.9 %     77.0 %     64.2 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (= J / M) – Non-GAAP   62.3 %     60.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.6 %     62.5 %     63.4 %
                               
    (1) Annualized                          


    Appendix B – Investment Portfolio Concentrations

    The following table summarizes the credit ratings and collateral associated with the Company’s investment security portfolio, excluding equity securities, at December 31, 2024:

    (In thousands)

    Sector Portfolio
    Mix
      Amortized
    Book
      Fair Value   Credit Enhancement   AAA   AA   A   BBB   NR   Collateral / Guarantee Type
    Unsecured ABS %   $ 3,073   $ 2,854   27 %   %   %   %   %   100 %   Unsecured Consumer Debt
    Student Loan ABS 1       4,060     4,035   27                     100     Seasoned Student Loans
    Federal Family Education Loan ABS 9       80,121     80,063   11     7     81         12         Federal Family Education Loan (1)
    PACE Loan ABS       1,985     1,727   7     100                     PACE Loans (2)
    Non-Agency CMBS 2       15,920     15,901   27                     100      
    Non-Agency RMBS 2       16,555     14,528   16     100                     Reverse Mortgages (3)
    Municipal – General Obligation 12       99,515     90,767       11     82     7              
    Municipal – Revenue 14       120,903     109,261           82     12         6      
    SBA ReRemic (5)       2,283     2,278           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Small Business Administration 1       5,926     6,263           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Agency MBS 19       160,027     155,778           100                 Residential Mortgages (4)
    Agency CMO 38       332,380     326,045           100                  
    U.S. Treasury securities 2       20,043     18,063           100                 U.S. Government Guarantee (4)
    Corporate bonds       1,935     1,954               52     48          
      100 %   $ 864,726   $ 829,517       4 %   89 %   3 %   1 %   3 %    
                                           
    (1) 97% guaranteed by U.S. government
    (2) PACE acronym represents Property Assessed Clean Energy loans
    (3) Non-agency reverse mortgages with current structural credit enhancements
    (4) Guaranteed by U.S. government or U.S. government agencies
    (5) SBA ReRemic acronym represents Re-Securitization of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
                                           
    Note: Ratings in table are the lowest of the six rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, Morningstar, DBRS and Kroll Bond Rating Agency). Standard & Poor’s rates U.S. government obligations at AA+.


    About the Company

    With $5.4 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes adjacent counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as Loudon County, Virginia and Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan Counties, West Virginia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on Nasdaq (ORRF). For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and the Company’s financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates, predictions or projections about events or the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and there can be no assurances that the Company will achieve the desired level of new business development and new loans, growth in the balance sheet and fee-based revenue lines of business, cost savings initiatives and continued reductions in risk assets or mitigation of losses in the future. Factors which could cause the actual results of the Company’s operations to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions (including inflation and concerns about liquidity) on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates; ineffectiveness of the Company’s strategic growth plan due to changes in current or future market conditions; changes in interest rates; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the effects of competition and how it may impact our community banking model, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; changes in consumer behavior due to changing political, business and economic conditions, or legislative or regulatory initiatives; changes in laws and regulations; changes in credit quality; inability to raise capital, if necessary, under favorable conditions; volatility in the securities markets; the demand for our products and services; deteriorating economic conditions; geopolitical tensions; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity incidents, fraud, natural disasters and future pandemics; expenses associated with litigation and legal proceedings; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the merger with Codorus (the “Merger”) are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the Merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated; the possibility that revenues following the Merger may be lower than expected; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the Merger; the ability to complete the integration of the two companies successfully; the dilution caused by the Company’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the Merger; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in subsequent filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materializes, or if the Company’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what the Company anticipates. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict those events or how they may affect it. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf may issue.

    The review period for subsequent events extends up to and includes the filing date of a public company’s financial statements, when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the consolidated financial information presented in this announcement is subject to change. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers in this document are used for illustrative purposes only and are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lending and Deposit Rates of Scheduled Commercial Banks – January 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Data on lending and deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding regional rural banks and small finance banks) received during January 2025 are set out in Tables 1 to 7.

    Highlights:

    Lending Rates:

    • The weighted average lending rate (WALR) on fresh rupee loans of SCBs declined to 9.25 per cent in December 2024 from 9.40 per cent in November 2024.

    • The WALR on outstanding rupee loans of SCBs moderated to 9.87 per cent in December 2024 from 9.89 per cent in November 2024.1

    • 1-Year median Marginal Cost of fund-based Lending Rate (MCLR) of SCBs remained unchanged at 9.00 per cent in January 2025.

    Deposit Rates:

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on fresh rupee term deposits of SCBs stood at 6.57 per cent in December 2024 as compared to 6.46 per cent in November 2024.

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on outstanding rupee term deposits of SCBs was 7.00 per cent in December 2024 (6.98 per cent in November 2024).1

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2060


    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated January 20, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹65 lakh (Rupees Sixty Five Lakh only) on Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Levy of Foreclosure Charges/Pre-payment Penalty on Floating Rate Term Loans’ and ‘Credit Flow to Agriculture – Collateral free agricultural loans’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with RBI directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank:

    1. levied foreclosure charges on certain floating rate term loans sanctioned to individual borrowers for purposes other than business; and

    2. obtained collateral security for certain agricultural loans amounting up to ₹1.6 lakh.

    This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2061

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on India Post Payments Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated January 15, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹26.70 lakh (Rupees Twenty Six Lakh Seventy Thousand only) on India Post Payments Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Customer Service in Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with RBI directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank upgraded certain Savings Bank accounts without obtaining customers’ consent (in writing or through any other mode) and also levied annual charges after upgradation of those accounts.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2062

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Polish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Poland holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of June 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    On 23 January, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister of Climate and Environment, highlighted the need for climate adaptation measures, combating climate disinformation, and to advance key legislative files such as the waste framework directive on textiles and food, the European soil monitoring law, and the “One Substance, One Assessment” chemicals package. The Presidency also plans to secure agreement with Parliament on plastic pellet losses, water pollutants, and detergents rules.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s stance on the new emissions trading system ETS II, the 2040 emissions target, renewable energy, and soil monitoring. They also debated the impact of climate regulations on competitiveness, and raised concerns about agricultural pollution and the role of genomic technologies.

    Security and defence

    On 27 January, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence Paweł Zalewski said the Presidency’s first priority is to strengthen EU support for Ukraine by using all the tools at the EU’s disposal, including the European Peace Facility and the profits from frozen Russian assets or loans guaranteed from Moscow. He also highlighted the need to reinforce the EU’s defence industries by ensuring adequate financing as well as deepening EU-U.S. cooperation, including between the EU and NATO.

    MEPs quizzed Mr Zalewski on several issues, including the EU’s role in possible future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, developing an EU defence pillar, reforming the EU Investment Bank to allow for more investment in the defence sector and establishing viable “European champions” (i.e. large corporations) in the defence sector.

    Women’s rights and gender equality

    On 28 January, Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula emphasised enhancing digital security for women and girls, particularly in the context of the rapid development of AI, as a Presidency priority. She pledged to follow up on the Digital Services Act to make sure that AI accelerates rather than undermines gender equality. The Presidency is also determined to advance the work on the Anti-discrimination Directive.

    MEPS welcomed her commitment on strengthening the digital protection of women and girls, particularly concerning deepfakes, revenge porn and hate speech. They also raised women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, the protection of LGBTQI+ communities, the challenges faced by ageing women and the prospect for an EU-wide definition of rape including the notion of consent.

    Internal market and consumer protection

    On 28 January, Economic Development and Technology Minister Krzysztof Paszyk focused on the need to eliminate the remaining barriers in the single market, as well as highlighting issues around security, competitiveness, and reducing red tape. The Presidency will look for a compromise on the e-declaration of posted workers file, on late payments, and on the travel package proposals. They will also, he said, try to reach political agreements on toy safety, the Green Claims Directive and on the alternative dispute resolution file.

    On digital policy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Digitalisation Dariusz Standerski outlined plans for an informal meeting on cybersecurity to focus on defence, the application of the Artificial Intelligence Act, and new initiatives on AI factories and the “AI Apply Strategy”. On customs, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Finance Małgorzata Krok stated the Presidency’s intention was to reach a common position in the Council on the reform of the Union Customs Code.

    MEPs asked about reducing reporting obligations, e-declarations of posted workers, the implementation of digital services act and the AI Act, including in the context of EU-US relations. Several members wanted to hear more about cutting red tape, unblocking progress on late payments, and the need for an AI liability act. Questions also focused on issues around unfair trading practices, single market on defence and climate disinformation.

    Fisheries

    On 28 January, Jacek Czerniak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which includes fisheries, identified improving EU fisheries competitiveness and defending EU interests in regional fisheries organisations and international agreements as Presidency priorities. Poland will also launch discussions on the review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and start negotiations to introduce measures against non-EU countries that allow unsustainable fishing practices.

    MEPs questioned Mr Czerniak on addressing the critical state of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, in addition to issues of security and reducing the complexity of regulations. Others supported a reform of the CFP to better balance the interests of the fishery sector with the EU’s environmental goals. MEPs also argued that trade policies should be aligned with fisheries policies.

    Employment and social affairs

    On 28 January, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk and Minister of Senior Policy Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz said the Presidency would focus on the future of employment in the digital transformation, a Europe of equality, cohesion and inclusion, and the challenges prompted by the EU’s aging population.

    MEPs quizzed the ministers on their plans for the regulation on the coordination of social security systems, emphasising the importance of finalising negotiations on the file. They also raised the impact of AI in the workplace, and the importance of addressing demographic issues in the EU. MEPs also raised the importance of social dialogue, upcoming negotiations on European Work Councils, and the expected Commission initiative on the “Right to Disconnect”.

    Transport and tourism

    On 29 January, Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, said the Presidency will focus on resilience and competitiveness in the transport sector, the protection of transport operators, dual use infrastructure, and military mobility. He committed to reaching a deal with Parliament on new railway infrastructure, road and maritime safety rules as well advancing negotiations on air passenger rights rules that have been stalled in the Council since 2013. Piotr Borys, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism added that the Presidency will focus on making Europe a safe and more popular destination for tourism despite Russia’s war in Ukraine and the challenges posed by climate change.

    MEPs asked the Presidency to secure adequate financing for transport policies within the next EU long-term budget, and want them to secure a Council position on the maximum weights and dimensions directive, and address labour shortages and working conditions in all transport modes. Completing Trans-European transport networks, developing high speed rail, and ensuring connectivity for Europe’s islands were also raised.

    Constitutional affairs

    On 29 January, Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka said the Presidency wants to promote institutional reforms, stressing at the same time that EU Treaties could prove difficult to revise. The Presidency wants to complete work on the new rules on European political parties and foundations and the electoral rights of mobile citizens. They will work on the transparency of interest representation and on the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights.

    Most MEPs asked questions about the need to reform the EU’s institutional architecture, especially in light of imminent enlargement, with many of them highlighting the need to overcome what they saw as the obstacle of unanimity in key policy areas either through Treaty revision or using existing rules. Some called for progress on Parliament’s right of initiative, its right of inquiry, and rules on European elections.

    Agriculture and Rural Development

    On 29 January, Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the Council will discuss the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027. The Presidency wants to simplify the green architecture of the CAP and assess the impact of current EU trade agreements on agriculture.

    Questions from MEPs focused on ensuring fair income for farmers and adapting the CAP to the future enlargement of the EU. A number of MEPs also asked about the position of the Presidency on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and stressed the need to invest in European food sovereignty.

    International trade

    On 29 January, Krzysztof Paszyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, said the Presidency will continue working on ambitious, sustainable and mutually profitable trade agreements. He hopes to finalise the legislation on the screening of foreign direct investment and resume talks on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, the EU’s preferential trade arrangement with developing countries. On Ukraine, Mr Paszyk said support for Ukraine remains steadfast, while the Presidency prefers not to extend the current temporary trade liberalisation measures with the country, but rather reach a new agreement.

    MEPs asked about possible timelines for the adoption of trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico, possible shift in US trade policy as well as on trade with Ukraine and safeguards for the agricultural market. Some MEPs argued that GSP should not be a migration tool, others demanded a clear link between migration and the scheme.

    Industry, Research and Energy

    On 29 January, Minister of Economics, Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk said the Presidency’s priorities include boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness with a new instrument and advancing the Clean Industry Act to support businesses, address high energy prices, and cut red tape and tax burdens for SMEs. They also plan to maximize the use of spaceimaging and AI algorithms for crisis management, and improve cooperation during natural disasters.

    During the debate, MEPs stressed the need to support innovative businesses through a unified capital market, and to combine environmental policies with industrial policies to achieve the ecological transition. Others focused on the importance of transatlantic relations and the need to secure European tech sovereignty.

    Dariusz Stenderski, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Digital Affairs, said that his key focus areas would be cyber security, with a revised blueprint for coordinated EU response to cyber attacks and an informal Council on its civilian and military aspects.He also referred to the boosting of AI development through shared investment and simplified rules to support startups.

    On 30 January Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, outlined three main focus areas: openness and inclusivity, synergies between EU and national programs, and AI and science.He stressed the need to develop EU cooperation networks without losing top talents, and the value of synergies between EU and national research programs.

    MEPs called for the full implementation of the 5G toolbox and for the simplification of administrative procedures to foster innovation. Others highlighted the need to improve EU cooperation in research and innovation, retain top talent, and ensure an inclusive access to funds. The discussions also covered the need for ethical standards in AI, a strong support for scientists, as well as academic freedom and the free flow of scientific knowledge.

    Culture, Education, Youth and Sport

    On 30 January, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said the Presidency wants to include young people – as part of a new cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue – in EU-level debates and projects to strengthen EU values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, thereby making them more resilient against the risk of disinformation and manipulation. Providing better support to teachers is also a priority, she said, and EU education ministers will gather in May to discuss what they can do to improve this.

    The Presidency wants to advance work on the “European degree” – a degree awarded jointly by several universities in different EU countries – by adopting a roadmap to implement it. A European quality assurance system to guarantee trust among universities and improve the recognition of higher education diplomas will also be discussed, Minister of Science and High Education Marcin Kulasek said.

    Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska said the Presidency will present proposals to support young artists and creators, and will launch discussions on the future of the Creative Europe programme beyond 2027. Audiovisual and intellectual property rights, security and AI, and a possible revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive are also among the Presidency’s priorities, she said.

    Piotr Borys, Secretary of State of Sport, will focus on pushing EU countries to better promote sport in schools, address mental health, and adopt a common methodology to gather statistics on sport.

    MEPs questioned the ministers on countering Russian disinformation under the European Media Freedom Act, as well as on delays in the creation of the European degree, pleading for EU-wide recognition of diplomas, including Erasmus+ and vocational education training. MEPs also raised concerns about possible reductions in Erasmus+ funding, which ensures the financial sustainability of the European Education Area, which in turn is essential for the “Union of Skills”.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Aptus Finance India Private Limited, Chennai

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated January 20, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹3.10 lakh (Rupees Three Lakh Ten Thousand only) on Aptus Finance India Private Limited (the company) for non-compliance with certain provisions of the ‘Non-Banking Financial Company – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016’ issued by RBI, relating to ‘Governance Issues’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 58G read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of Section 58B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

    The correspondence pertaining to the intimation of appointment of a director revealed, inter alia, non-compliance with RBI directions. Based on the same, a notice was issued to the company advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the company’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the company was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The company failed to take prior written permission of the RBI for effecting change in management, resulting in change of more than 30 per cent of its directors, excluding independent directors.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the company. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the company.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2057

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monthly Data on India’s International Trade in Services for the Month of December 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The value of exports and imports of services during December 2024 is given in the following table.

    International Trade in Services
    (US$ million)
    Month Receipts (Exports) Payments (Imports)
    October – 2024 34,309
    (22.3)
    17,215
    (27.9)
    November – 2024 32,014
    (13.9)
    17,229
    (26.0)
    December – 2024 36,857
    (16.5)
    17,781
    (13.8)
    Notes: (i) Figures in parentheses are growth rates over the corresponding month of the previous year which have been revised on the basis of balance of payments statistics.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2058

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Data on India’s Invisibles for Second Quarter (July-September) 2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank today released data on India’s invisibles as per the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) format for July-September of 2024-25.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2059

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Honorary King’s Counsel welcomed by Lord Chancellor

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    His Majesty The King has approved the award of 9 new Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa) in England and Wales.

    His Majesty The King has approved the award of nine new Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa). Their biographies are listed below. Honorary KC is awarded to those who have made a major contribution to the law of England and Wales, outside practice in the courts. 

    The Lord Chancellor will preside over the award ceremony at Westminster Hall in March 2025, where she will formally award the Honorary KC to the successful nominees. 

    Honorary King’s Counsel biographies 

    Professor Martin Dixon  

    Professor Dixon is a legal scholar specialising in real property law. He is the Professor of the Law of Real Property at the University of Cambridge, where he is also Director of the Cambridge Centre for Property Law (CCPL) and a Fellow of Queens’ College. 

    He was nominated for his work on property law through his scholarship, co-authorship of leading practitioner texts, and participation in Law Commission projects. Additionally, for his co-founding of the Modern Studies in Property Law Conference and for his Editorship of The Conveyancer. 

    Rebecca Hilsenrath 

    Rebecca Hilsenrath is a lawyer and public servant with a career spanning corporate law, human rights, and strategic leadership. Currently the interim Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), she has served as Chief Executive of the PHSO, Legal Adviser to the Attorney General, and Chief Executive of LawWorks. Previously, she was the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), where she championed equality and tackled human rights issues.   

    She was nominated for her efforts in promoting diversity in panel counsel appointments for the government and at the EHRC, increasing pro bono contributions in the legal sector, and leading international legal engagement in equality and human rights. 

    Rachel Horman-Brown 

    Rachel Horman-Brown is a solicitor focused on cases involving domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, and forced marriage. As Director, she leads the Family Department at Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors. She is also the Chair of Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy Service.   

    She was nominated for her campaigning for policy and legislative changes around stalking, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls. In addition, for her work with Paladin, where she shaped legislation, including for the creation of coercive control as a specific criminal offence. She has also provided evidence to parliamentary committees and advisory groups, thereby influencing police practices and approaches to trauma. 

    Dr Laura Janes  

    Dr Laura Janes is a solicitor specialising in complex cases involving people detained in the criminal justice and mental health systems. As Legal Director at the Howard League for Penal Reform from 2016 to 2022, she led a legal service for young people in custody and spearheaded challenges against practices such as solitary confinement. She is a consultant solicitor at GT Stewart Solicitors and Scott-Moncrieff and Associates. Laura Janes is an advocate for access to justice, having founded Young Legal Aid Lawyers and held leadership roles in several legal organisations. She holds a professional doctorate in youth justice and teaches law at London South Bank University.  

    She was nominated for her contributions to the legal profession promoting access to justice, her work to drive policy changes, representing vulnerable individuals in prison, advocating for the rights of children and young people in custody and reforms to the IPP sentence.   

    Susanna McGibbon  

    Susanna McGibbon is an employed barrister and the current Treasury Solicitor, HM Procurator General and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department (GLD). As the most senior Civil Service lawyer she is head of the Government Legal Profession. Her previous roles include serving as Director of GLD Litigation Group, Legal Director at the Department for Communities and Local Government and Legal Director at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. She is a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn and this year holds the office of Keeper of the Walks. 

    Ms McGibbon was nominated for her legal advice on complex and sensitive issues within government especially in public and administrative law and national security. Also, for her leadership in a range of high-profile cases and inquiries and for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.   

    Professor Renato Nazzini  

    Professor Nazzini is a legal scholar focusing on competition law, commercial arbitration, and construction law. He is the Director of the Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London and a partner at LMS Legal LLP.   

    He was nominated for his contributions to competition law by developing policies on collective actions and abuse of dominance, influencing the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the 2008 European Commission Guidance on Article 102. He has also contributed to construction law, including by leading the Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London, producing reports on construction adjudication and promoting diversity within the field.    

    Susan Willman  

    Susan Willman (known as Sue Willman) is a solicitor specialising in public interest litigation, focusing on human rights, environmental justice, and migrants’ rights. She is a senior consultant at legal aid firm, Deighton Pierce Glynn, and has led cases addressing systemic social and environmental injustices. She is also employed by the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College, London as a Senior Lecturer, and Assistant Director of the King’s Legal Clinic. She has held key leadership roles, including Chair of the Law Society Human Rights Committee.    

    She was nominated for founding the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP), providing free representation to destitute asylum-seekers. As well as for publishing articles, authoring a series of textbooks on asylum support, and advising a parliamentary committee on an inquiry to drive legislative reforms. 

    Douglas Wilson OBE 

    Douglas Wilson is a government lawyer currently serving as Director General and Head of the Attorney General’s Office. He has previously held positions such as Director of Legal Affairs and International Relations at GCHQ, Legal Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and has served in legal and diplomatic roles at UK posts overseas. 

    He was nominated for advising on issues such as Brexit, military operations, and intelligence cooperation, which shaped the law on the use of military force, cyberspace, and investigatory powers. Furthermore, he has promoted effective and inclusive legal practice within government.  

    Professor Adrian Zuckerman 

    Professor Zuckerman is a scholar in civil procedure and evidence law. He is Emeritus Professor of Civil Procedure at the University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of University College, Oxford. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Civil Justice Quarterly and a Consultant Editor of Halsbury’s Laws of England. 

    Professor Zuckerman is a prominent commentator on the administration of civil justice. He has influenced legislative policy and judicial practice, notably through contributions to the Woolf Report on Access to Justice, and the Jackson Review of Civil Litigation Costs. He has campaigned for improving access to court and for making justice available to all at proportionate cost. His work on criminal evidence refocused evidence scholarship around fundamental normative principles. 

    He was nominated for his contributions to the Civil Procedure Rules in England and Wales. His academic work, particularly “Zuckerman on Civil Procedure,” is cited in courts across the common law world. 

    Further information 

    Honorary KC is awarded by HM The King, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor is advised by a selection panel of senior representatives from across the legal sector, civil service, judiciary, and academia. More information about the purpose of the award can be found on GOV.UK. 

    For further information, please contact the Ministry of Justice press office. Follow us @MoJGovUK. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Interim report for Q1 of 2024/25 (the period 01.10.2024 – 31.12.2024)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nørresundby, Denmark, 31 January 2025
    Announcement no. 03/2025

    Q1 DELIVERS IMPROVED REVENUE AND GROSS MARGIN COMPARED TO Q1 LAST YEAR.

    “We observed a significant increase in both revenue and gross margin in Q1 2024/25 compared to Q1 2023/24. Historically, Q1 is the lowest-performing quarter for RTX, as many customers reduce inventories to manage year-end working capital.

    In Q1 2024/25, revenue reached DKK 101 million, with a gross margin of 51%, aligning with both our expectations and the previous quarter’s performance. While maintaining strong gross margins across segments, we remain focused on driving revenue growth.

    Order intake increased in this quarter, which is an encouraging development. With short lead times on orders, our visibility for the full year remains limited. However, the first half of the financial year is expected to show an increase in both revenue and EBITDA compared to last year.”

    Mille Tram Lux

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Revenue in Q1 2024/25 showed an increase of more than 20% compared to Q1 last year, reaching DKK 101 million compared to DKK 82 million in Q1 2023-24.
    • Gross margin reached a solid level of 51% for Q1 2024/25 compared to 39% in Q1 2023/24.
    • Q1 2024/25 showed an increase in new orders compared to previous quarter, however still with order horizons of 3-6 months.
    • Contract signed with Henrik Mørck Mogensen, who will take on the role as CEO of RTX from 1st of March 2025.

    OUTLOOK
    RTX confirms the previously announced financial outlook for 2024/25:

    • Revenue DKK 490 to 520 million
    • EBITDA DKK 0 to 20 million
    • EBIT DKK -35 to -15 million

    RTX A/S

    PETER THOSTRUP        MILLE TRAM LUX
    Chair                                CFO

    Investor and analyst conference call
    On Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 10:00 CET, RTX will hold a conference call for investors and analysts hosted by Danske Bank.

    To register for the conference call, please e-mail vonh@danskebank.dk.

    Enquiries and further information:
    Peter Thostrup, Chair, tel +45 96 32 23 00
    Mille Tram Lux, CFO, tel +45 96 32 23 00

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Banco Santander-Chile Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banco Santander Chile (NYSE: BSAC; SSE: Bsantander) announced today its results1 for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024, and fourth quarter 2024 (4Q24).

    Strong Financial Performance with ROAE2of 26.0% in 4Q243and 20.2% in 12M244.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s net income attributable to shareholders totaled $858 billion ($4.55 per share and US$1.83 per ADR), marking a 72.8% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and with an ROAE of 20.2%.

    In 4Q24, net income attributable to shareholders of the Bank totaled $277 billion, increasing 13.7% in the quarter with a quarterly ROAE of 26.0%. This marks the third consecutive quarter with an ROAE above 20%.

    The improvement in results is explained by an increase in the Bank’s main revenue lines. Operating income increased by 34.5% YoY, supported by a stronger interest margin and readjustments.

    Robust NIM5recovery, reaching 3.6% in 2024 and 4.2% in 4Q24.

    Net interest and readjustment income (NII) for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by 62.1% compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily due to higher net interest income, resulting from a lower monetary policy rate that reduced our funding costs from 6.8% to 4.7% in 12M24. This was partially offset by lower readjustment income due to a smaller variation in the UF compared to the previous year. Consequently, the NIM improved from 2.2% in 2023 to 3.6% in 2024, and further to 4.2% in 4Q24.

    Continued Expansion of Customer Base with a 6.4% YoY Increase in Total Customers and a 5.9% YoY Increase in Digital Customers

    Our strategy to enhance digital products has led to a continued growth in our customer base reaching approximately 4.3 million customers, with over 2.2 million digital customers (88% of our active customers).

    The Bank’s market share in current accounts remains robust at 23.2% as of October 2024, driven by increased customer demand for US dollar current accounts which can be easily opened digitally by our customers. It also demonstrates the success of Getnet’s strategy in encouraging cross-selling of other products such as the Cuenta Pyme Life.

    Customer funds increased 4.7% QoQ and 12.6% since December 2023.

    Customer funds (demand deposits, time deposits and mutual funds) increased by 4.7% QoQ and 12.6% from December 2023, reflecting client growth and fund accumulation. The Bank’s total deposits increased by 5.7% from December 31, 2023, explained by the 5.3% increase in demand deposits and the 6.0% increase in time deposits. In the quarter, total deposits grew by 5.9%, with demand deposits up by 8.7% and time deposits by 3.7%. The strong growth in the quarter is explained by the seasonality of deposits at the end of the year, especially among corporate clients.

    Our customer’s investments through mutual funds intermediated by the Bank also grew in the quarter, reaching an increase of 2.2% QoQ and 32.6% since December 31, 2023, given the clients’ preference for mutual funds in this scenario of falling rates.

    Net fees and commissions increase 8.8% in 12M24, achieving a recurrence6level of 60.3%.

    Net fees increased 8.8% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 due to increased client numbers and higher product usage. As a result, the recurrence ratio (total net fees divided by structural support expenses) increased from 57.4% YTD as of December 2023 to 60.3% YTD as of December 2024, demonstrating that more than half of the Bank’s expenses are financed by fees generated by our clients.

    Efficiency ratio of 36.5% in 4Q24 and 39.0% in 4Q24

    The Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 39.0% as of December 31, 2024, compared to the 46.6% of the same period last year, with a quarterly efficiency ratio of 36.5%. On the other hand, the cost to assets ratio increased to 1.5% in 12M24 vs. 1.3% in the same period of the previous year.

    Structural support expenses (salaries, administration and amortization) grew 3.5% in 12M24 compared to 12M23, below inflation, and in line with the guidance provided previously and a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to 3Q24 mainly due to lower salary expenses.

    Total operating expenses (which includes other expenses) increased 12.4% in 12M24 compared to 12M23 driven by higher other operating expenses, related to a provision for the restructuring of our branch network and the transformation to Work/Café and also advances in digital banking.

    Cost of credit of 1.29% in 12M24, and NPL coverage at 115.4%

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, asset quality benefited from state aid and pension fund withdrawals, which led to a positive performance in assets during that period, before normalizing in line with the performance of the economy and the drainage of excess liquidity from households. Currently, our clients’ performance is reflecting the state of the economy and the labor market, where delinquency is higher than the levels we saw before the pandemic with the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio increasing to 3.2% and the impaired portfolio to 6.7% at December 2024. Overall the cost of credit remained stable at 1.29% in the quarter.

    Solid capital levels with a BIS7ratio of 17.1% and a CET18of 10.5%.

    Our CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1) ratio remains at solid levels of 10.5% and the total Basel III ratio reaches 17.1% at the end of December 2024, which includes a provision of dividend payment of 70% of 2024 earnings.

    We made significant progress in our Chile First strategy in 2024

    • Largest bank in terms of loans and deposits (16.9% market share according to latest information from the CMF).
    • More than US$ 450 million committed to invest in infrastructure and technology between 2023 and 2026.
    • A total of 99 Workcafés in Chile, serving our clients and the community in their different formats.
    • Recognized by Euromoney as the Best Bank in the Country in the SME and ESG Categories.
    • The only Chilean bank included in the DJSI emerging markets and within the top 3% of the most sustainable banks in the world.
    • Top Employer Certification January 2025 (seventh consecutive year).
    • Recognized as the Best Bank in Chile for SMEs by Global Finance.
    • ALAS20: First place in the category of leading company in sustainability.
    • Institutional Investor: “Most Honored Company.”

    Banco Santander Chile is one of the companies with the highest risk ratings in Latin America, with an A2 rating from Moody’s, A- from Standard and Poor’s, A+ from Japan Credit Rating Agency, AA- from HR Ratings and A from KBRA. All our ratings as of the date of this report have a stable outlook.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Bank has total assets of $68,458,933 million (US$68,865 million), total gross loans (including loans to banks) at amortized cost of $41,323,844 million (US$41,569 million), total deposits of $31,359,234 million (US$31,545 million) and shareholders’ equity of $4,292,440 million (US$4,318 million). The BIS capital ratio was 17.1%, with a core capital ratio of 10.5%. As of December 31, 2024, Santander Chile employs 8,757 people and has 236 branches throughout Chile.

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Cristian Vicuña
    Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Investor Relations
    Banco Santander Chile
    Bandera 140, Floor 20
    Santiago, Chile
    Email: irelations@santander.cl Website: www.santander.cl


    1 The information contained in this report is presented in accordance with Chilean Bank GAAP as defined by the Financial Markets Commission (FMC).
    2 Annualized net income attributable to shareholders of the Bank divided by the average equity attributable to equity holders
    3 The fourth quarter of 2024
    4 The twelve months accumulated as of December31, 2024
    5 NIM: Net interest margin. Annualized net interest income and annualized readjustments divided by interest-earning assets
    6Recurrence: Net commissions divided by structural operating expenses (excludes other operating expenses).
    7 Regulatory capital divided by risk-weighted assets, according to CMF BIS III definitions
    8 Core capital divided by risk-weighted assets, according to CMF BIS III definitions.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ECB selects motifs for future euro banknotes

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 January 2025

    • ECB shortlisted motifs based on the two possible themes for new banknotes: “European culture: shared cultural spaces” and “Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity”
    • The decision builds on an inclusive process involving feedback from public surveys and groups of experts
    • ECB to launch design contest in 2025 allowing Governing Council to select final designs in 2026
    • First new banknotes will go into circulation several years after final decision on designs and following production process

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has selected motifs to illustrate the two possible themes for future euro banknotes. “European culture” focuses on shared cultural spaces and prominent Europeans. “Rivers and birds” focuses on the resilience and diversity of the natural world, complemented by the European institutions.

    The decision benefited from the suggestions provided by two multidisciplinary advisory groups from across the euro area and is consistent with the preferences on the themes expressed by more than 365,000 Europeans in public surveys held in summer 2023 and in focus groups conducted between December 2021 and March 2022.

    “We are excited to present these real-life motifs that reflect our commitment to Europe and celebrate its cultural heritage and natural environment,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “The new banknotes will symbolise our shared European identity and the diversity that makes us strong.”

    European culture: shared cultural spaces

    “European culture” celebrates the shared cultural spaces that have shaped European identity over the centuries. The motifs for this theme depict various cultural activities and spaces, and iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe’s cultural heritage. Their lives span six centuries, during which they lived, travelled and worked across our continent, and their accomplishments have resonated around the world.

    The motifs selected are:

    Table 1

    European culture

    Front

    Reverse

    €5
    Performing arts

    Maria Callas

    Street performers (music/dance/theatre) entertaining passersby

    €10
    Music

    Ludwig van Beethoven

    A song festival with a choir of children and young adults singing

    €20
    Universities and schools

    Marie Curie

    A school or university with a female teacher with young students. There are notebooks and books on the tables

    €50
    Libraries

    Miguel de Cervantes

    A library with some adults reading paper and digital books. A little boy and girl in front of a bookcase trying to get a book

    €100
    Museums and exhibitions

    Leonardo da Vinci

    Adults and children admiring some examples of street art, contemporary art, etc.

    €200
    Public squares

    Bertha von Suttner

    A tree-covered square allowing people to come together, with adults and children talking, walking, playing, etc.

    Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity

    “Rivers and birds” highlights the resilience and diversity of Europe’s natural ecosystems by showcasing different stages of rivers and various bird species, emphasising the importance of nature and environmental protection. The European institutions featured on the banknotes remind us of the fundamental values of the European project, which also embraces environmental protection.

    The motifs selected are:

    Table 2

    Rivers and birds

    Front

    Reverse

    €5

    Mountain spring
    Wallcreeper next to a mountain landscape

    European Parliament

    €10

    Waterfall
    Kingfisher in a waterfall or run pool

    European Commission

    €20

    Confined river valley
    Bee-eater colony in a sand wall on the side of a large, confined river valley along a riverbank

    European Central Bank

    €50

    Meandering river
    White stork flying over a meandering river in an unconfined river valley 

    Court of Justice of the European Union

    €100

    River mouth
    Avocet sweeping over the surface of a mud flat

    European Council and Council of the European Union

    €200

    Seascape
    Northern gannet flying over big ocean waves

    European Court of Auditors

    Next steps

    In 2025 the ECB will establish a jury and launch a design contest, which will be open to designers from across the European Union. The ECB will continue to involve the public and experts to ensure the designs selected are relatable for Europeans of all ages. In 2026 the ECB will ask the public which designs they prefer based on a shortlist.

    “We are developing new banknotes because we are committed to cash now and in the future. Banknotes are a symbol of our European unity and with the new motifs, we celebrate our shared history and commitment to a sustainable future,” said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.

    The Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the designs in 2026. The new banknotes will be ready to enter circulation some years after this decision and following the production process.

    For media queries, please contact Belén Pérez Esteve tel.: +49 173 533 4269 or Alessandro Speciale, tel. +49 172 167 0791.

    Notes

    1. It is the duty of the ECB and the euro area national central banks to ensure that euro banknotes remain an innovative, secure and efficient means of payment. Developing new series of banknotes regularly is standard practice for all central banks. In a world where banknote reproduction technologies are rapidly evolving and counterfeiters can easily access information and materials, it is necessary to issue new banknotes on a regular basis. Beyond security considerations, the ECB is committed to reducing the environmental impact of euro banknotes throughout their life cycle, while also making them more relatable and inclusive for Europeans of all ages and backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as the visually impaired. For more information, see the future banknotes page.
    2. The current theme of the euro banknotes is “Ages and styles” and the main motifs on each banknote are windows, doorways and bridges based on architectural styles from various periods in Europe’s history. For more information, see the banknotes design elements page.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Efficiency, resilience and digital horizons: perspectives and challenges for the public sector | Keynote statement at the Digital Excellence Forum

    Source: Bundesbank

    Check against delivery.

    1 Introduction

    Against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical environment, the relevance of digital advances and innovations has further increased. 

    I have just returned from a discussion among policy makers and researchers in Washington D.C., and many of the exchanges touched on the economic outlook in a potentially more fragmented world economy. 

    For both reasons, I am delighted to be part of this conference about digital excellence here in Berchtesgaden. 

    Representing the Bundesbank on this panel, I would like to contribute three considerations from a public sector perspective.

    While there is a lot of discussion about digitalisation in Germany and the need to catch up in particular in the public sector, there are encouraging examples. The Bundesbank is at the forefront of public sector digitalisation: it is using artificial intelligence in multiple ways and is among the first public institutions to move seriously into the public cloud. 

    International financial architecture, markets and instruments are changing due to ongoing economic fragmentation and technological advances. Working on the digital euro is a way for the European Central Bank System to prepare for those changes and to take an active role. 

    Given the geopolitical environment and growing cyber risks, the Bundesbank is investing in its cyber resilience, including the setting up of a new governance model for IT security.

    Allow me to expand on that.

    2 Innovation

    The Bundesbank is breaking new ground by proactively using the public cloud. This is a significant step forward for a public sector institution. As a first step, our innovative, high-performance and secure eBusiness portal for our currently over 180,000 customers – NExt – went “live” in the cloud. Customers are banks, insurances, corporates or other public sector institutions.

    At the same time, we built up a Bundesbank-owned private cloud in our computer centres for particularly sensitive data. Through our hybrid cloud strategy and investments in technological trends like artificial intelligence, we are ensuring our readiness for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

    Artificial intelligence will help us to expand our economic analyses and improve our understanding of the effects of various policy measures on inflation, employment and economic growth. 

    It also plays a pivotal role in our risk analysis efforts. 

    Take, for example, the risk controlling function and its analysis related to the many counterparties with whom the Bundesbank conducts financial transactions or purchases securities. By combining diverse sets of data and information, artificial intelligence helps us identify potential financial difficulties of a counterparty at an early stage. Given the sheer volume and complexity of the data involved, collecting and evaluating this information manually would be nearly impossible. 

    Through the strategic application of artificial intelligence, we can detect risks more quickly and with greater precision, allowing us to take timely and informed action. 

    We are also using an artificial intelligence platform that allows access to the latest language models in a secure environment. It is a chatbot that works in a very similar way to ChatGPT – only ours has different requirements, for example in terms of data governance. The requests are neither stored in the cloud nor used for training purposes.

    3 Future of Finance

    The international financial architecture, markets and instruments are currently changing due to ongoing economic fragmentation and technological advances. 

    Against this backdrop, there are several reasons in favour of the digital euro.

    The first reason is related to autonomy and sovereignty. So far, there is no sovereign pan-European solution for payment in the digital space. As a result, there is a risk that Europe will become overly dependent on US providers for critical infrastructure. A digital version of the euro renders the currency more attractive as means of payment internationally and will facilitate a start-up ecosystem around it.

    Another reason is related to efficiency. We are seeing very strong fragmentation in the European payment market and increasing concentration through international card systems that are all USbased. The digital euro establishes standards that simplify competition.

    Lastly, we also have to consider resilience. With the digital euro, we are safeguarding ourselves against competing currencies and stablecoins. The digital euro would be the next step in the development of the euro and would bring central bank money into the digital age.

    The Bundesbank is a key player in the development of a digital euro thanks, amongst other things, to its IT expertise in payment systems and in the area of tech trends. 

    4 Cybersecurity

    Cybersecurity is a decisive factor for the stability of the global economy and the functioning of our modern society. Operators of critical infrastructure, such as the Bundesbank, are under growing pressure from targeted cyber attacks.

    Of course, the Bundesbank, too, is subject to the most common types of attacks like phishing or denial of service attacks. To give you an example: on average, we receive a phishing attack every 5 minutes. 

    That’s why the principle “Secure by Design” is of crucial importance from the very beginning when developing and operating IT solutions and services.

    The Bundesbank has just rolled out a new governance model for IT security in order to create the basis for effectively counteracting growing threats. 

    Concretely, we are appointing a designated “security architect” in each Bundesbank department who serves as the go-to person for all architecture-related security concerns. The security architect will support product owners and agile teams in implementing security processes and regularly evaluating the impact of security-relevant information.

    This role is complemented by “security champions” within each product team. These champions will help maintain the required level of information security throughout the entire product lifecycle, including regular checks for new vulnerabilities.

    The governance model includes not only dedicated roles and responsibilities but also professional development and training measures for all staff in order to sensitise them to the fact that IT security is a critical discipline for everyone.

    5 Conclusion

    To conclude: By keeping up with technological developments, playing an active role in providing future forms of payment and of course safeguarding our security, the Bundesbank contributes to the competiveness of the German and European economy. 

    This is more relevant than ever in the current geopolitical context. 

    That’s why I’m thrilled to participate in this excellent conference and exchange.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Results of the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters for the first quarter of 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 January 2025

    • Headline inflation expectations revised up for 2025 but otherwise unchanged; longer-term expectations (for 2029) remain at 2.0%
    • Expectations for HICP inflation excluding energy and food unchanged for 2025 and 2026; longer-term expectations revised down slightly to 1.9%
    • Real GDP growth expectations revised down by 0.2 and 0.1 percentage points for 2025 and 2026 respectively, but longer-term expectations unrevised
    • Unemployment rate expectations unchanged for 2025 and 2026, but longer-term expectations revised down slightly

    Respondents’ expectations for headline inflation, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), were 2.1% for 2025, 1.9% for 2026 and 2.0% for 2027. Expectations were revised up from the previous survey (conducted in the fourth quarter of 2024) by 0.2 percentage points for 2025 but unchanged for 2026. Expectations for core HICP inflation, which excludes energy and food, were unchanged for 2025 and 2026. Longer-term expectations for headline inflation were unchanged at 2.0%, while those for core HICP inflation were revised down slightly to 1.9%.

    Respondents expected real GDP growth of 1.0% in 2025 and 1.3% in both 2026 and 2027. Compared with the previous survey, expectations were revised down by 0.2 percentage points for 2025 and 0.1 percentage points for 2026. Economic policy and political uncertainty contributed to these revisions. Longer-term growth expectations remained unchanged at 1.3%.

    The expected profile of the unemployment rate was largely unchanged. Respondents continued to expect the unemployment rate to average 6.5% in 2025 but to decline to 6.4% in 2026, and then to fall further to 6.3% in 2027 and to remain there in the longer term.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Montgomery & Company Limited

    Source: Isle of Man

    Notice is hereby given that Montgomery & Company Limited, which was registered under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015, has been de-registered in accordance with 12(1)(a) of this Act with effect from 31/01/2025.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB selects motifs for future euro banknotes

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 January 2025

    • ECB shortlisted motifs based on the two possible themes for new banknotes: “European culture: shared cultural spaces” and “Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity”
    • The decision builds on an inclusive process involving feedback from public surveys and groups of experts
    • ECB to launch design contest in 2025 allowing Governing Council to select final designs in 2026
    • First new banknotes will go into circulation several years after final decision on designs and following production process

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has selected motifs to illustrate the two possible themes for future euro banknotes. “European culture” focuses on shared cultural spaces and prominent Europeans. “Rivers and birds” focuses on the resilience and diversity of the natural world, complemented by the European institutions.

    The decision benefited from the suggestions provided by two multidisciplinary advisory groups from across the euro area and is consistent with the preferences on the themes expressed by more than 365,000 Europeans in public surveys held in summer 2023 and in focus groups conducted between December 2021 and March 2022.

    “We are excited to present these real-life motifs that reflect our commitment to Europe and celebrate its cultural heritage and natural environment,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “The new banknotes will symbolise our shared European identity and the diversity that makes us strong.”

    European culture: shared cultural spaces

    “European culture” celebrates the shared cultural spaces that have shaped European identity over the centuries. The motifs for this theme depict various cultural activities and spaces, and iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe’s cultural heritage. Their lives span six centuries, during which they lived, travelled and worked across our continent, and their accomplishments have resonated around the world.

    The motifs selected are:

    Table 1

    European culture

    Front

    Reverse

    €5
    Performing arts

    Maria Callas

    Street performers (music/dance/theatre) entertaining passersby

    €10
    Music

    Ludwig van Beethoven

    A song festival with a choir of children and young adults singing

    €20
    Universities and schools

    Marie Curie

    A school or university with a female teacher with young students. There are notebooks and books on the tables

    €50
    Libraries

    Miguel de Cervantes

    A library with some adults reading paper and digital books. A little boy and girl in front of a bookcase trying to get a book

    €100
    Museums and exhibitions

    Leonardo da Vinci

    Adults and children admiring some examples of street art, contemporary art, etc.

    €200
    Public squares

    Bertha von Suttner

    A tree-covered square allowing people to come together, with adults and children talking, walking, playing, etc.

    Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity

    “Rivers and birds” highlights the resilience and diversity of Europe’s natural ecosystems by showcasing different stages of rivers and various bird species, emphasising the importance of nature and environmental protection. The European institutions featured on the banknotes remind us of the fundamental values of the European project, which also embraces environmental protection.

    The motifs selected are:

    Table 2

    Rivers and birds

    Front

    Reverse

    €5

    Mountain spring
    Wallcreeper next to a mountain landscape

    European Parliament

    €10

    Waterfall
    Kingfisher in a waterfall or run pool

    European Commission

    €20

    Confined river valley
    Bee-eater colony in a sand wall on the side of a large, confined river valley along a riverbank

    European Central Bank

    €50

    Meandering river
    White stork flying over a meandering river in an unconfined river valley 

    Court of Justice of the European Union

    €100

    River mouth
    Avocet sweeping over the surface of a mud flat

    European Council and Council of the European Union

    €200

    Seascape
    Northern gannet flying over big ocean waves

    European Court of Auditors

    Next steps

    In 2025 the ECB will establish a jury and launch a design contest, which will be open to designers from across the European Union. The ECB will continue to involve the public and experts to ensure the designs selected are relatable for Europeans of all ages. In 2026 the ECB will ask the public which designs they prefer based on a shortlist.

    “We are developing new banknotes because we are committed to cash now and in the future. Banknotes are a symbol of our European unity and with the new motifs, we celebrate our shared history and commitment to a sustainable future,” said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.

    The Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the designs in 2026. The new banknotes will be ready to enter circulation some years after this decision and following the production process.

    For media queries, please contact Belén Pérez Esteve tel.: +49 173 533 4269 or Alessandro Speciale, tel. +49 172 167 0791.

    Notes

    1. It is the duty of the ECB and the euro area national central banks to ensure that euro banknotes remain an innovative, secure and efficient means of payment. Developing new series of banknotes regularly is standard practice for all central banks. In a world where banknote reproduction technologies are rapidly evolving and counterfeiters can easily access information and materials, it is necessary to issue new banknotes on a regular basis. Beyond security considerations, the ECB is committed to reducing the environmental impact of euro banknotes throughout their life cycle, while also making them more relatable and inclusive for Europeans of all ages and backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as the visually impaired. For more information, see the future banknotes page.
    2. The current theme of the euro banknotes is “Ages and styles” and the main motifs on each banknote are windows, doorways and bridges based on architectural styles from various periods in Europe’s history. For more information, see the banknotes design elements page.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Christine Lagarde speaks about motifs for future euro banknotes

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Watch President Christine Lagarde talk about the motifs chosen by the ECB’s Governing Council to illustrate the two possible themes for future euro banknotes: “European culture: shared cultural spaces” and “Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity”. We’ll be launching a contest later this year to help us select final designs in 2026.

    For more information, see the future banknotes page.
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/index.en.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TROLB0vNSnI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: As Nations Reshore, ASEAN Should Explore Trade, Digitalization and Connectivity

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should leverage trade, tourism, and digitalization to foster economic resilience and sustainable growth amid global economic uncertainty.

    There is a growing sense that the global economy is moving towards a more competitive era as countries are reshoring. Many are bringing their supply chains back home to reduce risks from disruptions. Others are deploying tariffs and other barriers to advance their domestic agenda. 

    Issues around climate change and rivalry around frontier technology (artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things) are increasingly being discussed as issues of national security. 

    To address these issues, the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must work collectively to achieve their goals of a better economic future of their people and the protection of their national interest. A particular focus on trade, digitalization and connectivity is needed.

    Trade is likely to be focused on services, which covers cross-border transactions under finance, telecom, travel, transport and other business services, like professionals and consultancy services. Each of these plays an important role in ASEAN countries in terms of job creation and economic growth. Post-COVID-19, in the face of a slowdown in goods trade, trade in services showed positive momentum and even positioned ASEAN as a net exporter of services. 

    Travel services, particularly, hold promise for ASEAN as it underscores ASEAN’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. Hence, while aiming to deliver a competitive tourism sector, the ASEAN countries are expected to collectively work on tourism enablers like infrastructure, skills development, marketing promotion, product development and others to increase intra-regional travel in ASEAN, which currently constitutes more than 40% of ASEAN’s total international tourism, adding to the economic resilience of the region.

    The digital economy (including e-commerce, e-health, e-payments, customs automation) at the regional level is expected to grow from $300 billion to almost $1 trillion by 2030. This is reported to reach $2 trillion if the right kind of digital connectivity policies are put in place through regional cooperation. 

    Member countries should consider their collective actions as a regional public good, where benefits from greater trade, travel, digitalization, and connectivity will deliver on sustainable and resilient outcomes for people residing in the region.
     

    The Digital Economy Framework Agreement is a key element of this cooperation. It centers around digital standards, data flow, cybersecurity, digital trade, talent mobility and other digital public infrastructure. 

    Additional benefits from digital cooperation are expected through positive climate impact, creating $12-30 billion in social cost savings, enhancing resilience, creating new employment and improving accessibility of people to educational and healthcare resources. 

    Finally, connectivity that is both physical and institutional in nature is expected to serve the economic competitiveness of ASEAN countries, raising their capacity to engage better with bigger economies of Asia and elsewhere. Sustainable infrastructure – clean energy, low-carbon transport and improved energy efficiency for urban infrastructure – is gaining traction. 

    Combining this with greater cooperation around digitalization, seamless cross-border logistics and supply chains, facilitating the cross-border movement of goods, services and people will safeguard the environment and foster resilience of the countries in the region. 

    The collective thinking about sustainable infrastructure is helpful for ASEAN member countries that have committed to the Paris Agreement and have submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions targeting net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, to limit temperature increases of no more than 1.5°C.

    It is opportune for ASEAN policymakers to think afresh on ways to work together. Although there are signs of economic fragmentation at a global level, there are also areas that require cross-border cooperation. 

    Economic independence has grown over time in the region. With emerging pressing issues of digitalization and climate change, mismanaged interdependence may result in costs and lead to economic setbacks. 

    Therefore, for the next term of ASEAN regional cooperation 2045, the member countries should consider their collective actions as a regional public good, where benefits from greater trade, travel, digitalization, connectivity will deliver sustainable and resilient outcomes for people in the region. 
     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: E3 Foreign Ministers’ statement on the implementation of legislation against United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Statement from the Foreign Ministers of the UK, France and Germany on the implementation of legislation against United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

    Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of the UK, France and Germany:

    We, the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany reiterate our grave concern regarding the Government of Israel’s implementation of legislation forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities, officials and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); and prohibiting any UNRWA presence within Israel and East Jerusalem.

    We ask the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations and live up to its responsibility to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic services to the civilian population. We urge the Government of Israel to work with international partners, including the UN, to ensure continuity of operations. No other entity or UN Agency currently has the capacity or infrastructure to replace UNRWA’s mandate and experience.

    We reiterate our support for UNRWA’s UN-mandate to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.  UNRWA is the primary service provider to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and is an integral part of the response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    We condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal and unjustified terror attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. We call on UNRWA to continue on its path of reform demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality, in line with the independent review of April 2024, led by Ms. Catherine Colonna. All alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in appalling acts in support of 7 October and subsequent events must be thoroughly investigated.

    We reiterate our full endorsement and support for the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. It is vital that we now see the release of all remaining hostages. We welcome the notable increase of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza since the beginning of the ceasefire and call on all parties to ensure its continuity. We are grateful for the extensive efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar in mediating the agreement and urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. 

    We will play our full part in the coming days and weeks to seize the opportunity of this ceasefire and to ensure it leads to a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Partners with AXIAN Telecom to Accelerate Africa’s Digital Transformation

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $160 million senior corporate loan to support AXIAN Telecom to expand digital access and financial inclusion in nine African countries. The loan will accelerate the modernization and expansion of AXIAN Telecom‘s network infrastructure, with a focus on 4G and 5G deployment; while also driving digital innovation in its operations, enabling them to expand to more countries.

    AXIAN Telecom, headquartered in Mauritius, serves 42.9 million mobile subscribers, 11.4 million data users, and 15.2 million mobile financial service users, positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

    A key focus of the funding is to address gender disparities in access to financial services. Over $10 million will be dedicated to empowering 22,000 women entrepreneurs in Madagascar through AXIAN’s Mvola platform. Additionally, a $2.5 million grant will enhance financial literacy and credit access for 34,000 women businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, and Senegal, enabling them to grow and transition into the formal economy.

    Highlighting the initiative’s importance, the African Development Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Solomon Quaynor, said: “This investment reflects the African Development Bank’s commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation and fostering inclusive growth. By supporting AXIAN Telecom’s growth plan, we are bridging the digital divide, creating opportunities for millions across the continent, and fostering innovation.”

    Quaynor described the African Development Bank’s support as part of a partnership to accelerate progress, advance financial inclusion—particularly for women—and drive sustainable development, adding, “Together, we are building the infrastructure and ecosystems that will enable Africa to thrive in the digital age.”

    AXIAN Telecom CEO, Hassan Jaber said, “We are honoured to partner with an organisation that shares our vision of advancing Africa’s digital economy. The funding from the African Development Bank not only underscores the immense digital potential of the continent but also highlights the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable development.”

    Jabaer emphasized that the support from the African Development Bank will build on the company’s ongoing initiatives, such as expanding affordable internet access and fostering innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. while aligning seamlessly with the recent transformation of our mobile businesses under the Yas brand (http://apo-opa.co/4hx2sd7).

    « Yas represents our commitment to empowering a young, dynamic, and digitally connected population, embracing every opportunity with a resounding ‘YES.’ Together, this collaboration will help drive meaningful change across Africa’s digital landscape, furthering our shared mission of digital and financial inclusion,” he added.

    The partnership aligns with the African Development Bank’s “Hi-5” development priorities, particularly “Industrialize Africa” and “Integrate Africa”, which enhance connectivity, foster cross-border digital services, and support financial inclusion.

    MIL OSI Africa