UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
For the transition period from to___________
Commission file number 001-39043
BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150 Los Angeles, California 90010
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(323) 634-1700
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well‐known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‐T
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non‐accelerated, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth
company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b‐2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‐2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over
financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by
check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements
that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Aggregate market value of the voting and non‐voting common stock held by non‐affiliates as of June 30, 2024: $38.1 million.
As of March 21, 2025, 6,022,227 shares of the
registrant’s Class A voting common stock, 1,425,574 shares of the registrant’s Class B non-voting common stock and 1,672,562 shares of the registrant’s Class C non‐voting common stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed no later than April 30, 2025, are incorporated
by reference in Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 24
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 30
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 30
Item 2. Properties 31
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 31
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure 31
PART II
Item 6. Reserved 32
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 42
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 43
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 43
Item 9B. Other Information 45
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 45
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 46
Item 11. Executive Compensation 46
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 46
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 47
Signatures 49
Table of Contents
Forward‐Looking Statements
Certain statements herein, including without limitation, certain matters discussed under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of
this Form 10‐K, are forward‐looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that reflect our current views
with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward‐looking statements typically include the words “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,”
“predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “poised,” “optimistic,” “prospects,” “ability,” “looking,” “forward,” “invest,” “grow,” “improve,” “deliver” and similar expressions, but the absence of such words or expressions does not mean a statement is
not forward-looking. These forward‐looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those identified below, which could cause actual future results to differ materially from historical results or from those anticipated or
implied by such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward‐looking statements, which speak only as of their dates or, if no date is provided, then as of the date of this Form 10‐K. We undertake no obligation to update or
revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
The following factors, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from historical results or from those indicated by forward‐looking statements included in this Form 10‐K: (1) the
level of demand for mortgage and commercial loans, which is affected by such external factors as general economic conditions, market interest rate levels, tax laws and the demographics of our lending markets; (2) the direction and magnitude of
changes in interest rates and the relationship between market interest rates and the yield on our interest‐earning assets and the cost of our interest‐bearing liabilities; (3) the rate and amount of credit losses incurred and projected to be
incurred by us, increases in the amounts of our nonperforming assets, the level of our loss reserves and management’s judgments regarding the collectability of loans; (4) changes in the regulation of lending and deposit operations or other
regulatory actions, whether industry-wide or focused on our operations, including increases in capital requirements or directives to increase allowances for credit losses or make other changes in our business operations; (5) legislative or
regulatory changes, including those that may be implemented by the current administration in Washington, D.C. and the Federal Reserve Board; (6) possible adverse rulings, judgments, settlements and other outcomes of litigation; (7) actions
undertaken by both current and potential new competitors; (8) the possibility of adverse trends in property values or economic trends in the residential and commercial real estate markets in which we compete; (9) the effect of changes in general
economic conditions; (10) the effect of geopolitical uncertainties; (11) the impact of health crises on our future financial condition and operations; (12) the impact of any volatility in the banking sector due to the failure of certain banks due
to high levels of exposure to liquidity risk, interest rate risk, uninsured deposits and cryptocurrency risk; (13) other risks and uncertainties detailed in this Form 10‐K, including those described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Part II,
Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Broadway Financial Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under Delaware law in 1995 for the purpose of acquiring and holding all of the outstanding capital stock of Broadway Federal Savings
and Loan Association as part of the bank’s conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings association to a federally chartered stock savings bank. In connection with the conversion, the bank’s name was changed to Broadway Federal Bank,
f.s.b. (“Broadway Federal”). The conversion was completed, and Broadway Federal became a wholly‐owned subsidiary of the Company, in January 1996.
On April 1, 2021, the Company completed its merger (the “Merger”) with CFBanc Corporation (“CFBanc”), with the Company continuing as the surviving entity. Immediately following the Merger, Broadway
Federal merged with and into City First Bank of D.C, National Association with City First Bank of D.C., National Association continuing as the surviving entity (combined with Broadway Federal, “City First” or the “Bank”). Concurrently with the
Merger, the Bank changed its name to City First Bank, National Association.
Concurrently with the completion of the Merger, the Company converted to become a public benefit corporation. The Company works to spur equitable economic development with a mission to strengthen
the overall well-being of historically excluded communities and has deployed loans and investments in the communities we serve that we believe has helped close funding gaps, preserved or increased access to affordable housing, created and
preserved jobs, and expanded critical social services. We believe our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation aligns our business model of creating social, economic, and environmental value for underserved communities with a stakeholder
governance model that allows us to give careful consideration to the impact of our decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, the environment, and our impact on society; and to align further our mission and values to our
organizational documents.
Reverse Stock Split
On October 31, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, at a ratio of 1-for-8 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The shares of Class A Common Stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis at the open of business
on November 1, 2023. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split was reduced such that every 8 shares of common stock held by a stockholder
immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split were combined and reclassified into one share of common stock. All common stock share amounts and per share numbers discussed herein have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the Reverse
Stock Split.
Share Repurchase
On October 31, 2023 the Company purchased 244,771 shares of its Class A (voting) Common Stock (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023 - for more information about the reverse stock
split, see Note 2) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which obtained the shares when it was appointed receiver for First Republic Bank upon its closure earlier in 2023. The purchased shares represented just under 4.0% of the
Company’s total voting shares prior to the purchase, and over 2.6% of the Company’s total common equity. The Company purchased the shares at a price of $7.2760 per share (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023),
which represented the 20-day volume weighted average price for the Class A shares over the period ended October 24, 2023. The purchase was financed from cash on hand and the shares were retired.
The Company is currently regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank is currently regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”)
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”). See “Regulation” for further
descriptions of the regulatory systems to which the Company and the Bank are subject.
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Available Information
Our internet website address is www.cityfirstbank.com. Our annual reports on Form 10‐K, quarterly reports on Form 10‐Q, current reports on Form 8‐K and all amendments to those reports
are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and can be obtained free of charge by sending a written request to
Broadway Financial Corporation, 4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150, Los Angeles, California 90010 Attention: Audrey Phillips. The SEC also maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains
reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC.
Business Overview
The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and our principal business is the operation of our wholly‐owned subsidiary, City First, which has three offices: two in California (in Los
Angeles and the nearby city of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D.C. City First’s principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding our branch offices, loan customers, large non-profit entities,
local municipalities, and depositors who believe in the Bank’s mission-driven focus. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in loans secured by residential properties with five or more units
(“multi‐family”) and commercial real estate. Our assets also include loans secured by commercial business assets as well as residential properties with one‐to‐four units (“single-family”). In addition, we invest in securities issued by federal
government agencies, residential mortgage‐backed securities and other investments.
Our revenue is derived primarily from interest income on loans and investments. Our principal costs are interest expenses that we incur on deposits and borrowings, together with general and
administrative expenses. Our earnings are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly monetary trends, and conditions, including changes in market interest rates and the differences in market interest rates
for the interest-bearing deposits and borrowings that are our principal funding sources and the interest yielding assets in which we invest, as well as government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.
Lending Activities
General
Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of commercial mortgage loans which are secured by multi‐family residential properties, single-family residential properties and commercial real estate,
including charter schools, community facilities, and churches. The remainder of the loan portfolio consists of commercial business loans, loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) and construction-to-permanent loans. At
December 31, 2024, our net loan portfolio totaled $968.9 million, or 74.3% of total assets.
We emphasize the origination of adjustable‐rate loans, most of which are hybrid loans (loans having an initial fixed rate period which are initially five years, followed by an adjustable-rate
period), for our portfolio of loans held for investment. We originate these loans in order to maintain a high percentage of loans that have provisions for periodic repricing, thereby reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. At December 31,
2024, more than 84% of our loans had adjustable-rate features. However, most of our adjustable-rate loans behave like fixed rate loans for periods of time because the loans may still be in their initial fixed‐rate period or may be subject to
interest rate floors.
The types of loans that we originate are subject to federal laws and regulations. The interest rates that we charge on loans are affected by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available
for lending purposes and the rates offered by competitors. These factors are in turn affected by, among other things, economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the FRB, and legislative tax policies. See
“Regulation” for more information on the government regulations to which we are subject.
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The following table details the composition of our portfolio of loans held for investment by type, dollar amount and percentage of loan portfolio at the dates indicated:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer 13 – % 13 – % 11 – % - - % 7 – %
Plus:
Premiums on loans purchased - 32 35 58 88
Less:
Credit and interest marks on purchased loans, net 348 772 1,010 1,842 –
Unamortized discounts - 1 3 3 6
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The following table presents loan categories by maturity for the period indicated. Actual repayments historically have, and will likely in the future, differ significantly from contractual
maturities because individual borrowers generally have the right to prepay loans, with or without prepayment penalties.
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable held for investment:
Loans maturities after one year with:
Fixed rates
SBA loans – – – –
Consumer – – – –
Variable rates
Consumer – – – –
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Multi‐Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending
Our primary lending emphasis has been on the origination of loans for multi-family with five or more units. These multi‐family loans amounted to $633.3 million and $561.4 million at December 31,
2024 and 2023, respectively. Multi‐family loans represented 64.94% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 compared to 63.33% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. Most of our multi‐family loans amortize over 30 years. As of
December 31, 2024, our single largest multi‐family credit had an outstanding balance of $11.4 million, was current, and was collateralized by a 53-unit apartment complex in Downey, California. At December 31, 2024, the average balance of a loan
in our multi‐family portfolio was $1.3 million.
Our commercial real estate loans amounted to $156.2 million and $119.4 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Commercial real estate loans represented 16.01% and 13.47% of our gross
loan portfolios at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Most commercial real estate loans are originated with principal repayments on a 25- to 30-year amortization schedule but are due in 5 years or 10 years. As of December 31, 2024, our
single largest commercial real estate credit had an outstanding principal balance of $15.0 million, was current, and was collateralized by a charter school located in Washington, D.C. At December 31, 2024, the average balance of a loan in our
commercial real estate portfolio was $2.9 million.
The interest rates on multi‐family and commercial adjustable-rate mortgage loans (“ARM Loans”) are based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The interest rates on
commercial real estate loans are based on a variety of indices, including two-year Treasury, five-year Treasury, seven-year Treasury and ten-year Treasury and the five-year FHLB.
All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently offer adjustable-rate loans with interest rates that adjust either semi‐annually or semi‐annually
upon expiration of an initial three‐ or five‐year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans.
Loans secured by multi‐family and commercial properties are granted based on the income producing potential of the property and the financial strength of the borrower. The primary factors considered
include, among other things, the net operating income of the mortgaged premises before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to required principal and interest payments, or debt
service), and the ratio of the loan amount to the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the collateral.
We seek to mitigate the risks associated with multi‐family and commercial real estate loans by applying appropriate underwriting requirements, which include limitations on loan‐to‐value ratios and
debt service coverage ratios. Under our underwriting policies, loan‐to‐value ratios on our multi‐family and commercial real estate loans usually do not exceed 75% of the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the underlying
property. We also generally require minimum debt service coverage ratios of 120% for multi‐family loans and commercial real estate loans. Properties securing multi‐family and commercial real estate loans are appraised by management‐approved
independent appraisers. Title insurance is required on all loans.
Multi‐family and commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than single-family residential loans and typically involve higher loan principal
amounts than loans secured by single-family residential real estate. Because payments on loans secured by multi‐family and commercial real properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of
such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or general economy. Adverse economic conditions in our primary lending market area could result in reduced cash flows on multi‐family and commercial real estate loans,
vacancies and reduced rental rates on such properties. We seek to reduce these risks by originating such loans on a selective basis and generally restrict such loans to our general market area. In 2008, Broadway Federal ceased out‐of‐state
lending for all types of loans. As a result of the Merger, in 2021 we resumed out-of-state lending on a selective basis; however, we currently do not have any loans outstanding that are outside of our market area, which consists of Southern
California and the Washington, D.C. area (including parts of Maryland and Virginia).
Certain multi-family loans have adjustable-rate features based on SOFR but are fixed for the first five years. Depending on interest rate trends, some multi-family loans may pay-off during the first
five years, while others continue into the adjustable-rate phase. The interest rates on loans that continue into the adjustable-rate phase are adjusted semi-annually subject to interest rate caps.
Our church loans totaled $9.5 million and $12.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which represented 0.97% and 1.43% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively. Broadway Federal ceased originating church loans in 2010 in Southern California; however, City First originates loans to churches in the Washington, D.C. area as part of its community development mission. As of December 31, 2024,
our single largest church loan had an outstanding balance of $2.2 million, was current, and was collateralized by a church building and parcel of land in Baltimore, Maryland. At December 31, 2024, the average balance of a loan in our church loan
portfolio was $631 thousand.
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Single-Family Mortgage Lending
While we have historically been primarily a multi‐family and commercial real estate lender, we also have purchased or originated loans secured by single-family residential properties, including
investor‐owned properties, with maturities of up to 30 years. Single-family loans totaled $23.6 million and $24.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Of the single-family residential mortgage loans outstanding at December 31,
2024, more than 26% had adjustable-rate features. We did not purchase any single-family loans during 2024 or 2023. Of the $23.6 million of single-family loans at December 31, 2024, $17.6 million are secured by investor‐owned properties.
The interest rates for our single-family ARM Loans are indexed to COFI, SOFR, 12‐MTA and 1‐Yr. CMT. All loans previously indexed to LIBOR were converted to SOFR as of December 31, 2022. We currently
offer loans with interest rates that adjust either semi‐annually or semi‐annually upon expiration of an initial three or five‐year fixed rate period. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments under the terms of such loans. Most of our
single-family adjustable-rate loans behave like fixed rate loans because the loans are still in their initial fixed rate period or are subject to interest rate floors.
We qualify our ARM Loan borrowers based upon the fully indexed interest rate (SOFR or other index plus an applicable margin) provided by the terms of the loan. However, we may discount the initial
rate paid by the borrower to adjust for market and other competitive factors. The ARM Loans that we offer have a lifetime adjustment limit that is set at the time that the loan is approved. In addition, because of interest rate caps and floors,
market rates may exceed or go below the respective maximum or minimum rates payable on our ARM Loans.
The mortgage loans that we originate generally include due‐on‐sale clauses, which provide us with the contractual right to declare the loan immediately due and payable if the borrower transfers
ownership of the property.
Construction Lending
Construction loans totaled $80.9 million and $89.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and represented 8.30% and 10.14% of our gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively. We provide loans for the construction of quality, affordable single-family, multi‐family and commercial real estate projects and for land development. We generally make construction and land loans at variable interest rates based
upon the applicable Treasury Index plus a margin. Generally, we require a loan‐to‐value ratio not exceeding 75% and a loan‐to‐cost ratio not exceeding 85% on construction loans.
Construction loans involve risks that are different from those for completed project lending because we advance loan funds based upon the security and estimated value at completion of the project
under construction. If the borrower defaults on the loan, we may have to advance additional funds to finance the project’s completion before the project can be sold. Moreover, construction projects are affected by uncertainties inherent in
estimating construction costs, potential delays in construction schedules due to supply chain or other issues, market demand and the accuracy of estimates of the value of the completed project considered in the loan approval process. In addition,
construction projects can be risky as they transition to completion and lease‐up. Tenants who may have been interested in leasing a unit or apartment may not be able to afford the space when the building is completed or may fail to lease the
space for other reasons such as more attractive terms offered by competing lessors, making it difficult for the building to generate enough cash flow for the owner to obtain permanent financing. We specialize in the origination of construction
loans for affordable housing developments where rents are subsidized by housing authority agencies. During 2024, we originated $7.6 million of construction loans, compared to $40.0 million of construction loan originations during 2023.
Commercial Lending
Our commercial lending portfolio consists of loans and lending activities to businesses in our market area that are secured by business assets including inventory, receivables, machinery, and
equipment. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, non-real estate commercial loans totaled $70.6 million and $63.5 million, respectively. Commercial loans represented 7.24% and 7.16% of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we originated $17.6 million of commercial loans. As of December 31, 2024, our single largest commercial loan had an outstanding balance of $15.0 million. At December 31, 2024, the average
balance of a loan in our non-real estate commercial loan portfolio was $3.4 million.
The risks related to commercial loans differ from loans secured by real estate and relate to the ability of borrowers to successfully operate their businesses and the difference between expected and
actual cash flows of the borrowers. In addition, the recoverability of our investment in these loans is also dependent on other factors primarily dictated by the type of collateral securing these loans. The fair value of the collateral securing
these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the recovery of our investment is dependent upon the borrower’s ability to collect amounts due from customers.
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SBA Guaranteed Loans
City First is an approved SBA lender. We originate loans in Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia and California under the SBA’s 7(a), SBA Express, International Trade and 504(a) loan programs, in
conformity with SBA underwriting and documentation standards. SBA loans are similar to commercial business loans but have additional credit enhancement provided by the U.S. Federal Government with guarantees between 50-85%. Certain loans
classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. All other SBA loans are secured by business assets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, SBA loans totaled $1.1 million and $15.0 million, respectively.
Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales
The following table summarizes loan originations, purchases, sales, and principal repayments for the periods indicated:
(In thousands)
Gross loans: (1)
Loans originated:
SBA Loans 800 – –
Less:
Loan originations are derived from various sources including our loan personnel, local mortgage brokers, and referrals from customers. More than 85% of multi-family loan originations during 2024,
2023 and 2022 were sourced from wholesale loan brokers. All commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial loans and SBA loans were derived from our loan personnel, except that we partner with a third-party certified development
company to originate and underwrite certain SBA 504 loans. No single-family or consumer loans were originated during the last three years.
For all loans that we originate, upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered, and certain other information is verified by an independent credit
agency. If necessary, additional financial information is requested. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required to be performed by an independent licensed or certified appraiser designated and approved by
us. The Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) annually reviews our appraisal policy. Management reviews annually the qualifications and performance of independent appraisers that we use.
It is our policy to obtain title insurance on real estate secured loans. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance naming the Bank as a loss payee prior to loan closing and they have the option
to escrow for taxes and insurance. If the property is located in a flood zone, the borrower must obtain flood insurance and provide proof of coverage prior to closing.
Each loan requires at least two signatures for approval. The Board has authorized loan approval limits for various management team members up to $7 million per individual, and up to $12 million
for the Chief Executive. Loans in excess of $7 million require review and approval by members of the Director’s Loan Committee.
From time to time, we purchase loans originated by other institutions based upon our investment needs and market opportunities. The determination to purchase specific loans or pools of loans is
subject to our underwriting policies, which consider, among other factors, the financial condition of the borrowers, the location of the underlying collateral properties and the appraised value of the collateral properties. We did not purchase
any loans during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 or 2022.
During 2024 and 2023, we did not originate or sell any loans that were classified as held for sale.
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Asset Quality
General
The underlying credit quality of our loan portfolio is dependent primarily on each borrower’s ability to continue to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to continue
to do so, the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any. A borrower’s ability to pay, in the case of single-family residential loans and consumer loans, typically is dependent primarily on employment and other sources of income.
Multi‐family and commercial real estate loan borrowers’ ability to pay is typically dependent on the cash flow generated by the property, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Commercial business and SBA loan borrowers’
ability to pay is typically dependent on the successful operation of their businesses or their ability to collect amounts due from their customers. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also
impact a borrower’s ability to make loan payments. Collateral values, particularly real estate values, are also impacted by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, demographics, property maintenance and collection or
foreclosure delays.
Delinquencies
We perform a weekly review of all delinquent loans and a monthly loan delinquency report is made to the Internal Asset Review Committee of the Board. When a borrower fails to make a required
payment on a loan, we take several steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. The procedures we follow with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the type of loan, the type of property
securing the loan, and the period of delinquency. In the case of residential mortgage loans, we generally send the borrower a written notice of non‐payment promptly after the loan becomes past due. In the event payment is not received promptly
thereafter, additional letters are sent, and telephone calls are made. If the loan is still not brought current and it becomes necessary for us to take legal action, we generally commence foreclosure proceedings on all real property securing
the loan. In the case of commercial real estate loans, we generally contact the borrower by telephone and send a written notice of intent to foreclose upon expiration of the applicable grace period. Decisions not to commence foreclosure upon
expiration of the notice of intent to foreclose for commercial real estate loans are made on a case‐by‐case basis. We may consider loan workout arrangements with commercial real estate borrowers in certain circumstances.
The following table shows our loan delinquencies by type and amount at the dates indicated:
Loans delinquent Loans delinquent Loans delinquent
(Dollars in thousands)
Single-family 1 $ 6 – $ – – $ – – $ – – $ – – $ –
Multi- family – – – – 1 401 – – – – – –
SBA loans 1 264 – – – – – – – – – –
Total 2 $ 270 – $ – 1 $ 401 – $ – – $ – – $ –
% of Gross Loans 0.03 % – % 0.05 % – % – % – %
Non‐Performing Assets
Non‐performing assets (“NPAs”) include non‐accrual loans and real estate owned through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure (“REO”). We had one NPA at December 31,
2024 and no NPAs at December 31, 2023. Non-accrual loans consist of delinquent loans that are 90 days or more past due and other loans, including loans modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty,
that do not qualify for accrual status.
The following table provides information regarding our non‐performing assets at the dates indicated:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Non‐accrual loans:
Single-family $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 1
SBA loans 264 – – – –
Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing – – – – –
Real estate owned acquired through foreclosure – – – – –
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There were no accrual loans that were contractually past due by 90 days or more at December 31, 2024 or 2023. We had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on
non‐accrual status at December 31, 2024.
We discontinue accruing interest on loans when the loans become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due date (three missed payments). In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and
uncollected interest for those loans through a charge to interest income. While loans are in non‐accrual status, interest received on such loans is credited to principal, until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are
returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Classification of Assets
Federal regulations and our internal policies require that we utilize an asset classification system as a means of monitoring and reporting problem and potential problem assets. We have
incorporated asset classifications as a part of our credit monitoring system and thus classify potential problem assets as “Watch” and “Special Mention,” and problem assets as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss.” An asset is considered
“Watch” if the loan is current but temporarily presents higher than average risk and warrants greater than routine attention and monitoring. An asset is considered “Special Mention” if the loan is current but there are some potential
weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. An asset is considered “Substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets
include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “Doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified
“Substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “Loss” are
those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant
classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but that are considered to possess some weaknesses, are designated “Special Mention.” Our Internal Asset Review Department reviews and classifies our assets and independently reports the
results of its reviews to the Internal Asset Review Committee of our Board monthly.
The following table provides information regarding our criticized loans (Watch and Special Mention) and classified assets (Substandard) at the dates indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Criticized assets increased to $150.3 million at December 31, 2024, from $130.0 million at December 31, 2023. City First has historically classified all newly originated construction loans as
Watch loans until a history of loan performance can be established or until the construction project is complete, which is the main driver for the increase in total criticized loans of $20.3 million during 2024. In addition, certain loans
were downgraded as part of the internal review process, which also caused the increase in substandard loans of $38.0 million.
Allowance for Credit Losses
In originating loans, we recognize that losses may be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss may vary as a result of many factors, including the type of loan being made, the
creditworthiness of the borrower, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for the ACL on loans in accordance with Accounting
Standards Codification Topic 326 (“ASC 326”), which requires the Company to recognize estimates for lifetime losses on loans and off-balance sheet loan commitments at the time of origination or acquisition. The recognition of losses at
origination or acquisition represents the Company’s best estimate of the lifetime expected credit loss associated with a loan, given the facts and circumstances associated with the particular loan, and involves the use of significant
management judgment and estimates, which are subject to change based on management’s on-going assessment of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and changes in economic forecasts used in the model. The Company uses the weighted-average
remaining maturity (“WARM”) method when determining estimates for the ACL for each of its portfolio segments. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a
quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.
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The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Qualitative adjustments may include, but are not limited to, factors such as: (i) changes in lending
policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge offs, and recovery practices; (ii) changes in international, national, regional, and local conditions; (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the
portfolio and terms of loans; (iv) changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management; (v) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar conditions; (vi) changes in the quality of the organization’s
loan review system; (vii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; (viii) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (ix) the effect of
other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. These qualitative factors incorporate the concept of reasonable and supportable forecasts, as required by ASC 326.
The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on
nonaccrual status, loans that have recently been modified in response to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans, and other
loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the
loan portfolio, because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate
ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on the remaining life approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent
loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates of the fair value of the
underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.
The estimation of the appropriate level of the ACL requires significant judgment by management. Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future
adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Changes in management’s estimates of forecasted net losses could materially change the level of
the ACL. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ACL
based on judgments different from those of management.
The Company has segmented the loan portfolio according to loans that share similar attributes and risk characteristics. Each segment possesses varying degrees of risk based on, among other
things, the type of loan, the type of collateral, and the sensitivity of the borrower or industry to changes in external factors such as economic conditions. The Company determines the ACL for loans based on this more detailed loan
segmentation and classification. These segments, and the risks associated with each segment, are as follows:
Real Estate: Single-Family – Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy leading to increased default rate,
decreased market values from oversupply in a geographic area and incremental rate increases on adjustable-rate mortgages which may impact the ability of borrowers to maintain payments.
Real Estate: Multi‐Family – Subject to adverse various market conditions that cause a decrease in market value or lease rates, changes
in personal funding sources for tenants, oversupply of units in a specific region, population shifts and reputational risks.
Real Estate: Commercial Real Estate – Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy which may lead to reduced cash flows due to
vacancies and reduced rental rates, and decreases in the value of underlying collateral.
Real Estate: Church – Subject to adverse economic and employment conditions, which may lead to reduced cash flows from members’
donations and offerings, and the stability, quality, and popularity of church leadership.
Real Estate: Construction – Subject to adverse conditions in the local economy, which may lead to reduced demand for new commercial,
multi‐family, or single-family buildings or reduced lease or sale opportunities once the building is complete.
Commercial and SBA Loans – Subject to industry and economic conditions including decreases in product demand.
Consumer – Subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy, which may lead to higher default rates.
We determined that an ACL of $8.1 million, or 0.83% of gross loans held for investment, was appropriate at December 31, 2024, compared to the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) of $7.3
million, or 0.83% of gross loans held for investment at December 31, 2023.
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Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company maintained an ALLL in accordance with ASC 310 and ASC 450 that covered estimated credit losses on individually
evaluated loans that were determined to be impaired, as well as estimated probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio.
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the Company evaluates loans collectively for purposes of determining the ACL in accordance with ASC 326. Collective evaluation is based on aggregating loans
deemed to possess similar risk characteristics. In certain instances, the Company may identify loans that it believes no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio. These loans are typically identified
from those that have exhibited deterioration in credit quality, since the specific attributes and risks associated with such loans tend to become unique as the credit deteriorates. Such loans are typically nonperforming, downgraded to
substandard or worse, and/or are deemed collateral dependent, where the ultimate repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of or eventual sale of the collateral. Loans that are deemed by management to no longer possess
risk characteristics similar to other loans in the portfolio, or that have been identified as collateral dependent, are evaluated individually for purposes of determining an appropriate lifetime ACL. The Company uses the remaining life
approach, using the loan’s effective interest rate, for determining the ACL on individually evaluated loans, unless the loan is deemed collateral dependent, which requires evaluation based on the estimated fair value of the underlying
collateral, less estimated selling costs. The Company may increase or decrease the ACL for collateral dependent loans based on changes in the estimated fair value of the collateral.
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company classified loans as impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would be unable to
collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or it was determined that the likelihood of the Company receiving all scheduled payments, including interest, when due was remote. Credit losses on impaired
loans were determined separately based on the guidance in ASC 310. Beginning January 1, 2023, the Company accounts for credit losses on all loans in accordance with ASC 326, which eliminates the concept of an impaired loan within the context
of determining credit losses, and requires all loans to be evaluated for credit losses collectively based on similar risk characteristics. Loans are only evaluated individually when they are deemed to no longer possess similar risk
characteristics with other loans in the loan portfolio.
A federally chartered bank’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the OCC. The OCC, in conjunction with the
other federal banking agencies, provides guidance for financial institutions on the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate valuation allowances, as well as guidance for banking agency examiners to use
in determining the adequacy of valuation allowances. It is required that all institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems, analyze all significant factors that affect the
collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner and establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives of the guidelines issued by federal regulatory agencies. While we believe that the ACL has been
established and maintained at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ materially from the conditions on which we based our estimates at December 31, 2024. In addition, there can be no
assurance that the OCC or other regulators, as a result of reviewing our loan portfolio and/or allowance, will not require us to materially increase our ACL, thereby affecting our financial condition and earnings.
The following table details our allocation of the ACL/ALLL to the various categories of loans held for investment and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans at the dates
indicated:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer – – % – – % 4 – % 15 – % 1 – %
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The following table shows the activity in our ACL/ALLL related to our loans held for investment for the years indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Charge‐offs:
Single-family – – – – –
Multi-family – – – – –
Commercial real estate – – – – –
Church – – – – –
Construction – – – – –
Commercial – – – – –
SBA Loans – – – – –
Consumer – – – – –
Total charge‐offs – – – – –
Recoveries:
Single-family – – – – 4
Multi-family - 109 – – –
Commercial real estate – 107 – – –
Church – – – – –
Construction – – – – –
Commercial – – – – –
SBA Loans – – – – –
Consumer – – – – –
Total recoveries – 216 – – 4
Impact of CECL adoption – 1,809 – – –
Investment Activities
The main objectives of our investment strategy are to provide a source of liquidity for deposit outflows, repayment of our borrowings and funding loan commitments, and to generate a favorable
return on investments without incurring undue interest rate or credit risk. Subject to various restrictions, our investment policy generally permits investments in money market instruments such as federal funds sold, certificates of deposit
of insured banks and savings institutions, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, securities issued by federal and other government agencies and mortgage‐backed securities, mutual funds, municipal obligations, corporate bonds, and
marketable equity securities. Mortgage‐backed securities consist principally of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association which
are backed by 30‐year amortizing hybrid ARM Loans, structured with fixed interest rates for periods of three to seven years, after which time the loans convert to one‐year or six‐month adjustable rate mortgage loans. At December 31, 2024, our
securities portfolio, consisting primarily of federal agency debt, mortgage‐backed securities, bonds issued by the United States Treasury and the SBA, and municipal bonds, totaled $203.9 million, or 15.6% of total assets.
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We classify investments as held‐to‐maturity or available‐for‐sale at the date of purchase based on our assessment of our internal liquidity requirements. Securities purchased to meet
investment‐related objectives such as liquidity management or mitigating interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available‐for‐sale at the time of purchase. Securities in the
held‐to‐maturity category consist of securities purchased for long‐term investment in order to enhance our ongoing stream of net interest income. Securities deemed held‐to‐maturity are classified as such because we have both the intent and
ability to hold these securities to maturity. Held‐to‐maturity securities are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Available‐for‐sale securities are reported at fair value. We currently have no
securities classified as held‐to‐maturity securities.
The Company’s assessment of available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2024, indicated that an ACL was not required. The Company analyzed available-for-sale investment
securities that were in an unrealized loss position and determined the decline in fair value for those securities was not related to credit, but rather related to changes in interest rates and general market conditions. As such, no ACL was
recorded for available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2024.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by type as of the dates indicated. At December 31, 2024, our securities portfolio did not
contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies.
At December 31,
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
(In thousands)
The table below presents the carrying amount, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our securities as of December 31, 2024. The table reflects stated final maturities and does
not reflect scheduled principal payments or expected payoffs.
(Dollars in thousands)
Available‐for‐sale:
Sources of Funds
General
Deposits are our primary source of funds for supporting our lending and other investment activities and general business purposes. In addition to deposits, we obtain funds from the amortization
and prepayment of loans and investment securities, sales of loans and investment securities, advances from the FHLB, and cash flows generated by operations.
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Deposits
We offer a variety of deposit accounts featuring a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposits principally consist of savings accounts, checking accounts, interest checking accounts, money
market accounts, and fixed‐term certificates of deposit. The maturities of term certificates generally range from one month to five years. We accept deposits from customers within our market area based primarily on posted rates, but from time
to time we will negotiate the rate based on the amount of the deposit. We primarily rely on customer service and long‐standing customer relationships to attract and retain deposits. We seek to maintain and increase our retail “core” deposit
relationships, consisting of savings accounts, checking accounts and money market accounts because we believe these deposit accounts tend to be a stable funding source and are available at a lower cost than term deposits. However, market
interest rates, including rates offered by competing financial institutions, the availability of other investment alternatives, and general economic conditions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits.
We participate in a deposit program called the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”). CDARS is a deposit placement service that allows us to place our customers’ funds in
FDIC‐insured certificates of deposit at other banks and, at the same time, receive an equal sum of funds from the customers of other banks in the CDARS Network (“CDARS Reciprocal”). These deposits totaled $145.8 million and $114.8 million at
December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively and are not considered to be brokered deposits.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately $268.8 million and $286.4 million, respectively, of our total deposits were not insured by FDIC insurance.
The following table presents the maturity of time deposits as of the dates indicated:
(In thousands)
The following table details the maturity periods of our certificates of deposit in amounts of $100 thousand or more at December 31, 2024.
Amount Weighted Average Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates maturing:
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The following table presents the distribution of our average deposits for the years indicated and the weighted average interest rates during the year for each category of deposits presented.
For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
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Borrowings
We utilize short‐term and long‐term advances from the FHLB as an alternative to retail deposits as a funding source for asset growth. FHLB advances are generally secured by mortgage loans and
mortgage‐backed securities. Such advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions fluctuates
from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. At December 31, 2024, we had $195.5 million in outstanding FHLB advances and had the ability to borrow up to an additional $174.3 million based on available and pledged
collateral.
The following table summarizes information concerning our FHLB advances at or for the periods indicated:
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
FHLB Advances:
Weighted average interest rate at end of year 4.03 % 4.91 % 3.74 %
Average cost of advances during the year 4.79 % 4.70 % 1.74 %
Weighted average maturity (in months) - 2 7
On December 27, 2023, the Bank borrowed $100.0 million from the Federal Reserve under the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), which was paid off in December 2024. The interest rate on this borrowing was fixed
at 4.84% and the borrowing matured on December 29, 2024. Investment securities with a book value of $107.3 million and a fair value of $98.3 million were pledged as collateral for this borrowing as of December 31, 2023.
The Bank enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal
control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing
agreements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Bank’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the
securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. As
of December 31, 2024, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $66.6 million at an average rate of 3.62%. These agreements mature on a daily basis. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $83.3 million as of December 31,
2024 and included $46.5 million of U.S. Treasuries, $27.1 million of federal agency debt, $5.5 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities, and $4.2 million of SBA pools. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to
repurchase totaled $73.5 million at an average rate of 2.60%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and included $47.8 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.2 million of federal agency debt, and $11.0
million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities.
We participate in and have previously been an “Allocatee” of the New Markets Tax Credit Program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. In
connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. In December 2015, a national brokerage firm made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan
to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 was the beneficiary of the loan from the brokerage firm and passed the proceeds from that loan through to a Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business (“QALICB”). The loan to the QALICB is secured by a Leasehold
Deed of Trust from which the funds for repayment of the loan will be derived. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to the brokerage firm, less a servicing fee which is retained by CFC 45. This note was
paid off during January 2024. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company.
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Market Area and Competition
The Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) and a certified B Corp, offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Our retail
banking network includes full-service banking offices, automated teller machines and internet banking capabilities that are available using our website at www.ciytfirstbank.com. We have three banking offices as of December 31, 2024: two in
California (in Los Angeles and in the nearby City of Inglewood) and one in Washington, D.C.
Both the Washington, D.C. and the Los Angeles metropolitan areas are highly competitive banking markets for making loans and attracting deposits. Although our offices are primarily located in
low‐to‐moderate income communities that have historically been under‐served by other financial institutions, we face significant competition for deposits and loans in our immediate market areas, including direct competition from mortgage
banking companies, commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Most of these financial institutions are significantly larger than we are and have greater financial resources, and many have a regional, statewide, or national presence.
Human Capital Management
Human Capital
At City First Bank, N.A., we are a unified, commercial Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission-driven approach that advances economic, social, and environmental solutions. Our work is
deeply rooted in creating attractive opportunities for the clients and communities we serve, making them stronger, more resilient places to live and work. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. To ensure long-term growth and
sustainability, our human capital strategy is centered on attracting, selecting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent whose personal values align with our organization’s mission and principles.
Culture & Shared Values
Our Shared Values serve as the foundation of our corporate culture, guiding our actions, behaviors, and decision-making. As such, these principles of “Clients and Communities First,”“We Think Big,”“We Model Excellence,”and“ONE City First” shape how we engage with one another, our
customers, and the broader community. Through a shared commitment to impact-driven financial services, our employees collaborate with mission-aligned partners to support affordable housing, charter schools, community health centers,
nonprofits, and small to medium-sized businesses in under invested and low- and moderate-income communities. We are intentional about fostering a purpose-driven workplace, where employees feel empowered, valued, and connected to the greater
mission and purpose of the organization.
Our legacy and history matter at City First. We are proud of our expanded 75-year history with the merger with Broadway Federal. Our founders in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. were local leaders who saw a
need in the community for a bank that addressed the lack of access to capital for under invested communities. Our ownership, responsibility, and commitment to these Shared Values and legacy is reflected in the composition of our workforce,
executive leadership team, and Board.
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Workforce Learning & Development
We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth where employees can learn, grow, and be fulfilled in the work that they do. Our learning & development strategy
provides employees with the tools, training, and experiences they need to excel in their roles and advance within the organization. Key initiatives include:
Our commitment to workforce development ensures that our employees not only contribute to the success of the organization but also grow personally and professionally.
Total Rewards & Employee Well-Being
We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:
Our Total Rewards philosophy ensures that our employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to the organization’s success while maintaining a strong sense of personal and financial well-being.
Governance & Workforce Overview
Our Board provides strategic oversight of our human capital management, ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term objectives. The Human Resources team leads the execution of our talent strategy,
workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational development initiatives. As of December 31, 2024, we employed 106 full-time employees across our corporate offices, branch locations, and operational facilities. Our primary offices
are located in Los Angeles, California, and Washington, D.C., with additional employees working remotely in various locations across the United States.
Regulation
General
City First and Broadway Financial Corporation are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by several different federal agencies. City First is regulated by the OCC as its primary
federal regulator. The Bank’s deposits generally are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account; the Bank also is regulated by the FDIC as its deposit insurer. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is subject to certain
regulations of the FRB, including, for example, regulations concerning reserves required to be maintained against deposits and regulations governing transactions with affiliates, Broadway Financial Corporation is regulated, examined, and
supervised by the FRB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRBR”) and is also required to file certain reports and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws. The Bank also is subject to
consumer protection regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
The OCC regulates and examines the Bank’s business activities, including, among other things, capital standards, investment authority and permissible activities, deposit taking and borrowing
authority, mergers and other business combination transactions, establishment of branch offices, and the structure and permissible activities of any subsidiaries of the Bank. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over national banks
and has substantial discretion to impose enforcement actions on an institution that fails to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including capital requirements, or that engages in practices that examiners determine to be unsafe or
unsound. In addition, the FDIC has “back-up” enforcement authority that enables it to recommend enforcement action to the OCC with respect to a national bank and, if the recommended action is not taken by the OCC, to take such action under
certain circumstances. In certain cases, the OCC has the authority to refer matters relating to federal fair lending laws to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) if the OCC
determines violations of the fair lending laws may have occurred.
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Changes in applicable laws or the regulations of the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB, the CFPB, or other regulatory authorities, or changes in interpretations of such regulations or in agency policies or
priorities, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and our Company, our operations, and the value of our debt and equity securities. We and our stock are also subject to rules issued by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), the
stock exchange on which our voting common stock is traded. Failure to conform to Nasdaq’s rules could have an adverse impact on us and the value of our equity securities.
The following paragraphs summarize certain laws and regulations that apply to the Company and the Bank. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport
to be complete descriptions of all the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that applies to us. In addition, the statutes and regulations
that apply to the Company and the Bank are subject to change, which can affect the scope and cost of their compliance obligations.
Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
In July 2010, the Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd‐Frank Act”) was signed into law. The Dodd‐Frank Act is intended to address perceived weaknesses in the U.S.
financial regulatory system and prevent future economic and financial crises.
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The Dodd‐Frank Act established increased compliance obligations across a number of areas in the banking business. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies
(comprising the FRB, the OCC, and the FDIC) substantially revised their consolidated and bank-level risk‐based and leverage capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies and
certain non‐bank financial companies. Under an existing FRB policy statement, bank holding companies with less than $3 billion in total consolidated assets are not subject to consolidated capital requirements provided they satisfy the
conditions in the policy statement. The Dodd‐Frank Act requires bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength for any subsidiary of the holding company that is a depository institution by providing financial assistance in
the event of the financial distress of the depository institution.
The Dodd‐Frank Act also established the CFPB. The CFPB has broad rule‐making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to banks and savings institutions of all sizes,
including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. At times during the past several years, the CFPB has been active in bringing enforcement actions against banks and nonbank financial institutions to
enforce federal consumer financial laws and has developed a number of new enforcement theories and applications of these laws. The CFPB’s supervisory authority does not generally extend to insured depository institutions, such as the Bank,
that have less than $10 billion in assets. The federal banking agencies, however, have authority to examine for compliance, and bring enforcement action for non-compliance, with respect to the CFPB’s regulations. State attorneys general and
state banking agencies and other state financial regulators also may have authority to enforce applicable consumer laws with respect to institutions over which they have jurisdiction.
Capital Requirements
The Bank’s capital requirements are administered by the OCC and involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under applicable regulatory
accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the OCC. Failure to meet capital requirements can result in regulatory action.
As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies have developed a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (“CBLR”) (the ratio of a bank’s
tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage
requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies have set the Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 9%. Actual and required capital amounts
and ratios as of the dates indicated are presented below:
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2024, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. In addition, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework
for prompt corrective action. Management believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would materially adversely change the Bank’s capital classifications. From time to time, we may need to raise additional capital to support the
Bank’s further growth and to maintain the “well capitalized” status.
Deposit Insurance
The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits of federally insured banks, including national banks, up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor. Pursuant to the
Dodd‐Frank Act, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
The FDIC charges an annual assessment for the insurance of deposits based on the risk a particular institution poses to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank’s DIF assessment is
calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the assessment base, which is defined as the average consolidated total assets less the average tangible equity of the Bank. The initial base assessment rate is based on an institution’s
capital level, and capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related
stress, and in some cases, additional discretionary adjustments by the FDIC to reflect additional risk factors.
The FDIC’s overall premium rate structure is subject to change from time to time to reflect its actual and anticipated loss experience. The financial crisis that began in 2008 resulted in
substantially higher levels of bank failures than had occurred in the immediately preceding years. These failures dramatically increased the resolution costs incurred by the FDIC and substantially reduced the available amount of the DIF.
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Consistent with the requirements of the Dodd‐Frank Act, the FDIC adopted its most recent DIF restoration plan in September 2020; that plan is designed to enable the FDIC to achieve the
statutorily required reserve ratio of 1.35% by September 30, 2028. The FDIC Board has set the designated reserve ratio for each of the years 2024 and 2023 at 2%. The statute provides that in setting the amount of assessments necessary to meet
the designated reserve ratio requirement, the FDIC is required to offset the effect of this provision on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, so that more of the cost of raising the reserve
ratio will be borne by institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Accordingly, the FDIC has provided assessment credits to insured depository institutions, like the Bank, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion for the
portion of their regular assessments that contribute to growth in the reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35%. The FDIC has applied the credits each quarter that the reserve ratio was at least 1.38% to offset the regular deposit insurance
assessments of institutions with credits. The Bank did not receive any assessment credits during 2024 or 2023.
Although it rarely does so, the FDIC has the authority to terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or
that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of a bank’s depositors.
Guidance on Commercial Real Estate Lending
In December 2015, the federal banking agencies released a statement titled “Statement on Prudent Risk Management for Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “CRE Statement”). The CRE Statement
expresses the banking agencies’ concerns with banking institutions that ease their commercial real estate underwriting standards, directs financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to
identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicates that the agencies will continue to pay special attention to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. The banking agencies previously issued guidance
titled “Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts” which provides guidance for financial institutions that are working with commercial real estate (“CRE”) borrowers who are experiencing diminished operating cash flows, depreciated
collateral values, or prolonged delays in selling or renting commercial properties and details risk‐management practices for loan workouts that support prudent and pragmatic credit and business decision‐making within the framework of