Note 19 - Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk

The Bank is not a party to derivative financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks such as futures, forwards, swaps and options. The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These instruments may involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract

amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because the other party to a financial instrument fails to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Bank’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

The Bank requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments when it is deemed necessary. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit-worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Types of collateral vary but may include marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory, and property, plant and equipment.

At December 31, 2019, the Bank had rate lock commitments to originate mortgage loans through its Mortgage Division amounting to approximately $11,294 and loans held for sale of $4,221. The Bank has entered into corresponding commitments with third party investors to sell each of these loans that close. No other obligation exists. As a result of these contractual relationships with these investors, the Bank is not exposed to losses nor will it realize gains related to its rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates.

Note 19 - Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk (continued)

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk are as follows:


	Contract Amounts at
	December 31,
	2019	2018

Commitments to extend credit	$134,186	$129,485

Standby letters of credit	$3,469	$2,972

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is generally less than that involved in extending loans to

customers because the Bank generally holds deposits equal to the commitment. Management does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.