SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business First Foundation Inc. (“FFI”) is a financial services holding company whose operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries: First Foundation Advisors (“FFA”) and First Foundation Bank (“FFB” or the “Bank”) and the wholly owned subsidiaries of FFB, First Foundation Public Finance (“FFPF”), First Foundation Insurance Services (“FFIS”) and Blue Moon Management, LLC (collectively the “Company”). FFI also has two inactive wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Consulting (“FFC”) and First Foundation Advisors, LLC (“FFA LLC”). In addition, FFA has set up a limited liability company, which is not included in these consolidated financial statements, as a private investment fund to provide an investment vehicle for its clients. FFI is incorporated in the state of Delaware. The corporate headquarters for FFI is located in Dallas, Texas. The Company has offices in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. FFA, established in 1985 and incorporated in the state of California, began operating in 1990 as a fee-based registered investment advisor. FFA provides (i) investment management and financial planning services for high net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charitable institutions and private foundations; (ii) financial, investment and economic advisory and related services to high net-worth individuals and their families, family-owned businesses, and other related organizations; and (iii) support services involving the processing and transmission of financial and economic data for charitable organizations. At the end of 2021, these services were provided to approximately 1,700 clients, primarily located in Southern California, with an aggregate of $5.7 billion of assets under management. The Bank commenced operations in 2007, is incorporated in the state of California and currently operates in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and in Hawaii. The Bank offers a wide range of deposit instruments including personal and business checking and savings accounts, including interest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit (“CD”) accounts. As a lender, the Bank originates, and retains for its portfolio, loans secured by real estate and commercial loans. Approximately 91% of the Bank’s loans are to clients located in California. The Bank also offers a wide range of specialized services including trust services, on-line banking, remote deposit capture, merchant credit card services, ATM cards, Visa debit cards, business sweep accounts, and through FFIS, insurance brokerage services. The Bank has a state non-member bank charter and is subject to continued examination by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). At December 31, 2021, the Company employed 674 employees. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U. S. GAAP and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Variable Interest Entities The Company may have variable interests in Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) arising from debt, equity or other monetary interests in an entity, which change with fluctuations in the fair value of the entity’s assets. VIEs are entities that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The primary beneficiary of a VIE (i.e., the party that has a controlling financial interest) is required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (2) through its interests in the VIE, the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company has sold loans, in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015, through securitizations sponsored by a government sponsored entity, Freddie Mac, who also provided credit enhancement of the loans through certain guarantee provisions. The Company retained the right to provide servicing for the loans except for special servicing for which an unrelated third party was engaged by the VIE. For the 2016 and 2015 securitizations, the Company acquired the “B” piece of the securitizations, which is structured to absorb any losses from the securitizations, and interest only strips from the securitization. For the 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 securitizations, the Company provides collateral to support its obligation to reimburse for credit losses incurred on loans in the securitization. Because the Company does not act as the special servicer for the VIE and because of the power of Freddie Mac over the VIE that holds the assets from the mortgage loan securitizations, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore the VIE is not consolidated. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 2020 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, due from banks, certificates of deposits with maturities of less than ninety days, investment securities with original maturities of less than ninety days, money market mutual funds and federal funds sold. At times, the Bank maintains cash at major financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured limits. However, as the Bank places these deposits with major well-capitalized financial institutions and monitors the financial condition of these institutions, management believes the risk of loss to be minimal. The Bank maintains most of its excess cash at the Federal Reserve Bank, with well-capitalized correspondent banks or with other depository institutions at amounts less than the FDIC insured limits. At December 31, 2021, included in cash and cash equivalents were $946 million in funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. Banking regulations require that banks maintain a percentage of their deposits as reserves in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank was in compliance with its reserve requirements as of December 31, 2021. Certificates of Deposit From time to time, the Company may invest funds with other financial institutions through certificates of deposit. Certificates of deposit are included as cash and cash equivalents. Certificates of deposit are carried at cost. Investment Securities Investment securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. Investments not classified as trading securities nor as held-to-maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from net income and reported as an amount net of taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income included in shareholders’ equity. Premiums or discounts on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities are amortized or accreted into income using the interest method. Loan Origination Fees and Costs Loan origination fees and direct costs associated with lending are deferred and amortized to interest income as an adjustment to yield over the respective lives of the loans using the interest method. The amortization of deferred fees and costs is discontinued on loans that are placed on nonaccrual status. When a loan is paid off, any unamortized deferred fees and costs are recognized in interest income. Loans Held for Investment Loans held for investment are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of cumulative chargeoffs, interest applied to principal (for loans accounted for using the cost recovery method), unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest on loans is accrued and recognized as interest income at the contractual rate of interest. When a loan is designated as held for investment, the intent is to hold these loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff. If subsequent changes occur, the Company may change its intent to hold these loans. Once a determination has been made to sell such loans, they are immediately transferred to loans held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans Held for Sale Loans designated for sale through securitization or in the secondary market are classified as loans held for sale. Loans held for sale are accounted for at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is generally based on observable market prices from other loans in the secondary market that have similar collateral, credit, and interest rate characteristics. If quoted market prices are not readily available, the Company may consider other observable market data such as dealer quotes for similar loans or forward sale commitments. In certain cases, the fair value may be based on a discounted cash flow model. Related gains and losses are recognized in net gain on mortgage loan origination and sale activities. Nonaccrual Loans Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal and interest is doubtful, generally when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due for principal or interest payment. All payments received on nonaccrual loans are accounted for using the cost recovery method. Under the cost recovery method, all cash collected is applied to first reduce the principal balance. A loan may be returned to accrual status if all delinquent principal and interest payments are brought current and the collectability of the remaining principal and interest payments in accordance with the loan agreement is reasonably assured. Loans that are well secured and in the collection process may be maintained on accrual status, even if they are 90 days or more past due. Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans The Company may purchase individual loans and groups of loans which have shown evidence of credit deterioration and are considered credit impaired. Purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans are recorded at the amount paid and there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses. PCD loans are recorded at fair value reflecting the present value of the amounts expected to be collected. Income recognition on these PCD loans is based on a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected. Acquired loans deemed impaired and considered collateral dependent, with the timing of the sale of loan collateral indeterminate, remain on nonaccrual status and have no accretable yield. All PCD loans were classified as accruing loans as of and subsequent to the acquisition date. Under ASC 326, the Bank’s allowance for credit losses includes a purchased assets with credit deterioration PCD element. The fair value mark related to PCD loans held for investment will only accrete the interest mark to interest expense over the remaining life of the PCD loans, while the non-PCD loans will accrete both the interest and credit marks over the remaining life of the non-PCD loans. Allowance for Credit Losses The ACL is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Provisions for credit losses are charged to operations based on management’s evaluation of the estimated losses in its loan portfolio. The major factors considered in evaluating losses are historical chargeoff experience, delinquency rates, local and national economic conditions, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and timing of repayments, and the value of any related collateral. Management’s estimate of fair value of the collateral considers current and anticipated future real estate market conditions, thereby causing these estimates to be particularly susceptible to changes that could result in a material adjustment to results of operations in the future. Recovery of the carrying value of such loans and related real estate is dependent, to a great extent, on economic, operating and other conditions that may be beyond the Bank’s control. The Bank’s primary regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for credit losses and such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on information and factors available to them at the time of their examinations. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Bank will not recognize additional provisions for credit losses with respect to its loan portfolio. The allowance consists of specific and general reserves. Specific reserves relate to loans that are individually classified as impaired. Credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes a loan balance is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. The Bank considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank bases the measurement of loan impairment using either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the loan’s collateral properties. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for credit losses through a charge to provision for credit losses. Adjustments to impairment losses due to changes in the fair value of impaired loans’ collateral properties are included in the provision for credit losses. The Bank’s impaired loans include nonaccrual loans (excluding those collectively reviewed for impairment), certain restructured loans and certain performing loans less than ninety days delinquent that the Bank believes will likely not be collected in accordance with contractual terms of the loans. Loans, for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are generally considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. Commercial loans and loans secured by multifamily and commercial real estate are individually evaluated for impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. Troubled debt restructurings are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Bank determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for credit losses. General reserves cover non-impaired loans and are based on historical loss rates for each portfolio segment, adjusted for the effects of qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses as of the evaluation date to differ from the portfolio segment’s historical loss experience. Because the Bank has not experienced any meaningful amount of losses in any of its current portfolio segments, the Bank calculates the historical loss rates on industry data, specifically, loss rates published by the FDIC. Qualitative factors include consideration of the following: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and other adversely graded loans; changes in the loan review system; changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; concentrations of credit and the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements. The Bank continues to leverage economic projections and applies a two-year time horizon prior to reverting to the Bank’s historical loss experience, which continues to be deemed reasonable and supportable. Portfolio segments identified by the Bank include loans secured by residential real estate, including multifamily and single family properties, loans secured by commercial real estate, loans secured by vacant land and construction loans, commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans. Relevant risk characteristics for these portfolio segments generally include debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios and financial performance on non-consumer loans and debt-to income, collateral type and loan-to-value ratios for consumer loans. The investment portfolio impacts the ACL through credit losses and/or cash flow changes. Cash flow impacts are the result when projected cash flow are lower than actual cash flow, primarily due to accelerated prepayments on Interest Only (“IO”) strips. Financial Instruments In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received. The Bank also has bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) acquired through the TGRF acquisition. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract, which is the cash surrender value. The increase in the cash surrender value each period and the receipt of death benefits in excess of the cash surrender value would be recorded to “Other Income” in the income statement. Transfers of Financial Assets Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Real Estate Owned Real estate owned (“REO”) represents the collateral acquired through foreclosure in full or partial satisfaction of the related loan. REO is recorded at the fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure. Any write-down at the date of transfer is charged to the allowance for credit losses related to loans. The recognition of gains or losses on sales of REO is dependent upon various factors relating to the nature of the property being sold and the terms of sale. REO values are reviewed on an ongoing basis and any decline in value is recognized as foreclosed asset expense in the current period, as are the net operating results from these assets. Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Premises under leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments of premises and equipment are capitalized and those for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. A valuation allowance is established for any impaired long-lived assets. The Company did not have impaired long-lived assets as of December 31, 2021 or 2020. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), the Bank is required to purchase FHLB stock in accordance with its advances, securities and deposit agreement. This stock, which is carried at cost, may be redeemed at par value. However, there are substantial restrictions regarding redemption and the Bank can only receive a full redemption in connection with the Bank surrendering its FHLB membership. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bank held $18 million and $17 million of FHLB stock, respectively. The Company does not believe that this stock is currently impaired and no adjustments to its carrying value have been recorded. Mortgage Servicing Rights When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the allowance for servicing rights was $3.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as other income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. Goodwill Goodwill is recorded upon completion of a business combination as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company will test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. The goodwill recorded by the Company was recognized from acquisitions in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021, and was not considered impaired at December 31, 2021. Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 10 years. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, core deposit intangible assets totaled $8.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and we recognized $1.6 million, $1.9 million and $2.3 million in core deposit intangible amortization expense in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This update replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. Adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as the Company’s primary sources of revenues are generated from financial instruments, such as loans and investment securities that are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09. Contracts with Customers Contracts with customers are open-ended, and we provide services on an ongoing basis for an unspecified contract term. For these ongoing services, the fees are variable, since they are dependent on factors such as the value of underlying assets under management or volume of transactions. Contract liabilities, or deferred revenue, are recorded when payments from customers are received in advance of providing services to customers. We generally receive payments for our services during the period or at the time services are provided, therefore, we do not have deferred revenue balances at period-end. Employees receive incentive compensation in the form of commissions, which are considered incremental and recoverable costs to obtain the contract. We utilize the practical expedient not to capitalize such costs as the amortization period of the asset is less than 12 months, and therefore we expense the commissions as incurred. Descriptions of our primary revenue-generating activities that are presented in our income statements are as follows: Interest on Loans Interest income is accrued daily on the Company’s outstanding loan balances. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal and, generally, when a loan becomes contractually past due for ninety days or more with respect to principal or interest. The accrual of interest may be continued on a well-secured loan contractually past due ninety days or more with respect to principal or interest if the loan is in the process of collection or collection of the principal and interest is deemed probable. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period income. Interest on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. Accrual of interest is resumed on loans only when, in the judgment of management, the loan is estimated to be fully collectible. The Bank continues to accrue interest on restructured loans since full payment of principal and interest is expected and such loans are performing or are less than ninety days delinquent and, therefore, do not meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. Restructured loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status are returned to accrual status when the remaining loan balance, net of any chargeoffs related to the restructure, is estimated to be fully collectible by management and performing in accordance with the applicable loan terms. Wealth management and trust fee income Asset management fees are billed on a monthly or quarterly basis based on the amount of assets under management and the applicable contractual fee percentage. Asset management fees are recognized as revenue in the period in which they are billed and earned. Financial planning fees are due and billed at the completion of the planning project and are recognized as revenue at that time. Service charges on deposit accounts Service charges on deposit accounts represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity or transaction-based fees. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed which are generally monthly for account maintenance services or when a transaction has been completed. Payment for such performance obligations are generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied. Gains and Losses on Sales of REO To record a sale of REO, the Bank evaluates if: (a) a commitment on the buyer’s part exists, (b) collection is probable in circumstances where the initial investment is minimal and (c) the buyer has obtained control of the asset, including the significant risks and rewards of the ownership. If there is no commitment on the buyer’s part, collection is not probable or the buyer has not obtained control of the asset, then a gain cannot be recognized. Other non-interest income includes revenue related to mortgage servicing activities and gains on sales of loans, which are not subject to the requirements of ASU 2014-09. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of stock options, or other equity instruments, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. This cost is recognized over the period in which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, generally the vesting period. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for stock awards, including restricted stock units. Marketing Costs The Company expenses marketing costs, including advertising, in the period incurred. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is established if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only if, based on its merits, the position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit by the taxing authorities. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as part of income tax expense. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and the related tax costs or benefits are the only components of other comprehensive income for the Company. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units, which are determined using the treasury stock method. Fair Value Measurement Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative instruments and hedging activities are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The fair value of derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. All derivatives are evaluated at inception as to whether or not they are hedging or non-hedging activities. For derivative instruments designated as non-hedging activities, the change in fair value is recognized currently in earnings. For derivative instruments designated as hedging activities, a qualitative analysis is performed at inception to determine if the derivative instrument is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated. Subsequently, a qualitative assessment of a hedge’s effectiveness is performed on a quarterly basis. For a fair value hedge, the change in fair value on the hedging instrument is recognized currently in earnings and the change in fair value on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized currently in earnings. All amounts recognized in earnings are presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments: In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Upon initial recognition of the exposure, the CECL model requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure. The Company adopted the amendments within ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the periods beginning after that date are presented under Topic 326, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. There was not any cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption. The instruments that were accounted for as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) are transitioned under the new purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) model using the prospective transition approach. The Company applied the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other than temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2020. As a result, the amortized cost basis remains the same before and after the effective date. Allowance for credit losses on investment securities: On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the amendments within ASU 2016-13, which replaces the legacy US GAAP Other Than Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”) model with a credit loss model. The credit loss model under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326-30, applicable to debt securities available for sale (“Securities AFS”), requires recognition of credit losses through an allowance account, but retains the concept from the OTTI model that credit losses are recognized once securities become impaired. For Securities AFS, a decline in fair value due to credit loss results in recognition of an allowance for credit losses. Impairment may result from credit deterioration of the issuer or collateral underlying the security. The assessment of determining if a decline in fair value resulted from a credit loss is performed at the individual security level. Among other factors, the Company considers: 1) the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis; 2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, including consideration of relevant financial metrics or ratios of the issuer; 3) any adverse conditions related to an industry or geographic area of an issuer; 4) any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and 5) any past due principal or interest payments from the issuer. If an assessment of the above factors indicates that a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for the excess of the amortized cost basis over the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, limited to the amount that the security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. Subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized in earnings. Any interest received after the security has been placed on nonaccrual status is recognized on a cash basis. Accrued interest receivable on Securities AFS is excluded from the estimate of expected credit losses. The provision for credit losses on the consolidated income statement includes the provisions for credit losses for loans and securities AFS. For 2021, the provision for credit losses was $3.9 million. In August 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-06, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Financial Services – Depository and Lending (Topic 942), and Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946)”. ASU 2021-06 amends certain SEC guidance related to financial disclosures related to acquired and disposed businesses, and statistical disclosures for banks and savings and loan registrants, and is effective upon issuance. The adoption of ASU 2021-06 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In October 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements”. ASU 2020-10 amends certain guidance that may have been applied in an inconsistent manner by certain entities. The effective date for the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods after December 15, 2020. The adoption of ASU 2020-10 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”. ASU 2019-12 provides amendments to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. Because the Company is a large accelerated filer, this ASU did not impact the effective date of adoption of this standard. New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-07, “Codification Updates to SEC Sections”. ASU 2019-07 amends certain Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) sections or paragraphs within the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) to reflect changes in SEC Final Rule Releases (“SEC Releases”) No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this ASU are the same as the effective dates and transition requirements in SEC Releases 33-10532, 33-10231, and 33-10442, as amended by this ASU. The adoption of ASU 2019-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business

First Foundation Inc. (“FFI”) is a financial services holding company whose operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries: First Foundation Advisors (“FFA”) and First Foundation Bank (“FFB” or the “Bank”) and the wholly owned subsidiaries of FFB, First Foundation Public Finance (“FFPF”), First Foundation Insurance Services (“FFIS”) and Blue Moon Management, LLC (collectively the “Company”). FFI also has two inactive wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Consulting (“FFC”) and First Foundation Advisors, LLC (“FFA LLC”). In addition, FFA has set up a limited liability company, which is not included in these consolidated financial statements, as a private investment fund to provide an investment vehicle for its clients. FFI is incorporated in the state of Delaware. The corporate headquarters for FFI is located in Dallas, Texas. The Company has offices in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

FFA, established in 1985 and incorporated in the state of California, began operating in 1990 as a fee-based registered investment advisor. FFA provides (i) investment management and financial planning services for high net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charitable institutions and private foundations; (ii) financial, investment and economic advisory and related services to high net-worth individuals and their families, family-owned businesses, and other related organizations; and (iii) support services involving the processing and transmission of financial and economic data for charitable organizations. At the end of 2021, these services were provided to approximately 1,700 clients, primarily located in Southern California, with an aggregate of $5.7 billion of assets under management.

The Bank commenced operations in 2007, is incorporated in the state of California and currently operates in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and in Hawaii. The Bank offers a wide range of deposit instruments including personal and business checking and savings accounts, including interest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit (“CD”) accounts. As a lender, the Bank originates, and retains for its portfolio, loans secured by real estate and commercial loans. Approximately 91% of the Bank’s loans are to clients located in California. The Bank also offers a wide range of specialized services including trust services, on-line banking, remote deposit capture, merchant credit card services, ATM cards, Visa debit cards, business sweep accounts, and through FFIS, insurance brokerage services. The Bank has a state non-member bank charter and is subject to continued examination by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

At December 31, 2021, the Company employed 674 employees.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U. S. GAAP and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company may have variable interests in Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) arising from debt, equity or other monetary interests in an entity, which change with fluctuations in the fair value of the entity’s assets. VIEs are entities

that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The primary beneficiary of a VIE (i.e., the party that has a controlling financial interest) is required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (2) through its interests in the VIE, the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company has sold loans, in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015, through securitizations sponsored by a government sponsored entity, Freddie Mac, who also provided credit enhancement of the loans through certain guarantee provisions. The Company retained the right to provide servicing for the loans except for special servicing for which an unrelated third party was engaged by the VIE. For the 2016 and 2015 securitizations, the Company acquired the “B” piece of the securitizations, which is structured to absorb any losses from the securitizations, and interest only strips from the securitization. For the 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 securitizations, the Company provides collateral to support its obligation to reimburse for credit losses incurred on loans in the securitization. Because the Company does not act as the special servicer for the VIE and because of the power of Freddie Mac over the VIE that holds the assets from the mortgage loan securitizations, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore the VIE is not consolidated.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the 2020 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, due from banks, certificates of deposits with maturities of less than ninety days, investment securities with original maturities of less than ninety days, money market mutual funds and federal funds sold. At times, the Bank maintains cash at major financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured limits. However, as the Bank places these deposits with major well-capitalized financial institutions and monitors the financial condition of these institutions, management believes the risk of loss to be minimal. The Bank maintains most of its excess cash at the Federal Reserve Bank, with well-capitalized correspondent banks or with other depository institutions at amounts less than the FDIC insured limits. At December 31, 2021, included in cash and cash equivalents were $946 million in funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Banking regulations require that banks maintain a percentage of their deposits as reserves in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank was in compliance with its reserve requirements as of December 31, 2021.

Certificates of Deposit

From time to time, the Company may invest funds with other financial institutions through certificates of deposit. Certificates of deposit are included as cash and cash equivalents. Certificates of deposit are carried at cost.

Investment Securities

Investment securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. Investments not classified as trading securities nor as held-to-maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from net income and reported as an amount net of taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income

included in shareholders’ equity. Premiums or discounts on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities are amortized or accreted into income using the interest method.

Loan Origination Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees and direct costs associated with lending are deferred and amortized to interest income as an adjustment to yield over the respective lives of the loans using the interest method. The amortization of deferred fees and costs is discontinued on loans that are placed on nonaccrual status. When a loan is paid off, any unamortized deferred fees and costs are recognized in interest income.

Loans Held for Investment

Loans held for investment are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of cumulative chargeoffs, interest applied to principal (for loans accounted for using the cost recovery method), unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest on loans is accrued and recognized as interest income at the contractual rate of interest. When a loan is designated as held for investment, the intent is to hold these loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff. If subsequent changes occur, the Company may change its intent to hold these loans. Once a determination has been made to sell such loans, they are immediately transferred to loans held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans designated for sale through securitization or in the secondary market are classified as loans held for sale. Loans held for sale are accounted for at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is generally based on observable market prices from other loans in the secondary market that have similar collateral, credit, and interest rate characteristics. If quoted market prices are not readily available, the Company may consider other observable market data such as dealer quotes for similar loans or forward sale commitments. In certain cases, the fair value may be based on a discounted cash flow model. Related gains and losses are recognized in net gain on mortgage loan origination and sale activities.

Nonaccrual Loans

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal and interest is doubtful, generally when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due for principal or interest payment. All payments received on nonaccrual loans are accounted for using the cost recovery method. Under the cost recovery method, all cash collected is applied to first reduce the principal balance. A loan may be returned to accrual status if all delinquent principal and interest payments are brought current and the collectability of the remaining principal and interest payments in accordance with the loan agreement is reasonably assured. Loans that are well secured and in the collection process may be maintained on accrual status, even if they are 90 days or more past due.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

The Company may purchase individual loans and groups of loans which have shown evidence of credit deterioration and are considered credit impaired. Purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans are recorded at the amount paid and there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses.

PCD loans are recorded at fair value reflecting the present value of the amounts expected to be collected. Income recognition on these PCD loans is based on a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected. Acquired loans deemed impaired and considered collateral dependent, with the timing of the sale of loan collateral indeterminate, remain on nonaccrual status and have no accretable yield. All PCD loans were classified as accruing loans as of and subsequent to the acquisition date.

Under ASC 326, the Bank’s allowance for credit losses includes a purchased assets with credit deterioration PCD element. The fair value mark related to PCD loans held for investment will only accrete the interest mark to interest expense over the remaining life of the PCD loans, while the non-PCD loans will accrete both the interest and credit marks over the remaining life of the non-PCD loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Provisions for credit losses are charged to operations based on management’s evaluation of the estimated losses in its loan portfolio. The major factors considered in evaluating losses are historical chargeoff experience, delinquency rates, local and national economic conditions, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and timing of repayments, and the value of any related collateral. Management’s estimate of fair value of the collateral considers current and anticipated future real estate market conditions, thereby causing these estimates to be particularly susceptible to changes that could result in a material adjustment to results of operations in the future. Recovery of the carrying value of such loans and related real estate is dependent, to a great extent, on economic, operating and other conditions that may be beyond the Bank’s control.

The Bank’s primary regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for credit losses and such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on information and factors available to them at the time of their examinations. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Bank will not recognize additional provisions for credit losses with respect to its loan portfolio.

The allowance consists of specific and general reserves. Specific reserves relate to loans that are individually classified as impaired. Credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes a loan balance is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off.

The Bank considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank bases the measurement of loan impairment using either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the loan’s collateral properties. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for credit losses through a charge to provision for credit losses. Adjustments to impairment losses due to changes in the fair value of impaired loans’ collateral properties are included in the provision for credit losses. The Bank’s impaired loans include nonaccrual loans (excluding those collectively reviewed for impairment), certain restructured loans and certain performing loans less than ninety days delinquent that the Bank believes will likely not be collected in accordance with contractual terms of the loans. Loans, for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are generally considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired.

Commercial loans and loans secured by multifamily and commercial real estate are individually evaluated for impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Troubled debt restructurings are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Bank determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for credit losses.

General reserves cover non-impaired loans and are based on historical loss rates for each portfolio segment, adjusted for the effects of qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses as of the evaluation date to differ from the portfolio segment’s historical loss experience. Because the Bank has not experienced any meaningful amount of losses in any of its current portfolio segments, the Bank calculates the historical loss rates on industry data, specifically, loss rates published by the FDIC. Qualitative factors include consideration of the following: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and other adversely graded loans; changes in the loan review system; changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; concentrations of credit and the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements. The Bank continues to leverage economic projections and applies a two-year time horizon prior to reverting to the Bank’s historical loss experience, which continues to be deemed reasonable and supportable.

Portfolio segments identified by the Bank include loans secured by residential real estate, including multifamily and single family properties, loans secured by commercial real estate, loans secured by vacant land and construction loans, commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans. Relevant risk characteristics for these portfolio segments generally include debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios and financial performance on non-consumer loans and debt-to income, collateral type and loan-to-value ratios for consumer loans.

The investment portfolio impacts the ACL through credit losses and/or cash flow changes. Cash flow impacts are the result when projected cash flow are lower than actual cash flow, primarily due to accelerated prepayments on Interest Only (“IO”) strips.

Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received. The Bank also has bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) acquired through the TGRF acquisition. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract, which is the cash surrender value. The increase in the cash surrender value each period and the receipt of death benefits in excess of the cash surrender value would be recorded to “Other Income” in the income statement.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned (“REO”) represents the collateral acquired through foreclosure in full or partial satisfaction of the related loan. REO is recorded at the fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure. Any write-down at the date of transfer is charged to the allowance for credit losses related to loans. The recognition of gains or losses on sales of REO is dependent upon various factors relating to the nature of the property being sold and the terms of sale. REO values are reviewed on an ongoing basis and any decline in value is recognized as foreclosed asset expense in the current period, as are the net operating results from these assets.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Premises under leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments of premises and equipment are capitalized and those for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. A valuation allowance is established for any impaired long-lived assets. The Company did not have impaired long-lived assets as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), the Bank is required to purchase FHLB stock in accordance with its advances, securities and deposit agreement. This stock, which is carried at cost, may be redeemed at par value. However, there are substantial restrictions regarding redemption and the Bank can only receive a full redemption in connection with the Bank surrendering its FHLB membership. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bank held $18 million and $17 million of FHLB stock, respectively. The Company does not believe that this stock is currently impaired and no adjustments to its carrying value have been recorded.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.

Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the allowance for servicing rights was $3.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as other income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded upon completion of a business combination as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company will test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. The goodwill recorded by the Company was recognized from acquisitions in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021, and was not considered impaired at December 31, 2021.

Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 10 years. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, core deposit intangible assets totaled $8.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and we recognized $1.6 million, $1.9 million and $2.3 million in core deposit intangible amortization expense in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This update replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. Adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as the Company’s primary sources of revenues are generated from financial instruments, such as loans and investment securities that are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09.

Contracts with Customers

Contracts with customers are open-ended, and we provide services on an ongoing basis for an unspecified contract term. For these ongoing services, the fees are variable, since they are dependent on factors such as the value of underlying assets under management or volume of transactions.

Contract liabilities, or deferred revenue, are recorded when payments from customers are received in advance of providing services to customers. We generally receive payments for our services during the period or at the time services are provided, therefore, we do not have deferred revenue balances at period-end.

Employees receive incentive compensation in the form of commissions, which are considered incremental and recoverable costs to obtain the contract. We utilize the practical expedient not to capitalize such costs as the amortization period of the asset is less than 12 months, and therefore we expense the commissions as incurred.

Descriptions of our primary revenue-generating activities that are presented in our income statements are as follows:

Interest on Loans

Interest income is accrued daily on the Company’s outstanding loan balances. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal and, generally, when a loan becomes contractually past due for ninety days or more with respect to principal or interest. The accrual of interest may be continued on a well-secured loan contractually past due ninety days or more with respect to principal or interest if the loan is in the process of collection or collection of the principal and interest is deemed probable.

When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period income. Interest on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. Accrual of interest is resumed on loans only when, in the judgment of management, the loan is estimated to be fully collectible. The Bank continues to accrue interest on restructured loans since full payment of principal and interest is expected and such loans are performing or are less than ninety days delinquent and, therefore, do not meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. Restructured loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status are returned to accrual status when the remaining loan balance, net of any chargeoffs related to the restructure, is estimated to be fully collectible by management and performing in accordance with the applicable loan terms.

Wealth management and trust fee income

Asset management fees are billed on a monthly or quarterly basis based on the amount of assets under management and the applicable contractual fee percentage. Asset management fees are recognized as revenue in the period in which they are billed and earned. Financial planning fees are due and billed at the completion of the planning project and are recognized as revenue at that time.

Service charges on deposit accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity or transaction-based fees. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed which are generally monthly for account maintenance services or when a transaction has been completed. Payment for such performance obligations are generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied.

Gains and Losses on Sales of REO

To record a sale of REO, the Bank evaluates if: (a) a commitment on the buyer’s part exists, (b) collection is probable in circumstances where the initial investment is minimal and (c) the buyer has obtained control of the asset, including the significant risks and rewards of the ownership. If there is no commitment on the buyer’s part, collection is not probable or the buyer has not obtained control of the asset, then a gain cannot be recognized.

Other non-interest income includes revenue related to mortgage servicing activities and gains on sales of loans, which are not subject to the requirements of ASU 2014-09.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of stock options, or other equity instruments, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. This cost is recognized over the period in which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, generally the vesting period. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for stock awards, including restricted stock units.

Marketing Costs

The Company expenses marketing costs, including advertising, in the period incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is established if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only if, based on its merits, the position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit by the taxing authorities. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as part of income tax expense.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and the related tax costs or benefits are the only components of other comprehensive income for the Company.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income

that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units, which are determined using the treasury stock method.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivative instruments and hedging activities are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The fair value of derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. All derivatives are evaluated at inception as to whether or not they are hedging or non-hedging activities. For derivative instruments designated as non-hedging activities, the change in fair value is recognized currently in earnings.

For derivative instruments designated as hedging activities, a qualitative analysis is performed at inception to determine if the derivative instrument is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated. Subsequently, a qualitative assessment of a hedge’s effectiveness is performed on a quarterly basis. For a fair value hedge, the change in fair value on the hedging instrument is recognized currently in earnings and the change in fair value on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized currently in earnings. All amounts recognized in earnings are presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments: In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Upon initial recognition of the exposure, the CECL model requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure.

The Company adopted the amendments within ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the periods beginning after that date are presented under Topic 326, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. There was not any cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption. The instruments that were accounted for as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) are transitioned under the new purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) model using the prospective transition approach. The Company applied the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other than temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2020. As a result, the amortized cost basis remains the same before and after the effective date.

Allowance for credit losses on investment securities: On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the amendments within ASU 2016-13, which replaces the legacy US GAAP Other Than Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”) model with a credit loss model. The credit loss model under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326-30, applicable to debt securities available for sale (“Securities AFS”), requires recognition of credit losses through an allowance account, but

retains the concept from the OTTI model that credit losses are recognized once securities become impaired. For Securities AFS, a decline in fair value due to credit loss results in recognition of an allowance for credit losses. Impairment may result from credit deterioration of the issuer or collateral underlying the security. The assessment of determining if a decline in fair value resulted from a credit loss is performed at the individual security level. Among other factors, the Company considers: 1) the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis; 2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, including consideration of relevant financial metrics or ratios of the issuer; 3) any adverse conditions related to an industry or geographic area of an issuer; 4) any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and 5) any past due principal or interest payments from the issuer. If an assessment of the above factors indicates that a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for the excess of the amortized cost basis over the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, limited to the amount that the security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. Subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized in earnings. Any interest received after the security has been placed on nonaccrual status is recognized on a cash basis. Accrued interest receivable on Securities AFS is excluded from the estimate of expected credit losses.

The provision for credit losses on the consolidated income statement includes the provisions for credit losses for loans and securities AFS. For 2021, the provision for credit losses was $3.9 million.

In August 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-06, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Financial Services – Depository and Lending (Topic 942), and Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946)”. ASU 2021-06 amends certain SEC guidance related to financial disclosures related to acquired and disposed businesses, and statistical disclosures for banks and savings and loan registrants, and is effective upon issuance. The adoption of ASU 2021-06 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements”. ASU 2020-10 amends certain guidance that may have been applied in an inconsistent manner by certain entities. The effective date for the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods after December 15, 2020. The adoption of ASU 2020-10 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”. ASU 2019-12 provides amendments to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. Because the Company is a large accelerated filer, this ASU did not impact the effective date of adoption of this standard.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-07, “Codification Updates to SEC Sections”. ASU 2019-07 amends certain Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) sections or paragraphs within the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) to reflect changes in SEC Final Rule Releases (“SEC Releases”) No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this ASU are the same as the effective dates and transition requirements in SEC Releases 33-10532, 33-10231, and 33-10442, as amended by this ASU. The adoption of ASU 2019-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.