SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (the “Bank”), together referred to as “the Company.” The Bank’s operations include its real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc.; a financial title insurance subsidiary, Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”); and an investment services subsidiary, Bridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Bridge Financial Services”). Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The Company provides financial services through its branches in its primary market areas of Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. The Bank’s primary deposit products are time, savings and demand deposits from the consumers, businesses and local municipalities in its market area. Its primary lending products are commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial and industrial, and residential mortgage loans. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the area. The audited consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include the collective results of the Holding Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, which are collectively herein referred to as “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company.” The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial institution industry. The following is a description of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in preparing its consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual future results could differ. Cash Flows For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest- earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold, which mature overnight. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, and repurchase agreements. Securities Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting in observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The adoption of this guidance resulted in no change to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method. Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. Securities, Restricted Securities, restricted represents FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and bankers’ banks stock, which are reported at cost. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. Loans Held for Sale Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Any subsequent declines in fair value below the initial carrying value are recorded as a valuation allowance, which is established through a charge to earnings. Loans Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of partial charge-offs, deferred origination costs and fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect costs incurred in connection with loan originations are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to yield. When a loan prepays, the remaining unamortized net deferred origination fees or costs are recognized in the current year. Interest on loans is credited to income based on the principal outstanding during the period. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans that are 90 days past due are automatically placed on non-accrual and previously accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. However, if the loan is in the process of collection and the Bank has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectable based upon an individual loan evaluation assessing such factors as collateral and collectability, accrued interest will be recognized as earned. If a payment is received when a loan is non-accrual or a troubled debt restructuring loan is non-accrual, the payment is applied to the principal balance. A troubled debt restructured loan performing in accordance with its modified terms is maintained on 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. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans for which the terms have been modified as a concession to the borrower due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as impaired. Loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings can be categorized as non-accrual or performing. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Loans that experience minor payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Non-residential real estate loans over $200,000 and residential real estate loans over $1.0 million are individually evaluated for impairment. Smaller balance loans may also be individually evaluated for impairment if they are part of a larger impaired relationship. Loans with balances below the aforementioned thresholds are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. Loans that were acquired through the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) on June 19, 2015 and First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”) on February 14, 2014, were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Determining fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of expected principal and interest cash flows to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market interest rate. Some of the loans at the time of acquisition showed evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These loans are considered purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans. For PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable discount. The non-accretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases to the expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the non-accretable discount, which is then reclassified as accretable discount and recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require management to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses. PCI loans that were non-accrual prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be non-accrual or non-performing and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount. Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan classes. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. Management monitors its entire loan portfolio regularly, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged against the allowance. Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses. Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; home equity loans; residential real estate mortgages; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers credit risk ratings, which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of both peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses. For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. A specific allowance is established when subsequent evaluations of expected cash flows from PCI loans reflect a decrease in those estimates. The allowance established represents the excess of the recorded investment in those loans over the present value of the currently estimated future cash flow, discounted at the last effective accounting yield. The Bank uses assumptions and methodologies that are relevant to estimating the level of impairment and probable losses in the loan portfolio. To the extent that the data supporting such assumptions has limitations, management’s judgment and experience play a key role in recording the allowance estimates. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by provisions charged to earnings. Furthermore, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to PCI loans would result in a reduction of the required specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision. Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic, market or other conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination. A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to delinquency criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral. Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan portfolio segments. Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with a useful life of fifty years for buildings and a range of two to ten years for equipment, computer hardware and software, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Land is carried at cost. Improvements and major repairs are capitalized, while the cost of ordinary maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to expense. Bank-Owned Life Insurance The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain employees. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Other Real Estate Owned Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill resulting from business combinations is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. The Company has selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill and the BNB Bank trademark are intangible assets with indefinite lives on the Company’s balance sheet. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of ten years. Other intangible assets also include servicing rights, which result from the sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans with servicing rights 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 market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as unused lines of credit, commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet when they are funded. Derivatives The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income. Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged. The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings. Income Taxes Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. It is management’s position, as currently supported by the facts and circumstances, that no valuation allowance is necessary against any of the Company’s deferred tax assets. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. There are no such tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Treasury Stock Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in, first out method. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Basic EPS is net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Dividend Restriction Cash available for distribution of dividends to stockholders of the Company is primarily derived from cash and cash equivalents of the Company and dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. Dividends from the Bank to the Company at January 1, 2020 are limited to $58.7 million, which represents the Bank’s net retained earnings from the previous two years. During 2019, the Bank paid $24.5 million in cash dividends to the Company. Segment Reporting While management monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation cost is recognized for stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) issued to employees and independent directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of the grant. 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 to estimate the fair value for RSAs and RSUs. Compensation cost is recognized as expense over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Standards Effective in 2019 ASU 2016‑02, Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date (1) A lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosure about an entity’s leasing arrangements. The Company adopted Topic 842 using the transition approach of applying the new leases standard at the beginning of the period of adoption on January 1, 2019. The new guidance includes a number of optional transition-related practical expedients that must be elected as a package and applied by a reporting entity to all of its leases consistently. The Company has elected to apply the package of practical expedients to all of its existing leases, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification as operating leases in accordance with previous GAAP. The effect of adopting this standard in the Company's consolidated balance sheets was a $39 million increase in operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019. Refer to Note 7. “Leases” for further details of Leases. ASU 2017‑12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in the ASU better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes in both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All transition requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption. The effect of adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, an entity shall apply a cumulative-effect adjustment related to eliminating the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the amendments in this ASU. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Standards Effective in 2020 ASU 2016‑13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held to maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with Topic 842 on leases. In addition, Topic 326 made changes to the accounting for available for sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available for sale debt securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell. The Company adopted Topic 326 in the first quarter of 2020 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. A cumulative-effect adjustment will be recorded in retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 will be presented under Topic 326 while prior period amounts will continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of the loans and securities portfolios, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date. The Company continues to finalize its impact assumptions, documentation of internal controls and model validation, and expects the cumulative effect of adopting Topic 326 as of January 1, 2020 will result in an initial increase to the allowance for credit losses, including the increase in reserve for unfunded commitments, of up to approximately 10% above the current allowance for loan losses levels. Based on the credit quality of the Company's securities portfolio, the Company expects the allowance for credit losses for securities held to maturity and securities available for sale to be minimal. ASU 2017‑04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are an SEC filer, like the Company, for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments should be applied prospectively. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition in the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments. The adoption of ASU 2017‑04 did not have an effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018‑15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities, like the Company, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this ASU is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2018‑15 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (the “Bank”), together referred to as “the Company.” The Bank’s operations include its real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc.; a financial title insurance subsidiary, Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”); and an investment services subsidiary, Bridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Bridge Financial Services”). Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company provides financial services through its branches in its primary market areas of Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. The Bank’s primary deposit products are time, savings and demand deposits from the consumers, businesses and local municipalities in its market area. Its primary lending products are commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial and industrial, and residential mortgage loans. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the area.

The audited consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include the collective results of the Holding Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, which are collectively herein referred to as “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company.”

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial institution industry. The following is a description of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual future results could differ.

Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest- earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold, which mature overnight. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, and repurchase agreements.

Securities

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting in observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The adoption of this guidance resulted in no change to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

Securities, Restricted

Securities, restricted represents FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and bankers’ banks stock, which are reported at cost. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Any subsequent declines in fair value below the initial carrying value are recorded as a valuation allowance, which is established through a charge to earnings.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of partial charge-offs, deferred origination costs and fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect costs incurred in connection with loan originations are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to yield. When a loan prepays, the remaining unamortized net deferred origination fees or costs are recognized in the current year. Interest on loans is credited to income based on the principal outstanding during the period. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans that are 90 days past due are automatically placed on non-accrual and previously accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. However, if the loan is in the process of collection and the Bank has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectable based upon an individual loan evaluation assessing such factors as collateral and collectability, accrued interest will be recognized as earned. If a payment is received when a loan is non-accrual or a troubled debt restructuring loan is non-accrual, the payment is applied to the principal balance. A troubled debt restructured loan performing in accordance with its modified terms is maintained on 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.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans for which the terms have been modified as a concession to the borrower due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as impaired. Loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings can be categorized as non-accrual or performing. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Loans that experience minor payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.

Non-residential real estate loans over $200,000 and residential real estate loans over $1.0 million are individually evaluated for impairment. Smaller balance loans may also be individually evaluated for impairment if they are part of a larger impaired relationship. Loans with balances below the aforementioned thresholds are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Loans that were acquired through the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) on June 19, 2015 and First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”) on February 14, 2014, were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Determining fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of expected principal and interest cash flows to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market interest rate. Some of the loans at the time of acquisition showed evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These loans are considered purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans.

For PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable discount. The non-accretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases to the expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the non-accretable discount, which is then reclassified as accretable discount and recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require management to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses.

PCI loans that were non-accrual prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be non-accrual or non-performing and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.

Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan classes.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. Management monitors its entire loan portfolio regularly, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged against the allowance.

Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses.

Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; home equity loans; residential real estate mortgages; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers credit risk ratings, which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of both peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses.

For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. A specific allowance is established when subsequent evaluations of expected cash flows from PCI loans reflect a decrease in those estimates. The allowance established represents the excess of the recorded investment in those loans over the present value of the currently estimated future cash flow, discounted at the last effective accounting yield.

The Bank uses assumptions and methodologies that are relevant to estimating the level of impairment and probable losses in the loan portfolio. To the extent that the data supporting such assumptions has limitations, management’s judgment and experience play a key role in recording the allowance estimates. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by provisions charged to earnings. Furthermore, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to PCI loans would result in a reduction of the required specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision.

Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic, market or other conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination.

A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to delinquency criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral.

Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan portfolio segments.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with a useful life of fifty years for buildings and a range of two to ten years for equipment, computer hardware and software, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Land is carried at cost.

Improvements and major repairs are capitalized, while the cost of ordinary maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to expense.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain employees. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill resulting from business combinations is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. The Company has selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill and the BNB Bank trademark are intangible assets with indefinite lives on the Company’s balance sheet.

Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of ten years.

Other intangible assets also include servicing rights, which result from the sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans with servicing rights 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 market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as unused lines of credit, commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet when they are funded.

Derivatives

The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. It is management’s position, as currently supported by the facts and circumstances, that no valuation allowance is necessary against any of the Company’s deferred tax assets.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. There are no such tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Treasury Stock

Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in, first out method.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options.

Dividend Restriction

Cash available for distribution of dividends to stockholders of the Company is primarily derived from cash and cash equivalents of the Company and dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. Dividends from the Bank to the Company at January 1, 2020 are limited to $58.7 million, which represents the Bank’s net retained earnings from the previous two years. During 2019, the Bank paid $24.5 million in cash dividends to the Company.

Segment Reporting

While management monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) issued to employees and independent directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of the grant. 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 to estimate the fair value for RSAs and RSUs.

Compensation cost is recognized as expense over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

Standards Effective in 2019

ASU 2016‑02, Leases (Topic 842)

In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date (1) A lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosure about an entity’s leasing arrangements. The Company adopted Topic 842 using the transition approach of applying the new leases standard at the beginning of the period of adoption on January 1, 2019. The new guidance includes a number of optional transition-related practical expedients that must be elected as a package and applied by a reporting entity to all of its leases consistently. The Company has elected to apply the package of practical expedients to all of its existing leases, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification as operating leases in accordance with previous GAAP. The effect of adopting this standard in the Company's consolidated balance sheets was a $39 million increase in operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019. Refer to Note 7. “Leases” for further details of Leases.

ASU 2017‑12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in the ASU better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes in both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All transition requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption. The effect of adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, an entity shall apply a cumulative-effect adjustment related to eliminating the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the amendments in this ASU. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Standards Effective in 2020

ASU 2016‑13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held to maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with Topic 842 on leases. In addition, Topic 326 made changes to the accounting for available for sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available for sale debt securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell. The Company adopted Topic 326 in the first quarter of 2020 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. A cumulative-effect adjustment will be recorded in retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 will be presented under Topic 326 while prior period amounts will continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of the loans and securities portfolios, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date. The Company continues to finalize its impact assumptions, documentation of internal controls and model validation, and expects the cumulative effect of adopting Topic 326 as of January 1, 2020 will result in an initial increase to the allowance for credit losses, including the increase in reserve for unfunded commitments, of up to approximately 10% above the current allowance for loan losses levels. Based on the credit quality of the Company's securities portfolio, the Company expects the allowance for credit losses for securities held to maturity and securities available for sale to be minimal.

ASU 2017‑04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are an SEC filer, like the Company, for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments should be applied prospectively. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition in the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments. The adoption of ASU 2017‑04 did not have an effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018‑15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities, like the Company, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this ASU is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2018‑15 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.