Bank7 (BSVN) 10-K2023 FY Annual report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

or

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For the transition period from          to         

Commission file number: 001-38656

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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (405) 810-8600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES ☐   NO ☒

We are Bank7 Corp., a bank holding company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank7, we operate twelve full-service branches in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. We were formed in 2004 in connection with our acquisition of First National Bank of Medford, which was renamed Bank7 (the “Bank”).  We are focused on serving business owners and entrepreneurs by delivering fast, consistent and well-designed banking solutions. As of December 31, 2023, we had total assets of $1.77 billion, total loans of $1.36 billion, total deposits of $1.59 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $170.3 million.

Our website is: www.bank7.com. We make available free of charge through our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information included on our website is not incorporated into this filing.

Products and Services

The Bank is a full-service commercial bank.  We focus on the development of deep business relationships with our commercial customers and their principals.  We also focus on providing customers with exceptional service and meeting their banking needs through a wide variety of commercial and retail financial services.

The Bank has a particular focus in the following loan categories (i) commercial real estate lending, (ii) hospitality lending, (iii) energy lending, and (iv) commercial and industrial lending.  Although it is a small segment of the Bank, we also provide consumer lending services to individuals for personal and household purposes, including secured and unsecured term loans and home improvement loans.  Consumer lending services include (i) residential real estate loans and mortgage banking services, (ii) personal lines of credit, (iii) loans for the purchase of automobiles, and (iv) other installment loans.

The Bank offers deposit banking products, including (i) commercial deposit services, commercial checking, money market, and other deposit accounts, and (ii) retail deposit services such as certificates of deposit, money market accounts, checking accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts, and automated teller machine access.

Our success is driven by:

We focus on our daily execution, making sound credit decisions and maintaining cost discipline, which is the foundation for our success. Our customers are our top priority and we focus on efficiently providing tailored banking products and services to business owners and entrepreneurs, with a goal of generating consistent growth and delivering exceptional returns to our shareholders.  Additionally, we continually position ourselves for future growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

Cost Discipline and Efficiency

We constantly monitor expenditures, and, when appropriate, we use automation, technology and repeatable processes to drive profitability. The Bank operates as few branches as practical, and the branches we do operate are smaller and more cost efficient than a traditional branch. As we continue to grow, we expect our utilization of automation, technology, and repeatable processes will continue to drive efficiencies throughout the Bank. Combining talented people with process automation will enable us to scale even further, and will also enable us to deliver consistently superior customer service.

Organic Growth

Much of our historic asset growth has been driven organically and within our current markets, particularly the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. Although our expansion with brick and mortar branches will be limited, we believe operating strategically placed branches will be important, and therefore we will continue to selectively build our presence in key markets. We currently operate twelve branches. We also intend to continually enhance our internet and mobile banking products to remain competitive in the marketplace.

We are headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and we operate seven additional branches in Oklahoma. We also operate two branches in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and two branches in Kansas.

The banking and financial services industry is highly competitive, and we compete with a wide range of financial institutions within our markets, including local, regional and national commercial banks and credit unions. We also compete with mortgage companies, trust companies, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, third-party payment processors, financial technology, or Fintech, companies and other financial intermediaries for certain of our products and services. Some of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions and level of regulatory supervision applicable to us.

Interest rates on loans and deposits, as well as prices on fee-based services, are typically significant competitive factors within the banking and financial services industry. Many of our competitors are much larger financial institutions that have greater financial resources than we do and compete aggressively for market share. These competitors attempt to gain market share through their financial product mix, pricing strategies and banking center locations. Other important competitive factors in our industry and markets include office locations and hours, quality of customer service, community reputation, continuity of personnel and services, capacity and willingness to extend credit, and ability to offer excellent banking products and services. While we seek to remain competitive with respect to fees charged, interest rates and pricing, we believe that our broad suite of financial solutions, our high-quality customer service culture, our positive reputation and our long-standing community relationships enable us to compete successfully within our markets and enhance our ability to attract and retain customers.

Our corporate culture is defined by core values which include integrity, accountability, professionalism, community-focus and efficiency. As of December 31, 2023, we had 123 full time employees. We value our employees by investing in competitive compensation and benefit packages and fostering a team environment centered on professional service and open communication. Attracting, retaining and developing qualified, engaged employees who embody these values are crucial our success. We offer all of our employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a flexible spending plan, group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, a traditional 401(k) Plan, competitive paid time off/paid holidays, and competitive incentives.

We are committed and focused on the health and safety of our employees, customers, and communities and are committed to providing a safe and secure work environment in accordance with applicable labor, safety, health, anti-discrimination and other workplace laws. We strive for all of our employees to feel safe at work. To that end, we maintain a whistleblower hotline that allows associates and others to anonymously voice concerns. We prohibit retaliation against an individual who reported a concern or assisted with an inquiry or investigation.

General

We are extensively regulated under U.S. federal and state law. As a result, our growth and earnings may be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by federal and state statutes and by the regulations and policies of various bank regulatory agencies, including the Oklahoma Banking Department (“OBD”), the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). Furthermore, tax laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing authorities, accounting rules developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and state securities authorities and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) laws enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) also impact our business.

Federal and state banking laws impose a comprehensive system of supervision, regulation and enforcement on the operations of banks, their holding companies and their affiliates. These laws are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, customers and the Depositor Insurance Fund of the FDIC (“DIF”) rather than for shareholders. Federal and state laws, and the related regulations of the bank regulatory agencies, affect, among other things, the scope of business, the kinds and amounts of investments banks may make, reserve requirements, capital levels relative to operations, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, the ability to merge, consolidate and acquire, dealings with insiders and affiliates. the payment of dividends and redemption of securities.

This supervisory and regulatory framework subjects banks and bank holding companies to regular examination by their respective regulatory agencies, which results in examination reports and ratings that, while not publicly available, can affect the conduct and growth of their businesses. These examinations consider not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset quality and risk, management’s ability and performance, earnings, liquidity sensitivity to market risk and various other factors. These regulatory agencies have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on the operations of a regulated entity and exercise enforcement powers over a regulated entity (including terminating deposit insurance, imposing orders, fines and other civil and criminal penalties, removing officers and directors and appointing supervisors and conservators) where the agencies determine, among other things, that such operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations or with the supervisory policies of these agencies.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The federal banking agencies require that banking organizations meet several risk-based capital adequacy requirements. The current risk-based capital standards applicable to the Company and the Bank are based on the Basel III Capital Rules established by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”). The Basel Committee is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors/regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s supervisors in determining the supervisory policies they apply. The requirements are intended to ensure that banking organizations have adequate capital given the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments.

The Basel III Capital Rules require the Bank and the Company to comply with four minimum capital standards: a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4.0%; a CET1 to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5%; a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 6.0%; and a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 8.0%. The calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to definitions, deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

The Basel III Capital Rules also require a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the regulatory minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress and effectively increases the minimum required risk-weighted capital ratios. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets below the effective minimum (4.5% plus the capital conservation buffer) is subject to limitations on certain activities, including payment of dividends, share repurchases and discretionary bonuses to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the minimum capital adequacy guideline percentage requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis.

Prompt Corrective Action

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For purposes of prompt corrective action, the law establishes five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier depends on its capital levels and certain other factors established by regulation. Under the applicable FDIC regulations, an institution is deemed to be “well-capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a CET1 ratio of 6.5% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater.

At each lower capital category, a bank is subject to increased restrictions on its operations. For example, a bank is generally prohibited from making capital distributions and paying management fees to its holding company if doing so would make the bank “undercapitalized.” Asset growth and branching restrictions apply to undercapitalized banks, which are required to submit written capital restoration plans meeting specified requirements (including a guarantee by the parent holding company, if any). “Significantly undercapitalized” banks are subject to broad regulatory restrictions, including among other things, capital directives, forced mergers, restrictions on the rates of interest they may pay on deposits, restrictions on asset growth and activities, and prohibitions on paying bonuses or increasing compensation to senior executive officers without FDIC approval. “Critically undercapitalized” are subject to even more severe restrictions, including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a conservator or receiver within 90 days after becoming critically undercapitalized.

The appropriate federal banking agency may determine (after notice and opportunity for a hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice. The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.

The capital classification of a bank affects the frequency of regulatory examinations, the bank’s ability to engage in certain activities and the deposit insurance premium paid by the bank. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt correct action regulations and the capital category may not accurately reflect the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects.

As of December 31, 2023, the Bank met the requirements for being deemed “well-capitalized” for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations.

The Company

General. As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). Under the BHCA, the Company is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve.  The Company is required to file with the Federal Reserve periodic reports of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require.

Acquisitions, Activities and Change in Control. The BHCA generally requires the prior approval by the Federal Reserve for any merger involving a bank holding company or a bank holding company’s acquisition of more than 5% of a class of voting securities of any additional bank or bank holding company or to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any additional bank or bank holding company.

Subject to certain conditions (including deposit concentration limits established by the BHCA and the Dodd-Frank Act), the Federal Reserve may allow a bank holding company to acquire banks located in any state of the United States. Federal law also generally prohibits any person or company from acquiring “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution or its holding company without prior notice to the appropriate federal bank regulator.

Permitted Activities. The BHCA generally prohibits the Company from controlling or engaging in any business other than that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to banks and their subsidiaries. This general prohibition is subject to a number of exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage in, and to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the Federal Reserve prior to November 11, 1999 to be “so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.” This authority would permit the Company to engage in a variety of banking-related businesses, including operating a mortgage, finance, credit card or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing personal property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; and providing certain stock brokerage and investment advisory services. The BHCA generally does not place territorial restrictions on the domestic activities of nonbank subsidiaries of bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve has the power to order any bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Federal Reserve has reasonable grounds to believe that continuing such activity, ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness, safety or stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

Source of Strength. Federal Reserve policy historically required bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. The Dodd-Frank Act codified this policy as a statutory requirement. Under this requirement the Company is expected to commit resources to support the Bank, including at times when the Company may not be in a financial position to provide it. The Company must stand ready to use its available resources to provide adequate capital to the Bank during periods of financial stress or adversity. The Company must also maintain the financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting the Bank. The Company’s failure to meet its source of strength obligations may constitute an unsafe and unsound practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve’s regulations or both. The source of strength obligation most directly affects bank holding companies where a bank holding company’s subsidiary bank fails to maintain adequate capital levels. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to the subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the subsidiary bank. The BHCA provides that in the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy any commitment by a bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of its subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices. Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices or that constitute a violation of law or regulations. Under certain conditions the Federal Reserve may conclude that certain actions of a bank holding company, such as a payment of a cash dividend, would constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve also has the authority to regulate the debt of bank holding companies, including the authority to impose interest rate ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt. Under certain circumstances the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to file written notice and obtain approval prior to purchasing or redeeming the bank holding company’s equity securities, unless certain conditions are met.

Dividend Payments, Stock Redemptions and Repurchases. The Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is affected by both general corporate law considerations and the regulations and policies of the Federal Reserve applicable to bank holding companies, including the Basel III Capital Rules.

Generally, an Oklahoma corporation may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of the corporation’s net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.  However, if the capital of the corporation has been diminished to an amount less than the aggregate amount of capital represented by preferred stock, if any, dividends may not be declared and paid out of any such net profits until the deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the preferred stock has been restored.

It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition.  It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.

Bank holding companies must consult with the Federal Reserve before redeeming any equity or other capital instrument included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital (or, for small bank holding companies like the Company, before redeeming any instruments included in equity as defined under GAAP) prior to stated maturity, if such redemption could have a material effect on the level or composition of the organization’s capital base.  In addition, bank holding companies are unable to repurchase shares equal to 10% or more of its net worth if it would not be well-capitalized (as defined by the Federal Reserve) after giving effect to such repurchase. Bank holding companies experiencing financial weaknesses, or that are at significant risk of developing financial weaknesses, must consult with the Federal Reserve before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or other regulatory capital instruments.

The Bank

General. The Bank is an Oklahoma-chartered member bank and is subject to examination, supervision and regulation by the OBD and the Federal Reserve. The Bank is also subject to certain regulations of the FDIC and the CFPB.

The OBD supervises and regulates all areas of the Bank’s operations including, without limitation, the making of loans, the issuance of securities, the conduct of the Bank’s corporate affairs, the satisfaction of capital adequacy requirements, the payment of dividends, and the establishment or closing of banking offices. The Federal Reserve is the Bank’s primary federal regulatory agency, and periodically examines the Bank’s operations and financial condition and compliance with federal law. In addition, the Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the DIF, and the FDIC has certain enforcement powers over the Bank.

Depositor Preference. In the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors including the parent bank holding company with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to that insured depository institution.

Deposit Insurance. As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance premiums to the FDIC. The amount of such premiums is determined by multiplying the institution’s assessment rate by its assessment base. The assessment rate is based on the institution’s risk classification which is assigned based on the institution’s capital levels and the level of supervisory concern the institution poses to the regulators. The assessment base is calculated as the institution’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity.

Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act altered the minimum designated reserve ratio of the DIF, increasing the minimum from 1.15% to 1.35% of the estimated amount of total insured deposits, and eliminating the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds. At least semi-annually, the FDIC updates its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, may increase or decrease the assessment rates, following notice and comment on proposed rulemaking. As a result, the Bank’s FDIC deposit insurance premiums could increase.

Examination Assessments. Oklahoma-chartered banks are required to pay an annual fee of $1,000 to the OBD to fund its operations. In addition, Oklahoma-chartered banks are charged an examination assessment calculated based on the amount of the Bank’s assets at rates established by the Oklahoma Banking Board. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Bank paid examination assessments to the OBD totaling $197,000.

Capital Requirements. Banks are generally required to maintain minimum capital ratios. For a discussion of the capital requirements applicable to the Bank, see “—Regulatory Capital Requirements” above.

Bank Reserves. The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against some transaction accounts (primarily NOW and Super NOW checking accounts). The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements. An institution may borrow from the Federal Reserve “discount window” as a secondary source of funds if the institution meets the Federal Reserve’s credit standards.

Dividend Payments. The primary source of funds for the Company is dividends from the Bank. Unless the approval of the Federal Reserve is obtained, the Bank may not declare or pay a dividend if the total of all dividends declared during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceeds the sum of the Bank’s net income during the current calendar year and the retained net income of the prior two calendar years. Oklahoma law also places restrictions on the declaration of dividends by Oklahoma state-chartered banks, including the Bank, to their shareholders. Before any dividend may be declared by the Bank, not less than 10% of the net profits of the Bank must be transferred to a surplus fund until the surplus equals 100% of the Bank’s capital stock. This may decrease any amount available for the payment of dividends in a particular period if the surplus funds for the Bank fail to comply with this limitation. Furthermore, the approval of the Commissioner of the OBD is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock.  The Federal Reserve and the OBD also may, under certain circumstances, prohibit the payment of dividends to us from the Bank. Oklahoma corporate law also requires that dividends can only be paid out of funds legally available therefor.

The payment of dividends by any financial institution is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and a financial institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. As described above, the Bank exceeded its minimum capital requirements under applicable regulatory guidelines as of December 31, 2023.

Transactions with Affiliates. The Bank is subject to sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (the “Affiliates Act”), and the Federal Reserve’s implementing Regulation W. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. Accordingly, transactions between the Company, the Bank and any non-bank subsidiaries will be subject to a number of restrictions. The Affiliates Act imposes restrictions and limitations on the Bank from making extensions of credit to, or the issuance of a guarantee or letter of credit on behalf of, the Company or other affiliates, the purchase of, or investment in, stock or other securities thereof, the taking of such securities as collateral for loans, and the purchase of assets of the Company or other affiliates. Such restrictions and limitations prevent the Company or other affiliates from borrowing from the Bank unless the loans are secured by marketable obligations of designated amounts. Furthermore, such secured loans and investments by the Bank to or in the Company or to or in any other non-banking affiliate are limited, individually, to 10% of the Bank’s capital and surplus, and such transactions are limited in the aggregate to 20% of the Bank’s capital and surplus. All such transactions, as well as contracts entered into between the Bank and affiliates, must be on terms that are no less favorable to the Bank than those that would be available from non-affiliated third parties. Federal Reserve policies also forbid the payment by bank subsidiaries of management fees which are unreasonable in amount or exceed the fair market value of the services rendered or, if no market exists, actual costs plus a reasonable profit.

Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and Principal Shareholders. The authority of the Bank to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and principal shareholders, including their immediate family members and corporations and other entities that they control, is subject to substantial restrictions and requirements under the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O, as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These statutes and regulations impose limits the amount of loans the Bank may make to directors and other insiders and require that the loans must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not affiliated with the Company or the Bank, that the Bank must follow credit underwriting procedures at least as stringent as those applicable to comparable transactions with persons who are not affiliated with the Company or the Bank; and that the loans must not involve a greater than normal risk of non-payment or include other features not favorable to the Bank. Furthermore, the Bank must periodically report all loans made to directors and other insiders to the bank regulators. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had one line of credit for loans to an insider with a maximum credit of $500,000 and an outstanding balance of $203,000; as of December 31, 2023, the Bank had no other loans outstanding to insiders.

Limits on Loans to One Borrower. As an Oklahoma state-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limits on the amount of loans it can make to one borrower. With certain limited exceptions, loans and extensions of credit from Oklahoma state-chartered banks outstanding to any borrower (including certain related entities of the borrower) at any one time may not exceed 30% of the capital, less intangible assets, of the bank. An Oklahoma state-chartered bank may lend an additional amount if the loan is fully secured by certain types of collateral, like bonds or notes of the United States. Certain types of loans are exempted from the lending limits, including loans secured by segregated deposits held by the bank. The Bank’s legal lending limit to any one borrower was $55.5 million as of December 31, 2023.

Safety and Soundness Standards/Risk Management. The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines establishing operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and soundness of federally insured depository institutions. The guidelines set forth standards for internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings.

If an institution fails to comply with any of the standards set forth in the guidelines, the financial institution’s primary federal regulator may require the institution to submit a plan for achieving and maintaining compliance. If a financial institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan, or fails in any material respect to implement a compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal regulator, the regulator is required to issue an order directing the institution to cure the deficiency. Until the deficiency cited in the regulator’s order is cured, the regulator may restrict the financial institution’s rate of growth, require the financial institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates the institution pays on deposits or require the institution to take any action the regulator deems appropriate under the circumstances. Noncompliance with the standards established by the safety and soundness guidelines may also constitute grounds for other enforcement action by the federal bank regulatory agencies, including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments.

Branching Authority. New branches must be approved by the Federal Reserve and the OBD, which consider a number of factors, including financial history, capital adequacy, earnings prospects, character of management, needs of the community and consistency with corporate power. The Dodd-Frank Act permits insured state banks to engage in interstate branching if the laws of the state where the new banking office is to be established would permit the establishment of the banking office if it were chartered by a bank in such state. Finally, we may also establish banking offices in other states by merging with banks or by purchasing banking offices of other banks in other states, subject to certain restrictions.

Interstate Deposit Restrictions. The Interstate Act, together with the Dodd-Frank Act, relaxed prior branching restrictions under federal law by permitting, subject to regulatory approval, banks to establish branches in states where the laws permit banks chartered in such states to establish branches.

Section 109 of the Interstate Act prohibits a bank from establishing or acquiring a branch or branches outside of its home state primarily for the purpose of deposit production.

Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA directs the federal bank regulatory agencies, in examining insured depository institutions, to assess their record of helping to meet the credit needs of their entire community, including low- and moderate- income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a financial institution’s record of meeting its community credit needs into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions or holding company formations.

The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which measure a bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations on a performance-based evaluation system. This system bases CRA ratings on an institution’s actual lending service and investment performance rather than the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach or complies with other procedural requirements. The ratings range from a high of “outstanding” to a low of “substantial noncompliance.” The Bank had a CRA rating of “satisfactory” as of its most recent CRA assessment.

Anti-Money Laundering and the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation. The USA PATRIOT Act is designed to deny terrorists and criminals the ability to obtain access to the U.S. financial system and has significant implications for depository institutions, brokers, dealers and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. The USA PATRIOT Act substantially broadened the scope of United States AML laws and regulations by imposing significant compliance and due diligence obligations, created new crimes and penalties and expanded the extra territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships, must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and must implement a written customer identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations and have imposed cease and desist orders and civil money penalties against institutions found to be in violation of these obligations.

Likewise, OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries.  Financial institutions are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of and transactions with such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence.

Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate AML and OFAC programs, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

Consumer Financial Services

We are subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws that extensively govern our relationship with our customers. These laws include the ECOA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act, the Military Lending Act, and these laws’ respective state law counterparts, as well as state usury laws and laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive practices and subject us to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees. Federal bank regulators, state attorneys general and state and local consumer protection agencies may also seek to enforce consumer protection requirements and obtain these and other remedies, including regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by the state and local attorneys general in each jurisdiction in which we operate and civil money penalties. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in failure to obtain any required bank regulatory approval for mergers or acquisitions or prohibition from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required.

Rulemaking authority for most federal consumer protection laws was transferred from the prudential regulators to the CFPB on July 21, 2011.  In some cases, regulators such as the Federal Trade Commission and the DOJ also retain certain rulemaking or enforcement authority. The CFPB also has broad authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices, or UDAAP, and to investigate and penalize financial institutions that violate this prohibition. While the statutory language of the Dodd-Frank Act sets forth the standards for acts and practices that violate the prohibition on UDAAP, certain aspects of these standards are untested, and thus it is currently not possible to predict how the CFPB will exercise this authority.

The consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the examination, supervision and enforcement of those laws and implementing regulations by the CFPB have created a more intense and complex environment for consumer finance regulation. The CFPB has significant authority to implement and enforce federal consumer protection laws and new requirements for financial services products provided for in the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the authority to identify and prohibit UDAAP. The review of products and practices to prevent such acts and practices is a continuing focus of the CFPB, and of banking regulators more broadly. The ultimate impact of this heightened scrutiny is uncertain but could result in changes to pricing, practices, products and procedures. It could also result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, additional remediation efforts and possible penalties. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act provides the CFPB with broad supervisory, examination and enforcement authority over various consumer financial products and services, including the ability to require reimbursements and other payments to customers for alleged legal violations and to impose significant penalties, as well as injunctive relief that prohibits lenders from engaging in allegedly unlawful practices. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders providing for affirmative relief or monetary penalties. The Dodd-Frank Act does not prevent states from adopting stricter consumer protection standards. State regulation of financial products and potential enforcement actions could also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over providers with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, like the Bank, will continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators.

The consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the examination, supervision and enforcement of those laws and implementing regulations by the CFPB have created a more intense and complex environment for consumer finance regulation. The CFPB has significant authority to implement and enforce federal consumer protection laws and new requirements for financial services products provided for in the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the authority to identify and prohibit UDAAP. The review of products and practices to prevent such acts and practices is a continuing focus of the CFPB, and of banking regulators more broadly. The ultimate impact of this heightened scrutiny is uncertain but could result in changes to pricing, practices, products and procedures. It could also result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, additional remediation efforts and possible penalties. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act provides the CFPB with broad supervisory, examination and enforcement authority over various consumer financial products and services, including the ability to require reimbursements and other payments to customers for alleged legal violations and to impose significant penalties, as well as injunctive relief that prohibits lenders from engaging in allegedly unlawful practices. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders providing for affirmative relief or monetary penalties. The Dodd-Frank Act does not prevent states from adopting stricter consumer protection standards. State regulation of financial products and potential enforcement actions could also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over providers with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, like the Bank, will continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators.

Federal Banking Agency Incentive Compensation Guidance

The federal bank regulatory agencies have issued comprehensive guidance intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of those organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The incentive compensation guidance sets expectations for banking organizations concerning their incentive compensation arrangements and related risk management, control and governance processes. The incentive compensation guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon three primary principles: (1) balanced risk-taking incentives; (2) compatibility with effective controls and risk management; and (3) strong corporate governance. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or take other actions. In addition, under the incentive compensation guidance, a banking organization’s federal supervisor may initiate enforcement action if the organization’s incentive compensation arrangements pose a risk to the safety and soundness of the organization. Further, the Basel III capital rules limit discretionary bonus payments to bank executives if the institution’s regulatory capital ratios fail to exceed certain thresholds. Although the federal bank regulatory agencies proposed additional rules in 2016 related to incentive compensation for all banks with more than $1.0 billion in assets, which would include the Company and the Bank, those rules have not been finalized and the scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the near future.

Financial Privacy

The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a non-affiliated third party. These regulations affect how consumer information is transmitted through financial services companies and conveyed to outside vendors. In addition, consumers may also prevent disclosure of certain information among affiliated companies that is assembled or used to determine eligibility for a product or service, such as that shown on consumer credit reports and asset and income information from applications. Consumers also have the option to direct banks and other financial institutions not to share information about transactions and experiences with affiliated companies for the purpose of marketing products or services.

Cybersecurity

Banking institutions are required to implement a comprehensive information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information. These security and privacy policies and procedures for the protection of confidential and personal information are in effect across our lines of business. Furthermore, the federal banking regulators regularly issue guidance regarding cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management. A financial institution is expected to implement multiple lines of defense against cyber-attacks and ensure that their risk management procedures address the risk posed by potential cyber threats. A financial institution is further expected to maintain procedures to effectively respond to a cyber-attack and resume operations following any such attack. The Bank has adopted and implemented policies and procedures to comply with privacy, information security, and cybersecurity requirements. On November 18, 2021, the federal banking agencies issued a new rule effective in 2022 that requires banks to notify their regulators within 36 hours of a “computer-security incident” that rises to the level of a “notification incident.”

Impact of Monetary Policy

The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve has a significant effect on the operating results of financial or bank holding companies and their subsidiaries. Among the tools available to the Federal Reserve to affect the money supply are open market transactions in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These tools are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and their use may affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

Changes in Laws, Regulations or Policies

Other legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect the Company, the Bank and the banking industry in general may be pending, proposed or introduced before the U.S. Congress, the Oklahoma Legislature and other governmental bodies from time to time. Such proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject the Company or the Bank to increased regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various banking regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which the business of the Company or the Bank would be affected thereby.

Our business is primarily affected by the economies of Oklahoma, Texas and to a smaller degree the State of Kansas. Our success depends to a significant extent upon the business activity, population, income levels, employment trends, deposits and real estate activity in these markets.

As of December 31, 2023, the substantial majority of the loans in our loan portfolio were made to borrowers who live and/or conduct business in our markets and the substantial majority of our secured loans were secured by collateral located in our markets.  Accordingly, we are exposed to risks associated with a lack of geographic diversification as any regional or local economic downturn that affects our markets, our existing or prospective borrowers, or property values in our markets may affect us and our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our competitors whose operations are less geographically focused.

In addition, market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which could impact our charge-offs and provision for credit losses. Adverse changes in economic conditions in these markets could reduce our growth in loans and deposits, impair our ability to collect our loans, increase our problem loans and charge-offs and otherwise negatively affect our performance and financial condition.

The energy industry is a significant sector in our Oklahoma market, and to a lesser extent, Kansas and the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. A downturn or lack of growth in the energy industry and energy-related business, including sustained low oil or gas prices or the failure of oil or gas prices to rise in the future, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2023, our energy loans, which include loans to exploration and production companies, midstream companies, purchasers of mineral and royalty interests and service providers totaled $190.6 million, or 14.0% of total loans, as compared to $182.8 million, or 14.4% of total loans as of December 31, 2022. In addition to our direct exposure to energy loans, we also have indirect exposure to energy prices, as some of our non-energy customers' businesses are directly affected by volatility with the oil and gas industry and energy prices and otherwise are dependent on energy-related businesses. As of December 31, 2023, we had $55.1 million in unfunded commitments to borrowers in the oil and gas industry.

The Company has loan exposure to the hospitality industry, primarily through loans made to construct or finance the operation of hotels. At December 31, 2023, this exposure was approximately $298.5 million, or 21.9%, of the total loan portfolio, along with an additional $5.7 million in unfunded debt, as compared to $244.3 million, or 19.2%, of the total loan portfolio, along with an additional $15.5 million in unfunded debt as of December 31, 2022. The hospitality industry is subject to changes in the travel patterns of business and leisure travelers, both of which are affected by the strength of the economy, as well as other factors. The performance of the hospitality industry has traditionally been closely linked with the performance of the general economy and, specifically, growth in gross domestic product. Changes in travel patterns of both business and leisure travelers, particularly during periods of economic contraction or low levels of economic growth, may create difficulties for the industry over the long-term. Although we have made a large portion of our hospitality loans to long-term, well-established hotel operators in strategic locations, a general downturn in the supply growth of such markets or hotel occupancy or room rates could negatively impact the borrowers’ ability to repay. A significant loss in this portfolio could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

We have a concentration in commercial real estate lending that could cause our regulators to restrict our ability to grow.

As a part of their regulatory oversight, the federal regulators have issued guidance on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices, or the CRE Concentration Guidance, with respect to a financial institution’s concentrations in CRE lending activities. The CRE Concentration Guidance identifies certain concentration levels that, if exceeded, will expose the institution to additional supervisory analysis with regard to the institution’s CRE concentration risk. The CRE Concentration Guidance is designed to promote appropriate levels of capital and sound loan and risk management practices for institutions with a concentration of CRE loans. In general, the CRE Concentration Guidance establishes the following supervisory criteria as preliminary indications of possible CRE concentration risk: (1) the institution’s total construction, land development and other land loans represent 100% or more of total capital; or (2) total CRE loans as defined in this guidance, or Regulatory CRE, represent 300% or more of total capital, and the institution’s Regulatory CRE has increased by 50% or more during the prior 36-month period. Pursuant to the CRE Concentration Guidance, loans secured by owner occupied CRE are not included for purposes of the CRE concentration calculation. As of December 31, 2023, our Regulatory CRE represented 290.69% of our total Bank capital and our construction, land development and other land loans represented 73.97% of our total Bank capital, as compared to 304.72% and 101.20% as of December 31, 2022, respectively. During the prior 36-month period, our Regulatory CRE has decreased 53.10%. We are actively working to manage our Regulatory CRE concentration, and we believe that our underwriting policies, management information systems, independent credit administration process, and monitoring of real estate loan concentrations are currently sufficient to address the CRE Concentration Guidance. We utilize enhanced CRE monitoring techniques as expected by banking regulators as our concentrations have approached or exceeded the regulatory guidance. Nevertheless, the Federal Reserve could become concerned about our CRE loan concentrations, and it could limit our ability to grow by restricting its approvals for the establishment or acquisition of branches, or approvals of mergers or other acquisition opportunities, or by requiring us to raise additional capital, reduce our loan concentrations or undertake other remedial actions.

Adverse developments affecting real estate values, particularly in Oklahoma City and the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio. Real estate values may experience periods of fluctuation, and the market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. Adverse changes affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, and could result in losses that adversely affect credit quality, financial condition and results of operation. Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our market areas could significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses. Collateral may have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, which could result in losses on such loans. Such declines and losses could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $1.35 billion of commercial purpose loans, which include general commercial, energy, agricultural, and CRE loans, representing approximately 98.9% of our gross loan portfolio. Commercial purpose loans are often larger and involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, their repayment is more sensitive than other types of loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the general economy.

Accordingly, a downturn in the real estate market or the general economy could heighten our risk related to commercial purpose loans, particularly energy and CRE loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from their employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial purpose loans typically are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial venture. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrowers’ ability to repay the loan may be impaired. As a result of the larger average size of each commercial purpose loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as the collateral which is generally less readily marketable, losses incurred on a small number of commercial purpose loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our largest loan relationships make up a material percentage of our total loan portfolio.

As of December 31, 2023, our 20 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $16.7 million to $38.7 million (including unfunded commitments) and totaled approximately $533.1 million in total commitments (representing, in the aggregate, 32.8% of our total outstanding commitments as of December 31, 2023). Each of the loans associated with these relationships has been underwritten in accordance with our underwriting policies and limits. Along with other risks inherent in these loans, such as the deterioration of the underlying businesses or property securing these loans, this concentration of borrowers presents a risk that, if one or more of these relationships were to become delinquent or suffer default, we could be exposed to material losses. The allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover losses associated with any of these relationships, and any loss or increase in the allowance would negatively affect our earnings and capital. Even if these loans are adequately collateralized, an increase in classified assets could harm our reputation with our regulators and inhibit our ability to execute our business plan.

At December 31, 2023, our 20 largest deposit relationships accounted for 24.0% of our total deposits. Withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors or by one of our related customer groups could force us to rely more heavily on borrowings and other sources of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net interest margin and results of operations. We may also be forced, as a result of withdrawals of deposits, to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less stable funding sources. Additionally, such circumstances could require us to raise deposit rates in an attempt to attract new deposits, which would adversely affect our results of operations. Under applicable regulations, if the Bank were no longer “well capitalized,” the Bank would not be able to accept brokered deposits without the approval of the FDIC.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 40.0% of our gross loans were maturing within one year, compared to approximately 37.6% of our gross loans that were maturing within one year as of December 31, 2022. As a result, we will either need to renew or replace these loans during the course of the year. There is no guarantee that these loans will be originated or renewed by borrowers on the same terms or at all, as demand for such loans may decrease. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that borrowers will qualify for new loans or that existing loans will be renewed by us on the same terms or at all, as collateral values may be insufficient or the borrowers’ cash flow may be materially less than when the loan was initially originated. This could result in a significant decline in the size of our loan portfolio.

We maintain an allowance for credit losses in an amount that we believe is appropriate to provide for losses inherent in the portfolio.  While we strive to carefully monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may become nonperforming, at any time there are loans included in the portfolio that will result in losses but that have not been identified as nonperforming or potential problem loans.  We cannot be sure that we will be able to identify deteriorating loans before they become nonperforming assets or that we will be able to limit losses on those loans that are identified.  As a result, future additions to the allowance may be necessary.  Additionally, future additions may be required based on changes in the loans comprising the portfolio and changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as may result from changes in economic conditions or as a result of incorrect assumptions by management in determining the allowance.  Federal banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review our allowance for credit losses.  These regulatory agencies may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or to recognize further loan charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from ours.  Any increase in the allowance for credit losses could have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Commercial and commercial real estate loans comprise a significant portion of our total loan portfolio.  These types of loans typically are larger than residential real estate loans and other consumer loans.  Because our loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial and commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans may cause a significant increase in nonperforming assets.  An increase in nonperforming loans could result in a loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the allowance for credit losses, or an increase in loan charge-offs, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our profitability depends in substantial part on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the amounts received by us on our interest-earning assets and the interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest income depends on many factors that are partly or completely outside of our control, including competition, federal economic, monetary and fiscal policies and economic conditions generally. Our net interest income will be adversely affected if market interest rates change so that the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings increases faster than the interest we earn on loans and investments.

Changes in interest rates could affect our ability to originate loans and deposits. Historically, there has been an inverse correlation between the demand for loans and interest rates. Loan origination volume usually declines during periods of rising or high interest rates and increases during periods of declining or low interest rates. Changes in interest rates also have a significant impact on the carrying value of certain of our assets, including loans and other assets, on our balance sheet.

Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our borrowers, which increase the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of any underlying property that serves as collateral for such loans may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. Subsequently, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonaccrual loans would have an adverse impact on net interest income.

The ratio of variable- to fixed-rate loans in our loan portfolio, the ratio of short-term (maturing at a given time within 12 months) to long-term loans, and the ratio of our demand, money market and savings deposits to certificates of deposit (and their time periods), are the primary factors affecting the sensitivity of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. The composition of our rate-sensitive assets or liabilities is subject to change and could result in a more unbalanced position that would cause market rate changes to have a greater impact on our earnings. Fluctuations in market rates and other market disruptions are neither predictable nor controllable and may adversely affect our financial condition and earnings.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately $1.33 billion, or 83.9%, of our deposits consisted of demand, savings, money market and negotiable order of withdrawal, or NOW, accounts. Approximately $256.8 million of the remaining balance of deposits consists of certificates of deposit, of which approximately $224.8 million, or 87.6% of remaining deposits, was due to mature within one year. Based on our experience, we believe that our savings, money market and non-interest-bearing accounts are relatively stable sources of funds. Historically, a majority of non-brokered certificates of deposit are renewed upon maturity as long as we pay competitive interest rates. Many of these customers are, however, interest-rate conscious and may be willing to move funds into higher-yielding investment alternatives. Our ability to attract and maintain deposits, as well as our cost of funds, has been, and will continue to be significantly affected by general economic conditions. In addition, as market interest rates rise, we will have competitive pressure to increase the rates we pay on deposits. If we increase interest rates paid to retain deposits, our earnings may be adversely affected.

Liquidity is essential to our business. Liquidity risk is the potential that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they come due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. The Bank’s primary funding source is customer deposits. In addition, the Bank has historically had access to advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, or the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, or the FRB, discount window and other wholesale sources, such as internet-sourced deposits to fund operations. We participate in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, or CDARS, where customer funds are placed into multiple certificates of deposit, each in an amount under the standard FDIC insurance maximum of $250,000, and placed at a network of banks across the United States. Although the Bank has historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances as necessary, it might not be able to replace such funds in the future. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on liquidity.

Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on acceptable terms could be impaired by factors that affect our organization specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory actions against us. The Bank’s ability to borrow or attract and retain deposits in the future could be adversely affected by the Bank’s financial condition or regulatory restrictions, or impaired by factors that are not specific to it, such as FDIC insurance changes, disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the banking industry. Borrowing capacity from the FHLB or FRB may fluctuate based upon the condition of the Bank or the acceptability and risk rating of loan collateral and counterparties could adjust discount rates applied to such collateral at the lender’s discretion.

The FRB or FHLB could restrict or limit the Bank’s access to secured borrowings. Correspondent banks can withdraw unsecured lines of credit or require collateralization for the purchase of fed funds. Liquidity also may be affected by the Bank’s routine commitments to extend credit. Market conditions or other events could also negatively affect the level or cost of funding, affecting our ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, meet contractual obligations and fund asset growth and new business transactions at a reasonable cost, in a timely manner and without adverse consequences.

Any substantial, unexpected or prolonged change in the level or cost of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, and could impair our ability to fund operations and meet our obligations as they become due and could jeopardize our financial condition.

We conduct a portion of our business over the internet. We rely heavily upon data processing, including loan servicing and deposit processing, software, communications and information systems from a number of third parties to conduct our business.  As a bank, we are more likely to be targeted by cyber-attacks in an effort to unlawfully access customer funds or customer personally identifiable information.

Third-party or internal systems and networks may fail to operate properly or become disabled due to deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Our operations are vulnerable to disruptions from human error, natural disasters, power loss, computer viruses, spam attacks, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access and other unforeseen events. Undiscovered data corruption could render our customer information inaccurate. These events may obstruct our ability to provide services and process transactions. While we believe we are in compliance with all applicable privacy and data security laws, an incident could put our customer confidential information at risk.

Although we have not experienced a cyber-incident which has been successful in compromising our data or systems, we can never be certain that all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability to breaches of security or other technological difficulties or failures. We monitor and modify, as necessary, our protective measures in response to the perpetual evolution of known cyber-threats.

A breach in the security of any of our information systems, or other cyber-incident, could have an adverse impact on, among other things, our revenue, ability to attract and maintain customers and our reputation. In addition, as a result of any breach, we could incur higher costs to conduct our business, to increase protection, or related to remediation. Furthermore, our customers could incorrectly blame us and terminate their account with us for a cyber-incident which occurred on their own system or with that of an unrelated third party. In addition, a security breach could also subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability.

We depend to a significant extent on a number of relationships with third-party service providers. Specifically, we receive core systems processing, essential web hosting and other internet systems, loan and deposit processing and other processing services from third-party service providers. If these third-party service providers experience financial, operational or technological difficulties or terminate their services and we are unable to replace them with other service providers, our operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Even if we are able to replace our service providers, it may be at a higher cost to us, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to real estate, and we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or we may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Inflationary pressures and rising prices may affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Inflation reached a near 40-year high in late 2021, and high levels of inflation persisted during 2022 and 2023, and may continue in 2024. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 12-month percent change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (not seasonally adjusted) for all items was 3.4% for December 2022 to December 2023, 6.5% for December 2021 to December 2022, 7.0% for December 2020 to December 2021, 1.4% for December 2019 to December 2020, and 2.3% for December 2018 to December 2019.  Inflationary pressures are currently expected to remain elevated throughout 2024.

Small to medium -sized businesses may be impacted more during periods of high inflation as they are not able to leverage economics of scale to mitigate cost pressures compared to larger businesses.  Consequently, the ability of our business customers to repay their loans may deteriorate, and in some cases this deterioration may occur quickly, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.  When the rate of inflation accelerates, there is an erosion of consumer and customer purchasing power. Accordingly, this could impact our business by reducing our tolerance for extending credit, and our customer’s desire to obtain credit, or causing us to incur additional provisions for credit losses resulting from a possible increased default rate.  Inflation may lead to lower loan re-financings.  Furthermore, a prolonged period of inflation could cause wages and other costs to further increase which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Sustained higher interest rates by the Federal Reserve may be needed to tame persistent inflationary price pressures, which could push down asset prices and weaken economic activity.  A deterioration in economic conditions in the United States and our markets could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and non-performing assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for our products and services, all of which, in turn, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A natural disaster affecting our market areas could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is concentrated in Oklahoma, the Dallas/Ft. Worth and to a lesser extent Kansas.   Almost all of our credit exposure is in that area.  This geographic region has been subject to tornadoes and severe hail storms with occasional flooding.  Natural disasters could harm our operations directly through interference with communications, which would prevent us from gathering deposits, originating loans, and processing and controlling our flow of business, as well as through the destruction of facilities and our operational, financial and management information systems.  A natural disaster or recurring power outages may also impair the value of our loan portfolio, as uninsured or underinsured losses, including losses from business disruption, may reduce our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans.  Disasters may also reduce the value of the real estate securing our loans, impairing our ability to recover on defaulted loans through foreclosure and making it more likely that we would suffer losses on defaulted loans.  The occurrence of natural disasters in our market areas could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Regulatory Environment

We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the OBD, and the FDIC. Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide protection for depositors, customers and the DIF, rather than for the benefit of shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and control of our shares, our acquisition of other companies and businesses, permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital levels, dividend payments and other aspects of our operations. These bank regulators possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law. Following examinations, we may be required, among other things, to change our asset valuations or the amounts of required credit loss allowances or to restrict our operations, as well as increase our capital levels, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business, profitability or growth strategy. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and adversely affect profitability. Moreover, certain of these regulations contain significant punitive sanctions for violations, including monetary penalties and limitations on a bank’s ability to implement components of its business plan, such as expansion through mergers and acquisitions or the opening of new branch offices. In addition, changes in regulatory requirements may add costs associated with compliance efforts. Furthermore, government policy and regulation, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve, significantly affect credit conditions. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation and regulation in response to those developments could negatively impact our business operations and adversely impact our financial performance.

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted.

We are subject to various privacy, information security and data protection laws, including requirements concerning security breach notification, and we could be negatively impacted by these laws. For example, our business is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things: (i) imposes certain limitations on our ability to share non-public personal information about our customers with non-affiliated third parties; (ii) requires that we provide certain disclosures to customers about our information collection, sharing and security practices and afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by us with non-affiliated third parties (with certain exceptions) and (iii) requires we develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing safeguards appropriate based on our size and complexity, the nature and scope of our activities and the sensitivity of customer information we process, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. Moreover, legislators and regulators in the United States are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, information security and data protection laws that potentially could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices, our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer or employee information, and some of our current or planned business activities. Bank are required to notify their regulators within 36 hours of a “computer-security incident” that rises to the level of a “notification incident.” This could increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce income from certain business initiatives. This includes increased privacy-related enforcement activity at the federal level by the Federal Trade Commission, as well as at the state level.

We rely on third parties, and in some cases subcontractors, to provide information technology and data services. Although we provide for appropriate protections through our contracts and perform information security risk assessments of its third-party service providers and business associates, we still have limited control over their actions and practices. In addition, despite the security measures that we have in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism or theft, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. In such cases, notification to affected individuals, state and federal regulators, state attorneys general and media may be required, depending upon the number of affected individuals and whether personal information including financial data was subject to unauthorized access.

Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws (including those regarding security breach notification) affecting customer or employee data to which we are subject could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions or results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory or governmental investigations or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions and damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our principal shareholders (collectively, the “Haines Family Trusts”) have the benefit of certain registration rights covering all of their shares of our common stock pursuant to the registration rights agreement that we entered into with the Haines Family Trusts in connection with our initial public offering. Sales of a substantial number of these shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it might otherwise be. In addition, as of December 31, 2023 approximately 56.7% of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our principal shareholders, executive officers and directors. The substantial amount of common stock that is owned by and issuable to our principal shareholders, executive officers and directors may adversely affect our share price, our share price volatility and the development and persistence of an active and liquid trading market. The sale of these shares could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

As of December 31, 2023, the Haines Family Trusts control approximately 50.5% of our common stock. So long as the Haines Family Trusts continue to control more than 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock, they will have the ability, if they vote in the same manner, to determine the outcome of all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, the approval of mergers, material acquisitions and dispositions and other extraordinary transactions, and amendments to our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and other corporate governance documents. In addition, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change in control of our Company and make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of the Haines Family Trusts. The Haines Family Trusts also have certain rights, such as registration rights, that our other shareholders do not have. In any of these matters, the interests of the Haines Family Trusts may differ from or conflict with our interests as a company or the interests of other shareholders. Accordingly, the Haines Family Trusts could influence us to enter into transactions or agreements that other shareholders would not approve or make decisions with which other shareholders may disagree.

We are a “controlled company” under NASDAQ’s corporate governance listing standards, meaning that more than 50% of the voting power for the election of our board of directors will be held by a single person, entity or group. As a controlled company, we are exempt from the obligation to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

Even though we are a “controlled company,” we currently intend to comply with each of these requirements. However, we may avail ourselves of certain of these other exemptions for as long as we remain a “controlled company.” Accordingly, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements, which could make our stock less attractive to investors or otherwise harm our stock price.

We are a bank holding company with no material activities other than activities incidental to holding the common stock of the Bank. Our principal source of funds to pay distributions on our common stock and service any of our obligations, other than further issuances of securities, would be dividends received from the Bank. Furthermore, the Bank is not obligated to pay dividends to us, and any dividends paid to us would depend on the earnings or financial condition of the Bank and various business considerations. As is the case with all financial institutions, the profitability of the Bank is subject to the fluctuating cost and availability of money, changes in interest rates and in economic conditions in general. In addition, various federal and state statutes limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company without regulatory approval.

Not applicable.

Risk Management and Strategy

We outsource substantially all of our IT functions, including cybersecurity, through BankOnIT, LLC (“BankOnIT”), a third-party banking technology service provider. BankOnIT provides significant resources to identify, assess and manage risks from cybersecurity threats, including:

BankOnIT leverages certain industry and government associations and threat-intelligence resources to keep up to date on, and respond to, the latest cybersecurity threats.

We engage in regular assessments of our infrastructure, software systems, and network architecture utilizing third-party cybersecurity professions, including annual penetration testing and audits of our information technology systems to identify vulnerabilities and areas for additional enhancement. Employees receive regular virtual and in-person security awareness training through simulated tests, company communications, and in-person training. We also maintain a third-party vendor management program to identify and assess risks of our third-party service providers.

Due to the type and volume of information that we collect and store to provide banking services to our customers, we are an attractive target for cyber threat actors seeking financial gain. Our failure to maintain the safety of our customer’s information could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations. To date, we have not experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a material adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition; however, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience such an incident in the future. Although we maintain cybersecurity insurance, the costs and expenses related to cybersecurity incidents may not be fully insured. We describe whether and how risks from identified cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition under Item 1A. Risk Factors. We are exposed to cybersecurity risks associated with our internet-based systems and online commerce security, including ‘hacking’ and ‘identify theft.’”

Governance

Our cybersecurity function is overseen by our Senior Vice President/ Operations & IT Manager who has over 9 years’ experience managing such functions.  IT functions are also managed through our IT Committee which is comprised of several senior level executive officers and other Company employees and chaired by our Senior Vice President/ Operations & IT Manager.  The IT Committee governs all IT functions at the Company and selects, monitors and manages our third-party IT service providers that implement and maintain our cybersecurity functions.

We also maintain a Cyber Incident Response Team, which includes a board representative and an executive officer representative and is chaired by our Senior Vice President/ Operations & IT Manager.  The Cyber Incident Response Team is charged with developing and implementing incident response and recovery plans to guide our employees, management and the Board in their response to a cybersecurity incident.

Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our enterprise risk management activities in general, including cybersecurity risks.  The full Board receives a network health report at each board meeting from our Senior Vice President/ Operations & IT Manager, which addresses our overall network risk including any relevant cybersecurity threats and incidents.

The Company’s corporate offices are located at 1039 N.W. 63^rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116. The Company’s principal corporate office space is owned by the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 1039 NW 63^rd, LLC, and consists of approximately 6,600 square feet, an annex of approximately 4,400 square feet, and a 10,000 square foot operations building. We lease additional corporate office space located at 525 Central Park Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bank operates from our corporate offices, eight full-service branch offices located in Oklahoma, two full-service branch offices located in southwest Kansas and two full-service branch offices located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. Of these twelve locations, four are leased and eight are owned by the Bank.

From time to time, the Company or the Bank is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe any present litigation or the resolution thereof will have a material adverse effect on the business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Not applicable.

Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BSVN”. The approximate number of holders of record of the Company’s common stock as of March 25, 2024 was 4.

We paid quarterly dividends of $0.16 per share with respect to each of the first two quarters of 2023, increasing to $0.21 per share for the third and fourth quarters. We currently expect to continue quarterly dividends of $0.21 per share in the future. Any future determination to pay dividends and the amount of such dividends will be made by its Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including

Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2023 regarding securities authorized for issuance under the equity compensation plans. The plan that has been approved by the shareholders is the Bank7 Corp. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “strive,” “projection,” “goal,” “target,” “outlook,” “aim,” “would,” “annualized” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

There are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this report. Because of these risks and other uncertainties, our actual future results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by the forward-looking statements in this report. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future results. Accordingly, no forward-looking statements should be relied upon, which represent our beliefs, assumptions and estimates only as of the dates on which such forward-looking statements were made. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

General

We are Bank7 Corp., a bank holding company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank7, we operate twelve full-service branches in Oklahoma, the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas metropolitan area and Kansas. We are focused on serving business owners and entrepreneurs by delivering fast, consistent and well-designed loan and deposit products to meet their financing needs. We intend to grow organically by selectively opening additional branches in our target markets and we will also pursue strategic acquisitions.

As a bank holding company, we generate most of our revenue from interest income on loans and from short-term investments.  The primary source of funding for our loans and short-term investments are deposits held by our subsidiary, Bank7.  We measure our performance by our return on average assets, return on average equity, earnings per share, capital ratios, and efficiency ratio, which is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and noninterest income.

As of December 31, 2023, we had total assets of $1.77 billion, total loans of $1.36 billion, total deposits of $1.59 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $170.3 million.

The U.S. economy experienced widespread volatility throughout 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and government responses to the pandemic. Economic condition declined rapidly and significantly following the initial widespread U.S. outbreak in March and April of 2020. Federal stimulus was quickly passed in the form of the CARES Act and the economy rebounded significantly in the second half of 2020. In an emergency measure aimed at dampening the economic impact of COVID-19, the Federal Reserve lowered the target for the federal funds rate to a range of between zero to 0.25% effective on March 16, 2020 where it remained through the end of 2020. This action by the Federal Reserve followed a prior reduction of the targeted federal funds rates to a range of 1.0% to 1.25% effective March 4, 2020.  As the pandemic eased through 2021 and inflation increased, the Federal Reserve aggressively raised the federal funds target rate to 4.25-4.50% by the end of 2022 and to 5.25%-5.50% by the end of 2023.  These actions positively impacted growth in net interest income in for 2023 and 2022, but the higher rates could negatively impact loan customers in a slowing economy.

We reported total loans of $1.36 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $90.4 million, or 7.1%, from December 31, 2022. Total deposits were $1.59 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $160.0 million, or 11.2%, from December 31, 2022.

Pre-tax return on average assets and return on average equity was 2.21% and 23.47%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 2.68% and 29.32%, respectively, for the same period in 2022. Tax-adjusted return on average assets and return on average equity was 1.68% and 17.83%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 2.02% and 23.92%, respectively, for the same period in 2022. Our efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 36.07% as compared to 39.29% for the same period in 2022.

The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased $16.7 million, or 373.5%, from $4.5 million compared to the same period in 2022.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a single loan customer file for bankruptcy, and as a result, we recorded a charge-off of $16.5 million, increased nonaccrual loans by $18.4 million, and recorded an additional specific reserve to the allowance for credit losses and provision for loan losses of $2.0 million.  See Note (6) of the financial statements for further disclosure and discussion.

Results of Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information about: (i) weighted average balances, the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets, and the resultant average yields; (ii) average balances, the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, and the resultant average rates; (iii) net interest income; and (iv) the net interest margin.

The FED influences the general market rates of interest, including the deposit and loan rates offered by many financial institutions. Our loan portfolio is significantly affected by changes in the prime interest rate. For the three-year period between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023, the prime rate fluctuated between a high of 8.50%, and a low of 3.25%.

Interest income on short-term investments increased $6.9 million, or 412.9%, to $8.6 million for year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022, due to an increase in the average balances of $45.0 million, or 34.7% and a yield increase of 362 basis points.  Interest income on short-term investments increased $1.5 million, or 839.9%, to $1.7 million for year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, due to yield increase of 104 basis points.

Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits totaled $39.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $9.3 million for 2022, an increase of $29.7 million, or 318.3%. The increase was related to the cost of interest-bearing deposits increasing to 3.60% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 1.05% for the year ended December 31, 2022.  Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits totaled $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $3.1 million for 2021, an increase of $6.2 million, or 205.3%. The increase was related to the cost of interest-bearing deposits increasing to 1.05% for the year ended December 31, 2022 from 0.48% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was 4.97%, 4.82% and 5.12%, respectively.

The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income during the period shown. Information is provided with respect to (i) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate) and (ii) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).

Weighted Average Yield of Debt Securities

The following table summarizes the maturity distribution schedule with corresponding weighted average taxable equivalent yields of the debt securities portfolio at December 31, 2023. The following table presents securities at their expected maturities, which may differ from contractual maturities. The Company manages its debt securities portfolio for liquidity, as a tool to execute its asset/liability management strategy, and for pledging requirements for public funds:

*Yield is on a taxable-equivalent basis using 21% tax rate

Provision for Credit Losses

Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the major components of our noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $33.4 million compared to $28.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $4.8 million or 16.7%. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $28.6 million compared to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $8.2 million or 40.4%. The following table sets forth the major components of our noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:

For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021:

Financial Condition

The following discussion of our financial condition compares December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Total Assets

Total assets increased $187.5 million, or 11.8%, to $1.77 billion as of December 31, 2023, as compared to $1.58 billion as of December 31, 2022 and $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Loan Portfolio

Our loans represent the largest portion of our earning assets. The quality and diversification of the loan portfolio is an important consideration when reviewing our financial condition. As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our gross loans were $1.36 billion, $1.27 billion and $1.03 billion, respectively.

The following table presents the balance and associated percentage of each major category in our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

We have established internal concentration limits in the loan portfolio for CRE loans, hospitality loans, energy loans, and construction loans, among others. All loan types are within our established limits. We use underwriting guidelines to assess each borrower’s historical cash flow to determine debt service, and we further stress test the debt service under higher interest rate scenarios. Financial and performance covenants are used in commercial lending to allow us to react to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, should that occur.

The following tables show the contractual maturities of our gross loans as of the periods below:

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance is based on management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In the opinion of management, the allowance is adequate to absorb estimated losses in the portfolio as of each balance sheet date. While management uses available information to analyze losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance. In analyzing the adequacy of the allowance, a comprehensive loan grading system to determine risk potential in loans is utilized together with the results of internal credit reviews.

To determine the adequacy of the allowance, the loan portfolio is broken into segments based on loan type. Historical loss experience factors by segment, adjusted for changes in trends and conditions, are used to determine an indicated allowance for each portfolio segment. These factors are evaluated and updated based on the composition of the specific loan segment. Other considerations include volumes and trends of delinquencies, nonaccrual loans, levels of bankruptcies, criticized and classified loan trends, expected losses on real estate secured loans, new credit products and policies, economic conditions, concentrations of credit risk and the experience and abilities of our lending personnel. In addition to the segment evaluations, impaired loans with a balance of $250,000 or more are individually evaluated based on facts and circumstances of the loan to determine if a specific allowance amount may be necessary. Specific allowances may also be established for loans whose outstanding balances are below the $250,000 threshold when it is determined that the risk associated with the loan differs significantly from the risk factor amounts established for its loan segment.

The allowance was $19.7 million at December 31, 2023, $14.7 million at December 31, 2022 and $10.3 million at December 31, 2021.  The increasing trend was related to loan growth and the single loan customer discussed in the 2023 Overview.

The following table provides an analysis of the activity in our allowance for the periods indicated:

While the entire allowance is available to absorb losses from any and all loans, the following table represents management’s allocation of the allowance by loan category, and the percentage of allowance in each category, for the periods indicated:

Nonperforming Assets

Loans are considered delinquent when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more. Delinquent loans may remain on accrual status between 30 days and 90 days past due. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Typically, the accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectability of the obligation. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on a nonaccrual loan is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible. Loans are restored to accrual status when loans become well-secured and management believes full collectability of principal and interest is probable.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring, or TDR. Income from a loan on nonaccrual status is recognized to the extent cash is received and when the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible. Depending on a particular loan’s circumstances, we measure impairment of a loan based upon either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is considered collateral dependent when repayment of the loan is based solely on the liquidation of the collateral. Fair value, where possible, is determined by independent appraisals, typically on an annual basis. Between appraisal periods, the fair value may be adjusted based on specific events, such as if deterioration of quality of the collateral comes to our attention as part of our problem loan monitoring process, or if discussions with the borrower lead us to believe the last appraised value no longer reflects the actual market for the collateral. The impairment amount on a collateral dependent loan is charged off to the allowance if deemed not collectible and the impairment amount on a loan that is not collateral dependent is set up as a specific reserve.

Real estate we acquire as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as other real estate owned, or OREO, until sold, and is initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis.

Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans plus OREO. Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis were $21.2 million as of December 31, 2023, $8.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and $9.9 million as of December 31, 2021. OREO was $0 as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated.

The following tables present an aging analysis of loans as of the dates indicated.