Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

Axos Financial disclosed 43 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Axos Financial reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q1, 2024

Risk Distribution

51% Finance & Corporate

19% Legal & Regulatory

9% Ability to Sell

7% Tech & Innovation

7% Production

7% Macro & Political

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

2022

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Axos Financial Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q1, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 22 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 22 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Mar 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Mar 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of Axos Financial in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 43

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 22/43 (51%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 9.3%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Our broker-dealer business subjects us to a variety of risks associated with the securities industry.

Our broker-dealer business subjects us to a number of risks and challenges, including risks related to our ability to integrate the acquired operations and the associated internal controls and regulatory functions into our current operations; our ability to retain key personnel; our ability to limit the outflow of acquired deposits and successfully retain and manage acquired assets; our ability to retain existing correspondents who may choose to perform their own clearing services, move their clearing business to one of our competitors or exit the business; our ability to attract new customers and generate new assets in areas not previously served; and the possible assumption of risks and liabilities related to litigation or regulatory proceedings involving the acquired operations. In addition, the broker-dealer business may subject us to risks related to the movement of equity prices. For example, if securities prices decline rapidly, the value of our collateral could fall below the amount of the indebtedness secured by these securities, and in rapidly appreciating markets, our risk of loss may increase due to short positions. The securities lending and securities trading and execution businesses subject us to risk of loss if a counterparty fails to perform or if collateral securing the counterparty's obligations is insufficient. In securities transactions generally, we may be subject to market risk during the period between the execution of a trade and its settlement. Significant failures by our customers, including correspondents, or clients to honor their obligations, or increases in their rates of default, together with insufficient collateral and reserves, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, poor investment returns and declines in client assets, due to either general market conditions or under-performance (relative to our competitors or to benchmarks) of our investment products, may affect our ability to retain existing assets, prevent clients from transferring their assets out of products or their accounts, or inhibit our ability to attract new clients or additional assets from existing clients. Any such poor performance could adversely affect our advisory and custody business and the fees that we earn on client assets. Our broker-dealer business is also subject to regulatory requirements and risks discussed above under "Our broker-dealer and investment advisory businesses subjects us to regulatory risks". Our broker-dealer business exposes us to other risks and uncertainties that are common in the securities industry, including intense competition, and potentially new areas and types of litigation including lawsuits based on allegations concerning our correspondents. For example, we allow our brokerage customers to engage in self-directed trading, and there has been an increase in regulatory enforcement and securities litigation against broker-dealers with self-directed trading platforms. These actions may become more common or frequent, particularly if there is a prolonged decrease in equity prices resulting in investor losses. Allegations of violations of securities laws or FINRA rules, even if not ultimately asserted or proved, could substantially impact our results of operations and lead to reputational harm. The regulatory environment in which our broker dealer business operates is subject to frequent change. Our business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the U.S. Congress, the SEC, FINRA or other U.S. and state governmental and regulatory authorities. The business, financial condition and operating results of our broker-dealer business may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation and enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental and regulatory authorities. Our broker-dealer business is subject to the net capital requirements of the SEC, FINRA and various self-regulatory organizations. These requirements typically specify the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and mandate that a significant part of its assets be kept in relatively liquid form. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject a firm to limitation of its activities, including suspension or revocation of its registration by the SEC and suspension or expulsion by FINRA and other regulatory bodies, and ultimately may require its liquidation.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

As a public company, we face the risk of stockholder lawsuits and other related or unrelated litigation, particularly if we experience declines in the price of our common stock.

We are subject to a variety of litigation pertaining to fiduciary and other claims and legal proceedings. Currently, there are certain legal proceedings pending against us in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of any legal proceeding is inherently uncertain, we believe any liabilities arising from pending legal matters have been adequately accrued for based on the probability of a charge. However, if actual results differ from our expectations, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. For a detailed discussion on current legal proceedings, see Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings."

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws and Delaware laws might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our Company or changes in our management and, therefore, depress the trading price of our common stock.

Provisions of our Certification of Incorporation, by-laws and Delaware laws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares of our common stock. These provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. These provisions include: - supermajority voting provisions providing that certain sections of our Certificate of Incorporation and our By-laws may not be amended or repealed by our stockholders without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power, and requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power to remove a director or directors and only for cause;- our classified Board of Directors, which may tend to discourage a third-party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us since the classification of our Board of Directors generally increases the difficulty of replacing a majority of directors;- advance notice provisions requiring stockholders seeking to nominate candidates to be elected as directors at an annual meeting or to bring business before an annual meeting to comply with the written procedure specified in our By-laws;- the inability of stockholders to act by written consent or to call special meetings;- the ability of our Board of Directors to make, alter or repeal our by-laws;- the ability of our Board of Directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval;- the additional shares of authorized common stock and preferred stock available for issuance under our Certificate of Incorporation, which could be issued at such times, under such circumstances and with such terms and conditions as to impede a change in control. In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless such transactions are approved by our Board of Directors. The existence of the foregoing provisions and anti-takeover measures could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. They could also deter potential acquirers of our Company, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could receive a premium for your common stock in an acquisition.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

The market price of our common stock may be volatile.

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for our stockholders to resell their common stock when desired. Our common stock price may fluctuate significantly due to a variety of factors that include the following: - actual or expected variations in quarterly results of operations;- recommendations by securities analysts;- operating and stock price performance of comparable companies, as deemed by investors;- news reports relating to trends, concerns, and other issues in the financial services industry, including recent highly-publicized bank failures;- perceptions in the marketplace about our Company or competitors;- new technology used, or services offered, by competitors;- significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by, or involving, our Company or competitors;- failure to integrate acquisitions or realize expected benefits from acquisitions;- changes in government regulations; and - geopolitical conditions, such as acts or threats of terrorism or military action. General market fluctuations; industry factors; political conditions; and general economic conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns, recessions, interest rate changes, or credit loss trends, could cause our common stock price to decrease regardless of operating results.

Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 7.0%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, compliance monitoring activities and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well-designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, reputation and financial condition. In addition, if we identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or are required to restate our financial statements, we could be required to implement expensive and time-consuming remedial measures. We could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and potentially subject us to litigation. Any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or restatement of our financial statements could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, reputation, and financial condition.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our results of operations could vary as a result of the methods, estimates, and judgments that we use in applying our accounting policies, including with respect to our allowance for credit losses.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. In addition, the FASB, SEC, bank regulators and outside independent auditors may revise their previous interpretations regarding existing accounting regulations and the application of these accounting standards. The methods, estimates and judgments that we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on our results of operations. Such methods, estimates and judgments, include methodologies to value our securities, estimate our allowance for loan losses and the realization of deferred tax assets and liabilities. These methods, estimates and judgments are, by their nature, subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and factors may arise over time that lead us to change our methods, estimates and judgments. Changes in those methods, estimates and judgments could significantly affect our results of operations. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Changes in the value of goodwill and other intangible assets could reduce our earnings.

The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which, in general, requires that goodwill not be amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level using the two step approach. Testing for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets is performed annually and involves the identification of reporting units and the estimation of fair values. The estimation of fair values involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity in the assumptions used. Changes in the local and national economy, the federal and state legislative and regulatory environments for financial institutions, the stock market, interest rates and other external factors (such as natural disasters or significant world events) may occur from time to time, often with great unpredictability, and may materially impact the fair value of publicly traded financial institutions and could result in an impairment charge at a future date.

Debt & Financing12 | 27.9%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

If our allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual credit losses, our earnings, capital adequacy and overall financial condition may suffer materially.

Our loans are generally secured by single family, multifamily and commercial real estate properties or other commercial assets, each initially having a fair market value generally greater than the amount of the loan secured. Although our loans and leases are typically secured, the risk of default, generally due to a borrower's inability to make scheduled payments on his or her loan, is an inherent risk of the Banking Business. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses, we make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan and lease portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers, the value of the real estate serving as collateral for the repayment of our loans and our loss history. Defaults by borrowers could result in losses that exceed our loan and lease loss reserves. We may not have sufficient repayment experience to be certain whether the established allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate for certain types of loans and leases. We may have to establish a larger allowance for loan and lease losses in the future if, in our judgment, it becomes necessary. To the extent that we fail to adequately address the risks associated with non-residential lending, particularly in C&I lending, we may experience increases in levels of non-performing loans and leases and be forced to incur additional loan and lease loss provision expense, which would adversely affect our net interest income and capital levels and reduce our profitability. For further information about our C&I lending business, please refer to "Business - Asset Origination and Fee Income Businesses - Commercial Real Estate Secured and Commercial Lending." While we believe we have established appropriate underwriting and ongoing monitoring policies and procedures for our lending activities, there can be no assurance that such underwriting and ongoing monitoring policies and procedures are, or will continue to be, appropriate or that losses on loans will not require increased allowances for loan and lease losses. Any increase in our allowance for loan and lease losses would increase our expenses and consequently may adversely affect our profitability, capital adequacy and overall financial condition.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

Our mortgage origination business is subject to fluctuations based upon seasonal and other factors and, as a result, our results of operations for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Our mortgage origination business is subject to several variables that can impact loan origination volume, including seasonal and interest rate fluctuations. We typically experience increased loan origination volume from purchases of homes during the second and third calendar quarters, when more people tend to move and buy or sell homes. In addition, an increase in the general level of interest rates may, among other things, adversely affect the demand for mortgage loans and our ability to originate mortgage loans. In particular, if mortgage interest rates increase, the demand for residential mortgage loans and the refinancing of residential mortgage loans will likely decrease, which will have an adverse effect on our mortgage origination activities. Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates, among other things, may lead to increased competition for mortgage loan origination business. As a result of these variables, our results of operations for any single quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year or any other quarter.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

Commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans may expose our company to greater financial and credit risk than other loans.

Our commercial and industrial loans as well as our commercial real estate – mortgage portfolio was approximately $2,639.7 million and $6,199.8 million at June 30, 2023, comprising approximately 15.8% and 37.2% of our total loan portfolio, respectively. Commercial loans generally carry large balances and may involve a greater degree of financial and credit risk than other loans. Any significant failure to pay on time by our customers could impact our earnings. The increased financial and credit risk associated with these types of loans are a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the types of business and collateral, the size of loan balances, the effects of nationwide and regional economic conditions on income-producing properties and businesses and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Declines in real estate markets or sustained economic downturns increases the risk of credit losses or charge-offs related to our loans or foreclosures on certain real estate properties. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than residential properties because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a potentially long-term negative impact on certain commercial real estate portfolios due to the risk that tenants may reduce the office space they lease as some portion of the workforce continues to work remotely on a hybrid or fulltime basis. Additionally, the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar retail toward e-commerce has been accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and may negatively impact the values of retail-focused commercial real estate and related collateral.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

A decrease in the mortgage buying activity of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and MBS's guaranteed by Ginnie Mae or a failure by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac to satisfy their obligations with respect to their RMBS could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

During the last three fiscal years we have sold approximately $2.2 billion of residential mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and into MBS guaranteed by Ginnie Mae. As of June 30, 2023, approximately 10.3% of our securities portfolio consisted of RMBS issued or guaranteed by these GSEs. Since 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been in conservatorship, with its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, acting as conservator. The United States government may enact structural changes to one or more of the GSEs, including privatization, consolidation and/or a reduction in the ability of GSEs to purchase mortgage loans or guarantee mortgage obligations. We cannot predict if, when or how the conservatorships will end, or what associated changes (if any) may be made to the structure, mandate or overall business practices of either of the GSEs. Accordingly, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the future of the GSEs, including whether they will continue to exist in their current form and whether they will continue to meet their obligations with respect to their RMBS. A substantial reduction in mortgage purchasing activity by the GSEs could result in a material decrease in the availability of residential mortgage loans and the number of qualified borrowers, which in turn may lead to increased volatility in the residential housing market, including a decrease in demand for residential housing and a corresponding drop in the value of real property that secures current residential mortgage loans, as well as a significant increase in interest rates. In a rising or higher interest rate environment, our originations of mortgage loans may decrease, which would result in a decrease in mortgage loan revenues and a corresponding decrease in non-interest income. Any decision to change the structure, mandate or overall business practices of the GSEs and/or the relationship among the GSEs, the government and the private mortgage loan markets, or any failure by the GSEs to satisfy their obligations with respect to their RMBS, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 5

Many of our mortgage loans are multifamily residential loans and defaults on such loans would harm our business.

At June 30, 2023, our multifamily residential loans were $3.1 billion or 18.5% of our loan portfolio. The payment on such loans is typically dependent on the cash flows generated by the projects, which are affected by the supply and demand for multifamily residential units and commercial property within the relative market. If the market for multifamily residential units and commercial property experiences a decline in demand, multifamily and commercial borrowers may suffer losses on their projects and be unable to repay their loans. If residential housing values were to decline or nationwide unemployment levels rise, we are likely to experience increases in the level of our non-performing loans and foreclosures in future periods.

Debt & Financing - Risk 6

Replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate may have an impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

LIBOR and certain other interest rate benchmarks are the subject of national, international, and other regulatory guidance and reform. Effective January 1, 2022, the administrator of LIBOR ceased the publication of one-week and two-month US dollar LIBOR and ceased the publications of the remaining tenors of US dollar LIBOR (one, three, six, and 12-month) after June 30, 2023. Generally, all loans we originated since 2017 have contract language that allowed us to replace LIBOR with an alternative index. All of our variable rate mortgage loans underwritten for the U.S. Government Agencies (FNMA, FHLMC & FHA/VA) after December 31, 2020 have used SOFR as the benchmark index. All other variable rate loans approved after December 31, 2021 do not use LIBOR as the benchmark index and have instead used primarily SOFR, Ameribor or BSBY ("Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index") as the benchmark index. Prior to July 1, 2023, the date LIBOR ceased to be available, we transitioned all remaining loans in our portfolio that were leveraging LIBOR as the benchmark index to other indices, primarily SOFR, Ameribor or BSBY, and notified borrowers of the change in accordance with the applicable contractual and regulatory requirements. The market transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a range of adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, the transition could prompt inquiries or other actions from regulators regarding our replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate and result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in securities that were LIBOR-based.

Debt & Financing - Risk 7

The weakness of other financial institutions or other companies in the financial services industries could adversely affect us.

Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. We have exposure to many different counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers-dealers, other commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other financial institutions. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by us or by other institutions and organizations. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be liquidated, liquidated timely or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due to us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Events, both actual or rumored, involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally have in the past, and may in the future, lead to erosion of customer confidence in the financial services industry, deposit volatility, liquidity issues, stock price volatility and other adverse developments, including increased regulatory oversight, increased premiums for the FDIC insurance program, higher capital requirements or changes in the way regulatory capital is calculated,and impositions of additional restrictions through regulatory changes or supervisory or enforcement activities. As a result, our operating margins, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Debt & Financing - Risk 8

The value of our securities in our investment portfolio may decline in the future.

The fair market value of our investment securities may be adversely affected by general economic and market conditions, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, and the occurrence of any events adversely affecting the issuer of particular securities in our investments portfolio or any given market segment or industry in which we are invested. We analyze our available-for-sale securities on a quarterly basis to measure any impairment and potential credit losses. The process for determining impairment and any credit losses usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer in order to assess the probability of receiving principal and interest payments sufficient to recover our amortized cost of the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize credit losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 9

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our performance.

Our results of operations depend to a great extent on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest rates earned on interest-earning assets such as loans and investment securities, and the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. We are exposed to interest rate risk because our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities do not react uniformly or concurrently to changes in interest rates, as the two have different time periods for adjustment and can be tied to different measures of rates. Interest rates are sensitive to factors that are beyond our control, including domestic and international economic conditions, including inflation, and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve, implemented through open market operations, the federal funds rate targets, and the discount rate for banking borrowings and reserve requirements, affect prevailing interest rates. A material change in any of these policies could have a material impact on us or our customers (including borrowers), and therefore on our results of operations. Since maintaining a federal funds rate target in the range of 0% to 0.25% from March 2020 through 2021, the Federal Reserve made multiple rate increases during 2022 and 2023 increasing the target federal funds rate to a range of 5.00% to 5.25% as of June 2023, and subsequently to a range of 5.25% to 5.50% as of August 2023. The future direction and levels of interest rates remain uncertain. Loan originations and repayment rates tend to increase with declining interest rates and decrease with rising interest rates. Increases in interest rates can negatively impact our business, including a possible reduction in customers' or potential customers' desire to borrow money or adversely affecting customers' ability to repay on outstanding loans by increasing their debt obligations. On the deposit side, increasing interest rates generally lead to interest rate increases on our deposit accounts. While we manage the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities, large, unanticipated, or rapid increases in market interest rates may have an adverse impact on our net interest income and could decrease our mortgage refinancing business and related fee income, and could cause an increase in delinquencies and non-performing loans and leases in our adjustable-rate loans. In addition, interest rate volatility can affect the value of our loans and leases, investments and other interest-rate sensitive assets and our ability to realize gains on the sale or resolution of these assets, which in turn may affect our liquidity. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage our interest rate risk.

Debt & Financing - Risk 10

We may seek additional capital, but it may not be available when it is needed, which would limit our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, raising additional equity capital would dilute existing stockholders' equity interests and may cause our stock price to decline.

We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital to support the growth of our business or to finance acquisitions, if any, or we may elect to raise additional capital for other reasons. We may seek to do so through the issuance of, among other things, our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock, which could dilute existing stockholders' interests in the Company. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions, our financial performance and a number of other factors, many of which are outside our control. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance on our ability to raise additional capital if needed or whether it can be raised on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed or on terms acceptable to us, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, raising equity capital will have a dilutive effect on the equity interests of our existing stockholders and may cause our stock price to decline.

Debt & Financing - Risk 11

Liquidity and access to adequate funding cannot be assured.

Liquidity is essential to our business and the inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, equity and debt offerings, or other sources could have a materially adverse effect on our liquidity. The Bank may not be able to meet the cash flow requirements of its customers who may be either depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. Company specific factors such as a decline in our credit rating, an increase in the cost of capital from financial capital markets, a decrease in business activity due to adverse regulatory action or other company specific event, or a decrease in depositor or investor confidence may impair our access to funding with acceptable terms adequate to finance our activities. General factors related to the financial services industry such as a severe disruption in financial markets, a decrease in industry expectations, or a decrease in business activity due to political or environmental events may impair our access to liquidity. Our ability to attract and maintain depositors during a time of actual or perceived distress or instability in the banking industry may be limited. Additionally, we may accept brokered deposits, which may be more price sensitive than other types of deposits, and may become less available if alternative investments offer higher returns. We rely primarily upon deposits and FHLB advances. Our ability to attract deposits could be negatively impacted by a public perception of our financial prospects or by increased deposit rates available at troubled institutions suffering from shortfalls in liquidity. The FHLB advances and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco ("FRBSF") discount window are subject to regulation and other factors beyond our control. These factors may adversely affect the availability and pricing of advances to members such as the Bank. Selected sources of liquidity may become unavailable to the Bank if it were to no longer be considered "well-capitalized."

Debt & Financing - Risk 12

A further reduction in our credit ratings could adversely affect our access to capital and could increase our cost of funds.

The credit rating agencies regularly evaluate the Company and the Bank, and credit ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and ability to generate earnings, as well as factors not entirely within our control, such as conditions affecting the financial services industry, the economy, and changes in rating methodologies more generally. On February 1, 2023, a credit rating agency, Moody's Investors Service, downgraded the Company's and the Bank's long-term issuer ratings, among others. There can be no assurance that we will maintain our current credit ratings. A further downgrade of the credit ratings of the Company or the Bank could adversely affect our access to liquidity and capital and could significantly increase our cost of funds, trigger additional collateral or funding requirements, and decrease the number of investors and counterparties willing to lend to us or purchase our securities, thereby, potentially reducing our ability to generate earnings.

Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 7.0%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Our inability to manage our growth or deploy assets profitably could harm our business and decrease our overall profitability, which may cause our stock price to decline.

Our assets and deposit base have grown substantially in recent years, and we anticipate that we will continue to grow over time, perhaps significantly. To manage the expected growth of our operations and personnel, we will be required to manage multiple aspects of the business simultaneously, including among other things: (i) improve existing and implement new transaction processing, operational and financial systems, procedures and controls; (ii) maintain effective credit scoring and underwriting guidelines; (iii) maintain sufficient levels of regulatory capital and liquidity; and (iv) expand our employee base and train and manage this growing employee base. In addition, acquiring other companies, asset pools or deposits may involve risks such as exposure to potential asset quality issues, disruption to our normal business activities and diversion of management's time and attention due to integration and conversion efforts. If we are unable to manage growth effectively or execute integration efforts properly, we may not be able to achieve the anticipated benefits of growth and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be able to sustain past levels of profitability as we grow, and our past levels of profitability should not be considered a guarantee or indicator of future success. If we are not able to maintain our levels of profitability by deploying deposits in profitable assets or investments, our net interest margin and overall level of profitability will decrease and our stock price may decline.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Our risk management processes and procedures may not be effective in mitigating our risks.

We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor and control material risks to which we are subject, including, for example, credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, strategic risk and operational risk. If the models that we use to manage these risks are ineffective at predicting future losses or are otherwise inadequate, we may incur unexpected losses or otherwise be adversely affected. In addition, the information we use in managing our credit and other risks may be inaccurate or incomplete as a result of error or fraud, both of which may be difficult to detect and avoid. There may also be risks that exist, or that develop in the future, that we have not appropriately anticipated, identified or mitigated, including when processes or technology is changed or new products and services are introduced. If our risk management framework does not effectively identify and control our risks, we could suffer unexpected losses or be adversely affected, and that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

Our acquisitions involve integration and other risks.

From time to time we undertake acquisitions of assets, deposits, lines of business and other companies consistent with our operating and growth strategies. Acquisitions generally involve a number of risks and challenges, including our ability to integrate the acquired operations and the associated internal controls and regulatory functions into our current operations, our ability to retain key personnel of the acquired operations, our ability to limit the outflow of acquired deposits and successfully retain and manage acquired assets, our ability to attract new customers and generate new assets in areas not previously served, and the possible assumption of risks and liabilities related to litigation or regulatory proceedings involving the acquired operations. Additionally, no assurance can be given that the operation of acquisitions would not adversely affect our existing profitability, that we would be able to achieve results in the future similar to those achieved by the acquired operations, that we would be able to compete effectively in the markets served by the acquired operations, or that we would be able to manage any growth resulting from the transaction effectively. We also face the risk that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or within the time period expected.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 8/43 (19%)Below Sector Average

Regulation4 | 9.3%

Regulation - Risk 1

Changes in laws, regulations or oversight or increased enforcement activities by regulatory agencies may increase our costs and adversely affect our business and operations.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to oversight, regulation and examination by federal and/or state governmental authorities under various laws, regulations and policies, which impose requirements or restrictions on our operations, capitalization, payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged and interest rates paid on deposits. We must also comply with federal anti-money laundering, bank secrecy, tax withholding and reporting, and various consumer protection statutes and regulations. A considerable amount of management time and resources is devoted to oversight of, and development, implementation and execution of controls and procedures relating to, compliance with these laws, regulations and policies. The laws, rules, regulations and supervisory policies governing our business are intended primarily for the protection of our depositors, our customers, the financial system and the FDIC insurance fund, not our stockholders or other creditors and are subject to regular modification and change. New or amended laws, rules, regulations and policies, including potential changes under consideration in response to recent highly-publicized bank failures, could impact our operations, increase our capital requirements or substantially restrict our growth and adversely affect our ability to operate profitably by making compliance more difficult or expensive, restrict our ability to originate or sell loans, or impact the amount of interest or other charges or fees earned on loans or other products. In addition, further regulation, including in response to recent highly-publicized bank failures, could increase the assessment rate we are required to pay to the FDIC, adversely affecting our earnings. It is very difficult to predict future changes in regulation or the competitive impact that any such changes would have on our business. Any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult, expensive, costly to implement or may otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or growth prospects. Other changes to statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations, or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways including subjecting us to additional costs, limiting the types of financial services and products we may offer, and increasing the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products. The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and similar laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and to file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the United States Department of Treasury, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the OFAC. Federal and state bank regulators have focused on compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approval to proceed with acquisitions and other strategic transactions, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could have material adverse reputational consequences for us. Our failure to comply with current, or adapt to new or changing, laws, regulations or policies could result in enforcement actions and sanctions against us by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, along with corrective action plans required by regulatory agencies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the value of our common stock.

Regulation - Risk 2

Higher FDIC assessments could negatively impact profitability.

FDIC insurance premiums are risk based, and accordingly, higher premiums are charged to banks that have lower capital ratios or higher risk profiles, including increased construction and development and commercial and industrial lending, declining credit quality metrics, and increased brokered deposits and higher levels of borrowing. As a result, a decrease in the Bank's capital ratios, or a negative evaluation by the FDIC, may increase the Bank's net funding cost and reduce its earnings. Furthermore, recent activity in the banking industry, including certain highly-publicized bank failures, is expected to cause premiums of the FDIC's deposit insurance program to increase.

Regulation - Risk 3

Policies and regulations enacted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may negatively impact our residential mortgage loan business and compliance risk.

Our consumer business, including our mortgage and deposit businesses, may be adversely affected by the policies enacted or regulations adopted by the CFPB, which, under the Dodd-Frank Act, has broad rule-making authority over consumer financial products and services. The CFPB is in the process of reshaping consumer financial protection laws through rule-making and enforcement against unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices. The CFPB has been directed to write rules identifying practices or acts that are unfair, deceptive or abusive in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. The prohibition on "abusive" acts or practices has been clarified each year by CFPB enforcement actions and opinions from courts and administrative proceedings, and in April 2023, the CFPB issued a Policy Statement on Abusive Acts or Practices, which may impact our consumer product and service offerings. While it is difficult to quantify any future increases in our regulatory compliance burden, the costs associated with regulatory compliance, including the need to hire additional compliance personnel, may continue to increase.

Regulation - Risk 4

Our broker-dealer and investment advisory businesses subjects us to regulatory risks.

Our broker-dealer and investment advisory business subjects us to regulation by the SEC, FINRA, other self-regulatory organizations ("SROs"), state securities commissions, and other regulatory bodies. Violations of the laws and regulations governed by these agencies could result in censure, penalties and fines, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders, the restriction, suspension, or expulsion from the securities industry of the Company or its officers or employees, or other similar adverse consequences, any of which could cause us to incur losses and adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of operations. The SEC, FINRA and other SROs and state securities commissions, among other regulatory bodies, can censure, fine, issue cease-and-desist orders or suspend or expel a broker-dealer or any of its officers or employees. Clearing securities firms are subject to substantially more regulatory control and examination than introducing brokers that rely on others to perform clearing functions. Similarly, the attorney general of each state could bring legal action to ensure compliance with state securities laws, and regulatory agencies in foreign countries have similar authority. Our ability to comply with multiple laws and regulations pertaining to the securities industry depends in large part on our ability to establish and maintain an effective compliance function. The failure to establish and enforce reasonable compliance procedures, even if unintentional, could subject us to significant losses or disciplinary or other actions. Federally registered investment advisers are regulated and subject to examination by the SEC. In addition, the Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on our investment advisory business, including fiduciary duties, disclosure obligations, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, marketing restrictions and general anti-fraud prohibitions. Our failure to comply with the Advisers Act and associated rules and regulations of the SEC could subject us to enforcement proceedings and sanctions for violations, including censure or termination of SEC registration, litigation and reputational harm. In addition, our investment advisory business is subject to notice filings and the anti-fraud rules of state securities regulators. See "Regulation of Securities Business."

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.3%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to changes in federal and state tax laws and the interpretation of existing laws and examinations and challenges by taxing authorities.

Our financial performance is impacted by federal and state tax laws. Given the current economic and political environment and ongoing budgetary pressures, the enactment of new federal or state legislation or new interpretations of existing tax laws could adversely impact our tax position, in some circumstances retroactively. The Inflation Reduction Act (the "IRA"), which establishes a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax on adjusted book income (of corporations that have an average adjusted book income in excess of $1 billion over a three tax year period) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, may impact the Company's cash tax payments and tax credit carryforward balances. The IRA includes a nondeductible 1% excise tax on certain repurchases of corporate stock for transactions occurring after December 31, 2022, which would likely increase the Company's cost of any future share repurchases. The consequences of the IRA, the enactment of new federal or state tax legislation, or changes in the interpretation of existing law, including provisions impacting income tax rates, apportionment, consolidation or combination, income, expenses, and credits, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. In the normal course of business, we are routinely subjected to examinations and audits from federal, state, and local taxing authorities regarding tax positions taken by us and the determination of the amount of taxes due. These examinations may relate to income, franchise, gross receipts, payroll, property, sales and use, or other tax returns. The challenges made by taxing authorities may result in adjustments to the amount of taxes due and may result in the imposition of penalties and interest. If any such challenges are not resolved in our favor, they could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

Environmental / Social3 | 7.0%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Privacy concerns relating to our technology could damage our reputation and deter current and potential customers from using our products and services.

We are subject to various privacy, information security and data protection laws and regulations, such as the GLBA, which among other things requires privacy disclosures and maintenance of a robust security program. These laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and growing in complexity, and 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 and employee information, and some of our current or planned business activities. The costs of compliance with these laws or regulatory actions may increase our operational costs, restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, reduce income from certain business initiatives, or result in interruptions or delays in the availability of systems. Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure or security of personal information of our customers or other privacy related matters, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation and results of operations. While we strive to comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, as well as our own posted privacy policies, any failure or perceived failure to comply may result in proceedings or actions against us by government entities or others, or could cause us to lose customers, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. Misconduct by employees could also result in fraudulent, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of clients or improper use of confidential personal information. The Company may not be able to prevent employee errors or misconduct, and the precautions the Company takes to detect this type of activity might not be effective in all cases. Employee errors or misconduct could subject the Company to civil claims for negligence or regulatory enforcement actions, including fines and restrictions on our business. As nearly all of our products and services are smartphone and internet-based, the amount of data we store for our customers on our servers (including personal information) has been increasing and will continue to increase. Any systems failure or compromise of our security that results in the release of our customers' data could seriously limit the adoption of our products and services, as well as harm our reputation and brand and, therefore, our business. We may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches. System enhancements and updates may create risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of information technology systems, the process of enhancing our layers of defense can create a risk of systems disruptions and security issues. In addition, addressing certain information security vulnerabilities, such as hardware-based vulnerabilities, may affect the performance of our information technology systems. The ability of our hardware and software providers to deliver patches and updates to mitigate vulnerabilities in a timely manner can introduce additional risks, particularly when a vulnerability is being actively exploited by threat actors. The risk that these types of events could seriously harm our business is likely to increase as we add more customers and expand the number of smartphone and internet-based products and services we offer.

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

Increased regulation related to Environmental, Social, and Governance factors could negatively affect our operating results and could increase our operating expenses and those of our customers.

There is increased public awareness and concern by governmental organizations on a variety of environmental, social, and sustainability matters, including climate change. This increased awareness may include more prescriptive reporting of environmental, social, and governance metrics, and other compliance requirements. Further legislation and regulatory requirements could increase the operating expenses of, or otherwise adversely impact, us and our customers. To the extent that we or our customers experience increases in costs, reductions in the value of assets, constraints on operations or similar concerns driven by changes in regulation relating to climate change, it could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental / Social - Risk 3

We are exposed to risk of environmental liability with respect to properties to which we take title.

In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to real estate, including commercial real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to those 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 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 common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/43 (9%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.3%

Competition - Risk 1

We face strong competition for customers and may not succeed in implementing our business strategy.

Our business strategy depends on our ability to remain competitive. There is strong competition for customers from existing financial institutions. Technology and other changes allow parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods rather than through banks. Consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions, such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as "disintermediation," could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. Technology has also lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-bank, financial technology companies ("FinTechs") to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks. FinTechs continue to emerge and compete with traditional financial institutions across a wide variety of products and services. Consumers have demonstrated a growing willingness to obtain banking services from FinTechs. As a result, our ability to remain competitive is increasingly dependent upon our ability to maintain critical technological capabilities, and to identify and develop new, value-added products for existing and future customers. Our competitors also include large, publicly-traded, internet-based banks, as well as smaller internet-based banks; "brick and mortar" banks, including those that have implemented websites to facilitate online banking; and traditional banking institutions such as thrifts, finance companies, credit unions and mortgage banks. Some of these competitors have been in business for a long time and have broader name recognition and a more established customer base. Most of our competitors are larger and have greater financial and personnel resources. In order to compete profitably, we may need to reduce the rates we offer on loans and leases and investments and increase the rates we offer on deposits, which actions may adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. To remain competitive, we believe we must successfully implement our business strategy. Our success depends on, among other things: - Having a large and increasing number of customers who use our bank for their banking needs;- Our ability to attract, hire and retain key personnel as our business grows;- Our ability to secure additional capital as needed;- The relevance of our products and services to customer needs and demands and the rate at which we and our competitors introduce or modify new products and services;- Our ability to offer products and services with fewer employees than competitors;- The satisfaction of our customers with our customer service;- Ease of use of our websites and smartphone applications;- Our ability to provide a secure and stable technology platform for financial services that provides us with reliable and effective operational, financial and information systems; and - Integration of our broker-dealer and registered investment-advisory businesses. If we are unable to implement our business strategy, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Sales & Marketing1 | 2.3%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers.

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into certain transactions, we rely on information furnished by or on behalf of customers, including financial statements, credit reports, tax returns and other financial information. We may also rely on representations from customers or other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate or misleading information, financial statements, credit reports, tax returns or other financial information, including information falsely provided as a result of identity theft, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Brand / Reputation2 | 4.7%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Our business depends on a strong brand, and failing to maintain and enhance our brand could hurt our ability to maintain or expand our customer base.

The brand identities that we have developed will significantly contribute to the success of our business. Maintaining and enhancing the "Axos" brands (including our other trade styles and trade names) is critical to expanding our customer base. We believe that the importance of brand recognition will increase due to the relatively low barriers to entry for our "brick and mortar" competitors in the internet-based banking market. Our brands could be negatively impacted by a number of factors, including data privacy and security issues, service outages, product malfunctions, and trademark infringement. If we fail to maintain and enhance our brands generally, or if we incur excessive expenses in these efforts, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Brand / Reputation - Risk 2

Our reputation and business could be damaged by negative publicity.

Reputational risk is inherent in our business. Negative publicity or reputational harm can result from actual or alleged conduct in a number of areas, including legal and regulatory compliance, lending practices, corporate governance, litigation, inadequate protection of customer data, illegal or unauthorized acts taken by third parties that supply products or services to us, the behavior of our employees, the customers with whom we have chosen to do business and negative publicity for other financial institutions. Damage to our reputation could adversely impact our ability to attract new, and maintain existing, loan and deposit customers, employees and business relationships, and, particularly with respect to our broker-dealer and registered investment adviser businesses, could result in the imposition of new regulatory requirements, operational restrictions, enhanced supervision and/or civil money penalties. Such damage could also adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital. Any such damage to our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/43 (7%)Below Sector Average

Cyber Security1 | 2.3%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

If our security measures are breached, or if our services are subject to information security incidents that degrade or deny the ability of customers to access our products and services, our products and services may be perceived as not being secure, customers may curtail or stop using our products and services, and we may incur significant legal and financial exposure.

Our products and services involve the storage and transmission of customers' proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss of this information, litigation, and potential liability. We employ cybersecurity measures that are designed to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks, including management-level engagement and corporate governance, formalized risk management, advanced technical controls, incident response planning, frequent vulnerability testing, vendor management, intrusion monitoring, security awareness program, and partnerships with the appropriate government and law enforcement agencies. These procedures cannot assure we will be fully protected from a cybersecurity incident. Our security measures may be breached due to the actions of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, nation-states, activists and other outside parties, employee error, failure to follow security procedures, malfeasance, or otherwise. As a result, an unauthorized party may obtain access to our data or our customers' data. In addition, to access our products and services, our customers use personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that are beyond our control environment. Outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or our customers' data. Other types of information security incidents may include computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, denial-of-service attacks, ransomware or ransom demands to not expose security vulnerabilities in the Company's systems or the systems of third parties. Any such breach or unauthorized access could result in significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in the security of our products and services that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. If an actual or perceived breach of our security occurs, including those of our third-party vendors, such as hacking or identity theft, it could cause serious negative consequences, including significant disruption of our operations, misappropriation of confidential information, or damage to computers or systems, and may result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss and loss of confidence in our security measures. As a result, we could lose customers, suffer employee productivity losses, incur technology replacement and incident response costs, be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny, and be subject to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Technology2 | 4.7%

Technology - Risk 1

We are heavily reliant on technology, and a failure in effectively implementing technology initiatives or anticipating future technology needs or demands could adversely affect our business or financial results.

We depend on technology to deliver our products and services and to conduct our business and operations. To remain technologically competitive and operationally efficient, we invest in system upgrades, new solutions, and other technology initiatives. Many of these initiatives take a significant amount of time to develop and implement, are tied to critical systems, and require substantial financial, human, and other resources. Although we take steps to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with these initiatives, no assurance can be provided that they will be implemented on time, within budget, or without negative financial, operational, or customer impact or that, once implemented, they will perform as we or our customers expect. We may not succeed in anticipating or keeping pace with future technology needs, the technology demands of customers, or the competitive landscape for technology. If we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with existing and future technology needs, our business, financial results, or reputation could be negatively impacted.

Technology - Risk 2

We have risks of systems failure and disruptions to operations.

The computer systems, internet connectivity and network infrastructure utilized by us and others could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. This is true of both our internally developed systems and the systems of our third-party service providers. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect computer equipment against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunication failure or similar catastrophic events. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Production

Total Risks: 3/43 (7%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel1 | 2.3%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Our success depends in large part on the continuing efforts of a few individuals. If we are unable to retain these key personnel or attract, hire and retain others to oversee and manage our Company, our business could suffer.

Our success depends substantially on the skill and abilities of our senior management team, including our Chief Executive Officer and President, Gregory Garrabrants, and other employees that perform multiple functions that might otherwise be performed by separate individuals at larger banks. The loss of the services of any of these individuals or other key employees, whether through termination of employment, disability or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our ability to grow and manage our growth depends on our ability to continue to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled executive, technical, managerial, sales, marketing, customer service and professional personnel. The implementation of our business plan and our future success will depend on such qualified personnel. Competition for employees is intense in many areas of the financial services industry, and there is a risk that we will not be able to successfully attract, assimilate or retain sufficiently qualified personnel. If we fail to attract and retain the necessary personnel, or if the costs of employee compensation or benefits increase substantially, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Supply Chain1 | 2.3%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We depend on third-party service providers for our core banking and securities transactions technology, and interruptions in or terminations of their services could materially impair the quality of our services.

We rely substantially upon third-party service providers for our core technology and to protect us from system failures or disruptions. This reliance may mean that we will not be able to resolve operational problems internally or on a timely basis, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction or long-term disruption of our operations. Due to our interconnectivity with these third parties, we may be adversely affected if any of them is subject to a cyber-attack or other privacy or information security event, including those arising due to the use of mobile technology or a third-party cloud environment. Our operations depend upon our ability to replace a third-party service provider if it experiences difficulties that interrupt operations or if an essential third-party service terminates. If these service arrangements are terminated for any reason without an immediately available substitute arrangement, our operations may be severely interrupted or delayed. If such interruption or delay were to continue for a substantial period of time, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Costs1 | 2.3%

Costs - Risk 1

Declining real estate values, particularly in California and New York, could reduce the value of our loan and lease portfolio and impair our profitability and financial condition.

The majority of the loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate. At June 30, 2023, approximately 41.3% and 25.2% of our real estate loan portfolio was secured by real estate located in California and New York, respectively. In recent years, there has been significant volatility in real estate values. If real estate values decrease or more of our borrowers experience financial difficulties, we will experience increased charge-offs, as the proceeds resulting from foreclosure may be significantly lower than the amounts outstanding on such loans and the time to foreclose may be extended. In addition, declining real estate values frequently accompany periods of economic downturn or recession and increasing unemployment, all of which can lead to lower demand for mortgage loans of the types we originate and impact the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. A decline of real estate values or decline of the credit position of our borrowers could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/43 (7%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment2 | 4.7%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Inflation could negatively impact our business and our profitability.

Prolonged periods of inflation may impact our profitability by negatively impacting our non-interest expenses, including increasing expense related to talent acquisition and retention. Additionally, inflation may lead to a decrease in consumer and clients purchasing power and negatively affect the need or demand for our products and services. If significant inflation continues, our business could be negatively affected by, among other things, increased default rates leading to credit losses which could decrease our willingness to offer new credit extensions. These inflationary pressures could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

A significant or sustained economic downturn could result in increases in our level of non-performing loans and leases and/or reduce demand for our products and services, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business and results of operations are affected by the financial markets and general economic conditions, including factors such as the level and volatility of interest rates, inflation, home prices, unemployment and under-employment levels, bankruptcies, household income and consumer spending. We operate in an uncertain economic environment due to a variety of other reasons including, but not limited to, trade policies and tariffs, geopolitical tensions, including escalating military tensions in Europe as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, volatile energy prices and uncertain continuing effects of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic. The risks associated with our business become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or slow growth. Furthermore, given our high concentration of loans secured by real estate in California and New York, the Company remains particularly susceptible to a downturn in those states' economies. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of operations. The specific impact on us of unfavorable or uncertain economic or market conditions is difficult to predict, could be long or short term, and may be direct or indirect. A worsening of business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which we conduct business could have adverse effects, including the following: - a decrease in the demand for, or the availability of, loans and other products and services we offer;- a decrease in deposit balances, including low-cost and noninterest bearing deposits, and changes in our interest rate mix toward higher-cost deposits;- an increase in the number of borrowers who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to us, which could lead to higher levels of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, and provisions for credit losses;- a decrease in the value of loans and other assets secured by collateral such as consumer or commercial real estate;- a decrease in net interest income from our lending and deposit gathering activities;- an impairment of certain intangible assets such as goodwill;- an increase in competition resulting from increasing consolidation within the financial services industry; and - an increase in borrowing costs in excess of changes in the rate at which we reinvest funds.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.3%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, rising sea levels, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest, public health issues, or other adverse external events could harm our business.

The potential impacts of extreme weather conditions, natural disasters and rising sea levels, could impact our operations as well as those of our customers and third party vendors upon which we rely. Our Bank is based in San Diego, California, and approximately 41.3% of our real estate loan portfolio was secured by real estate located in California at June 30, 2023. In addition, some of our computer systems that operate our internet websites and their back-up systems are located in San Diego, California. Historically, California has been vulnerable to natural disasters. Therefore, we are susceptible to the risks of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods and mudslides, the nature and magnitude of which cannot be predicted and may be exacerbated by global climate change. Natural disasters could harm our operations directly through interference with communications, including the interruption or loss of our websites, which would prevent us from gathering deposits, originating loans and leases 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 largest class of assets, our loan and lease portfolio, which is comprised substantially of real estate loans. Losses from disasters for which borrowers are uninsured or under-insured may reduce borrowers' ability to repay mortgage loans. Natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest, public health issues, or other adverse external events could each negatively impact our business operations or the stability of our deposit base, cause significant property damage, adversely impact the values of collateral securing our loans and/or interrupt our borrowers' abilities to conduct their business in a manner to support their debt obligations, which could result in losses and increased provisions for credit losses. Although we have implemented several back-up systems and protections (and maintain standard business interruption insurance), these measures may not protect us fully from the effects of a natural disaster, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest, public health issues, or other adverse external events. The occurrence of natural disasters, particularly in California, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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