SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of the more significant accounting policies used in preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions:

The preparation of the financial statements are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimate and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions. Material estimates that are generally susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, impaired loans, other real estate owned, asset prepayment rates and other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities.

The Company is not dependent on any single customer or limited number of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect. No material portion of the Company’s business is seasonal.

Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bank of South Carolina Corporation (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Bank of South Carolina (the "Bank"). In consolidation, all significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Bank of South Carolina Corporation is a one-bank holding company organized under the laws of the State of South Carolina. The Company offers a broad range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary The Bank of South Carolina. The Bank’s original and current concept is to be a full service financial institution specializing in personal service, responsiveness, and attention to detail to foster long standing relationships.

The reorganization of the Bank into a one-bank holding company became effective on April 17, 1995. Each issued and outstanding share of the Bank's stock was converted into two shares of the Company's stock at the time of the reorganization.

Investment Securities: The Company classifies investments into three categories as follows: (1) Held to Maturity - debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, which are reported at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of any related premiums or the accretion of any related discounts into interest income using a methodology which approximates a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity, (2) Trading - debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings, and (3) Available for Sale - debt and equity securities that may be sold under certain conditions, which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of income taxes. Unrealized losses on securities due to fluctuations in fair value are recognized when it is determined that an other than temporary decline in value has occurred. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are recognized on a specific identification, trade date basis. All securities were classified as available for sale for 2012 and 2011. The Company does not have any mortgage-backed securities nor has it ever invested in mortgage-backed securities.

Mortgage Loans to be Sold: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are provided for in a valuation allowance by charges to operations as a component of mortgage banking income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately $18.5 million and $7.6 million in mortgage loans held for sale, respectively. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized when control over these assets has been surrendered and are included in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company originates fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor are carried in the Company’s loans held for sale portfolio.  

These loans are fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans that have been originated in the Company’s name and have closed.  Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors and the majority of these loans were locked in by price with the investors on the same day or shortly thereafter that the loan was locked in with the Company’s customers.  Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company.  The Company usually delivers to, and receives funding from, the investor within 30 to 60 days.  Commitments to sell these loans to the investor are considered derivative contracts and are sold to investors on a “best efforts" basis. The Company is not obligated to deliver a loan or pay a penalty if a loan is not delivered to the investor. As a result of the short-term nature of these derivative contracts, the fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale in most cases is the same as the value of the loan amount at its origination.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses: Loans are carried at principal amounts outstanding. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to yield. Interest income on all loans is recorded on an accrual basis. The accrual of interest and the amortization of net loan fees are generally discontinued on loans which 1) are maintained on a cash basis because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower; 2) for which payment in full of principal is not expected; or 3) upon which principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more. The accrual of interest however, may continue on these loans if they are well secured, in the process of collection, and management deems it appropriate. Non-accrual loans are reviewed individually by management to determine if they should be returned to accrual status. The Company defines past due loans based on contractual payment and maturity dates.

The Company accounts for nonrefundable fees and costs associated with originating or acquiring loans by requiring that loan origination fees be recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment on the loan’s yield. Certain direct loan origination costs shall be recognized over the life of the related loan as a reduction of the loan’s yield.

The Company accounts for impaired loans by requiring that all loans for which it is estimated that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement be recorded at the loan's fair value. Fair value may be determined based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Additional accounting guidance allows the Company to use existing methods for recognizing interest income on an impaired loan and by requiring additional disclosures about how a Company estimates interest income related to impaired loans.

When the ultimate collectability of an impaired loan's principal is in doubt, wholly or partially, all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to interest income, to the extent that any interest has been foregone. Further cash receipts are recorded as recoveries of any amounts previously charged off. When this doubt does not exist, cash receipts are applied under the contractual terms of the loan agreement first to interest income and then to principal.

A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring. For these accruing impaired loans, cash receipts are typically applied to principal and interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the restructured loan agreement. Interest income is recognized on these loans using the accrual method of accounting, provided they are performing in accordance with their restructured terms.

Management believes that the allowance is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio; however, assessing the adequacy of the allowance is a process that requires considerable judgment. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current events which management believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not be valid. Thus there can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods will not exceed the current allowance amount or that future increases in the allowance will not be required. No assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan portfolio, in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances, will not require significant future additions to the allowance, thus adversely affecting the operating results of the Company.

The allowance is also subject to examination by regulatory agencies, which may consider such factors as the methodology used to determine adequacy and the size of the allowance relative to that of peer institutions, and other adequacy tests. In addition, such regulatory agencies could require the Company to adjust its allowance based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

The methodology used to determine the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, which is included in other liabilities, is inherently similar to that used to determine the allowance for loan losses adjusted for factors specific to binding commitments, including the probability of funding and historical loss ratio.

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Company’s primary market consists of the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, South Carolina. At December 31, 2012, the majority of the total loan portfolio, as well as a substantial portion of the commercial and real estate loan portfolios, were to borrowers within this region. No other areas of significant concentration of credit risk have been identified.

Premises, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and Depreciation: Buildings and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets - 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for equipment. Amortization of leasehold improvements is recorded using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. The Company had no other real estate owned at December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011. Gains and losses on the sale of other real estate owned and subsequent write-downs from periodic reevaluation are charged to other operating income. The Company realized a loss of $63,273 in this category for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

Accounting standards require the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. These standards also prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise’s tax return. The Company believes that it had no uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2012 or for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for stock options under the fair value recognition provisions to account for compensation costs under its Stock Incentive Plans. The Company previously utilized the intrinsic value method. Under the intrinsic value method no compensation costs were recognized for the Company’s stock options and the Company only disclosed the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per share as if the fair value recognition provisions had been utilized.

On June 28, 2012 the Executive Committee granted options to purchase an aggregate of 9,000 shares to five employees. Fair value was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield 3.97%, historical volatility 33.94%, with an expected life of ten years, and a risk free interest rate of 1.60%. In addition, the Board of Director’s granted options to purchase 2,500 shares to one employee on September 24, 2012. Fair value was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield 3.97%, historical volatility 33.94%, with an expected life of ten years, and a risk free interest rate of 1.74%.

On March 24, 2011, the Executive Committee granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock to one employee. The Executive Committee also granted options to purchase 96,000 shares to twenty-two employees on June 23, 2011. Fair value was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for the March 24, and June 23, 2011 grant: dividend yield 4.02%, historical volatility 54.43% with an expected life of ten years. The risk free interest rate was 3.42%, and 2.93% for March 24, and June 23, 2011, respectively.

On September 24, 2010, options to purchase 33,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to twenty-one employees. The weighted average fair value per share of $6.13 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for the grant: dividend yield of 2.72%, historical volatility of 72.30%, risk-free interest rate of 2.62%, and expected life of 10 years.

Earnings Per Common Share: Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options and are computed using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income: The Company applies accounting standards which establish guidance for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and net unrealized gains or losses on securities and is presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Fair Value Measurements: The Company applies the accounting standards which define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures about fair value. The standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the assets or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of input that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1	Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as US Treasuries and money market funds.
Level 2	Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain derivative contracts and impaired loans.
Level 3	Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.  In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The guidance requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available-for-sale investment securities) or on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans). Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below.

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and are based upon quoted prices if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, or by dealers or brokers in active over-the counter markets. Level 2 securities include mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2012
	Quoted Market Price in active markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
US Treasury Notes	$	6,213,750	$	—	$	—	$	6,213,750
Government Sponsored Enterprises	$	—	$	18,344,032	$	—	$	18,344,032
Municipal Securities	$	—	$	33,956,434	$	—	$	33,956,434
Total	$	6,213,750	$	52,300,466	$	—	$	58,514,216

Balance at December 31, 2011
	Quoted Market Price in active markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
US Treasury Notes	$	6,310,782	$	—	$	—	$	6,310,782
Government Sponsored Enterprises	$	—	$	18,434,117	$	—	$	18,434,117
Municipal Securities	$	—	$	34,807,261	$	—	$	34,807,261
Total	$	6,310,782	$	53,241,378	$	—	$	59,552,160

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

Loans, secured by real estate, are adjusted to fair value upon transfer to other real estate owned (OREO). Subsequently, OREO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraisal, the Company records the OREO as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

Impaired Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans are reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis if any of the following criteria are met:

1)	Any loan on non-accrual
2)	Any loan that is a troubled debt restructuring
3)	Any loan over 60 days past due
4)	Any loan rated sub-standard, doubtful, or loss
5)	Excessive principal extensions are executed
6)	If the Bank is provided information that indicates the Bank will not collect all principal and interest as scheduled

Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310-10, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan”.

In accordance with this standard, the fair value is estimated using one of the following methods: fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell, discounted cash flows, or market value of the loan based on similar debt. The fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell is the most frequently used method. Typically, the Company reviews the most recent appraisal and if it is over 12 to 18 months old will request a new third party appraisal. Depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the loan, including the location of the collateral, the date of the most recent appraisal and the value of the collateral relative to the recorded investment in the loan, management may order an independent appraisal immediately or, in some instances, may elect to perform an internal analysis. Specifically as an example, in situations where the collateral on a nonperforming commercial real estate loan is out of the Company’s primary market area, management would typically order an independent appraisal immediately, at the earlier of the date the loan becomes nonperforming or immediately following the determination that the loan is impaired. However, as a second example, on a nonperforming commercial real estate loan where management is familiar with the property and surrounding areas and where the original appraisal value far exceeds the recorded investment in the loan, management may perform an internal analysis whereby the previous appraisal value would be reviewed considering recent current conditions, and known recent sales or listings of similar properties in the area, and any other relevant economic trends. This analysis may result in the call for a new appraisal. These valuations are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. The Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

The Company originates fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor are carried in the Company’s loans held for sale portfolio.  These loans are fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans that have been originated in the Company’s name and have closed.  Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors and the majority of these loans were locked in by price with the investors on the same day or shortly thereafter that the loan was locked in with the Company’s customers.  Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company.  The Company usually delivers to, and receives funding from, the investor within 30 to 60 days.  Commitments to sell these loans to the investor are considered derivative contracts and are sold to investors on a “best efforts" basis. The Company is not obligated to deliver a loan or pay a penalty if a loan is not delivered to the investor. As a result of the short-term nature of these derivative contracts, the fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale in most cases is the same as the value of the loan amount at its origination. These loans are classified as Level 2.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an on going basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table presents the assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy (as described above) as of December 31, 2012, and 2011, for which a nonrecurring change in fair value has been recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, and 2011.

December 31, 2012
	Quoted Market Price in active markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Impaired loans	$	—	$	—	$	9,499,621	$	9,499,621
Mortgage loans held for sale		—		18,479,878		—		18,479,878
Total	$	—	$	18,479,878	$	9,499,621	$	27,979,499

December 31, 2011
	Quoted Market Price in active markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Impaired loans	$	—	$	—	$	5,553,481	$	5,553,481
Mortgage loans held for sale		—		7,578,587		—		7,578,587
Total	$	—	$	7,578,587	$	5,553,481	$	13,132,068

		Inputs
	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	General Range of Inputs
Nonrecurring measurements:
Impaired Loans	Discounted Appraisals	Collateral Discounts	0 – 25%

Accounting standards require disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the financial instruments and the relevant market information. When available, quoted market prices are used. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, prepayments, estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may or may not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument.

Under the accounting standard, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of the assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts of existing financing instruments do not represent the underlying value of those instruments on the books of the Company.

The following describes the methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

a. Cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold

The carrying value approximates fair value. All mature within 90 days and do not present unanticipated credit concerns.

b. Investment securities available for sale

    The fair value of investment securities is derived from quoted market prices.

c. Loans

The carrying values of variable rate consumer and commercial loans and consumer and commercial loans with remaining maturities of three months or less, approximate fair value. The fair values of fixed rate consumer and commercial loans with maturities greater than three months are determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and assume the rate being offered on these types of loans by the Company at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximate market.

The carrying value of mortgage loans held for sale approximates fair value.

For lines of credit, the carrying value approximates fair value.

d. Deposits

The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is equal to the carrying amount. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows, by applying interest rates currently being offered on the deposit products. The fair value estimates for deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of alternative forms of funding (deposit base intangibles).

e. Short-term borrowings

   The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The following presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. For short-term financial assets such as cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short time between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization.

December 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurement
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial Instruments-Assets
Loans	$	217,128,624	$	217,432,537	$	—	$	—	$	217,432,537
Financial Instruments- Liabilities
Deposits	$	291,073,843	$	291,094,742	$	—	$	291,094,742	$	—

December 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurement
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial Instruments-Assets
Loans	$	213,709,112	$	214,294,224	$	—	$	—	$	214,294,224
Financial Instruments- Liabilities
Deposits	$	301,127,515	$	301,830,957	$	—	$	301,830,957	$	—

	December 31, 2012
	Notional Amount		Fair Value
Off-Balance Sheet Financial
Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit	$	51,444,731	$	—
Standby letters of credit		749,712		—

	December 31, 2011
	Notional Amount		Fair Value
Off-Balance Sheet Financial
Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit	$	47,629,822	$	—
Standby letters of credit		875,679		—

Segment Information: The Company reports operating segments in accordance with accounting standards. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Accounting standards require that a public enterprise report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items, segment assets, information about the way that the operating segments were determined and other items. The Company has one reporting segment, The Bank of South Carolina.

Derivative Instruments: Accounting standards require that all derivative instruments be recorded in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss due to change in fair value of the derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge. If the derivative does not qualify as a hedge, the gains or losses are reported in earnings when they occur. However, if the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge, the accounting varies based on the type of risk being hedged.

The Company has no embedded derivative instruments requiring separate accounting treatment. The Company has freestanding derivative instruments consisting of fixed rate conforming loan commitments and commitments to sell fixed rate conforming loans. The Company does not currently engage in hedging activities. Based on short term fair value, derivative instruments were immaterial as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include working cash funds, due from banks, interest bearing deposits in other banks, items in process of collection and federal funds sold. To comply with Federal Reserve regulations, the Bank is required to maintain certain average cash reserve balances. The daily average reserve requirement was approximately $700,000 for the reserve periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting and/or disclosure of financial information by the Company.

In April 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-02 to assist creditors with their determination of when a restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”). The determination is based on whether the restructuring constitutes a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties as both events must be present. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s TDR determinations.

In April 2011, the criteria used to determine effective control of transferred assets in the Transfers and Servicing topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) was amended by ASU 2011-03. The requirement for the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms and the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion were removed from the assessment of effective control. The other criteria to assess effective control were not changed. The amendments were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and had no effect on the financial statements.

ASU 2011-04 was issued in May 2011 to amend the Fair Value Measurement topic of the ASC by clarifying the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and by changing particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and had no effect on the financial statements.

The Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC was amended in June 2011. The amendment eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income. The amendments were applicable to the Company on January 1, 2012 and have been applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the topic was further amended to defer the effective date of presenting reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. Companies should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect prior to the amendments while FASB finalizes its conclusions regarding future requirements.

The FASB amended the Comprehensive income topic of the ASC in February 2013. The amendments address reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Specifically, the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments will be effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.