ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business and Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Western Financial, Inc. ("FWFI"), incorporated in Colorado on July 18, 2002, and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries listed below (collectively referred to as the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"). FWFI is a bank holding company with financial holding company status registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. FWFI wholly owns the following subsidiary: First Western Trust Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank wholly owns First Western Merger Corporation ("Merger Corp."), which is therefore indirectly wholly-owned by FWFI. RRI, LLC ("RRI"), which was wholly owned by the Bank, was dissolved on February 3, 2023. Ryder, Stilwell Inc. ("RSI"), which was wholly owned by FWFI, was dissolved on March 21, 2023. The Company provides a fully-integrated suite of wealth management services including private banking, personal trust, investment management, mortgage loans, and institutional asset management services to individual and corporate clients principally in Colorado (metro Denver, Aspen, Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Vail Valley), Arizona (Phoenix and Scottsdale), California (Century City), Montana (Bozeman), and Wyoming (Jackson Hole, Pinedale, Rock Springs, and Cheyenne). The Company’s revenues are generated from its full range of product offerings as noted above, but principally from net interest income (the interest income earned on the Bank’s assets net of funding costs), fee-based wealth advisory, investment management, asset management and personal trust services, and net gains earned on mortgage loans. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for financial information, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and where applicable, reporting practices prescribed for the banking and investment advisory industries. Consolidation: The Company’s policy is to consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest and variable-interest entities where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Business Combinations and Divestitures: Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration transferred in connection with the acquisition is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity based on fair values. Goodwill acquired in connection with business combinations represents the excess of consideration transferred over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Certain assumptions and estimates are used in evaluating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These estimates may be affected by factors such as changing market conditions or changes in government regulations. Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. Information available which could affect these judgments include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy, and changes in the financial condition of borrowers. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include: the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the evaluation of goodwill impairment, and the fair value of certain financial instruments. Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of the Company’s lending activity is to clients located in and around metro Denver, Aspen, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, and Vail, Colorado; Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; and Jackson, Cheyenne, Pinedale, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Company does not believe it has significant concentrations in any one industry or customer. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 78.9% and 76.1%, respectively, of the Company’s loan portfolio was secured by real estate collateral. Declines in real estate values in the primary markets the Company operates in could negatively impact the Company. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits at other financial institutions with original maturities fewer than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions, and federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements. Investment Securities: Investments for which we have the intent and ability to hold to their maturity are classified as held-to-maturity debt securities and are recorded at amortized cost. Held-to-maturity debt securities are carried at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts using the level-yield method over the remaining period until maturity. Net purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Equity mutual funds are recorded at fair value within the Other assets line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes recorded in the Unrealized loss recognized on equity securities line of the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company invests in projects to create affordable housing. These investments are classified as Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits ("LIHTC") are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other benefits received and recognized as a component of applicable income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. ACL - Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which significantly changed the allowance for credit loss accounting policies for debt securities. The following debt securities and allowance for credit loss accounting policies are presented under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326. The majority of our held-to-maturity investment portfolio consists of securities issued by U.S. government entities and agencies. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies, and have a long history of no credit losses. With respect to these securities, we consider the risk of credit loss to be zero and, therefore, we have elected the practical expedient to not record an ACL for these securities. The Company's non-government backed securities include private label collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO") and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") debt securities and corporate bonds. Private label refers to private institutions such as brokerage firms, banks, and home builders, that also securitize mortgages. Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management reviewed the collectability of CMO and MBS debt securities and corporate bonds taking into consideration factors such as the asset quality and delinquencies of the issuers. Correspondent Bank Stock: Correspondent bank stock includes stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka ("FHLB"), Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB"), and Bankers’ Bank of the West ("BBW"), which are considered restricted securities because the Company may be required to hold the stock in order to maintain the correspondent banking relationship with these institutions. No ready market exists for the FHLB and FRB stock and therefore, no quoted market values exist. For financial reporting purposes, the FHLB and FRB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The BBW stock is carried at fair value. No impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income when received. Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans held for sale generally consist of long-term, fixed rate, conforming, single-family residential real estate loans intended to be sold on the secondary market. Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at fair value and are typically sold with servicing rights released. Changes in the fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair value elections are made at the time of origination based on the Company’s fair value election policy. Loans: Loans the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, until maturity, or until payoff are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, adjusted for charge-offs and recoveries, net of deferred costs (fees) and unamortized premiums/(unaccreted discounts), and the allowance for credit losses (unless accounted for under the fair value option). Interest income is accrued on unpaid principal balances. Fees received at origination, net of certain direct origination costs for providing loan commitments and letters of credit that result in loans, are deferred and amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan or until payoff, at which time the remaining unamortized fee is recorded as interest income. Fees, net of certain direct origination costs on commitments and letters of credit, are amortized to interest income over the commitment period. The Company assigns a Credit Risk Rating ("CRR") to each loan in the portfolio. The Company's risk grading system is consistent with the grades used by regulatory agencies. The CRR is assessed whenever new information impacting the loan is received and factors impacting the CRR are not always related to financial metrics, including; industry, economy, management, competition and business model changes. The Company's risk ratings are summarized into the following categories; pass, special mention, substandard, and doubtful. See Note 4 - Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses for definitions of these risk ratings. The following summarizes our loan portfolio by type of loan and the associated risks. •Cash, Securities and Other—consists of consumer and commercial purpose loans that are primarily secured by securities managed and under custody with us, cash on deposit with us or life insurance policies. In addition, loans in this portfolio are collateralized with other sources of collateral. This segment of our portfolio is affected by a variety of local and national economic factors affecting borrowers’ employment prospects, income levels, and overall economic sentiment. PPP loans that are fully guaranteed by the SBA are classified within this line item and had balances of $2.0 million and $4.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. •Consumer and Other—consists of unsecured consumer loans. This segment of our portfolio is affected by a variety of local and national economic factors affecting borrowers’ employment prospects, income levels, and overall economic sentiment. Loans held for investment accounted for under the fair value option are also classified within this line item and had an unpaid principal balance of $7.5 million and $14.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. •Construction and Development—consists of loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. These loans are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the risks consistent with construction projects. •1-4 Family Residential—consists of loans and home equity lines of credit secured by 1-4 family residential properties. These loans typically enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner. In addition, some borrowers secure a commercial purpose loan with owner occupied or non-owner occupied 1-4 family residential properties. Loans in this segment are dependent on the industries tied to these loans as well as the national and local economies, and local residential and commercial real estate markets. •Commercial Real Estate, Owner Occupied and Non-Owner Occupied—consists of commercial loans collateralized by real estate. These loans may be collateralized by owner occupied or non-owner occupied real estate, as well as multi-family residential real estate. These loans are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the success of their businesses. •Commercial and Industrial—consists of commercial and industrial loans, including working capital lines of credit, permanent working capital term loans, business asset loans, acquisition, expansion and development loans, and other loan products, primarily in our target markets. This portfolio primarily consists of term loans and lines of credit which are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the success of their businesses. MSLP loans of $1.7 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in this category. Past Due Loans: The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan becomes 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged off if collection of interest or principal is considered doubtful. Interest accrued but not collected is charged off against interest income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status. The interest collected on non-accrual loans is accounted for using the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans can be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (usually six-months or longer) and the collectability of future payments is reasonably assured. Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) loans: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which significantly changed the loan and allowance for credit loss accounting policies. The following loan and allowance for credit loss accounting policies are presented under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 326. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The ACL excludes loans held for sale and loans accounted for under the fair value option. The Company elected to not measure an ACL for accrued interest receivables, as we write off applicable accrued interest receivable balances in a timely manner when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, in which any accrued but uncollected interest is reversed from current income. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Actual Company and regional peer historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. The Company identified and grouped portfolio segments based on risk characteristics and underlying collateral. The call code for each financial asset type was assessed and, expanded for certain call codes into separate segments based on risk characteristics. The ACL for pooled loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology using the amortized cost basis (excluding interest) for all loans modeled within a performing pool of loans. The DCF analysis pairs loan-level term information, for example, maturity date, payment amount, interest rate, with top-down pool assumptions such as default rates, prepayment speeds, to produce individual expected cash flows for every instrument in the segment. The results are then aggregated to produce segment level results and reserve requirements for each segment based on similar risk characteristics. The quantitative DCF model also incorporates forward-looking macroeconomic information over a reasonable and supportable period of four quarters. Subsequent to the four quarter period, the Company reverts to its historical loss rate and historical prepayment and curtailment speeds on a straight-line basis over a four quarter reversion period. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications. Annually the Company performs a rate study which updates the prepayment and curtailment rates used in the DCF model. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the pooled loan evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. Qualitative adjustments to historical loss data are made based on management’s assessment of the risks that may lead to a future credit loss or differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, changes in environmental and economic conditions, or other relevant factors. ACL - off-balance sheet credit exposures: The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted through the Provision for credit losses and is recorded in Other liabilities. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The probability of funding is based on historical utilization statistics for unfunded loan commitments. The loss rates used are calculated using the same assumptions as the associated funded balance. Modifications: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted FASB ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminated the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40, and enhanced the disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructures by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The company identifies modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as a loan that has been modified for the borrower that is experiencing financial difficulties. The Company considers some of the indicators that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty to be: currently in payment default on any of their debt, declaring bankruptcy, going concern, and other indicators of inability to meet obligations. This list does not include all potential indicators of a borrower’s financial difficulties. The allowance for credit losses on loans that are considered modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment. Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, with the exception of artwork and land, which are carried at cost. The Company owns land and three buildings located in Wyoming. The buildings are depreciated over their useful life, ranging from 25 to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method and recognized over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 7 to 15 years. Furniture/equipment and software are depreciated using the straight-line method and recognized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 3 to 7 years. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable primarily represents the billed but unpaid fees from trust and investment advisory services owed by clients, which are typically calculated as a percentage of average invested balances. The majority of the Company’s investment advisory clients are billed quarterly in arrears based on the daily average balance in the client’s trust or investment accounts for that quarter. Other Receivables: Other accounts receivables represents miscellaneous receivables that are not presented separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): Property acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at acquisition date, establishing a new cost basis. The Company is considered to have received physical possession of real estate property collateralizing a loan upon the occurrence of either the Company obtaining legal title to the property or the borrower conveying all interest in the property through a deed-in-lieu or similar agreement. Fair value is determined as the amount that could be reasonably expected in a current sale between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Subsequent to the initial acquisition, if the fair value of the asset, less estimated selling cost, is less than the cost of the property, a loss is recognized within non-interest expense and the asset carrying value is reduced. Gain or loss on disposition of OREO is recorded in non-interest income. In determining the fair value of the properties on the date of transfer and any subsequent estimated losses of net realizable value, the fair value of other real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying property value. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. The Company has acquired other identifiable intangible assets, primarily consisting of customer relationships, non-competition agreements, and recorded goodwill through its acquisition of financial services companies. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually by applying a fair value-based test using discounted estimated future net cash flows. The Company has selected October 31 as the date to perform its annual impairment tests. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of the goodwill and other intangible assets exceeds their estimated fair values. Impairment losses, if any, are recognized as a charge to non-interest expense and an adjustment to the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets. Subsequent reversals of impairment charges are prohibited. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other definite-lived intangible assets, including customer relationship intangibles, are amortized on an accelerated basis over periods representing the estimated remaining lives of the assets of one to ten years and are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2024, the Company believes the carrying value of its goodwill not to be impaired and other intangible assets to be recoverable. Company-Owned Life Insurance: The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and key employees. Company-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Leases: Leases represent a contract that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company leases certain identified assets from third parties. Leases in which the Company is determined to be the lessee are primarily operating leases. Leases in which the Company is determined to be the lessor are considered operating leases and consist of the partial lease of Company owned buildings. Operating leases are included in the Other assets and Other liabilities line items of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. An ROU asset represents the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also includes any direct costs and payments made prior to lease commencement and excludes lease incentives. When an implicit rate is not available, an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date is used in determining the present value of the lease payments. A lease term may include an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are excluded from accounting guidance; as a result, the lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and the leases are not reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Renewal and termination options are considered when determining short-term leases. Leases are accounted for on an individual lease level. Rent holidays and rent escalations are recognized on a straight-line basis to lease expense over the lease term. The landlord/tenant incentives are recorded as a reduction to the right of use asset and depreciated on a straight line basis over the remaining lease term once the assets are placed in service. Derivatives: At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness of a hedge. These three types are as follows: •Fair Value Hedge: a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. •Cash Flow Hedge: a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. •Stand-alone derivative: an instrument with no hedging designation. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income. Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement in the same line as the cash flows of the items being hedged. The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitments is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. The Company is exposed to losses if a counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company is in the net receiving position. The Company anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements. All of the contracts to which the Company is a party settle monthly or quarterly. In addition, the Company obtains collateral above certain thresholds of the fair value of its derivatives for each dealer counterparty based upon their credit standing and the Company has netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business. Mortgage Banking Derivatives: Commitments to fund mortgage loans, interest rate lock commitments ("IRLC") and forward sale commitments ("FSC"), to be sold in the secondary market for the future delivery of these loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. The fair value of the IRLC is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitment before the loan is funded. The Company sells mortgage loans to third party investors at the best execution available which includes best efforts, mandatory, and bulk bids. Loans committed under mandatory or bulk bid are considered FSC and qualify as financial derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on the change in the loan pricing from the date of the commitment to the period end date for any unsettled commitments. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Consolidated Statements of Income. In order to manage the interest rate risk on our uncommitted IRLC and mortgage loans held for sale pipeline, the Company enters into mortgage derivative financial instruments called To Be Announced ("TBA"), which we refer to as forward commitments. TBA agreements are forward contracts to purchase mortgage backed securities that will be issued by a US Government Sponsored Enterprise. The Bank purchases or sells these derivatives to offset the changes in value of our mortgage loans held for sale and IRLC adjusted pipeline where we have exposure to interest rate volatility. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Consolidated Statements of Income. Deposits: Deposit products include money market accounts, demand deposit accounts, time-deposit accounts (typically certificates of deposit), interest checking accounts, and savings accounts. Our accounts are federally insured by the FDIC up to the legal maximum amount. Deposit Concentrations: Total deposits have some concentration through third party networks or sources. As of December 31, 2024, $963.2 million or 38.3% of Total deposits were made up of reciprocal deposits and $134.5 million or 5.4% were sourced through deposit brokers. As of December 31, 2024, 32.0% of our total deposits consisted of our 10 largest depositors. Borrowings: Short-term and long-term borrowing sources utilized to supplement deposits and meet liquidity needs. A blanket pledge and security agreement is in place with FHLB that requires certain loans and securities to be pledged as collateral for any outstanding borrowings under the agreement. Our borrowing facilities include various financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, a requirement that the Bank maintains regulatory capital that is deemed "well capitalized" by federal banking agencies. Bank Term Funding Program: On March 12, 2023, in response to two large bank failures, the Federal Reserve Board announced it would make additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of depositors. The additional funding was made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets valued at par as collateral. The BTFP was meant to be an additional resource of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institutions need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress. See Note 9 – Borrowings for details on the Company’s borrowings. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as unused lines of credit, commitments to make loans and commercial and standby letters of credit. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Stock-Based Compensation: The Company has stock-based compensation plans that provide for the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units to associates and non-associate directors who perform services for the Company. The Company estimates the fair value of its stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company determines the fair value of the restricted and performance stock units as well as restricted stock awards based on the estimated market value of the underlying shares at the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company’s policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur. Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due and the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits of the position, the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation. Tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon resolution. The Company may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments have historically been minimal and immaterial to financial results. The Company classifies interest and penalties, if any, as a component of income tax expense. Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, net of taxes, which subsequent to being transferred to held-to-maturity debt securities, are amortized with an offsetting entry to interest income as a yield adjustment through earnings over the remaining term of the securities. Other comprehensive income also includes unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity. Earnings per Common Share: Earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. See Note 12 – Earnings Per Common Share for the common share equivalents that have been included and excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 16 – Fair Value. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Operating Segments: Operating segments are components of a Company where the chief operating decision maker regularly reviews separate financial information to evaluate performance and decide how to allocate resources. Management has determined that the Company's reportable segments consist of Wealth Management and Mortgage. The Company measures the overall profitability of operating segments based on income before income tax. See Note 18 – Segment Reporting for further discussion. Revenue Recognition: In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Revenue Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606"), trust and investment management fees are earned by providing trust and investment services to customers. The Company’s performance obligation under these contracts is satisfied over time as the services are provided. Fees are recognized monthly based on the average monthly value of the assets under management and the corresponding fee rate based on the terms of the contract. No performance based incentive fees were earned with respect to investment management contracts for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Receivables are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the Accounts receivable line item. Income related to trust and investment management fees, bank fees, and risk management and insurance fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are considered in scope of Topic 606. Transition of LIBOR to an Alternative Reference Rate: In July 2017, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), announced that after 2022 it will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR. In response, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York convened the Alternative Reference Rates Committee and on February 27, 2023 the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule establishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as the replacement rate index for LIBOR. SOFR is based on a broad segment of the overnight Treasury repurchase market and is intended to be a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities. On December 21, 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. On June 30, 2023, LIBOR ceased to be a representative index rate. ASU 2022-06 extends the period of time financial statement preparers can utilize the reference rate reform relief guidance through December 31, 2024. In general, the transition away from LIBOR may result in increased market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and business risk for the Company. The Company completed a LIBOR transition plan, which addressed governance, risk management, legal, operational, systems, fallback language, and other aspects of planning. The Company no longer originates LIBOR indexed loans and as of December 31, 2023, all loans indexed to LIBOR were converted to the new index. Consumer indexed loans are being managed in accordance with Interagency Guidance. Reclassifications: Certain items in prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income available to common shareholders or total shareholders’ equity. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements: The following reflect recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by the Company during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which provided additional transparency into a company's reportable segments’ significant expenses on an interim and annual basis. This guidance was effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 14, 2023 and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 on January 1, 2024 on a retrospective approach. Refer to Note 18 - Segment Reporting for additional information. Recently issued accounting pronouncements, not yet adopted: The following reflects recently issued accounting pronouncements and the impact thereof to the Company. On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances a company's income tax disclosures to include additional information related to rate reconciliations and income taxes paid. This guidance is effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating these new disclosure requirements and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact. On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, which requires companies to disclose additional information about certain expenses. This guidance is effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating these new disclosure requirements and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact.

FWFI is a bank holding company with financial holding company status registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. FWFI wholly owns the following subsidiary: First Western Trust Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank wholly owns First Western Merger Corporation ("Merger Corp."), which is therefore indirectly wholly-owned by FWFI. RRI, LLC ("RRI"), which was wholly owned by the Bank, was dissolved on February 3, 2023. Ryder, Stilwell Inc. ("RSI"), which was wholly owned by FWFI, was dissolved on March 21, 2023.

The Company provides a fully-integrated suite of wealth management services including private banking, personal trust, investment management, mortgage loans, and institutional asset management services to individual and corporate clients principally in Colorado (metro Denver, Aspen, Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Vail Valley), Arizona (Phoenix and Scottsdale), California (Century City), Montana (Bozeman), and Wyoming (Jackson Hole, Pinedale, Rock Springs, and Cheyenne). The Company’s revenues are generated from its full range of product offerings as noted above, but principally from net interest income (the interest income earned on the Bank’s assets net of funding costs), fee-based wealth advisory, investment management, asset management and personal trust services, and net gains earned on mortgage loans.

Business Combinations and Divestitures: Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration transferred in connection with the acquisition is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity based on fair values. Goodwill acquired in connection with business combinations represents the excess of consideration transferred over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Certain assumptions and estimates are used in evaluating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These estimates may be affected by factors such as changing market conditions or changes in government regulations.

Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. Information available which could affect these judgments include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy, and changes in the financial condition of borrowers. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include: the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the evaluation of goodwill impairment, and the fair value of certain financial instruments.

Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of the Company’s lending activity is to clients located in and around metro Denver, Aspen, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, and Vail, Colorado; Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; and Jackson, Cheyenne, Pinedale, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Company does not believe it has significant concentrations in any one industry or customer. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 78.9% and 76.1%, respectively, of the Company’s loan portfolio was secured by real estate collateral. Declines in real estate values in the primary markets the Company operates in could negatively impact the Company.

Investment Securities: Investments for which we have the intent and ability to hold to their maturity are classified as held-to-maturity debt securities and are recorded at amortized cost. Held-to-maturity debt securities are carried at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts using the level-yield method over the remaining period until maturity. Net purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated.

The Company invests in projects to create affordable housing. These investments are classified as Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits ("LIHTC") are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other benefits received and recognized as a component of applicable income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The majority of our held-to-maturity investment portfolio consists of securities issued by U.S. government entities and agencies. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies, and have a long history of no credit losses. With respect to these securities, we consider the risk of credit loss to be zero and, therefore, we have elected the practical expedient to not record an ACL for these securities. The Company's non-government backed securities include private label collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO") and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") debt securities and corporate bonds. Private label refers to private institutions such as brokerage firms, banks, and home builders, that also securitize mortgages.

Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management reviewed the collectability of CMO and MBS debt securities and corporate bonds taking into consideration factors such as the asset quality and delinquencies of the issuers.

Correspondent Bank Stock: Correspondent bank stock includes stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka ("FHLB"), Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB"), and Bankers’ Bank of the West ("BBW"), which are considered restricted securities because the Company may be required to hold the stock in order to maintain the correspondent banking relationship with these institutions. No ready market exists for the FHLB and FRB stock and therefore, no quoted market values exist. For financial reporting purposes, the FHLB and FRB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The BBW stock is carried at fair value. No impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income when received.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans held for sale generally consist of long-term, fixed rate, conforming, single-family residential real estate loans intended to be sold on the secondary market. Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at fair value and are typically sold with servicing rights released. Changes in the fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair value elections are made at the time of origination based on the Company’s fair value election policy.

Loans: Loans the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, until maturity, or until payoff are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, adjusted for charge-offs and recoveries, net of deferred costs (fees) and unamortized premiums/(unaccreted discounts), and the allowance for credit losses (unless accounted for under the fair value option). Interest income is accrued on unpaid principal balances. Fees received at origination, net of certain direct origination costs for providing loan commitments and letters of credit that result in loans, are deferred and amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan or until payoff, at which time the remaining unamortized fee is recorded as interest income. Fees, net of certain direct origination costs on commitments and letters of credit, are amortized to interest income over the commitment period.

The Company assigns a Credit Risk Rating ("CRR") to each loan in the portfolio. The Company's risk grading system is consistent with the grades used by regulatory agencies. The CRR is assessed whenever new information impacting the loan is received and factors impacting the CRR are not always related to financial metrics, including; industry, economy, management, competition and business model changes. The Company's risk ratings are summarized into the following categories; pass, special mention, substandard, and doubtful. See Note 4 - Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses for definitions of these risk ratings. The following summarizes our loan portfolio by type of loan and the associated risks.

•Cash, Securities and Other—consists of consumer and commercial purpose loans that are primarily secured by securities managed and under custody with us, cash on deposit with us or life insurance policies. In addition, loans in this portfolio are collateralized with other sources of collateral. This segment of our portfolio is affected by a variety of local and national economic factors affecting borrowers’ employment prospects, income levels, and overall economic sentiment. PPP loans that are fully guaranteed by the SBA are classified within this line item and had balances of $2.0 million and $4.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

•Consumer and Other—consists of unsecured consumer loans. This segment of our portfolio is affected by a variety of local and national economic factors affecting borrowers’ employment prospects, income levels, and overall economic sentiment. Loans held for investment accounted for under the fair value option are also classified within this line item and had an unpaid principal balance of $7.5 million and $14.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

•1-4 Family Residential—consists of loans and home equity lines of credit secured by 1-4 family residential properties. These loans typically enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner. In addition, some borrowers secure a commercial purpose loan with owner occupied or non-owner occupied 1-4 family residential properties. Loans in this segment are dependent on the industries tied to these loans as well as the national and local economies, and local residential and commercial real estate markets.

•Commercial and Industrial—consists of commercial and industrial loans, including working capital lines of credit, permanent working capital term loans, business asset loans, acquisition, expansion and development loans, and other loan products, primarily in our target markets. This portfolio primarily consists of term loans and lines of credit which are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the success of their businesses. MSLP loans of $1.7 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in this category.

Interest accrued but not collected is charged off against interest income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status. The interest collected on non-accrual loans is accounted for using the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans can be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (usually six-months or longer) and the collectability of future payments is reasonably assured.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) loans: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which significantly changed the loan and allowance for credit loss accounting policies. The following loan and allowance for credit loss accounting policies are presented under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 326.

The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The ACL excludes loans held for sale and loans accounted for under the fair value option. The Company elected to not measure an ACL for accrued interest receivables, as we write off applicable accrued interest receivable balances in a timely manner when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, in which any accrued but uncollected interest is reversed from current income. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Actual Company and regional peer historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. The Company identified and grouped portfolio segments based on risk characteristics and underlying collateral. The call code for each financial asset type was assessed and, expanded for certain call codes into separate segments based on risk characteristics.

The ACL for pooled loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology using the amortized cost basis (excluding interest) for all loans modeled within a performing pool of loans. The DCF analysis pairs loan-level term information, for example, maturity date, payment amount, interest rate, with top-down pool assumptions such as default rates, prepayment speeds, to produce individual expected cash flows for every instrument in the segment. The results are then aggregated to produce segment level results and reserve requirements for each segment based on similar risk characteristics.

The quantitative DCF model also incorporates forward-looking macroeconomic information over a reasonable and supportable period of four quarters. Subsequent to the four quarter period, the Company reverts to its historical loss rate and historical prepayment and curtailment speeds on a straight-line basis over a four quarter reversion period. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications. Annually the Company performs a rate study which updates the prepayment and curtailment rates used in the DCF model.

ACL - off-balance sheet credit exposures: The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted through the Provision for credit losses and is recorded in Other liabilities. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The probability of funding is based on historical utilization statistics for unfunded loan commitments. The loss rates used are calculated using the same assumptions as the associated funded balance.

Modifications: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted FASB ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminated the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40, and enhanced the disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructures by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The company identifies modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as a loan that has been modified for the borrower that is experiencing financial difficulties. The Company considers some of the indicators that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty to be: currently in payment default on any of their debt, declaring bankruptcy, going concern, and other indicators of inability to meet obligations. This list does not include all potential indicators of a borrower’s financial difficulties. The allowance for credit losses on loans that are considered modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment.

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

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, with the exception of artwork and land, which are carried at cost. The Company owns land and three buildings located in Wyoming. The buildings are depreciated over their useful life, ranging from 25 to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method and recognized over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 7 to 15 years. Furniture/equipment and software are depreciated using the straight-line method and recognized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 3 to 7 years.

Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable primarily represents the billed but unpaid fees from trust and investment advisory services owed by clients, which are typically calculated as a percentage of average invested balances. The majority of the Company’s investment advisory clients are billed quarterly in arrears based on the daily average balance in the client’s trust or investment accounts for that quarter.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): Property acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at acquisition date, establishing a new cost basis. The Company is considered to have received physical possession of real estate property collateralizing a loan upon the occurrence of either the Company obtaining legal title to the property or the borrower conveying all interest in the property through a deed-in-lieu or similar agreement. Fair value is determined as the amount that could be reasonably expected in a current sale between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Subsequent to the initial acquisition, if the fair value of the asset, less estimated selling cost, is less than the cost of the property, a loss is recognized within non-interest expense and the asset carrying value is reduced. Gain or loss on disposition of OREO is recorded in non-interest income. In determining the fair value of the properties on the date of transfer and any subsequent estimated losses of net realizable value, the fair value of other real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying property value.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. The Company has acquired other identifiable intangible assets, primarily consisting of customer relationships, non-competition agreements, and recorded goodwill through its acquisition of financial services companies. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually by applying a fair value-based test using discounted estimated future net cash flows. The Company has selected October 31 as the date to perform its annual impairment tests. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of the goodwill and other intangible assets exceeds their estimated fair values. Impairment losses, if any, are recognized as a charge to non-interest expense and an adjustment to the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets. Subsequent reversals of impairment charges are prohibited. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other definite-lived intangible assets, including customer relationship intangibles, are amortized on an accelerated basis over periods representing the estimated remaining lives of the assets of one to ten years and are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2024, the Company believes the carrying value of its goodwill not to be impaired and other intangible assets to be recoverable.

Leases: Leases represent a contract that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company leases certain identified assets from third parties. Leases in which the Company is determined to be the lessee are primarily operating leases. Leases in which the Company is determined to be the lessor are considered operating leases and consist of the partial lease of Company owned buildings. Operating leases are included in the Other assets and Other liabilities line items of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. An ROU asset represents the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also includes any direct costs and payments made prior to lease commencement and excludes lease incentives. When an implicit rate is not available, an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date is used in determining the present value of the lease payments. A lease term may include an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are excluded from accounting guidance; as a result, the lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and the leases are not reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Renewal and termination options are considered when determining short-term leases. Leases are accounted for on an individual lease level. Rent holidays and rent escalations are recognized on a straight-line basis to lease expense over the lease term. The landlord/tenant incentives are recorded as a reduction to the right of use asset and depreciated on a straight line basis over the remaining lease term once the assets are placed in service.

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

The Company is exposed to losses if a counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company is in the net receiving position. The Company anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements. All of the contracts to which the Company is a party settle monthly or quarterly. In addition, the Company obtains collateral above certain thresholds of the fair value of its derivatives for each dealer counterparty based upon their credit standing and the Company has netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives: Commitments to fund mortgage loans, interest rate lock commitments ("IRLC") and forward sale commitments ("FSC"), to be sold in the secondary market for the future delivery of these loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. The fair value of the IRLC is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitment before the loan is funded. The Company sells mortgage loans to third party investors at the best execution available which includes best efforts, mandatory, and bulk bids. Loans committed under mandatory or bulk bid are considered FSC and qualify as financial derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on the change in the loan pricing from the date of the commitment to the period end date for any unsettled commitments. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In order to manage the interest rate risk on our uncommitted IRLC and mortgage loans held for sale pipeline, the Company enters into mortgage derivative financial instruments called To Be Announced ("TBA"), which we refer to as forward commitments. TBA agreements are forward contracts to purchase mortgage backed securities that will be issued by a US Government Sponsored Enterprise. The Bank purchases or sells these derivatives to offset the changes in value of our mortgage loans held for sale and IRLC adjusted pipeline where we have exposure to interest rate volatility. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in the Net gain on mortgage loans line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Borrowings: Short-term and long-term borrowing sources utilized to supplement deposits and meet liquidity needs. A blanket pledge and security agreement is in place with FHLB that requires certain loans and securities to be pledged as collateral for any outstanding borrowings under the agreement. Our borrowing facilities include various financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, a requirement that the Bank maintains regulatory capital that is deemed "well capitalized" by federal banking agencies.

Bank Term Funding Program: On March 12, 2023, in response to two large bank failures, the Federal Reserve Board announced it would make additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of depositors. The additional funding was made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets valued at par as collateral. The BTFP was meant to be an additional resource of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institutions need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress. See Note 9 – Borrowings for details on the Company’s borrowings.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company has stock-based compensation plans that provide for the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units to associates and non-associate directors who perform services for the Company. The Company estimates the fair value of its stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company determines the fair value of the restricted and performance stock units as well as restricted stock awards based on the estimated market value of the underlying shares at the date of grant.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due and the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits of the position, the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation. Tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon resolution.

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, net of taxes, which subsequent to being transferred to held-to-maturity debt securities, are amortized with an offsetting entry to interest income as a yield adjustment through earnings over the remaining term of the securities. Other comprehensive income also includes unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 16 – Fair Value. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Operating Segments: Operating segments are components of a Company where the chief operating decision maker regularly reviews separate financial information to evaluate performance and decide how to allocate resources. Management has determined that the Company's reportable segments consist of Wealth Management and Mortgage. The Company measures the overall profitability of operating segments based on income before income tax. See Note 18 – Segment Reporting for further discussion.

Revenue Recognition: In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Revenue Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606"), trust and investment management fees are earned by providing trust and investment services to customers. The Company’s performance obligation under these contracts is satisfied over time as the services are provided. Fees are recognized monthly based on the average monthly value of the assets under management and the corresponding fee rate based on the terms of the contract. No performance based incentive fees were earned with respect to investment management contracts for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Receivables are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the Accounts receivable line item. Income related to trust and investment management fees, bank fees, and risk management and insurance fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are considered in scope of Topic 606.

Transition of LIBOR to an Alternative Reference Rate: In July 2017, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), announced that after 2022 it will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR. In response, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York convened the Alternative Reference Rates Committee and on February 27, 2023 the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule establishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as the replacement rate index for LIBOR. SOFR is based on a broad segment of the overnight Treasury repurchase market and is intended to be a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities.

In general, the transition away from LIBOR may result in increased market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and business risk for the Company. The Company completed a LIBOR transition plan, which addressed governance, risk management, legal, operational, systems, fallback language, and other aspects of planning. The Company no longer originates LIBOR indexed loans and as of December 31, 2023, all loans indexed to LIBOR were converted to the new index. Consumer indexed loans are being managed in accordance with Interagency Guidance.

On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which provided additional transparency into a company's reportable segments’ significant expenses on an interim and annual basis. This guidance was effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 14, 2023 and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 on January 1, 2024 on a retrospective approach. Refer to Note 18 - Segment Reporting for additional information.

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances a company's income tax disclosures to include additional information related to rate reconciliations and income taxes paid. This guidance is effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating these new disclosure requirements and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact.

On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, which requires companies to disclose additional information about certain expenses. This guidance is effective for companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating these new disclosure requirements and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact.