Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of estimates Preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information however, actual results could be materially different. Basis of consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts and results of operations of the operating partnership and other consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Reclassifications Certain amounts reported for the prior periods in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period’s presentation. Cash and cash equivalents The Company accounts for cash and cash equivalents in accordance with ASC 305, Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash, demand deposits, and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company deposits cash with institutions believed to have highly valuable and defensible business franchises, strong financial fundamentals, and predictable and stable operating environments. Restricted cash Restricted cash represents cash held by the Company as collateral against its derivatives, borrowings under repurchase agreements, borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements with counterparties, construction and mortgage escrows, as well as cash held for remittance on loans serviced for third parties. Restricted cash is not available for general corporate purposes but may be applied against amounts due to counterparties under existing swaps and repurchase agreement borrowings, returned to the Company when the restriction requirements no longer exist or at the maturity of the swap or repurchase agreement. Loans, net Loans, net consists of loans, held-for-investment, net of allowance for credit losses, and loans, held at fair value. Loans, held-for-investment. Loans, held-for-investment are loans acquired from third parties (“acquired loans”), loans originated by the Company that it does not intend to sell, or securitized loans that were previously originated. Certain securitized loans remain on the Company’s balance sheet because the securitization vehicles are consolidated under ASC 810. Acquired loans are recorded at the valuation at the time of acquisition and are accounted for under ASC 310, Receivables. The Company uses the interest method to recognize, as a constant effective yield adjustment, the difference between the initial recorded investment in the loan and the principal amount of the loan. The calculation of the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method uses the payment terms required by the loan contract, and prepayments of principal are not anticipated to shorten the loan term. Loans, held at fair value. Loans, held at fair value represent certain loans originated by the Company for which the fair value option has been elected. Interest is recognized as interest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned and deemed collectible. Changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. Allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for losses on loans and lending commitments accounted for at amortized cost. Such loans and lending commitments are reviewed quarterly considering credit quality indicators, including probable and historical losses, collateral values, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio and economic conditions. The allowance for credit losses increases through provisions charged to earnings and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. The Company utilizes loan loss forecasting models for estimating expected life-time credit losses, at the individual loan level, for its loan portfolio. The Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) forecasting methods used by the Company include (i) a probability of default and loss given default method using underlying third-party CMBS/CRE loan databases with historical loan losses and (ii) probability weighted expected cash flow method, depending on the type of loan and the availability of relevant historical market loan loss data. The Company might use other acceptable alternative approaches in the future depending on, among other factors, the type of loan, underlying collateral, and availability of relevant historical market loan loss data. Significant inputs to the Company’s forecasting methods include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as LTV, vintage year, loan-term, underlying property type, occupancy, geographic location, and others, and (ii) a macro-economic forecast, including unemployment rates, interest rates, commercial real estate prices, and others. These estimates may change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in the Company’s future estimates of expected credit losses for its loan portfolio. In certain instances, the Company considers relevant loan-specific qualitative factors to certain loans to estimate its CECL expected credit losses. The Company considers loan investments that are both (i) expected to be substantially repaid through the operation or sale of the underlying collateral, and (ii) for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, to be “collateral-dependent” loans. For such loans that the Company determines that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, the Company measures the expected losses based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For collateral-dependent loans that the Company determines foreclosure is not probable, the Company applies a practical expedient to estimate expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan. While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, estimates of inherent loan losses involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions. The Company’s determination of adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on quarterly evaluations of the above factors. Accordingly, the provision for credit losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Non-accrual loans. A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected under the original contractual terms. At that time, interest income is no longer accrued. Non-accrual loans consist of loans for which principal or interest has been delinquent for 90 days or more and for which specific reserves are recorded, including purchased credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. Interest income accrued, but not collected, at the date loans are placed on non-accrual status is reversed, unless the loan is expected to be fully recoverable by the collateral or is in the process of being collected. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans. Loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current and the collection of future payments is reasonably assured. For construction loans that have been delinquent for 90 days or more, interest income may continue to accrue if it is probable that principal and interest will be collected in full, either through payments or payments in kind, under the terms of the agreement. Loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In situations where economic or legal circumstances may cause a borrower to experience significant financial difficulties, the Company may grant concessions for a period of time to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These modified terms may include interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, term extensions, and other-than-insignificant payment delay intended to minimize the Company's economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. The Company monitors the performance of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and considers loans that are 30 days past due to be in payment default. Loans, held for sale, at fair value Loans, held for sale, at fair value are loans that are expected to be sold to third parties in the near term for which the fair value option has been elected. Interest is recognized as interest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned and deemed collectible. For loans originated through the LMM Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending segments, changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. For originated SBA loans, the guaranteed portion is at fair value. Paycheck Protection Program loans Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans originated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are further described in Note 19. The Company has elected the fair value option for the loans originated by the Company for the first round of the program. Interest is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as interest income when earned and deemed collectible. Although PPP includes a 100% guarantee from the federal government and principal forgiveness for borrowers if the funds were used for defined purposes, changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s loan originations in the second round of the program are accounted for as loans, held-for-investment under ASC 310. Loan origination fees and related direct loan origination costs are capitalized into the initial recorded investment in the loan and are deferred over the loan term. The Company recognizes the difference between the initial recorded investment and the principal amount of the loan as interest income using the effective yield method. The effective yield is determined based on the payment terms required by the loan contract as well as with actual and expected prepayments from loan forgiveness by the federal government. Mortgage-backed securities The Company accounts for MBS as trading securities and carries them at fair value under ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). The Company’s MBS portfolio is comprised of asset-backed securities collateralized by interest in, or obligations backed by, pools of LMM loans, which are guaranteed by the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or guaranteed by federally sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Purchases and sales of MBS are recorded as of the trade date. MBS securities pledged as collateral against borrowings under repurchase agreements are included in mortgage-backed securities on the consolidated balance sheets. MBS are recorded at fair value as determined by market prices provided by independent broker dealers or other independent valuation service providers. The fair values assigned to these investments are based upon available information and may not reflect amounts that may be realized. The fair value adjustments on MBS are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. Derivative instruments Subject to maintaining qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, comprised of interest rate swaps and FX forwards as part of its risk management strategy. The Company accounts for derivative instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). All derivatives are reported as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the estimated fair value with the changes in the fair value recorded in earnings unless hedge accounting is elected. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had offset $34.4 million and $41.8 million of cash collateral payable against gross derivative asset positions, respectively. Interest rate swap agreements. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two counterparties to exchange periodic interest payments where one party to the contract makes a fixed-rate payment in exchange for a floating-rate payment from the other party. The dollar amount each party pays is an agreed-upon periodic interest rate multiplied by a pre-determined dollar principal (notional amount). No principal (notional amount) is exchanged between the two parties at the trade initiation date and only interest payments are exchanged over the life of the contract. Interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value adjustments are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments, while the related interest income or interest expense are reported within net realized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. FX forwards. FX forwards are agreements between two counterparties to exchange a pair of currencies at a set rate on a future date. Such contracts are used to convert the foreign currency risk to U.S. dollars to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in FX rates. The fair value adjustments are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. FX forwards are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Hedge accounting. As a general rule, hedge accounting is permitted where the Company is exposed to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, that causes changes in the fair value of an asset or liability or variability in the expected future cash flows of an existing asset, liability, or forecasted transaction that may affect earnings. To qualify as an accounting hedge under the hedge accounting rules (versus an economic hedge where hedge accounting is not applied), a hedging relationship must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated as being hedged. Cash flow hedges are used to hedge the exposure to the variability in cash flows from forecasted transactions, including the anticipated issuance of securitized debt obligations. ASC 815 requires that a forecasted transaction be identified as either: 1) a single transaction, or 2) a group of individual transactions that share the same risk exposures for which they are designated as being hedged. Hedges of forecasted transactions are considered cash flow hedges since the price is not fixed, hence involve variability of cash flows. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative (the hedging instrument) is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) and is reclassified out of OCI and into the consolidated statements of income when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. These amounts are recognized consistent with the classification of the hedged item, primarily interest expense (for hedges of interest rate risk). If the hedge relationship is terminated, then the value of the derivative recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) is recognized in earnings when the cash flows that were hedged affect earnings, so long as the forecasted transaction remains probable of occurring. Hedge accounting is generally terminated at the debt issuance date because the Company is no longer exposed to cash flow variability subsequent to issuance. Accumulated amounts recorded in AOCI at that date are then released to earnings in future periods to reflect the difference in 1) the fixed rates economically locked in at the inception of the hedge and 2) the actual fixed rates established in the debt instrument at issuance. Because of the effects of the time value of money, the actual interest expense reported in earnings will not equal the effective yield locked in at hedge inception multiplied by the par value. Similarly, this hedging strategy does not actually fix the interest payments associated with the forecasted debt issuance. Servicing rights Servicing rights initially represent the fair value of expected future cash flows for performing servicing activities for others. The fair value considers estimated future servicing fees and ancillary revenue, offset by estimated costs to service the loans, and generally declines over time as net servicing cash flows are received, effectively amortizing the servicing right asset against contractual servicing and ancillary fee income. Servicing rights are recognized upon sale of loans, including a securitization of loans accounted for as a sale in accordance with U.S. GAAP, if servicing is retained. For servicing rights, gains related to servicing rights retained is included in net realized gain (loss) in the consolidated statements of income. Servicing rights relating to the Company’s servicing of loans guaranteed by the SBA under its Section 7(a) loan program and multi-family servicing rights are accounted for under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”). A significant portion of the Company’s multi-family servicing rights are under the Freddie Mac program. SBA and multi-family servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost. Servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the expected service period, or term of the loans, and are evaluated for potential impairment quarterly. For purposes of testing servicing rights for impairment, the Company first determines whether facts and circumstances exist that would suggest the carrying value of the servicing asset is not recoverable. If so, the Company then compares the net present value of servicing cash flow to its carrying value. The estimated net present value of servicing cash flows is determined using discounted cash flow modeling techniques, which require management to make estimates regarding future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration historical and forecasted loan prepayment rates, delinquency rates and anticipated maturity defaults. If the carrying value of the servicing rights exceeds the net present value of servicing cash flows, the servicing rights are considered impaired, and an impairment loss is recognized in earnings for the amount by which carrying value exceeds the net present value of servicing cash flows. The Company estimates the fair value of servicing rights by determining the present value of future expected servicing cash flows using modeling techniques that incorporate management's best estimates of key variables including estimates regarding future net servicing cash flows, forecasted loan prepayment rates, delinquency rates, and return requirements commensurate with the risks involved. Cash flow assumptions are modeled using internally forecasted revenue and expenses, and where possible, the reasonableness of assumptions is periodically validated through comparisons to market data. Prepayment speed estimates are determined from historical prepayment rates or obtained from third-party industry data. Return requirement assumptions are determined using data obtained from market participants, where available, or based on current relevant interest rates plus a risk-adjusted spread. The Company also considers other factors that can impact the value of the servicing rights, such as surety provider termination clauses and servicer terminations that could result if the Company failed to materially comply with the covenants or conditions of its servicing agreements and did not remedy the failure. Since many factors can affect the estimate of the fair value of servicing rights, the Company regularly evaluates the major assumptions and modeling techniques used in its estimate and reviews these assumptions against market comparables, if available. The Company monitors the actual performance of its servicing rights by regularly comparing actual cash flow, credit, and prepayment experience to modeled estimates. Real estate owned, held for sale Real estate owned, held for sale includes purchased real estate and real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations, generally through foreclosure, that is being marketed for sale. Real estate owned, held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the property’s estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate owned, held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged through impairment. The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of real estate when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of real estate to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether the collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the real estate is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. This adjustment is based on management’s estimate of the fair value of the loan extended to the buyer to finance the sale. Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures According to ASC 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures, investors in unincorporated entities such as partnerships and unincorporated joint ventures generally shall account for their investments using the equity method of accounting if the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. Under the equity method, the Company recognizes its allocable share of the earnings or losses of the investment monthly in earnings and adjusts the carrying amount for its share of the distributions that exceeds its allocable share of earnings. Investments held to maturity The Company accounts for held to maturity investments under ASC 320. Such securities are accounted for at amortized cost and reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine if an allowance for credit losses should be recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Purchased future receivables The Company provides working capital advances to small businesses through the purchase of their future revenues. The Company enters into a contract with the business whereby the Company pays the business an upfront amount in return for a specific amount of the business’s future revenue receivables, known as payback amounts. The payback amounts are primarily received through daily payments initiated by automated clearing house transactions. Revenues from purchased future receivables are realized when funds are received under each contract. The allocation of the amount received is determined by apportioning the amount received based upon the factor (discount) rate of the business's contract. Management believes that this methodology best reflects the effective interest method. The CECL method the Company utilizes is an aging schedule where estimating expected life-time credit losses is determined on the basis of how long a receivable has been outstanding. Where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability, the allowance for credit losses increases through provisions recorded in the consolidated statements of income and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Purchased future receivables that have been delinquent for 90 days or more are considered uncollectible and subsequently charged off. While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, estimates involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions and inherent risk in the portfolio. The Company’s determination of adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on quarterly evaluations of the above factors. Accordingly, the provision for credit losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Intangible assets The Company accounts for intangible assets under ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The Company’s intangible assets include an SBA license, capitalized software, a broker network, trade names, customer relationships and an acquired favorable lease. The Company capitalizes software costs expected to result in long-term operational benefits, such as replacement systems or new applications that result in significantly increased operational efficiencies or functionality as well as costs related to internally developed software expected to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed under ASC 985-20, Software- costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed. All other costs incurred in connection with internal use software are expensed as incurred. The Company initially records its intangible assets at cost or fair value and will test for impairment if a triggering event occurs. Intangible assets are included within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company amortizes intangible assets with identified estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets, including identifiable intangible assets, at the acquisition date. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists. In assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company follows ASC 350, which permits a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill, then no impairment is determined to exist for the reporting unit. However, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill, or the Company chooses not to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company compares the fair value of that reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill, in a quantitative assessment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired with the impairment loss measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, over its fair value. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is derived based on valuation techniques the Company believes market participants would use for each of the reporting units. The qualitative assessment requires judgment to be applied in evaluating the effects of multiple factors, including actual and projected financial performance of the reporting unit, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and relevant entity specific events in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. In the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its respective estimated carrying value. Therefore, goodwill for each reporting unit was not impaired and a quantitative test was not required. Deferred financing costs Costs incurred in connection with secured borrowings are accounted for under ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs. Deferred costs are capitalized and amortized using the effective interest method over the respective financing term with such amortization reflected on the Company’s consolidated statements of income as a component of interest expense. Secured Borrowings may include legal, accounting and other related fees. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to securitizations and note issuances are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the associated liability. Due from servicers The loan-servicing activities of the Company’s LMM Commercial Real Estate segment are performed primarily by third-party servicers. SBA loans originated by and held at RCL are internally serviced. The Company’s servicers hold substantially all of the cash owned by the Company related to loan servicing activities. These amounts include principal and interest payments made by borrowers, net of advances and servicing fees. Cash is generally received within thirty days of recording the receivable. The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any servicer with whom the Company conducts business is unable to deliver cash balances or process loan-related transactions on the Company’s behalf. The Company monitors the financial condition of the servicers with whom the Company conducts business and believes the likelihood of loss under the aforementioned circumstances is remote. Secured borrowings Secured borrowings include borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements and repurchase agreements. Borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements. Borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements are accounted for under ASC 470, Debt (“ASC 470”). The Company partially finances its loans, net through credit agreements and other financing agreements with various counterparties. These borrowings are collateralized by loans, held-for-investment, and loans, held for sale and have maturity dates within two years from the consolidated balance sheet date. If the fair value (as determined by the applicable counterparty) of the collateral securing these borrowings decreases, the Company may be subject to margin calls during the period the borrowings are outstanding. In instances where margin calls are not satisfied within the required time frame the counterparty may retain the collateral and pursue collection of any outstanding debt. Interest paid and accrued in connection with credit facilities is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Borrowings under repurchase agreements. Borrowings under repurchase agreements are accounted for under ASC 860. Investment securities financed under repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized borrowings, unless they meet sale treatment or are deemed to be linked transactions. As of the current period ended, the Company had no such repurchase agreements that have been accounted for as components of linked transactions. All securities financed through a repurchase agreement have remained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as an asset and cash received from the lender has been recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability. Interest paid and accrued in connection with repurchase agreements is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility borrowings The Paycheck Protection Program Facility (“PPPLF”) is a government loan facility created to enable the distribution of funds for PPP whereby the Company received advances from the Federal Reserve through the PPPLF. The Company accounts for borrowings under the PPPLF under ASC 470. Interest paid and accrued in connection with PPPLF is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Securitized debt obligations of consolidated VIEs, net Since 2011, the Company has engaged in several securitization transactions, which the Company accounts for under ASC 810. Securitization involves transferring assets to a special purpose entity or securitization trust, which typically qualifies as a VIE. The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. The consolidation of the VIE includes the VIE’s issuance of senior securities to third parties, which are shown as securitized debt obligations of consolidated VIEs in the consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs related to securitizations are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Convertible note, net ASC 470 requires the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. ASC 470-20 requires that the initial proceeds from the sale of these notes be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt that could have been issued by the Company at such time. The Company measured the estimated fair value of the debt component of its convertible notes as of the issuance date based on its nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The equity components of the Company’s 7.00% convertible senior notes due 2023 (“Convertible Notes”) have been reflected within additional paid-in capital in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and the resulting debt discount is amortized over the period during which the Convertible Notes were outstanding (through the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense. Upon repurchase of convertible debt instruments, ASC 470-20 requires the issuer to allocate total settlement consideration, inclusive of transaction costs, amongst the liability and equity components of the instrument based on the fair value of the liability component immediately prior to repurchase. The difference between the settlement consideration allocated to the liability component and the net carrying value of the liability component, including unamortized debt issuance costs, would be recognized as gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The remaining settlement consideration allocated to the equity component would be recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. On August 15, 2023, the Company’s outstanding Convertible Notes were repaid in full. Senior secured notes, net The Company accounts for secured debt offerings under ASC 470. Pursuant to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company’s senior secured notes are presented net of debt issuance costs. These senior secured notes are collateralized by loans, MBS, and retained interests of consolidated VIE’s. Interest paid and accrued in connection with senior secured notes is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Corporate debt, net The Company accounts for corporate debt offerings under ASC 470. The Company’s corporate debt is presented net of debt issuance costs. Interest paid and accrued in connection with corporate debt is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Guaranteed loan financing Certain partial loan sales do not qualify for sale accounting under ASC 860 because these sales do not meet the definition of a “participating interest,” as defined in the guidance, in order for sale treatment to be allowed. Participations or other partial loan sales which do not meet the definition of a participating interest remain as an investment in the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds from the portion sold is recorded as guaranteed loan financing in the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets. For these partial loan sales, the interest earned on the entire loan balance is recorded as interest income and the interest earned by the buyer in the partial loan sale is recorded within interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Contingent consideration The Company accounts for certain liabilities recognized in relation to mergers and acquisitions as contingent consideration whereby the fair value of this liability is dependent on certain criteria. Contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy with fair value adjustments reported within other income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income. Loan participations sold The Company accounts for loan participations sold, which represents an interest in a loan receivable sold, as a liability on the consolidated balance sheets as these arrangements do not qualify as a sale under U.S. GAAP. Such liabilities are non-recourse and remain on the consolidated balance sheets until the loan is repaid. Due to third parties Due to third parties primarily relates to funds held by the Company to advance certain expenditures necessary to fulfill the Company’s obligations under its existing indebtedness or to be released at the Company’s discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events, and to serve as additional collateral for borrowers’ loans. While retained, these balances earn interest in accordance with the specific loan terms they are associated with. Repair and denial reserve The repair and denial reserve represents the potential liability to the SBA in the event that the Company is required to make the SBA whole for reimbursement of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. The Company may be responsible for the guaranteed portion of SBA loans if there are lien and collateral issues, unauthorized use of proceeds, liquidation deficiencies, undocumented servicing actions or denial of SBA eligibility. This reserve is calculated using an estimated frequency of a repair and denial event upon default, as well as an estimate of the severity of the repair and denial as a percentage of the guaranteed balance. Variable interest entities VIEs are entities that, by design, either (i) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; or (ii) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The entity that is the primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. An entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. In determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, both qualitative and quantitative factors are considered regarding the nature, size and form of its involvement with the VIE, such as its role establishing the VIE and ongoing rights and responsibilities, the design of the VIE, its economic interests, servicing fees and servicing responsibilities, and other factors. The Company performs ongoing reassessments to evaluate whether changes in the entity’s capital structure or changes in the nature of its involvement with the entity result in a change to the VIE designation or a change to its consolidation conclusion. Non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests are presented on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income and represent direct investment in the operating partnership by third parties, including operating partnership units issued to satisfy a portion of the purchase price in connection with the Mosaic Mergers. In addition, the Company has non-controlling interests from investments in consolidated joint ventures whereby, net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests or contractual arrangements. Fair value option ASC 825 provides a fair value option election that allows entities to make an election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis and must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to this guidance are required to be reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets from those instruments using another accounting method. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain loans held-for-sale originated by the Company that it intends to sell in the near term. The fair value elections for loans, held for sale originated by the Company were made due to the short-term nature of these instruments. This includes loans originated in round one of the PPP. The Company additionally elected the fair value option for certain investments in unconsolidated joint ventures due to their short-term tenor. Share repurchase program The Company accounts for repurchases of its common stock as a reduction in additional paid in capital. The amounts recognized represent the amount paid to repurchase these shares and are categorized on the balance sheet and changes in equity as a reduction in additional paid in capital. Earnings per share The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts in its consolidated financial statements. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the maximum potential dilution that could occur from the Company’s share-based compensation, consisting of unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), performance-based equity awards, as well as the dilutive impact of the Convertible Notes (for the periods during which they were outstanding), convertible preferred stock and CERs under the if-converted method and warrants under the treasury stock method. Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation if they have an anti-dilutive effect in the period. All of the Company’s unvested RSUs, unvested RSAs and preferred stock contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends and, thus, are participating securities. Due to the existence of these participating securities, the two-class method of computing EPS is required, unless another method is determined to be more dilutive. Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings are reallocated between shares of common stock and participating securities. Income taxes U.S. GAAP establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effect of income taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current period and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets through evaluation of carryback availability, projected taxable income and other factors as applicable. Significant judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns as well as the recoverability of amounts recorded, including deferred tax assets. The Company provides for exposure in connection with uncertain tax positions, which requires significant judgment by management including determination, based on the weight of the tax law and available evidence, that it is more-likely-than-not that a tax result will be realized. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. As of the date of the consolidated balance sheets, the Company has accrued no taxes, interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. In addition, changes in this position in the next 12 months are not anticipated. Revenue recognition Under revenue recognition guidance, specifically ASC 606- Revenue Recognition, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized through the following five-step process: Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer. Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Step 3: Determine the transaction price. Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract. Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Most of the Company’s revenue streams, such as revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest income, realized or unrealized gains on financial instruments, loan servicing fees, loan origination fees, among other revenue streams, follow specific revenue recognition criteria and therefore the guidance referenced above does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In addition, revisions to existing accounting rules regarding the determination of whether a company is acting as a principal or agent in an arrangement and accounting for sales of nonfinancial assets where the seller has continuing involvement, did not materially impact the Company. A further description of the revenue recognition criteria is outlined below. Interest income. Interest income on loans, held-for-investment, loans, held at fair value, loans, held for sale, and MBS, at fair value is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the instrument. Discounts or premiums associated with the loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on contractual cash flows through the maturity date of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to the accrual status of the asset. If the asset has been delinquent for the previous 90 days, the asset status will turn to non-accrual, and recognition of interest income will be suspended until the asset resumes contractual payments for three consecutive months. Employee retention credit consulting income. In connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which provided numerous stimulus measures including the employee retention credit (“ERC”), the Company provided consulting services whereby ERC requests received were processed on the client’s behalf. Income related to ERC consulting are recorded in accordance with ASC 606 and recognized when the performance obligation has been satisfied. In addition, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts in accordance with ASC 310 using historical data and other relevant factors, such as collection rate, to determine the uncollectible reserve rate. While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of losses involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions. Accordingly, the provision for losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Employee retention credit consulting income is reported as other income and the provision for losses is reported as other expense in the consolidated statements of income. Realized gains (losses). Upon the sale or disposition (not including the prepayment of outstanding principal balance) of loans or securities, the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value or cost basis of such loans or securities is recognized as a realized gain (loss). Origination income and expense. Origination income represents fees received for origination of either loans, held at fair value, loans, held for sale, or loans, held-for-investment. For loans held, at fair value, and loans, held for sale , pursuant to ASC 825 the Company reports origination fee income as revenue and fees charged and costs incurred as expenses. These fees and costs are excluded from the fair value. For originated loans, held-for-investment, under ASC 310 the Company defers these origination fees and costs at origination and amortizes them under the effective interest method over the life of the loan. Origination fees and expenses for loans, held at fair value and loans, held for sale, are presented in the consolidated statements of income as components of other income and operating expenses. The amortization of net origination fees and expenses for loans, held-for-investment are presented in the consolidated statements of income as a component of interest income. Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale The Company classifies long-lived assets or a disposal group to be sold as held for sale in the period when all the necessary criteria are met. The criteria includes (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset or the disposal group (ii) the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset or disposal group have been initiated (iv) the sale of the asset or disposal group is probable, and transfer of the asset or disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year (v) the asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Upon determining that a long-lived asset or disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets or liabilities held for sale, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. A long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its cost or estimated fair value less any costs to sell. The fair values of assets held for sale are assessed each reporting period and changes in such fair values are reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or disposal group with an offset on the consolidated statements of income, to the extent that any subsequent changes in fair value do not exceed the cost basis of the asset or disposal group. Any loss resulting from the transfer of long-lived assets or disposal groups to assets held for sale is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Discontinued Operations The results of operations of long-lived assets or a disposal group that the Company has either disposed of or has classified as held for sale is reported as discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of income if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Foreign currency transactions Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for each reporting period. Foreign currency remeasurement gains or losses on transactions in nonfunctional currencies are recognized in earnings. Gains or losses on translation of the financial statements of a non-U.S. operation, when the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, are included, net of taxes, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of estimates

Preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information however, actual results could be materially different.

Basis of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts and results of operations of the operating partnership and other consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported for the prior periods in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company accounts for cash and cash equivalents in accordance with ASC 305, Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash, demand deposits, and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company deposits cash with institutions believed to have highly valuable and defensible business franchises, strong financial fundamentals, and predictable and stable operating environments.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash represents cash held by the Company as collateral against its derivatives, borrowings under repurchase agreements, borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements with counterparties, construction and mortgage escrows, as well as cash held for remittance on loans serviced for third parties. Restricted cash is not available for general corporate purposes but may be applied against amounts due to counterparties under existing swaps and repurchase agreement borrowings, returned to the Company when the restriction requirements no longer exist or at the maturity of the swap or repurchase agreement.

Loans, net

Loans, net consists of loans, held-for-investment, net of allowance for credit losses, and loans, held at fair value.

Loans, held-for-investment. Loans, held-for-investment are loans acquired from third parties (“acquired loans”), loans originated by the Company that it does not intend to sell, or securitized loans that were previously originated. Certain securitized loans remain on the Company’s balance sheet because the securitization vehicles are consolidated under ASC 810. Acquired loans are recorded at the valuation at the time of acquisition and are accounted for under ASC 310, Receivables.

The Company uses the interest method to recognize, as a constant effective yield adjustment, the difference between the initial recorded investment in the loan and the principal amount of the loan. The calculation of the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method uses the payment terms required by the loan contract, and prepayments of principal are not anticipated to shorten the loan term.

Loans, held at fair value. Loans, held at fair value represent certain loans originated by the Company for which the fair value option has been elected. Interest is recognized as interest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned and deemed collectible. Changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income.

Allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for losses on loans and lending commitments accounted for at amortized cost. Such loans and lending commitments are reviewed quarterly considering credit quality indicators, including probable and historical losses, collateral values, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio and economic conditions. The allowance for credit losses increases through provisions charged to earnings and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries.

The Company utilizes loan loss forecasting models for estimating expected life-time credit losses, at the individual loan level, for its loan portfolio. The Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) forecasting methods used by the Company include (i) a probability of default and loss given default method using underlying third-party CMBS/CRE loan databases with historical loan losses and (ii) probability weighted expected cash flow method, depending on the type of loan and the availability of relevant historical market loan loss data. The Company might use other acceptable alternative approaches in the future depending on, among other factors, the type of loan, underlying collateral, and availability of relevant historical market loan loss data.

Significant inputs to the Company’s forecasting methods include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as LTV, vintage year, loan-term, underlying property type, occupancy, geographic location, and others, and (ii) a macro-economic forecast, including unemployment rates, interest rates, commercial real estate prices, and others. These estimates may change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in the Company’s future estimates of expected credit losses for its loan portfolio.

In certain instances, the Company considers relevant loan-specific qualitative factors to certain loans to estimate its CECL expected credit losses. The Company considers loan investments that are both (i) expected to be substantially repaid through the operation or sale of the underlying collateral, and (ii) for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, to be “collateral-dependent” loans. For such loans that the Company determines that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, the Company measures the expected losses based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For collateral-dependent loans that the Company determines foreclosure is not probable, the Company applies a practical expedient to estimate expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan.

While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, estimates of inherent loan losses involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions. The Company’s determination of adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on quarterly evaluations of the above factors. Accordingly, the provision for credit losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.

Non-accrual loans. A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected under the original contractual terms. At that time, interest income is no longer accrued. Non-accrual loans consist of loans for which principal or interest has been delinquent for 90 days or more and for which specific reserves are recorded, including purchased credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. Interest income accrued, but not collected, at the date loans are placed on non-accrual status is reversed, unless the loan is expected to be fully recoverable by the collateral or is in the process of being collected. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans. Loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current and the collection of future payments is reasonably assured. For construction loans that have been delinquent for 90 days or more, interest income may continue to accrue if it is probable that principal and interest will be collected in full, either through payments or payments in kind, under the terms of the agreement.

Loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In situations where economic or legal circumstances may cause a borrower to experience significant financial difficulties, the Company may grant concessions for a period of time to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These modified terms may include interest rate

reductions, principal forgiveness, term extensions, and other-than-insignificant payment delay intended to minimize the Company's economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. The Company monitors the performance of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and considers loans that are 30 days past due to be in payment default.

Loans, held for sale, at fair value

Loans, held for sale, at fair value are loans that are expected to be sold to third parties in the near term for which the fair value option has been elected. Interest is recognized as interest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned and deemed collectible. For loans originated through the LMM Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending segments, changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. For originated SBA loans, the guaranteed portion is at fair value.

Paycheck Protection Program loans

Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans originated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are further described in Note 19. The Company has elected the fair value option for the loans originated by the Company for the first round of the program. Interest is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as interest income when earned and deemed collectible. Although PPP includes a 100% guarantee from the federal government and principal forgiveness for borrowers if the funds were used for defined purposes, changes in fair value are recurring and are reported as net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company’s loan originations in the second round of the program are accounted for as loans, held-for-investment under ASC 310. Loan origination fees and related direct loan origination costs are capitalized into the initial recorded investment in the loan and are deferred over the loan term. The Company recognizes the difference between the initial recorded investment and the principal amount of the loan as interest income using the effective yield method. The effective yield is determined based on the payment terms required by the loan contract as well as with actual and expected prepayments from loan forgiveness by the federal government.

Mortgage-backed securities

The Company accounts for MBS as trading securities and carries them at fair value under ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). The Company’s MBS portfolio is comprised of asset-backed securities collateralized by interest in, or obligations backed by, pools of LMM loans, which are guaranteed by the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or guaranteed by federally sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Purchases and sales of MBS are recorded as of the trade date. MBS securities pledged as collateral against borrowings under repurchase agreements are included in mortgage-backed securities on the consolidated balance sheets.

MBS are recorded at fair value as determined by market prices provided by independent broker dealers or other independent valuation service providers. The fair values assigned to these investments are based upon available information and may not reflect amounts that may be realized. The fair value adjustments on MBS are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income.

Derivative instruments

Subject to maintaining qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, comprised of interest rate swaps and FX forwards as part of its risk management strategy. The Company accounts for derivative instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). All derivatives are reported as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the estimated fair value with the changes in the fair value recorded in earnings unless hedge accounting is elected. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had offset $34.4 million and $41.8 million of cash collateral payable against gross derivative asset positions, respectively.

Interest rate swap agreements. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two counterparties to exchange periodic interest payments where one party to the contract makes a fixed-rate payment in exchange for a floating-rate payment from the other party. The dollar amount each party pays is an agreed-upon periodic interest rate multiplied by a pre-determined dollar principal (notional amount). No principal (notional amount) is exchanged between the two parties at the trade initiation date and only interest payments are exchanged over the life of the contract. Interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value adjustments are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments, while the related interest income or interest expense are reported within net realized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income.

FX forwards. FX forwards are agreements between two counterparties to exchange a pair of currencies at a set rate on a future date. Such contracts are used to convert the foreign currency risk to U.S. dollars to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in FX rates. The fair value adjustments are reported within net unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of income. FX forwards are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Hedge accounting. As a general rule, hedge accounting is permitted where the Company is exposed to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, that causes changes in the fair value of an asset or liability or variability in the expected future cash flows of an existing asset, liability, or forecasted transaction that may affect earnings.

To qualify as an accounting hedge under the hedge accounting rules (versus an economic hedge where hedge accounting is not applied), a hedging relationship must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated as being hedged. Cash flow hedges are used to hedge the exposure to the variability in cash flows from forecasted transactions, including the anticipated issuance of securitized debt obligations. ASC 815 requires that a forecasted transaction be identified as either: 1) a single transaction, or 2) a group of individual transactions that share the same risk exposures for which they are designated as being hedged. Hedges of forecasted transactions are considered cash flow hedges since the price is not fixed, hence involve variability of cash flows.

For qualifying cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative (the hedging instrument) is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) and is reclassified out of OCI and into the consolidated statements of income when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. These amounts are recognized consistent with the classification of the hedged item, primarily interest expense (for hedges of interest rate risk). If the hedge relationship is terminated, then the value of the derivative recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) is recognized in earnings when the cash flows that were hedged affect earnings, so long as the forecasted transaction remains probable of occurring.

Hedge accounting is generally terminated at the debt issuance date because the Company is no longer exposed to cash flow variability subsequent to issuance. Accumulated amounts recorded in AOCI at that date are then released to earnings in future periods to reflect the difference in 1) the fixed rates economically locked in at the inception of the hedge and 2) the actual fixed rates established in the debt instrument at issuance. Because of the effects of the time value of money, the actual interest expense reported in earnings will not equal the effective yield locked in at hedge inception multiplied by the par value. Similarly, this hedging strategy does not actually fix the interest payments associated with the forecasted debt issuance.

Servicing rights

Servicing rights initially represent the fair value of expected future cash flows for performing servicing activities for others. The fair value considers estimated future servicing fees and ancillary revenue, offset by estimated costs to service the loans, and generally declines over time as net servicing cash flows are received, effectively amortizing the servicing right asset against contractual servicing and ancillary fee income.

Servicing rights are recognized upon sale of loans, including a securitization of loans accounted for as a sale in accordance with U.S. GAAP, if servicing is retained. For servicing rights, gains related to servicing rights retained is included in net realized gain (loss) in the consolidated statements of income.

Servicing rights relating to the Company’s servicing of loans guaranteed by the SBA under its Section 7(a) loan program and multi-family servicing rights are accounted for under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”). A significant portion of the Company’s multi-family servicing rights are under the Freddie Mac program.

SBA and multi-family servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost. Servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the expected service period, or term of the loans, and are evaluated for potential impairment quarterly.

For purposes of testing servicing rights for impairment, the Company first determines whether facts and circumstances exist that would suggest the carrying value of the servicing asset is not recoverable. If so, the Company then compares the net present value of servicing cash flow to its carrying value. The estimated net present value of servicing cash flows is determined using discounted cash flow modeling techniques, which require management to make estimates regarding future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration historical and forecasted loan prepayment rates, delinquency rates and anticipated maturity defaults. If the carrying value of the servicing rights exceeds the net present value of servicing cash flows, the servicing rights are considered impaired, and an impairment loss is recognized in earnings for the amount by which carrying value exceeds the net present value of servicing cash flows.

The Company estimates the fair value of servicing rights by determining the present value of future expected servicing cash flows using modeling techniques that incorporate management's best estimates of key variables including estimates regarding future net servicing cash flows, forecasted loan prepayment rates, delinquency rates, and return requirements commensurate with the risks involved. Cash flow assumptions are modeled using internally forecasted revenue and expenses, and where possible, the reasonableness of assumptions is periodically validated through comparisons to market data. Prepayment speed estimates are determined from historical prepayment rates or obtained from third-party industry data. Return requirement assumptions are determined using data obtained from market participants, where available, or based on current relevant interest rates plus a risk-adjusted spread. The Company also considers other factors that can impact the value of the servicing rights, such as surety provider termination clauses and servicer terminations that could result if the Company failed to materially comply with the covenants or conditions of its servicing agreements and did not remedy the failure. Since many factors can affect the estimate of the fair value of servicing rights, the Company regularly evaluates the major assumptions and modeling techniques used in its estimate and reviews these assumptions against market comparables, if available. The Company monitors the actual performance of its servicing rights by regularly comparing actual cash flow, credit, and prepayment experience to modeled estimates.

Real estate owned, held for sale

Real estate owned, held for sale includes purchased real estate and real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations, generally through foreclosure, that is being marketed for sale. Real estate owned, held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the property’s estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.

After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate owned, held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged through impairment.

The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of real estate when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of real estate to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether the collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the real estate is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. This adjustment is based on management’s estimate of the fair value of the loan extended to the buyer to finance the sale.

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

According to ASC 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures, investors in unincorporated entities such as partnerships and unincorporated joint ventures generally shall account for their investments using the equity method of accounting if the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. Under the equity method, the Company recognizes its allocable share of the earnings or losses of the investment monthly in earnings and adjusts the carrying amount for its share of the distributions that exceeds its allocable share of earnings.

Investments held to maturity

The Company accounts for held to maturity investments under ASC 320. Such securities are accounted for at amortized cost and reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine if an allowance for credit losses should be recorded in the consolidated statements of income.

Purchased future receivables

The Company provides working capital advances to small businesses through the purchase of their future revenues. The Company enters into a contract with the business whereby the Company pays the business an upfront amount in return for a specific amount of the business’s future revenue receivables, known as payback amounts. The payback amounts are primarily received through daily payments initiated by automated clearing house transactions.

Revenues from purchased future receivables are realized when funds are received under each contract. The allocation of the amount received is determined by apportioning the amount received based upon the factor (discount) rate of the business's contract. Management believes that this methodology best reflects the effective interest method.

The CECL method the Company utilizes is an aging schedule where estimating expected life-time credit losses is determined on the basis of how long a receivable has been outstanding. Where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability, the allowance for credit losses increases through provisions recorded in the consolidated statements of income and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Purchased future receivables that have been delinquent for 90 days or more are considered uncollectible and subsequently charged off. While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, estimates involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions and inherent risk in the portfolio. The Company’s determination of adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on quarterly evaluations of the above factors. Accordingly, the provision for credit losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.

Intangible assets

The Company accounts for intangible assets under ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The Company’s intangible assets include an SBA license, capitalized software, a broker network, trade names, customer relationships and an acquired favorable lease. The Company capitalizes software costs expected to result in long-term operational benefits, such as replacement systems or new applications that result in significantly increased operational efficiencies or functionality as well as costs related to internally developed software expected to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed under ASC 985-20, Software- costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed. All other costs incurred in connection with internal use software are expensed as incurred. The Company initially records its intangible assets at cost or fair value and will test for impairment if a triggering event occurs. Intangible assets are included within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company amortizes intangible assets with identified estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets, including identifiable intangible assets, at the acquisition date. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists.

In assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company follows ASC 350, which permits a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill, then no impairment is determined to exist for the reporting unit. However, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill, or the Company chooses not to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company compares the fair value of that reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill, in a quantitative assessment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired with the impairment loss measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, over its fair value. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is derived based on valuation techniques the Company believes market participants would use for each of the reporting units.

The qualitative assessment requires judgment to be applied in evaluating the effects of multiple factors, including actual and projected financial performance of the reporting unit, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and relevant entity specific events in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. In the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its respective estimated carrying value. Therefore, goodwill for each reporting unit was not impaired and a quantitative test was not required.

Deferred financing costs

Costs incurred in connection with secured borrowings are accounted for under ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs. Deferred costs are capitalized and amortized using the effective interest method over the respective financing term with such amortization reflected on the Company’s consolidated statements of income as a component of interest expense. Secured Borrowings may include legal, accounting and other related fees. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to securitizations and note issuances are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the associated liability.

Due from servicers

The loan-servicing activities of the Company’s LMM Commercial Real Estate segment are performed primarily by third-party servicers. SBA loans originated by and held at RCL are internally serviced. The Company’s servicers hold substantially all of the cash owned by the Company related to loan servicing activities. These amounts include principal and interest payments made by borrowers, net of advances and servicing fees. Cash is generally received within thirty days of recording the receivable.

The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any servicer with whom the Company conducts business is unable to deliver cash balances or process loan-related transactions on the Company’s behalf. The Company monitors the financial condition of the servicers with whom the Company conducts business and believes the likelihood of loss under the aforementioned circumstances is remote.

Secured borrowings

Secured borrowings include borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements and repurchase agreements.

Borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements. Borrowings under credit facilities and other financing agreements are accounted for under ASC 470, Debt (“ASC 470”). The Company partially finances its loans, net through credit agreements and other financing agreements with various counterparties. These borrowings are collateralized by loans, held-for-investment, and loans, held for sale and have maturity dates within two years from the consolidated balance sheet date. If the fair value (as determined by the applicable counterparty) of the collateral securing these borrowings decreases, the Company may be subject to margin calls during the period the borrowings are outstanding. In instances where margin calls are not satisfied within the required time frame the counterparty may retain the collateral and pursue collection of any outstanding debt. Interest paid and accrued in connection with credit facilities is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Borrowings under repurchase agreements. Borrowings under repurchase agreements are accounted for under ASC 860. Investment securities financed under repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized borrowings, unless they meet sale treatment or are deemed to be linked transactions. As of the current period ended, the Company had no such repurchase agreements that have been accounted for as components of linked transactions. All securities financed through a repurchase agreement have remained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as an asset and cash received from the lender has been recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability. Interest paid and accrued in connection with repurchase agreements is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility borrowings

The Paycheck Protection Program Facility (“PPPLF”) is a government loan facility created to enable the distribution of funds for PPP whereby the Company received advances from the Federal Reserve through the PPPLF. The Company accounts for borrowings under the PPPLF under ASC 470. Interest paid and accrued in connection with PPPLF is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Securitized debt obligations of consolidated VIEs, net

Since 2011, the Company has engaged in several securitization transactions, which the Company accounts for under ASC 810. Securitization involves transferring assets to a special purpose entity or securitization trust, which typically qualifies as a VIE. The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. The consolidation of the VIE includes the VIE’s issuance of senior securities to third parties, which are shown as securitized debt obligations of consolidated VIEs in the consolidated balance sheets.

Debt issuance costs related to securitizations are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Convertible note, net

ASC 470 requires the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. ASC 470-20 requires that the initial proceeds from the sale of these notes be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt that could have been issued by the Company at such time. The Company measured the estimated fair value of the debt component of its convertible notes as of the issuance date based on its nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The equity components of the Company’s 7.00% convertible senior notes due 2023 (“Convertible Notes”) have been reflected within additional paid-in capital in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and the resulting debt discount is amortized over the period during which the Convertible Notes were outstanding (through the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense.

Upon repurchase of convertible debt instruments, ASC 470-20 requires the issuer to allocate total settlement consideration, inclusive of transaction costs, amongst the liability and equity components of the instrument based on the fair value of the liability component immediately prior to repurchase. The difference between the settlement consideration allocated to the liability component and the net carrying value of the liability component, including unamortized debt issuance costs, would be recognized as gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The remaining settlement consideration allocated to the equity component would be recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. On August 15, 2023, the Company’s outstanding Convertible Notes were repaid in full.

Senior secured notes, net

The Company accounts for secured debt offerings under ASC 470. Pursuant to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company’s senior secured notes are presented net of debt issuance costs. These senior secured notes are collateralized by loans, MBS, and retained interests of consolidated VIE’s. Interest paid and accrued in connection with senior secured notes is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Corporate debt, net

The Company accounts for corporate debt offerings under ASC 470. The Company’s corporate debt is presented net of debt issuance costs. Interest paid and accrued in connection with corporate debt is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Guaranteed loan financing

Certain partial loan sales do not qualify for sale accounting under ASC 860 because these sales do not meet the definition of a “participating interest,” as defined in the guidance, in order for sale treatment to be allowed. Participations or other partial loan sales which do not meet the definition of a participating interest remain as an investment in the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds from the portion sold is recorded as guaranteed loan financing in the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets. For these partial loan sales, the interest earned on the entire loan balance is recorded as interest income and the interest earned by the buyer in the partial loan sale is recorded within interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Contingent consideration

The Company accounts for certain liabilities recognized in relation to mergers and acquisitions as contingent consideration whereby the fair value of this liability is dependent on certain criteria. Contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy with fair value adjustments reported within other income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income.

Loan participations sold

The Company accounts for loan participations sold, which represents an interest in a loan receivable sold, as a liability on the consolidated balance sheets as these arrangements do not qualify as a sale under U.S. GAAP. Such liabilities are non-recourse and remain on the consolidated balance sheets until the loan is repaid.

Due to third parties

Due to third parties primarily relates to funds held by the Company to advance certain expenditures necessary to fulfill the Company’s obligations under its existing indebtedness or to be released at the Company’s discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events, and to serve as additional collateral for borrowers’ loans. While retained, these balances earn interest in accordance with the specific loan terms they are associated with.

Repair and denial reserve

The repair and denial reserve represents the potential liability to the SBA in the event that the Company is required to make the SBA whole for reimbursement of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. The Company may be responsible for the guaranteed portion of SBA loans if there are lien and collateral issues, unauthorized use of proceeds, liquidation deficiencies, undocumented servicing actions or denial of SBA eligibility. This reserve is calculated using an estimated frequency of a repair and denial event upon default, as well as an estimate of the severity of the repair and denial as a percentage of the guaranteed balance.

Variable interest entities

VIEs are entities that, by design, either (i) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; or (ii) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The entity that is the primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. An entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

In determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, both qualitative and quantitative factors are considered regarding the nature, size and form of its involvement with the VIE, such as its role establishing the VIE and ongoing rights and responsibilities, the design of the VIE, its economic interests, servicing fees and servicing responsibilities, and other factors. The Company performs ongoing reassessments to evaluate whether changes in the entity’s capital structure or changes in the nature of its involvement with the entity result in a change to the VIE designation or a change to its consolidation conclusion.

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests are presented on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income and represent direct investment in the operating partnership by third parties, including operating partnership units issued to satisfy a portion of the purchase price in connection with the Mosaic Mergers. In addition, the Company has non-controlling interests from investments in consolidated joint ventures whereby, net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests or contractual arrangements.

Fair value option

ASC 825 provides a fair value option election that allows entities to make an election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis and must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to this guidance are required to be reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets from those instruments using another accounting method.

The Company has elected the fair value option for certain loans held-for-sale originated by the Company that it intends to sell in the near term. The fair value elections for loans, held for sale originated by the Company were made due to the short-term nature of these instruments. This includes loans originated in round one of the PPP. The Company additionally elected the fair value option for certain investments in unconsolidated joint ventures due to their short-term tenor.

Share repurchase program

The Company accounts for repurchases of its common stock as a reduction in additional paid in capital. The amounts recognized represent the amount paid to repurchase these shares and are categorized on the balance sheet and changes in equity as a reduction in additional paid in capital.

Earnings per share

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts in its consolidated financial statements. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the maximum potential dilution that could occur from the Company’s share-based compensation, consisting of unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), performance-based equity awards, as well as the dilutive impact of the Convertible Notes (for the periods during which they were outstanding), convertible preferred stock and CERs under the if-converted method and warrants under the treasury stock method. Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation if they have an anti-dilutive effect in the period.

All of the Company’s unvested RSUs, unvested RSAs and preferred stock contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends and, thus, are participating securities. Due to the existence of these participating securities, the two-class method of computing EPS is required, unless another method is determined to be more dilutive. Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings are reallocated between shares of common stock and participating securities.

Income taxes

U.S. GAAP establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effect of income taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current period and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets through evaluation of carryback availability, projected taxable income and other factors as applicable. Significant judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns as well as the recoverability of amounts recorded, including deferred tax assets.

The Company provides for exposure in connection with uncertain tax positions, which requires significant judgment by management including determination, based on the weight of the tax law and available evidence, that it is more-likely-than-not that a tax result will be realized. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. As of the date of the consolidated balance sheets, the Company has accrued no taxes, interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. In addition, changes in this position in the next 12 months are not anticipated.

Revenue recognition

Under revenue recognition guidance, specifically ASC 606- Revenue Recognition, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized through the following five-step process:

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.

Step 3: Determine the transaction price.

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.

Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

Most of the Company’s revenue streams, such as revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest income, realized or unrealized gains on financial instruments, loan servicing fees, loan origination fees, among other revenue streams, follow specific revenue recognition criteria and therefore the guidance referenced above does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In addition, revisions to existing accounting rules regarding the determination of whether a company is acting as a principal or agent in an arrangement and accounting for sales of nonfinancial assets where the seller has continuing involvement, did not materially impact the Company. A further description of the revenue recognition criteria is outlined below.

Interest income. Interest income on loans, held-for-investment, loans, held at fair value, loans, held for sale, and MBS, at fair value is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the instrument. Discounts or premiums associated with the loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on contractual cash flows through the maturity date of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to the accrual status of the asset. If the asset has been delinquent for the previous 90 days, the asset status will turn to non-accrual, and recognition of interest income will be suspended until the asset resumes contractual payments for three consecutive months.

Employee retention credit consulting income. In connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which provided numerous stimulus measures including the employee retention credit (“ERC”), the Company provided consulting services whereby ERC requests received were processed on the client’s behalf. Income related to ERC consulting are recorded in accordance with ASC 606 and recognized when the performance obligation has been satisfied. In addition, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts in accordance with ASC 310 using historical data and other relevant factors, such as collection rate, to determine the uncollectible reserve rate. While the Company has a formal methodology to determine the adequate and appropriate level of the allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of losses involve judgment and assumptions as to various factors, including current economic conditions. Accordingly, the provision for losses will vary from period to period based on management's ongoing assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Employee retention credit consulting income is reported as other income and the provision for losses is reported as other expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Realized gains (losses). Upon the sale or disposition (not including the prepayment of outstanding principal balance) of loans or securities, the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value or cost basis of such loans or securities is recognized as a realized gain (loss).

Origination income and expense. Origination income represents fees received for origination of either loans, held at fair value, loans, held for sale, or loans, held-for-investment. For loans held, at fair value, and loans, held for sale , pursuant to ASC 825 the Company reports origination fee income as revenue and fees charged and costs incurred as expenses. These fees and costs are excluded from the fair value. For originated loans, held-for-investment, under ASC 310 the Company defers these origination fees and costs at origination and amortizes them under the effective interest method over the life of the loan. Origination fees and expenses for loans, held at fair value and loans, held for sale, are presented in the consolidated statements of income as components of other income and operating expenses. The amortization of net origination fees and expenses for loans, held-for-investment are presented in the consolidated statements of income as a component of interest income.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

The Company classifies long-lived assets or a disposal group to be sold as held for sale in the period when all the necessary criteria are met. The criteria includes (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset or the disposal group (ii) the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset or disposal group have been initiated (iv) the sale of the asset or disposal group is probable, and transfer of the asset or disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year (v) the asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

Upon determining that a long-lived asset or disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets or liabilities held for sale, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. A long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its cost or estimated fair value less any costs to sell. The fair values of assets held for sale are assessed each reporting period and changes in such fair values are reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or disposal group with an offset on the consolidated statements of income, to the extent that any subsequent changes in fair value do not exceed the cost basis of the asset or disposal group. Any loss resulting from the transfer of long-lived assets or disposal groups to assets held for sale is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met.

Discontinued Operations

The results of operations of long-lived assets or a disposal group that the Company has either disposed of or has classified as held for sale is reported as discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of income if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.

Foreign currency transactions

Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for each reporting period. Foreign currency remeasurement gains or losses on transactions in nonfunctional currencies are recognized in earnings. Gains or losses on translation of the financial statements of a non-U.S. operation, when the

functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, are included, net of taxes, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.