Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbia Bank ("Columbia"), Freehold Bank ("Freehold"), and Highlander Investment Co. (inactive), and Columbia's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbia Investment Services, Inc., 2500 Broadway Corp., 1901 Residential Management Co. LLC, Plaza Financial Services, Inc., First Jersey Title Services, Inc., Real Estate Management Corp. LLC, 1901 Commercial Management Co. LLC, Stewardship Realty LLC, CSB Realty Corp., and RSI Insurance Agency, Inc., (collectively, the “Company”). The accounts of the MHC are not consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. In consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current year classifications. The Bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Stewardship Realty, LLC, incorporated as a New Jersey corporation in 2005 was acquired in the Company's merger with Stewardship in November 2019. It is a service corporation originally organized to hold and manage property in Midland Park which was previously occupied by Atlantic Stewardship Bank. The Company also owns 100% of the common stock of Stewardship Statutory Trust I, which is a trust incorporated in Delaware which was also acquired in the Company's merger with Stewardship in November 2019. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, this Trust was classified as a variable interest entity and did not satisfy the conditions for consolidation. Accordingly, this Trust, which owns $7.0 million of trust preferred securities, which represents 100% of the assets, is treated as an unconsolidated subsidiary. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), including the elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions during consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change are the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, evaluation of goodwill for impairment, evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment on securities, evaluation of the need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and determination of liabilities related to retirement and other post-retirement benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis using factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile securities markets, and declines in the housing market and the economy generally have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits at other financial institutions and short-term investments. Securities Securities are classified as available for sale and held to maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("OCI") included in stockholders' equity. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 326 and modified its accounting policy for the assessment of available for sale securities for impairment. Under ASC 326 for available for sale securities, the Company first assesses whether a loss is from credit or other factors and considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows is less than the amortized cost, a credit loss would be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The fair values of these securities are based on market quotations or matrix pricing as discussed in note 17. The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. In this evaluation, if such declines were deemed other-than temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to OCI. The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases. The Company determines if it has the intent to sell securities or if it more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery. If either exists, the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary and would be recognized in current period earnings. Premiums and discounts on securities are generally amortized and accreted to income over the contractual lives of the securities using the level-yield method. Premiums on callable securities are amortized to the earliest call date. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are recognized when securities are sold or called based on the specific identification method. In the ordinary course of business, securities are pledged as collateral in conjunction with the Company’s borrowings, lines of credit, and public funds on deposit. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Federal Home Loan Bank Stock The Banks, as members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (the "FHLB"), are required to hold shares of capital stock of the FHLB based on its activities, primarily its outstanding borrowings. The investment is carried at cost, or par value, which approximates fair value. Cash dividends are reported as income. Loans Held-for-Sale Loans held-for-sale consists of loans intended for sale in the secondary market. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, as determined on an individual loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance through a charge to earnings. Origination fees and costs on loans held-for-sale are deferred and recognized on settlement dates as a component of the gain or loss on sale. Loans held-for-sale are generally sold with loan servicing rights retained by Columbia Bank. Loans Receivable Loans receivable are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted by unamortized premiums and unearned discounts, net deferred origination fees and costs, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and the allowance for credit losses. The Company defers loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs and accretes such amounts as an adjustment to the yield over the expected lives of the related loans using the level-yield method. Interest income on loans is accrued on unpaid principal balances and credited to income as earned. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized or accreted as an adjustment to yield over the contractual lives of the related loans using methodologies which approximate the level-yield method. A loan is considered delinquent when payment has not been received within 30 days of its contractual due date. Generally, a loan in designated as a non-accrual loan when the payment of interest is 90 days or more in arrears of its contractual due date. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income. Payments received on a non-accrual loan are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on an assessment of the ability to collect the loan. Non-accruing loans are returned to accrual status after there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payment) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible. The Company identifies loans that may need to be charged-off as a loss, by reviewing all delinquent loans, classified loans and other loans that management may have concerns about collectability. On a case-by-case basis, the Company may evaluate individual loans for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Company will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company considers the population of loans in its analysis to include all multifamily and commercial real estate, construction, and commercial business loans with an outstanding balance greater than $500,000 and not accruing interest, and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The Company also considers residential real estate, and home equity loans and advances that are not accruing or modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Other loans may be included in the population of loans to be evaluated if management has specific information of a collateral shortfall. Loans individually analyzed are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Payments received on individually analyzed loans are recognized on a cash basis. Purchased Credit-Deteriorated ("PCD") Loans Loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered purchased with credit deterioration (“PCD”) loans. The Company evaluated acquired loans for deterioration in credit quality based on any of, but not limited to, the following: (1) non-accrual status; (2) troubled debt restructured designation; (3) risk ratings of special mention, substandard or doubtful; and (4) delinquency status. At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses was made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. This initial allowance for credit losses is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair values to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. As the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price, there is no credit loss expense recognized upon acquisition of a PCD loan. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to noncredit factors and results in a discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans. For acquired loans not deemed PCD at acquisition, the differences between the initial fair value and the unpaid principal balance are recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the lives of the related loans. At the acquisition date, an initial allowance for expected credit losses is estimated and recorded as credit loss expense. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Receivable The calculation of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans is a critical accounting policy of the Company because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the ACL amount of the recorded allowance. The ACL is maintained at a level management considers adequate to provide for estimated losses and impairment based upon an evaluation of known and inherent risk in the loan portfolio. The ACL consists of two elements: (1) identification of loans that must be individually analyzed for impairment and (2) establishment of an ACL for loans collectively analyzed. Portfolio segments are defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Management developed segments for estimating losses based on the type of borrower and collateral which is generally based upon federal call report segmentation. The segments have been combined or sub-segments have been added as needed to ensure loans of similar risk profiles are appropriately pooled. We maintain a loan review system that provides a periodic review of the loan portfolio and the identification of individually analyzed loans. The ACL for individually analyzed loans is based on the fair value of collateral or cash flows. While management uses the best information available to make such evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. The ACL quantitative allowance for each segment is measured using a discounted cash flow methodology incorporating an econometric, probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) with distinct segment-specific multi-variant regression models applied. Expected credit losses are estimated over the life of the loans by measuring the difference between the net present value of modeled cash flows and amortized cost basis. Contractual cash flows over the contractual life of the loans are the basis for the modeled cash flows, adjusted for model defaults and expected prepayments and discounted at the loan-level effective interest rate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications. Management estimates the ACL using relevant and reliable information from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast. Historical credit loss experience for both the Company and its segment-specific peers provide the basis for the estimate of expected credit losses. Credit losses over a defined period are converted to PD rate curves through the use of segment-specific LGD risk factors that convert default rates to loss severity based on industry-level, observed relationships between the two variables for each segment, primarily due to the nature of the underlying collateral. These risk factors were assessed for reasonableness against the Company’s own loss experience and adjusted in certain cases when the relationship between the Company’s historical default and loss severity deviate from that of the wider industry. The historical PD curves, together with corresponding economic conditions, establish a quantitative relationship between economic conditions and loan performance through an economic cycle. Using the historical relationship between economic conditions and loan performance, management’s expectation of future loan performance is incorporated using a single economic forecast of macroeconomic variables (i.e. unemployment, gross domestic product, vacancy, and home price index). This forecast is applied over a period that management has determined to be reasonable and supportable. Beyond the period over which management can develop or source a reasonable and supportable forecast, the model reverts to long-term average historical loss rates using a straight-line, time-based methodology. The Company's current forecast period is six quarters, with a four-quarter reversion period to long-term average historical loss rates. After quantitative considerations, management applies additional qualitative adjustments that consider the expected impact of certain factors not fully captured in the quantitative reserve. Qualitative adjustments include but are not limited to concentrations of large loan balances, delinquency trends, change in collateral values within segments, and other considerations. The ACL is established through the provision for credit losses that are charged to income, which is based upon an evaluation of estimated losses in the current loan portfolio, including the evaluation of individually analyzed loans. Charge-offs against the ACL are taken on loans where management determines that the collection of loan principal and interest is unlikely. Recoveries made on loans that have been charged-off are credited to the ACL. Although we believe we have established and maintained the ACL on loans at appropriate levels, changes in reserves may be necessary if actual economic and other conditions differ substantially from the forecast used in estimating the ACL. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Receivable (continued) Our financial results are affected by the changes in and the level of the ACL. This process involves our analysis of internal and external variables, and it requires that we exercise judgment to estimate an appropriate ACL. As a result of the uncertainty associated with this subjectivity, we cannot assure the precision of the amount reserved, should we experience sizable loan losses in any particular period and/or significant changes in assumptions or economic condition. We believe the primary risks inherent in the portfolio are a general decline in the economy, a decline in real estate market values, rising unemployment, increasing vacancy rates, and increases in interest rates in the absence of economic improvement or any other such factors. Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect a borrower's ability to repay its loan, resulting in increased delinquencies and loan losses. Accordingly, we have recorded loan credit losses at a level which is estimated to represent the current risk in its loan portfolio. Most of our non-performing assets are collateral dependent loans which are written down to the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. We continue to assess the collateral of these loans and update our appraisals on these loans on an annual basis. To the extent the property values decline, there could be additional losses on these non-performing assets, which may be material. Management considered these market conditions in deriving the estimated ACL. Should economic difficulties occur, the ultimate amount of loss could vary from our current estimate. Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Commitments The Company is required to include unfunded commitments that are expected to be funded in the future within the allowance for credit loss calculation, other than those that are unconditionally cancellable. To arrive at that reserve, the reserve percentage for each applicable segment is applied to the unused portion of the expected commitment balance and is multiplied by the expected funding rate. To determine the expected funding rate, the Company uses a historical utilization rate for each segment. The allowance for credit losses for off-balance-sheet exposures is reported in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The liability represents an estimate of expected credit losses arising from off-balance-sheet exposures such as unfunded commitments. Troubled Debt Restructurings Troubled debt restructured loans are those loans where the Company has granted a concession it would not otherwise consider because of economic or legal reasons pertaining to a debtor’s financial difficulties. A concession could include a reduced interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan, or a combination of the two methods, but generally does not result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. Not all concessions granted by the Company constitute a troubled debt restructuring. Once an obligation has been restructured and designated as a troubled debt restructuring, it continues to be designed as a restructured loan until paid in full. The Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference between the present value of expected future cash flows under the restructured terms discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, and the loan’s carrying value. Restructured loans that were accruing prior to the restructuring, where income was reasonably assured subsequent to the restructuring, maintain their accrual status. Restructured loans for which collectability was not reasonably assured are placed on non-accrual status, interest accruals cease, and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments), and both principal and interest are deemed collectible. In March 2020, various regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations issued an interagency statement on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement was effective immediately and impacted accounting for loan modifications. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief from Troubled Debt Restructurings,” allowed banks to temporarily suspend certain requirements under GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. The Banks each elected to account for modifications on certain loans under Section 4013 of the CARES Act or, if the loan modification was not eligible under Section 4013, used the criteria in the COVID-19 guidance to determine when the loan modification was not a TDR in accordance with ASC 310-40. Guidance noted that modification or deferral programs mandated by the federal or a state government related to COVID-19 would not be in the scope of ASC 310-40, such as a state program that requires all institutions within that state to suspend mortgage payments for a specified period. These short-term loan modifications were not treated as a troubled debt restructuring during the short-term modification period if the loan was not in arrears at December 31, 2019. Furthermore, based on current evaluations, generally, we continued the accrual of interest on these loans during the short-term modification period. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Troubled Debt Restructurings (continued) The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was enacted in late December 2020, extended certain provisions of the CARES Act through January 1, 2022, including provisions permitting loan deferral extension requests to not be treated as troubled debt restructurings. Subsequent modifications to these loans are evaluated for troubled debt restructuring accounting treatment. Loans Sold and Serviced The Company has entered into Guarantor Swaps with Freddie Mac to improve its liquidity. In these types of transactions, the Company sells mortgage loans in exchange for Freddie Mac Mortgage Participation Certificates backed exclusively by the loans sold. The Company retains the servicing of these loans. The Company also periodically sells loans to investors and continues to service such loans for a fee. Gains or losses on the sale of loans are recorded on trade date using the specific-identification method. Office Properties and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Office properties, land and building improvements, furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of office properties and equipment is computed on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (generally 40 years for buildings, 10 years to 20 years for land and building improvements, 3 years to 10 years for furniture and equipment). Leasehold improvements, carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, are amortized over the terms of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Major improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon retirement or sale, any gain or loss is recognized as incurred. Bank-owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") Bank-owned life insurance is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its net realizable value. The change in the net asset value is recorded as a component of non-interest income. A deferred liability has been recorded for the estimated cost of post-retirement life insurance benefits accruing to applicable employees and directors covered by an endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangement. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets of the Company consist of goodwill, core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in purchase acquisitions. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill with an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment between annual measurement dates. As permitted by GAAP, the Company prepares a qualitative assessment in determining whether goodwill may be impaired. The factors considered in the assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall financial performance of the Company, among others. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2022 based upon its qualitative assessment of goodwill and concluded that goodwill was not impaired and no further quantitative analysis was warranted. Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships acquired by the Company through purchase acquisitions of Stewardship, Freehold and RSI. The premiums ascribed to these deposits are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Mortgage servicing rights are recorded when purchased or when originated mortgage loans are sold, with servicing rights retained. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized on an accelerated method based upon the estimated lives of the related loans, and generally adjusted for prepayments. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company's leases primarily relate to real estate property for branches and office space. All the Company's leases are classified as operating leases and the related right-of-use asset ("ROU") and lease liability are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Leases (continued) ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease arrangements. The calculated amounts of the ROU asset and lease liabilities are impacted by the length of the lease term and the discount rate used to calculate the present value of minimum lease payments. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the discount rate used in determining the lease liability for each individual lease is the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The present value of the lease liability may include the impact of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options provided in the lease terms. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Lease agreements that include lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance charges, are accounted for separately. Post-retirement Benefits The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees under a Post-retirement Plan. The Company accrues the cost of retiree health care and other benefits during the employee's period of active service. Effective January 1, 2019, the Post-retirement Plan has been closed to new hires. Through the acquisition of the RSI Entities, the Company acquired a non-funded post-retirement plan. The defined benefit post-retirement healthcare plan covers substantially all retirees and employees. Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains a single employer, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the "Pension Plan") which covers full-time employees that satisfy the Pension Plan's eligibility requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee's average compensation for the highest five consecutive years of employment. Effective October 1, 2018, newly hired employees are not eligible to participate in the Pension Plan as the Pension Plan has been closed to new employees as of that date. The policy is to fund at least the minimum contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. GAAP requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status at the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period. The assets of the plan are primarily invested in fixed income and equity funds. Through the acquisition of the RSI Entities on May 1, 2022, the Company acquired a funded pension plan The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation, as defined. The Plan was amended effective March 31, 2011, to freeze the Plan so that no employee shall commence or recommence participation in the Plan, that there shall be no further benefit accruals under the Plan, and that compensation received after the effective date shall not be recognized for any purpose under the Plan. The Company also maintains a Retirement Income Maintenance Plan (the "RIM Plan") which is a non-qualified defined benefit plan which provides benefits to all employees of the Company if their benefits under the Pension Plan are limited by Internal Revenue Code Sections 415 and 401(a)(17). Columbia Bank and Freehold Bank each have a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. Columbia Bank may match a percentage of the first 3.00% to 4.50% contributed by participants. Columbia's matching contribution, if any, is determined by their Board of Directors in its sole discretion. Freehold does not presently match any portion of employee contribution, but may provide an annual match determined by their Board of Directors in its sole discretion. Columbia Bank has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). The funds borrowed by the ESOP from the Company to purchase the Company's common stock are being repaid from Columbia Bank's contributions over a period of 20 years. The Company's common stock not allocated to participants is recorded as a reduction of stockholders' equity at cost. Compensation expense for the ESOP is based on the average price of the Company's stock and the amount of shares committed to be allocated during each period. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Employee Benefit Plans (continued) Columbia Bank has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The SERP is a non-qualified plan which provides supplemental retirement benefits to eligible officers (those designated by the Board of Directors) of the Company who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the ESOP's benefit formulas under tax law limits for tax-qualified plans. In addition, the Company maintains a stock based deferral plan (the "Stock Based Deferral Plan") for certain executives and directors. The Company records a deferred compensation equity account and corresponding contra-equity account for the cost of the shares held by the Stock Based Deferral and SERP Plans. Columbia Bank also maintains a non-qualified savings income maintenance deferred compensation plan (the "SIM Plan") that provides supplemental benefits to certain executives who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the 401(k) Plan under tax law limits for tax-qualified plans, and a Deferred Compensation Plan for directors. Freehold Bank also sponsors a directors retirement plan, a director and executive deferred compensation plan, and a supplemental executive retirement plan for certain current and former directors and officers of the Bank. Through the acquisition of the RSI Entities, the Company also acquired an executive incentive retirement plan, a board of director and executive deferred compensation plan, a supplemental executive retirement plan, a key life insurance plan and a split-dollar life insurance plan for certain current and former directors and officers of the Bank. Derivatives The Company uses derivative financial instruments as components of its market risk management, principally to manage interest rate risk. Certain derivatives are entered into in connection with transactions with commercial customers. Derivatives are not used for speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, reported at fair value and presented on a gross basis. Until a derivative is settled, a favorable change in fair value results in an unrealized gain that is recognized as an asset, while an unfavorable change in fair value results in an unrealized loss that is recognized as a liability. The Company generally applies hedge accounting to its derivatives used for market risk management purposes. Hedge accounting is permitted only if specific criteria are met, including a requirement that a highly effective relationship exists between the derivative instrument and the hedged item, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. Changes in the fair value of effective fair value hedges are recognized in current earnings (with the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability also recognized in earnings). Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. Ineffective portions of hedge results are recognized in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings. The Company formally documents at inception all relationships between the derivative instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities, or to specific firm commitments. The Company also formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective or has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses resulting from the termination of a derivative accounted for as a cash flow hedge remain in other comprehensive income (loss) and is (accreted) amortized to earnings over the remaining period of the former hedging relationship. Certain derivative financial instruments are offered to certain commercial banking customers to manage their risk of exposure and risk management strategies. These derivative instruments consist primarily of currency forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts. The risks associated with these transactions is mitigated by simultaneously entering into similar transactions having essentially offsetting terms with a third party. In addition, the Company executes interest rate swaps with third parties in order to hedge the interest rate risk of short-term FHLB advances. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Income Taxes The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns. Federal income taxes are allocated to each entity based on their respective contributions to taxable income of the consolidated income tax returns. Separate state income taxes are filed for the Company and its subsidiaries on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis as required by each jurisdiction. The Company records income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, using the asset and liability method. Federal and state income taxes have been provided on the basis of the Company's income or loss as reported in accordance with GAAP. The amounts reflected on the Company's federal and state income tax returns differ from these provisions due principally to temporary differences in the reporting of certain items for consolidated financial statement reporting and income tax reporting purposes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities: (i) are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns; (ii) are attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases; and (iii) are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Where applicable, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for any portions determined not likely to be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The valuation allowance is adjusted, by a charge or credit to income tax expense, as changes in facts and circumstances warrant. The Company did not have any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or any known unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company did not recognize any interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. On July 1, 2018, New Jersey enacted legislation which adds to the state’s 9.0% Corporation Business Tax rate (i) a 2.5% surtax for periods beginning in 2018 and 2019 and (ii) a 1.5% surtax for periods beginning in 2020 and 2021. Subsequently, on September 12, 2020, New Jersey enacted legislation that restored and extended the 2.5% Corporation Business Tax surcharge to apply retroactively from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023. These surtaxes apply to corporations with more than $1.0 million of net income allocated to New Jersey. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items recorded in equity, such as unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale, the noncredit component of other than temporary impairment losses on debt securities, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, and the unfunded status and reclassification of actuarial net (loss) gain associated with the Company's benefit plans. Comprehensive income is presented in a separate Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Segment Reporting The Company’s operations are substantially in the financial services industry and include providing traditional banking and other financial services to its customers. The Company operates primarily in New Jersey. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of the Company’s consolidated financial results. Therefore, the Company has a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes. Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For purposes of calculating basic EPS, weighted average common shares outstanding excludes treasury stock, unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares that have not been committed for release and deferred compensation obligations required to be settled in shares of Company stock. Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS and reflects the potential dilution which could occur if stock options and unvested shares were exercised and converted into common stock. The potentially diluted shares would then be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method. Shares issued and reacquired during any period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Stock Compensation Plans Compensation expense related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock awards is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date with expense recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite performance or service period. The fair value of stock options is estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of non-vested restricted stock awards is generally the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Pending Accounting Pronouncements In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancing and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require a public business entity to disclose current period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this pronouncement effective January 1, 2023. The update will be applied on a prospective basis to disclosures and did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL"), further amended by ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. Topic 326 pertains to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This update requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better determine their credit loss estimates. This update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. This update was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company elected to defer the adoption of the CECL methodology until December 31, 2020 as permitted by the enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). In late December 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was enacted, and extended certain provisions of the CARES Act, which allowed the Company to extend the adoption of CECL until January 1, 2022. The Company elected to extend its adoption of CECL in accordance with this legislation, and adopted the above mentioned ASUs related to Financial Instruments -Credit Losses (Topic 326) using a modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2022 for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance- sheet credit exposures. Results for the year ended December 31, 2022 are presented under Accounting Standards Codification 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, while prior period amounts continue to be reported with previously applicable GAAP and have not been restated. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company recorded a $12.1 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans (previously allowance for loan losses), established a $353,000 allowance for credit losses on debt securities available for sale, and recorded a $5.5 million increase in the liability for off-balance-sheet credit exposures, which resulted in a total cumulative effect adjustment of $6.2 million, net of tax, and an increase to retained earnings. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures, and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. Among other changes, the ASU adds disclosure requirements to Topic 715-20 for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligation for the period. The amendments remove disclosure requirements for the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the (a) aggregate of the service (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Accounting Pronouncements Adopted (continued) and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs and (b) benefit obligation for post-retirement health care benefits. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2021. The update was applied on a retrospective basis to disclosures with regard to employee benefit plans. The adoption of this update did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbia Bank ("Columbia"), Freehold Bank ("Freehold"), and Highlander Investment Co. (inactive), and Columbia's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbia Investment Services, Inc., 2500 Broadway Corp., 1901 Residential Management Co. LLC, Plaza Financial Services, Inc., First Jersey Title Services, Inc., Real Estate Management Corp. LLC, 1901 Commercial Management Co. LLC, Stewardship Realty LLC, CSB Realty Corp., and RSI Insurance Agency, Inc., (collectively, the “Company”). The accounts of the MHC are not consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. In consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current year classifications.

The Company also owns 100% of the common stock of Stewardship Statutory Trust I, which is a trust incorporated in Delaware which was also acquired in the Company's merger with Stewardship in November 2019. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, this Trust was classified as a variable interest entity and did not satisfy the conditions for consolidation. Accordingly, this Trust, which owns $7.0 million of trust preferred securities, which represents 100% of the assets, is treated as an unconsolidated subsidiary.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), including the elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions during consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change are the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, evaluation of goodwill for impairment, evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment on securities, evaluation of the need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and determination of liabilities related to retirement and other post-retirement benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis using factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile securities markets, and declines in the housing market and the economy generally have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Securities are classified as available for sale and held to maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("OCI") included in stockholders' equity.

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 326 and modified its accounting policy for the assessment of available for sale securities for impairment. Under ASC 326 for available for sale securities, the Company first assesses whether a loss is from credit or other factors and considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows is less than the amortized cost, a credit loss would be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis.

The fair values of these securities are based on market quotations or matrix pricing as discussed in note 17. The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. In this evaluation, if such declines were deemed other-than temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to OCI. The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases. The Company determines if it has the intent to sell securities or if it more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery. If either exists, the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary and would be recognized in current period earnings.

Premiums and discounts on securities are generally amortized and accreted to income over the contractual lives of the securities using the level-yield method. Premiums on callable securities are amortized to the earliest call date. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are recognized when securities are sold or called based on the specific identification method.

Loans held-for-sale consists of loans intended for sale in the secondary market. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, as determined on an individual loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance through a charge to earnings. Origination fees and costs on loans held-for-sale are deferred and recognized on settlement dates as a component of the gain or loss on sale. Loans held-for-sale are generally sold with loan servicing rights retained by Columbia Bank.

Loans receivable are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted by unamortized premiums and unearned discounts, net deferred origination fees and costs, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and the allowance for credit losses. The Company defers loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs and accretes such amounts as an adjustment to the yield over the expected lives of the related loans using the level-yield method. Interest income on loans is accrued on unpaid principal balances and credited to income as earned. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized or accreted as an adjustment to yield over the contractual lives of the related loans using methodologies which approximate the level-yield method.

A loan is considered delinquent when payment has not been received within 30 days of its contractual due date. Generally, a loan in designated as a non-accrual loan when the payment of interest is 90 days or more in arrears of its contractual due date. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income. Payments received on a non-accrual loan are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on an assessment of the ability to collect the loan. Non-accruing loans are returned to accrual status after there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payment) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible. The Company identifies loans that may need to be charged-off as a loss, by reviewing all delinquent loans, classified loans and other loans that management may have concerns about collectability.

On a case-by-case basis, the Company may evaluate individual loans for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Company will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company considers the population of loans in its analysis to include all multifamily and commercial real estate, construction, and commercial business loans with an outstanding balance greater than $500,000 and not accruing interest, and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The Company also considers residential real estate, and home equity loans and advances that are not accruing or modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Other loans may be included in the population of loans to be evaluated if management has specific information of a collateral shortfall. Loans individually analyzed are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Payments received on individually analyzed loans are recognized on a cash basis.

Loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered purchased with credit deterioration (“PCD”) loans. The Company evaluated acquired loans for deterioration in credit quality based on any of, but not limited to, the following: (1) non-accrual status; (2) troubled debt restructured designation; (3) risk ratings of special mention, substandard or doubtful; and (4) delinquency status. At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses was made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. This initial allowance for credit losses is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair values to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. As the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price, there is no credit loss expense recognized upon acquisition of a PCD loan. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to noncredit factors and results in a discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans. For acquired loans not deemed PCD at acquisition, the differences between the initial fair value and the unpaid principal balance are recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the lives of the related loans. At the acquisition date, an initial allowance for expected credit losses is estimated and recorded as credit loss expense.

The calculation of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans is a critical accounting policy of the Company because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the ACL amount of the recorded allowance. The ACL is maintained at a level management considers adequate to provide for estimated losses and impairment based upon an evaluation of known and inherent risk in the loan portfolio. The ACL consists of two elements: (1) identification of loans that must be individually analyzed for impairment and (2) establishment of an ACL for loans collectively analyzed.

Portfolio segments are defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Management developed segments for estimating losses based on the type of borrower and collateral which is generally based upon federal call report segmentation. The segments have been combined or sub-segments have been added as needed to ensure loans of similar risk profiles are appropriately pooled.

We maintain a loan review system that provides a periodic review of the loan portfolio and the identification of individually analyzed loans. The ACL for individually analyzed loans is based on the fair value of collateral or cash flows. While management uses the best information available to make such evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations.

The ACL quantitative allowance for each segment is measured using a discounted cash flow methodology incorporating an econometric, probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) with distinct segment-specific multi-variant regression models applied. Expected credit losses are estimated over the life of the loans by measuring the difference between the net present value of modeled cash flows and amortized cost basis. Contractual cash flows over the contractual life of the loans are the basis for the modeled cash flows, adjusted for model defaults and expected prepayments and discounted at the loan-level effective interest rate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications.

Management estimates the ACL using relevant and reliable information from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast. Historical credit loss experience for both the Company and its segment-specific peers provide the basis for the estimate of expected credit losses. Credit losses over a defined period are converted to PD rate curves through the use of segment-specific LGD risk factors that convert default rates to loss severity based on industry-level, observed relationships between the two variables for each segment, primarily due to the nature of the underlying collateral. These risk factors were assessed for reasonableness against the Company’s own loss experience and adjusted in certain cases when the relationship between the Company’s historical default and loss severity deviate from that of the wider industry. The historical PD curves, together with corresponding economic conditions, establish a quantitative relationship between economic conditions and loan performance through an economic cycle.

Using the historical relationship between economic conditions and loan performance, management’s expectation of future loan performance is incorporated using a single economic forecast of macroeconomic variables (i.e. unemployment, gross domestic product, vacancy, and home price index). This forecast is applied over a period that management has determined to be reasonable and supportable. Beyond the period over which management can develop or source a reasonable and supportable forecast, the model reverts to long-term average historical loss rates using a straight-line, time-based methodology. The Company's current forecast period is six quarters, with a four-quarter reversion period to long-term average historical loss rates.

After quantitative considerations, management applies additional qualitative adjustments that consider the expected impact of certain factors not fully captured in the quantitative reserve. Qualitative adjustments include but are not limited to concentrations of large loan balances, delinquency trends, change in collateral values within segments, and other considerations.

The ACL is established through the provision for credit losses that are charged to income, which is based upon an evaluation of estimated losses in the current loan portfolio, including the evaluation of individually analyzed loans. Charge-offs against the ACL are taken on loans where management determines that the collection of loan principal and interest is unlikely. Recoveries made on loans that have been charged-off are credited to the ACL. Although we believe we have established and maintained the ACL on loans at appropriate levels, changes in reserves may be necessary if actual economic and other conditions differ substantially from the forecast used in estimating the ACL.

Our financial results are affected by the changes in and the level of the ACL. This process involves our analysis of internal and external variables, and it requires that we exercise judgment to estimate an appropriate ACL. As a result of the uncertainty associated with this subjectivity, we cannot assure the precision of the amount reserved, should we experience sizable loan losses in any particular period and/or significant changes in assumptions or economic condition. We believe the primary risks inherent in the portfolio are a general decline in the economy, a decline in real estate market values, rising unemployment, increasing vacancy rates, and increases in interest rates in the absence of economic improvement or any other such factors. Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect a borrower's ability to repay its loan, resulting in increased delinquencies and loan losses. Accordingly, we have recorded loan credit losses at a level which is estimated to represent the current risk in its loan portfolio.

Most of our non-performing assets are collateral dependent loans which are written down to the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. We continue to assess the collateral of these loans and update our appraisals on these loans on an annual basis. To the extent the property values decline, there could be additional losses on these non-performing assets, which may be material. Management considered these market conditions in deriving the estimated ACL. Should economic difficulties occur, the ultimate amount of loss could vary from our current estimate.

The Company is required to include unfunded commitments that are expected to be funded in the future within the allowance for credit loss calculation, other than those that are unconditionally cancellable. To arrive at that reserve, the reserve percentage for each applicable segment is applied to the unused portion of the expected commitment balance and is multiplied by the expected funding rate. To determine the expected funding rate, the Company uses a historical utilization rate for each segment. The allowance for credit losses for off-balance-sheet exposures is reported in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The liability represents an estimate of expected credit losses arising from off-balance-sheet exposures such as unfunded commitments.

Troubled debt restructured loans are those loans where the Company has granted a concession it would not otherwise consider because of economic or legal reasons pertaining to a debtor’s financial difficulties. A concession could include a reduced interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan, or a combination of the two methods, but generally does not result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. Not all concessions granted by the Company constitute a troubled debt restructuring. Once an obligation has been restructured and designated as a troubled debt restructuring, it continues to be designed as a restructured loan until paid in full. The Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference between the present value of expected future cash flows under the restructured terms discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, and the loan’s carrying value.

Restructured loans that were accruing prior to the restructuring, where income was reasonably assured subsequent to the restructuring, maintain their accrual status. Restructured loans for which collectability was not reasonably assured are placed on non-accrual status, interest accruals cease, and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments), and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.

In March 2020, various regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations issued an interagency statement on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement was effective immediately and impacted accounting for loan modifications. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief from Troubled Debt Restructurings,” allowed banks to temporarily suspend certain requirements under GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. The Banks each elected to account for modifications on certain loans under Section 4013 of the CARES Act or, if the loan modification was not eligible under Section 4013, used the criteria in the COVID-19 guidance to determine when the loan modification was not a TDR in accordance with ASC 310-40. Guidance noted that modification or deferral programs mandated by the federal or a state government related to COVID-19 would not be in the scope of ASC 310-40, such as a state program that requires all institutions within that state to suspend mortgage payments for a specified period. These short-term loan modifications were not treated as a troubled debt restructuring during the short-term modification period if the loan was not in arrears at December 31, 2019. Furthermore, based on current evaluations, generally, we continued the accrual of interest on these loans during the short-term modification period.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was enacted in late December 2020, extended certain provisions of the CARES Act through January 1, 2022, including provisions permitting loan deferral extension requests to not be treated as troubled debt restructurings. Subsequent modifications to these loans are evaluated for troubled debt restructuring accounting treatment.

The Company has entered into Guarantor Swaps with Freddie Mac to improve its liquidity. In these types of transactions, the Company sells mortgage loans in exchange for Freddie Mac Mortgage Participation Certificates backed exclusively by the loans sold. The Company retains the servicing of these loans. The Company also periodically sells loans to investors and continues to service such loans for a fee. Gains or losses on the sale of loans are recorded on trade date using the specific-identification method.

Land is carried at cost. Office properties, land and building improvements, furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of office properties and equipment is computed on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (generally 40 years for buildings, 10 years to 20 years for land and building improvements, 3 years to 10 years for furniture and equipment). Leasehold improvements, carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, are amortized over the terms of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Major improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon retirement or sale, any gain or loss is recognized as incurred.

Bank-owned life insurance is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its net realizable value. The change in the net asset value is recorded as a component of non-interest income. A deferred liability has been recorded for the estimated cost of post-retirement life insurance benefits accruing to applicable employees and directors covered by an endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangement.

Intangible assets of the Company consist of goodwill, core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in purchase acquisitions. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill with an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment between annual measurement dates. As permitted by GAAP, the Company prepares a qualitative assessment in determining whether goodwill may be impaired. The factors considered in the assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall financial performance of the Company, among others. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2022 based upon its qualitative assessment of goodwill and concluded that goodwill was not impaired and no further quantitative analysis was warranted.

Mortgage servicing rights are recorded when purchased or when originated mortgage loans are sold, with servicing rights retained. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized on an accelerated method based upon the estimated lives of the related loans, and generally adjusted for prepayments. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company's leases primarily relate to real estate property for branches and office space. All the Company's leases are classified as operating leases and the related right-of-use asset ("ROU") and lease liability are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease arrangements. The calculated amounts of the ROU asset and lease liabilities are impacted by the length of the lease term and the discount rate used to calculate the present value of minimum lease payments. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the discount rate used in determining the lease liability for each individual lease is the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The present value of the lease liability may include the impact of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options provided in the lease terms. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Lease agreements that include lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance charges, are accounted for separately.

The Company maintains a single employer, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the "Pension Plan") which covers full-time employees that satisfy the Pension Plan's eligibility requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee's average compensation for the highest five consecutive years of employment. Effective October 1, 2018, newly hired employees are not eligible to participate in the Pension Plan as the Pension Plan has been closed to new employees as of that date.

The policy is to fund at least the minimum contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. GAAP requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status at the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period. The assets of the plan are primarily invested in fixed income and equity funds.

Through the acquisition of the RSI Entities on May 1, 2022, the Company acquired a funded pension plan The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation, as defined. The Plan was amended effective March 31, 2011, to freeze the Plan so that no employee shall commence or recommence participation in the Plan, that there shall be no further benefit accruals under the Plan, and that compensation received after the effective date shall not be recognized for any purpose under the Plan.

Columbia Bank and Freehold Bank each have a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. Columbia Bank may match a percentage of the first 3.00% to 4.50% contributed by participants. Columbia's matching contribution, if any, is determined by their Board of Directors in its sole discretion. Freehold does not presently match any portion of employee contribution, but may provide an annual match determined by their Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

Columbia Bank has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). The funds borrowed by the ESOP from the Company to purchase the Company's common stock are being repaid from Columbia Bank's contributions over a period of 20 years. The Company's common stock not allocated to participants is recorded as a reduction of stockholders' equity at cost. Compensation expense for the ESOP is based on the average price of the Company's stock and the amount of shares committed to be allocated during each period.

Columbia Bank has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The SERP is a non-qualified plan which provides supplemental retirement benefits to eligible officers (those designated by the Board of Directors) of the Company who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the ESOP's benefit formulas under tax law limits for tax-qualified plans. In addition, the Company maintains a stock based deferral plan (the "Stock Based Deferral Plan") for certain executives and directors. The Company records a deferred compensation equity account and corresponding contra-equity account for the cost of the shares held by the Stock Based Deferral and SERP Plans.

Columbia Bank also maintains a non-qualified savings income maintenance deferred compensation plan (the "SIM Plan") that provides supplemental benefits to certain executives who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the 401(k) Plan under tax law limits for tax-qualified plans, and a Deferred Compensation Plan for directors.

Through the acquisition of the RSI Entities, the Company also acquired an executive incentive retirement plan, a board of director and executive deferred compensation plan, a supplemental executive retirement plan, a key life insurance plan and a split-dollar life insurance plan for certain current and former directors and officers of the Bank.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments as components of its market risk management, principally to manage interest rate risk. Certain derivatives are entered into in connection with transactions with commercial customers. Derivatives are not used for speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, reported at fair value and presented on a gross basis. Until a derivative is settled, a favorable change in fair value results in an unrealized gain that is recognized as an asset, while an unfavorable change in fair value results in an unrealized loss that is recognized as a liability.

The Company generally applies hedge accounting to its derivatives used for market risk management purposes. Hedge accounting is permitted only if specific criteria are met, including a requirement that a highly effective relationship exists between the derivative instrument and the hedged item, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. Changes in the fair value of effective fair value hedges are recognized in current earnings (with the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability also recognized in earnings). Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. Ineffective portions of hedge results are recognized in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings.

The Company formally documents at inception all relationships between the derivative instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities, or to specific firm commitments. The Company also formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective or has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses resulting from the termination of a derivative accounted for as a cash flow hedge remain in other comprehensive income (loss) and is (accreted) amortized to earnings over the remaining period of the former hedging relationship.

Certain derivative financial instruments are offered to certain commercial banking customers to manage their risk of exposure and risk management strategies. These derivative instruments consist primarily of currency forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts. The risks associated with these transactions is mitigated by simultaneously entering into similar transactions having essentially offsetting terms with a third party. In addition, the Company executes interest rate swaps with third parties in order to hedge the interest rate risk of short-term FHLB advances.

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns. Federal income taxes are allocated to each entity based on their respective contributions to taxable income of the consolidated income tax returns. Separate state income taxes are filed for the Company and its subsidiaries on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis as required by each jurisdiction.

The Company records income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, using the asset and liability method. Federal and state income taxes have been provided on the basis of the Company's income or loss as reported in accordance with GAAP. The amounts reflected on the Company's federal and state income tax returns differ from these provisions due principally to temporary differences in the reporting of certain items for consolidated financial statement reporting and income tax reporting purposes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities: (i) are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns; (ii) are attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases; and (iii) are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Where applicable, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for any portions determined not likely to be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The valuation allowance is adjusted, by a charge or credit to income tax expense, as changes in facts and circumstances warrant.

The Company did not have any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or any known unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company did not recognize any interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

On July 1, 2018, New Jersey enacted legislation which adds to the state’s 9.0% Corporation Business Tax rate (i) a 2.5% surtax for periods beginning in 2018 and 2019 and (ii) a 1.5% surtax for periods beginning in 2020 and 2021. Subsequently, on September 12, 2020, New Jersey enacted legislation that restored and extended the 2.5% Corporation Business Tax surcharge to apply retroactively from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023. These surtaxes apply to corporations with more than $1.0 million of net income allocated to New Jersey.

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items recorded in equity, such as unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale, the noncredit component of other than temporary impairment losses on debt securities, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, and the unfunded status and reclassification of actuarial net (loss) gain associated with the Company's benefit plans. Comprehensive income is presented in a separate Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Company’s operations are substantially in the financial services industry and include providing traditional banking and other financial services to its customers. The Company operates primarily in New Jersey. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of the Company’s consolidated financial results. Therefore, the Company has a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes.

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For purposes of calculating basic EPS, weighted average common shares outstanding excludes treasury stock, unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares that have not been committed for release and deferred compensation obligations required to be settled in shares of Company stock.

Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS and reflects the potential dilution which could occur if stock options and unvested shares were exercised and converted into common stock. The potentially diluted shares would then be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method. Shares issued and reacquired during any period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.

Compensation expense related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock awards is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date with expense recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite performance or service period. The fair value of stock options is estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of non-vested restricted stock awards is generally the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancing and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require a public business entity to disclose current period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this pronouncement effective January 1, 2023. The update will be applied on a prospective basis to disclosures and did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL"), further amended by ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. Topic 326 pertains to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This update requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better determine their credit loss estimates. This update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. This update was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019.

The Company elected to defer the adoption of the CECL methodology until December 31, 2020 as permitted by the enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). In late December 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was enacted, and extended certain provisions of the CARES Act, which allowed the Company to extend the adoption of CECL until January 1, 2022. The Company elected to extend its adoption of CECL in accordance with this legislation, and adopted the above mentioned ASUs related to Financial Instruments -Credit Losses (Topic 326) using a modified retrospective approach.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2022 for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance- sheet credit exposures. Results for the year ended December 31, 2022 are presented under Accounting Standards Codification 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, while prior period amounts continue to be reported with previously applicable GAAP and have not been restated. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company recorded a $12.1 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans (previously allowance for loan losses), established a $353,000 allowance for credit losses on debt securities available for sale, and recorded a $5.5 million increase in the liability for off-balance-sheet credit exposures, which resulted in a total cumulative effect adjustment of $6.2 million, net of tax, and an increase to retained earnings.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures, and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. Among other changes, the ASU adds disclosure requirements to Topic 715-20 for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligation for the period. The amendments remove disclosure requirements for the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the (a) aggregate of the service