UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to         

Commission file number 001-40619

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware			86-2831373
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
19 Park Avenue,	Rutherford,	New Jersey	07070
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

(201) 939-5000

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	BLFY	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  

  Yes  ☒    No  ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  ☒   No  ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☒	Smaller reporting company	☒
		Emerging growth company	☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes ☐   No  ☒

As of March 22, 2024, there were 28,522,500 shares issued and 24,338,092 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold on June 30, 2023 was $227.4 million.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. (Part III)

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP

FORM 10-K

INDEX

		PAGE
Part I
Item 1.	Business	5
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	30
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	42
Item 1C.	Cybersecurity
Item 2.	Properties	43
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	43
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	43
Part II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	44
Item 6.	Reserved	44
Item 7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	45
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	52
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	55
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures	106
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	107
Item 9B.	Other Information	107
Item 9C.	Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdiction that Prevent Inspections	107
Part III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	108
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	108
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	108
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	108
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	108
Part IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	109
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	110
Signatures		111

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Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

•statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

•statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;

•statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

•estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

•inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, or reduce the fair value of financial instruments or reduce the origination levels in our lending business, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make whether held in portfolio or sold in the secondary markets;

•general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

•our ability to access cost-effective funding;

•our ability to meet applicable capital requirements;

•our ability to maintain liquidity, including the percentage of uninsured deposits in our portfolio;

•our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic conditions;

•changes in consumer demand, borrowing and savings habits;

•demand for loans and deposits in our market area;

•changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses;

•fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;

•significant increases in our loan losses;

•our ability to implement changes in our business strategies;

•competition among depository and other financial institutions;

•adverse changes in the securities markets;

•changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;

•changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;

•our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

•changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

•our ability to retain key employees;

•technological changes;

•cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information and destroy data or disable our systems;

•technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;

•the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;

•the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits;

•changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own;

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•our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, clients, systems and management personnel we have acquired or may acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto;

•other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and operational factors affecting our operations, pricing products and services described elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K; and

•the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Blue Foundry Bancorp

Blue Foundry Bancorp (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation which became the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”) on July 15, 2021, following the completion of the mutual-to-stock conversion of Blue Foundry, MHC. In connection with the conversion, the Company sold 27,772,500 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $10 per share, for gross proceeds of $277.7 million. The Company also contributed 750,000 shares of common stock and $1.5 million in cash to Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation, Inc. Shares of the Company’s common stock began trading on July 16, 2021 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “BLFY.”

The Company owns all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank, and as such, is a bank holding company subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.

Blue Foundry Bank

The Bank is a New Jersey-chartered stock savings bank that was organized in 1939 as Boiling Springs Savings & Loan Association by the combination of the Rutherford Mutual Loan and Building Association, which had been founded in 1876, and the East Rutherford Savings, Loan and Building Association. In 1992, Boiling Springs Savings & Loan Association converted to a New Jersey-chartered mutual savings bank and became known as Boiling Springs Savings Bank. Boiling Springs Savings Bank’s name was changed to Blue Foundry Bank in 2019. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had assets of $2.04 billion, net loans of $1.55 billion and deposits of $1.24 billion.

Blue Foundry Bank’s principal business consists of originating one-to-four family residential, multifamily, and non-residential real estate mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, construction and commercial and industrial loans in our principal market and surrounding areas. In addition, we occasionally lend outside of our branch network in more densely populated and metropolitan areas, adding diversification to our loan portfolio. We attract retail deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding our banking offices, through our borrowers, and through our online presence, offering a wide variety of deposit products. We also invest in securities. Our revenues are derived primarily from interest on loans and, to a lesser extent, interest on mortgage-backed and other investment securities. Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”).

Blue Foundry Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“NJDOBI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Our website address is www.bluefoundrybank.com. Information on this website is not and should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Market Area

Our market area is primarily northern New Jersey. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank operates 20 full service banking offices in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties in New Jersey. The administrative offices of the Company and Bank are located at 7 Sylvan Way, Suite 200, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054. Our telephone number is (201) 939-5000.

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The economy in our primary market area benefits from being varied and diverse, with a broad economic base. New Jersey, counted among the wealthiest states in the nation with an estimated population of 9.29 million, is considered one of the most attractive banking markets in the United States. Within our primary market areas, the Bank had less than 1% of bank deposit market share as of June 30, 2023, the latest date for which statistics are available.

We believe that we have developed products and services that meet the financial needs of our current and future customer base; however, we plan, and believe it is necessary, to continuously evaluate our products and service offerings in light of evolving expectations and make the appropriate enhancements to ensure we remain competitive in our market area. Our marketing strategies focus on the strength of our knowledge of local consumer and small business markets, as well as expanding relationships with current customers and reaching out to develop new, profitable business relationships.

Competition

We face significant competition for deposits and loans. Our most direct competition for deposits has come historically from the numerous financial institutions operating in our market area (including other community banks and credit unions), many of which are significantly larger than we are and have greater resources. We also face competition for depositor funds from other sources such as financial technology companies, online banks, brokerage firms, money market funds and mutual funds, as well as from securities offered by the Federal Government, such as Treasury bills. Additionally, money center banks, such as Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citi, and large regional banks, such as TD Bank, M&T Bank and PNC Bank, have a significant presence in our market area.

Our competition for loans comes primarily from the competitors referenced above and from other financial service providers, such as mortgage companies and mortgage brokers. Competition for loans also comes from the increasing number of non-depository financial service companies participating in the mortgage market, such as insurance companies, securities firms, financial technology companies, specialty finance firms and technology companies.

We expect competition to remain intense in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend toward consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to entry, allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions, including financial technology companies, to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks.

During 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve took unprecedented action to contain inflation. The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate a total of eleven times ranging from 25 basis points to 75 basis points, totaling 525 basis points to 5.50% in order to meet its goal to return inflation to its 2.00% target. The Federal Reserve did not increase rates at the end of 2023. Persistently high inflation and geopolitical tensions have continued to increase uncertainty and elevated the risk of recession in the US economy.

Historically, our lending activities have emphasized one-to-four family residential real estate loans and multifamily housing loans, and such loans continue to comprise the largest portion of our loan portfolio. We have shifted our focus to engage in more commercial-like lending to include non-residential mortgage loans, construction loans and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans. C&I loans include C&I revolvers, term loans and SBA 7a loans. Subject to market conditions and our asset-liability analysis, we expect to continue to focus on commercial real estate, multifamily and traditional C&I lending as part of our effort to diversify the loan portfolio and increase the overall yield earned on our loans. We compete for loans by offering high quality personalized service, providing convenience and flexibility, timely responses on loan applications, and by offering competitive pricing.

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Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

	December 31, 2023					December 31, 2022
	Amount		Percent			Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	550,929	35.30	%	$	$	594,521	38.55	%
Multifamily	682,564		43.74			690,278		44.75
Non-residential	232,505		14.90			216,394		14.03
Construction and land	60,414		3.87			17,990		1.17
Junior liens	22,503		1.44			18,477		1.20
Commercial and Industrial	11,768		0.75			4,682		0.30
Consumer and other	47		—			38		—
Total gross loans	$	1,560,730	100.00	%		1,542,380		100.00	%
Deferred fees, costs and discounts, net (1)						2,747
Total loans						$	1,545,127

(1) With the adoption of ASU 2016-13, loans are presented at amortized cost, net of deferred fees and costs. The 2022 presentation has not been restated.

Loan Maturity. The following tables set forth certain information at December 31, 2023 regarding the dollar amount of loan principal repayments becoming due during the periods indicated. The tables do not include any estimate of prepayments that significantly shorten the average loan life and may cause actual repayment experience to differ from that shown below. The amounts shown below include unearned loan origination fees and costs, and unamortized premium and discounts, net.

	Amounts due in
	One year or less		More than one year through five years		More than five years through fifteen years		More than fifteen years		Total
	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	395	$	8,423	$	152,515	$	389,596	$	550,929
Multifamily	25,989		74,699		441,439		140,437		682,564
Non-residential	68		65,677		142,730		24,030		232,505
Construction	24,309		36,105		—		—		60,414
Junior liens	56		431		2,265		19,751		22,503
Commercial and industrial	2,739		5,192		3,117		720		11,768
Consumer and other	25		8		14		—		47
Total loans	$	53,581	$	190,535	$	742,080	$	574,534	$	1,560,730

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Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Loans. The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at December 31, 2023 that are due after December 31, 2024 and have either fixed interest rates or floating or adjustable interest rates. The amounts shown below include unearned loan origination fees and costs and unamortized premium and discounts, net.

	Fixed Rates		Floating or Adjustable Rates		Total
	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	356,755	$	193,779	$	550,534
Multifamily	114,649		541,926		656,575
Non-residential	122,966		109,471		232,437
Construction	26,332		9,773		36,105
Junior liens	6,845		15,602		22,447
Commercial and Industrial	8,676		353		9,029
Consumer and other	22		—		22
Total loans	$	636,245	$	870,904	$	1,507,149

Residential Real Estate Loans. Our one-to-four family residential loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the borrower. At December 31, 2023, one-to-four family residential real estate loans totaled $550.9 million, or 35.3% of our total loan portfolio, and consisted of $356.8 million of fixed-rate loans and $194.1 million of adjustable-rate loans.

We offer fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential real estate loans with maturities up to 30 years. The one-to-four family residential mortgage loans we are currently originating are generally underwritten according to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as “conforming loans.” We generally originate both fixed and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits. We currently originate loans above the conforming limits up to a maximum amount of $3.0 million, which are referred to as “jumbo loans.” We generally underwrite jumbo loans, whether originated or purchased, in a manner similar to conforming loans. At December 31, 2023, our largest one-to-four family residential loan totaled $3.7 million, is secured by single family home located on approximately 53 acres of property and was not performing in accordance with its original terms.

Our adjustable-rate residential real estate loans have interest rates that are fixed for an initial period ranging from three to ten years. After the initial fixed period, the interest rate on adjustable-rate residential real estate loans is generally reset periodically based on a contractual spread or margin above the average yield on U.S. Treasury securities. Our adjustable-rate residential real estate loans can have initial and periodic caps of up to 2.0% on interest rate changes, with a current cap on total increases of 6.0% over the life of the loan.

We originate one-to-four family residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of generally up to 80% to 90% of the appraised value, depending on the size of the loan. We may originate loans with loan-to-value ratios that exceed 90% depending upon the product type. Mortgage insurance is required for all mortgage loans that have a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80%. The required insurance coverage amount varies based on the loan-to-value ratio and term of the loan. We only permit borrowers to purchase mortgage insurance from companies that have been approved by Blue Foundry Bank.

We generally do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential properties or loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. Additionally, we do not offer “subprime loans” (loans that are made with low down-payments to borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios) or Alt-A loans (defined as loans having less than full documentation).

8

Multifamily Loans. At December 31, 2023, we had $682.6 million in multifamily loans, representing 43.7% of our total loan portfolio. Our multifamily loans are secured primarily by apartment buildings having five or more units, most of which are located in our primary market area.

We generally originate multifamily loans with maximum terms of 10 years based on amortization periods between 25 and 30 years. We generally limit loan-to-value ratios to less than 80% of the appraised value of the property for multifamily loans. Our multifamily loans are offered with fixed and adjustable rate interest terms. All multifamily loans are subject to our underwriting procedures and guidelines.

Repayment of multifamily loans is dependent, in significant part, on cash flow from the collateral property sufficient to satisfy operating expenses and debt service. Future increases in interest rates, increases in vacancy rates on multifamily residential or commercial buildings and other economic events, such as unemployment rates, which are outside the control of the borrower, or the Bank could negatively impact the future net operating income of such properties. Similarly, government regulations, such as the existing New York City Rent Regulation and Rent Stabilization laws, could limit future increases in the revenue from these buildings. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has approximately $109 million in New York multifamily loans that have some form of rent stabilization or rent control or 7.4% of total loans.

At December 31, 2023, our largest multifamily loan totaled $23.3 million and was performing in accordance with its original terms.

Non-Residential Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2023, we had $232.5 million in non-residential real estate loans, representing 14.9% of our total loan portfolio. Our non-residential real estate loans are secured primarily by industrial facilities, retail facilities and other commercial properties, most of which are located in our primary market area. Of these loans, $54.5 million are owner-occupied.

At December 31, 2023, our total commercial loan portfolio had less than 2% to office space and none of the exposure was in New York City.

Non-residential real estate loans are underwritten to asset specific guidelines in accordance to policy with the loan-to-value ratio limit generally being 75% of the appraised value of the property. At December 31, 2023, our largest non-residential real estate loan totaled $24.3 million and was secured by a grocery-anchored shopping center. At December 31, 2023, this loan was performing in accordance with its original terms.

Construction Loans. We make construction loans, primarily to contractors and builders of multifamily and mixed-use projects and other commercial and industrial real estate projects. At December 31, 2023, our construction loans totaled $60.4 million, representing 3.9% of our total loan portfolio and our largest construction loan totaled $16.5 million, that was secured by a 16-story mixed use building. At December 31, 2023, this loan was performing in accordance with its original terms. Once a construction project is satisfactorily completed, we look to provide permanent financing.

Junior Liens and Consumer Loans. We offer consumer loans to customers residing in our market area. Our consumer loans and junior liens consist primarily of home equity loans and lines of credit. At December 31, 2023, consumer loans totaled $22.5 million, or 1.4% of our total loan portfolio.

Home equity loans and lines of credit are multi-purpose loans used to finance various home or personal needs, where a one-to-four family primary or secondary residence serves as collateral. We generally originate home equity loans and lines of credit of up to $500,000 with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% (75% if the loan is for a condo) and terms of up to 20 years. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest that are based on the prime rate, as published in The Wall Street Journal. Home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate in a first or second lien position.

The procedures for underwriting consumer loans include assessing the applicant’s payment history on other indebtedness, the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan, and the loan-to-value ratio of the collateral property. Although the applicant’s creditworthiness is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount.

9

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We typically originate commercial business loans on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business, the experience and stability of the borrower’s management team, earnings projections, and the value and marketability of any collateral securing the loan. Business loans and lines of credit inherently have more risk of loss than real estate secured loans, in part because business loans may be more complex to underwrite than mortgages, and some of the loans or portions thereof may be unsecured. These loans are more likely to be reliant on the cashflow and solvency of the business. The value of collateral may not be adequate to cover the value of the loan and may be severely impacted by the performance of the business. If a decline in economic conditions or other issues cause difficulties for our business borrowers or we fail to evaluate the credit of the loan accurately when we underwrite the loan, it could result in delinquencies or defaults and a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by a variety of collateral, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic environment in our market area. Therefore, commercial and industrial loans that we originate may have greater credit risk than one-to-four family residential real estate loans or, generally, consumer loans. In addition, commercial and industrial loans generally require substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.

The Bank is a certified Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lender and is a participant in SBA lending programs which typically provides guarantees of up to 75% of the principal on the underlying loans. We provide loans under the 7(a) Loan Program, the SBA’s most common loan program. We may sell a portion of these loans in the secondary market.

At December 31, 2023, we had $11.8 million of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans represent 0.8% of our total loan portfolio. We offer term loans, lines of credit and revolving lines of credit with varying maturity terms to small businesses in our market area to finance short-term working capital needs such as accounts receivable and inventory. Our commercial lines of credit are typically structured with variable rates. We generally obtain personal guarantees with respect to all commercial and industrial loans. At December 31, 2023, the average loan size of our commercial and industrial loans was $654 thousand, and our largest outstanding commercial and industrial loan balance was a $4.9 million conventional C&I term loan to an event and food services company. This loan was performing in accordance with its repayment terms at December 31, 2023.

The Company participated in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). PPP loans are categorized as Commercial and Industrial Loans within the Company’s financial statements. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, PPP loans totaled $181 thousand and $477 thousand, respectively, net of unearned deferred fees.

Originations, Purchases and Participations of Loans

Loan origination activities are conducted by our lending personnel and throughout the branch network. We market, network and call on prospective customers and centers of influence to originate loans. We also obtain referrals from existing and former customers and from accountants, real estate brokers, builders and attorneys. All loans that we originate or purchase are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures, which, for residential loans, generally incorporate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines to the extent applicable. We originate both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loans. Our ability to originate fixed or adjustable-rate loans depends upon the relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by current market interest rates as well as anticipated future market interest rates. Our loan origination and purchase activity may be adversely affected by a rising interest rate environment, which typically results in decreased loan demand.

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We consider a number of factors in originating multifamily and non-residential real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower (including credit history), profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the mortgaged property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, we consider a number of factors, including the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service) to ensure that it is at least 1.25x, subject to certain exceptions, and the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property. All loans are appraised by outside independent and qualified appraisers that are duly approved in accordance with Blue Foundry Bank policy. Loans are monitored on an ongoing basis, based on policy requirements, often requiring updated financials statements.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, loan originations totaled $119.6 million and $488.2 million, respectively.

The Bank may purchase residential loans through its residential loan purchase program to utilize excess liquidity and to supplement originations. All loans purchased were within New Jersey and were underwritten to FNMA standards, a comparable underwriting standard as internally-originated loans. Loan purchases totaled $6.8 million and $104.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We purchase whole loans and participate in loans originated by other institutions. Generally, our analysis for purchase and participation transactions follows underwriting policies as if we originated the loan directly. However, for loans that we participate in, we are subject to the lead financial institution’s policies and practices related to items such as, monitoring, collection and default. At December 31, 2023 the outstanding balances of our loan participations where we are not the lead lender totaled $126.8 million, or 8.1% of our loan portfolio. All such loans were performing at December 31, 2023 in accordance with their original repayment terms.

Credit Policy and Procedures

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination policies established by management and approved by our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has granted loan approval authority to certain officers up to prescribed limits, depending on the officer’s title, experience, and the type of loan.

Loan approval authorities are dictated by factors such as the loan type, loan size, cumulative credit exposure (to a particular relationship) and the presence of any policy exceptions. All loans are independently underwritten. Commercial loans are further reviewed and acknowledged by the Chief Credit Officer or designee. Loans are then presented for approval to the appropriate authority. Under our current policy, no loan may be approved by a single officer. At a minimum, two officers are required to approve a loan – typically consisting of the loan product manager and a member of the management Loan Committee. Depending upon certain factors, such as the size of the loan request, escalating loan approval authorities may be required. In such cases, approval by the Loan Committee or Loan Oversight Committee may be required. For commercial loans, a minimum of three approvals are required (two of which must include the Chief Lending Officer and Chief Credit Officer), with a third approval from any voting member of the Loan Committee.

Loans to One Borrower. Pursuant to New Jersey law, the aggregate amount of loans that the Bank is permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of the Bank’s capital, surplus fund and undivided profits (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is secured by “readily marketable collateral”). At December 31, 2023, based on the 15% limitation, the Bank’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $46.6 million, our internal policy limit was $42.0 million, representing 90% of the 15% limit. On the same date, the Bank had no borrowers with outstanding balances in excess of this amount. At December 31, 2023, our largest loan relationship with a single borrower was for $34.3 million, which consisted of one loan secured by non-residential, non-owner occupied real estate and seven loans secured by multifamily real estate, each of which was performing in accordance with its terms.

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Delinquencies and Asset Quality

Delinquency Procedures. When a borrower fails to make a required monthly loan payment by the last day of the month, and upon expiration of any applicable grace period, a late notice is generated stating the payment and late charges due. Until such time as payment is made collection efforts continue with additional phone calls and escalating collection notices. Loan delinquencies more than 30 days past due are reported to the Board of Directors monthly.

If repayment is doubtful or not possible, a notice of intent to foreclose will be issued for residential loans, or an acceleration notice will be issued for commercial loans, and the account will be administered by our Asset Recovery Department with oversight and guidance from our counsel. Once issued for residential loans, the notice of intent to foreclose typically allows the borrower a period to cure the default. Once issued for commercial loans, a grace period may be granted in accordance with the loan’s terms. If payment is made and the loan is brought current, foreclosure proceedings are discontinued, and the borrower is permitted to continue to make payments. If the borrower does not cure the default, we will initiate foreclosure proceedings.

Loans Past Due and Non-Performing Assets. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis. Management determines that a loan is impaired or non-performing when it is probable at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original terms due to a deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the measurement of the loan in the allowance for credit losses on loans is based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable and, therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis. All loans that become 90 days or more delinquent are placed on non-accrual status unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. At December 31, 2023, there were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing and, at December 31, 2022, there were $61 thousand of loans 90 days past due and still accruing. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received on a cash basis or cost recovery method.

When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure or a deed-in-lieu transaction, the real estate is classified as real estate owned. The real estate owned is recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Soon after acquisition, we order a new appraisal to determine the current market value of the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan over the market value of the property is charged against the allowance for credit losses on loans. Subsequent remeasurement resulting in a charge-off would be expensed in the current period. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.

The adoption of ASU No. 2022-02 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses : Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”),” on January 1, 2023, eliminated the recognition and measurement guidance of TDRs, so that creditors will apply the same guidance to all modifications when determining whether a modification results in a new receivable or continuation of an existing receivable. Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other than insignificant payment delays, terms extensions or a combination thereof. See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a description of the adoption of ASU 2022-02.

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Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies, including non-accrual loans, by type and amount at the dates indicated.

	December 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	60-89 Days			90 Days or More			60-89 Days			90 Days or More
	Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	1	$	752	3	$	3,926	4	$	845	9	$	6,738
Multifamily	—	—		—	—		—	—		1	182
Junior liens	—	—		1	49		—	—		1	52
Commercial and Industrial	—	—		3	39		—	—		7	96
Total	1	$	752	7	$	4,014	4	$	845	18	$	7,068

Non-Performing Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-Performing Assets:
Non-accrual loans:
Residential one-to-four family	$	5,884		$	7,498
Multifamily	146			182
Junior liens	49			52
Commercial and Industrial	39			35
Total	6,118			7,767
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:
Commercial and Industrial (1)	—			61
Total	—			61
Total non-performing loans	6,118			7,828
Real estate owned	593			—
Total non-performing assets	$	6,711		$	7,828
Total non-performing loans to total loans	0.39		%	0.50		%
Total non-performing loans to total assets	0.30		%	0.38		%
Total non-performing assets to total assets	0.33		%	0.38		%

(1) PPP loans 90 days past due and accruing totaled $61 thousand at December 31, 2022.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered to be of lesser quality, as substandard, doubtful or loss. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that they are charged-off. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as special mention by our management.

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When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish specific allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable accrued losses. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to cover probable accrued losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the FDIC and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.

The following table sets forth our amounts of special mention and classified loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(In thousands)
Special mention		$	1,567	$	2,224
Substandard		6,118		8,469
Doubtful		—		—
Loss		—		—
Total		$	7,685	$	10,693

At December 31, 2023, special mention loans included two residential one-to-four family loans totaling $663 thousand and one non-residential real estate loan totaling $904 thousand. At December 31, 2023, substandard loans represent nine residential one-to-four family loans totaling $5.9 million, one multifamily loan totaling $146 thousand and one junior lien loan totaling $49 thousand. At December 31, 2022 special mention loans included one non-residential real estate loan totaling $247 thousand, one multifamily real estate loan totaling $897 thousand and two non-residential loans totaling $1.1 million. At December 31, 2022, substandard loans represent 20 loans totaling $8.5 million.

Allowance for Credit Losses

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”),” which requires the measurement of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, held-to-maturity securities and certain off-balance-sheet credit exposures. See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a description of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 and the Company’s allowance methodology.

Under ASU 2016-13, the Company’s methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses on loans is based upon key assumptions, including the lookback period, historical loss experience, economic forecasts over a reasonable and supportable forecast period, reversion period, prepayments and qualitative adjustments. The allowance is measured on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share common risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collective evaluation.

In addition, the NJDOBI and the FDIC periodically review our allowance for credit losses on loans and as a result of such reviews, they may require us to adjust our allowance for credit losses on loans or recognize loan charge-offs.

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The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for credit losses on loans for the periods indicated.

		Year Ended December 31,
	2023				2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses on loans at beginning of period		$	13,400		$	14,425
Impact of adoption 2016-13		668			—
Provision (recovery of provision) for credit losses on loans		146			(1,001)
Charge-offs:
Residential one-to-four family		(18)			—
Consumer and other		(46)			(58)
Total charge-offs		(64)			(58)
Recoveries:
Residential one-to-four family		—			30
Consumer and other		4			4
Total recoveries		4			34
Net charge-offs		(60)			(24)
Allowance for credit losses on loans at end of period		$	14,154		$	13,400
Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans at end of period		231.35		%	172.52		%
Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans outstanding at end of period		0.91			0.87
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during period		—			—

Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The following tables set forth the allowance for credit losses on loans allocated by loan category and the percent of the allowance in each category to the total allocated allowance at the dates indicated. The allowance for credit losses on loans allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

	December 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Amount		Percent of Allowance to Total Allowance		Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans		Amount		Percent of Allowance to Total Allowance		Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	1,968	13.90	%	35.30	%	$	2,264	16.90	%	38.55	%
Multifamily	7,046		49.79	%	43.74	%	5,491		40.98	%	44.75	%
Non-residential	3,748		26.48	%	14.90	%	3,357		25.05	%	14.03	%
Construction and land	1,222		8.63	%	3.87	%	1,697		12.66	%	1.17	%
Junior liens	76		0.54	%	1.44	%	451		3.37	%	1.20	%
Commercial and Industrial	94		0.66	%	0.75	%	47		0.35	%	0.30	%
Total	14,154		100.00	%	100.00	%	13,307		99.31	%	100.00	%
Unallocated	—		—	%	—	%	93		0.69	%	—	%
Total allowance for credit losses on loans	$	14,154	100.00	%	100.00	%	$	13,400	100.00	%	100.00	%

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Investment Activities

General. The goals of our investment policy are generally to provide liquidity, mitigate interest rate risk, ensure the safety of principal, provide earnings and meet pledging requirements. Subject to loan demand and our interest rate risk analysis, we may increase the balance of our securities portfolio.

Our investment policy was adopted and is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. All investment decisions are made by senior management in accordance with board-approved policies. The Treasurer provides an investment schedule detailing the investment portfolio, which is regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Our current investment policy permits, with certain limitations, investments in: U.S. Treasury securities; securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises including mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac; corporate and municipal bonds; private label mortgage-backed securities and privately issued asset-backed securities; certificates of deposit in other financial institutions; federal funds and money market funds.

At December 31, 2023, our securities portfolio consisted of approximately 60% high-quality liquid assets, with the remaining 40% consisting of corporate bonds, municipal bonds, privately issued asset-backed securities and other investment securities. Approximately 90% of our securities portfolio was classified as available-for-sale, with the remaining 10% classified as held-to-maturity.

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Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2023. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities presented exclude the tax equivalent yield. Certain securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice at least annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the table below. Weighted average yield calculations on investment securities available-for-sale do not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of equity.

	One Year or Less				More than One Year to Five Years				More than Five Years to Ten Years				More than Ten Years				Total
	Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Yield		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Yield		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Yield		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Yield		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Weighted Average Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury Note	$	30,010	1.33	%	$	—	—	%	$	6,925	1.28	%	$	—	—	%	$	36,935	35,060		1.32	%
Corporate Bonds	12,005		2.65	%	33,241		3.95	%	31,002		5.97	%	6,000		3.75	%	82,248		76,623		4.51	%
U.S. Government agency obligations	10,000		0.50	%	0		—	%	1,519		2.81	%	—		—	%	11,519		11,140		0.79	%
State and municipal obligations	—		—	%	743		2.24	%	4,692		2.27	%	988		2.26	%	6,423		6,195		2.26	%
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential one-to-four family	—		3.63	%	772		2.40	%	5,007		1.12	%	144,029		2.28	%	149,808		128,542		2.24	%
Multifamily	1,387		1.38	%	4,790		5.61	%	—		—	%	6,345		2.64	%	12,522		11,523		3.61	%
Asset-backed securities	—		—	%	0		—	%	1,522		1.17	%	13,488		6.55	%	15,010		14,683		6.00	%
Total available-for-sale	$	53,402	1.47	%	$	39,546	4.09	%	$	50,667	4.27	%	$	170,850	2.68	%	$	314,465	$	283,766	2.91	%
Securities held-to-maturity:
Corporate bonds	$	—	—	%	$	—	—	%	$	18,600	4.06	%	$	—	—	%	$	18,600	15,007		4.06	%
Asset-backed securities	—		—	%	5,967		1.73	%	8,845		1.80	%	—		—	%	14,812		12,796		1.77	%
Total held-to-maturity	$	—	—	%	$	5,967	1.73	%	$	27,445	3.33	%	$	—	—	%	$	33,412	$	27,803	3.04	%

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At December 31, 2023, other investments primarily consisted of membership and activity-based shares in FHLB stock. As a member of FHLB, we are required to purchase stock in the FHLB, which stock is carried at cost and classified as other investment securities. Other investments also consist of, to a much lesser extent, an investment in a financial technology fund carried at net asset value (“NAV”) and shares in a cooperative that provides community banking core technology solutions, carried at cost.

Sources of Funds

General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for our lending and investment activities. We also use borrowings, primarily FHLB advances, to supplement cash flows, as needed. In addition, funds are derived from principal and interest payments on loans and securities, loan and security prepayments and maturities, brokered deposits, income on other earning assets and retained earnings. While cash flows from loans and securities payments can be a relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and competition.

Deposit Accounts. The majority of our deposits are from depositors who reside in our primary market area. We attract deposit customers by offering a broad selection of deposit instruments for individuals and businesses.

Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period that funds must remain on deposit, and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the rates offered by our competition, our liquidity needs, profitability, and customer preferences. We review our deposit pricing at least monthly, or more frequently as needed, and continually review our deposit mix. Our deposit pricing strategy has been to offer competitive rates, but generally not the highest rates offered in the market, and to periodically offer special rates to attract deposits of a specific type or with a specific term.

We may supplement customer deposits with listed and brokered deposits. Listed deposits totaled $11.4 million and $40.4 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, brokered deposits totaled $125.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively.

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts offered allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. Based on experience, we believe that our deposits are relatively stable. However, the ability to attract and maintain deposits and the rates paid on these deposits, has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.

The following table sets forth the distribution of total deposits by account type at the dates indicated.

	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	27,739	2.23	%	37,907		2.94	%
NOW and demand accounts	361,139		29.01		410,937		31.88
Savings	259,402		20.84		423,758		32.88
Time deposits	596,624		47.92		416,260		32.30
Total	$	1,244,904	100.00	%	$	1,288,862	100.00	%

As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of uninsured deposits (amounts in excess of $250,000, the maximum amount for federal deposit insurance) was $245.9 million, or 0.02% of total deposits, of which time deposits in excess of $250,000 (FDIC insurance limit) totaled $35.0 million. Uninsured deposits totaling $80.9 million were deposits of the Company and its subsidiaries and $33.8 million were municipal deposits covered by supplemental insurance on such deposits under New Jersey’s Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act.

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The following table sets forth the maturity of time deposits in excess of $250,000 at December 31, 2023.

Maturity Period:	(in thousands)
Three months or less	$	36,905
Over three through six months	45,514
Over six through twelve months	17,283
Over twelve months	828
Total	$	100,530

Borrowings. Our borrowings consist of advances from the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had the ability to borrow approximately $717.5 million under our credit facilities with the FHLB, of which $397.5 million was advanced. Borrowings from the FHLB are secured by loans pledged at the FHLB. We also have an unsecured line of $30.0 million with a correspondent bank and we can borrow at the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Discount Window up to the amount of collateral pledged. At December 31, 2023, we had $2.3 million pledged at the FRB. Additionally, the Company had the ability to participate in the FRB’s Bank Term Funding Program, which expired in March 2024, but had not borrowed under the program.

Subsidiary Activities

Blue Foundry Bancorp has one direct subsidiary, which is Blue Foundry Bank.

At December 31, 2023, Blue Foundry Bank has two active subsidiaries, Blue Foundry Investment Company, a New Jersey corporation formed to manage and invest in securities and TrackView LLC, a limited liability company formed to hold certain real estate owned. The Bank also has four subsidiaries formed to hold certain real estate owned, of which two are New Jersey corporations, Rutherford Center Development Corp. and Blue Foundry Service Corporation, and two are New Jersey limited liability companies, Blue Foundry, LLC and 116-120 Route 23 North, LLC. In January 2024, the Bank finalized dissolution of three of its inactive subsidiaries, Rutherford Center Development Corp., Blue Foundry Service Corp. and 116-120 Route 23 LLC.

Employees and Human Capital Resources

At December 31, 2023 we employed 179 employees, nearly all of whom are full-time and of which approximately 60% are women. At December 31, 2022, we employed 198 employees. As a financial institution, approximately 40% of our employees are employed at our branch offices, and another 4% are employed at our customer care call center. The success of our business is highly dependent on our employees, who provide value to our customers and communities through their dedication to our mission, which is helping customers achieve financial security. Our workplace culture is grounded in a set of core values – a concern for others, trust, respect, hard work, and a dedication to our customers. We seek to hire well-qualified employees who are also a good fit for our value system. Our selection and promotion processes are without bias and include the active recruitment of minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, LGBTQ+, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We encourage and support the growth and development of our employees and, wherever possible, seek to fill positions by promotion and transfer from within the organization. Continual training and career development is advanced through regular performance discussions between employees and their managers, internally developed training programs, customized corporate training engagements and educational reimbursement programs. Reimbursement is available to employees enrolled in pre-approved degree or certification programs at accredited institutions that teach skills or knowledge relevant to our business. The Bank pays for seminars, conferences, and other training events employees attend in connection with their job duties. In addition to the investment in employee professional development, the Bank’s benefit and compensation programs are designed to ensure we recruit and retain top talent.

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The Bank offers employees a comprehensive health benefits package and structures its bonus program to create meaningful performance-based incentives. To encourage retirement savings, the Bank provides a 401(k) match on up to 6% of an employee’s salary. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the plan and 3% of the employee’s total taxable compensation is withheld with annual 1% escalations up to 6%. Employees may opt out at any time. In addition, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) gives employees an opportunity to accumulate shares of our common stock and is 100% funded by the Company.

The safety, health and wellness of our employees is a top priority. We promote the health and wellness of our employees by strongly encouraging work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules and sponsoring various wellness programs. Our state-of-the-art administrative offices offer our employees access to an onsite gym at no cost and access to a shuttle to and from public transportation. Our offices are equipped with stand-up desks, and the mindfulness room provides a place for employees to take a quiet break from their busy day. Nursing moms have access to a lactation room equipped with a refrigerator and sink for their privacy and convenience.

Supervision and Regulation

The Company and the Bank operate in the highly-regulated banking industry. This regulation establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a bank holding company and New Jersey savings bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the Deposit Insurance Fund and depositors.

Set forth below is a brief description of certain material regulatory requirements that are applicable to the Bank and the Company. The description is not intended to be a complete list or description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Bank and the Company.

Blue Foundry Bank

As a New Jersey-chartered savings bank, the Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation by the NJDOBI, as its chartering authority and, as a federally insured nonmember institution, by the FDIC. The Bank is a member of the FHLB and its deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank is required to file reports with, and is periodically examined by, the FDIC and the NJDOBI concerning its activities and financial condition and must obtain regulatory approvals before entering into certain transactions, including mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies regarding classifying assets and establishing an adequate allowance for credit losses on loans for regulatory purposes.

New Jersey Banking Laws and Supervision

Activity Powers. The Bank derives its lending, investment and other activity powers primarily from the New Jersey Banking Act and its related regulations. Under these laws and regulations, savings banks, including the Bank, generally may invest in:

•real estate mortgages;

•consumer and commercial loans;

•specific types of debt securities, including certain corporate debt securities and obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies;

•certain types of corporate equity securities; and

•certain other assets.

A savings bank may also make other investments pursuant to “leeway” authority that permits investments not otherwise permitted by the New Jersey Banking Act. Leeway investments must comply with a number of limitations on the individual and aggregate amounts of leeway investments. A savings bank may also exercise trust powers upon approval of the NJDOBI. Savings banks also may exercise those powers, rights, benefits or privileges authorized for national banks or out-of-state banks or for federal or out-of-state savings banks or savings associations, provided that before exercising any such power, right, benefit or privilege, prior approval by the NJDOBI by regulation or by specific authorization is required. The exercise of these lending, investment and activity powers is limited by federal law and regulations. See “Federal Bank Regulation Activities and Investments” below. Certain corporate transactions by a savings bank, such as establishing branches and acquiring other banks, require the prior approval of the NJDOBI.

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Loans-to-One-Borrower Limitations. With certain specified exceptions, a New Jersey-chartered savings bank may not make loans or extend credit to a single borrower or to entities related to the borrower in an aggregate amount that would exceed 15% of the bank’s capital funds. A savings bank may lend an additional 10% of the bank’s capital funds if secured by collateral meeting the requirements of the New Jersey Banking Act. The Bank currently complies with applicable loans-to-one-borrower limitations.

Dividends. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a stock savings bank may declare and pay a dividend on its capital stock only to the extent that the payment of the dividend would not impair the capital stock of the savings bank. In addition, a savings bank may not pay a dividend unless the savings bank would have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock after the payment of the dividend or, alternatively, the payment of the dividend would not reduce the surplus. Federal law may also limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank. See “Federal Bank Regulation—Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action” below.

Minimum Capital Requirements. Regulations of the NJDOBI impose on New Jersey-chartered depository institutions, including the Bank, minimum capital requirements generally similar to those imposed by the FDIC on insured state banks. See “Federal Bank Regulation—Capital Requirements.”

Examination and Enforcement. The NJDOBI may examine the Bank as it deems advisable. It typically examines the Bank at least every two years, typically alternating exams with the FDIC such that the Bank is subject to regulatory examination every year. Regulated institutions are assessed for expenses incurred by the NJDOBI.

The NJDOBI has authority to enforce applicable law and prevent practices that may cause harm to an institution, including the issuance of cease and desist orders and civil money penalties and removal of directors, officers and employees. The NJDOBI also has authority to appoint a conservator or receiver for a savings bank under certain circumstances such as insolvency or unsafe or unsound condition to transact business.

Federal Bank Regulation

Supervision and Enforcement Authority. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the FDIC as its primary federal prudential regulator and the insurer of its deposits. The regulatory structure gives the FDIC extensive discretion in connection with its supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of an adequate allowance for credit losses on loans for regulatory purposes.

The Bank must file reports with the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition. It must also obtain prior FDIC approval before entering into certain corporate transactions such as establishing new branches and mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the FDIC to evaluate the Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements.

The FDIC maintains substantial enforcement authority over regulated institutions. That includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, enforcement actions against institutions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations or unsafe or unsound practices; the FDIC may also bring enforcement actions against directors and officers on these bases and for breaches of fiduciary duty. The FDIC may also appoint itself as conservator or receiver for an insured bank under specified circumstances, including: (1) insolvency; (2) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) the existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; (4) insufficient capital; or (5) the incurrence of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment without federal assistance.

Capital Requirements. Under FDIC regulations, the Bank must meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a total capital risk-based assets ratio, and a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The capital requirements are based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The FDIC also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon determination that an institution’s capital level is, or is likely to become, inadequate in light of the particular circumstances.

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The capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-weighted asset ratios of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively, and a leverage ratio of at least 4% Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common shareholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for credit losses on loans limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). The Bank exercised the opt-out election regarding the treatment of AOCI. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, a bank’s assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests), are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on perceived risks inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one-to-four family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if an institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, effectively resulting in the following minimum ratios: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (3) a total capital ratio of 10.5%.

Federal legislation enacted in 2018 required the federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, to adopt a rule implementing a simplified “community bank leverage” ratio alternative for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion that meet other specified criteria. Pursuant to federal legislation enacted in 2020, the community bank leverage ratio was set at 9% for 2022 and thereafter. A qualifying community bank that exercises the election and has capital equal to or exceeding the applicable percentage is considered compliant with all applicable regulatory capital requirements. Qualifying institutions may elect to utilize the community bank leverage ratio in lieu of the generally applicable risk-based capital requirements.

A qualifying institution may opt in and out of the community bank leverage ratio framework on its quarterly call report. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank has not opted into the community bank leverage ratio framework.

At December 31, 2023, the Bank exceeded each of its capital requirements.

Standards for Safety and Soundness. As required by statute, the federal banking agencies have adopted final regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. The agencies have also established standards for safeguarding customer information. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.

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Activities and Investments. Federal law provides that a state-chartered bank insured by the FDIC generally may not engage as a principal in any activity not permissible for a national bank to conduct or make any equity investment of a type or in an amount not authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law, subject to certain exceptions. For example, state-chartered banks may, with FDIC approval, continue to exercise state authority to invest in common or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Market and to invest in shares of investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The maximum permissible investment is 100% of Tier 1 Capital, as specified by the FDIC’s regulations, or the maximum amount permitted by New Jersey law, whichever is less. Such grandfathered authority terminates upon a change in the institution’s charter or a change in control.

In addition, the FDIC is authorized to permit a state-chartered bank or savings bank to engage in state-authorized activities or investments not permissible for national banks (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) if it meets all applicable capital requirements and it is determined that the activities or investments involved do not pose a significant risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC has adopted procedures for institutions seeking approval to engage in such activities or investments. In addition, a nonmember bank may control a subsidiary that engages in activities as principal that would only be permitted for a national bank to conduct in a “financial subsidiary” if a bank meets specified conditions and deducts its investment in the subsidiary for regulatory capital purposes.

Interstate Banking and Branching. Federal law permits well capitalized and well managed bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state, subject to Federal Reserve Board approval, certain concentration limits and other specified conditions. Interstate mergers of banks are also authorized, subject to regulatory approval and other specified conditions. In addition, banks may establish de novo branches on an interstate basis at any location where a bank chartered under the laws of the branch location host state may establish a branch.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the law establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.

The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation. An institution is considered “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is considered “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is considered “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is considered “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets equal to or less than 2.0%. At December 31, 2023, the Bank was classified as a “well capitalized” institution under these definitions.

At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to additional operating restrictions, including limits on growth and a prohibition on the payment of dividends and other capital distributions. Furthermore, if an insured depository institution is classified in one of the undercapitalized categories, it is required to submit a capital restoration plan to the appropriate federal banking agency. An undercapitalized bank’s compliance with a capital restoration plan must be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of possible additional restrictions, including an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, reduce total assets, cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, dismiss directors or officers, or to limit interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers or capital distributions by the parent holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to additional measures including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it is determined to be critically undercapitalized.

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A bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the FDIC, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment.

Transaction with Affiliates and Regulation W / Loans to Insiders and Regulation O. Transactions between banks and their affiliates are governed by federal law. Generally, Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, applicable to FDIC-insured state nonmember banks by Section 18(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation W prohibit a bank and its subsidiaries from engaging in a “covered transaction” with an affiliate if the aggregate amount of covered transactions outstanding with that affiliate, including the proposed transaction, would exceed an amount equal to 10.0% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus. The aggregate amount of covered transactions outstanding with all affiliates is limited to 20.0% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus. The term “covered transaction” includes, among other things, making loans to, purchasing assets from, and issuing guarantees to an affiliate, as well as other similar transactions. Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act applies to “covered transactions,” as well as to certain other transactions, and requires that all such transactions be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same as, or at least as favorable to, the institution as prevailing market terms for comparable transactions with or involving a non-affiliate. Section 23B transactions also include the bank’s providing services and selling assets to an affiliate. In addition, loans or other extensions of credit by a bank to an affiliate are required to be collateralized according to the requirements set forth in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act.

A bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of 10% or more of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities controlled by any such person (an insider’s related interests), as well as loans to insiders of affiliates and such insiders’ related interests, are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulation, Regulation O. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks, which is comparable to the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to the Bank’s loans. See “New Jersey Banking Laws and Supervision—Loan-to-One Borrower Limitations.” All loans by a bank to all insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. Loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence, may not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, and in no event may exceed $100,000. Regulation O requires that any proposed loan to an insider, or a related interest of that insider, be approved in advance by a majority of the Board of Directors of the bank, with any interested directors not participating directly or indirectly in the voting, if that loan, combined with previous loans by the bank to the insider and his or her related interests, exceeds specified amounts. Generally, such loans must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-insiders or non-employees. Regulation O contains a general exception for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank does not have any such loans.

In addition, federal law prohibits extensions of credit to a bank’s insiders and their related interests by any other institution that has a correspondent banking relationship with the bank, unless such extension of credit is on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

Federal Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 for each separately insured depositor.

The FDIC assesses all insured depository institutions. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the perceived risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund of that institution, with less risky institutions paying lower rates. Currently, assessments for institutions of less than $10 billion of total assets are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical models estimating the probability of failure within three years. Assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) ranged from 2.5 to 32 basis points of each institution’s total assets less tangible capital effective January 1, 2023.

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Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or regulatory condition imposed in writing. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”). The Bank, having over $500 million in total assets, is subject to requirements of Section 112 of FDICIA (“FDICIA 112”). The primary purpose of FDICIA 112 is to provide a framework for early risk identification in financial management through an effective system of internal controls. Annual reporting requirements under FDICIA are as follows: (1) annual audited financial statements; (2) management report stating management's responsibility for preparing the institution's annual financial statements, establishing and maintaining an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and for complying with laws and regulations, and assessment by management of the institution's compliance with such laws and regulations; and (3) for insured depository institutions with consolidated total assets over $1.0 billion or more, such as the Bank, the independent public accountant who audits the institution's financial statements shall examine, attest to, and report separately on the assertion of management concerning the effectiveness of the institution's internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting.

Privacy Regulations. Federal law and regulations generally requires that the Bank disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares a customer’s “non-public personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship. In addition, financial institutions are generally required to furnish their customers a privacy notice annually. However, a provision of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act enacted in 2015 provides an exception from the annual notice requirement if a financial institution does not share non-public personal information with non-affiliated third parties (other than as permitted under certain exceptions) and its policies and practices regarding disclosure of non-public personal information have not changed since the last distribution of its policies and practices to its customers. In addition, the Bank is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having their personal information shared with unaffiliated third parties and to not disclose account numbers or access codes to non-affiliated third parties for marketing purposes.

Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by the FDIC, a state nonmember bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of each state non-member bank, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution, including applications to establish branches and acquire other financial institutions. The CRA requires the FDIC to provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. The Bank’s most recent FDIC CRA rating in March 2021 was “Satisfactory.” On October 24, 2023, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a final rule to strengthen and modernize the CRA regulations. Under the final rule, banks with assets of at least $2 billion as of December 31 in both of the prior two calendar years will be a “large bank.” The agencies will evaluate large banks under four performance tests: the Retail Lending Test, the Retail Services and Products Test, the Community Development Financing Test, and the Community Development Services Test. The applicability date for the majority of the provisions in the CRA regulations is January 1, 2026, and additional requirements will be applicable on January 1, 2027.

Consumer Protection and Fair Lending Regulations. The Bank is subject to a variety of federal and New Jersey statutes and regulations that are intended to protect consumers and prohibit discrimination in the granting of credit. These statutes and regulations provide for a range of sanctions for non-compliance with their terms, including imposition of cease-and-desist orders and civil money penalties, and referral to the U.S. Attorney General for prosecution of a civil action seeking actual and punitive damages and injunctive relief. Certain of these statutes, including Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive acts and practices against consumers. Federal laws also prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices against consumers, which can be enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the FDIC and state attorneys general.

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Federal Home Loan Bank System

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Banks provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. The Bank, as a member of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2023.

Holding Company Regulation

Federal Holding Company Regulation. The Company is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve Board and is subject to regulations, examination, supervision and reporting requirements applicable to bank holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over the Company and its non-savings bank subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings bank.

A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities the Federal Reserve Board had determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (1) making or servicing loans; (2) performing certain data processing services; (3) providing discount brokerage services; (4) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (5) leasing personal or real property; (6) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (7) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorizes a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including that its depository institution subsidiaries are “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company.” A “financial holding company” may engage in a broader range of financial activities than a bank holding company. Such activities may include insurance underwriting and investment banking. The Company has no plans to elect “financial holding company” status at this time.

Capital. Federal legislation required the Federal Reserve Board to establish minimum consolidated capital requirements for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those applicable to their insured depository subsidiaries. However, subsequent federal legislation exempted from the applicability of the consolidated capital requirements bank holding companies with less than $3.0 billion in consolidated assets, such as the Company, unless otherwise advised by the Federal Reserve Board.

Source of Strength. Federal law provides that bank holding companies must act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institution. The expectation is that the bank holding company will provide capital, liquidity and other support for the institution in times of financial stress.

Stock Repurchases and Dividends. A bank holding company is generally required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions.

Additionally, under the prompt corrective action laws, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized.

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Notwithstanding the above, the Federal Reserve Board has issued a supervisory bulletin regarding the payment of dividends and repurchase or redemption of outstanding shares of stock by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board’s policy is that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The supervisory bulletin provides for prior consultation with and review of proposed dividends by the Federal Reserve Board in certain cases, such as where a proposed dividend exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend would be paid (e.g., calendar quarter) or where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund a proposed dividend.

The supervisory bulletin also indicates that a bank holding company should notify the Federal Reserve Board, under certain circumstances, prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock. The specified circumstances include where a holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or where the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, as of the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. Even outside of these circumstances, the Federal Reserve Board expects as a matter of practice to have notice and opportunity for non-objection before such an action is taken. The supervisory bulletin indicates that such notification is to allow Federal Reserve Board supervisory review of, and possible objection to, the proposed repurchases or redemption. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, engage in stock repurchases or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

Acquisition. The Change in Bank Control Act provides that no person may acquire control of a bank holding company, such as the Company, without the prior non-objection or approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Control, as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act, means ownership, control of or the power, to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the company. Acquisition of 10% or more of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities constitutes a rebuttable presumption of control under certain circumstances, including where, as is the case with the Company, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

In addition, the Bank Holding Company Act provides that no company may acquire control of a bank or bank holding company within the meaning of that statute without having first obtained the approval of the Federal Reserve Board. A company that acquires control of a bank or bank holding company for purposes of the Bank Holding Company Act becomes a “bank holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.

New Jersey law establishes similar filing and prior approval requirements as to the NJDOBI for direct or indirect acquisitions of New Jersey chartered institutions.

Federal Securities Laws

The Company’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Exchange Act.

Emerging Growth Company Status. We are an emerging growth company. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we have elected to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, we also will not be subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which would require that our independent auditors review and attest as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have also elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. If the Company were to subsequently elect not to use this extended transition period, such election would be irrevocable. Due to our use of the extended transition period, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

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A company loses emerging growth company status on the earlier of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year of the company during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more; (2) the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (3) the date on which such company has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (4) the date on which such company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally, a “large accelerated filer” is defined as a corporation with at least $700 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted to improve corporate responsibility, provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. The Company has policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with this Act and its implementing regulations.

TAXATION

Federal Taxation

General. The Company and the Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize material federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company and the Bank.

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, the Company currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal income tax returns.

Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Effective with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, net operating loss carrybacks are no longer permitted, and net operating losses are allowed to be carried forward indefinitely. Net operating loss carryforwards arising from tax years beginning after January 1, 2018 are limited to offset a maximum of 80% of a future year’s taxable income. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $33.0 million in net operating loss carryovers. The Company contributed $9.0 million to the Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation, and the deferred benefit has a five-year carryforward limitation.

Capital Loss Carryovers. Generally, a financial institution may carry back capital losses to the preceding three taxable years and forward to the succeeding five taxable years. Any capital loss carryback or carryover is treated as a short-term capital loss for the year to which it is carried. As such, it is grouped with any other capital losses for the year to which carried and is used to offset any capital gains. Any loss remaining after the five-year carryover period that has not been deducted is no longer deductible. At December 31, 2023, the Company had no capital loss carryovers. See discussion on Deferred Tax valuation Allowance on the next page of this document.

Corporate Dividends. We may generally exclude from our income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

Audit of Tax Returns. The Company’s federal income tax returns have not been audited in the last three years.

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State Taxation

New Jersey State Taxation. In 2014, tax legislation was enacted that changed the manner in which financial institutions and their affiliates are taxed in New Jersey. Taxable income is apportioned to New Jersey based on the location of the taxpayer’s customers, with special rules for income from certain financial transactions. The location of the taxpayer’s offices and branches are not relevant to the determination of income apportioned to New Jersey. The state of New Jersey applies a surtax based on the tax base within the state, applying a 6.5%, 7.5% or 9% rate. Given the Company has available net operating losses for the period, the statutory rate that would apply to the tax base in 2022 is 6.5%. An alternative tax on apportioned capital, capped at $5.0 million for a tax year, is imposed to the extent that it exceeds the tax on apportioned income. The New Jersey alternative tax rate was 0.05% for 2019, 0.025% for 2020 and was completely phased out as of January 1, 2021. Qualified community banks and thrift institutions that maintain a qualified loan portfolio are entitled to a specially computed modification that reduces the income taxable to New Jersey. The Company had New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards totaling $33.0 million, the majority of which will expire in 18 years.

The Company’s New Jersey State income tax returns were subject to an audit for the years 2015 through 2018, which concluded in January 2022 without findings.

New York State Taxation. The Company files New York State tax returns on a calendar year basis. New York State imposes a corporate income tax, based on net income allocable to New York State at a rate of 6.5%. In April 2021, legislation increased the corporate franchise tax rate to 7.25% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2024 for taxpayers with a business income base greater than $5 million. In addition, the scheduled phase-out of the capital base tax was delayed. The rate of the capital base was to have been 0% starting in 2021. The legislation imposed a tax rate of 0.1875% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2024, with the 0% rate to take effect in 2024. New York State also imposes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Tax Surcharge allocable to business activities carried on in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. The MTA surcharge rate for 2021 was 30.0%, and will remain at 30.0% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2023.

New York City Taxation. The Company is also subject to the New York City Financial Corporation Tax calculated, subject to a New York City income and expense allocation, on a similar basis as the New York State Tax, at a rate of 8.85%.

Pennsylvania State Taxation. The Bank is subject to Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax imposed at the rate of 11.5% on net taxable income of mutual thrift institutions in Pennsylvania, including savings banks without capital stock, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, and savings institutions having capital stock.

Delaware State Taxation. As a Delaware business corporation not earning income in Delaware, the Company is exempt from Delaware corporate income tax but is required to file an annual report with and pay franchise taxes to the state of Delaware.

Connecticut State Taxation. The Company is subject to Corporate Income Tax in Connecticut at a rate of 7.5% and is expected to be taxpaying in this jurisdiction.

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance

Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth.

On the basis of this evaluation, a valuation allowance was established at December 31, 2021, for both federal and state net deferred tax assets. For the year ended December 31, 2023, a valuation allowance of $24.1 million has been maintained against our net deferred tax asset. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Interest Rate Risk

Future changes in interest rates may reduce any future profits.

Like most financial institutions, whether we are profitable or not depends to a large extent upon our net interest income, which is the difference between our interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and our interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds. Accordingly, our results of operations depend largely on movements in market interest rates and our ability to manage our interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities in response to these movements. Factors such as inflation, recession and instability in financial markets, among other factors beyond our control, may affect interest rates. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a loss of $7.4 million.

Our financial condition and results of operations are significantly affected by changes in market interest rates, and the degree to which these changes disparately impact short-term and long-term interest rates and influence the behavior of our customer base. Our results of operations substantially depend on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest earning assets and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. A flattening yield curve, or one that inverts, could negatively impact our net interest margin and earnings.

As the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates, our interest-bearing liabilities may be subject to repricing or maturing more quickly than our interest-earning assets. If short-term rates increase rapidly, we may have to increase the rates we pay on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than we can increase the interest rates we earn on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income. In addition, the effect of rising rates could be compounded if deposit customers move funds into higher yielding accounts or are lost to competitors offering higher rates on their deposit products. Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest income could also be negatively affected if competitive pressures prevent us from reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets and in particular our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2023, our available-for-sale debt securities portfolio totaled $283.8 million with net unrealized losses of $30.7 million and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Therefore, decreases in the fair value of securities available-for-sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on stockholders' equity. At December 31, 2023, our held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio totaled $33.4 million with net unrealized losses of $5.1 million. The net unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities are not reported in the financial statements until realized upon sale. The Company does not intend to sell held-to-maturity securities, nor does it foresee being required to sell them before the anticipated recovery or maturity.

Volatility and uncertainty related to inflation and the effects of inflation, which may lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers and potentially contribute to poor business and economic conditions generally, may also enhance or contribute to some of the risks discussed herein. For example, higher inflation, or volatility and uncertainty related to inflation, could reduce demand for the Company's products, adversely affect the creditworthiness of the Company's borrowers or result in lower values for the Company's investment securities and other interest-earning assets.

Any substantial change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. While we pursue an asset/liability strategy designed to mitigate our risk from changes in interest rates, such changes can still have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. At December 31, 2023, our net portfolio value would decrease by $73.9 million if there was an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in market interest rates. For further discussion of how changes in interest rates could impact us, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk.”

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Risks Related to Lending Activities

Because we intend to increase our commercial real estate and commercial loan originations, our lending risk will increase.

Commercial real estate and commercial loans generally have more risk than residential mortgage loans. Because the repayment of commercial real estate and commercial loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the local economy. Commercial real estate and commercial loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of related borrowers. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely impact the value of properties securing the loan or the revenues from the borrower’s business thereby increasing the risk of non-performing loans. Also, many of our multifamily and commercial real estate and commercial business borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a residential mortgage loan. Further, unlike residential mortgages or multifamily and commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans may be secured by collateral other than real estate, such as inventory and accounts receivable, the value of which may be more difficult to appraise, may be more susceptible to fluctuation in value at default, and may be more difficult to realize upon enforcement of our remedies. As our commercial real estate and commercial loan portfolios increase, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans may also increase.

If our allowance for credit losses on loans is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings and capital could decrease.

Lending is inherently risky and we are exposed to the risk that our borrowers may default on their obligations. A borrower’s default on its obligations may result in lost principal and interest income and increased operating expenses as a result of the allocation of management’s time and resources to the collection and work-out of the loan. In certain situations, where collection efforts are unsuccessful or acceptable work-out arrangements cannot be reached, we may have to charge-off the loan in whole or in part, or sell it at a discount. In such situations, we may acquire real estate or other assets, if any, that secure the loan through foreclosure or other similar available remedies, the amount owed under the defaulted loan may exceed the value of the assets acquired, and post-default remedies may be unavailable or unfeasible.

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses on loans, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate other factors including, among other things, current economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, or if delinquencies or non-performing loans increase, our allowance for credit losses on loans may not be sufficient to cover losses in our loan portfolio, which would require additions to our allowance, which could materially decrease our net income. Our allowance for credit losses on loans was 0.91% of total loans and 231.35% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2023.

In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses on loans and, based on their judgments and information available to them at the time of their review, may require us to increase our allowance for credit losses on loans or recognize further loan charge-offs. An increase in our allowance for credit losses on loans or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may reduce our net income and our capital, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If our non-performing assets increase, our earnings will be adversely affected.

At December 31, 2023, our non-performing assets, which consist of non-performing loans and other real estate owned, were $6.7 million, or 0.33% of total assets. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways:

•we record interest income only on the cash basis or cost-recovery method for non-accrual loans and we do not record interest income for other real estate owned;

•we must provide for expected loan losses through a current period charge to the provision for credit losses on loans;

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•non-interest expense increases when we write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values;

•there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets, as well as carrying costs, such as taxes, insurance and maintenance fees; and

•the resolution of non-performing assets requires the active involvement of management, which can distract them from more profitable activity.

If additional borrowers become delinquent and do not pay their loans and we are unable to successfully manage our non-performing assets, our losses and troubled assets could increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Loan Underwriting

Adjustable-Rate Loans. While we anticipate that adjustable-rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate loans, an increased monthly payment required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of the underlying property also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment. In addition, although adjustable-rate loans make our asset base more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is somewhat limited by the annual and lifetime interest rate adjustment limits on adjustable-rate loans. To help minimize the risks associated with rising interest rates and the subsequent risk of default, we often perform a stress analysis during underwriting.

MultiFamily and Non-Residential Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by non-residential and multifamily real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential real estate loans. Of primary concern in non-residential real estate and multifamily lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the asset. Payments on loans secured by income producing properties often depend on the successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy to a greater extent than residential real estate loans. To monitor cash flows on income properties, we generally require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on commercial real estate and multifamily loans. In reaching a decision whether to make a non-residential real estate or multifamily loan, we consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. At times, we may also perform a global cash flow analysis of the borrower. We generally have required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of net operating income to debt service) of at least 1.25x. We require a Phase One environmental report on all commercial real estate loans in excess of $1.0 million or when we believe there is a possibility that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials. Further in situations where environmental risks may be present, we utilize the services of an independent and qualified environmental consultant to assess any underlying risks.

Construction Loans. Our construction loans are based upon our estimates of costs to complete a project and the value of the completed project. Typically, said reviews are conducted by third party’s approved by the bank. Underwriting is focused on the borrowers’ financial strength, credit history and demonstrated ability to produce a quality product and effectively market and manage its operations.

Construction lending involves additional risks when compared to permanent residential lending because funds are advanced upon the collateral of the project, which is of uncertain value before its completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, it is difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. In addition, generally during the term of a construction loan, interest may be funded by the borrower or disbursed from an interest reserve set aside from the construction loan budget. These loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the appraised value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate collateral for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss. We use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the value of any construction project of five or more units. Our ability

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to continue to originate a significant amount of construction loans is dependent on the strength of the general real estate market in our market areas.

Junior Liens and Consumer Loans. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, as they can be unsecured, subordinately secured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a resulting deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Commercial and Industrial Loans. Unlike residential real estate loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more readily ascertainable, commercial and industrial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flows of the borrower’s business and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Our commercial and industrial loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, collateral for commercial and industrial loans consists of accounts receivable, inventory and/or equipment. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee. Furthermore, collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.

Risks Related to Economic Conditions

Declines in value may adversely impact our investment portfolio.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $317.0 million in its investment portfolio, with $283.8 million designated as available-for-sale and $33.4 million designated as held-to-maturity. For securities available-for-sale, ASU 2016-13 requires entities to determine if impairment is related to credit loss or non-credit loss. If an assessment of the security 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, and if the present value of cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance is created, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Held-to-maturity securities are evaluated under the allowance for credit losses model. Held-to-maturity securities are charged off against the allowance when deemed to be uncollectible and adjustments to the allowance are reported as a component of credit loss expense. If the credit loss expense is significant enough it could affect the ability of Blue Foundry Bank to upstream dividends to the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to shareholders and could also negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios.

The geographic concentration of our loan portfolio and lending activities makes us vulnerable to a downturn in our local market area.

Our loan portfolio is concentrated primarily in New Jersey. This makes us vulnerable to a downturn in the local economy and real estate markets. Adverse conditions in the local economy such as unemployment, inflation, recession, regulatory changes, a catastrophic event or other factors beyond our control could impact the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, which could impact our net interest income. Decreases in local real estate values caused by economic conditions, recent changes in tax and rent regulation laws or other events could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure. Further, deterioration in local economic conditions could drive the level of loan losses beyond the level we have provided for in our allowance for credit losses on loans, which in turn could necessitate an increase in our provision for loan losses and a resulting reduction to our earnings and capital.

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A worsening of economic conditions in our market area could reduce demand for our products and services and/or result in increases in our level of non-performing loans, which could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings

Local economic conditions have a significant impact on the ability of our borrowers to repay loans and the value of the collateral securing loans. A deterioration in economic conditions, especially local conditions, could have the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, and could more negatively affect us compared to a financial institution that operates with more geographic diversity:

•demand for our products and services may decline;

•loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

•collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, thereby reducing customers’ future borrowing power and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans; and

•the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us.

Moreover, a significant decline in general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, an epidemic or pandemic, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could further impact these local economic conditions and could further negatively affect the financial results of our banking operations.

A lack of liquidity could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity is essential to the Company’s business. The Company relies on its ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment of its liabilities to ensure that there is adequate liquidity to fund operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale and maturities of loans and securities and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on liquidity. The Company’s most important source of funds is its deposits. Deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk adjusted return, which are strongly influenced by such external factors as the direction of interest rates, local and national economic conditions and the availability and attractiveness of alternative investments. Further, the demand for deposits may be reduced due to a variety of factors such as negative trends in the banking sector, the level of and/or composition of our uninsured deposits, demographic patterns, changes in customer preferences, reductions in consumers’ disposable income, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve or regulatory actions that decrease customer access to particular products. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments such as money market funds, the Company would lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, which would increase its funding costs and reduce net interest income. Any changes made to the rates offered on deposits to remain competitive with other financial institutions may also adversely affect profitability and liquidity. Other primary sources of funds consist of cash flows from operations, maturities and sales of investment securities and/or loans, brokered deposits, borrowings from the FHLB and/or FRB discount window, and unsecured borrowings. The Company also may borrow funds from third-party lenders, such as other financial institutions. The Company’s access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize its activities, or on terms that are acceptable, could be impaired by factors that affect the Company directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry, a decrease in the level of the Company’s business activity as a result of a downturn in markets or by one or more adverse regulatory actions against the Company or the financial sector in general. Any decline in available funding could adversely impact the Company’s ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet expenses, or to fulfill obligations such as meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on its liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The failure to address the Federal debt ceiling in a timely manner, downgrades of the U.S. credit rating and uncertain credit and financial market conditions may affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal government, which may affect the valuation or liquidity of our investment securities portfolio and increase future borrowing costs.

As a result of uncertain political, credit and financial market conditions, including the potential consequences of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time due to federal debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government pose credit default and liquidity risks. Given that future deterioration in the U.S. credit and financial markets is a possibility, no assurance can be made that losses or significant deterioration in the fair value of our U.S. government issued or guaranteed investments will not occur. At December 31, 2023, we had approximately $36.9 million, $11.5 million and $149.8 million invested in U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, and residential mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, respectively. Downgrades to the U.S. credit rating could affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the federal government and the valuation or liquidity of our portfolio of such investment securities, and could result in our counterparties requiring additional collateral for our borrowings. Further, unless and until U.S. political, credit and financial market conditions have been sufficiently resolved or stabilized, it may increase our future borrowing costs.

Risks Related to Growth

A lack of liquidity could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to gather deposits, make investments and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of loans to ensure that there is adequate liquidity to fund our operations and pay our obligations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale and maturities of loans and securities and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on liquidity. Our most important source of funds is deposits. Deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk/return tradeoff, which are strongly influenced by external factors such as changes in interest rates, local and national economic conditions, the availability and attractiveness of alternative investments, and perceptions of the stability of the financial services industry generally and of our institution specifically. Further, the demand for deposits may be reduced due to a variety of factors such as demographic patterns, changes in customer preferences, reductions in consumers’ disposable income, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve, or regulatory actions that decrease customer access to particular products. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments such as money market funds, we would lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, which would increase our funding costs and reduce net interest income. Any changes made to the rates offered on deposits to remain competitive with other financial institutions may also adversely affect profitability and liquidity.

Other primary sources of funds consist of cash flows from operations, maturities and sales of investment securities and borrowings from the FHLB of New York. We also have borrowing capacity through three correspondent banks and have the ability to participate in the Federal Reserve’s new Bank Term Funding Program as needed. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms that are acceptable, could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets, changes in the value of investment securities, negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry, a decrease in our business activity as a result of a downturn in markets, or adverse regulatory actions against us.

Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet expenses, or to fulfill obligations such as repaying borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our business strategy includes growth, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively.

Our business strategy includes growth in assets, deposits and the scale of our operations. Achieving our growth targets will require us to attract customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in our market, thereby increasing our share of the market, and to expand the size of our market area. Our ability to successfully grow will depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to attract and retain experienced bankers, the continued availability of desirable business opportunities, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in our market area and our ability to manage our growth. Growth opportunities may not be available or we may not be able to manage our growth successfully. If we do not manage our growth effectively, our financial condition and operating results could be negatively affected.

Building market share through de novo branching may cause our expenses to increase faster than revenues.

We are building market share by opening de novo branches in contiguous markets. There are considerable costs involved in de novo branching as new branches generally require time to generate sufficient revenues to offset their initial start-up costs, especially in areas in which we do not have an established presence. Accordingly, any new branch can be expected to negatively impact our earnings until the branch attracts a sufficient number of deposits and loans to offset expenses. We cannot assure that new branches opened will be successful even after they have been established.

New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risks.

From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. In addition, we will continue to invest in research, development, and marketing for new products and services. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the development and introduction of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. Furthermore, if customers do not perceive our new offerings as providing significant value, they may fail to accept our new products and services. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, the burden on management and our information technology in introducing any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Severe weather, acts of terrorism, geopolitical and other external events could impact our ability to conduct business.

Weather-related events have adversely impacted our market area in recent years, especially areas located near coastal waters and flood prone areas. Such events that may cause significant flooding and other storm-related damage may become more common events in the future. Financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising operating and communication systems and the metropolitan New York area, including New Jersey, remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism. Such events could cause significant damage, impact the stability of our facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing repayment of our loans, and result in the loss of revenue. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition. Additionally, financial markets may be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including the Russia and Ukraine war, terrorism or other geopolitical events.

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Risks Related to Competition

Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market area, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our smaller asset size also makes it more difficult to compete, as many of our competitors are larger and can more easily afford to invest in the marketing and technologies needed to attract and retain customers. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do, which could affect our ability to grow and remain profitable on a long-term basis. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market area. If we must raise interest rates paid on deposits or lower interest rates charged on our loans, our net interest margin and profitability could be adversely affected. For additional information see “Business of Blue Foundry Bank—Competition.”

The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of continuing legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued industry consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services than we can as well as better pricing for those products and services.

Risks Related to Operations and Security

We face significant operational risks because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions.

We operate in diverse markets and rely on the ability of our employees and systems to process a high number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, breaches of our internal control systems and compliance requirements. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of operational deficiencies or as a result of non-compliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, or customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. In the event of a breakdown in our internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action, and/or suffer damage to our reputation.

Cyber-attacks or other security breaches could adversely affect our operations, net income or reputation.

We regularly collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others and concerning our own business, operations, plans and strategies. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf.

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial and other transactions and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks and phishing. Phishing, a means for identity thieves to obtain sensitive personal information through fraudulent e-mail, text or voice mail, is an emerging threat targeting the customers of financial entities. A failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems, or those of our third-party service providers, as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches or due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions could adversely affect our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and/or cause losses.

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If this confidential or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused or lost, we could be exposed to significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, civil litigation and financial loss.

Although we employ a variety of physical, procedural and technological safeguards to protect this confidential and proprietary information from mishandling, misuse or loss, these safeguards do not provide absolute assurance that mishandling, misuse or loss of the information will not occur, and that if mishandling, misuse or loss of information does occur, those events will be promptly detected and addressed. Similarly, when confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf, our policies and procedures require that the third party agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information, establish and maintain policies and procedures designed to preserve the confidentiality of the information, and permit us to confirm the third party’s compliance with the terms of the agreement. As information security risks and cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.

Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could negatively affect our earnings.

Information technology systems are critical to our business. We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, securities, deposits, and loans. We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but such events may still occur and may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of our systems could deter customers from using our products and services. Although we rely on security systems to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of security.

In addition, we outsource a majority of our data processing to third-party providers. If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The inability to stay current with technological change could adversely affect our business model.

Financial institutions continually are required to maintain and upgrade technology in order to provide the most current products and services to their customers, as well as create operational efficiencies. This technology requires personnel resources, as well as significant costs to implement. Failure to successfully implement technological change could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our operations rely on certain third party vendors.

We rely on certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. These third party vendors are sources of operational and informational security risk to us, including risks associated with operational errors, information system interruptions or breaches and unauthorized disclosures of sensitive or confidential client or customer information. If these vendors encounter any of these issues, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, we could be exposed to disruption of operations, loss of service or connectivity to customers, reputational damage, and litigation risk that could have a material adverse effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

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In addition, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. While we have selected these external vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. The failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements, because of changes in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason, could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. Replacing these external vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

We depend on our management team, many of whom are new to the Bank, to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations and we could be harmed by the loss of their services.

We depend upon the services of the members of our senior management team to implement our business strategy and execute our operations. Over the last several years we have hired certain senior level management to implement the Bank’s new focus and direction. Our future success will depend, to a significant extent, on the ability of our new management team to operate effectively, both individually and as a group. We must successfully manage issues that may result from the integration of the new members of our executive management. Members of our senior management team and lending personnel who have expertise and key business relationships in our markets could be difficult to replace. The loss of these persons or our inability to hire additional qualified personnel, could impact our ability to implement our business strategy and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to compete.

While our Board of Directors takes an active role in cybersecurity risk tolerance, we rely to a large degree on management and outside consultants in overseeing cybersecurity risk management.

Our Board of Directors takes an active role in the cybersecurity risk tolerance of the Company and all members receive cybersecurity training annually. The Board reviews the annual risk assessments and approves information technology policies, which include cybersecurity. Furthermore, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing all audit findings related to information technology general controls, internal and external vulnerability, and penetration testing. We also engage outside consultants to support our cybersecurity efforts. However, our directors do not have significant experience in cybersecurity risk management outside of the Company and therefore, its ability to fulfill its oversight function remains dependent on the input it receives from management and outside consultants.

Our cost of operations is high relative to our revenues.

Our non-interest expense totaled $51.6 million and $52.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We continue to analyze our expenses and achieve efficiencies where available. Although we strive to generate increases in both net interest income and non-interest income, our efficiency ratio remains high. Our efficiency ratio was 117.93% and 97.39% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The cost of additional finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls in order to satisfy our new public company reporting requirements will increase our expenses.

As a result of the completion of the stock offering, we became a public reporting company. We expect that the obligations of being a public company, including the substantial public reporting obligations, will require significant expenditures and place additional demands on our management team. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we may need to hire additional compliance, accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical knowledge, and we may not be able to do so in a timely fashion. As a result, we may need to rely on outside consultants to provide these services for us until qualified personnel are hired. These obligations will increase our operating expenses and could divert our management’s attention from our operations.

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We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.

We are a community bank and our reputation is one of the most valuable assets of our business. A key component of our business strategy is to rely on our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our market area and contiguous areas. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers, or otherwise, our business and operating results may be materially adversely affected.

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.

Our risk management framework is designed to minimize risk and loss to us. We seek to identify, measure, monitor, report and control our exposure to risk, including strategic, market, liquidity, compliance and operational risks. While we use broad and diversified risk monitoring and mitigation techniques, these techniques are inherently limited because they cannot anticipate the existence or future development of currently unanticipated or unknown risks. Recent economic conditions and heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry, among other developments, have increased our level of risk. Accordingly, we could suffer losses if we fail to properly anticipate and manage these risks.

Risks Related to Regulatory Matters

Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by our banking regulators. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which a financial institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of insurance funds and the depositors and borrowers of Blue Foundry Bank rather than for the protection of our shareholders. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to impose restrictions on our operations, classify our assets and determine the level of our allowance for credit losses. These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, deposit insurance and monetary laws, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations, control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. As a smaller institution, we are disproportionately affected by the ongoing increased costs of compliance with banking and other regulations. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, new regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. Further, changes in accounting standards can be both difficult to predict and involve judgment and discretion in their interpretation by us and our independent accounting firm. These changes could materially impact, potentially retroactively, how we report our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares.

Federal regulations establish minimum capital requirements for insured depository institutions, including minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios and define what constitutes “capital” for calculating these ratios. The regulations also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, effectively resulting in the following minimum ratios: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (3) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing its shares, and paying discretionary bonuses, if its capital levels fall below the buffer amount.

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Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks.

Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact our reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and our stock price. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure.

Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

The USA PATRIOT and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions, including restrictions on conducting acquisitions or establishing new branches. During the last year, several banking institutions have received large fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations. The policies and procedures we have adopted that are designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations may not be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations.

Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and our financial condition or operating results.

In preparing the periodic reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including our consolidated financial statements, our management is required under applicable rules and regulations to make estimates and assumptions as of specified dates. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and experience at such times and are subject to substantial risk and uncertainty. Materially different results may occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. Areas requiring significant estimates and assumptions by management include our evaluation of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses, the determination of our deferred income taxes, and our fair value measurements.

Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and state and federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of Blue Foundry Bancorp without our Board of Directors' approval. Under regulations applicable to the conversion, for a period of three years following completion of our stock offering and related transactions in July 2021, no person may acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of our common stock without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Under federal law, subject to certain exemptions, a person, entity or group must notify the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring control of a bank holding company. There also are provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws that may be used to delay or block a takeover attempt, including a provision that prohibits any person from voting more than 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Furthermore, shares of restricted stock and stock options that we may grant to employees and directors, stock ownership by our management and directors, shares held by the employee stock ownership plan and other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of Blue Foundry Bancorp without the consent of our Board of Directors. Taken as a whole, these statutory provisions and provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could result in our being less attractive to a potential acquirer and thus could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

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Our New York State multifamily loan portfolio could be adversely impacted by changes in legislation or regulation.

Multifamily loans generally involve a greater risk than residential real estate loans because of legislation and government regulations involving rent control and rent stabilization, which are outside the control of the borrower or the Bank. This could impair the value of the collateral securing the loan or the future cash flow of such properties. For example in 2019, New York State passed the Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act, impacting one million rent-regulated apartment units. The Legislation, limited rent increases from material capital improvements, eliminated the ability for apartments to exit rent regulation, did away with vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation and repealed the 20% vacancy bonus. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has approximately $109 million, or 7.4% of total loans, in New York multifamily loans that have some form of rent stabilization or rent control. Of these loans, only 18% and 13% reprice or mature in 2024 and 2025, respectively, with the remainder maturing or repricing in 2026 through 2030.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

Risk Management and Strategy

Our risk management program is designed to identify, assess and mitigate risks across various aspects of our company, including financial, operational, regulatory, reputational and legal. Cybersecurity is a critical component of this program, given the increasing reliance on technology and potential of cyber threats. Our Chief Information Security Officer is primarily responsible for this cyber security component and is a key member of the risk management organization, reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer.

Our objective for managing cybersecurity risk is to avoid or minimize the impacts of external threat events or other efforts to penetrate, disrupt or misuse our systems or information. The structure of our information security program is designed around the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework, regulatory guidance and other industry standards. In addition, we leverage certain industry and government associations, third-party benchmarking, audits and threat intelligence feeds to facilitate and promote program effectiveness. Our Chief Information Security Officer and our Chief Technology Officer, who reports directly to our President and Chief Executive Officer, along with key members of their teams, regularly collaborate with peer banks, industry groups and policymakers to discuss cybersecurity trends and issues and identify best practices. The information security program is periodically reviewed by such personnel with the goal of addressing changing threats and conditions.

We employ an in-depth, layered, defensive strategy that embraces a “trust by design” philosophy when designing and/or implementing new products, services and technology. We leverage people, processes and technology as part of our efforts to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We also employ a variety of preventative and detection tools designed to monitor, block and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on suspected advanced persistent threats. We have established processes and systems designed to mitigate cyber risk, including regular and on-going education and training for employees, preparedness simulations and tabletop exercises and recovery and resilience tests. We engage in regular assessments of our infrastructure, software systems and network architecture, using internal cybersecurity risks, associated with external service providers and our supply chain. We also actively monitor our email gateways for malicious phishing email campaigns and monitor remote connections as a significant portion of our workforce has the option to work remotely. We leverage internal and external auditors and independent external partners to periodically review our processes, systems and controls, including with respect to our information security program, to assess their design and operating effectiveness and make recommendations to strengthen our risk management program.

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We maintain a Cyber Incident Response Procedure that provides a documented framework for responding to actual and potential cybersecurity incidents, including timely notification of and escalation to the appropriate Board-approved management committees and to the Enterprise Risk Committee of our Board of Directors. The Cyber Incident Response Procedure is coordinated through the Chief Information Security Officer and key members of management are embedded into the Plan by its design. The Cyber Incident Response Procedure facilitates coordination across multiple parts of our organization and is evaluated at least annually.

Notwithstanding our defensive measures and processes, the threat posed by cyber-attacks is severe. Our internal systems, processes and controls are designed to mitigate loss from cyber-attacks and, while we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, to date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our company. For further discussion of risks from cybersecurity threats, see the section captioned “Cyber-attacks or other security breaches could adversely affect our operations, net income or reputation” in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Cybersecurity Governance

Management Committee Oversight

The Company has established an Information Risk Management Subcommittee, chaired by the Chief Information Security Officer and supported by leaders from departments across the Company. The Cybersecurity function is provided by qualified financial service technology professionals, with extensive certifications and/or advanced degrees in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity knowledge is expanded across all areas of Information Technology and is foundational in the approach from planning to execution. The subcommittee focuses on strategic and tactical delivery, policy oversight, and the assessment and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats. Policies are also shared with the Enterprise Risk Management Committee to provide an additional second line review in alignment with Enterprise Risk functions. All Information Security activity is lead by the Chief Information Security Officer, which includes developing and implementing the information security program and reporting cyber security matters to the Board. The Chief Information Security Officer has many years of experience leading cybersecurity governance and operations in financial services, supported by staff cybersecurity specialists. Management provides cybersecurity statistics and details to the Board quarterly.

Board Committee Oversight

The Company’s Board Enterprise Risk Committee provides oversight of the cyber program. The Committee consists of Board members, chaired by an independent director. Committee members have extensive experience in various disciplines including risk management, communications, litigation, banking and transactional matters, and regulatory compliance. The Board Committee receives regular reports informing on the effectiveness of the overall cybersecurity program and the detection, response, and recovery from significant cyber incidents. Cybersecurity metrics are reported quarterly to the Committee and Key Risk Indicators are reported.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank conducted business through 20 full-service branch offices, located in northern New Jersey and the Company’s administrative offices located at 7 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey. The Company’s principal executive office is located at 19 Park Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey.

We own five properties and lease 16 properties at December 31, 2023. The aggregate net book value of premises and equipment was $32.5 million at December 31, 2023.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Periodically, we are involved in claims and lawsuits, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. At December 31, 2023, we were not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “BLFY.” Trading in the Company’s common stock commenced on July 16, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1,308 stockholders of record. Certain shares of Blue Foundry Bancorp are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number.

The Company has not declared any dividends to holders of its common stock and we do not currently anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in the near future. Our Board of Directors has the authority to declare dividends on our shares of common stock, and may determine to pay dividends in the future, subject to financial condition, results of operations, tax considerations, industry standards, economic conditions, statutory and regulatory requirements that affect the payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company, and other relevant factors. No assurances can be given that any cash dividends will be paid or that, if paid, will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table reports information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and the stock repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price paid Per Share	As part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Yet to be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
October	148,810	$7.87	148,810	947,399
November	283,300	8.37	283,300	664,099
December	225,052	9.71	225,052	439,047
Total	657,162	$8.72	657,162

(1) On April 19, 2023, the Company adopted its second program to repurchase up to 1,335,126 shares, or 5%, of its outstanding common stock. On August 16, 2023, the Company adopted its third repurchase program, which authorized the purchase of 5%, or 1,268,382 shares, of its outstanding common stock commencing upon the completion of the Company’s second stock repurchase program on August 17, 2023. The third repurchase program has no expiration date.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This section is intended to assist in the understanding of the financial performance of the Company and its subsidiary through a discussion of our financial condition as of December 31, 2023, and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. This section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements that appear at the end of this report.

Business Strategy

The Company’s goal is to position ourselves to prosper in an evolving financial services landscape and enhance our position as one of the leading community banking institutions in our market. We intend to continue to provide a broad array of banking and other financial services to retail, commercial and small business customers while growing our presence in our markets and expanding our franchise. In recent years, we have focused on, and invested heavily in, our technology and infrastructure to improve our delivery channels and create competitive products and services, a strong workforce and an enhanced awareness of our banking brand in our market area.

As a result, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities available in our market by focusing on the following core strategies.

Grow funding sources with an emphasis on core deposits to improve cost and mix and improve our Loan/Deposit ratio. The Company’s core banking strategy is to target small and medium-sized businesses and to continue the transition to relationship driven business and retail customers to grow the deposit base. The focus on small and medium-sized businesses will seek to attract and develop customers whose businesses are growing. As these customers grow, they can become full-service relationships that provide both lower-cost core deposits and lending opportunities. Blue Foundry’s market area has many small and medium-sized business opportunities to attract, onboard and leverage. Opportunities also exist to gain the banking relationships of business owners, as well as their employees. While we have continued to maintain and deepen relationships with many of the commercial customers onboarded during PPP, we have also broadened the business customer offerings and have a full suite of cash management products for businesses. We anticipate steadily increasing deposit accounts each year. Critical to succeeding will be the ability to leverage technology, utilize management information, assign responsibility and accountability and develop a steady stream of referral opportunities to build quality relationships.

Grow and further diversify the loan portfolio. The Company’s overall strategy for loan growth and revenue generation will primarily be driven by further diversification into commercial lending, particularly CRE and C&I lending. Our market area includes a sizable number of small to medium-sized businesses, which are potentially full-service relationships that can provide both core deposits and lending opportunities. We intend to pursue these commercial relationships through the lending, retail branch and the retail business development personnel that we have recruited and continue to recruit, who have the experience and relationships necessary to build relationships with the privately-owned businesses managed and/or operating within the market and those located in areas targeted for expansion. We look to partner with our customers in their journey to build their businesses. We believe pursuing this strategy will allow us to both grow and diversify our business mix while providing us with the best opportunities to drive strong financial returns. Further, our investment in technology is intended to facilitate the delivery of consumer and business solutions without the need for traditional sales channels.

Improve operating leverage and efficiency. The Company seeks to achieve meaningful balance sheet growth to absorb narrowing margins and operating costs. Improving operating leverage and efficiency will assist in increasing revenue and managing operating expenses to reach necessary and expected performance targets.

We will continue to reduce redundant tasks and streamline workflows to provide a consistently better customer experience. Management will continue to foster a culture of continuous improvement where each employee is empowered to find ways to make every process more efficient and effective in their daily routines. Benefits include increased employee engagement, customer satisfaction and loyalty and greater efficiency and productivity. As the Bank grows, processes must continue to be scaled, allowing for growth, as well as addition of incremental capabilities without requiring similar growth in infrastructure or staffing.

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Leveraging technology to enable revenue growth will continue to be a strategic focus. The Bank will continue to explore and evaluate technology offerings from FinTechs to identify partnering opportunities to enhance systems, infrastructure, processes, and/or organizational structure to improve delivery channels or ensure regulatory compliance. The Company recognizes that technology must be nimble and quick, and touch-points must be customer friendly. The Bank also wants to ensure that all system options and capabilities are utilized to more efficiently and effectively make better use of all resources.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain of our accounting policies are important to the presentation of our financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances. Facts and circumstances that could affect these judgments include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy and changes in the financial condition of borrowers. The Company has identified the allowance for credit losses on loans and income taxes to be a critical accounting policy. These accounting policies and our significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

General. The Company recorded a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $7.4 million compared to net income of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was largely driven by a decrease of $9.9 million in net interest income.

Interest Income. Interest income increased $16.7 million, or 26.7%, to $79.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $62.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to an increase in market rates with interest income from loans and securities increasing $13.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The average balance of loans increased $162.1 million, while the average balances of cash and securities decreased $42.5 million and $25.4 million, respectively. Average balances of loans for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the 2022 period increased due to growth in the multifamily and non-residential mortgage portfolios.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $26.6 million, or 251.8%, to $37.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense was driven by increases of $18.4 million and $8.2 million in interest expense on deposits and borrowings, respectively due to an increase in rates paid. The average balance of FHLB advances increased $160.7 million offset by a small decrease in the average balance of interest bearing deposits of $1.9 million. Balances shifted from interest-bearing core deposits (checking, savings and money market accounts) to higher-cost time deposits with average interest-bearing core deposits declining by $90.3 million and average time deposits increasing $88.4 million.

Net Interest Income and Margin. For the year ended December 31, 2023 net interest income was $41.9 million, a decrease of $9.9 million or 19.1%, compared to $51.8 million for same period in 2022.

Net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 64 basis points to 2.09% from 2.73% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 66 basis points to 3.94% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 3.28% for the year ended December 31, 2022, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 158 basis points to 2.30% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 0.72% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The total cost of deposits increased 148 basis points and the total cost of funds increased 156 basis points.

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Provision for Credit Losses. Provisions for credit losses are charged to operations to establish an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the incurred loss model for loans and other financial assets with an expected loss model and is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans receivable and held-to maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance-sheet credit exposures (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees and other similar instruments) and net investments in certain leases recognized by a lessor. Prior year disclosures have not been restated.

The Company recorded a net release of provision for credit losses of $441 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a release of provision for loan losses of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The net release of provision in 2023 consisted of a $146 thousand provision on loans, a release of provision of $575 thousand for commitments and letters of credit and a release of $12 thousand on held-to-maturity securities. During 2023, credit quality improved with reductions in delinquent and non-performing loan balances of $2.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, coupled with limited growth in the loan portfolio.

Non-interest Income. The Company recorded non-interest income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $859 thousand, or 32.2%, from $2.7 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022. The reduction was primarily due to a decrease in prepayment fees of $748 thousand as the increase in market rates slowed prepayments on loans. In addition, the Company discontinued charging overdraft fees in the fourth quarter of 2022 resulting in no overdraft fees for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to overdraft fees totaling $242 thousand for the same period in 2022. The Company began selling SBA loans during 2023, resulting in gains on sales of loans totaling $231 thousand.

Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense totaled $51.6 million and $52.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decrease of $1.2 million or 2.3%. Excluding the provision for commitments and letters of credit, which prior to January 1, 2023 was recorded in non-interest expense, non-interest expense decreased $1.5 million. The decrease was primarily driven by decreases in professional fees and advertising expenses of $1.1 million and $707 thousand, respectively, partially offset by increases of $725 thousand in occupancy and equipment expense, $365 thousand in data processing and $418 thousand in FDIC assessment. Occupancy and equipment expense increased as a result of additional branches and branch renovations. In addition, compensation and benefits costs declined by $808 thousand to $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, due to lower cash incentive expense offset in part by costs associated with equity grants made under the shareholder-approved equity incentive plan.

Income Tax Expense. The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2023, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $24.1 million. The Company did not record a tax benefit for the loss incurred during 2023 because a full valuation allowance was required on its deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 12.4% and was the result of the taxable income produced during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by the ability to utilize a portion of the net operating losses that were fully reserved.

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Analysis of Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates of interest earned on such assets and paid on such liabilities.

Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Average balances have been calculated using daily balances. Non-accrual loans are included in average balances only. Loan origination fees are included in interest income on loans and are not material.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2023						2022
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Loans (1)	$	1,569,590	$	65,685	4.18	%	$	1,407,502	$	52,279	3.71	%
Mortgage-backed securities	172,405		3,693		2.14	%	190,540		3,934		2.06	%
Other investment securities	195,754		6,010		3.07	%	203,002		4,820		2.37	%
FHLB stock	21,249		1,582		7.45	%	12,629		587		4.65	%
Cash and cash equivalents	46,245		2,135		4.62	%	88,703		793		0.89	%
Total interest earning assets	2,005,243		79,105		3.94	%	1,902,376		62,413		3.28	%
Non-interest earning assets	56,297						64,786
Total assets	$	2,061,540					$	1,967,162
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
NOW, savings, and money market deposits	$	722,149	8,339		1.15	%	$	812,473	2,959		0.36	%
Time deposits	501,124		15,777		3.15	%	412,734		2,779		0.67	%
Interest bearing deposits	1,223,273		24,116		1.97	%	1,225,207		5,738		0.47	%
FHLB advances	396,265		13,070		3.30	%	235,589		4,832		2.05	%
Total interest bearing liabilities	1,619,538		37,186		2.30	%	1,460,796		10,570		0.72	%
Non-interest bearing deposits	25,227						44,029
Non-interest bearing other	43,868						47,707
Total liabilities	1,688,633						1,552,532
Total shareholders' equity	372,907						414,630
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,061,540					$	1,967,162
Net interest income			$	41,919					$	51,843
Net interest rate spread (2)					1.64	%					2.56	%
Net interest margin (3)					2.09	%					2.73	%

(1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and includes non-accrual loans.

(2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

48

Rate/Volume Table

The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. Changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume. There were no out-of-period items or adjustments excluded from this table.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2023 vs. 2022
	Increase (Decrease) Due to
	Volume		Rate		Net
	(In thousands)
Interest income:
Loans	$	6,029	$	7,377	$	13,406
Mortgage-backed securities	(379)		138		(241)
Other investment securities	(180)		1,370		1,190
FHLB stock	400		595		995
Cash and cash equivalents	(383)		1,725		1,342
Total interest-earning assets	$	5,487	$	11,205	$	16,692
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	245	$	18,133	$	18,378
FHLB advances	3,285		4,953		8,238
Total interest-bearing liabilities	3,530		23,086		26,616
Net increase in net interest income	$	1,957	$	(11,881)	$	(9,924)

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022

Total Assets. Total assets increased $1.6 million to $2.04 billion at December 31, 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents increased $4.8 million, or 11.8%, to $46.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $41.2 million at December 31, 2022.

Securities Available-For-Sale. Securities available-for-sale decreased $30.5 million, or 9.7%, to $283.8 million at December 31, 2023 from $314.2 million at December 31, 2022 due to amortization, maturities, calls and sales during the year. In addition, the unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities increased by $5.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold $9.1 million of available-for-sale securities.

Securities Held-To-Maturity. Securities held-to-maturity totaled $33.3 million at December 31, 2023 decreasing $451 thousand from $33.7 million at December 31, 2022, primarily due to amortization.

Other investments. Other investments increased $4.3 million, or 26.6%, to $20.3 million at December 31, 2023 from $16.1 million at December 31, 2022. The increase was related to the purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock made in conjunction with borrowings in 2023.

Gross Loans. Gross loans held for investment increased $15.6 million, or 1.01%, to $1.56 billion at December 31, 2023 from $1.55 billion at December 31, 2022. Construction loans increased $42.6 million, non-residential loans increased $16.4 million and commercial and industrial loans increased $7.1 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in the residential and multifamily loan portfolios of $46.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively. Originations totaled $119.6 million during 2023, including originations of $35.6 million in construction loans, $27.4 million in non-residential real estate loans, and $17.3 million in multifamily loans.

49

The following table presents loans allocated by loan category:

	December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	550,929	$	594,521
Multifamily	682,564		690,278
Non-residential	232,505		216,394
Construction	60,414		17,990
Junior liens	22,503		18,477