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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation - The financial statements of Arrow and its wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated and all material inter-company transactions have been eliminated.  In the “Parent Company Only” financial statements in Note 21, the investment in wholly owned subsidiaries is carried under the equity method of accounting.  When necessary, prior years’ Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current-year financial statement presentation.
Arrow determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity under GAAP. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. Arrow consolidates voting interest entities in which it has all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, variable interest entities (VIE) are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when Arrow has both the power and ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Arrow's wholly owned subsidiaries Arrow Capital Statutory Trust II and Arrow Capital Statutory Trust III are VIEs for which Arrow is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are not included in Arrow's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting - The majority of Arrow's revenue is from the business of community banking. Accordingly, all of it's operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. See Note 22 for further discussion on segment reporting.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include the following items:  cash at branches, due from bank balances, cash items in the process of collection, interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds sold.
Securities
Securities - Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase.  Securities reported as held-to-maturity are those debt securities which Arrow has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are stated
at amortized cost.  Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of taxes. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in income. Arrow performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether investments are impaired.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses – Held to Maturity (HTM) Debt Securities - Arrow's HTM debt securities are also required to utilize the CECL approach to estimate expected credit losses. Management measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security types that share similar risk characteristics, such as financial asset type and collateral type adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the HTM portfolio into the following major security types: U.S. government agency or U.S. government sponsored mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations securities, and state and municipal debt securities.
Arrow's HTM debt securities are comprised of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) or state and municipal obligations. GSE securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss. Therefore, Arrow did not record a credit loss for these securities.
State and municipal bonds carry a rating from an accredited ratings agency, primarily with an investment grade rating. In addition, Arrow has a limited amount of New York state local municipal bonds that are not rated. The estimate of expected credit losses on the HTM portfolio is based on the expected cash flows of each individual CUSIP over its contractual life and utilized a municipal loss forecast model for determining PD and LGD rates. Management may exercise discretion to make adjustments based on environmental factors. A calculated expected credit loss for individual securities was determined using the PD and LGD rates. Arrow determined that the expected credit loss on its municipal bond portfolio was de minimis, and therefore, an allowance for credit losses was not recorded.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Available for Sale (AFS) Debt Securities - Arrow's AFS debt securities are comprised of U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government & Agency Obligations, State and Municipal Obligations, Mortgage-Backed Securities and Corporate and Other Debt Securities. The impairment model for AFS debt securities differs from the CECL approach utilized by HTM debt securities since AFS debt securities are measured at fair value rather than amortized cost. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, Arrow first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, in making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, failure of the issuer of the debt security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The cash flows are estimated using information relevant to the collectability of the security, including information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Investments in Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") and Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock are required for membership in those organizations and are carried at cost since there is no market value available. The FHLB New York ("FHLBNY") continues to pay dividends and repurchase stock. As such, the Company has not recognized any impairment on its holdings of FRB and FHLB stock.

Loans - Loans are reported at their principal outstanding balance, net of deferred fees and costs, and unearned income. Arrow has the intent and ability to hold to maturity. Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to income based upon the principal amount outstanding.  Loan fees and costs directly associated with loan originations are deferred and amortized/accreted as an adjustment to yield over the lives of the loans originated.
From time-to-time, Arrow Bank has sold (most with servicing retained) residential real estate loans at or shortly after origination. Any gain or loss on the sale of loans, along with the value of the servicing right, is recognized at the time of sale as the difference between the recorded basis in the loan and net proceeds from the sale.  Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis.
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status either due to delinquency of principal and/or interest or a judgment by management that the full repayment of principal and interest is unlikely. Unless already placed on nonaccrual status, loans secured by home equity lines of credit are put on nonaccrual status when 120 days past due; residential real estate loans when 150 days past due; commercial and commercial real estate loans are evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis and are placed on nonaccrual status when 90 days past due if the full collection of principal and interest is uncertain; all other loans are to be moved to nonaccrual status upon the earliest occurrence of repossession, bankruptcy, delinquency of 90 days or more unless the loan is secured and in the process of collection with no loss anticipated or when full collection of principal and interest is in doubt.
The balance of any accrued interest deemed uncollectible at the date the loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed, generally against interest income.  A loan is returned to accrual status at the later of the date when the past due status of the loan falls below the threshold for nonaccrual status or management deems that it is likely that the borrower will repay all interest
and principal.  For payments received while the loan is on nonaccrual status, Arrow Bank may recognize interest income on a cash basis if the repayment of the remaining principal and accrued interest is deemed likely.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans - Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL) approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of a loan (or pool of loans). The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net lifetime amount expected to be collected on the loans. Credit losses are charged off against the allowance when management believes a loan balance to be uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.
Management estimates the allowance using relevant available information from internal and external sources related to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable single economic forecast. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Arrow's historical loss experience is supplemented with peer information when there is insufficient loss data for Arrow. Peer selection is based on a review of institutions with comparable loss experience as well as loan yield, bank size, portfolio concentration and geography. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in credit concentrations, delinquency level, collateral values and underwriting standards as well as changes in economic conditions or other relevant factors. Management judgment is required at each point in the measurement process.
Portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Management developed portfolio segments for estimating loss based on type of borrower and collateral as follows:

Commercial Loans
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
Residential Loans

Further details related to loan portfolio segments is included in Note 5 Loans.
Arrow utilized regression analyses of peer data where observed credit losses and selected economic factors were utilized to determine suitable loss drivers for modeling lifetime probability of default (PD) rates. Arrow uses the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to estimate expected credit losses for the commercial, commercial real estate, and residential segments. For each of these loan segments, Arrow generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, PD, and segment-specific loss given default (LGD) risk factors. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical internal data and adjusted, if necessary, based on the reasonable and supportable forecast of economic conditions.
For the loan segments utilizing the DCF method, (commercial, commercial real estate, and residential) management utilizes externally developed economic forecast of the following economic factors as loss drivers: national unemployment, gross domestic product and Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index (HPI). The economic forecast is applied over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Arrow utilizes a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with an eight quarter reversion to the historic mean on a straight-line basis.
The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level. Instrument effective yield is calculated, net of the impacts of prepayment assumptions, and the instrument expected cash flows are then discounted at that effective yield to produce an instrument-level net present value of expected cash flows (NPV). An allowance for credit loss is established for the difference between the instrument’s NPV and amortized cost basis.
Arrow uses the vintage analysis method to estimate expected credit losses for the consumer loan segment. The vintage method was selected since the loans within the consumer loan segment are homogeneous, not just by risk characteristic, but by loan structure. Under the vintage analysis method, a loss rate is calculated based on the quarterly net charge-offs to the outstanding loan balance for each vintage year over the lookback period. Once this periodic loss rate is calculated for each quarter in the lookback period, the periodic rates are averaged into the loss rate. The loss rate is then applied to the outstanding loan balances based on the loan's vintage year. Arrow maintains, over the life of the loan, the loss curve by vintage year. If estimated losses computed by the vintage method need to be adjusted based on current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, these adjustments would be incorporated over a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period, reverting to historical losses using a straight-line method over an eight quarter period.
The vintage and DCF models also consider the need to qualitatively adjust expected loss estimates for information not already captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Qualitative considerations include limitations inherent in the quantitative model; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; changes in value of underlying collateral; changes in lending policies and procedures; nature and composition of loans; portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experience across one or more components or the portfolio; the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff; Arrow's credit review system; and the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements. These qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease Arrow's estimate of expected credit losses so that the allowance for credit loss is reflective of the estimate of lifetime losses that exist in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.
All loans that exceed $250,000 which are on nonaccrual, are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent financial assets where Arrow has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and Arrow expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the sale of the
collateral, Arrow has elected to measure the allowance for credit loss as the difference between the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. In the event the repayment of a collateral dependent financial asset is expected to be provided substantially through the operation of the collateral, Arrow will use fair value of the collateral at the reporting date when recording the net carrying amount of the asset and determining the allowance for credit losses. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The allowance for credit losses may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset.
As part of ASU No. 2022-02, Arrow evaluates whether a modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan, consistent with the current GAAP treatment for other loan modifications. In addition, Arrow evaluates and if necessary, discloses if loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty contain a financial concession.

Estimated Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures Recognized as Other Liabilities - Arrow estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which Arrow has exposure to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by Arrow. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures recognized in other liabilities, is adjusted as an expense in other non-interest expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. Estimating credit losses on unfunded commitments requires Arrow to consider the following categories of off-balance sheet credit exposure: unfunded commitments to extend credit, unfunded lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Each of these unfunded commitments is then analyzed for a probability of funding to calculate a probable funding amount. The life of loan loss factor by related portfolio segment from the loan allowance for credit loss calculation is then applied to the probable funding amount to calculate the estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures recognized as other liabilities.

Accrued Interest Receivable - Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2021, Arrow made the following elections regarding accrued interest receivable: (1) presented accrued interest receivable balances separately within the other assets balance sheet line item; (2) excluded interest receivable that is included in amortized cost of financing receivables from related disclosures requirements and (3) continued Arrow's policy to write off accrued interest receivable by reversing interest income. Historically, Arrow has not experienced uncollectible accrued interest receivable on investment securities.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) - For Arrow, comprehensive income (loss) represents net income plus unrealized net securities holding gains or losses arising during the year (net of taxes), the reclassification adjustment for net securities gains and losses arising during the year (net of taxes), net unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedge agreements, reclassification of net unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedge agreements to interest expense (net of taxes), net retirement plan gain or loss (net of taxes), net retirement plan prior service cost (net of taxes), amortization of net retirement plan actuarial gain or loss (net of taxes) and amortization of net retirement plan prior service credit or cost (net of taxes) and is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes the aforementioned items as well as amortization of net retirement plan prior service credit or cost (net of taxes) in the Company’s defined-benefit retirement and pension plan, supplemental employee retirement plan, and post-retirement life and healthcare benefit plan.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition - The following is a description of principal activities from which Arrow generates its revenue from noninterest income sources.
Income from Fiduciary Activities: represents revenue derived mainly through the management of client investments which is based on the market value of the covered assets and the fee schedule contained in the applicable account management agreement. Since the revenue is mainly based on the market value of assets, this amount can be volatile as financial markets increase and decrease based on various economic factors. The terms of the account management agreements generally specify that the performance obligations are completed each quarter. Accordingly, the Company mainly recognizes revenue from fiduciary activities on a quarterly basis.
Fees for Other Services to Customers: represents general service fees for monthly deposit account maintenance and account activity plus fees from other deposit-based services. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is generally on a monthly basis for account maintenance services, or upon the completion of a deposit-related transaction. Payment for these performance obligations is generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied.
Insurance Commissions: represents commissions and fees paid by insurance carriers for both property and casualty insurance policies, and for services performed for employment benefits clients. Revenue from the property and casualty insurance business is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied, which is generally the effective date of the bound coverage since there are no significant performance obligations remaining. Revenue from the employment benefit brokerage business is recognized when the benefit servicing performance obligations are satisfied, generally on a monthly basis.
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets - Real estate acquired by foreclosure and assets acquired by repossession are recorded at the fair value of the property less estimated costs to sell at the time of repossession.  Subsequent declines in fair value, after transfer to other real estate owned and repossessed assets are recognized through a valuation allowance. Such declines in fair value along with related operating expenses to administer such properties or assets are charged directly to operating expense.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization included in operating expenses are computed largely on the straight-line method. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets (in most instances the useful lifes are approximately: buildings and improvements 20-40 years; furniture and equipment 7-10 years; data processing equipment 5-7 years) and, in the case of leasehold improvements, amortization is computed over the terms of the respective leases or their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.  Gains or losses on disposition are reflected in earnings.
Leases Leases - Arrow recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months, and has elected not to separate lease and non-lease components, but accounts for the resulting combined component as a single lease component. Arrow also elected to account for short-term leases, those leases with a "lease term" of twelve months or less, as an operating lease. Since Arrow has not been able to determine the rate implicit in its leases, the secured borrowing rate from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is utilized to determine the lease discount rate. The expected expiration date of each new lease is determined on a lease-by-lease basis based on certain criteria, such as the availability of renewal options in the lease contracts, the amount of leasehold improvements required in addition to the feasibility of growth potential.
Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships
Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships - These limited partnerships acquire, develop and operate low and moderate-income housing. As a limited partner in these projects, Arrow receives low income housing tax credits and tax deductions for losses incurred by the underlying properties. The proportional amortization method allowed in Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects" is applied. The proportional amortization method permits an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of the tax credits and other tax benefits received and to recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. Neither the proportional amortization or the related investment are significant to the balance sheet or results of operations.
Investments in Historical Tax Credits
Investments in Historical Tax Credits - Arrow accounts for historic rehabilitation tax credits using the deferral method of accounting under which the tax benefit generated from an investment tax credit is recorded as a reduction to the GAAP asset basis. Accordingly, Arrow recognized a current tax receivable and a deferred tax asset and corresponding reduction in the basis of Arrow's historic tax credit investment.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-Owned Life Insurance - Arrow has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees, key executives and directors. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Arrow enters into the following types of derivative and hedging transactions:
Back to back interest rate swap agreements that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. As the interest rate swap agreements have substantially equivalent and offsetting terms, they do not present any material exposure to Arrow's consolidated statements of income. Arrow records its interest rate swap agreements at fair value and is presented on a gross basis within other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities arising from these derivatives are included, net, in other income in the consolidated statement of income.
Pay-fixed portfolio layer method fair value swaps, designated as hedging instruments. Arrow is designating the fair value swaps under the portfolio layer method ("PLM"). Under PLM, the hedged items are designated as hedged layers of a closed portfolio of financial loans that are anticipated to remain outstanding for the designated hedged period. Adjustments will be made to record the swaps at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in interest income. The carrying value of the fair value swaps on the Consolidated Balance Sheets will also be adjusted through interest income, based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in the hedged risk.
Interest rate swaps to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to the variability of the future cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rates of CDs or borrowings and to synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments in outstanding subordinated trust securities. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedge transaction affects earnings.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes - Arrow accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.  Arrow’s policy is that deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are capitalized and amortized.  Any remaining unidentifiable intangible asset is classified as goodwill, for which amortization is not required but which must be evaluated for impairment.  Arrow tests for impairment of goodwill on an annual basis, or when events and circumstances indicate potential impairment.  In evaluating goodwill for impairment, Arrow first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The carrying amounts of other recognized intangible assets that meet recognition criteria and for which separate accounting records have been maintained (mortgage servicing rights and customer intangibles), have been included in the consolidated balance sheet as “Other Intangible Assets, Net.”
Arrow has sold residential real estate loans, primarily to Freddie Mac, with servicing retained.   Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as an asset when loans are sold with servicing retained, by allocating the cost of an originated mortgage loan between the loan and servicing right based on estimated relative fair values.  The cost allocated to the servicing right is capitalized as a separate asset and amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment by comparing the asset’s carrying value to its current estimated fair value.  Fair values are estimated using a discounted cash flow approach, which considers future servicing income and costs, current market interest rates, and anticipated prepayment, and default rates.  Impairment losses are recognized through a valuation allowance for servicing rights having a current fair value that is less than amortized cost on an aggregate basis.  Adjustments to increase or decrease the valuation allowance are charged or credited to income as a component of other operating income.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Arrow maintains a non-contributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, a supplemental pension plan covering certain executive officers selected by the Board of Directors, and certain post-retirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits for certain employees and retirees which are more fully described in Note 13, Retirement Benefit Plans.  The costs of these plans, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits for employees, are charged to current operating expenses. The cost of post-retirement benefits other than pensions is recognized on an accrual basis as employees perform services to earn the benefits.  Arrow recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of our single employer defined benefit pension plan as an asset or liability on its consolidated balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred. 
Prior service costs or credits are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants.  Gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the fair value of assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of active participants.  
The discount rate assumption is determined by preparing an analysis of the respective plan’s expected future cash flows and high-quality fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefits.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Arrow has three stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 12, Stock Based Compensation.  The Company expenses the grant date fair value of stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock granted.  For stock options and restricted stock units, the expense is recognized over the vesting period of the grant, typically four years for stock options, three years for restricted stock units, and three or four years for restricted stock, on a straight-line basis. Shares are generally issued from treasury for the exercise of stock options.
In October 2023, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the new qualified 2023 ESPP, which became effective as of January 1, 2024 and was approved by our shareholders at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders. The Plan is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the new qualified 2023 ESPP, the amount of the discount is 10%. Arrow's previously sponsored ESPP allowed employees to purchase Arrow's common stock at a 5% discount below market price. Under current accounting guidance, a stock purchase plan with a discount of 5% or less is not considered a compensatory plan.
Arrow maintains an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”).  Substantially all employees of Arrow and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate upon satisfaction of applicable service requirements.  The ESOP has the ability to borrow funds from Arrow Bank to purchase outstanding shares of Arrow’s common stock.   At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no loans outstanding and no unallocated shares. Arrow may, in its sole discretion, make additional cash contributions to the Plan each year on behalf of the participants.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - In securities repurchase agreements, Arrow receives cash from a counterparty in exchange for the transfer of securities to a third party custodian’s account that explicitly recognizes Arrow’s interest in the securities.  These agreements are accounted for by Arrow as secured financing transactions, since it maintains effective control over the transferred securities, and meets other criteria for such accounting.  Accordingly, the cash proceeds are recorded as borrowed funds, and the underlying securities continue to be carried in Arrow’s securities available-for-sale portfolio.
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) - Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as Arrow’s stock options),
computed using the treasury stock method.  Unallocated common shares held by Arrow’s ESOP are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for either the basic or diluted EPS calculation.
Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments - Arrow is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit include home equity lines of credit, commitments for residential and commercial construction loans and other personal and commercial lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the involvement Arrow has in particular classes of financial instruments. Arrow's policy is to record such instruments when funded.  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time Arrow's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of Arrow's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  For example, Arrow has a wealth management department that contributes net fee income annually.  The value of the wealth management department customer relationships is not considered a financial instrument of the Company, and therefore this value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred taxes, premises and equipment, the value of low-cost, long-term core deposits and goodwill.  In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
The fair value for loans is disclosed using the "exit price" notion which is a reasonable estimate of what another party might pay in an orderly transaction. Fair values for loans are calculated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage, indirect auto and other consumer loans.  Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable interest rate terms and by performing and nonperforming categories.  The fair value of performing loans is calculated by determining the estimated future cash flow, which is the contractual cash flow adjusted for estimated prepayments. The discount rate is determined by starting with current market yields, and adjusting for a discount spread. The discount spread is applied separately for each loan type based on market information. A liquidity premium is determined for each loan type based on market inefficiencies associated with the sale of a financial instrument. Finally, a credit loss component is determined utilizing the credit loss assumptions used in the allowance for credit loss model.
The carrying amount of short-term assets and liabilities is a reasonable estimate of fair value: cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, demand deposits, savings, N.O.W. and money market deposits, brokered money market deposits, other short-term borrowings, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable.  The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates are estimated using the FHLBNY yield curve, which is considered representative of Arrow’s time deposit rates. The fair value estimates of other on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments, as well as the method of arriving at fair value estimates, are included in the related footnotes and summarized in Note 17, Fair Values.  

Fair Value Measures - Arrow determines the fair value of financial instruments under the following hierarchy:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).  
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Management's Use of Estimates
Management’s Use of Estimates -The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Our most significant estimates are the allowance for credit losses, the evaluation of impairment of investment securities, goodwill impairment, pension and other postretirement liabilities and an analysis of a need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term is the allowance for credit losses. In connection with the determination of the allowance for credit losses, management obtains appraisals for properties.  The allowance for credit losses is management’s best estimate of expected credit losses as of the balance sheet date.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future adjustments to the allowance for credit losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.
Accounting Standards
The following accounting standard was adopted by Arrow in 2024.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses.. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 in its 2024 fiscal year Form 10-K. See Note 22 for further discussion on segment reporting.

The following accounting standard has been issued and becomes effective for Arrow at a future date.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 requires additional disclosures related to rate reconciliation, income taxes paid, and other disclosures. Under ASU 2023-09, for each annual periods presented, public entities are required to (1) disclose specific categories in the tabular rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, ASU 2023-09 requires all reporting entities to disclose on an annual basis the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes as well as the amount of income taxes paid by individual jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and can be applied on a prospective basis with an option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of financial instruments is determined under the following hierarchy:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and,
Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

U.S. Treasuries purchased in the fourth quarter of 2023, previously reported as Level 2, have been reclassified as Level 1 securities based on the availability of quoted prices in active markets and certain local municipal obligations previously reported as Level 2 have been reclassified as Level 3 based on the lack of an active market. These reclassification had no impact to the total fair value.

Fair Value Methodology for Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The fair value of Level 1 AFS securities are based on unadjusted, quoted market prices from exchanges in active markets. The fair value of Level 2 AFS securities are based on an independent bond and equity pricing service for identical assets or significantly similar securities and an independent equity pricing service for equity securities not actively traded.  The pricing services use a variety of techniques to arrive at fair value including market maker bids, quotes and pricing models.  Inputs to the pricing models include recent trades, benchmark interest rates, spreads and actual and projected cash flows. The fair value of Level 2 equities are based on the last observable price in open markets. The fair value of Level 2 equities are based on the last observable price in open markets.  The fair value of Level 2 derivatives is determined using inputs that are observable in the market place obtained from third parties including yield curves, publicly available volatilities, and floating indexes.

Fair Value Methodology for Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

The fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned was based on third-party appraisals less estimated cost to sell. The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and
estimated liquidation expenses. Other assets which might have been included in this table include mortgage servicing rights, goodwill and other intangible assets. Arrow evaluates each of these assets for impairment at least annually, with no impairment recognized for these assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Fair Value Methodology for Financial Instruments Not Measured on a Recurring or Nonrecurring Basis

The fair value for securities held-to-maturity is determined utilizing an independent bond pricing service for identical assets or significantly similar securities.  The pricing service uses a variety of techniques to arrive at fair value including market maker bids, quotes and pricing models.  Inputs to the pricing models include recent trades, benchmark interest rates, spreads and actual and projected cash flows.
Local municipal held-to-maturity securities are recorded at cost on the financial statements. That determination is due to several factors including that there is no reliable external pricing available, the vast majority of maturities are under 1-year, and each are guaranteed by their respective municipalities, who are in turn guaranteed by the State of New York.
ASU 2016-01 "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" requires that the fair value for loans must be disclosed using the "exit price" notion which is a reasonable estimate of what another party might pay in an orderly transaction. Fair values for loans are calculated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage, indirect auto and other consumer loans.  Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable interest rate terms and by performing and nonperforming categories.  The fair value of performing loans is calculated by determining the estimated future cash flow, which is the contractual cash flow adjusted for estimated prepayments. The discount rate is determined by starting with current market yields, and first adjusting for a liquidity premium. This premium is separately determined for each loan type. Then a credit loss component is determined utilizing the credit loss assumptions used in the allowance for credit loss model. Finally, a discount spread is applied separately for consumer loans vs. commercial loans based on market information and utilization of the swap curve. 
The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates are estimated using the FHLBNY yield curve, which is considered representative of Arrow’s time deposit rates.
The fair value of FHLBNY advances is calculated by the FHLBNY.
The carrying amount of FHLBNY and FRB stock approximates fair value. If the stock was redeemed, the Company will receive an amount equal to the par value of the stock.