Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

The accounting and reporting policies of Severn Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”). Events occurring after the date of the financial statements up to March 29, 2018, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, were considered in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Severn Bancorp, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc., SBI Mortgage Company and SBI Mortgage Company’s subsidiary, Crownsville Development Corporation, and its subsidiary, Crownsville Holdings I, LLC, and Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s subsidiaries, Louis Hyatt, Inc., Homeowners Title and Escrow Corporation, Severn Financial Services Corporation, SSB Realty Holdings, LLC, SSB Realty Holdings II, LLC, and HS West, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition

On September 1, 2017, we acquired Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. (the “Title Company”) by issuing common stock in a business combination. We issued 108,084 shares in the transaction valued at $775,000. We recorded $765,000 in goodwill in the transaction. The acquisition continues our growth strategy and focus on being a full-service provider and complements the mortgage services, commercial banking services, and commercial real estate services we provide. The acquisition of the Title Company has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and affect the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that could change significantly relate to the provision for loan losses and the related allowance for loan losses (“Allowance”), determination of impaired loans and the related measurement of impairment, valuation of investment securities, valuation of real estate acquired through foreclosure, valuation of share-based compensation, the assessment that a liability should be recognized with respect to any matters under litigation, and the calculation of current and deferred income taxes and the realizability of deferred tax assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. For reporting purposes, assets grouped in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition under the captions “Cash and due from banks” and “Federal funds sold and interest‑bearing deposits in other banks” are considered cash or cash equivalents. For financial statement purposes, these assets are carried at cost. Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks generally have overnight maturities and are in excess of amounts that would be recoverable under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform to current period presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income.

Certificates of Deposit Held for Investment

We periodically invest cash in certificates of deposit ("CDs") with other financial institutions. We limit the deposit in any one financial institution to $250,000, thereby allowing the CDs to be within the fully insured limits of the FDIC.

Securities

We designate securities into one of three categories at the time of purchase. Debt securities that we have the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity (“HTM”) and recorded at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities are classified as trading if bought and held principally for the purpose of sale in the near term. Trading securities are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt securities not classified as HTM and debt and equity securities not classified as trading securities are considered available for sale (“AFS”) and are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax effects, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

AFS and HTM securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. Rather, it means that the prospects for near-term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values equal to, or greater than, the carrying value of the security.

The initial indications of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) for both debt and equity securities are a decline in the market value below the amount recorded for a security and the severity and duration of the decline. In determining whether an impairment is other than temporary, we consider the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost, recent events specific to the issuer, including investment downgrades by rating agencies and economic conditions of its industry, our intent to sell the security, and if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. We also consider the cause of the price decline (general level of interest rates and industry- and issuer-specific factors), the issuer’s financial condition, near-term prospects and current ability to make future payments in a timely manner, the issuer’s ability to service debt, and any change in agencies’ ratings at evaluation date from acquisition date and any likely imminent action. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the security is segmented into credit- and noncredit-related components. Any impairment adjustment due to identified credit-related components is recorded as an adjustment to current period earnings, while noncredit-related fair value adjustments are recorded through accumulated other comprehensive loss. In situations where we intend to sell or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security, the entire OTTI loss is recognized in earnings.

Loans Held for Sale ("LHFS")

Loans Held for Sale (“LHFS”)

Mortgage loans originated for sale are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined based on outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, on current investor yield requirements or third party pricing models. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined using the specific-identification method and are recognized through mortgage-banking revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. LHFS are sold either with the mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) released or retained by the Bank.

Loans Receivable

Our loans receivable are stated at their principal balance outstanding, net of related deferred fees and costs. Residential lending is generally considered to involve less risk than other forms of lending, although payment experience on these loans is dependent to some extent on economic and market conditions in the Bank’s lending area. Multifamily residential, commercial, construction, and other loan repayments are generally dependent on the operations of the related properties or the financial condition of the borrower or guarantor. Accordingly, repayment of such loans can be more susceptible to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the regional economy. A substantial portion of the Bank’s loans receivable consists of mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate properties located in the State of Maryland. Loans are extended only after evaluation by management of customers’ creditworthiness and other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis. The Bank generally does not lend more than 80% of the appraised value of a property and requires private mortgage insurance on residential mortgages with loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios in excess of 80%. In addition, the Bank generally obtains personal guarantees of repayment from borrowers and/or others for construction, commercial, and multifamily residential loans and disburses the proceeds of construction and similar loans only as work progresses on the related projects.

Income Recognition

Income recognition

Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate based on the principal outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the contractual loan term or until the date of sale or disposition. Accrual of interest is discontinued when its receipt is in doubt, which typically occurs when a loan becomes impaired. Any interest accrued to income in the year when interest accruals are discontinued is generally reversed. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when a loan is in the process of collection and the estimated fair value of the collateral is sufficient to satisfy the principal balance and accrued interest. See additional information on nonaccrual interest and loan impairment later in this section.

Fees and costs

Origination and commitment fees and direct origination costs on loans held for investment generally are deferred and amortized to income over the contractual lives of the related loans using the interest method. Under certain circumstances, commitment fees are recognized over the commitment period or upon expiration of the commitment. Fees to extend loans three months or less are recognized in income upon receipt. Unamortized loan fees are recognized in income when the related loans are sold or prepaid.

Transfers of LHFS

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on mortgage-banking activities, any loans which are originally originated for sale into the secondary market and which we subsequently elect to transfer into the Company’s loan portfolio are valued at lower of cost or market value (“LCM”) at the time of the transfer with any decline in value recorded as a charge against mortgage-banking revenue.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans ("TDR" or "TDRs")

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans (“TDR” or “TDRs”)

We strive to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status. In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, we may grant a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered, the related now-modified loan is classified as a TDR. These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment extensions, payment forbearance, and/or other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. These loans are excluded from pooled loss forecasts and a separate reserve is provided under the accounting guidance for loan impairment. At the time that a loan is modified, we evaluate any possible impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, except when the sole remaining source of repayment for the loan is the liquidation of the collateral. In these cases, we use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows. Any impairment amount is then set up as an allocated portion of the Allowance.

Loan Impairment

A loan is considered impaired if it meets any of the following three criteria:

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Loans that are 90 days or more in arrears (nonaccrual loans);

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Loans where, based on current information and events, it is probable that a borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement; or

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Loans that are modified and qualify as TDRs.

If a loan is considered to be impaired, it is then determined to be either cash flow or collateral dependent for purposes of Allowance determination (see Allowance discussion below).

Nonaccrual Interest

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally after six months of consecutive current payments and an updated analysis of the borrower’s ability to service the loan. Our policy for recording payments received on nonaccrual loans is to record the payment towards principal and interest on a cash basis until such time as the loan is returned to accrual status.

Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not placed in nonaccrual status or classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Allowance is maintained at an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay. Determining the amount of the Allowance requires the use of estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Future additions or reductions in the Allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, particularly in Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s Allowance. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the Allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The Allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made as to whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the LTV ratio based on the original appraisal, and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted, if appropriate, to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property. For loans secured by collateral other than real estate, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging, or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

For such loans that are classified as impaired, an Allowance is established when the current fair value of the underlying collateral less its estimated disposal costs has not been finalized, but management determines that it is likely that the value is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Once the net collateral value has been determined, a charge off is taken for the difference between the net collateral value and the carrying value of the loan. For loans that are not solely collateral dependent, an Allowance is established when the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of the loan.

The general component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard, or special mention that are not considered impaired, as well as nonclassified loans. The general reserve is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. These qualitative factors include, but are not limited to:

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Levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;

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Inherent risk in the loan portfolio;

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Trends in volume and terms of the loan;

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Effects of any change in lending policies and procedures;

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Experience, ability, and depth of management;

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National and local economic trends and conditions;

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Effect of any changes in concentration of credit; and

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Industry conditions.

We assign risk ratings to the loans in our portfolio. These credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss. Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the Allowance. Loans not classified are rated pass.

With respect to all loan segments, we do not charge off a loan, or a portion of a loan, until one of the following conditions have been met:

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The property collateralizing the loan has been foreclosed upon. At the time of foreclosure, a charge-off is recorded for the difference between the recorded amount of the loan and the net value of the underlying collateral;

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An agreement to accept less than the recorded balance of the loan has been made with the borrower. Once an agreement has been finalized and any proceeds from the borrower are received, a charge-off is recorded for the difference between the recorded amount of the loan and the net value of the underlying collateral; or

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The collateral valuation on a collateral dependent impaired loan is less than the recorded balance. The loan is charged off for accounting purposes by the amount of the difference between the recorded balance and collateral value.

Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure

Real estate acquired through or in the process of foreclosure is recorded at fair value less estimated disposal costs. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of the real estate acquired through foreclosure using estimates as described under “Allowance for Loan Losses” above. In the event of a subsequent change in fair value, the carrying amount is adjusted to the lesser of the new fair value, less disposal costs, or the carrying value recorded at acquisition. The amount of the change is charged or credited to noninterest expense. Expenses on real estate acquired through foreclosure incurred prior to the disposition of the property, such as maintenance, insurance and taxes, and physical security, are charged to expense. Material expenses that improve the property to its best use are capitalized to the property. If a foreclosed property is sold for more or less than the carrying value, a gain or loss is recognized upon the sale of the property.

Restricted Stock Investments

Our restricted stock investments include stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) and capital stock of several bankers’ banks. Our investment in the FHLB stock is an equity interest in the FHLB, which does not have a readily determinable fair value for purposes of GAAP, because its ownership is restricted and it lacks a market. FHLB stock can be sold back only at par value of $100 per share and only to the FHLB or another member institution. The Bank’s investment in the capital stock of the bankers’ banks is carried at cost as no readily available market exists for these stocks and they have no quoted market values.

We evaluated the FHLB stock for impairment in accordance with GAAP. The Bank’s determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on an assessment of the ultimate recoverability of its cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline in value affects the ultimate recoverability of its cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB. Management has evaluated the FHLB stock for impairment and believes that no impairment charge is necessary as of December 31, 2017.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment is accumulated by the use of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additions and improvements are capitalized, and charges for repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. The related cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts when an asset is sold or retired and the resultant gain or loss is credited or charged to income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")

Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”)

BOLI is carried at the aggregate cash surrender value of life insurance policies owned where the Company or its subsidiary is named beneficiary. Increases in cash surrender value derived from crediting rates for underlying insurance policies is credited to noninterest income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination and is allocated to the Bank’s reporting units. Based upon an in-depth analysis performed in accordance with FASB guidance, we have determined that we have one reporting unit – commercial and consumer banking.

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment periodically. We assess goodwill for potential impairment annually as of December 31, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. As of the testing date, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, no write-down of the recorded goodwill is required.

As of December 31, 2017, we performed a fair value analysis for the reporting period and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was greater than its carrying amount and that there was no evidence of impairment of goodwill.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided on income and expense items when they are reported for financial statement purposes in periods different from the periods in which these items are recognized in the income tax returns. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that such amounts will be realized based upon consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors.

The calculation of tax assets and liabilities is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgment since it involves the application of complex tax laws that are subject to different interpretations by us and the various tax authorities. These interpretations are subject to challenge by the tax authorities upon audit or to reinterpretation based on management’s ongoing assessment of facts and evolving case law.

Periodically and in the ordinary course of business, we are involved in inquiries and reviews by tax authorities that normally require management to provide supplemental information to support certain tax positions we take in our tax returns. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit or liability that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit or liability is recorded. Management believes it has taken appropriate positions on its tax returns, although the ultimate outcome of any tax review cannot be predicted with certainty. No assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the financial statements.

We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated statements of financial condition, and, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The Company’s sole component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss is unrealized gains/losses on AFS securities.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging

We account for derivatives in accordance with FASB literature on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. When we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as held for trading, an economic hedge, or a qualifying hedge as detailed in the literature. The designation may change based upon management’s reassessment or changing circumstances. Derivatives utilized by the Company include interest rate lock commitments (“IRLC” or “IRLCs”) and forward settlement contracts. IRLCs occur when we originate mortgage loans with interest rates determined prior to funding. Forward settlement contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a financial instrument, index, currency, or commodity at a predetermined future date, and rate or price.

We designate at inception whether a derivative contract is considered hedging or nonhedging. All of our derivatives are nonexchange traded contracts, and as such, their fair value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation.

For qualifying hedges, we formally document at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various accounting hedges. We utilize derivatives to manage interest rate sensitivity in certain cases.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any designated hedges as we do not designate IRLCs or forward sales commitments on residential mortgage originations as hedges. We recognize any gains and losses on IRLCs and forward sales commitments on residential mortgage originations through mortgage-banking revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that our carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through their undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of these assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through a requirement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Advertising Costs

We expense our advertising costs as incurred, except payments for major sponsorships which are amortized over an estimated life not to exceed one year. Advertising expenses were $788,000 and $703,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Pronouncements Adopted

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, the purpose of which is to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application was permitted. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, or cash flows. We have elected to account for stock option forfeitures when they occur.

Pronouncements Issued

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue form Contracts with Customers, that provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The guidance also provides for a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. This standard may affect an entity’s financial statements, business processes and internal control over financial reporting. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. For all affected revenue streams, we are currently planning to use a modified retrospective approach to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption are not retrospectively revised, but a cumulative effect of adoption is recognized for the impact of the ASU on uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. The Company adopted the pronouncement on January 1, 2018 and has substantially completed an assessment of the revenue contracts for the revenue streams identified to be in scope. The Company’s accounting policies and revenue recognition principles will not change materially as the principles of ASC 606 are largely consistent with the current revenue recognition practices.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires entities to measure equity investments at fair value and recognize changes in fair value in net income. The guidance also provides a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and don’t qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. Entities will have to record changes in instrument–specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income, except for certain financial liabilities of consolidated collateralized financing entities. Entities will also have to reassess the realizability of a deferred tax asset related to an AFS debt security in combination with their other deferred tax assets. For public entities, the guidance in this ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The core principle requires the lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a “right-of-use” asset. The accounting applied by the lessor is relatively unchanged. The ASU also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and mandates a modified retrospective transition for all entities. Early application is permitted. We have determined that the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 may result in an increase in assets to recognize the present value of the lease obligations, with a corresponding increase in liabilities; however, we do not expect this to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which sets forth a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. While the Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements, it currently expects the Allowance to increase upon adoption given that the Allowance will be required to cover the full remaining expected life of the portfolio upon adoption, rather than the incurred loss model under current U.S. GAAP. The extent of this increase is still being evaluated and will depend on economic conditions and the composition of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio at the time of adoption.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance regarding the presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, addressing eight specific cash flow classification issues, in order to reduce existing diversity in practice. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the pronouncement on January 1, 2018 with no material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other costs, which provides guidance that calls for the shortening of the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASC No. 2017-08 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2018, FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.