First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) Risk Analysis

Our Bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if such court lacks jurisdiction, the federal district court of the District of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholder to us or our stockholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or as to which the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our choice of forum provisions do not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for any actions brought under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Accordingly, our choice of forum provisions do not provide that they will relieve us of our duties to comply with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, nor do they provide that our stockholders will be deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and regulations. These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees or agents, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees or agents. There is some uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce our exclusive forum provisions. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees.

We are a BHC incorporated in the state of Delaware. Certain anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law and certain provisions contained in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our "Certificate of Incorporation) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (our "Bylaws") could delay or prevent the removal of our directors and other management. The provisions could also delay or make more difficult a tender offer, merger or proxy contest that a stockholder might consider to be in their best interests. For example, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws: - allow the Board to issue and set the terms of preferred shares without further stockholder approval, subject to the terms of any class or series of preferred shares;- limit who can call a special meeting of stockholders to the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Secretary;- establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Board and proposals of other business to be considered at annual meetings of stockholders; and - authorize the issuance of two classes of common stock, one of which, Class B common stock, par value $1 per share ("Class B common stock"), is entitled to cast 16 votes per share. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 60% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock and approximately 20% of the outstanding Class A common stock may be deemed to be beneficially owned or controlled by the Holding family members expected to be identified in the 2025 Proxy Statement as principal stockholders of ours. These provisions, as well as certain statutes and regulations as discussed in Item 1. Business-Regulatory Considerations-Limitations on Mergers & Acquisitions or otherwise, may discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price, adversely affecting the price that could be received by our stockholders for our common stock and render the removal of our board of directors and management more difficult. Additionally, the fact that the Holding family members expected to be identified in the 2025 Proxy Statement as principal stockholders of ours as of December 31, 2024 may be deemed to beneficially own or control shares representing over 40% of the voting power of our common stock and, together with other Holding family members and entities related to them, may be deemed to beneficially own or control shares in excess of 50% of our voting power of our common stock, may discourage potential takeover attempts and bids for our common stock at a premium over market price.

The Parent Company is a separate legal entity from FCB, but the Parent Company derives most of its revenue and cash flow from dividends paid by FCB. These dividends are the primary source from which the Parent Company returns capital to stockholders, whether through the payment of dividends on its common and preferred stock or the repurchase of shares pursuant to a share repurchase program ("SRP"). In addition, these dividends are the primary source for paying interest and principal on its debt obligations. State and federal laws impose restrictions on the dividends that FCB may pay to the Parent Company. Refer to Item 1. Business-Regulatory Considerations-Limitations on Dividends and Other Payments for additional information. Among other things, we are required to submit an annual capital plan to the Federal Reserve that includes any planned dividends or equity repurchases over a set planning horizon. The Federal Reserve could prohibit or limit the Parent Company's payment of dividends, redemptions, or stock repurchases if it determines that payment of the dividend or such equity repurchase would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In the event FCB is unable to pay dividends to us for an extended period of time, the Parent Company may not be able to service its debt obligations or pay dividends on its common or preferred stock, and the inability to receive dividends from FCB could consequently have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our goodwill could become impaired in the future. We test goodwill for impairment at least annually, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its net book value. We would also test goodwill for impairment when certain events occur, such as a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate or a sustained decline in the price of our common stock. These tests may result in a write-off of goodwill deemed to be impaired, which could have a significant impact on our financial results.

As required by GAAP, the SVBB Acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and is based upon a valuation that involves significant estimates that are subject to change. The opening balances of acquired assets and assumed liabilities in connection with the SVBB Acquisition were recorded at estimated fair value based on information at the time of the SVBB Acquisition and other future events that are highly subjective in nature. In developing these fair value estimates, management was required to make significant estimates involving, among other things, the assigned risk ratings to loans based on credit quality, appraisals and estimated collateral values, estimated expected cash flows and appropriate liquidity and discount rates. The loans purchased in connection with the SVBB Acquisition have credit profiles that differ from most banking companies. For example, many of the legacy Silicon Valley Bank loans acquired were made to early-stage, privately held companies with modest or negative cash flows and/or no established record of profitable operations. In addition, a significant portion of the loans were comprised of larger loans equal to or greater than $20 million, and collateral for many of the legacy Silicon Valley Bank loans in the technology, life science and healthcare industries include intellectual property and other intangible assets, which are difficult to value and not readily salable in the case of default. Furthermore, the receivables covered under the commercial shared loss agreement with the FDIC involve significant estimates that involve uncertainty. In addition, the core deposit intangibles were valued using the after-tax cost savings method under the income approach. This method estimates the fair value by discounting to present value the favorable funding spread attributable to the core deposit balances over their estimated average remaining lives. The valuation considered a dynamic approach to interest rates and alternative cost of funds. The favorable funding spread is calculated as the difference in the alternative cost of funds and the net deposit cost. The tax treatment of FDIC-assisted acquisitions is complex and subject to interpretations that may result in future adjustments of deferred taxes recorded in the SVBB Acquisition upon review by the taxing authorities.

We must have effective internal controls over financial reporting in order to provide reliable financial reports, to effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we are unable to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results will be harmed and we may violate regulatory requirements or otherwise become subject to legal liability. We may discover material weaknesses or significant deficiencies requiring remediation, which would require additional expense and diversion of management attention, among other consequences. A "material weakness" is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls or to implement any necessary improvement of our internal controls in a timely manner could, among other things, result in losses from fraud or error, harm our reputation or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and the market value of our common stock.

We rely on qualitative and quantitative models to measure risks and to estimate certain financial values. Such models may be used in many processes including, but not limited to, the pricing of various products and services, classifications and grading of loans, setting interest rates on loans and deposits, quantifying interest rate and other market risks, forecasting losses, measuring capital adequacy and calculating economic and regulatory capital levels. Models may also be used to estimate the value of financial instruments and balance sheet items. Inaccurate or erroneous models present the risk that business decisions relying on the models will prove inefficient, ineffective or harmful to us. Additionally, information we provide to our investors and regulators may be negatively impacted by inaccurately designed or implemented models. For further information on risk monitoring, refer to the "Risk Management" section included in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

Accounting policies and processes are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and processes so they comply with GAAP. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, yet may result in us reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative. Management has identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective or complex conclusions about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. Because of the uncertainty surrounding management's judgments and the estimates pertaining to these matters, we may be required to adjust accounting policies or restate prior period financial statements. Refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the SEC periodically modify the standards governing the preparation of our financial statements. The nature of these changes is not predictable and has impacted and could further impact how we record transactions in our financial statements, which has led to and could lead to material changes in assets, liabilities, stockholders' equity, revenues, expenses and net income. Implementation of new accounting rules or standards could additionally require us to implement technology changes which could impact ongoing earnings.

Fair value discounts that are recorded at the time an asset is acquired are accreted into interest income based on GAAP. The rate at which those discounts are accreted is unpredictable and the result of various factors including prepayments and estimated credit losses. Post-acquisition credit deterioration results in the recognition of provision expense, adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations.

Our investment securities portfolio contains certain equity securities and corporate bonds of other financial institutions. As a result, a portion of our investment securities portfolio is subject to fluctuation due to changes in the financial stability and market value of other financial institutions, as well as interest rate sensitivity to economic and market conditions. Such fluctuations could reduce the value of our investment securities portfolio and consequently have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

The level of United States debt and global economic conditions can have a destabilizing effect on financial markets. For example, a U.S. government debt default, threatened default, or downgrade of the sovereign credit ratings of the United States by credit rating agencies, could have an adverse impact on the financial markets, interest rates and economic conditions in the United States and worldwide. The U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns in recent years have increased the possibility of U.S. government shutdowns, forced federal spending reductions, debt defaults, credit-rating downgrades and an economic slowdown or recession in the United States. Political tensions may make it difficult for the U.S. Congress to agree on any further increases to or suspension of the debt ceiling in a timely manner or at all, which may lead to a default by the U.S. government or downgrades of its credit ratings. Many of the investment securities held in FCB's portfolio are issued by the U.S. government and government agencies and sponsored entities, which are generally viewed as among the most conservative investment options. While the likelihood may be remote, a government default or threat of default would impact the price and liquidity of U.S. government securities. A debt default or further downgrade to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could also adversely affect the ability of the U.S. government to support the financial stability of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively, as well as the Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"). Since banks are sensitive to the risk of downturns, the stock prices of all banks typically decline, sometimes substantially, if the market believes that a downturn has become more likely or is imminent. This effect can and often does occur indiscriminately, initially without much regard to different risk postures of different banks. Weakness in any of our market areas could have an adverse impact on our earnings, and consequently, our financial condition and capital adequacy.

Our primary capital sources have been retained earnings and debt issued through both private and public markets. Rating agencies regularly evaluate our creditworthiness and assign credit ratings to us and FCB. The ratings of the agencies are based on a number of factors, some of which are outside our control. In addition to factors specific to our financial strength and performance, the rating agencies also consider conditions generally affecting the financial services industry. We may not be able to maintain our current credit ratings. Rating reductions could adversely affect our access to funding sources and increase the cost of obtaining funding. Based on existing capital levels, we and FCB are well capitalized under current leverage and risk-based capital standards. Our ability to grow is contingent on our ability to generate or otherwise access sufficient capital to remain well capitalized under current and future capital adequacy guidelines.

As a Category IV banking organization, subject to the applicable transition provisions, we are subject to enhanced liquidity risk management requirements that applies to banking organizations with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets, including reporting, liquidity stress testing, and tailored liquidity risk management requirements. We are also subject to resolution and contingency planning at the bank-level under the CIDI Rule, as well enhanced enterprise risk management requirements. Refer to Item 1. Business-Regulatory Considerations-Enhanced Prudential Standards for additional information. As we grow, were we to meet or exceed the asset thresholds for a Category III banking organization, we would become subject to additional liquidity requirements including the LCR and NSFR requirements. However, we would become subject to modified LCR and NSFR requirements as a Category IV banking organization if it has $50 billion or more, but less than $75 billion, in average weighted short-term wholesale funding under the current Tailoring Rules. Refer to Item 1. Business-Regulatory Considerations-Enhanced Prudential Standards-Category III Requirements. Failure to develop and maintain adequate systems and controls designed to comply with all requirements applicable to us under current regulations or as otherwise imposed by our regulators may lead to regulatory and compliance risks, including adverse regulatory action (including possible restrictions on our activities), along with inadequate liquidity.

Our deposit base represents our primary source of core funding and balance sheet liquidity. These deposits are subject to fluctuation due to certain factors outside our control, such as increasing competitive pressures for retail or corporate customer deposits, changes in interest rates and returns on other investment classes, or a loss of confidence by customers in us or in the banking sector generally which could result in a significant outflow of deposits within a short period of time, which may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity position. In addition, the speed in which information is able to be shared electronically, such as through social media or online news sources, provides an environment for accelerated changes in liquidity. Also, in connection with the SVBB Acquisition, FCB issued a five-year note of approximately $35 billion payable to the FDIC (the "Purchase Money Note") due March 2028, which was subsequently amended and restated to adjust the principal amount to approximately $36.07 billion. While scheduled principal payments are not required under the Purchase Money Note until maturity, FCB may voluntarily prepay principal without premium or penalty. We will continue to monitor the interest rate environment and assess whether any voluntary prepayments are prudent considering the fixed rate of 3.50% on the Purchase Money Note. Potential sources that could fund voluntary prepayments of the Purchase Money Note or the amount due at maturity include excess liquidity (primarily comprised of interest-earning deposits at banks and proceeds from maturities and paydowns of investment securities), FHLB advances, deposit growth, and issuance of unsecured debt or other borrowings. At the time of voluntary prepayment or maturity, the interest rates for the potential interest-bearing sources of repayment could be higher than the 3.50% rate on the Purchase Money Note. In circumstances where our ability to generate needed liquidity is impaired, we may need to access other sources of funding such as borrowings from the FHLBs and the Federal Reserve, federal funds purchased lines, and brokered deposits, or other sources of liquidity including capital markets. While we maintain access to these non-core funding sources, these sources may be dependent on the availability of collateral as well as the counterparty's willingness and ability to lend. In addition, our ability to access the capital markets may be impacted by unforeseen market forces or interruptions or a lack of market or customer confidence in us or in the banking sector generally. Inability to access sources of liquidity may affect our ability to pay withdrawals by depositors and fund our operations.

Our results of operations and cash flows are highly dependent upon net interest income ("NII"). Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic and market conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the actions of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC"). Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence interest income, interest expense, and the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities. If changes in interest rates on our interest-earning assets are not equal to the changes in interest rates on our interest-bearing liabilities, our NII and, therefore, our net income, could be adversely impacted. The FOMC reduced its target for the federal funds rate three times in 2024, although it kept the target the same at its meeting in January 2025. If indicators show signs that inflation is stabilizing in the future, the FOMC may continue to reduce interest rates further over the next 12 months. Any future change in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve resulting in lower interest rates may negatively impact our performance and financial condition due to the composition of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities. Our portfolio is generally in a net asset-sensitive position whereby our assets reprice faster than our liabilities, which is generally concentrated at the short end of the yield curve. While our interest expense may decline, the impact on our interest-rate sensitive assets may be greater, resulting in a potential decrease to our NII. As interest rates rise, our interest expense will increase and our net interest margin ("NIM") may decrease, negatively impacting our performance and our financial condition. To the extent banks and other financial services providers compete for interest-bearing deposit accounts through higher interest rates, our deposit base could be reduced if we are unwilling to pay those higher rates. If we decide to compete with those higher interest rates, our cost of funds could increase and our NIM could be reduced, dependent on the timing and sensitivities of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Additionally, higher interest rates may impact our ability to originate new loans. Increases in interest rates could adversely affect the ability of our borrowers to meet higher payment obligations. If this occurred, it could cause an increase in nonperforming assets and net charge-offs. We cannot control or predict with certainty changes in interest rates. The forecasts of future NII by our interest rate risk monitoring system are estimates and may be inaccurate. Actual interest rate movements may differ from our forecasts, and unexpected actions by the FOMC may have a direct impact on market interest rates. Over the past year, the Federal Reserve has steadily reduced the target range for the federal funds rate, reaching a range of 4.25% to 4.50% as of December 18, 2024. The Federal Reserve did not further change interest rates at its January 2025 meeting. Although the Chairman of the Federal Reserve has indicated that the target funds rate will most likely decline in small periodic increments and more recently stated that the Federal Reserve does not need to hurry to lower rates further, it remains uncertain whether the FOMC will continue to reduce the federal funds rate, the extent and frequency of any such reductions, whether the FOMC will leave the rate at its current level for a lengthy period of time or whether FOMC will increase the targeted federal funds rate should inflation return to elevated levels. The higher interest rate environment of recent periods, and our offerings of higher rates to attract or maintain deposits, has increased the cost of deposits, and may continue to do so, dependent on the FOMC actions. In addition, the high interest rate environment has increased costs on our other funding sources, and may continue to do so, in the event we may need to issue debt.

In connection with the SVBB Acquisition, FCB issued the Purchase Money Note and FCB also entered into an Advance Facility Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2023 and effective as of November 20, 2023 (the "Advance Facility Agreement") with the FDIC. In 2023, the federal banking agencies released an NPR, which would require large banks with total consolidated assets of $100 billion or more to maintain a minimum amount of long-term debt that can be used, in the instance of a bank's failure, to absorb losses and increase options to resolve the failed bank. Our existing debt, together with any future incurrence of additional indebtedness, including under the Advance Facility Agreement, the Purchase Money Note, agreements with the FRB, debt issuance indentures or otherwise, could have consequences that are materially adverse to our business, financial condition or results of operations. For example, it could: (i) limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; (ii) restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures; (iii) restrict us from paying dividends to our stockholders; (iv) increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions; or (v) require a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness and dividends on the preferred stock, thereby reducing our ability to use cash flows to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans and other obligations in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreements, and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans and obligations may be insufficient to assure full repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and entering into other financial arrangements. Factors that influence our credit losses include overall economic conditions affecting businesses and consumers, generally, but also residential and commercial real estate ("CRE") valuations. For example, real property collateral values may be impacted by economic conditions in the real estate market and may result in losses on loans that, while adequately collateralized at the time of origination, become inadequately collateralized over time. CRE loans may involve a higher risk of default compared to our other types of loans as a result of several factors, including, but not limited to, prevailing economic conditions and volatility in real estate markets, occupancy, rental collections, interest rates, and collateral value. Recent trends including the growth of e-commerce, and work-from-home arrangements, as well as high interest rate levels over the past two years, have had an adverse impact on the CRE sector, including retail stores, hotels and office buildings, creating greater risk exposure for our CRE loan portfolio. In addition, our reliance on junior liens is concentrated in our consumer revolving mortgage loan portfolio. Approximately three-quarters of the consumer revolving mortgage portfolio is secured by junior lien positions, and lower real estate values for collateral underlying these loans may cause the outstanding balance of the senior lien to exceed the value of the collateral, resulting in a junior lien loan becoming effectively unsecured. Inadequate collateral values, rising interest rates and unfavorable economic conditions could result in greater delinquencies, write-downs or charge-offs in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and capital adequacy.

Our loans and leases include concentrations in certain industries in healthcare, such as medical and dental industries, as well as the Rail segment. A significant portion of the loans are concentrated within certain industries, including technology, life science and healthcare, and with private equity and venture capital clients, areas in which we did not have significant exposure prior to the SVBB Acquisition. Although we believe our combined loan portfolio is diversified, borrowers in certain industries may have a heightened vulnerability to negative economic conditions. For example, statutory or regulatory changes relevant to the medical and dental industries, or economic conditions in the market generally, could negatively impact these borrowers' businesses and their ability to repay their loans with us. Additionally, smaller practices such as those in the dental industry generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities, and generally have a heightened vulnerability to negative economic conditions. Repayment of loans in the innovation banking portfolios for early-stage and mid-stage privately held companies, may depend upon receipt by those borrowers of additional financing from venture capitalists or others, or, in some cases, a successful sale to a third-party, public offering or other form of liquidity event. In addition, decreases in the amount of equity capital available to early-stage and mid-stage companies, including through a decrease in merger and acquisition activity, could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay our loans in these industries. If such events occur, our levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs may increase, and we may be required to increase our ALLL through additional provisions on our income statement, which would reduce reported net income and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Due to our substantial concentration in our Rail segment, if there is a significant downturn in shipping by railcar, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, volatility in the price of, and demand for, oil and gas may have negative effects on not only our loan exposures in the exploration and production section, but may also lead to a decreased demand for our railcars.

We maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") that is designed to cover expected credit losses on loans and leases that borrowers may not repay in their entirety. A reserve is also maintained in other liabilities to cover expected losses for off-balance sheet credit exposures. The ALLL may not be sufficient to cover actual credit losses, and future provisions for credit losses could materially and adversely affect our operating results. Accounting measurements related to asset impairment and the ALLL require significant estimates that are subject to uncertainty and revisions due to new information and changing circumstances. The significant uncertainties surrounding our borrowers' abilities to conduct their businesses successfully through changing economic environments, competitive challenges and other factors complicate our estimates of the risk and amount of loss on any loan. Due to the degree of uncertainty and the susceptibility to change, the actual losses may vary substantially from current estimates. We also expect fluctuations in the ALLL due to economic changes nationally as well as locally within the states in which we conduct business. In addition, the reserve related to off-balance sheet credit exposures may not be sufficient to cover actual losses, and future provisions for such losses could also materially and adversely affect our operating results and are also subject to significant uncertainties and fluctuations. As an integral part of their examination process, our banking regulators periodically review the ALLL and may require us to increase it by recognizing additional provisions for credit losses charged to expense or to decrease the allowance by recognizing loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such required additional credit loss provisions or loan charge-offs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Effectively managing credit risks is essential for the operation of our business. There are credit risks inherent in making any loan, including risks of repayment, risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting and guidelines, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks in dealing with individual borrowers and risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral. Our loan approval procedures and our credit risk monitoring may be or become inadequate to appropriately manage the inherent credit risks associated with lending. Our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or other conditions affecting customers and the quality of our loan portfolio. Any failure to manage such credit risks may materially adversely affect our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition because it may lead to loans that we make not being paid back in part or in full on a timely basis or at all.

Safely conducting and growing our business requires that we create and maintain an appropriate operational and organizational control infrastructure. Operational risk can arise in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, employee fraud, customer fraud, control lapses in bank operations and information technology, and pace of change brought about by organizational growth. Our dependence on our employees and internal and third-party automated systems and vendors to record and process transactions may further increase the risk that technical failures or system-tampering will result in losses that are difficult to detect. Our internal controls that are intended to safeguard and maintain our operational and organizational infrastructure and information, as well as oversee and monitor control effectiveness, have inherent limitations and may not be successful. We have been, and may in the future be, subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. In addition, our railcars are used to transport a variety of products including, but not limited to, cement, energy products, chemicals and coal. An accidental derailment of these railcars could result in personal injury and property damage, which could be significant, as well as potential environmental remediation and restoration obligations and penalties. Failure to maintain appropriate operational infrastructure and oversight or to safely operate our business can lead to loss of service to customers, reputational harm, legal actions and noncompliance with various laws and regulations, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We plan to continue to grow our business organically. However, we have pursued and expect to continue to pursue acquisition opportunities that we believe support our business strategies and may enhance our profitability. We must generally satisfy a number of material conditions prior to consummating any acquisition including, in many cases, federal and state regulatory approval or requirements, and we may be subject to potentially increased regulatory requirements in the future. Further, changes in policies focused on bank acquisitions may interfere or impede future acquisition opportunities. The FDIC and DOJ recently revised their bank merger review standards. These agency actions have significantly modified the existing regulatory framework for bank merger transactions such that future proposed bank merger transactions by us may be subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny. Refer to Item 1. Business-Regulatory Considerations-Limitations on Mergers & Acquisitions for additional discussion on these developments. Early indications suggest that the Trump administration will encourage the agencies to return to a less restrictive approach to bank merger reviews, including possible rescission or modification of the recent pronouncements described above. Any enhanced regulatory scrutiny of bank mergers and acquisitions and revision of the framework for merger application review may adversely affect the marketplace for such transactions, could result in any future acquisitions being delayed, impeded or restricted in certain respects and result in new rules that possibly limit the size of financial institutions we may be able to acquire in the future and alter the terms for such transactions. We may fail to complete strategic and competitively significant business opportunities as a result of our inability to obtain required regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all, or the approval for such opportunity could include conditions imposing additional costs or limitations that reduce the anticipated related benefits. In addition, we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of our previous acquisitions and fully integrating our prior acquisitions may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than expected. Acquisitions of financial institutions, assets of financial institutions or other operating entities involve operational risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: - difficulties, inefficiencies, or cost overruns associated with the integration of operations, personnel, technologies, services, and products of acquired companies with ours;- inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits;- potential disruption to our business; and - the possible loss of key executive officers, employees and customers. In addition, acquired companies or assets may have unknown or contingent liabilities, exposure to unexpected asset quality problems that require write downs or write-offs, additional regulatory requirements or difficulty retaining key employees and customers. Due to these and other issues relating to acquisitions, we may not be able to realize projected cost savings, synergies or other benefits associated with any prior or future acquisition. Failure to efficiently integrate any acquired entities or assets into our existing operations could significantly increase our operating costs and consequently have material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations. In the past, we have acquired, and may in the future continue to acquire, certain assets and assume certain liabilities of failed banks in FDIC-assisted transactions. FDIC-assisted transactions, such as the SVBB Acquisition, present unique risks because of the limited due diligence, expedited timelines, minimal negotiation of terms required by the FDIC and the limited availability of audited financial statements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. To mitigate certain of those risks, including credit risks of acquired loans, FDIC-assisted transactions typically provide for FDIC assistance, including potential loss-sharing. For example, in connection with the SVBB Acquisition, FCB entered into a commercial shared loss agreement with the FDIC. Although loss sharing agreements reduce the credit risks of, and capital required for, FDIC-assisted transactions, these transactions often require additional resources and time to service acquired problem loans, costs related to integration of personnel and operating systems, and the establishment of processes and internal controls to service acquired assets in accordance with applicable FDIC standards. If the covered loans are not managed in accordance with the commercial shared loss agreement, the FDIC has the right to refuse or delay payment for loan losses. Losses we experience on the assets acquired in the SVBB Acquisition that are not covered under the commercial shared loss agreement could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The SVBB Acquisition, like the CIT Merger, increased the breadth and complexity of our business with the addition of new business lines in which we had not previously engaged and expanded our geographic scope to new areas. Further, legacy Silicon Valley Bank loans were concentrated within certain industries, including technology, life science and healthcare, and with private equity and venture capital clients. Our future success depends, in part, upon the continued ability to manage this expanded business while strengthening our reputation among the venture capital and private equity communities, and other participants in the industries that legacy Silicon Valley Bank served, which poses challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new and expanded operations and associated increased costs and complexity.