Item 1. Business
Item 1. Business
General
Washington Federal Bank, a federally-insured Washington state chartered commercial bank dba WaFd Bank (the "Bank" or "WaFd Bank"), was founded on April 24, 1917 in Ballard, Washington and is engaged primarily in providing lending, depository, insurance and other banking services to consumers, mid-sized to large businesses, and owners and developers of commercial real estate. WaFd, Inc., a Washington corporation, was formed as the Bank’s holding company in November, 1994. On September 27, 2023, the Company filed Articles of Amendment to its Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, with the Washington Secretary of State, to change its name from Washington Federal, Inc. to WaFd, Inc. This change was effective on September 29, 2023. As used throughout this document, the terms "WaFd," the "Company" or "we" or "us" and "our" refer to WaFd, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the term "Bank" or "WaFd Bank" refers to its bank operating subsidiary. The Company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
On November 9, 1982 the Company listed and began trading on the NASDAQ. Profitable operations have been recorded every year since going public. As of September 30, 2024, the stock traded at 91 times its original 1982 offering price, has paid 166 consecutive quarterly cash dividends and has returned 15,195% total shareholder return to those who invested 42 years ago.
On February 29, 2024, WaFd, Inc. closed its merger with Luther Burbank Corporation ("Luther Burbank" or "LBC"), a California corporation, effective as of 12:00am on March 1, 2024. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time Luther Burbank merged with and into the Company (the “Corporate Merger”), with the Company surviving the Corporate Merger. Promptly following the Corporate Merger, Luther Burbank’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Luther Burbank Savings, merged with and into WaFd Bank with WaFd Bank as the surviving institution (the “Bank Merger”). The Corporate Merger and the Bank Merger are collectively referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the “Merger.” The Merger added approximately $7.7 billion of LBC assets at fair value to the Company's balance sheet, and the Company assumed $50,175,000 in floating rate junior subordinated debentures, due June 2036 and June 2037, and $93,514,000 in 6.5% senior unsecured term notes which matured and were paid off on September 30, 2024. The Merger expanded WaFd Bank's footprint to nine western states with the addition of ten California branches of Luther Burbank.
The Company's fiscal year end is September 30th. All references herein to 2024, 2023 and 2022 represent balances as of September 30, 2024, September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively, or activity for the fiscal years then ended.
The business of the Bank consists primarily of accepting deposits from the general public and investing these funds in loans of various types, including first lien mortgages on single-family dwellings, construction loans, land acquisition and development loans, loans on multi-family, commercial real estate and other income producing properties, home equity loans and business loans. The Bank also invests in certain United States government and agency obligations and other investments permitted by applicable laws and regulations. As of September 30, 2024, Washington Federal Bank has 210 branches located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, California and Texas. Through the Bank's subsidiaries, the Company is also engaged in insurance brokerage activities.
The principal sources of funds for the Company's activities are retained earnings, loan repayments, net deposit inflows, borrowings and repayments and sales of investments. WaFd's principal sources of revenue are interest on loans and interest and dividends on investments. Its principal expenses are interest paid on deposits, credit costs, general and administrative expenses, interest on borrowings and income taxes.
The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by its primary state regulator, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (the "WDFI"), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), its primary federal regulator, which insures its deposits up to applicable limits, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"). The Company, as a bank holding company, is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve").
The regulatory structure gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities. Any change in such regulation, whether by the WDFI, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, the CFPB or the U.S. Congress, could have a significant impact on the Company and its operations. See “Regulation” section below.
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Lending Activities
General. The Company's net loan portfolio totaled $20,916,354,000 at September 30, 2024 and represents 74.5% of total assets. Lending activities include the origination of loans secured by real estate, including long-term fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans, adjustable-rate construction loans, adjustable-rate land development loans, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate multi-family loans, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans and fixed-rate and adjustable-rate business loans.
The following table is a summary of loans receivable by loan portfolio segment and class.
September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
($ in thousands)
Gross loans by category
Commercial loans
Multi-family $ 4,658,119 20.8 % $ 2,907,086 14.8 % $ 2,645,801 13.6 %
Commercial real estate 3,757,040 16.8 3,344,959 17.0 3,133,660 16.2
Commercial & industrial 2,337,139 10.5 2,321,717 11.8 2,350,984 12.1
Construction 2,174,254 9.7 3,318,994 16.9 3,784,388 19.5
Land - acquisition & development 200,713 0.9 201,538 1.0 291,301 1.5
Total commercial loans 13,127,265 58.7 12,094,294 61.6 12,206,134 63.0
Consumer loans
Single-family residential 8,399,030 37.6 6,451,270 32.8 5,771,862 29.8
Construction - custom 384,161 1.7 672,643 3.4 974,652 5.0
Land - consumer lot loans 108,791 0.5 125,723 0.6 153,240 0.8
HELOC 266,151 1.2 234,410 1.2 203,528 1.0
Consumer 73,998 0.3 70,164 0.4 75,543 0.4
Total consumer loans 9,232,131 41.3 7,554,210 38.4 7,178,825 37.0
Total gross loans 22,359,396 100 % 19,648,504 100 % 19,384,959 100 %
Less:
Allowance for credit losses (1)
203,753 177,207 172,808
Loans in process 1,009,798 1,895,940 3,006,023
Net deferred fees, costs and discounts 229,491 98,807 92,564
Total loan contra accounts 1,443,042 2,171,954 3,271,395
Net loans $ 20,916,354 $ 17,476,550 $ 16,113,564
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(1) The ACL within the table does not include the reserve for unfunded commitments which was $21,500,000, $24,500,000 and $32,500,000 as of September 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Lending Programs and Policies. The Bank's lending activities include commercial and consumer loans, including the following loan categories.
Commercial real estate loans . The Bank makes loans on a variety of commercial real estate (“CRE”) types which are generally secured by the subject property. Management differentiates multi-family properties from the rest of our CRE portfolio as these loans have key differences in the way they are handled from underwriting through monitoring.
The following table provides detail of the amortized cost of non-multi family CRE loans by property type:
September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
($ in thousands)
Office $ 783,363 $ 815,776 $ 813,103
Industrial 705,401 591,507 481,473
Retail 399,276 377,300 370,139
Warehouse/Self Storage 295,275 252,677 244,985
Medical/dental 265,495 198,208 167,200
Mixed Use 229,351 232,564 243,430
Hotel/motel 205,895 228,503 219,911
Other 848,099 613,566 570,871
Total commercial real estate loans $ 3,732,155 $ 3,310,101 $ 3,111,112
Within the types listed above, a CRE subject property could be either owner or non-owner occupied. The following table provides the amortized cost of CRE loans by occupation status:
September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
($ in thousands)
Non-owner occupied $ 3,130,637 84 % $ 2,715,693 82 % $ 2,487,568 80 %
Owner occupied 601,518 16 % 594,408 18 % 623,544 20 %
Total commercial real estate loans $ 3,732,155 100 % $ 3,310,101 100 % $ 3,111,112 100 %
In underwriting, the Bank considers a number of factors, which include the projected net cash flow to the loan's debt service requirement, the age and condition of the collateral, the financial resources and income level of the borrower and the borrower's experience in owning or managing similar properties. CRE loans are originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.
With CRE loans, credit risk is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic and societal conditions on income-producing properties and the primary source of cash flow for repayment being spread across multiple tenants (non-owner). Repayment of CRE loans depends upon the successful operation of the related real estate property. If the cash flow from the property is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. The Bank seeks to minimize these risks through its underwriting policies, which require such loans to be qualified at origination on the basis of the property's income and debt service ratio.
Multi-family residential loans . Multi-family residential (five or more dwelling units) loans generally are secured by multi-family rental properties, such as apartment buildings. In underwriting multi-family residential loans, the Bank considers the same factors considered for CRE loans. Like CRE, multi-family residential loans are originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.
Loans secured by multi-family residential real estate generally involve different credit risk than single-family residential loans and carry larger loan balances. This different credit risk is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic and societal conditions on income-
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producing properties, the primary source of cash flow for repayment being spread across multiple tenants, the effects of government orders such as eviction forbearance and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans.
It is the Bank's policy to obtain title insurance ensuring that it has a valid first lien on the mortgaged real estate serving as collateral for the loan. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance prior to closing and, when required by regulation, flood insurance. Borrowers may be required to advance funds on a monthly basis, together with each payment of principal and interest, to a mortgage escrow account from which the Bank makes disbursements for items such as real estate taxes, hazard insurance premiums and private mortgage insurance premiums when due.
Commercial and industrial loans . The Bank makes various types of business loans to customers in its market area for working capital, acquiring real estate, equipment or other business purposes, such as acquisitions. The terms of these loans generally range from less than one year to a maximum of ten years. The loans are either negotiated on a fixed-rate basis or carry adjustable interest rates indexed to the Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), Prime Rate or another market rate.
Commercial loans are made based upon assessment of the borrower's ability and willingness to repay along with an evaluation of secondary repayment sources such as the value and marketability of collateral. Most such loans are extended to closely held businesses and the personal guaranty of the principal is usually obtained. Commercial loans have a relatively high risk of default compared to residential real estate loans. Pricing of commercial loans is based on the credit risk of the borrower with consideration given to the overall relationship of the borrower, including deposits and contributed equity/loan-to-value ratio. The acquisition of business deposits is an important focus of this business line. The Bank provides a full line of treasury management products to support the depository needs of its clients.
Construction loans . The Bank originates construction loans to finance construction of single-family and multi-family residences as well as commercial properties. Loans made to builders are generally tied to an interest rate index and normally have maturities of two years or less or are structured such that they convert to a permanent loan after the completion of construction or stabilization of the property. Loans made to individuals for construction of their home generally are 30-year fixed rate loans. The Bank's policies provide that for residential construction loans, loans may be made for 85% or less of the construction cost or 80% of the appraised value of the property upon completion, whichever is less. As a result of activity over the past four decades, the Bank believes that builders of single-family residences in its primary market areas consider the Bank to be a construction lender of choice. Because of this history, the Bank has developed a staff with in-depth land development and construction experience and working relationships with selected builders based on their operating histories and financial stability.
Construction lending involves a higher level of risk than single-family residential lending due to the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers and the effects of general economic conditions in the home building industry. Moreover, a construction loan can involve additional risks because of the complexities of completing the construction, the inherent difficulty in estimating the cost (including interest) of the project, the future cash flows and the property's value at completion of the project.
Land development loans . The Bank's land development loans are of a short-term nature and are generally made for 75% or less of the appraised value of the unimproved property. Funds are disbursed periodically at various stages of completion as authorized by the Bank's personnel. The interest rate on these loans typically adjust daily or monthly in accordance with a designated index.
Land development loans involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on owner-occupied real estate. Mitigation of risk of loss on a land development loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of development compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of development and the financial strength of the borrower.
Permanent land loans . The Bank's permanent land loans (also called consumer lot loans) are generally made on improved land, with the intent of building a primary or secondary residence. These loans are limited to 70% or less of the appraised value of the property, up to a maximum loan amount of $1,500,000. The interest rate on permanent land loans is generally fixed for 20 years.
Single-family residential loans . The Bank originates 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans secured by single-family residences. Moreover, it is the Bank's general policy to include in the documentation evidencing its conventional mortgage loans a due-on-sale clause, which facilitates adjustment of interest rates on such loans when the property securing the loan is sold or transferred.
All of the Bank's mortgage lending is subject to written, nondiscriminatory underwriting standards, loan origination procedures and lending policies approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). Property valuations are required
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on all real estate loans. Appraisals are prepared by independent appraisers, reviewed by staff of the Bank, and approved by the Bank's management. Property evaluations are sometimes utilized in lieu of appraisals on single-family real estate loans of $250,000 or less and are reviewed by the Bank's staff. Detailed loan applications are obtained to determine the borrower's ability to repay and the more significant items on these applications are verified through the use of credit reports, financial statements or written confirmations.
Depending on the size of the loan involved, a varying number of officers of the Bank must approve the loan application before the loan can be granted. Federal guidelines limit the amount of a real estate loan made to a specified percentage of the value of the property securing the loan, as determined by an evaluation at the time the loan is originated. This is referred to as the loan-to-value ratio. The Board sets the maximum loan-to-value ratios for each type of real estate loan offered by the Bank.
When establishing general reserves for loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 80% that are not insured by private mortgage insurance, the Bank considers the additional risk inherent in these products, as well as their relative loan loss experience, and provides reserves when deemed appropriate. The total balance for loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 80% at origination as of September 30, 2024, was $315,704,000, with allocated reserves of $2,939,000.
Consumer loans . The Bank's non-mortgage consumer loan portfolio consists of prime quality student loans acquired from an independent financial investment firm that retains 1% of each loan, plus various other non-mortgage consumer loans including personal lines of credit and credit cards.
Home equity loans . The Bank extends revolving lines of credit to consumers that are secured by a first or second mortgage on a single-family residence. The interest rate on these loans adjusts monthly indexed to prime. Total loan-to-value ratios when combined with any underlying first liens held by the Bank are limited to 85% or less. Total loan-to-value ratios are limited to 80% or less when underlying first liens are held by any other investor. Loan terms are a ten-year draw period followed by a fifteen-year amortization period.
Origination and Purchase of Loans. The Bank has general authority to lend anywhere in the United States; however, its primary lending areas are within the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, California and Texas. Loan originations come from a variety of sources. Residential loan originations result from referrals from real estate brokers, walk-in customers, purchasers of property in connection with builder projects that are financed by the Bank, mortgage brokers and refinance activity for existing customers. Business purpose loans are obtained primarily by direct solicitation of borrowers and ongoing relationships.
The Bank also purchases loans and mortgage-backed securities when lending rates and mortgage volume for new loan originations in its market area do not fulfill its needs.
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The table below shows the Bank's total loan origination, purchase and repayment activities.
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022
(In thousands)
Commercial loan originations (1)
Multi-family $ 60,730 $ 136,788 $ 675,534
Commercial Real Estate 246,930 223,361 880,850
Commercial & Industrial 1,677,371 2,032,460 2,569,682
Construction 603,829 1,046,971 2,486,387
Land – Acquisition & Development 45,406 34,946 175,234
Total commercial loans 2,634,266 3,474,526 6,787,687
Consumer loan originations (1)
Single-family residential 430,272 610,130 892,608
Construction – custom 209,781 346,784 765,696
Land – Consumer Lot Loans 21,187 21,133 61,731
HELOC 161,917 154,030 171,393
Consumer 174,648 95,553 57,078
Total consumer loans 997,805 1,227,630 1,948,506
Total loans originated 3,632,071 4,702,156 8,736,193
Loans purchased (3)
6,207,393 80,015 564,584
Loans sold (4)
(3,017,506) — —
Loan principal repayments (4,302,359) (4,435,269) (6,194,448)
Net change in loans in process, discounts, etc. (2)
920,205 1,016,084 (826,335)
Net loan activity increase (decrease) $ 3,439,804 $ 1,362,986 $ 2,279,994
Beginning balance $ 17,476,550 $ 16,113,564 $ 13,833,570
Ending balance $ 20,916,354 $ 17,476,550 $ 16,113,564
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(1) Includes undisbursed loan in process.
(2) Includes non-cash transactions.
(3) Loans purchased in fiscal 2024 refer to those obtained in the Merger
(4) Loans sold in fiscal 2024 refer to multi-family and single-family residential loans obtained in the Merger and were classified as held for sale.
Interest Rates, Loan Fees and Service Charges. Interest rates charged by the Bank on mortgage loans are primarily determined by the competitive loan rates offered in its lending areas and in the secondary market. Mortgage loan rates reflect factors such as general interest rates, the supply of money available to the industry and the demand for such loans. General economic conditions, the regulatory programs and policies of federal and state agencies, including the Federal Reserve Bank’s monetary policies, changes in tax laws and governmental budgetary programs influence these factors.
The Bank receives fees for originating loans in addition to various fees and charges related to existing loans, including prepayment charges, late charges and assumption fees. In making one-to-four- family home mortgage loans, the Bank normally charges an origination fee and as part of the loan application, the borrower pays the Bank for out-of-pocket costs, such as the appraisal fee, whether or not the borrower closes the loan. The interest rate charged is normally the prevailing rate at the time the loan application is approved and accepted. In the case of construction loans, the Bank normally charges an origination fee. Loan origination fees and other terms of multi-family residential loans are individually negotiated.
Investment Activities
The Bank is obligated by its regulators to maintain adequate liquidity and does so by holding cash and cash equivalents and by investing in securities. These investments may include, among other things, certain certificates of deposit, repurchase
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agreements, bankers’ acceptances, loans to financial institutions whose deposits are federally-insured, federal funds, United States government and agency obligations and mortgage-backed securities.
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits are the primary source of the Bank’s funds for use in lending and other general business purposes. In addition to deposits, the Bank derives funds from loan repayments, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB - DM"), borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB"), and from investment repayments and sales. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows are influenced by general interest rates, money market conditions, the availability of FDIC insurance and the market perception of the Company’s financial stability. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in normal sources of funds, such as deposit inflows at lower than projected levels. Borrowings may also be used on a longer-term basis to support expanded activities and to manage interest rate risk. Borrowing capacity and availability is influenced by interest rates, market conditions, availability of collateral and the market's perception of the Bank's financial stability.
Deposits. The Bank relies on a mix of deposit types, including business and personal checking accounts, term certificates of deposit, and other savings deposit alternatives that have no fixed term, such as money market accounts and passbook savings accounts. The Bank offers several consumer checking account products, both interest bearing and non-interest bearing and three business checking accounts, two of which target small businesses with relatively simple and straightforward banking needs and one for larger, more complex business depositors with an account that prices monthly based on the volume and type of activity. Savings and money market accounts are offered to both businesses and consumers, with interest paid after certain threshold amounts are exceeded.
The Bank’s deposits are obtained primarily from residents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, California and Texas.
Borrowings. The Bank has a credit line with the FHLB - DM for up to 45% of total assets depending on specific collateral eligibility. The Bank obtains advances from the FHLB - DM based upon the security of the FHLB capital stock it owns and certain of its loans, provided certain standards related to credit worthiness have been met. Such advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs. Each credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities, and the FHLB - DM prescribes acceptable uses to which the advances pursuant to each program may be put, as well as limitations on the size of such advances. Depending on the program, such limitations are based either on a fixed percentage of assets or the Company's credit worthiness. FHLB advances are used to meet seasonal and other withdrawals of deposit accounts and to fund expansion of the Bank's lending.
The Bank may need to borrow funds for short periods of time to meet day-to-day financing needs. In these instances, funds are borrowed from other financial institutions or the Federal Reserve Bank, for periods generally ranging from one to seven days at the then current borrowing rate. The Bank also elected to utilize the FRB's Bank Term Funding Program (the "BTFP") to leverage its highly favorable terms to fortify the Bank's liquidity position. These borrowings are repayable at any time without penalty and were the lowest cost funding source available. The Federal Reserve ceased making new BTFP loans on March 11, 2024.
The Bank also participates in the FRB of San Francisco Borrower-in-Custody program which collateralizes primary credit borrowings and serves as a backstop for the FHLB - DM credit line. Due to differing program requirements between the FHLB - DM and FRB of San Francisco, participating in both increases the amount of eligible collateral that may be pledged in support of contingent liquidity needs.
The Bank Merger provided a credit line with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB - SF) in support of LBC borrowings from the FHLB - SF, but the Bank is unable to take down new advances against this line as a bank is not allowed to belong to more than one FHLB. The FHLB - SF credit line is secured by a line-item pledge of single-family residential mortgages that are specifically identified.
For further information on these activities, see Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report.
Subsidiaries
The Company is a bank holding company that conducts its primary business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WaFd Bank. The Bank has three active wholly-owned subsidiaries, discussed further below.
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WAFD Insurance Group, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington and is an insurance agency that offers a full line of individual and business insurance policies to customers of the Bank, as well as to the general public. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, WAFD Insurance Group, Inc. had total assets of $23,174,000 and $20,229,000, respectively.
Statewide Mortgage Services Company is incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington and it holds and markets real estate owned. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, Statewide Mortgage Services Company had total assets of $2,506,000 and $785,000, respectively.
Washington Services, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington. It acts as a trustee under deeds of trust as to which the Bank is beneficiary. As of both September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, Washington Services, Inc. had total assets of $13,000.
Human Capital
At WaFd Bank, our culture is defined by our corporate values of integrity, teamwork, ownership, simplicity, service and discipline. We value our employees by investing in a healthy work-life balance, competitive compensation and benefit packages and a vibrant, team-oriented environment centered on professional service and open communication amongst employees. We strive to build and maintain a high-performing culture and be an “employer of choice” by creating a work environment that attracts and retains outstanding, engaged employees who embody our company mantra of “Love what you do. Make a difference.”
Demographics. As of September 30, 2024, we employed 2,208 full and part time employees. None of these employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. During fiscal year 2024 we hired 421 employees. Our voluntary turnover rate was 15.80% in fiscal year 2024, a slight increase from 15.54% in 2023.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We strive toward having a powerful and diverse team of employees, knowing we are better together with our combined wisdom and intellect. With a commitment to equity, inclusion and workplace diversity, we focus on understanding, accepting, and valuing the differences between people. To accomplish this, we have established Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Councils in each of our regions made up of a diverse group of employee representatives throughout our footprint. We show our commitment to equal employment opportunity through, among other things, our process of performing annual compensation analyses and ongoing reviews of our selection and hiring practices alongside a continued focus on building and maintaining a diverse workforce.
As of September 30, 2024, the population of our workforce was as follows:
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Learning and Development. We invest in the growth and development of our employees by providing a multi-dimensional approach to learning that empowers, intellectually grows, and professionally develops our colleagues. Our employees, including leadership, receive continuing education courses that are relevant to the banking industry and their job function within the Company. All new employees attend our two-day new hire orientation, Welcome to WaFd. In addition, we offer our Education Tuition Assistance Program, designed to encourage an employee's advancement and growth. We also offer the Retail Bank Peer Mentor Program and retail banking certifications for our retail employees. These resources provide employees with the skills they need to achieve their career goals, build management skills and become leaders within our Company.
Compensation and Benefits. We provide a competitive compensation and benefits program to help meet the needs of our employees. In addition to salaries, these programs include annual bonuses, stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution in addition to an employer annual contribution, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave and an employee assistance program.
Workplace Safety & Wellness. We prioritize the importance of our employees’ health and the health of their families. We offer healthcare plans where the Company pays a significant portion of the monthly premiums for employees and their children. Our benefits program also includes a Health Savings Account ("HSA") option in addition to Flexible Spending Accounts ("FSA"). We believe maintaining a competitive benefits program is a sound investment in attracting newcomers and retaining loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic colleagues. Benefits we offer to employees include:
• Health insurance including dental & vision.
• Flexible spending plans for healthcare and childcare expenses.
• Employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program to provide access to counseling and support well-being.
Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
We recognize the social and environmental responsibility that arises from the impact of our activities on peoples’ lives and our community. The Company's Corporate and Social Environmental Policy integrates social, environmental and ethical concerns into our daily business activities and our approach to stakeholder relationships. Through this policy, we strive to carry out our banking activities in a responsible manner, placing the financial needs of our clients and economic health of our communities at the core of our focus. Below is a summary of our community activities and financial contributions in 2024.
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Additional information will be provided in the Company’s forthcoming 2024 Community and Social Responsibility Report which will be made available on the Company’s website. Nothing on our website, including the aforementioned report, shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.
The Company
General. The Company is registered as a bank holding company and is subject to regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank.
Regulation. The Company operates in a highly regulated industry. The regulatory structure governing the Company’s operations is designed primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance funds and consumers, and not to benefit our shareholders. As part of this regulatory structure, the Company is subject to policies and other guidance developed by the regulatory agencies with respect to capital levels, the timing and amount of dividend payments, the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Under this structure, regulators have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on the Company’s operations if they determine, among other things, that such operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations or with the supervisory policies of these agencies.
Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in a range of sanctions and enforcement actions, including the imposition of civil money penalties, formal agreements and cease and desist orders. In order to ensure the Company's programs and operations are in compliance with regulatory requirements, the Company has and will continue to incur significant costs in order to comply in accordance with its responsibilities.
For further information on regulatory matters, see Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” as well as the "Risk Factors" section of this report and the "USA Patriot Act of 2001" discussion below.
Sections below include a description of certain laws and regulations that relate to the regulation of the Company and the Bank. The description of these laws and regulations, and descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations.
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Restrictions on Activities and Acquisitions. Bank holding companies are subject to a variety of restrictions on their activities and the acquisitions they can make. Generally, the activities or acquisition of a bank holding company that is not a financial holding company are limited to those that constitute banking or managing or controlling banks or which are closely related to banking. In addition, without the prior approval of the FRB, bank holding companies are generally prohibited from acquiring more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of a bank or bank holding company, taking any action that causes a bank to become a subsidiary of the bank holding company, acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of a bank, or merging with another bank holding company.
Control of Company or Bank. Pursuant to the Change in Bank Control Act, (the “CIBC Act”) individuals, corporations or other entities acquiring Company equity interests may, alone or together with other investors, be deemed to control a holding company or a bank. If an acquisition is deemed to constitute control of the holding company or bank and is not subject to approval under the Bank Holding Company Act or certain other statutes, such person or group will be required to file a notice under the CIBC Act. Generally, ownership of, or power to vote, more than 25% of any class of voting securities constitutes control. In the case of a bank or bank holding company the securities of which are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), ownership of or power to vote more than 10% of any class of voting securities creates a presumption of control.
Source of Strength. Under long-standing FRB policy, a bank holding company is expected to serve as a source of financial and management strength to its subsidiary bank. Under this policy, a bank holding company is expected to stand ready to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary bank during periods of financial adversity and to maintain financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to assist its subsidiary bank. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine by adopting a statutory provision requiring, among other things, that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial strength to their subsidiary banks.
Restrictions on Company Dividends. The Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is affected by several factors. Since the Company is a separate legal entity from the Bank and its subsidiaries and does not have significant operations of its own, the Company may not be able to pay dividends to its shareholders if the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is subject to various regulatory restrictions.
In addition, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is subject to rules and policies of the FRB. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the company’s expected future needs and financial condition. Capital rules adopted by the Federal Reserve, effective January 2015, may limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends if the Company fails to meet certain requirements under the rules. In addition, if we do not or are unable to pay quarterly dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock, we may not pay a dividend to the holders of our Common Stock. See “ Washington Federal Bank, wholly-owned operating subsidiary - Restrictions on Dividends ” below.
Since the Company is a Washington state corporation, it is also subject to restrictions under Washington corporate law relating to dividends. Generally, under Washington law, a corporation may not pay a dividend if, after giving effect to the dividend, the corporation would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due in the ordinary course of business or the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus (with some exceptions) the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend payment, to satisfy the dissolution preferences of senior equity securities.
Enterprise Risk Management. The Company faces a number of risks, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operations risk, cybersecurity risk, regulatory risk, compliance and legal risk, strategic risk, and reputational risk. The Risk Management Committee of the Board (“RMC”) establishes the Company's risk appetite and sets appropriate risk limits and policies. The RMC is responsible for providing ongoing review, guidance and oversight of the Company's enterprise risk management function. Management is responsible for managing the Company's risks on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the policies established by the Board.
The Company's Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) chairs the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (“ERMC”), a management-level committee that is responsible for executing the risk management framework adopted by the Board. The ERMC maintains enterprise-wide oversight of risk assessment, monitoring and reporting. The ERMC meets at least quarterly to identify, evaluate, monitor, and account for new, existing and emerging risks to the Company. Identified risks are evaluated, analyzed, prioritized and tracked by the ERMC in a manner to be compatible with effective internal controls, risk management practices and the policies adopted by the Board. The ERMC develops risk management programs and processes to incorporate risk considerations into day-to-day business activities across the Company’s risk categories, business lines and functions. To support the ERMC’s risk management function, certain types of risks are overseen by other management level committees. For
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example, the Company’s Asset Liability Committee is responsible for managing interest rate and liquidity risks and the credit administration department tracks credit risks.
On at least a quarterly basis, the Company’s CRO, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Credit Officer, and other members of management report directly to the RMC to provide reporting on risk levels, key risks, emerging risks and the Company’s compliance with the risk management framework, risk limits and risk appetites adopted by the RMC.
The Company carries out its risk management practices through its “three lines of defense” model, which is designed to establish effective checks and balances within its risk management framework. The first line of defense is business units and process owners within the Company which are responsible for maintaining effective internal controls and executing risk and control procedures on a day to day basis. The second line of defense is the Company’s risk management, compliance and other control functions which are responsible for ensuring that the first line of defense is properly designed, in place, and operating effectively. The third line of defense is the Company’s internal audit function, which provides independent assessment and assurance regarding the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls.
Washington Federal Bank, wholly-owned operating subsidiary
General. The Bank is a federally-insured Washington state chartered commercial bank dba WaFd Bank. The WDFI is the Bank's primary state regulator and the FDIC is its primary federal regulatory. The Bank is a member of the FDIC and its deposits are insured up to applicable limits of the Depository Insurance Fund (“DIF”), which is administered by the FDIC.
Regulation. The WDFI and FDIC have extensive authority over the operations of the Bank. As part of this authority, the Bank is required to file periodic reports with the WDFI and FDIC and is subject to periodic examinations by the WDFI and FDIC. As a Washington State chartered commercial bank with branches in the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, California and Texas, the Bank is subject not only to the applicable laws and regulations of Washington State, but is also subject to the applicable laws and regulations of these other states in which it does business. Various laws and regulations prescribe the investment and lending authority of the Bank, and the Bank is prohibited from engaging in any activities not permitted by such laws and regulations. While the Bank has broad authority to engage in all types of lending activities, a variety of restrictions apply to certain other investments by the Bank.
Interstate Banking . Subject to certain limitations and restrictions, a bank holding company, with prior approval of the FRB, may acquire an out-of-state bank; banks in states that do not prohibit out-of-state mergers may merge with the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, and a bank may establish a de novo branch out of state if such branching is permitted by the other state for state banks chartered by such other state.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the maximum amount of federal deposit insurance coverage was permanently increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act raised the minimum designated reserve ratio, which the FDIC is required to set each year for the DIF, to 1.35%. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds. The FDIC has established a higher reserve ratio of 2% as a long-term goal beyond what is required by statute.
Brokered Deposits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act prohibits an insured depository institution from accepting brokered deposits or offering interest rates on any deposits significantly higher than the prevailing rate in the bank’s normal market area or nationally (depending upon where the deposits are solicited), unless it is well-capitalized or is adequately capitalized and receives a waiver from the FDIC. A depository institution that is adequately capitalized and accepts brokered deposits under a waiver from the FDIC may not pay an interest rate on any deposit in excess of national and local rate caps set by the FDIC and published on its website.
Transactions with Affiliates; Insider Loans. Under current federal law, all transactions between and among a bank and its affiliates, including holding companies, are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W promulgated thereunder. Generally, these requirements limit extensions of credit and certain other such transactions by the bank to affiliates to a percentage of the institution's capital and generally such transactions must be collateralized. Generally, all affiliate transactions must be on terms at least as favorable to the bank as transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, a bank may not lend to any affiliate engaged in non-banking activities that are not permissible for a bank holding company or acquire
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shares of any affiliate that is not a subsidiary. Federal law authorizes the imposition of additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates if necessary to protect the safety and soundness of a bank.
Extensions of credit by a bank to executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are subject to Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, which, among other things, generally prohibits loans to any such individual where the aggregate amount exceeds an amount equal to 15% of an institution's unimpaired capital and surplus plus an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus in the case of loans that are fully secured by readily marketable collateral. Section 22(h) permits loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to employees of a subject bank provided that no preference is given to any officer, director or principal shareholder, or related interest thereto, over any other employee. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a bank to all insiders cannot exceed the institution's unimpaired capital and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.
The affiliate transaction rules in Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act broaden the definition of affiliate and apply these rules to securities lending, repurchase agreements and derivatives. These rules also strengthen collateral requirements and limit Federal Reserve exemptive authority. Further, the definition of “extension of credit” for transactions with executive officers, directors and principal shareholders includes credit exposure arising from a derivative transaction, a repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement or a securities lending or borrowing transaction. These provisions have not had a material effect on the Company or the Bank.
Restrictions on Dividends. The amount of dividends payable by the Bank to the Company depends upon its earnings and capital position, and is limited by federal and state laws, regulations and policies, including the capital conservation buffer requirement. Federal law further provides that no insured depository institution may make any capital distribution (which includes a cash dividend) if, after making the distribution, the institution would be “undercapitalized,” as defined in the prompt corrective action regulations. Moreover, the federal bank regulatory agencies also have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if such payments should be deemed to constitute an unsafe and unsound practice. In addition, under Washington law, no bank may declare or pay any dividend in an amount greater than its retained earnings without the prior approval of the WDFI. WDFI also has the power to require any bank to suspend the payment of any and all dividends.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which is one of 11 regional FHLBs that provide funding to their members for making home mortgage loans, as well as loans for affordable housing and community development. Each FHLB serves members within its assigned region and is funded primarily through proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. Loans are made to members in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB. At September 30, 2024, total FHLB advances to the Bank amounted to $2,192,874,000. As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB of Des Moines. The Bank also acquired the stock of the FHLB San Francisco in the Merger but is not a member of this FHLB. At September 30, 2024, the Bank held $73,910,000 in FHLB of Des Moines stock and $21,707,000 in FHLB of San Francisco stock, which was in compliance with requirements.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. Banks have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") and related regulations of the FDIC to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act (together, the "Fair Lending Laws") prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. An institution's failure to comply with the provisions of the CRA could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on its activities. Failure to comply with the Fair Lending Laws could result in enforcement actions by the FDIC, the CFPB and other federal regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice.
USA Patriot Act of 2001. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 ("Patriot Act"), through amendments to the federal Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), substantially broadened the scope of United States anti money-laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial scope of United States jurisdiction. The United States Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations under the Patriot Act that apply to financial institutions such as the Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate risk-based programs reasonably designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply satisfactorily with all relevant Patriot Act and BSA requirements, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.
Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (“AML Act”) was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and requires the U.S. Treasury Department to issue National Anti-Money Laundering and
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Countering the Financing of Terrorism Priorities ("AML/CFT"), which occurred in June 2021. The AML Act also includes a requirement to conduct studies and issue regulations that may alter some of the due diligence, recordkeeping and reporting requirements that the BSA and Patriot Act impose on financial institutions. The AML Act also promotes increased information-sharing and use of technology and increases penalties for violations of the BSA and includes whistleblower incentives, both of which could increase the prospect of regulatory enforcement.
Regulatory Capital Requirements. Bank holding companies and federally insured banks are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. The Federal Reserve establishes capital standards applicable to all bank holding companies, and the WDFI and FDIC establish capital standards applicable to Washington state chartered, non-member banks. The capital rules reflect, in part, certain standards initially adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010 (which standards are commonly referred to as “Basel III”) as well as requirements contemplated by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The capital rules require a capital ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk based assets. Common equity Tier 1 capital generally consists of retained earnings and common stock instruments (subject to certain adjustments) as well as accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) except to the extent that the Company and the Bank exercise a one-time irrevocable option to exclude certain components of AOCI, which the Company and the Bank have done. Tier 1 capital also includes non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and limited amounts of minority interests. Regulatory deductions from capital include goodwill and intangible assets. The capital rules prescribe the manner in which certain capital elements are determined, including but not limited to, requiring certain deductions related to mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets. Total capital consists of Tier 1 capital and supplementary capital. Supplementary capital consists of certain capital instruments that do not qualify as core capital as well as general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used to satisfy the risk-based requirement only in an amount equal to the amount of Tier 1 capital.
In determining the required amount of risk-based capital, total assets, including certain off-balance-sheet items, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor based on the risks inherent in the type of assets held by an institution. The risk categories range from 0% for low-risk assets such as U.S. Treasury securities and GNMA securities to 1,250% for various types of loans and other assets deemed to be of higher risk. Single-family residential loans having loan-to-value ratios not exceeding 90% and meeting certain additional criteria, as well as certain multi-family residential loans, qualify for a 50% risk-weight treatment. The book value of each asset is multiplied by the risk factor applicable to the asset category, and the sum of the products of this calculation equals total risk-weighted assets. The rules set forth the methods of calculating certain risk-based assets, which in turn affects the calculation of risk-based ratios. Higher or more sensitive risk weights are assigned to various categories of assets, among which are commercial real estate, credit facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property, certain exposures or credit that are 90 days past due or are non-accrual, foreign exposures, certain corporate exposures, securitization exposures, equity exposures and in certain cases mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets.
Both the Company and the Bank are required to have a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%. In addition, both the Company and the Bank are required to have a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 6.0% and a total risk-based ratio of 8.0%. Both the Company and the Bank are required to establish a “conservation buffer,” consisting of common equity Tier 1 capital, equal to 2.5%. The capital conservation buffer is designed to ensure that banks build up capital buffers outside periods of stress, which can be drawn down as losses are incurred. An institution that does not meet the conservation buffer will be subject to restrictions on certain activities including payment of dividends, stock repurchases and discretionary bonuses to executive officers.
The Federal Reserve and the FDIC are also authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on individual institutions on a case-by-case basis. Management believes that the current capital levels of the Company and the Bank are sufficient to be in compliance with the fully phased-in standards under the rules.
Any bank holding company or bank that fails to meet the capital requirements is subject to possible enforcement actions. Such actions could include a capital directive, a cease and desist or consent order, civil money penalties, restrictions on an institution's operations and/or the appointment of a conservator or receiver. FRB, FDIC and WDFI capital regulations provide that such supervisory actions, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, could require one or more of a variety of corrective actions.
For information regarding compliance with each of these capital requirements by the Company and the Bank as of September 30, 2024, see Note R to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.
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Prompt Corrective Action. Federal statutes establish a supervisory framework based on five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. An institution’s category depends upon its capital levels in relation to relevant capital measures, which include a risk-based capital measure, a leverage ratio capital measure and certain other factors. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations that implement this statutory framework.
The prompt corrective action rules, which apply to the Bank but not the Company, are modified to include a common equity Tier 1 risk-based ratio and to increase certain other capital requirements for the various thresholds. For example, the requirements for the Bank to be considered well-capitalized under the rules are a 5.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio, a 6.5% common equity Tier 1 risk-based ratio, an 8.0% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a 10.0% total risk-based capital ratio. To be adequately capitalized, those ratios are 4.0%, 4.5%. 6.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
An institution that is not well capitalized is subject to certain restrictions on brokered deposits, including restrictions on the rates it can offer on its deposits, generally. Any institution that is neither well capitalized nor adequately capitalized is considered undercapitalized. Federal law authorizes the FDIC to reclassify a well-capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category. The FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank exceeded the requirements of a well-capitalized institution.
Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests ("DFAST"). On July 6, 2018, bank regulatory agencies (the FRB, FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) issued a joint interagency statement regarding the impact of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act ("EGRRCPA") on financial institutions. The EGRRCPA gave immediate relief from stress testing for applicable bank holding companies but not financial institutions until November 25, 2019. Pursuant to direction from the Bank's regulators, the Bank was provided similar relief and is no longer required to submit company-run annual stress tests. Notwithstanding these amendments to the stress testing requirements, the federal banking agencies indicated through interagency guidance that the capital planning and risk management practices of institutions with total assets less than $100 billion would continue to be reviewed through the regular supervisory process. Although the Bank will continue to monitor its capital consistent with the safety and soundness expectations of the federal regulators, the Bank will no longer conduct company-run stress testing as a result of the legislative and regulatory amendments. The Bank continues to use customized stress testing to support the business and as part of its risk management and capital planning process.
EGRRCPA also enacted several important changes in some technical compliance areas that we believe will help reduce our regulatory burden, including:
• Prohibiting federal banking regulators from imposing higher capital standards on High Volatility Commercial Real Estate (“HVCRE”) exposures unless they are for acquisition, development or construction (“ADC”), and clarifying ADC status;
• Exempting from appraisal requirements certain transactions involving real property in rural areas and valued at less than $400,000; and
• Directing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to provide guidance on the applicability of the Truth in Lending and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosure rule to mortgage assumption transactions and construction-to-permanent home loans, as well the extent to which lenders can rely on model disclosures that do not reflect recent regulatory changes.
Despite the improvements for mid-size financial institutions such as the Company that has resulted from EGRRCPA, many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations remain in place and will continue to result in additional operating and compliance costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operation. In addition, the EGRRCPA requires the enactment of a number of implementing regulations, the details of which may have a material effect on the ultimate impact of the law.
Cybersecurity. The federal banking agencies have established certain expectations with respect to an institution's information security and cybersecurity programs, with an increasing focus on risk management, processes related to information technology and operational resiliency, and the use of third parties in the provision of financial services. In January 2020, the federal banking agencies jointly issued a statement reminding supervised financial institutions of sound cybersecurity risk management principles that expanded on areas articulated in the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards written in Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Sections 501 and 505(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
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State regulators have also been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements. Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of state-level activity in those areas to continue and are continually monitoring developments in the states in which the Company operates.
In November 2021, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies adopted a rule regarding notification requirements for banking organizations related to significant computer security incidents. Under the final rule, a bank holding company, such as the Company, and an FDIC-supervised insured depository institution, such as the Bank, are required to notify the Federal Reserve or FDIC, respectively, within 36 hours of incidents that have materially disrupted or degraded, or are reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization’s ability to deliver services to a material portion of its customer base, jeopardize the viability of key operations of the banking organization, or impact the stability of the financial sector. Service providers are required under the rule to notify any affected bank client it provides services to as soon as possible when it determines it has experienced a computer-security incident that has materially disrupted or degraded, or is reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, covered services provided by that entity to the Bank for four or more hours.
See Item 1C - Cybersecurity , for additional disclosures regarding the Company's cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance.
Financial Privacy. Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, as amended, a financial institution may not disclose non-public personal information about a consumer to unaffiliated third parties unless the institution satisfies various disclosure requirements and the consumer has not elected to opt out of the information sharing. The financial institution must provide its customers with a notice of its privacy policies and practices. The Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and other financial regulatory agencies issued regulations implementing notice requirements and restrictions on a financial institution's ability to disclose non-public personal information about consumers to unaffiliated third parties.
In addition, privacy and data protection are areas of increasing state legislative focus, and several states have recently enacted consumer privacy laws that impose significant compliance obligations with respect to personal information. For example, the Company is subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and its implementing regulations. The CCPA gives consumers the right to request disclosure of information collected about them, and whether that information has been sold or shared with others, the right to request deletion of personal information (subject to certain exceptions), the right to opt out of the sale of the consumer’s personal information, and the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights. The CCPA contains several exemptions, including an exemption applicable to information that is collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, as amended. In November 2020, voters in the state of California approved the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), a ballot measure that amends and supplements the substantive requirements of the CCPA by, among other things, expanding certain rights relating to personal information and its use, collection, and disclosure by covered businesses and providing certain mechanisms for administration and enforcement of the statue by creating the California Privacy Protection Agency, a watchdog privacy agency. Similar laws may in the future be adopted by other states where the Company does business. The Company has made and will make operational adjustments in accordance with the requirements of the CCPA and other state privacy laws.
Furthermore, privacy and data protection areas are expected to receive further attention at the federal level. Congress and federal regulatory agencies are considering similar laws or regulations that could create new individual privacy rights and impose increased obligations on companies handling personal data. On April 1, 2022, the federal banking agencies’ new rule became effective, providing for new notification requirements for banking organizations and their service providers for significant cybersecurity incidents. Specifically, the new rule requires banking organizations to notify their primary federal regulator as soon as possible, and no later than 36 hours after, the discovery of a computer-security incident that rises to the level of a notification incident as defined by the rule. Notification is required for incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the viability of a banking organization’s operations, its ability to deliver banking products and services, or the stability of the financial sector. Service providers are required under the rule to notify any affected bank to which it provides services as soon as possible when it determines it has experienced a computer-security incident that has materially disrupted or degraded, or is reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, covered services provided by that entity to the bank for four or more hours. The potential effects of state or federal privacy and data protection laws on the Company’s business cannot be determined at this time and will depend both on whether such laws are adopted by states in which the Company does business and/or at the federal level and the requirements imposed by any such laws.
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Taxation
In addition to federal income tax, the Company is also subject to income, franchise, excise or gross receipts tax in states (and some cities) where the Company has branches or is deemed to have sufficient nexus for tax purposes. The Company generally files consolidated federal and state income tax returns with its subsidiaries.
The Company's federal income tax returns are open and subject to potential examination by the IRS for fiscal year 2021 and later.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include other banks, savings associations, community banks, credit unions, fintech companies and other financial intermediaries, and new market participants offering services similar to those that we offer. We compete with some competitors within our geographic market area, and with others on a product specific basis, such as the residential mortgage market. Our ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to provide first-rate, friendly and professional customer service and deliver the banking solutions that our customers want and need. We are also dependent upon our ability to attract and retain employees while managing compensation and other costs.
Availability of Financial Data
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), the Company is required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We file reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and amendments to those reports, with the SEC. The public may obtain copies of these reports at the SEC's website: www.sec.gov .
The Company has adopted and posted on its website a code of ethics that applies to its senior financial officers. The Company’s website also includes the charters for its audit committee, compensation committee, risk management committee, executive committee, technology committee and nominating and governance committee.
The address for the Company’s website is www.wafdbank.com. The Company makes available on its website, free of charge, its annual reports on Form 10-K, current quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and any amendments to those reports (among others), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website public financial information for which a report is not required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our SEC reports and such other information can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website (https://www.wafdbank.com/about-us/investor-relations). The Company’s website provides a link to all our filings on the SEC’s Edgar website, and the company will provide a printed copy of any of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and any amendments to those reports (among others) to any requesting shareholder, free of charge. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report that we file or furnish to the SEC.
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