Hilltop Holdings Inc. (Form: 8-K, Received: 10/30/2019 08:01:13)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

October 25, 2019

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland		1-31987		84-1477939
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 1400
Dallas, Texas		75219
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(214) 855-2177

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

Title of each class		Trading Symbol		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		HTH		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company ¨

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

Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On October 29, 2019, PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, or PrimeLending, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc., or the Company, announced the promotion of Steve Thompson to Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending, effective as of January 1, 2020. Mr. Thompson currently serves, and will continue to serve, as President of PrimeLending. In connection with the promotion of Mr. Thompson, Todd Salmans, the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending, will continue to serve as Chairman of PrimeLending following January 1, 2020.

Mr. Thompson, age 58, has served as President of PrimeLending since 2017. Mr. Thompson joined PrimeLending in 2011 as a Regional Production Leader. After joining PrimeLending, he was successively promoted from Regional Production Leader to Divisional Production Leader and National Production Leader. Mr. Thompson has more than 30 years of mortgage banking experience.

Salmans Retention Agreement

On October 25, 2019, the Company entered into a Retention Agreement with Mr. Salmans to set forth the terms of his ongoing role with PrimeLending. As set forth above, the Company appointed Mr. Thompson to succeed Mr. Salmans as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending effective January 1, 2020. The Retention Agreement provides that, as of January 1, 2020, Mr. Salmans will resign as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending and from all other positions with the Company and its subsidiaries, other than as Chairman of the Board of Directors of PrimeLending. Pursuant to the Retention Agreement, Mr. Salmans will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PrimeLending.

For his services, Mr. Salmans is entitled to receive an annual salary of $500,000. Mr. Salmans also is entitled to receive a one-time cash payment of $1,250,000 on January 31, 2020. Following January 1, 2020, Mr. Salmans will not be entitled to participate in the Company’s annual incentive bonus program and long-term incentive award program; provided, however, (i) he will be entitled to receive his annual incentive bonus pursuant to his performance under the annual incentive bonus program for fiscal 2019, which is payable on or before March 15, 2020, and (ii) the restricted stock units previously granted to him will continue to vest until he resigns or is terminated. Additionally, following his resignation or termination, Mr. Salmans will be paid an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for his immediately family and himself for a period of twelve months. Mr. Salmans may resign or be terminated at any time.

The Retention Agreement also includes, among other things, customary non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality and arbitration provisions. The Retention Agreement will succeed the Employment Agreement, as amended, between Mr. Salmans and the Company.

The foregoing description of the Retention Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

Thompson Employment Agreement

In connection with the promotion of Mr. Thompson as President and Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending, on October 25, 2019, the Company and Mr. Thompson entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) that will become effective as of January 1, 2020 and remain in effect until December 31, 2022. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Thompson is entitled to an annual base salary of $725,000 and is eligible to participate in (1) an annual incentive bonus program adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or whomever is delegated such authority by the Board (the “Incentive Bonus”), and (2) any long-term incentive award programs adopted by the Compensation Committee, or whomever is delegated such authority by the Board. With respect to calendar year 2020, the Employment Agreement provides that the value of his long-term incentive award to be granted in 2020 will be at least $300,000. Mr. Thompson also is entitled to reimbursement of employment-related expenses and to participate in the employee benefit programs generally available to employees of the Company.

Additionally, the Employment Agreement provides that on January 1, 2020, Mr. Thompson will receive a sign-on grant of restricted stock units having an aggregate fair market value of $125,000 on the date of grant (the “Sign-On Grant”). The Sign-On Grant will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Hilltop Holdings Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) and an award agreement between the Company and Mr. Thompson, which will provide that the restricted stock units underlying the Sign-On Grant will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to early termination or forfeiture in accordance with the award agreement.

If the Employment Agreement is terminated (1) by Mr. Thompson, (2) by the Company for “Cause” (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), or (3) in the event of Mr. Thompson’s death or disability, Mr. Thompson (or his estate, as applicable) will be entitled to receive his base salary through the effective date of such termination, all earned and unpaid and/or vested, nonforfeitable amounts owed to him at such time under the Employment Agreement, restricted stock unit award agreements or under any compensation or benefit plans, and reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred prior to the effective date of such termination (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). With respect to a termination resulting from Mr. Thompson’s death or disability, Mr. Thompson also will receive a pro rata portion of his target Incentive Bonus for such period.

If Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated by the Company without “Cause” (other than pursuant to a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement)), Mr. Thompson will be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and, subject to his execution and delivery to the Company of a release, (i) a lump-sum cash payment equal to the sum of (A) his annual base salary rate immediately prior to the effective date of such termination and (B) an amount equal to the Incentive Bonus paid to him in respect of the calendar year immediately preceding the year of the termination and (ii) an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for his immediate family and himself for a period of twelve months following such termination of employment.

If Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated without “Cause” within the 12 months immediately following, or the six months immediately preceding, a “Change in Control,” Mr. Thompson will be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and (i) a lump-sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of (A) his annual base salary rate immediately prior to the effective date of such termination and (B) an amount equal to the Incentive Bonus paid to him in respect of the calendar year immediately preceding the year of the termination and (ii) an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for his immediate family and himself for a period of twelve months following such termination of employment, provided that Mr. Thompson executes and delivers a release to the Company. Any unvested restricted stock unit awards, including the Sign-On Grant, also will vest if Mr. Thompson is terminated without “Cause” within the 12 months immediately following, or the six months immediately preceding, a “Change in Control.” Notwithstanding, any amounts payable to Mr. Thompson upon a “Change in Control” shall not constitute a “parachute payment” and will be reduced accordingly.

The Employment Agreement also includes, among other things, customary non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality and arbitration provisions.

A copy of the Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

	(a)	Financial statements of businesses acquired.
		Not applicable.

	(b)	Pro forma financial information.
		Not applicable.

	(c)	Shell company transactions.
		Not applicable.

(d)

Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed or furnished, depending on the relative item requiring such exhibit, in accordance with the provisions of Item 601 of Regulation S-K and Instruction B.2 to this form.

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
10.1		Retention Agreement by and between Hilltop Holdings Inc. and Todd Salmans, dated as of October 25, 2019, but effective January 1, 2020.

10.2		Employment Agreement by and between Hilltop Holdings Inc. and Steve Thompson, dated as of October 25, 2019, but effective January 1, 2020.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File included as Exhibit 101 (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			Hilltop Holdings Inc.,
			a Maryland corporation


Date:	October 30, 2019	By:	/s/ COREY PRESTIDGE
			Name:	Corey G. Prestidge
			Title:	Executive Vice President,
				General Counsel & Secretary

EXHIBIT 10.1

RETENTION AGREEMENT

THIS RETENTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 25, 2019, by and between Todd L. Salmans (the “Executive”) and Hilltop Holdings Inc., a Maryland corporation (together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, the “Company”).

WITNESSETH THAT:

The Company has determined that it is in its best interests to ensure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive following the assumption of the Executive’s current role as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (“Prime”) by Steve Thompson. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Executive and the Company desire to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, it is hereby covenanted and agreed by the Executive and the Company as follows:

1. Effective Date. The “Effective Date” shall mean January 1, 2020.

2. Positions and Duties. Subject to the earlier termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall have the following duties:

a. As of the Effective Date, the Executive hereby resigns from all positions with the Company, other than Chairman of the Board of Directors of Prime.

b. Subject to the continued employment of the Executive by the Company, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote his attention and time to (W) assisting and advising the Chief Executive Officer of Prime with respect to the transition of the Executive’s roles (X) advising the Chief Executive Officer of Prime with respect to the business and strategies of Prime; (Y) attending events hosted by Prime and (Z) remaining active in the mortgage industry. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2(b), the Executive may (i) serve as a director, trustee or officer or otherwise participate in not-for-profit educational, welfare, social, religious and civic organizations; (ii) serve as a director of any for-profit business, with the prior consent of the President of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); and (iii) acquire passive investment interests in one or more entities, to the extent that such other activities do not inhibit or interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement or, to the knowledge of the Executive, conflict in any material way with the business or policies of the Company or any affiliate thereof. In the event that the Executive is serving as a director of or otherwise participating in any not-for-profit entity that does not inhibit or interfere with the performance of his current duties and does not conflict in any material way with the business or policies of the Company, the Executive may continue to conduct such activities. As used in this Agreement, the term “affiliates” shall include any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company.

c. Prime shall provide the Executive with an office and an administrative assistant at the headquarters of Prime while the Executive is employed by the Company.

3. Compensation. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Executive shall be compensated for his services on and after the Effective Date as follows:

a. Base Salary. The Executive shall receive an annual base salary of $500,000 (“Annual Base Salary”) and shall be payable in cash at the times consistent with the Company’s general policies regarding compensation of employees, but in all events no less frequently than monthly.

b. Bonus and Long-Term Awards. The Executive shall not be eligible or entitled to participate in, or the payment or award of, any cash bonus and long-term incentive awards on or after the Effective Date. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that he is not entitled to the payment of any bonus and granting any long-term incentive awards as of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing, (i) restricted stock unit awards granted to the Executive prior to the Effective Date will continue to vest in accordance with their respective terms until the Date of Termination (“hereinafter defined”) and (ii) In consideration of, and subject to the Executive’s compliance with, the covenants provided in Section 6 and in consideration of the Executive executing the Release attached as Exhibit A hereto on the Date of Termination (hereinafter defined), the Executive shall be entitled to receive his annual incentive bonus in accordance with the program adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 , subject to the terms of said annual incentive bonus program, and any such bonus shall be payable under this Section 3.b.(ii) shall be paid on or before March 15, 2020.

c. Employee and Fringe Benefits. Subject to continued employment, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee welfare plans and programs of the Company as in effect from time to time on the same basis as such employee welfare plans are generally provided to employees of the Company from time to time. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that he is not entitled to the payment of, or reimbursement for, any automobiles or clubs.

d. Expense Reimbursement. While the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties in accordance with the Company’s policies as in effect from time to time.

e. Special One-Time Payments. In consideration of, and subject to the Executive’s compliance with, the covenants provided in Section 6 and in consideration of the Executive executing the Release attached as Exhibit A hereto on the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the Executive the following amounts: (i) $1,250,000, payable at January 31, 2020; and (ii) an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for the Executive and his immediate family for a period of twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination.

4. Termination of Employment.

a. Death. Upon the death of the Executive, the Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically on the Date of Termination.

b. Termination. The Executive’s employment shall terminable by the Company at any time for any reason or no reason whatsoever.

c. Resignation. The Executive shall be entitled to resign at any time.

d. Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for death, the date of receipt of the notice of termination or any later date specified therein within 30 days of such notice, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive other than for death, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Executive notifies the Company of such resignation, and (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive.

e. Effect of Termination on Other Positions. If, on the Date of Termination, the Executive is a member of the Board of Directors of Prime or the board of directors of any of their affiliates, or holds any other position with the Company or their respective affiliates, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all such positions as of the Date of Termination. The Executive agrees to execute such documents and take such other actions as the Company may request to reflect such resignation.

5. Obligations the Company upon Termination of Employment. Upon the Date of Termination, this Agreement shall terminate immediately (except for such provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive termination hereof) and the Executive shall only be entitled to receive:

a. The Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination at the annual rate in effect at the time of the Date of Termination, payable within ten (10) business days after the Date of Termination;

b. all earned and unpaid and/or vested, nonforfeitable amounts owing at the Date of Termination under this Agreement or any compensation and benefit plans, programs, and arrangements of the Company and its affiliates in which the Executive theretofore participated, payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the plans, programs, and arrangements (and agreements and documents thereunder) pursuant to which such compensation and benefits were granted;

c. reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company’s policy prior to the Date of Termination (collectively, a through c immediately above shall be the “Accrued Amounts”); and

d. Subject to the execution and non-revocation of the Release attached as Exhibit A hereto by the Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, subject to the Executive’s continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement and to the extent not already paid by the Company to the Executive, the payment set forth in Sections 3.e.(i) and 3.e.(ii).

6. Restrictive Covenants.

a. Confidential Information. The Executive shall not at any time, whether during his employment or following the termination of his employment, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, disclose or furnish to any entity, firm, corporation or person, except as otherwise required by law, any confidential or proprietary information of the Company with respect to any aspect of its operations, businesses or clients. “Confidential or Proprietary Information” shall mean information generally unknown to the public to which the Executive gains access by reason of the Executive’s employment by or services to the Company and includes, but is not limited to, information relating to all present or potential customers, business and marketing plans, sales, trading and financial data and strategies, operational costs, and employment benefits and compensation. For purposes of this Section 6, the “Company” shall include its affiliates and each of its and their predecessor and successor entities.

b. Return of Company Property. All records, files, memoranda, reports, customer information, client lists, documents and equipment relating to the business of the Company that the Executive prepares, possesses or comes into contact with while he is an employee of the Company shall remain the sole property of the Company. The Executive agrees that upon the termination of his employment he shall (i) not remove physically, electronically or in any other way any Confidential or Proprietary Information from premises owned, used or leased by the Company, (ii) provide to the Company all documents, papers, files or other material in his possession and under his control that are connected with or derived from his services to the Company and (iii) retain no copies, summaries or notes thereof. The Executive agrees that the Company owns all work product, patents, copyrights and other material produced by the Executive during the Executive’s employment with the Company.

c. Nonsolicitation. The Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company and for the 18-month period beginning on the Date of Termination (such period, the “Restricted Period”), he shall not (i) hire or attempt to recruit or hire other employees, directly or by assisting others, nor shall the Executive contact or communicate with any other employees of the Company for the purpose of inducing other employees to terminate their employment with the Company, or (ii) induce or attempt to induce any customer (whether former or current), supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand. For purposes hereof, “other employees” shall refer to employees who are still, or were in the past six (6) months, actively employed by or doing business with the Company at the time of the attempted recruiting or hiring.

d. Noncompetition. The Executive agrees that, during the Restricted Period, he shall not engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing or control of, be employed by, associated with or in any manner connected with, lend his name or any similar name to, lend his credit to or render services or advice to any business that provides services of investment banking, retail brokerage, wealth management, fixed income trading, consumer banking, commercial banking, financial advisory services, mortgage banking, residential mortgage brokerage, commercial mortgage brokerage, equipment leasing, personal property leasing, personal insurance, commercial insurance, title insurance or other financial services of any type whatsoever anywhere within the State of Texas; provided, however, the Executive may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any enterprise (but without participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange or have been registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

e. Non-Disparagement. The Executive agrees not to disclose, communicate, or publish any disparaging or negative information, writings, electronic communications, comments, opinions, facts, or remarks, of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, “Disparaging Information”), about any of the Company and its parents and subsidiaries, their respective employees, owners, partners, directors, members, agents or contractors (collectively, the “Applicable Parties”). The Executive acknowledges that in executing this Agreement, he has knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently waived any free speech, free association, free press, or First Amendment to the United States (including, without limitation, any counterpart or similar provision or right under the Texas Constitution) rights to disclose, communicate, or publish Disparaging Information concerning or related to the Applicable Parties. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that any breach or violation of this non-disparagement provision shall entitle the Company to seek injunctive relief to prevent any future breaches of this provision and/or to sue the Executive under the provisions of this Agreement for the immediate recovery of any damages caused by such breach. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing shall impair any party’s legally protected rights under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable federal law or regulation, including under Rule 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

f. Equitable Remedies. In the event of a breach by the Executive of his obligations under this Agreement, the Company and its affiliates, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its affiliates shall suffer irreparable harm in the event of a breach or prospective breach of Section 6 .a, 6.b., 6.c., 6.d. or 6.e. of this Agreement and that monetary damages would not be adequate relief. Accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Texas.

g. Tolling. If the Executive violates any of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6, the Restricted Period shall be suspended and shall not run in favor of the Executive from the time of the commencement of any violation until the time the Executive cures the violation.

h. Reasonableness. The Executive hereby represents to the Company that the Executive has read and understands, and agrees to be bound by, the terms of this Section 6. The Executive acknowledges that the geographic scope and duration of the covenants contained in this Section 6 are fair and reasonable in light of (a) the nature and wide geographic scope of the operations of the Company’s business; (b) the Executive’s level of control over and contact with the business; and (v) the amount of compensation, trade secrets and Confidential or Proprietary Information that the Executive is receiving in connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company. It is the desire and intent of the Parties that the provisions of this Section 6 be enforced to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, whether now or hereafter in effect and therefore, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Executive and the Company hereby waive any provision of applicable law that would render any provision of this Section 6 invalid or unenforceable.

7. Successors. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive. This Agreement and any rights and benefits hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executive’s legal representatives, heirs or legatees. This Agreement and any rights and benefits hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns.

8. Arbitration. The Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach of this Agreement, or any other dispute arising out of or relating to the employment of the Executive by the Company, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in the City of Dallas, Texas, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect on the date the claim or controversy arises. All claims or controversies subject to arbitration shall be submitted to arbitration within six months from the date the written notice of a request for arbitration is effective. All claims or controversies shall be resolved by a panel of three arbitrators who are licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and who are experienced in the arbitration of labor and employment disputes. These arbitrators shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time the claim or controversy arises. Either party may request that the arbitration proceeding be stenographically recorded by a Certified Shorthand Reporter. The arbitrators shall issue a written decision with respect to all claims or controversies within thirty (30) days from the date the claims or controversies are submitted to arbitration. The parties shall be entitled to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. The Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that each party will bear fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the arbitration proceeding. The parties shall be responsible for paying their own attorneys’ fees, if any. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the arbitration provisions in this Section 8 may be specifically enforced by either party hereto and submission to arbitration proceedings compelled by any court of competent jurisdiction. The Company and the Executive further acknowledge and agree that the decision of the arbitrators may be specifically enforced by either party in any court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions set forth above, the Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require the arbitration of any claim or controversy arising under the restrictive covenants in Section 6 of this Agreement. The restrictive covenants in Section 6 shall be enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and shall not be subject to arbitration pursuant to this Section 8. The Executive and the Company further acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require arbitration of any claim for workers’ compensation benefits (although any claims arising under Tex. Labor Code § 450.001 shall be subject to arbitration) or unemployment compensation.

9. Miscellaneous.

a. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by all the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

b. Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

c. Applicable Law. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY STATE.

d. Severability. The Company and the Executive agree that should an arbitrator or court declare or determine that any provision of this Agreement is illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions of this Agreement will not be affected and any illegal or invalid part, term, or provision, will not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement and there shall be deemed substituted therefor such other provision as will most nearly accomplish the intent of the parties to the extent permitted by the applicable law.

e. Waiver of Breach. No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by such other party of any similar or dissimilar provisions and conditions at the same or any prior or subsequent time. The failure of any party hereto to take any action by reason of such breach will not deprive such party of the right to take action at any time while such breach continues.

f. Notices. Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice):

To the Company:

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

6565 Hillcrest Avenue, 6^th Floor

Dallas, Texas 75205

Attention: Corey G. Prestidge

Facsimile: (214) 580-5722

or to the Executive:

At the most recent address maintained by the Company in its personnel records.

Each party, by written notice furnished to the other party, may modify the applicable delivery address, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. Such notices, demands, claims and other communications shall be deemed given in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day delivery, the next day or the day designated for delivery; or in the case of certified or registered U.S. mail, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail; provided, however, that in no event shall any such communications be deemed to be given later than the date they are actually received.

g. Compliance with Procedures and Policies. The Executive agrees that at all times during his employment by the Company that he shall adhere to and be subject to the policies and procedures of the Company and that may be in effect from time to time, including any claw-back policy in effect at the Company that is applicable to similarly situated employees.

h. Section 409A.

i. General. In the event that it is reasonably determined by the Company or the Executive that, as a result of Section 409A, any of the payments that the Executive is entitled to under the terms of this Agreement or any nonqualified deferred compensation plan (as defined under Section 409A) may not be made at the time contemplated by the terms hereof or thereof, as the case may be, without causing the Executive to be subject to an income tax penalty and interest, the Company will make such payment (with interest thereon) on the first day that would not result in the Executive incurring any tax liability under Section 409A. In addition, other provisions of this Agreement or any other plan notwithstanding, the Company shall have no right to accelerate any such payment or to make any such payment as the result of an event if such payment would, as a result, be subject to the tax imposed by Section 409A.

ii. Delayed Payment. To the extent (a) any payments to which the Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A; (b) the Executive is deemed at the Date of Termination to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A; and (c) at the Date of Termination, the Company is publicly traded (as defined in Section 409A), then such payments (other than any payments permitted by Section 409A to be paid within six (6) months of the Date of Termination) shall not be made until the earlier of (x) the first day of the seventh (7^th) month following the Date of Termination or (y) the date of the Executive’s death following the Date of Termination. During any period that payment or payments to the Executive are deferred pursuant to the foregoing, the Executive shall be entitled to interest on the deferred payment or payments at a per annum rate equal to Federal-Funds rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the Date of Termination. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments that would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this Section 9(h) (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be paid to the Executive or the Executive 's beneficiary in one lump sum.

i. Survivorship. Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall survive such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement.

j. Entire Agreement. From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other employment, severance or change-of-control agreement between the Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof.

k. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

l. Class Waiver. The Executive hereby waives the right to initiate a class, collective, or representative action (“Class Waiver”). Any disputes concerning the validity of the Class Waiver will be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction, not pursuant to Section 8. In the event a court determines that the Class Waiver is unenforceable with respect to any claim, the Class Waiver shall not apply to that claim, which may then only proceed in court.

m. Protection of Trade Secrets. Nothing in this Agreement diminishes or limits any protection granted by law to trade secrets or relieves the Executive of any duty not to disclose, use, or misappropriate any information that is a trade secret, for as long as such information remains a trade secret.

n. Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) Notice. Under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, the Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (b) is made to the Executive’s attorney in relation to a lawsuit for retaliation against the Executive for reporting a suspected violation of law; or (c) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

o. Reports to Government Agencies. The Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement or any other policy or agreement with the Company is intended to or shall prohibit the Executive from reporting possible violations of law or regulation or providing documents to any governmental agency or entity, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress or any Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. The Executive further understands that the Executive is not required to obtain the prior authorization of the Company or any other person to make any such reports or disclosures, and that the Executive is not required to notify the Company or any other person that such reports or disclosures have been made.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand, and the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name and on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

	EXECUTIVE


	/s/ TODD L. SALMANS
	Todd L. Salmans


	HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.


	By:	/s/ JEREMY B. FORD
	Name:	Jeremy B. Ford
	Title:	President & Co-CEO

SALMANS RETETION AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE

Exhibit A

RELEASE

This Release (this “Release”) is made and entered into as of _____, 20___, between Hilltop Holdings Inc. and any of its parents, predecessors, successors, subsidiaries, affiliates or related companies, organizations, managers, officers, directors, executives, agents, plan fiduciaries, shareholders, attorneys and/or representatives (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Company”) and Todd L. Salmans (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive are parties to the certain Retention Agreement, dated as of _______________, 2019 (the “Retention Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive is terminated from all positions with the Company effective _____, 20__ (the “Separation Date”) and such termination shall constitute a “separation of service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), and it is the intent of the parties that the Retention Agreement terminate upon the Separation Date, except as otherwise provided herein, including, without limitation Section 4 of this Release; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to finally, fully and completely resolve all disputes that now or may exist against the Company, including, but not limited to those concerning Executive’s employment, the separation of employment with the Company, and all disputes over benefits and compensation connected with such employment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

1. Release and Waiver.

a. Release by Executive. In consideration of the payments set forth in the Retention Agreement, and such other consideration, that being good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Executive, Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of his agents, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, heirs, devisees and assigns (collectively, the “Releasing Parties”) hereby finally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely fully releases, remises, acquits and forever discharges the Company and all of its affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, equity holders, members, partners, managers, agents, employees, consultants, independent contractors, attorneys, advisers, fiduciaries, plan administrators, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”), jointly and severally, from any and all claims, rights, demands, debts, obligations, losses, liens, agreements, contracts, covenants, actions, causes of action, suits, services, judgments, orders, counterclaims, controversies, setoffs, affirmative defenses, third party actions, damages, penalties, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, liabilities and indemnities of any kind or nature whatsoever, direct or indirect (collectively, the “Claims”), whether asserted, unasserted, absolute, fixed or contingent, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, accrued or unaccrued or otherwise, whether at law, in equity, administrative, statutory or otherwise, in any forum, venue or jurisdiction, whether federal, state, local, administrative, regulatory or otherwise, and whether for injunctive relief, back pay, fringe benefits, reinstatement, reemployment, or compensatory, punitive or any other kind of damages, which any of the Releasing Parties ever have had in the past or presently have against the Released Parties, and each of them, arising from or relating to Executive s employment with the Company, or the termination of that employment or any circumstances related thereto, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever, including, without limitation, all claims arising under or relating to employment, employment contracts, stock options, stock option agreements, restricted stock, restricted stock agreements, restricted stock units, restricted stock unit agreements, equity interests, deferred compensation, employee benefits or purported employment discrimination or violations of civil rights of whatever kind or nature, including, without limitation, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (“ENDA”), the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and/or 1871, the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Immigration Reform and Control Act; the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act; the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the Labor Management Relations Act; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Payday Law, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act or Chapter 21; or any other applicable foreign, federal, state or local employment discrimination statute, law or ordinance, including, without limitation, any workers’ compensation, disability, whistleblower protection or anti-retaliation claims under any such laws, claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, breach of express or implied contract or implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and any other claims arising under foreign, state, federal or common law, as well as any expenses, costs or attorneys’ fees. Executive further agrees that Executive will not file or permit to be filed on Executive’s behalf any such claim. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or any other provision of this Release, this release is not intended to interfere with Executive’s right (i) to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) or any state human rights commission in connection with any claim he believes he may have against the Company, (ii) to participate in an investigative proceeding of any federal, state, or local governmental agency, or (iii) to report possible violations of law or regulations to any governmental agency or entity, including disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. However, by executing this Release, Executive hereby waives the right to recover in any proceeding Executive may bring before the EEOC or any state human rights commission or in any proceeding brought by the EEOC or any state human rights commission on Executive’s behalf. Executive also agrees to waive any right or ability to be a class or collective action representative or to otherwise recover damages in any putative or certified class, collective, or multi-party action or proceeding relating to Claims released in this Release and/or against any Released Parties.

b. Except as required by law and as provided for in Section 1(a), Executive agrees that Executive will not commence, maintain, initiate or prosecute, or cause, encourage, assist, volunteer, advise or cooperate with any other person or entity to commence, maintain, initiate or prosecute, any action, lawsuit, proceeding, charge, petition, complaint or Claims before any court, agency or tribunal against the Released Parties arising from, concerned with or otherwise related to, in whole or in part, Executive’s employment with the Released Parties or any of the matters discharged and released in this Release. Executive represents and agrees that, prior to signing this Release, he has not filed, assigned or pursued any complaints, charges or lawsuits of any kind with any court, governmental or administrative agency, or arbitral forum against the Company, or any other person or entity released under this Section 1, asserting any claims whatsoever. Executive understands and acknowledges that, in the event he commences any proceeding in violation of this Release, he waives and is estopped from receiving any monetary award or other legal or equitable relief in such proceeding.

c. Executive represents and warrants that Executive is not aware of any (i) violations, allegations or claims that the Company has violated any federal, state or foreign law of any kind, or (ii) any facts or circumstances relating to or giving rise to any alleged violations, allegations or claims that the Company has violated any federal, state or foreign law of any kind, of which Executive has not previously made Hilltop Holdings Inc.’s General Counsel aware. If Executive learns of any such information, Executive shall immediately inform the General Counsel of Hilltop Holdings Inc.

2. Knowing and Voluntary Release. Executive understands it is his choice whether to execute this Release and that his decision to do so is voluntary and is made knowingly.

3. No Prior Representations or Inducements. Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Release, he does not rely, and has not relied, on any communications, statements, promises, inducements, or representation(s), oral or written, by any of the Released Parties, except as expressly contained in this Release. Any amendment to this Release must be signed by all parties to this Release.

4. Retention Agreement. Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that Sections 6, 8 and 9 of the Retention Agreement are of a continuing nature and expressly survive the expiration, termination or cancellation of the Retention Agreement and such obligations of Executive shall not be released pursuant to this Release. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that the Retention Agreement is terminated.

5. Binding Release and Survival. This Release shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s and the Company’s respective personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, assigns, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees.

6. Severability. The Company and Executive agree that should an arbitrator or court declare or determine that any provision of this Release is illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions of this Release will not be affected and any illegal or invalid part, term, or provision, will not be deemed to be a part of this Release and there shall be deemed substituted therefor such other provision as will most nearly accomplish the intent of the parties to the extent permitted by the applicable law.

7. Entire Agreement and Counterparts. This Release constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof. The Company and Executive agree that this Release may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument.

8. Time to Consider Release. The Company advises Executive in writing to consult with an attorney before executing this Release. Executive further acknowledges that the Company has given him a period of twenty-one (21) calendar days within which to review and consider the provisions of this Release. Executive understands that if he does not sign this Release before the twenty-one (21) calendar day period expires, certain payment set forth in the Retention Agreement will be withdrawn automatically.

9. Revocation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he has seven (7) calendar days following the execution of this Release to revoke his acceptance of this Release. This Release will not become effective or enforceable, and the payments and certain other benefits described in Section 5 of the Retention Agreement (unless specifically provided otherwise) will not become payable, until after this revocation period has expired without his revocation. If Executive does not revoke this Release within the revocation period, the Company will send Executive the payments in accordance with the terms of Section 5 of the Retention Agreement.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING, THAT I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND THAT I AM RELEASING CLAIMS AND THAT I AM ENTERING INTO IT VOLUNTARILY.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

IN WITNESS THEREOF, Executive and the Company hereto evidence their agreement by their signatures.

	EXECUTIVE


	Todd L. Salmans

	COMPANY:

	Hilltop Holdings Inc.


	By:
	Name:
	Title:

EXHIBIT 10.2

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of October 25, 2019 (the “Execution Date”), and is entered into by and between Steve Thompson (“Executive”) and Hilltop Holdings Inc., a Maryland corporation (“HTH” or the “Company”), on behalf of itself and all of its subsidiaries (collectively “Employer”). As an inducement to render services to HTH’s wholly owned, indirect subsidiary, its mortgage company, PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, Executive and Employer agree as follows:

Employment. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, Executive agrees to provide full-time services for Employer during the Term (hereinafter defined). Executive agrees to devote his best efforts to the business of Employer, and shall perform his duties in a diligent, trustworthy and business-like manner, all for the purpose of advancing the business of Employer.

Duties. The duties of Executive shall be those duties that can reasonably be expected to be performed by a person with the title of President and Chief Executive Officer of a national mortgage company and its subsidiaries. Upon reasonable notice, the Executive’s duties may, from time to time, be reasonably changed or modified and only at the approval and discretion of the President of HTH. Executive has received and is familiar with Employer’s employment, ethics and insider trading policies and procedures, and understands and agrees his duties include compliance with such policies and procedures, as amended from time to time.

Salary and Benefits.

(a)

Base Salary. Employer shall, during the Term, pay Executive an annual base salary of Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($725,000). Such salary shall be paid in accordance with the then current payroll practices of Employer, less applicable withholding and salary deductions. Base salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Company, but may not be reduced.

(b)

Annual Incentive Bonus. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an annual incentive bonus program adopted by the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), or whomever is delegated such authority by the Board (the “Incentive Bonus”). The Incentive Bonus shall not be based upon performance criteria that would encourage Executive to take any unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of Employer. Subject to the terms of the annual incentive bonus program, any bonus payable under this Section 3(b) shall be paid on or before March 15 of the year following the year for which the bonus is payable.

(c)

Long-Term Incentive Awards. As soon as administratively practical following the Effective Date, Executive shall receive a grant of restricted stock units with respect to the number of shares of the common stock of the Company having a fair market value on the date of grant equal to One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000) (the “Sign-On Grant”). The Sign-On Grant shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Hilltop Holdings Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and an award agreement between Executive and Employer, which terms shall include, without limitation, cliff vesting of the Sign-On Grant on December 31, 2022, subject to early termination or forfeiture in accordance with the terms of the award agreement. Executive also shall be eligible to participate in any long-term incentive award programs adopted by the Compensation Committee, or whomever is delegated such authority by the Board (an “LTIP Award”). An LTIP Award shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable long-term incentive award program and an award agreement between Executive and Employer. An LTIP Award shall not be based upon performance criteria that would encourage Executive to take any unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of Employer. Executive agrees to execute any documents requested by Employer in connection with the grant of the Sign-On Grant and any LTIP Award pursuant to this Section 3(c). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the LTIP Award contemplated to be made pursuant to the 2020 LTIP Plan in the first calendar quarter of 2020 relating to the period ended December 31, 2022, Executive shall receive an LTIP Award equal in value to at least $300,000 in the aggregate as of the date of grant, provided Executive is employed by Employer on the date of grant of such LTIP Award. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to contrary, the Hilltop Holdings Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan or any new or successor plan, as such plans are amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and the award agreements evidencing the grants provided for in this Section 3(c) shall control and govern.

(d)

Reimbursement of Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Executive for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in the course of his duties, in accordance with Employer’s normal policies. Executive shall be required to submit to Employer appropriate documentation supporting such out-of-pocket expenses as a prerequisite to reimbursement in accordance with Employer’s normal policies. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 3(d) during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year. Reimbursement of eligible expenses shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expenses were incurred.

(e)

Employee Benefits. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the employee benefit programs generally available to employees of Employer.

(f)

Benefits Not in Lieu of Compensation. No benefit or perquisite provided to Executive shall be deemed to be in lieu of base salary or other compensation.

Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Execution Date and automatically become effective on January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”). Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, this Agreement shall remain in effect until December 31, 2022 (such date being referred to herein as the “Term Date” and such period form the Effective Date to the earlier of the Term Date or termination of this Agreement being referred to herein as the “Term”). Unless Employer and Executive agree in writing to extend the Term of this Agreement at any time on or before the Term Date, this Agreement shall automatically expire on the Term Date.

General Termination Provisions. If Executive has a Termination of Employment during the Term, other than under the provisions of Section 6, then upon such Termination of Employment, Employer will be liable to Executive for all payments (if any) as described in this Section 5, as follows:

(a)

Termination by Employer. Employer may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement under this Section 5 only upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events and under the conditions described below.

(i)

Termination For Cause. Employer may discharge Executive for Cause (hereinafter defined), and, upon such Termination of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate immediately (except for such provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive termination hereof) and Executive shall only be entitled to receive:

(A)

Executive’s base salary through the effective date of such Termination of Employment at the annual rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, payable within ten (10) business days after the effective date of such Termination of Employment;

(B)

all earned and unpaid and/or vested, nonforfeitable amounts owing at the effective date of such Termination of Employment under this Agreement or any compensation and benefit plans, programs, and arrangements of Employer and its affiliates in which Executive theretofore participated, payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the plans, programs, and arrangements (and agreements and documents thereunder) pursuant to which such compensation and benefits were granted; and

(C)

reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Employer policy prior to the effective date of such Termination of Employment (collectively, (A) through (C) immediately above shall be the “Accrued Amounts”).

(ii)

Termination Without Cause. If Employer shall discharge Executive without Cause (other than pursuant to a Change in Control as described in Section 6), then upon such Termination of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate immediately (except for such provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive termination hereof) and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts. In addition, conditioned upon Executive’s execution and delivery to Employer of a release, in a form provided by Employer, within forty-five (45) days following such Termination of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A)

any portion of the Sign-On Grant or any other LTIP Award granted to Executive that vests pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement;

(B)

a cash amount equal to one (1) times the sum of (1) the annual base salary rate of Executive immediately prior to the effective date of such Termination of Employment, and (2) an amount equal to the Incentive Bonus paid to Executive in respect of the calendar year immediately preceding the year of the Termination of Employment, payable in a lump-sum payment within sixty (60) days of the effective date of such Termination of Employment; and

(C)

an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for the Executive and his immediate family for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of such Termination of Employment.

(iii)

Termination Because of Death or Disability. In the event of Executive’s death or disability (within the meaning of Employer’s disability policy that is in effect at the time of disability), upon such Termination of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate immediately and Executive (or his estate) shall be entitled to receive (X) the Accrued Amounts, (Y) items (A) and (C) immediately above in Section 5(a)(ii) and (Z) a pro rata portion of Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for such period, provided, however, in the case of Executive’s disability, vesting of the Sign-On Grant and any other LTIP Award granted shall be conditioned upon Executive’s (or Executive’s legal guardian’s) execution and delivery to Employer of a release, in a form provided by Employer, within forty-five (45) days following such Termination of Employment.

(b)

Termination by Executive. Executive may voluntarily terminate this Agreement at any time following its execution. If Executive shall voluntarily terminate his employment for any reason, this Agreement shall terminate immediately (except for such provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive termination hereof) and Executive shall only be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts.

Termination Upon Change in Control.

(a)

Upon the discharge of Executive by Employer without Cause within the twelve (12) months immediately following, or the six (6) months immediately preceding, a Change in Control, then upon such Termination of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate immediately (except for such provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive termination hereof) and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts. In addition, conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a release, in a form provided by Employer, within forty-five (45) days following such Termination of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(i)

full vesting of the Sign-On Grant and any other LTIP Award granted to Executive;

(ii)

a cash amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (A) the annual base salary rate of Executive immediately prior to the effective date of such Termination of Employment, and (B) an amount equal to the Incentive Bonus paid to Executive in respect of the calendar year immediately preceding the year of the Termination of Employment, payable in a lump-sum payment within sixty (60) days of the effective date of such Termination of Employment (or, if later, the effective date of the Change in Control); and

(iii)

an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for the Executive and his immediate family for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of such Termination of Employment.

(b)

Anything in this Section 6 to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution made, or benefit provided, by Employer to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any plan, program, or arrangement of Employer (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable or provided pursuant to the terms hereof or otherwise) would constitute a “parachute payment” as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (as then in effect, together with the rules promulgated thereunder, the “Code”), then the benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement or such plan, program, or arrangement shall be reduced so that the aggregate present value of all payments in the nature of compensation to (or for the benefit of) Executive that are contingent on a change of control (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2)(A) of the Code) is One Dollar ($1.00) less than the amount that Executive could receive without being considered to have received any parachute payment (the amount of this reduction in the benefits payable is referred to herein as the “Excess Amount”). The determination of the amount of any reduction required by this Section 6(b) shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by Employer, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any amounts payable to Executive pursuant to Section 6(a) shall be reduced by any amounts previously received by Executive pursuant to Section 5 above.

Definitions.

(a)

Cause. “Cause” for termination shall mean that, prior to any termination pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) hereof, Executive shall have committed or caused:

(i)

an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft;

(ii)

Employer is required to remove or replace Executive by formal order or formal or informal instruction, including a requested consent order or agreement, from the Federal Reserve or any other regulatory or administrative authority having jurisdiction;

(iii)

intentional breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(iv)

intentional wrongful disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information of Employer;

(v)

intentional violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist order;

(vi)

intentional action or inaction that causes material economic harm to Employer;

(vii)

an intentional violation of the Company’s or Employer’s written policies, standards or guidelines applicable to Executive; or

(viii)

the failure or refusal of Executive to follow the reasonable lawful directives of the Company’s President.

	provided, however, that none of the actions described in clauses (iv) through (vii) above shall constitute grounds for a “Cause” termination unless any such act or actions shall have been determined by the Compensation Committee to have been materially harmful to Employer. For the purposes of this Agreement, no act or failure to act on the part of Executive shall be deemed “intentional” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of Employer and upon prior written notice to the Executive.

	Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” hereunder unless and until there shall have been delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority (50.1%) of the members of the Compensation Committee then in office at a meeting of the Compensation Committee called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before such members), finding that in the good faith opinion of such members, Executive had committed an act set forth above in this Section 7(a) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(b)

Change in Control. A “Change in Control” means and shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Agreement if and when any of the following occur:

(i)

The acquisition by any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of thirty-three percent (33%) or more of either (A) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) any acquisition directly from the Company, (2) any acquisition by the Company, (3) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company, (4) any acquisition by a Person who holds or controls entities that, in the aggregate (including the holdings of such Person), hold or control ten percent (10%) or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities on the Effective Date, or (5) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (iii) of this Section 7(b);

(ii)

Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;

(iii)

Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with a third party or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a third party, or the acquisition of assets or securities of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination, or any Person who holds or controls entities that, in the aggregate (including the holdings of such Person), hold or control ten percent (10%) or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities on the Effective Date) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, thirty-three percent (33%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, the equivalent body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(iv)

The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(c)

Notice of Termination. “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and the termination date, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Employment under the provision so indicated. Any purported Termination of Employment by Employer or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 12 hereof.

(d)

Termination of Employment. “Termination of Employment” shall mean a “separation from service” as such term is defined in the regulations issued under Section 409A.

Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE AND ENTERED INTO IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND THE LAWS OF TEXAS SHALL GOVERN ITS VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION IN THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the employment of Executive, and there are no representations, warranties or commitments other than those in writing executed by all of the parties. This is an integrated agreement. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

10.

Arbitration.

(a)

Executive and Employer acknowledge and agree that any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach of this Agreement or any other dispute arising out of or relating to the employment of Executive by Employer, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in the City of Dallas, Texas, in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect on the date the claim or controversy arises.

(b)

All claims or controversies subject to arbitration shall be submitted to arbitration within six (6) months from the date the written notice of a request for arbitration is effective. All claims or controversies shall be resolved by a panel of three (3) arbitrators who are licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and who are experienced in the arbitration of labor and employment disputes. These arbitrators shall be selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time the claim or controversy is commenced. Either party may request that the arbitration proceeding be stenographically recorded by a Certified Shorthand Reporter. The arbitrators shall issue a written decision with respect to all claims or controversies within thirty (30) days from the date the claims or controversies are heard in arbitration. The parties shall be entitled to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. The arbitrators may award actual attorney’s fees and costs to a party in a manner determined by such arbitrators.

(c)

Employer and Executive acknowledge and agree that the arbitration provisions in Sections 10(a) and 10(b) may be specifically enforced by either party and submission to arbitration proceedings compelled by any court of competent jurisdiction. Employer and Executive further acknowledge and agree that the decision of the arbitrators may be specifically enforced by either party in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(d)

Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions set forth above, Executive and Employer acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require the arbitration of any claim or controversy arising under the NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON-INTERFERENCE, NON-COMPETITION, and NON-DISPARAGEMENT provisions set forth at Sections 13 through 16 of this Agreement. These provisions shall be enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and shall not be subject to ARBITRATION pursuant to Sections 10(a)-(c). Executive and Employer further acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require arbitration of any claim for workers’ compensation benefits (although any claims arising under Tex. Labor Code § 450.001 shall be subject to arbitration) or unemployment compensation.

11.

Assistance in Litigation; Class Action Waiver. Executive shall make himself available, upon the request of Employer, to testify or otherwise assist in litigation, arbitration or other disputes involving Employer, or any of its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries or parent corporations, during the Term of this Agreement and at any time following the termination of this Agreement. Executive hereby waives any right or ability to be a class or collective action representative or to otherwise recover damages in any putative or certified class, collective, or multi-party action or proceeding against Employer or any of its affiliates.

12.

Notice. Any notice or communication required or permitted to be given to the parties shall be delivered personally or sent by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, and addressed or delivered as follows, or to such other address as the party addressed may have substituted by notice pursuant to this Section. Any notice given pursuant to this Section 12 will be effective immediately upon delivery if delivered in person or three (3) days after mailing deposited in the United States addressed as set forth below:

(a)

If to Employer:

Prior to January 31, 2020:

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 1400

Dallas, Texas 75219

Attention: General Counsel

After January 31, 2020:

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

6565 Hillcrest Avenue, 6^th Floor

University Park, Texas 75205

Attention: General Counsel

(b)

If to Executive:

Steve Thompson

18111 Preston Road, Suite 900

Dallas, Texas 75252

13.

Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. Employer agrees to provide Executive access to Employer’s Confidential Information, which information will be necessary to Executive’s performance of the duties and responsibilities contemplated herein. Executive acknowledges that such Confidential Information is a valuable asset of Employer and that any disclosure or unauthorized use of any Confidential Information by Executive will cause irreparable harm and loss to Employer. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, including, but not limited to the following: methods of operation, products, inventions, services, processes, equipment, know-how, technology, technical data, policies, strategies, designs, formulas, developmental or experimental work, improvements, discoveries, research, plans for research or future products and services, database schemas or tables, software, development tools or techniques, training procedures, training techniques, training manuals, business information, marketing and sales methods, plans and strategies, competitors, markets, market surveys, techniques, production processes, infrastructure, business plans, distribution and installation plans, processes and strategies, methodologies, budgets, financial data and information, customer and client information, prices and costs, fees, customer and client lists and profiles, employee, customer and client nonpublic personal information, supplier lists, business records, product construction, product specifications, audit processes, pricing strategies, business strategies, marketing and promotional practices, management methods and information, plans, reports, recommendations and conclusions, information regarding the skills and compensation of employees and contractors of Employer, and other business information disclosed to Executive by Employer, either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or by drawings or observation. Confidential Information does not include, and there shall be no obligation hereunder with respect to, information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date, (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder, or (c) was known by Executive prior to his employment by Employer. Executive agrees that during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Executive will not disclose any Confidential Information.

Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall immediately return and deliver to Employer any and all Confidential Information, software, devices, cell phones, personal data assistants, credit cards, data, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, materials, equipment, computers, hard drives, papers, books, records, documents, memoranda, manuals, e-mail, electronic or magnetic recordings or data, including all copies thereof, which belong to Employer or relate to Employer’s business and that are in Executive’s possession, custody or control, whether prepared by Executive or others. If at any time after termination of Executive’s employment Executive determines that Executive has any Confidential Information in Executive’s possession or control, Executive shall immediately return to Employer all such Confidential Information in Executive’s possession or control, including all copies and portions thereof.

ii.

Throughout Executive’s employment with Employer and thereafter: (A) Executive shall hold all Confidential Information in the strictest confidence, take all reasonable precautions to prevent its inadvertent disclosure to any unauthorized person, and follow all Company policies protecting the Confidential Information; and (B) Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, utilize, disclose or make available to any other person or entity, any of the Confidential Information, other than in the proper performance of Executive’s duties.

14.

Non-Interference. Executive covenants and agrees that that during the Term of this Agreement, and for a period of twelve (12) months following the earlier of (i) his Termination of Employment for any reason or (ii) the termination of this Agreement (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, on behalf of Executive or any third party: (A) recruit, hire or attempt to recruit or hire other employees of Employer, directly or by assisting other employees of Employer or others, nor shall Executive contact or communicate with any other employees of Employer for the purpose of inducing other employees of Employer to terminate their employment with Employer and (B) solicit or attempt to solicit business, directly or indirectly, from the Employer’s clients, customers, borrowers, accountholders, and policyholders with whom Executive had material contact during employment for the purpose of selling products or providing services that are competitive with those sold or provided by Employer. For purposes of this covenant, (X) “Material contact” exists between Executive and each client, customer, borrower, accountholder, and policyholder with whom Executive dealt on behalf of Employer, whose dealings with Employer were coordinated or supervised by Executive, about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer, or who purchased products or received services from Employer and for which Executive received compensation, commissions, or earnings during the year prior to the date Executive ceased employment with Employer, and (Y) “other employees of Employer” shall refer to employees who are still actively employed by or doing business with Employer at the time of the attempted recruiting or hiring.

15.

Non-Competition. Ancillary to his promise to protect the Confidential Information of Employer, Executive covenants and agrees that during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the Executive’s Termination of Employment for any reason (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, other than in connection with Executive’s duties under this Agreement, engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing or control of, be employed by, associated with or in any manner connected with, lend Executive ‘s name or any similar name to, lend Executive ‘s credit to or render services or advice to any business that provides services of investment banking, consumer banking, commercial banking, financial advisory services, municipal finance, mortgage banking, residential mortgage brokerage, commercial mortgage brokerage, trading, sales or underwriting of securities, clearing, stock lending, structured products, retail or institutional securities brokerage, equipment leasing, personal property leasing, personal insurance, commercial insurance or other financial services of any type whatsoever anywhere within the State of Texas; provided, however, Executive may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any enterprise (but without participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange or have been registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Executive further acknowledges that:

(a)

The services to be performed by Executive under this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character;

(b)

Employer’s business is nationwide in scope and its products and services are marketed throughout the United States of America;

(c)

Employer competes with other businesses that are or could be located in any part of the United States of America; and

(d)

The provisions of this Section 15 are reasonable and necessary to protect Employer’s business.

16.

Non-Disparagement. During the term of this Agreement and after Executive’s Termination of Employment for any reason, Executive agrees not to, directly or indirectly, disclose, communicate, or publish any disparaging, negative, harmful, or disapproving information, written communications, oral communications, electronic or magnetic communications, writings, oral or written statements, comments, opinions, facts, or remarks, of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, “Disparaging Information”), that disparages the reputation of Employer, its products, services, directors or employees. Executive acknowledges that in executing this Agreement, he has knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waived any free speech, free association, free press, or First Amendment to the United States Constitution (including, without limitation, any counterpart or similar provision or right under the Texas Constitution) rights to disclose, communicate, or publish Disparaging Information concerning or related to Employer. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that any breach or violation of this non-disparagement provision shall entitle Employer to seek injunctive relief to prevent any future breaches of this provision and/or to sue Executive under the provisions of this Agreement for the immediate recovery of any damages caused by such breach. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing shall impair any party’s legally protected rights under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable federal law or regulation, including under Rule 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

17.

Tolling. If Executive violates any of the restrictions contained in Sections 13 through 16, the Non-Solicit Restricted Period and the Non-Compete Restricted Period shall be suspended and shall not run in favor of Executive from the time of the commencement of any violation until the time when Executive cures the violation to the satisfaction of Employer; the period of time in which Executive is in breach shall be added to the Non-Solicit Restricted Period and Non-Compete Restricted Period.

18.

Injunctive Relief and Additional Remedy. Executive acknowledges that the injury suffered by Employer as a result of a breach of Sections 13 through 16 of this Agreement would be irreparable and that an award of money damages to Employer for such a breach would be an inadequate remedy. Consequently, Employer shall have the right, in addition to any other rights it may have, to obtain relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach or otherwise to specifically enforce Sections 13 through 16 of this Agreement, and Employer will not be obligated to post bond or other security in seeking such relief. Without limiting Employer’s rights under this Section 18 or any other remedies of Employer, if Executive breaches the provisions of Sections 13 through 16, Employer shall have the right to cease making payments otherwise due to Executive under this Agreement.

19.

Reasonableness. Executive hereby represents to Employer that Executive has read and understands, and agrees to be bound by, the terms of Sections 13 through 16. Executive acknowledges that the geographic scope and duration of the covenants contained in Sections 13 through 16 are fair and reasonable in light of (a) the nature and wide geographic scope of the operations of Employer’s business; (b) Executive’s level of control over and contact with the business; and (v) the amount of compensation, trade secrets and Confidential Information that Executive is receiving in connection with Executive’s employment by Employer. It is the desire and intent of the Parties that the provisions of Sections 13 through 16 be enforced to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, whether now or hereafter in effect and therefore, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Executive and Employer hereby waive any provision of applicable law that would render any provision of Sections 13 through 16 invalid or unenforceable.

20.

Binding Agreement and Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s and Employer’s respective personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, assigns, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the duties of Executive hereunder are personal in nature and may not be assigned to any other person or entity. If Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to his devisee, legatee, or other designee, or, if there be no such designee, to his estate. In the event of a Change in Control, Employer shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Employer, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Employer would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

21.

No Mitigation of Amounts Payable Hereunder. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as the result of employment by another employer after the date of termination or otherwise.

22.

Captions. The captions of this Agreement are inserted for convenience and are not part of the Agreement.

23.

Gender and Number. Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.

24.

Severability. In case of any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any other respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been a part of the Agreement and there shall be deemed substituted therefor such other provision as will most nearly accomplish the intent of the parties to the extent permitted by the applicable law.

25.

Amendment. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement may not be alter, amended or modified at any time except by a written instrument approved by the Compensation Committee, and executed by Employer and Executive. Any attempted amendment or modification without such approval and execution shall be null and void ab initio and of no effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 25, the Compensation Committee may change or modify this Agreement without Executive’s consent or signature if the Compensation Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such change or modification is required for purposes of compliance with or exemption from the requirements of Section 409A.

26.

No Waiver. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.

27.

Survival of Provisions. The covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in Sections 5 and 6, Sections 8 through 21 and Sections 29 through 33 are of a continuing nature and shall survive the expiration, termination or cancellation of this Agreement, regardless of the reason therefor.

28.

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

29.

Section 409A. In the event that it is reasonably determined by Employer or Executive that, as a result of Section 409A, any of the payments that Executive is entitled to under the terms of this Agreement or any nonqualified deferred compensation plan (as defined under Section 409A) may not be made at the time contemplated by the terms hereof or thereof, as the case may be, without causing Executive to be subject to an income tax penalty and interest, Employer will make such payment (with interest thereon) on the first day that would not result in Executive incurring any tax liability under Section 409A. In addition, other provisions of this Agreement or any other plan notwithstanding, Employer shall have no right to accelerate any such payment or to make any such payment as the result of an event if such payment would, as a result, be subject to the tax imposed by Section 409A.

30.

Six Month Delay. To the extent (i) any payments to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Executive’s Termination of Employment with Employer constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A; (ii) Executive is deemed at the time of his Termination of Employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A; and (iii) at the time of Executive’s Termination of Employment, Employer is publicly traded (as defined in Section 409A), then such payments (other than any payments permitted by Section 409A to be paid within six (6) months of Executive’s Termination of Employment) shall not be made until the earlier of (x) the first day of the seventh (7^th) month following Executive’s Termination of Employment or (y) the date of Executive’s death following such Termination of Employment. During any period that payment or payments to Executive are deferred pursuant to the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to interest on the deferred payment or payments at a per annum rate equal to Federal-Funds rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the date of Executive’s Termination of Employment with Employer. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this Section 30 (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be paid to Executive or Executive’s beneficiary in one lump sum.

31.

Protection of Trade Secrets. Nothing in this Agreement diminishes or limits any protection granted by law to trade secrets or relieves Executive of any duty not to disclose, use, or misappropriate any information that is a trade secret, for as long as such information remains a trade secret.

32.

Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) Notice. Under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (b) is made to Executive’s attorney in relation to a lawsuit for retaliation against Executive for reporting a suspected violation of law; or (c) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

33.

Reports to Government Agencies. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement or any other policy or agreement with Employer is intended to or shall prohibit Executive from reporting possible violations of law or regulation or providing documents to any governmental agency or entity, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress or any Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive further understands that Executive is not required to obtain the prior authorization of Employer or any other person to make any such reports or disclosures, and that Executive is not required to notify Employer or any other person that such reports or disclosures have been made.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written

	EXECUTIVE


	/s/ STEVE THOMPSON
	Name: Steve Thompson


	HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.


	By:	/s/ JEREMY B. FORD
	Name:	Jeremy B. Ford
	Its:	President & Co-Chief Executive Officer