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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2025
Registration No. 333-280398
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
6036
06-1377322
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
102 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, New York 11801
Telephone: (516) 683-4100
Attention: General Counsel and Chief of Staff
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Joseph M. Otting
President and Chief Executive Officer
102 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, New York 11801
Telephone: (516) 683-4100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Bao Nguyen
Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Chief of Staff
102 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, New York 11801
Telephone: (516) 683-4100
Edward G. Olifer
Stephen F. Donahoe
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20004
Telephone: (202) 508-5800
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
 
 
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 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-280398) (the “Registration Statement”) of Flagstar Financial, Inc. (the “Company”), as originally declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 29, 2024, is being filed pursuant to the undertakings in Item 17 of the Registration Statement to (i) include the information contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025, (ii) include updated information regarding the selling securityholders named in the prospectus, including a reduction in the number of shares of Company common stock being offered by the selling securityholders to 263,828,622 shares of common stock, and (iii) update certain other information in the Registration Statement to reflect current business operations.
The information included in this filing amends this Registration Statement and the prospectus contained therein. No additional securities are being registered under this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1. All applicable registration fees were paid at the time of the original filing of the Registration Statement.

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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling securityholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale thereof is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated April 28, 2025
Preliminary Prospectus

263,828,622 Shares of Common Stock

314,954 Warrants

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale from time to time of up to (i) 263,828,622 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), by the selling securityholders listed in the section of this prospectus entitled “Selling Securityholders” (the “Selling Securityholders”), which is comprised of: (a) 158,588,968 shares of Common Stock, (b) 249,999 shares of Common Stock underlying the 750 shares of our Series B Noncumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) outstanding as of the date hereof, (c) approximately 4,999 shares of Common Stock underlying the 15 shares of our Series D Non-Voting Common Equivalent Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series D NVCE Stock”) outstanding as of the date hereof and (d) approximately 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock underlying our net-settled warrants (the “Warrants”), which are exercisable into our Series D NVCE Stock, each share of which is convertible into Common Stock, and (ii) 314,954 Warrants. The outstanding shares of Common Stock, shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants were issued to the Selling Securityholders pursuant to a private placement on March 11, 2024 (the “Transaction”).
The shares of Common Stock and Warrants being registered for resale in this Form S-1 shall be referred to herein as the “Securities”.
Our registration for resale of the Securities covered by this prospectus does not mean that the Selling Securityholders will offer or sell any of the Securities. The Selling Securityholders may sell the Securities covered by this prospectus in a number of different ways and at varying prices. For additional information on the possible methods of sale that may be used by the Selling Securityholders, you should refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 27 of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Securities sold by the Selling Securityholders.
You should read this prospectus carefully before you invest in any of the Securities.

Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus.
Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “FLG”. On April 25, 2025, the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE was $11.73 per share. The Warrants are not listed for trading on the NYSE or any other national securities exchange. The Company has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to procure and maintain the listing of the Warrants, including the Common Stock underlying the Warrants, on all stock exchanges on which the Common Stock is then listed or traded, but the Warrants may not be listed on any national securities exchange in the future.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is [•], 2025

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “Flagstar Financial,” “FLG,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Flagstar Financial, Inc. (formerly known as New York Community Bancorp, Inc.) and its consolidated subsidiaries.
You should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement we have filed with the SEC of which this prospectus forms a part, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and the exhibits to the registration statement for further information with respect to us, the Common Stock and the Warrants.
Neither we nor the Selling Securityholders (i) have authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, (ii) take responsibility for, or can provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you or (iii) are making offers to sell the Common Stock in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.
You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. This prospectus incorporates by reference market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. In addition, the market and industry data and forecasts that may be included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus may involve estimates, assumptions, and other risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus and under similar headings in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars. References to “dollars,” “$” or “US$” are to United States dollars.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information concerning issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. We also maintain a website at www.ir.flagstar.com that contains information concerning us. The information contained or referred to on our website is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us.
This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC (in each case other than portions that are not deemed to be “filed” with the SEC, including any information pursuant to Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K or certain exhibits furnished pursuant to Item 9.01 of Form 8-K unless indicated otherwise in any such Form 8-K).
Because we are not able to incorporate by reference any future documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of our initial registration statement relating to the Securities until the completion of the distribution of the Securities covered by this prospectus, we will likely file supplements to this prospectus following the filing of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and may be required to file a post-effective amendment to the initial registration statement to incorporate information included in our future filings.
SEC Filings
Period or Filing Date (as applicable)
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (and the related Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 filed with the SEC in connection therewith on March 4, 2025)
Year ended December 31, 2024
 
 
The portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, that are incorporated by reference in Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K
 
 
Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A
March 21, 2025 (amending, only with respect to Item 5.02, a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2024)
 
 
The description of Common Stock contained in Exhibit 4.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
Year ended December 31, 2024
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this document at no cost through us, or from the SEC through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at the following address or phone number:
Investor Relations Department
Flagstar Financial, Inc.
102 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, New York 11801
(516) 683-4420
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Neither we nor the Selling Securityholders (i) have authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about us that is different from, or in addition to, those contained in this prospectus or in any of the materials that we have incorporated into this prospectus or (ii) take responsibility for, or can provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to sell, or solicitations of offers to purchase, the securities offered by this document are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document speaks only as of the date of this document unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and other applicable securities laws, which involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In addition to the cautionary statement below, with respect to forward-looking statements contained in the documents incorporated by reference herein, prospective purchasers should refer to the section titled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Language” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that they will be achieved or realized. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans and strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual conditions, events, or results to differ significantly from those described in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:
general economic conditions, including higher inflation and its impacts, either nationally or in some or all of the areas in which we and our customers conduct our respective businesses;
conditions in the securities markets and real estate markets or the banking industry;
changes in real estate values, which could impact the quality of the assets securing the loans in our portfolio;
changes in interest rates, which may affect our net income, prepayment penalty income, and other future cash flows, or the market value of our assets, including our investment securities;
changes in the quality or composition of our loan or securities portfolios;
changes in our capital management policies, including those regarding business combinations, dividends, and share repurchases, among others;
heightened regulatory focus on commercial real estate and on commercial real estate loan concentrations;
changes in competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;
changes in deposit flows and wholesale borrowing facilities;
our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and funding to fulfill cash obligations and commitments when they become due in the short-term and long-term;
changes in the demand for deposit, loan, and investment products and other financial services in the markets we serve;
our timely development of new lines of business and competitive products or services in a changing environment, and the acceptance of such products or services by our customers;
our ability to obtain timely stockholder and regulatory approvals of any capital raise transactions, corporate restructurings or other significant transactions we may propose;
our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we may acquire into our operations, and our ability to realize related synergies and cost savings within expected time frames, including those related to our recent acquisition of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (“Flagstar Bancorp”) and the purchase and assumption of certain assets and liabilities of Signature Bridge Bank, N.A. (“Signature”);
potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of companies we have acquired, may acquire, or target for acquisition, including our recent acquisition of Flagstar Bancorp and the purchase and assumption of certain assets and liabilities of Signature;
the ability to invest effectively in new information technology systems and platforms;
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the more stringent regulatory framework and prudential standards we are subject to, including with respect to reporting, capital stress testing, and liquidity risk management, as a result of our transition to a Category IV banking organization, and the expenses we will incur to develop policies, programs, and systems that comply with these enhanced standards;
changes in future allowance for credit losses requirements under relevant accounting and regulatory requirements;
the ability to pay future dividends, including as a result of the failure to receive any required regulatory approval to pay a dividend, or for any other reasons;
recent turnover in our Board of Directors and our executive management team;
the ability to hire and retain key personnel and qualified members of our Board of Directors;
the ability to execute on our strategic plan, including the sufficiency of our internal resources, procedures and systems;
the ability to achieve our strategic financial and other strategic goals;
the ability to attract new customers and retain existing ones in the manner anticipated;
changes in our customer base or in the financial or operating performances of our customers’ businesses;
the potential for deposit attrition, including for reasons related to (i) the departure of private banking teams whose responsibilities include the acquisition and retention of customer deposits and (ii) the expected transfer of certain custodial deposits associated with our mortgage servicing business out of the Bank;
any interruption in customer service due to circumstances beyond our control;
our ability to successfully remediate our previously disclosed material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting;
the outcome of pending or threatened litigation, or of investigations or any other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, including with respect to any litigation, investigation or other regulatory actions related to (i) the business practices of acquired companies, including our acquisition of Flagstar Bancorp and subsequent purchase and assumption of certain assets and liabilities of Signature, (ii) the capital raise transaction we completed in March of 2024, (iii) the previously disclosed material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, (iv) past cyber security breaches, and (v) recent events and circumstances involving the Company, including our full year 2023 earnings announcement, disclosures regarding credit losses, provisioning and goodwill impairment, and negative news and expectations about the prospects of the Company (and associated stock price volatility and changes);
environmental conditions that exist or may exist on properties owned by, leased by, or mortgaged to the Company;
potential for deferred tax asset valuation allowance relating to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code arising from aggregation risk of new shareholder share issuances and warrant exercises related to our March 2024 $1.05 billion capital raise, the Flagstar Bancorp acquisition and additional potential market transactions not in the Company’s control;
cybersecurity incidents, including any interruption or breach of security resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger, deposit, loan, or other systems managed either by us or third parties;
operational issues stemming from, and/or capital spending necessitated by, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which we are highly dependent;
the ability to keep pace with, and implement on a timely basis, technological changes;
changes in legislation, regulation, policies, guidance, or administrative practices, whether by judicial, governmental, or legislative action, and other changes pertaining to banking, securities, taxation, rent regulation and housing (the New York Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019), financial accounting and reporting, environmental protection, insurance, and the ability to comply with such changes in a timely manner;
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changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
changes in accounting principles, policies, practices, and guidelines;
changes in regulatory expectations relating to predictive models we use in connection with stress testing and other forecasting or in the assumptions on which such modeling and forecasting are predicated;
changes to federal, state, and local income tax laws;
changes in our credit ratings, or in our ability to access the capital markets;
increases in our FDIC insurance premium or future assessments;
the impacts of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts;
the potential impact to the Company from climate change, including higher regulatory compliance, increased expenses, operational changes, and reputational risks;
the effects of geopolitical instability and unforeseen or catastrophic events including natural disasters, war, conflicts, terrorist activities, civil unrest, pandemics, epidemics, and other health emergencies, and the potential impact, directly or indirectly, on our business;
other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, technological, and geopolitical factors affecting our operations, pricing, and services;
completing the diversification of the Company’s loan portfolio may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected;
the ability to achieve anticipated expense reductions and enhanced efficiencies with respect to our previously announced strategic workforce reduction;
the impact of the recent sale of our mortgage servicing operations, third party mortgage loan origination business and mortgage warehouse business;
the ability to successfully integrate branches and operations and to implement appropriate internal controls and regulatory functions relating to such activities;
the ability to limit the outflow of deposits, and to successfully retain and manage any loans;
the ability to attract new deposits, and to generate new interest-earning assets, in geographic areas that have not been previously served;
our ability to effectively manage liquidity, including our success in deploying any liquidity arising from a transaction into assets bearing sufficiently high yields without incurring unacceptable credit or interest rate risk or to utilize available collateral to obtain funding;
the ability to obtain cost savings and control incremental non-interest expense;
the ability to retain and attract appropriate personnel;
the ability to generate acceptable levels of net interest income and non-interest income, including fee income, from acquired operations;
the diversion of management’s attention from existing operations;
the ability to address an increase in working capital requirements; and
limitations on the ability to successfully reposition our post-merger balance sheet when deemed appropriate.
You should read carefully the risk factors described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a description of certain risks that could, among other things, cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements.
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THE COMPANY
Flagstar Financial, Inc., (the “Company”) is the bank holding company for Flagstar Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company went public in 1993 and has grown organically and through a series of accretive mergers and acquisitions. Effective as of December 1, 2022, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Flagstar Bancorp, (i) Flagstar Bank, FSB converted to a national bank to be known as “Flagstar Bank, N.A.” and (ii) New York Community Bank was merged with and into Flagstar Bank N.A., with Flagstar Bank N.A. continuing as the surviving entity.
The Company is headquartered in Hicksville, New York. At December 31, 2024, the Company had $100.2 billion of assets, $69.2 billion of loans, deposits of $75.9 billion, and total stockholders’ equity of $8.2 billion. The Bank currently operates over 400 locations across ten states, including strong footholds in the Northeast and Midwest and exposure to markets in the Southeast, Southwest and California. In addition, the Bank has approximately 80 private banking teams located in over ten cities in the metropolitan New York City region and on the West Coast, which serve the needs of high-net worth individuals and their businesses.
On June 27, 2024, the Company announced a 1 for 3 reverse stock split, effective July 11, 2024. This reverse stock split is reflected retroactively in all periods presented in this Annual Report.
Private Placements
On March 7, 2024, we entered into separate investment agreements with (a) affiliates of funds managed by Liberty 77 Capital L.P. (“Liberty”), (b) affiliates of funds managed by Hudson Bay Capital Management, LP (“Hudson Bay”), (c) affiliates of funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. (“Reverence”) and (d) certain other investors (the “Other Investors” and, collectively with Liberty, Reverence and Hudson Bay, the “Investors”, and the investment agreements entered into with each of the Investors on March 7, 2024, collectively, the “Original Investment Agreements”). On March 11, 2024, we entered into separate amendments to the Original Investment Agreements with Liberty (such agreement, as amended, the “Liberty Investment Agreement”), Hudson Bay (such agreements, as amended, the “Hudson Bay Investment Agreements”) and Reverence (such agreement, as amended, the “Reverence Investment Agreement” and, collectively with the Liberty Investment Agreement, the Hudson Bay Investment Agreements and the Original Investment Agreements of the Other Investors, the “Investment Agreements”).
Pursuant to the Investment Agreements, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreements on March 11, 2024 (the “Closing”), the Investors invested an aggregate of approximately $1.05 billion in the Company in exchange for the sale and issuance of: (a) 76,630,965 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price per share of $2.00, which amount of Common Stock was subsequently reduced by a ratio of 1-for-3 after the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment (as defined below) became effective; (b) 192,062 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, at a price per share of $2,000 and each share of which is currently automatically convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (following the effectiveness of the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment) (or, in certain limited circumstances, one share of our Series C Noncumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”, and together with the Series B Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”)) in the event of a transfer by the holder thereof consistent with the rules and limitations of Regulation Y of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), subject to certain limitations (a “Reg Y Transfer”); (c) 256,307 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, at a price per share of $2,000, all of which were subsequently converted into approximately 256 million shares of Common Stock, which amount of Common Stock was subsequently reduced by a ratio of 1-for-3 after the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment became effective; and (d) 315,000 Warrants, which were not exercisable for 180 days after the Closing, affording the holder thereof the right, until the seven-year anniversary of the issuance of such issued Warrant, to purchase for $2,500 per share (as such exercise price has been, and may continue to be, adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Warrant; as a result of the Company’s payments of a $0.01 per share dividend on its Common Stock on June 17, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 17, 2025, the exercise price has been adjusted to $2,485.5216 per share), shares of Series D NVCE Stock, each share of which is convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (following the effectiveness of the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment) in a Reg Y Transfer, and all of which shares of Series D NVCE Stock, upon issuance, represent the right (on an as converted basis) to receive approximately 105 million shares of Common Stock (following the effectiveness of the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment) (clauses (a) through (d), collectively referred to herein as the “Investment”).
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In connection with the Investment, on June 5, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved (a) amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to: (i) effect a 1-3 reverse stock split of Common Stock (the “COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment”); (ii) increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock to at least 2,000,000,000 (the “COI Authorized Share Amendment”); and (iii) exempt certain of the Investors and their respective affiliates from the application of a provision of the Certificate of Incorporation that prohibits any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock from voting any such shares of Common Stock in excess of such 10% threshold (the “COI Exemption Amendment” and, collectively with the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment and the COI Authorized Share Amendment, the “COI Amendments”); and (b) the issuance of shares of Common Stock that is 20% or more of the total voting power of the Company’s securities on March 7, 2024 (the “Share Issuance”) in accordance with the rules of the NYSE.
The requisite vote of our stockholders necessary to duly and validly (a) adopt and approve the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment and the COI Authorized Share Amendment required the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by the holders of shares of Common Stock, at a duly held meeting of the Company’s stockholders, (b) adopt and approve the COI Exemption Amendment required the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on the COI Exemption Amendment and (c) approve the Share Issuance required the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by holders of shares of the Common Stock at a duly convened meeting of stockholders of the Company at which a quorum is present (collectively, other than the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment, the “Requisite Stockholder Vote”; the approval of the Company’s stockholders of the COI Authorized Share Amendment and the Share Issuance, the “Requisite Stockholder Approvals”) was obtained at the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 5, 2024.
The COI Authorized Share Amendment became effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 7, 2024. Accordingly, the number of authorized shares of Common Stock was increased from 900,000,000 to 2,000,000,000.
The COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment became effective on July 11, 2024, pursuant to which (i) every three shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding or held by the Company in treasury was combined into one share of Common Stock and (ii) the number of authorized shares of Common Stock was decreased from 2,000,000,000 to 666,666,666 (together, the “Reverse Stock Split”). When the Reverse Stock Split became effective, (a) the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series A Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), remained unchanged; (b) the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock remained unchanged, and the ratio of shares of Common Stock into which each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible was decreased proportionally; (c) although there were not any issued and outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the time of the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, the ratio of shares of Common Stock into which a share of Series C Preferred Stock is convertible was decreased proportionally; (d) although there were not any issued and outstanding shares of Series D NVCE Stock at the time of the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, the ratio of shares of Common Stock into which a share of Series D NVCE Stock is convertible was decreased proportionally; and (e) the Warrants issued and outstanding, which are exercisable into Series D NVCE Stock, remained unchanged, although the ratio of shares of Common Stock into which a share of Series D NVCE Stock is convertible was decreased proportionally.
Additionally, on August 12, 2024, we entered into separate share exchange agreements with (i) affiliates of funds managed by Liberty, (ii) affiliates of funds managed by Hudson Bay and (iii) affiliates of funds managed by Reverence (each of the share exchange agreements entered into with each of Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence, the “August Exchange Agreement,” and, collectively, the “August Exchange Agreements”). Pursuant to the terms of the applicable August Exchange Agreement, on August 12, 2024, (a) Liberty exchanged 29,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by us of 9,666,665 shares of Common Stock to Liberty; (b) Hudson Bay exchanged 22,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by us of 7,499,998 shares of Common Stock to Hudson Bay; and (c) Reverence exchanged 11,857 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by us of 3,952,332 shares of Common Stock to Reverence (each an “August Exchange,” and, collectively, the “August Exchanges”). The number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of
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each of Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence so exchanged was an amount such that none of Liberty, Hudson Bay or Reverence (together with each of the Investors’ respective affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the August Exchanges. All of the August Exchanges were consummated simultaneously.
Further, on September 23, 2024, the Company entered into separate share exchange agreements with (i) affiliates of funds managed by Liberty and (ii) affiliates of funds managed by Hudson Bay (each of the share exchange agreements entered into with each of the Liberty and Hudson Bay, the “September Exchange Agreement,” and, collectively, the “September Exchange Agreements”). Pursuant to the terms of the applicable September Exchange Agreement, on September 23, 2024, (a) Liberty exchanged 114,355 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by us of 38,118,329 shares of Common Stock to Liberty; and (b) Hudson Bay exchanged 13,600 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by us of 4,533,331 shares of Common Stock to Hudson Bay (each a “September Exchange,” collectively, the “September Exchanges” and, together with the August Exchanges, the “Exchanges”). The number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of Hudson Bay so exchanged was an amount such that Hudson Bay (together with its affiliates) would not beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the September Exchanges. All of the September Exchanges were consummated simultaneously. Following the September Exchanges, only 750 shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, all of which are held by Hudson Bay.
In connection with the Investment, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investors (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide customary registration rights to the Investors and their affiliates and certain permitted transferees with respect to, among other things, (a) the shares of Common Stock purchased under the Investment Agreements, (b) shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion of shares of the Preferred Stock and exercise of the Warrants purchased under the Investment Agreements, (c) if the Requisite Stockholder Votes were not received on or before 120 days after the Closing, the shares of Preferred Stock and (d) the Warrants. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Investors are entitled to customary shelf registration rights (which will initially be on a Form S-1, after which the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly convert the shelf registration statement on Form S-1 into a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement) and customary piggyback registration rights, in each case, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. Liberty and Reverence will each additionally be entitled to request up to four underwritten shelf takedown offerings (as long as such offerings are for at least $25 million or of all of the remaining Securities held by such requesting holder) and shall have the right to select the managing underwriter to administer any underwritten shelf takedowns provided the selection is reasonably acceptable to the Company. All Securities subject to the Registration Rights Agreement will cease to be required to be registered upon the earliest to occur of: (a) a sale of such Securities pursuant to an effective registration statement, (b) a sale of such Securities in accordance with Rule 144 and removal of the restrictive legend on such Securities, (c) a transfer of such Securities to a holder that does not become party to the Registration Rights Agreement, (d) such Securities no longer bear a legend restricting further transfer and subsequent public distribution of such Securities does not require registration under the Securities Act, (e) such Securities have ceased to be outstanding or (f) with respect to Securities held by holders other than Liberty the date on which Rule 144 (or other similar exemption under the Securities Act then in force) is available for the sale of such shares of Common Stock without regard to volume limitations or manner of sale requirements of Rule 144.
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THE OFFERING
Items
Description
Shares of Common Stock Offered by the Selling Securityholders
263,828,622
Warrants Offered by the Selling Securityholders
314,954
Use of Proceeds
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock or Warrants by the Selling Securityholders. See the section titled “Selling Securityholders”.
Market for Securities
Our Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “FLG.” As of the close of business on April 21, 2025, there were 415,074,297 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
The Warrants are not listed for trading on the NYSE or any other national securities exchange. The Company has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to procure and maintain the listing of the Warrants, including the Common Stock underlying the Warrants, on all stock exchanges on which the Common Stock is then listed or traded, but the Warrants may not be listed on any national securities exchange in the future.
Risk Factors
Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in the Securities.
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risk factors described under “Item 1A Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K together with all of the other information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of the Common Stock or Warrants being offered. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our Common Stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the section titled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Language” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risks Related to the Common Stock
The price of our Common Stock may fluctuate.
The market price of our Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations due to changes in sentiment in the market regarding our operations or business prospects, including market sentiment regarding Transaction. These risks may be affected by, among other things:
operating results that vary from the expectations of our management or of securities analysts and investors;
developments in our business or in the financial services sector generally;
regulatory or legislative changes affecting our industry generally or our business and operations;
operating and securities price performance of companies that investors consider to be comparable to us;
changes in estimates or recommendations by securities analysts or rating agencies;
announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions, dispositions, financings and other material events by us or our competitors;
recent high-profile collapses of certain U.S. banks, which together have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies and, in particular, community and regional banks like FLG; and
changes in global financial markets and economies and general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, stock, commodity, credit or asset valuations or volatility.
Furthermore, given recent and ongoing volatile market and economic conditions, the market price of our Common Stock may continue to be subject to further significant market fluctuations. While the U.S. and other governments continue efforts to restore confidence in financial markets and promote economic growth, we cannot assure you that continued or further market and economic turmoil will not occur in the near or long term, which would negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the price and trading volume volatility of our Common Stock.
Our Common Stock is equity and is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness and preferred stock.
Shares of our Common Stock are equity interests and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, shares of our Common Stock rank junior to all indebtedness of, and other non-equity claims on, the Company with respect to assets available to satisfy claims. Additionally, holders of our Common Stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of any existing or, potentially, future series of preferred stock, including the Series B Preferred Stock.
Various factors could make a takeover attempt of the Company more difficult to achieve.
Certain provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, in addition to certain federal banking laws and regulations, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors, even if doing so were perceived to be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions also make it more difficult to remove our current board of directors or management or to appoint new directors, and also regulate the timing and content of stockholder proposals and
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nominations, and qualification for service on our board of directors. The combination of these provisions could effectively inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which could adversely impact the market price of our Common Stock.
Recent negative developments affecting the banking industry, and resulting media coverage, have eroded customer confidence in the banking system and may adversely affect the price of our Common Stock.
The closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023, and First Republic Bank in May 2023, and concerns about similar future events, have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies and, in particular, regional banks. More recently, concerns about commercial real estate concentrations at regional and community banks, including us, have exacerbated this volatility. These market developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of regional and community banks, including us. As a result, customers may choose to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions or invest in higher yielding short-term fixed income securities, all of which could materially adversely impact our liquidity, deposits, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of operations. While federal bank regulators took action to ensure that depositors of the failed banks had access to their deposits, including uninsured deposit accounts, there is no guarantee that such actions will be successful in restoring customer confidence in regional and community banks and the banking system more broadly. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that regional bank failures or bank runs similar to the ones that occurred in 2023 will not occur in the future and, if they were to occur, they may have a material and adverse impact on customer and investor confidence in regional and community banks negatively impacting our liquidity, capital, results of operations and stock price.
Risks Related to this Offering by the Selling Securityholders
Sales of a substantial number of our securities in the public market by the Selling Securityholders and/or by our existing securityholders or the perception that such sales might occur could cause the price of our securities to fall.
The Selling Securityholders can sell, under this prospectus, up to 263,828,622 shares of Common Stock, constituting approximately 50.7% of our outstanding Common Stock (in each case, assuming the exercise or conversion as applicable of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series D NVCE Stock underlying the Warrants), which consists of up to (a) 158,588,968 shares of Common Stock, (b) 249,999 shares of Common Stock underlying the currently outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Transaction at a purchase price of $2,000 per share, each such share convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (after the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment became effective), (c) approximately 4,999 shares of Common Stock underlying the currently outstanding shares of our Series D NVCE Stock and (d) approximately 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock underlying the shares of Series D NVCE Stock underlying the 314,954 Warrants issued in connection with the Transaction, each such Warrant exercisable into Series D NVCE Stock at an initial exercise price of $2,500 (as such exercise price has been, and may continue to be, adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Warrant; as a result of the Company’s payments of a $0.01 per share dividend on its Common Stock on June 17, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 17, 2025, the exercise price has been adjusted to $2,485.5216 per share), each such share convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (after the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment became effective).
Sales of a substantial number of our Securities in the public market by the Selling Securityholders (or similar large sales of our equity securities by existing securityholders), or the perception that those sales might occur, could depress the market price of our securities and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that such sales or the perception that such sales might occur may have on the prevailing market price of our securities.
The sale of all Securities being offered by this prospectus could result in a significant decline in the public trading price of our Securities. Despite such a decline in the public trading price, some of the Selling Securityholders may still experience a positive rate of return on the Securities they purchased due to the differences in the purchase prices described elsewhere in this prospectus, including below. Public securityholders may not be able to experience the same positive rates of return on securities they purchase due to the price at which the Selling Securityholders purchased their Securities in the Transaction.
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Certain existing securityholders purchased, or may purchase, securities in the Company at a price below the current trading price of such securities and may experience a positive rate of return based on the current trading price. Future investors in the Company may not experience a similar rate of return.
Certain securityholders in the Company, including certain of the Selling Securityholders, acquired, or may acquire, our securities at prices below the current trading price of our Common Stock, and may experience a positive rate of return based on the current trading price.
The resale of all the Securities being offered in this prospectus could result in a significant decline in the public trading price of our Common Stock. Despite such a decline in the public trading price, some of the Selling Securityholders may still experience a positive rate of return on the Securities they purchased due to the differences in the purchase prices described elsewhere in this prospectus. Public securityholders may not be able to experience the same positive rates of return on securities they purchase due to the low price at which the Selling Securityholders purchased such Securities in the Transaction.
Our Warrants are exercisable for shares of our Common Stock, which exercises will increase the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
On and following September 10, 2024, and prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 11, 2031, the Warrants may be exercised, on a net share settlement basis, by the holders thereof. Each of the 314,954 Warrants entitles the holder thereof to purchase, for an initial exercise price of $2,500 per share (as such exercise price has been, and may continue to be, adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Warrant; as a result of the Company’s payments of a $0.01 per share dividend on its Common Stock on June 17, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 17, 2025, the exercise price has been adjusted to $2,485.5216 per share) of Series D NVCE Stock, each such share of which is currently convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (reflecting the adjusted for the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment), altogether representing the right to receive an aggregate of approximately 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock. To the extent such Warrants are exercised, additional shares of our Common Stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the then existing holders of our Common Stock and increase the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
The Warrants are speculative in nature.
The Warrants do not confer any rights of Common Stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of Series D NVCE Stock at a specified price. Specifically, the Warrants have an initial exercise price of $2,500 per share (as such exercise price has been, and may continue to be, adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Warrant; as a result of the Company’s payments of a $0.01 per share dividend on its Common Stock on June 17, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 17, 2025, the exercise price has been adjusted to $2,485.5216 per share) of Series D NVCE Stock, each such share of which is currently convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (reflecting the adjusted for the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment), altogether representing the right to receive an aggregate of approximately 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock. Moreover, following this offering, the market value of the Warrants and Series D NVCE Stock is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the Warrants and/or Series D NVCE Stock will equal or exceed the then-applicable exercise price of the Warrants.
Holders of the Warrants will have no rights as a holder of our Common Stock until they acquire shares of our Common Stock.
Until holders acquire shares of our Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of their Warrants, they will have no rights with respect to Common Stock underlying shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of their Warrants. Upon exercise of their Warrants, holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of shares of Series D NVCE Stock as to the security exercised only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We will receive no proceeds from the sale of any of the Securities by the Selling Securityholders. See the section titled “Selling Securityholders”.
The Selling Securityholders will pay any underwriting fees, discounts and commissions attributable to the sale of the Securities and any similar expenses they incur in disposing of the Securities. We will bear all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the Securities covered by this prospectus. These may include, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, printing fees and fees and expenses of our legal counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Securities covered by this prospectus.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following description of certain terms of our Common Stock is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, forms of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Under “Description of Common Stock,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “our company” refer to FLG and not to any of its subsidiaries.
General
FLG, which is incorporated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, is authorized to issue 666,666,666 shares of its Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of which 415,074,297 shares were issued and outstanding as of the close of business on April 21, 2025. Our Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “FLG.” FLG’s board of directors may at any time, without additional approval of the holders of preferred stock or Common Stock, issue additional authorized shares of preferred stock or Common Stock.
In connection with the Investment, on June 5, 2024 the Company’s stockholders approved amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock to 2,000,000,000 (or, 666,666,666, following the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment, which became effective on July 11, 2024).
Voting Rights
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to stockholders. Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.
No Preemptive or Conversion Rights
The holders of Common Stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe for a proportionate share of any additional securities issued by FLG before such securities are offered to others. The absence of preemptive rights increases FLG’s flexibility to issue additional shares of Common Stock in connection with FLG’s acquisitions, employee benefit plans and for other purposes, without affording the holders of Common Stock a right to subscribe for their proportionate share of those additional securities. The holders of Common Stock are not entitled to any redemption privileges, sinking fund privileges or conversion rights.
Dividends
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends ratably when, as, and if declared by FLG’s board of directors from assets legally available therefor, after payment of all dividends on preferred stock, if any is outstanding. Under Delaware law, FLG may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year. Dividends paid by our subsidiary Bank are the primary source of funds available to FLG for payment of dividends to our stockholders and for other needs. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that our subsidiary Bank may pay to us. The declaration and amount of future dividends will depend on circumstances existing at the time, including FLG’s earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, as well as regulatory limitations and such other factors as FLG’s board of directors deems relevant. For more information, see the section captioned “Business—Regulation and Supervision” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Following the receipt of the Requisite Stockholder Approvals, the Series B Preferred Stock dividend is a participating common rate (i.e. the same dividend as if it were converted to Common Stock).
On a stand-alone basis, FLG’s principal assets and sources of income consist of investments in our operating subsidiaries, which are separate and distinct legal entities.
Liquidation
Upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of the affairs of FLG, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive their pro rata portion of the remaining assets of FLG after the holders of FLG’s preferred stock, if any, have been paid in full any sums to which they may be entitled.
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Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions Affecting Stock
FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain several provisions that may make FLG a less attractive target for an acquisition of control by anyone who does not have the support of FLG’s board of directors. Such provisions include, among other things, the requirement of a supermajority vote of stockholders or directors to approve certain business combinations and other corporate actions, a minimum price provision, several special procedural rules, including the prohibition that any person who beneficially owns directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock from voting such shares of Common Stock in excess of such 10% threshold, a staggered board of directors, and the limitation that stockholder actions may only be taken at a meeting and may not be taken by unanimous written stockholder consent. At the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 5, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved a waiver of the prohibition that any person who beneficially owns directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock from voting such shares of Common Stock in excess of such 10% threshold, solely with respect to Liberty and Reverence. The foregoing is qualified in its entirely by reference to FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, both of which are on file with the SEC.
Restrictions on Ownership
The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the “BHC Act,” generally would prohibit any company that is not engaged in banking activities and activities that are permissible for a bank holding company or a financial holding company from acquiring control of FLG. “Control” is generally defined as ownership of 25% or more of a class of voting stock, control of the election of a majority of the directors, or the power to exercise a controlling influence. In addition, any existing bank holding company would need the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 5% or more of a class of voting stock of FLG. In addition, the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring control of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve Board, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as FLG, could constitute acquisition of control of the bank holding company.
Transfer Agent, Registrar and Warrant Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for our Common Stock is Computershare Inc. The warrant agent for our Warrants is Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company N.A.
Listing
Our Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “FLG.”
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
General
The material terms and provisions of the Warrants are summarized below. The following description is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the form of warrant, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions set forth in the form of warrant.
Form
The Warrants have been issued as individual warrants to each of the Selling Securityholders.
Exercisability
On and following September 10, 2024, and prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 11, 2031, the Warrants may be exercised, on a net share settlement basis, by the holder thereof.
Exercise Price
The initial exercise price was $2,500 per share of Series D NVCE Stock, which has been adjusted to $2,485.5216 per share following the Company’s payments of a $0.01 per share dividend on its Common Stock on June 17, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 17, 2025 and which may be further adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Warrant. Each share of Series D NVCE Stock is currently convertible into 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (following the adjustment for the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment), altogether representing the right to receive an aggregate of approximately 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock. The exercise price is subject to further adjustments, including as a result of certain dividend payments, and as set forth in the form of warrant. The exercise price shall not be adjusted to the extent that it would cause any holder to beneficially own (a) 10% or more of any class of voting securities of the Company (unless such holder has obtained approval to own more than 10%, then the applicable limit is 24.9% or such lower number contained in any approval) or (b) one-third or more of the Company’s “total equity” as interpreted and calculated in accordance the BHC Act, the Change in Bank Control Act, and their implementing regulations, including 12 CFR 225.34, provided the holders of warrants shall be entitled to purchase the shares of Series D NVCE Stock at $2,500 per share of Series D NVCE Stock, unless the price is adjusted.
Exercise Limitation
The holders of the Warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Warrants if such exercise would (a) cause the holder, or any of its affiliates to (i) “control” the Company or be required to become a bank holding company, in each case, under the BHC Act, or (ii) serve as a source of financial strength to the Company pursuant to the BHC Act, or (b) require the holder, or its affiliates to have made any advance filing with, obtained any approval, authorization, consent, permit, or license of, or provided notice to, any governmental entity under law.
Transferability
Prior to September 10, 2024, the holders (and certain affiliates of the holders) were prohibited from (a) transferring, selling or disposing of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or the Warrants issued to such holder pursuant to the applicable Investment Agreement (subject to certain exceptions, such as certain transfers to affiliates), or (b) effecting or entering any short sale or similar hedge of any such shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or the Warrants (subject to certain exceptions). Failure to comply with the foregoing restrictions would result in the applicable holder of the Warrant automatically forfeiting such Warrant. On and after September 10, 2024, subject to applicable law, the Warrants became freely transferable.
Exchange Listing
The Company will use reasonable best efforts to (a) procure the listing of the Warrants, including the Common Stock underlying shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, on all stock exchanges on which the Common Stock is then listed or traded, and (b) maintain the listing of the Warrants, including the Common Stock underlying shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
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Rights as a Stockholder
Except as otherwise provided in the Warrants or by virtue of such Selling Securityholder’s ownership of shares of Common Stock, the holder of a Warrant does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of Common Stock, including any voting rights, until the holder acquires shares of Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of their Warrants.
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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our Common Stock. This summary deals only with Common Stock that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below).
A “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our Common Stock (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that is not, for United States federal income tax purposes, any of the following:
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.
This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all of the United States federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor does it address the Medicare tax on net investment income, United States federal estate and gift taxes or the effects of any state, local or foreign tax laws. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, foreign pension fund, “controlled foreign corporation,” “passive foreign investment company” or a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.
If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds our Common Stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership or a partner of a partnership considering an investment in our Common Stock, you should consult your tax advisors.
If you are considering the purchase of our Common Stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income tax consequences to you of the ownership and disposition of our Common Stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under other United States federal tax laws and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
This summary is limited to United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our Common Stock, and does not address any tax consequences relating to our Warrants that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus. If you are considering the purchase of Warrants, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular tax consequences to you of the ownership, exercise and disposition of the Warrants.
Dividends
In the event that we make a distribution of cash or other property (other than certain pro rata distributions of our stock) in respect of our Common Stock, the distribution generally will be treated as a dividend for United States federal income tax purposes to the extent it is paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Any portion of a distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits generally will be treated first as a tax-free return of
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capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted tax basis of a non-U.S. holder’s Common Stock, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds a non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Common Stock, the excess will be treated as gain from the disposition of our Common Stock (the tax treatment of which is discussed below under “—Gain on Disposition of Common Stock”).
Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a United States permanent establishment) are not subject to the withholding tax, provided that such non-U.S. holder has provided the applicable withholding agent a properly executed Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-8ECI (or an acceptable substitute form) upon which such holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States person and the dividends are effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States and are includible in such holder’s gross income. Instead, such dividends are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis generally in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends will be required (a) to provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or an acceptable substitute form or other applicable form) certifying under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code and is eligible for treaty benefits or (b) if our Common Stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, to satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.
A non-U.S. holder eligible for a reduced rate of United States federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
Gain on Disposition of Common Stock
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of our Common Stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:
the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder);
the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or
we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes and certain other conditions are met.
A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the gain derived from the sale or other disposition in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. In addition, if any non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above is a foreign corporation, the gain realized by such non-U.S. holder may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) tax on the gain derived from the sale or other disposition, which gain may be offset by United States source capital losses even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States.
Generally, a corporation is a “United States real property holding corporation” if the fair market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide
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real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business (all as determined for United States federal income tax purposes). We believe we are not and do not anticipate becoming a “United States real property holding corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes. If, however, we are or become a “United States real property holding corporation,” so long as our Common Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market during the calendar year in which the sale or other disposition occurs, only a non-U.S. holder who holds or held (at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding the date of disposition or the holder’s holding period) more than 5% of our Common Stock will be subject to United States federal income tax on the sale or other disposition of our Common Stock by reason of our status as a “United States real property holding corporation.”
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Distributions paid to a non-U.S. holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to such distributions generally will be reported to the IRS. Copies of the information returns reporting such distributions and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding on distributions received if such holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our Common Stock made within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our Common Stock effected at a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, a sale or other disposition effected at a foreign office of a broker could be subject to information reporting in the same manner as a sale made within the United States (and in certain cases may be subject to backup withholding as well) if (i) the broker has certain connections to the United States, (ii) the proceeds or confirmation are sent to the United States or (iii) the sale has certain other specified connections with the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Requirements
Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as “FATCA”), a 30% United States federal withholding tax may apply to any dividends paid on our Common Stock to (1) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined in the Code and whether such foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (a) an exemption from FATCA, or (b) its compliance (or deemed compliance) with FATCA (which may alternatively be in the form of compliance with an intergovernmental agreement with the United States) in a manner which avoids withholding, or (2) a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specifically defined in the Code and whether such non-financial foreign entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (a) an exemption from FATCA, or (b) adequate information regarding certain substantial United States beneficial owners of such entity (if any). If a dividend payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to the withholding tax discussed above under “—Dividends,” an applicable withholding agent may credit the withholding under FATCA against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. While withholding under FATCA would also have applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock, proposed United States Treasury regulations (upon which taxpayers may rely until final regulations are issued) eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding these requirements and whether they may be relevant to your ownership and disposition of our Common Stock.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We are party to a number of arrangements whereby certain of our affiliates have entered into certain agreements with us. In addition, we have engaged in certain transactions involving certain of our affiliates.
The federal banking laws require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors must be made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) and follow substantially the same credit underwriting procedures as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons. Furthermore, they must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Accordingly, we, from time to time, have made and may continue to make mortgage loans to our directors, officers, and employees, including consumer loans or loans to purchase or refinance personal residences, and may make loans secured by income-producing properties to entities in which a director or officer has an ownership interest (or, in the case of directors, a management interest), provided that: all such loans are made in accordance with federal banking laws and are made in the ordinary course of business; do not involve a more than normal risk of collectability, or present other unfavorable features; and are made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral requirements) as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons.
On March 7, 2024, we entered into the Investment Agreements with Liberty, Hudson Bay, Reverence and the Other Investors. On March 11, 2024, we entered into separate amendments to the Original Investment Agreements with Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence. Steven T. Mnuchin, one of the two director representatives which Liberty has the right to nominate, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Liberty Strategic Capital. Milton Berlinski, the Reverence director representative, is the Co-Founder of Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. See “The Company—Private Placements.”
Additionally, on August 12, 2024, we entered into the August Exchange Agreements with Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable August Exchange Agreement, on August 12, 2024, the August Exchanges were consummated simultaneously.
Further, on September 23, 2024, we entered into the September Exchange Agreements with Liberty and Hudson Bay. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable September Exchange Agreement, on September 23, 2024, the September Exchanges were consummated simultaneously.
In accordance with prior written FLG policies, our board of directors has reviewed a summary of any and all such transactions FLG has entered or may enter into with its directors and executive officers and with firms that employ directors, as well as any other related-person transactions, for the purpose of recommending to the disinterested members of the board of directors that the transactions are fair, reasonable, and within FLG’s policy, and should be ratified and approved. As of the second quarter of 2021, the board of directors adopted a revised policy under which we shall no longer make loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors of FLG, or firms that employ directors. Any loans and extensions of credit made to an executive officer or director, or any firms that employ directors, prior to the adoption of these revisions have been grandfathered but remain subject to oversight and review of the board of directors.
For additional information on our policy and procedures regarding transactions with related persons and certain transactions with related parties, see the section captioned “Certain Relationship and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the sections captioned “Corporate Governance” and “Transactions with Certain Related Persons” in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated April 25, 2025, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, our Definitive Proxy Statement, dated April 26, 2024 and our Definitive Proxy Statement, dated April 21, 2023.
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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this prospectus, “Selling Securityholders” includes the selling securityholders listed below and donees, pledgees, permitted transferees (including through any partnership distributions or in-kind distributions) or other successors-in-interest selling shares received after the date of this prospectus from the selling securityholders as a gift, pledge or other non-sale related transfer.
On March 7, 2024, we entered into the Investment Agreements with the Selling Securityholders. We have prepared this prospectus to allow the Selling Securityholders or their successors, assignees or other permitted transferees to sell or otherwise dispose of, from time to time, up to 263,828,622 shares of Common Stock and 314,954 Warrants. On March 11, 2024, in connection with the Transaction we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Selling Securityholders, pursuant to which we agreed to register the resale of the Securities. The Securities were issued by the Company in reliance on the exemption from securities registration in Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act.
The Securities to be offered by the Selling Securityholders pursuant to this prospectus are “restricted” securities under applicable federal and state securities laws and are being registered under the Securities Act to give the Selling Securityholders the opportunity to sell the Securities publicly. The registration of the Securities does not require that any of the Securities be offered or sold by the Selling Securityholders.
No estimate can be given as to the amount or percentage of Securities that will be held by the Selling Securityholders after any sales of Securities are made pursuant to this prospectus because the Selling Securityholders are not required to sell any of the Securities being registered hereunder. The table below assumes that the Selling Securityholders will sell all of the Securities listed in this prospectus and that they do not purchase additional Securities.
We have prepared the table below based on written representations and information furnished to us by or on behalf of the Selling Securityholders. Since the date on which the Selling Securityholders provided this information, the Selling Securityholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of the Securities in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table below, we believe that (1) the Selling Securityholders are not broker-dealers or affiliates of a broker-dealer, (2) the Selling Securityholders do not have direct or indirect agreements or understandings with any person to distribute its respective Securities, and (3) the Selling Securityholders have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Securities beneficially owned. To the extent any Selling Securityholder is, or is affiliated with, a broker-dealer, it could be deemed to be, under SEC staff interpretations, an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. Information about the Selling Securityholders may change over time. Any changed information will be set forth in amendments or supplements to this prospectus, if required.
Under the terms of the Warrants, a Selling Securityholder may not exercise the Warrants to the extent such exercise would (A) cause the Selling Securityholder, or any of its affiliates to (i) “control” the Company or be required to become a bank holding company, in each case, under the BHC Act, or (ii) serve as a source of financial strength to the Company pursuant to the BHC Act, or (B) require the Selling Securityholder, or its affiliates to have made any advance filing with, obtained any approval, authorization, consent, permit, or license of, or provided notice to, any governmental entity under law.
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The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock and Warrants held, as of the close of business on April 21, 2025 after giving effect to the Exchanges, by the Selling Securityholders and the number of Securities being offered hereby and information with respect to Securities to be beneficially owned by the Selling Securityholders after completion of this offering. Beneficial ownership for each Selling Securityholder has been calculated assuming that all conditions precedent to the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock have been satisfied. The percentages in the following table reflect the Common Stock beneficially owned by the Selling Securityholders as a percentage of the total number of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on April 21, 2025.
 
Securities
Beneficially
Owned Prior to
the
Offering**
 
Securities Being
Registered for
Resale(4)
 
Securities Beneficially Owned
After Completion of the
Offering**(5)
 
Shares of
Common
Stock(1)
Warrants
Shares of
Common
Stock(2)
Warrants
Shares of
Common
Stock(2)
%(3)
Warrants
% (3)
Alyeska Investment Group(6)
94,901
12,782
4,260,666
12,782
94,901
*
Entities affiliated with Bayview Asset Management, LLC(7)
166,666
4,500
1,666,666
4,500
BlackRock, Inc.(8)
4,999,998
8,999
7,999,664
8,999
Citadel CEMF Investments Ltd.(9)
12,000
3,999,999
12,000
Entities affiliated with Hudson Bay Capital Management, L.P.(10)
34,939,437
74,955
66,656,538
74,955
Liberty(11)
75,013,636
135,000
119,999,989
135,000
13,642
*
Pasadero Drive LLC(12)
1,886,866
3,396
3,018,666
3,396
Entities affiliated with Millennium Management LLC(13)
3,552,057
2,700
2,339,999
2,700
2,112,057
Entities affiliated with Reverence Capital Partners, L.P.(14)
35,981,113
60,000
53,333,436
60,000
2,647,675
Entities advised or subadvised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(15)
345,666
622
552,999
622
*
Less than 1%.
**
“Beneficial ownership” is a term broadly defined by the SEC in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act and includes more than typical forms of stock ownership, that is, stock held in the person’s name. The term also includes what is referred to as “indirect ownership,” meaning ownership of shares as to which a person has or shares investment or voting power. For purposes of this table, shares not outstanding that are subject to options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges that may be exercisable by any Selling Securityholder (as such term is defined in this prospectus) are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the number and percentage owned by such person, but not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by each other person listed.
(1)
The number of shares of Common Stock listed for the selling securityholder assumes that all shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the selling securityholder (to the extent applicable) are immediately convertible into shares of Common Stock in the hands of the selling securityholder. The number of shares of Common Stock listed in this column excludes (i) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of the Series D NVCE Stock held by the selling securityholder (to the extent applicable) and (ii) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants held by the selling securityholders.
(2)
The number of shares of Common Stock listed for the selling securityholder assumes that (i) all shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the selling securityholder (to the extent applicable), (ii) all shares of the Series D NVCE Stock held by the selling securityholder (to the extent applicable) and (iii) all shares of the Series D NVCE Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants held by the selling securityholders are immediately convertible into shares of Common Stock in the hands of the selling securityholder.
(3)
Calculated based upon 415,074,297 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on April 21, 2025.
(4)
Represents the number of Securities being registered on behalf of the selling securityholder pursuant to this registration statement, which may be more than the total number of Securities beneficially owned by such selling securityholder.
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(5)
Assumes that the selling securityholders dispose of all of the shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus and do not acquire beneficial ownership of any additional shares of Common Stock. The registration of the Securities does not necessarily mean that the selling securityholders will sell all or any portion of the Securities covered by this prospectus.
(6)
Alyeska Investment Group, L.P., the investment manager of Alyeska Master Fund, L.P. (the “Selling Securityholder”), has voting and investment control of the shares held by the Selling Securityholder. Anand Parekh is the Chief Executive Officer of Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Mr. Parekh, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Selling Securityholder. The registered address of Alyeska Master Fund, L.P. is at c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited, P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. is located at 77 W. Wacker, Suite 700, Chicago IL 60601.
(7)
The entities affiliated with Bayview Asset Management, LLC (“Bayview”) which are Selling Securityholders include: Bayview Opportunity Master Fund VII, L.P. (“BOF-VII Investor”) and Bayview MSR Opportunity Master Fund, L.P. (“BOF-MSR Investor”). The shares reported under “Securities Beneficially Owned Prior to the Offering—Shares of Common Stock” represent 166,666 shares of Common Stock currently held by BOF-VII Investor. The shares reported under “Securities Being Registered for Resale—Shares of Common Stock” represents (a) the shares included under “Securities Beneficially Owned Prior to the Offering—Shares of Common Stock”, (b) 500,000 shares of Common Stock owned by BOF-VII Investor issuable upon the conversion of Series D NVCE Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of the 1,500 Warrants currently held by the BOF-VII Investor and (c) 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock owned by BOF-MSR Investor issuable upon the conversion of Series D NVCE Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of the 3,000 Warrants currently held by the BOF-MSR Investor. Bayview Opportunity GP VII, LLC (the “BOF-VII GP”), is the general partner to BOF-VII Investor. Bayview Fund Management LLC (“BFM”) is the manager of BOF-VII Investor and has authority to manage the investments of the BOF-VII Investor. Bayview Capital GP MSR, LLC (the “BOF-MSR GP”), is the general partner to the BOF-MSR Investor. BFM is the manager of the BOF-MSR Investor and has authority to manage the investments of the BOF-MSR Investor. Each of BOF-VII GP, BOF-MSR GP and BFM are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bayview. Investment and voting decisions with respect to the above referenced shares are made by a committee comprised of three or more individuals and all members of such committee disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares. All indirect holders of the above referenced shares disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. The address of such entities affiliated with Bayview and/or investment committee members is: 4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 4th Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33146.
(8)
Includes 4,999,998 shares of Common Stock and 8,999 Warrants, representing the right (on an as converted basis) to receive approximately 2,999,666 shares of Common Stock. The registered holders of the referenced interests are the following funds and accounts under management by subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc.: BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund of BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc., BlackRock Global Funds Global Allocation Fund, BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited as responsible entity of the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (Aust), BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, NA, not in its individual capacity but as trustee of the BlackRock Global Allocation Collective Fund, BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust, BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio of BlackRock Series Fund, Inc., BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc., BlackRock Strategic Global Bond Fund, Inc., BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio of BlackRock Funds V, BlackRock Total Return Fund a Series of BlackRock Bond Fund, Inc., and BlackRock Global Long/Short Credit Fund of BlackRock Funds IV. BlackRock, Inc. is the ultimate parent holding company of such subsidiaries. On behalf of such subsidiaries, the applicable portfolio managers, as managing directors (or in other capacities) of such entities, and/or the applicable investment committee members of such funds and accounts, have voting and investment power over the shares held by the funds and accounts which are the registered holders of the referenced shares. Such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held by such funds and accounts. The address of such funds and accounts, such subsidiaries and such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members is: 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. Shares shown include only the securities being registered for resale and may not incorporate all shares deemed to be beneficially held by the registered holders or BlackRock, Inc.
(9)
The shares reported under “Securities Being Registered for Resale—Shares of Common Stock” represent 3,999,999 shares of Common Stock (i) issuable upon the conversion of Series D NVCE Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of the 12,000 Warrants currently held by the Selling Securityholder or (ii) in certain circumstances, immediately issuable upon the exercise of the 12,000 Warrants currently held by the Selling Securityholder. Citadel Advisors LLC is the portfolio manager of Citadel CEMF Investments Ltd. Citadel Advisors Holdings LP is the sole member of Citadel Advisors LLC. Citadel GP LLC is the General Partner of Citadel Advisors Holdings LP. Kenneth Griffin owns a controlling interest in Citadel GP LLC. Mr. Griffin, as the owner of a controlling interest in Citadel GP LLC, may be deemed to have shared power to vote and/or shared power to dispose of the securities held by Citadel CEMF Investments Ltd. This disclosure shall not be construed as an admission that Mr. Griffin or any of the Citadel related entities listed above is the beneficial owner of any securities of the Company other than the securities actually owned by such person (if any). The address of Citadel CEMF Investments Ltd. is c/o Citadel Enterprise Americas LLC, Southeast Financial Center, 200 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 3300, Miami, FL 33131.
(10)
Hudson Bay Capital Management, L.P., the investment manager of Tech Opportunities LLC and HB Special Opportunities AIV I LP (each, a “Hudson Bay Fund”), has voting and investment power over these securities. Sander Gerber is the managing member of Hudson Bay Capital GP LLC, which is the general partner of Hudson Bay Capital Management, L.P. Each of the Hudson Bay Funds, Hudson Bay Capital GP LLC and Sander Gerber disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities. The selling securityholder’s address is c/o Hudson Bay Capital Management L.P., 290 Harbor Drive, 3rd Floor, Stamford, CT 06902. No Hudson Bay Fund may convert, exercise or exchange any of its Warrants, shares of Preferred Stock or shares of Series D NVCE Stock to the extent (but only to the extent) such Hudson Bay Fund or any of its affiliates would beneficially own after such conversion, exercise or exchange a number of shares of Common Stock which would exceed 9.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The number of shares set forth in this table does not reflect these beneficial ownership limitations.
(11)
Based on Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024, as amended on June 10, 2024, August 13, 2024 and September 24, 2024, by Liberty Strategic Capital (CEN) Holdings, LLC (the “Liberty Purchaser”), a Delaware limited liability company; Liberty 77 Capital L.P. (the “Liberty Manager”), a Delaware limited partnership which is the investment manager of the members of the Liberty Purchaser and the manager of the Liberty Purchaser; Liberty 77 Capital Partners L.P. (“Liberty Manager GP”), a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of the Liberty Manager; Liberty Capital L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Liberty Manager GP; STM Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that indirectly controls the Liberty Manager and the Liberty Purchaser; and Steven T. Mnuchin, the President of STM Partners LLC (each of the foregoing being referred to collectively as “Liberty”), which (following the Reverse Stock Split) reflects 75,013,636 shares of Common Stock. Following receipt of the Requisite Stockholder Approvals, Liberty’s 39,954 shares of Series C Preferred Stock automatically converted into 39,954,000 shares of Common Stock, prior to the Reverse Stock Split. Following the Reverse Stock Split, Liberty’s 143,355 shares of Series B Preferred Stock were exchanged for 47,784,994 shares of Common
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Stock pursuant to Liberty’s August Exchange Agreement and September Exchange Agreement. The Warrants held by the Liberty Purchaser are exercisable for 135,000 shares of Series D NVCE Stock, which (following the Reverse Stock Split) are convertible into 44,999,995 shares of Common Stock in connection with certain transfers from the Liberty Purchaser to a third party that constitute “Convertible Transfers) (as defined in, and subject to the terms of, the Certificate of Designations of the Series D NVCE Stock). Additionally, as disclosed in the Forms 4 filed by Liberty and Steven T. Mnuchin on March 29, 2024, January 31, 2025 and March 31, 2025, the Liberty securities listed in this table for the pre-offering period include 100 shares of Common Stock which Steven T. Mnuchin received upon the vesting of service-based restricted stock units that were granted to him on March 27, 2024 in connection with his service as a director of the Company and 13,542 restricted stock units that were granted to Steven T. Mnuchin on January 29, 2025 in connection with his service as a director of the Company. Each of the enumerated Liberty persons disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities (except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein), and the foregoing should not be construed in and of itself as an admission as to the beneficial ownership of these securities. The business address of this Selling Securityholder is 2099 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006.
(12)
David Matlin, the Managing Member for Pasadero Drive LLC (the “Selling Securityholder”), has voting and investment control of the securities held by the Selling Securityholder and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Pasadero Drive LLC is located at 61 Cedar Point Lane, Sag Harbor, NY, 11963.
(13)
The securities listed above include (a) 2,445,282 shares of Common Stock held by Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC (the “Selling Securityholder”), consisting of: (i) 1,440,000 shares of Common Stock issued to the Selling Securityholder in connection with the Transaction and (ii) an additional 1,005,282 shares of Common Stock acquired separately from the Transaction, (b) 191,800 shares of Common Stock held by Riverview Group LLC as a result of holding listed options to purchase 191,800 shares of Common Stock, (c) 489,913 shares of Common Stock held by ICS Opportunities II LLC acquired separately from the Transaction, (d) 424,832 shares of Common Stock held by Integrated Assets II LLC acquired separately from the Transaction and (e) 230 shares of Common Stock held by Integrated Assets III LLC acquired separately from the Transaction. Riverview Group LLC, ICS Opportunities II LLC, Integrated Assets II LLC and Integrated Assets III LLC are affiliates of the Selling Securityholder. The securities listed above may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Millennium Management LLC, Millennium Group Management LLC and Israel A. Englander (“Mr. Englander”) and/or other investment managers that may be controlled by Millennium Group Management LLC (the managing member of Millennium Management LLC) and Mr. Englander (the sole voting trustee of the managing member of Millennium Group Management LLC). The foregoing should not be construed in and of itself as an admission by Millennium Management LLC, Millennium Group Management LLC or Mr. Englander as to the beneficial ownership of the securities held by such entities. The address for Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC is c/o Millennium Management LLC, 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
(14)
RCP Eagle Holdings, LP (“RCP Eagle”) is the holder of the Securities and is an affiliate of Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. RCP Eagle Holdings GP LLC is the general partner of RCP Eagle and, as a result, may be deemed to beneficially own the Securities held by RCP Eagle. Further, 100% of the outstanding equity interests of RCP Eagle Holdings GP LLC are held by Reverence Capital Partners Opportunities Fund V (PE Fund III) GP, L.P. (“Fund V GP”). Reverence Capital Partners Opportunities Fund V (PE Fund III) GP, LLC (“Fund V GP LLC”) is the general partner of Fund V GP. Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. is the managing member of Fund V GP LLC, while RCP GenPar LP (“GenPar LP”) holds 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Fund V GP LLC. RCP GenPar HoldCo LLC (“GenPar HoldCo”) is the general partner of GenPar LP. Accordingly, each of Fund V GP LLC, GenPar LP and GenPar HoldCo may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the Securities. Decisions related to the investment management for, and making of investment decisions on behalf of, RCP Eagle with respect to the Securities are made by the majority vote of an investment committee. The investment committee is composed of Milton Berlinski, Peter Aberg and Alexander Chulack, who may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power for the Securities held by RCP Eagle. Each member of the investment committee disclaims such beneficial ownership. The address of each entity is 590 Madison Ave., 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The Securities include 33,333,438 shares of Common Stock acquired in the Transaction and 2,647,675 shares of Common Stock acquired separately from the Transaction.
(15)
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“TRPA”) serves as investment adviser or subadviser with power to direct investments and/or sole power to vote the securities owned by the funds and accounts of the securities held by the Selling Securityholder, T. Rowe Price Financial Services Fund, Inc. For purposes of reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, TRPA may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such securities; however, TRPA expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such securities. TRPA is the wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. which is a publicly traded financial services holding company. The address of each entity is T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the offer and resale of the Securities to permit the resale of the Securities by the holders thereof from time to time after the date of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Securityholders of the Securities. We will bear all costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the Securities covered by this prospectus.
Each Selling Securityholder may sell all or a portion of the Securities beneficially owned by it and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the Securities are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, such Selling Securityholder will be responsible for underwriting fees, discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The Selling Securityholders will act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each sale of Securities. These sales may be effected in transactions that may involve cross or block transactions. The Selling Securityholders may also use one or more of the following methods when disposing of the Shares or interests therein:
on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
in the over-the-counter market;
in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market;
through the writing or settlement of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise;
in ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
in block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
through purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
in an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
through trading plans entered into by a Selling Securityholder pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, that are in place at the time of an offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement hereto that provide for periodic sales of their securities on the basis of parameters described in such trading plans;
in “at the market” offerings, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, at negotiated prices, at prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, including sales made directly on a national securities exchange or sales made through a market maker other than on an exchange or other similar offerings through sales agents;
in privately negotiated transactions;
in settlement of short sales;
subject to the Registration Rights Agreement, through one or more underwritten offerings or marketed underwritten offerings on a firm commitment or best efforts basis;
in sales pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act;
whereby broker-dealers may agree with such Selling Securityholder to sell a specified number of such Securities at a stipulated price;
directly to one or more purchasers;
through delayed delivery requirements;
by pledge to secured debts and other obligations or any transfer upon the foreclosure under such pledge;
in a combination of any such methods of sale; and
in any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
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In addition, a Selling Securityholder that is an entity may elect to make a pro rata in-kind distribution of Securities to its members, partners or stockholders pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part by delivering a prospectus with a plan of distribution. Such members, partners or stockholders, other than affiliates of the Company, would thereby receive freely tradeable securities pursuant to the distribution through a registration statement. To the extent a distributee is an affiliate of ours (or to the extent otherwise required by law), we may file a prospectus supplement to permit the distributees to use this prospectus to resell the securities acquired in the distribution.
If any Selling Securityholder effects such transactions by selling Securities to or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, such underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive commissions in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from such Selling Securityholder or commissions from purchasers of the Securities for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particular underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved). The obligations of any such underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions. In connection with sales of the Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Shares in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The Selling Securityholders may also sell the Securities short and deliver Securities covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed Common Stock in connection with such short sales. The Selling Securityholders may also loan or pledge Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Securities.
The Selling Securityholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the Securities owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the Securities from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act, amending, if necessary, the list of Selling Securityholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling securityholders under this prospectus. The Selling Securityholders also may transfer and donate the Securities in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
The Selling Securityholders and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the Securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any, in such a case, such broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act (it being understood that the Selling Securityholders shall not be deemed to be underwriters solely as a result of their participation in this offering). At the time a particular offering of the Securities is made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of Securities being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the Selling Securityholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers. Except as otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, any underwritten offering pursuant to this prospectus will be underwritten by one, several, or all of the following financial institutions: BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Piper Sandler & Co., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. The Selling Securityholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the Securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
Under the securities laws of some states of the United States, the Securities may be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states of the United States, the Securities may not be sold unless such Securities have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.
The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Securityholders from the sale of the Securities offered will be the purchase price of the Securities less discounts or commissions, if any. The Selling Securityholders reserve the right to accept and, together with its agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of Securities to be made directly or through agents. There can be no assurance that the Selling Securityholders will sell any or all of the Securities registered hereunder.
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The Selling Securityholders and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the Securities by the Selling Securityholders and any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the Securities to engage in market-making activities with respect to the Common Stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the Securities and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the Securities.
We will pay all expenses of the registration of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “Blue Sky” laws; provided, however, that the Company will not be responsible for any underwriting fees, discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of the Securities and any legal fees and expenses of counsel to the Selling Securityholders. We will indemnify the Selling Securityholders against liabilities, including some liabilities under the Securities Act, in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, or the Selling Securityholders will be entitled to contribution. We may be indemnified by the Selling Securityholders against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, that may arise from any written information furnished to us by the Selling Securityholders specifically for use in this prospectus in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, or we may be entitled to contribution.
There can be no assurance that any Selling Securityholder will sell any or all of the Securities registered pursuant to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. Once sold hereunder, the Securities will be freely tradable in the hands of persons other than our affiliates.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Securities offered hereby and certain other legal matters related to the Securities being offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm covering the December 31, 2024 consolidated financial statements, dated as of March 3, 2025, included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Audit Report”) expresses an opinion that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 because of the effect of material weaknesses on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria and contains an explanatory paragraph that states the following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management’s assessment that the Company:
lacked effective periodic risk assessment processes to identify and timely respond to emerging risks in certain financial reporting processes and related internal controls, including independent credit review, that were responsive to changes in the business operations and regulatory and economic environments in which the Company operates;
lacked effective recurring monitoring activities over process level control activities, including independent credit review; and
did not sufficiently maintain effective control activities related to independent credit review processes and certain loan data reconciliations. Specifically, the Company’s independent credit review process controls were ineffective as the Company lacked the consistent application of an appropriate framework to validate that the ratings were accurate, timely, and appropriately challenged. These ineffective controls impact the Company’s ability to accurately disclose loan rating classifications, identify problem loans, and ultimately recognize the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
As a result of these ineffective risk assessment, monitoring, and control activities, the Board of Directors was not able to exercise sufficient oversight.
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263,828,622 Shares of Common Stock

314,954 Warrants
Preliminary Prospectus

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PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13.
Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following is a statement of the expenses, other than any underwriting discounts and commissions, that we expect to incur in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Securities registered under this registration statement. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee.
SEC Registration Fee
$384,970.32
Accounting Fees and Expenses
$40,000
Legal Fees and Expenses
$500,000
Printing Fees
$250,000
Miscellaneous
$1,000,000
Total
$2,159,970.32
Item 14.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) permits, under certain circumstances, the indemnification of any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving in a similar capacity for another enterprise at the request of the corporation if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the corporation has been successful in defending any such proceeding, the DGCL provides that such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. With respect to a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, such person may be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), actually and reasonably incurred, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation. The DGCL provides, however, that indemnification shall not be permitted in such a proceeding if such person is adjudged liable to the corporation unless, and only to the extent that, the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court deems proper. Except with respect to mandatory indemnification of expenses to successful defendants as described above or pursuant to a court order, the indemnification described in this paragraph may be made only upon a determination in each specific case (1) by majority vote of the directors that are not parties to the proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of the directors that are not a party to the proceeding who have been appointed by a majority vote of directors who are not party to the proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders. The DGCL permits a corporation to advance expenses incurred by a proposed indemnitee in advance of final disposition of the proceeding, provided that the indemnitee undertakes to repay such advanced expenses if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. Also, a corporation may purchase insurance on behalf of an indemnitee against any liability asserted against him in his designated capacity, whether or not the corporation itself would be empowered to indemnify him against such liability.
FLG has adopted provisions in its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that provide for indemnification of its officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted under the DGCL, provided that, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, FLG will indemnify an indemnitee in connection with a proceeding initiated by that person only if the proceeding was authorized by the board of directors. As authorized by the DGCL, under FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, no director shall be personally liable to FLG or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under DGCL Section 174 (concerning unlawful distributions to stockholders), or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
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personal benefit. FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation further provides that if the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as so amended. FLG has purchased an insurance policy that purports to insure the officers and directors of FLG against certain liabilities incurred by them in the discharge of their functions as such officers and directors.
The foregoing is only a general summary of certain aspects of Delaware law and FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws dealing with indemnification of directors and officers, and does not purport to be complete. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of those Sections of the DGCL referenced above and FLG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws.
Item 15.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Since June 21, 2021, the Company has issued the following securities that were not registered under the Securities Act:
On October 4, 2024, the Company issued 15 shares of Series D NVCE Stock in connection with entities affiliated with Hudson Bay exercising a portion of its Warrant. The 15 shares of Series D NVCE Stock are convertible into 4,999 shares of Common Stock. The issuance of the shares of Series D NVCE Stock is exempt from registration under the Securities Act, by virtue of the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
On September 23, 2024, the Company entered into the September Exchange Agreements with Liberty and Hudson Bay. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable September Exchange Agreement, on September 23, 2024, (a) Liberty exchanged 114,355 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, for the issuance by the Company of 38,118,329 shares of Common Stock to Liberty; and (b) Hudson Bay exchanged 13,600 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by the Company of 4,533,331 shares of Common Stock to Hudson Bay. The number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of Hudson Bay so exchanged was an amount such that Hudson Bay (together with its affiliates) would not beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the September Exchanges. All of the September Exchanges were consummated simultaneously. The issuances pursuant to the September Exchange Agreements of shares of Common Stock are exempt from registration under the Securities Act, by virtue of the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
On August 12, 2024, the Company entered into the August Exchange Agreements with Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable August Exchange Agreement, on August 12, 2024, (a) Liberty exchanged 29,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, for the issuance by the Company of 9,666,665 shares of Common Stock to Liberty; (b) Hudson Bay exchanged 22,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by the Company of 7,499,998 shares of Common Stock to Hudson Bay; and (c) Reverence exchanged 11,857 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the issuance by the Company of 3,952,332 shares of Common Stock to Reverence. The number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of each of Liberty, Hudson Bay and Reverence so exchanged was an amount such that no investor (together with its respective affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the August Exchanges. All of the August Exchanges were consummated simultaneously. The issuances pursuant to the August Exchange Agreements of shares of Common Stock are exempt from registration under the Securities Act, by virtue of the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
On March 7, 2024, the Company entered into the Investment Agreements with the Selling Securityholders. Pursuant to the Investment Agreements, on the terms and subject to the conditions set for therein, the Selling Securityholders paid an aggregate of approximately $1.05 billion to the Company in exchange for the sale and issuance of (a) 76,630,965 shares of Common Stock, which amount of Common Stock was subsequently reduced by a ratio of 1-for-3 after the COI Reverse Stock Split Amendment became effective, (b) 192,062 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock,
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(c) 256,307 shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, and (d) 315,000 Warrants. The issuances pursuant to the Investment Agreements of shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Warrants are exempt from registration under the Securities Act, by virtue of the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
On March 19, 2023, Flagstar Bank, N.A. (“Flagstar”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, assumed substantially all of the deposits and certain identified liabilities and acquired certain assets and lines of business of Signature Bridge Bank, N.A. (“Signature Bank”), from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), as receiver for Signature Bank (the “Acquisition”), pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement—All Deposits, dated March 19, 2023, among the FDIC, as receiver of Signature Bank, the FDIC and Flagstar (the “Agreement”). As part of the consideration for the Acquisition, the Company issued an Equity Appreciation Instrument to the FDIC. Under the terms of the Equity Appreciation Instrument, the FDIC could participate in any increase in the per share stock price of Common Stock above $6.54 on or before March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Equity Appreciation Instrument, upon exercise, the FDIC was entitled to receive a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Spread Amount divided by the Determination Price. The “Spread Amount” means the lesser of (A) $300 million and (B) the product of (x) 300,000,000 and (y) the amount by which the Determination Price exceeds $6.54. “Determination Price” means the average of the volume weighted average price of Common Stock over the two NYSE trading days immediately prior to the exercise of the Equity Appreciation Instrument. If the Determination Price does not exceed $6.54, the Spread Amount is zero, and no Common Stock will be issuable under the Equity Appreciation Instrument. On March 31, 2023, the Company issued to the FDIC 39,032,006 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Appreciation Instrument. The Company did not receive any additional proceeds for the shares, which were issued in a private placement conducted pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
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Item 16.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
Index of Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
1.1
Form of Underwriting Agreement*
 
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 24, 2021, by and among New York Community Bancorp, Inc., 615 Corp. and Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021)
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 26, 2022, by and among New York Community Bancorp, Inc., 615 Corp., and Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2022)
 
 
Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 27, 2022, by and among New York Community Bancorp, Inc., 615 Corp. and Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2022)
 
 
Purchase and Assumption Agreement – All Deposits, dated March 20, 2023, among FDIC, as receiver of Signature Bridge Bank, the FDIC and Flagstar Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023)
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Appreciation Instrument, dated March 27, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023)
 
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001, as filed with the SEC on May 11, 2001)
 
 
Certificates of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2004)
 
 
Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2016)
 
 
Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 10, 2024)
 
 
Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on July 16, 2024)
 
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on October 15, 2024)
 
 
Certificate of Designations of the Company with respect to Series A Preferred Stock, dated March 16, 2017, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective March 16, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017)
 
 
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Exhibit No.
Description
Certificate of Designations of the Company with respect to Series B Noncumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, dated March 11, 2024, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective March 11, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)
 
 
Certificate of Designations of the Company with respect to Series C Noncumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, dated March 11, 2024, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective March 11, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)
 
 
Certificate of Designations of the Company with respect to Series D Non-Voting Common Equivalent Stock, dated March 11, 2024, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective March 11, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)
 
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on October 15, 2024)
 
 
Specimen Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on November 9, 2017)
 
 
Deposit Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2017, by and among the Company, Computershare, Inc, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as joint depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2017)
 
 
Form of certificate representing the Series A Preferred Stock (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2017)
 
 
Form of depositary receipt representing the Depositary Shares (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2017)
 
 
Form of warrant to purchase shares of Series D Non-Voting Common Equivalent Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)
 
 
Description of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020)
 
 
4.7
The Company will furnish, upon request, copies of all instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt instruments of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
 
 
Opinion of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP**
 
 
10.1(P)+
Form of Queens County Savings Bank Outside Directors’ Consultation and Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on August 3, 1993)
 
 
10.2(P)+
Supplemental Benefit Plan of Queens County Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s 1995 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 19, 1995)
 
 
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Exhibit No.
Description
10.3(P)+
Excess Retirement Benefits Plan of Queens County Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on August 3, 1993)
 
 
10.4(P)+
Queens County Savings Bank Directors’ Deferred Fee Stock Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on August 3, 1993)
 
 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. Management Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s 2006 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 7, 2006)
 
 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 7, 2012)
 
 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on June 10, 2024)
 
 
Amended and Restated Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, dated November 28, 2022, by and between Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (New York Community Bancorp, Inc. as Successor Company) and Alessandro DiNello (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on December 1, 2022)
 
 
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (as assumed by New York Community Bancorp, Inc. effective December 1, 2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the SEC on November 6, 2015)
 
 
Employment Agreement between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and Reginald E. Davis (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023)
 
 
Employment Agreement between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and Lee M. Smith (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023)
 
 
Employment Agreement Term Sheet between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and Joseph Otting (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC March 8, 2024)
Non-Executive Chairman Term Sheet between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and Alessandro DiNello (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC March 8, 2024)
Investment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2024 (as amended on March 11, 2024), by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and Liberty Strategic Capital (CEN) Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form  8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)****
 
 
Form of Investment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2024 (as amended on March 11, 2024), by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and affiliates of funds managed by Hudson Bay Capital Management, LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)****
 
 
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Exhibit No.
Description
Investment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2024 (as amended on March 11, 2024), by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and affiliates of funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)****
 
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2024, by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and the investors in the March 2024 Capital Raise (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form  8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024)****
 
 
Form of Executive Stock Option Grant Notice (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025)
 
 
Form of Share Exchange Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2024, by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and certain stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2024)****
 
 
Form of Share Exchange Agreement, by and between New York Community Bancorp, Inc. and certain stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on September 24, 2024)****
 
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2025, by and between Flagstar Financial, Inc. and Joseph M. Otting**
 
 
Change in Control Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2025, by and between Flagstar Bank, N.A. and George F. Buchanan**
 
 
Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025)
 
 
Consent of KPMG LLP**
 
 
Consent of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)**
 
 
Power of Attorney (contained on the signature pages to the initial filing of this Registration Statement)***
 
 
Power of Attorney for Brian Callanan**
 
 
Calculation of Filing Fee Table***
*
If applicable, to be filed as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference herein or by a post-effective amendment to this registration statement in connection with a specific offering of securities.
**
Filed herewith.
***
Previously filed.
****
Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, certain schedules and similar attachments have been omitted. The registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the SEC upon request.
+
Management plan or compensation plan arrangement.
(P)
Filed in paper format pursuant to a continuing hardship exemption in accordance with Rule 202 of Regulation S-T.
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Item 17.
Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement;
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i)
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and
(ii)
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in this registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hicksville, State of New York, on this 28th day of April 2025.
 
 
FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Joseph M. Otting
 
 
Joseph M. Otting
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on this 28th day of April 2025.
 
 
/s/ Joseph M. Otting
President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
Joseph M. Otting
 
 
/s/ Lee M. Smith
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Lee M. Smith
 
 
/s/ Bryan L. Marx
Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Bryan L. Marx
 
 
*
Lead Independent Director
Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin
 
 
*
Director
Milton Berlinski
 
 
*
Director
Brian Callanan
 
 
*
Director
Alessandro P. DiNello
 
 
*
Director
Alan Frank
 
 
*
Director
Marshall J. Lux
 
 
*
Director
Allen C. Puwalski
 
 
*
Director
Jennifer R. Whip
 
 
 
*By:
/s/ Joseph M. Otting
 
 
Joseph M. Otting
Attorney-in-fact
10

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

 

701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20004

202 508 5800

 

www.ktslaw.com

 

April 28, 2025

 

Flagstar Financial, Inc.

102 Duffy Avenue

Hicksville, New York 11801

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Flagstar Financial, Inc. (formerly known as New York Community Bancorp, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), relating to the sale by certain selling securityholders identified in the Registration Statement (the “Selling Securityholders”) of up to (x) 263,828,622 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) consisting of (a) 158,588,968 shares of Common Stock (the “Outstanding Shares”) that are issued and outstanding, (b) up to 249,999 shares of Common Stock (the “Series B Conversion Shares”) that may be issued to the Selling Securityholders upon the conversion of 750 shares of Series B Noncumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), (c) approximately 4,999 shares of Common Stock (the “Series D Conversion Shares” and, together with the Series B Conversion Shares, the “Conversion Shares”) that may be issued to the Selling Securityholders upon the conversion of 15 shares of Series D Non-Voting Common Equivalent Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series D NVCE Stock”) and (d) up to 104,984,656 shares of Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares”) underlying net-settled warrants (the “Warrants”) which are exercisable into the Series D NVCE Stock, which are in turn convertible into shares of Common Stock and (y) 314,954 Warrants.

 

We have examined the Registration Statement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), a specimen certificate relating to the Common Stock, the Certificate of Designation relating to the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series D NVCE Stock (each, a “Certificate of Designation”) and the form of Warrant to purchase Series D NVCE Stock (the “Form of Warrant”). In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such records, agreements, documents and other instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Company and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinions hereinafter set forth.

 

 

 

 

Flagstar Financial, Inc.
April 28, 2025
Page 2

 

In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

 

In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed further that, at the time of issuance and delivery of each of the Conversion Shares and the Warrant Shares, (1) the Company will be validly existing and in good standing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (2) the issuance and delivery by the Company of such Conversion Shares and Warrant Shares will not constitute a breach or violation of its organizational documents or violate the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized or any other jurisdiction (except that no such assumption is made with respect to the law of the State of New York or the Delaware General Corporation Law), assuming there shall not have been any change in such laws affecting the validity or enforceability of such Conversion Shares and Warrant Shares and (3) the issuance and delivery by the Company of such Conversion Shares and Warrant Shares (a) will not constitute a breach or default under any agreement or instrument which is binding upon the Company and (b) will comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

 

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

1. The Outstanding Shares have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

2. The Conversion Shares have been duly authorized and, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance of the Conversion Shares so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due issuance and delivery of the Conversion Shares in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Conversion Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3. With respect to the Warrant Shares, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance of the Warrant Shares so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due issuance and delivery of the Warrant Shares upon conversion of the underlying shares of Series D NVCE Stock and payment in accordance with the provisions of the Warrant, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Warrant Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

4. The Warrants constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

 

 

 

 

Flagstar Financial, Inc.
April 28, 2025
Page 3

 

Our opinion set forth in paragraph 4 above is subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

 

We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

 

Very truly yours,
     
    /s/ KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.21

 

Execution Version

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 19, 2025 by and between Flagstar Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Joseph M. Otting (the “Executive”) and shall be deemed effective as of March 7, 2024. The Company and Executive are referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party” and references to the “Company” may as the circumstances permit refer to subsidiaries of the Company that employ the Executive.

 

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into separate Investment Agreements, dated as of March 7, 2024, with affiliates of funds managed by Liberty 77 Capital, L.P. and certain other investors (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Investment Agreements”); and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Investment Agreements, the Company has engaged Executive as an employee as of March 6, 2024, and has employed Executive as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of Flagstar Bank, National Association (the “Bank”) effective as of April 1, 2024, and Executive has assumed such positions, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1.  Term. The Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Executive’s employment with the Company was effective as of March 6, 2024, and Executive’s appointment to the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank was effective as of April 1, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue until March 31, 2027, unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement; provided that the term of this Agreement may be extended or renewed upon the prior written agreement of the Parties. The period from and after the Effective Date during which Executive is employed under this Agreement (including any extensions) is referred to as the “Employment Term.”

 

2. Position and Duties.

 

2.1  Position. During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Executive was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), effective as of March 11, 2024. Provided that Executive has not given or received notice of termination of employment or service with the Company or the Bank, at such times during the Employment Term that Executive becomes eligible for reelection to the Board, Executive shall be nominated as a member of the Board, subject to re-election by the Company’s stockholders beginning with the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Executive shall be the most senior executive of the Company and its affiliates, reporting directly and exclusively, to the Board.

 

2.2  Duties. During the Employment Term, Executive shall have such duties, authorities, and responsibilities commensurate with his positions and such other duties and responsibilities consistent with Executive’s positions as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Executive shall faithfully perform Executive’s duties hereunder and shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention to the performance of such duties. Executive will not engage in any other business, profession, or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the performance of such services, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the Company’s applicable conflict of interest policy, Executive will be permitted to (a) engage in the outside activities set forth on Schedule A, (b) act or serve as a director, trustee, committee member, or principal of any type of civic, charitable, or community organization and non-profit industry associations and groups, (c) (i) manage personal investments and (ii) purchase or own less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation; provided that in the case of clause (i), such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation, and (d) with the consent of the Board (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), serve on corporate boards, provided that, activities described in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement. If requested by the Board and agreed by Executive (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), Executive shall serve as an executive officer and/or as a director of each of the Company’s subsidiaries which are material to the business of the Company as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

 

3.  Location. The principal place of Executive’s employment shall be Hicksville, New York, except in the case of required travel on Company business and subject to any remote working arrangements and policies applicable to senior executives of the Company.

 

4.  Compensation. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive the following compensation and benefits.

 

4.1  Base Salary. Executive’s annual rate of base salary shall be $1,250,000 (the “Base Salary”). The Company shall pay the Base Salary in periodic installments in accordance with its payroll practices. The Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased (but not decreased). Once increased, the increased Base Salary shall be the “Base Salary” for all purposes of the Agreement.

 

4.2  Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term cash incentive program. Executive’s target annual cash bonus opportunity shall be $2,250,000 (the “Target Bonus”). Executive shall be eligible to receive up to 200% of the Target Bonus based on the achievement of performance goals to be reasonably established by the Compensation Committee of the Board, in consultation with Executive. The Target Bonus will not be pro-rated for 2024.

 

4.3  Equity Awards. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term equity incentive program and receive annual equity award grants on the same basis as other senior executives of the Company, as may be determined by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion. The terms and conditions of any such additional equity awards will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan and any applicable award documents.

2

4.4  Fringe Benefits and Employee Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time, on the same basis as generally available to other senior executive employees of the Company, including retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, life insurance plans, medical insurance plans, dental plans, accidental death and disability plans, and other fringe benefits.

 

4.5  Business Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, including costs associated with business-related commercial air-travel, in accordance with the Company’s business expense reimbursement policies and procedures as in effect from time to time.

 

4.6  Relocation. The Company shall pay for or reimburse Executive for reasonable and documented relocation and moving expenses in connection with Executive’s relocation to the New York metropolitan area, including the costs associated with scouting trips and temporary housing in the New York metropolitan area, in accordance with the Company’s business expense reimbursement policies and procedures as in effect from time to time.

 

4.7  Indemnification and Directors and Officers Liability Insurance. The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify Executive with respect to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (whether or not such action, suit or proceeding arises or arose by or in the right of the Company or other entity) by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director or officer or employee of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, general partner, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including service with respect to employee benefit plans), against expenses, (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and costs), judgments, fines (including excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such director or officer in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, which amounts the Company will advance to Executive as the same are incurred; however, Executive shall repay any expenses paid or reimbursed by the Company if it is ultimately determined by order of a court of competent jurisdiction (without further right of appeal) that Executive is not legally entitled to be indemnified by the Company. If applicable law requires that the Board make an investigation and/or determination of the matter for which indemnification is being sought prior to paying or reimbursing Executive, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the investigation to be made (at the Company’s expense) and to have the Board reach a determination as soon as reasonably possible. During the Employment Term, the Company shall maintain directors and officers’ liability insurance with coverage limits of at least the amount in effect on the date hereof. The Company’s obligations under this Section 4.7, including to indemnify Executive and to advance or reimburse expenses provided by this Section, shall survive and continue after the termination of this Agreement or Executive’s employment for any reason. The rights to indemnification and advancement or reimbursement of expenses provided by this Section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive may be entitled under any charter, bylaw, other organization document, agreement, vote of shareholders or directors or otherwise, including any director indemnification agreement that may be implemented by the Company from time to time.

3

5.  Termination of Employment. The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Employment Term by either the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason. Upon termination of Executive’s employment during or at the end of the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits in accordance with this Section 5.

 

5.1 Termination of Employment for Cause or without Good Reason.

 

(a)  Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and paid time off, which shall be paid within ten (10) days following the Termination Date (as defined below);

 

(ii)  unless such termination is a termination by the Company for Cause, any earned but unpaid annual cash bonus payment with respect to any completed fiscal year immediately preceding the Termination Date (with any required determinations made on a basis no less favorable to Executive than for any other active employees of the Company), which shall be paid on the payment date applicable to other senior executives, except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred at the election of the Executive pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement;

 

(iii) unless such termination is a termination by the Company for Cause or a resignation without Good Reason (other than a resignation without Good Reason during the ninety (90) day period immediately following the third anniversary of the Effective Date), an amount equal to the product of (1) the Target Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurred and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurred through the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number of days in the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, which shall be paid within ten (10) days of the Termination Date, except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred at the election of the Executive pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement;

 

(iv)  reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive, which shall be subject to the Company’s business expense reimbursement policies and paid within ten (10) days of the Termination Date;

 

(v)   vested employee benefits, if any, to which Executive may be entitled under the Company’s employee benefit plans as of the Termination Date; which shall be subject to, and paid in accordance with, the Company’s employee benefit plans; and

 

(vi)  in the event of any termination of Executive’s employment on or following the third anniversary of the Effective Date, all stock options and stock appreciation rights shall remain exercisable for their full term.

4

Items 5.1(a)(i) through 5.1(a)(v) are referred to herein collectively as the “Accrued Amounts.”

 

(b)  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean Executives (i) conviction of, or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony, (ii) willful refusal to substantially perform Executive’s duties, (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, which results in material and demonstrable damage to the Company, (iv) willful and material breach of Executive’s non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality obligations to the Company, or (v) Executive is subject to formal binding legal action taken by a regulatory body or a self-regulatory organization that materially impairs or prevents the Executive from performing his duties with the Company that are required under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, no act or failure to act on Executive’s part will be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

 

Prior to a termination of Executive’s employment for “Cause”, the Company will provide Executive with written notice describing the facts and circumstances that the Company believes constitutes Cause and, if curable, Executive shall be provided a 20-day period during which Executive may cure the circumstances alleged to constitute Cause. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the lawful and reasonable directives of the Board or based upon the advice of counsel shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith or in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause 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 of the entire membership of the Board (excluding Executive, if Executive is a member of the Board) at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice is provided to Executive and Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel for Executive, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Executive is guilty of the conduct constituting Cause, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

(c)  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, in each case, without Executive’s prior written consent: (i) a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus, from the levels then in effect; (ii) a failure by the Company to pay compensation due and payable or provide any benefits due to Executive in connection with his employment under this Agreement; (iii) a diminution in Executive’s titles or reporting relationship or a material diminution in Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authorities or the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent with his positions or the failure to assign Executive duties consistent with his positions; (iv) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement by more than thirty (30) miles; or (v) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any agreement related to Executive’s option award granted to Executive on March 6, 2024 (the “Initial Option Award”).

 

Executive cannot terminate his employment for Good Reason unless Executive: (A) gives the Company written notice of his objection to such above-described event or condition within twelve (12) months following the occurrence of such event or condition, (B) if curable, such event or condition is not corrected, in all material respects, by the Company within thirty (30) days following the Company’s receipt of such notice and (C) Executive resigns his employment within the 18-month period following the expiration of the Company’s 30-day cure period described in the foregoing clause (B).

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5.2  Termination of Employment without Cause or for Good Reason. In the event that Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated by Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause or if the Company declines to renew the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1 (such action by the Company shall be considered as a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause for the purpose of this Agreement), Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and, subject to Executive’s timely execution and delivery of a separation agreement and general release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and such Release becoming effective following the Termination Date in accordance with its terms (the period between the Termination Date and the date that the Release becomes effective, the “Release Execution Period”), Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:

 

(a)  the Company shall provide Executive with Company-paid continued health care continuation to the extent that Executive elects to receive continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 until the earlier of (i) the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the Termination Date and (ii) the date on which Executive becomes eligible for group health care coverage from a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the benefits provided under this Section 5.2(a) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act or any successor law (the “ACA”), or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), the parties agree to reform this Section 5.2(a) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA and provide substantially equivalent economic benefits to Executive;

 

(b)  an amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus that would have been paid from the Termination Date until the third anniversary of the Effective Date based on the Base Salary and Target Bonus (pro-rated for the final partial year) in effect as of immediately prior to the Termination Date, or if greater, immediately prior to any diminution of Base Salary or Target Bonus giving rise to Good Reason under this Agreement (provided that in no event shall the lump sum be less than one (1) times the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus), payable in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the Release Execution Period begins in one taxable year and ends in another taxable year, such payments shall not be made until the beginning of the second taxable year. In the event that the Termination Date occurs during the period beginning three (3) months before and ending on the twelve (12) month anniversary of a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan), the then-current Target Bonus will be replaced with the higher of Target Bonus and the prior year’s bonus; and

 

(c) notwithstanding the terms of the applicable plan or any award documents:

 

(i)  all outstanding equity-based compensation awards shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall lapse, with performance-based awards earned at the target level, and all stock options or stock appreciation rights shall become immediately exercisable and all other equity-based compensation awards shall be paid or settled (as applicable) within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, any delays in the settlement or payment of such awards that are set forth in the applicable award documents or that are required under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall remain in effect; and

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(ii)  all stock options and stock appreciation rights shall remain exercisable for the remainder of their full term.

 

5.3 Death or Disability.

 

(a)  Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death during the Employment Term, and the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment on account of Executive’s Disability.

 

(b)  If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Employment Term on account of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive (or Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the terms of the applicable plan or any award documents:

 

(i)  all outstanding equity-based compensation awards shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall lapse, with performance-based awards earned at the target level, and all stock options or stock appreciation rights shall become immediately exercisable and all other equity-based compensation awards shall be paid or settled (as applicable) within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, any delays in the settlement or payment of such awards that are set forth in the applicable award documents or that are required under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall remain in effect; and

 

(ii)  all stock options and stock appreciation rights shall remain exercisable for the remainder of their full term.

 

(d)  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean Executive becomes entitled to receive long-term disability benefits under the Company long-term disability plan applicable to Executive (or, if Executive applied for such benefits, would be entitled to such benefits).

 

5.4  Notice of Termination. Any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder (other than termination pursuant to Section 5.3(a) on account of Executive’s death) shall be communicated thirty (30) days’ prior to the Termination Date by written notice of termination (“Notice of Termination”) to the other Parties hereto in accordance with Section 20. The Notice of Termination shall specify:

 

(a) The termination provision of this Agreement relied upon;

 

(b)  To the extent applicable, a summary of the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated; and

 

(c) The applicable Termination Date.
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5.5 Termination Date. Executive’s “Termination Date” shall be:

 

(a)  If Executive’s employment terminates on account of Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;

 

(b)  If Executive’s employment is terminated on account of Executive’s Disability, the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination;

 

(c)  If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the date of termination set forth in the Notice of Termination delivered to Executive after compliance by the Company with the provisions of Section 5.1(b);

 

(d)  If Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause, the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination; and

 

(e)  If Executive terminates his employment with or without Good Reason, the date of termination specified in Executive’s Notice of Termination, provided that in the event Executive terminates employment without Good Reason, Executive provides the Company at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the Termination Date; and

 

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Termination Date shall not occur until the date on which Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

5.6  Mitigation. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 5.2(a) (with respect to medical insurance continuation), any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 5 shall not be reduced by compensation Executive earns on account of employment with another employer.

 

5.7 Regulatory Actions.

 

(a)  If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Company’s (including the Bank’s) affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1)), the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service to the extent required by applicable law unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed or such suspension is otherwise no longer required by law, the Company shall, except as required by applicable law, (i) within sixty (60) days pay Executive all of the compensation withheld while its obligations were suspended, and (ii) retroactively reinstate its obligations which were suspended.

 

(b)  If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Company’s (including the Bank’s) affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1)), to the extent required by applicable law all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested and other rights of the contracting parties and the termination provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected, and such termination shall be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause except as set forth herein with respect to a for Cause termination, except in each case as otherwise required by law.

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(c) If the Bank is in default (as defined in section 3(x)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested or other rights of the contracting parties or the termination provisions of this Agreement, and such termination shall be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause except as set forth herein with respect to a for Cause termination, except in each case as otherwise required by law.

 

(d) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated to the extent required by applicable law, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank:

 

(i)  By the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or its designee, at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or

 

(ii)  By the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or its designee, at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or its designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to be in an unsafe or unsound condition.

 

Any rights of the parties that have already vested or accrued and all other rights of the parties and the termination provisions of this Agreement, however, shall not be affected by such action, and such termination under this Section 5.7 shall be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause except as set forth herein with respect to a for Cause termination, except in each case as otherwise required by law.

 

5.8  Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall be obligated to make any payment or provide any benefit to the extent such payment or benefit is inconsistent with, or limited by, any applicable law, regulation, or directive of any governmental entity (it being understood and agreed that any such non-payment may still constitute a basis for Good Reason), and (ii) any payments or benefits hereunder shall be conditioned on the Company or its affiliates receiving any regulatory approval, consent, or non-objection to the extent required by applicable law in connection therewith.

 

6.  Restrictive Covenants. In consideration of Executive entering into this Agreement, Executive and the Company shall enter into the Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non- Disparagement and Confidential Information Agreement set forth on Exhibit B.

 

7.  Arbitration. The Parties agree that arbitration is the required and exclusive forum for the resolution of all disputes between them in any way related to this Agreement or Executive’s employment and separation from employment from the Company, including but not limited to, any statutory or common law claims alleging unpaid compensation, unpaid wages or overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of express or implied contract, defamation and/or negligence. Specifically excluded are workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation benefits, or claims under an executive benefit plan that specifies its claims procedure shall culminate in different arbitration procedures. Any Party seeking to pursue a claim shall do so by sending written notice pursuant to Section 20 hereof. Within five (5) days thereafter, the Party seeking arbitration will submit the claim to the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”). The arbitration will be in accordance with the national employment rules of the AAA, except that in no event may the AAA unilaterally select an arbitrator without the written consent of both Executive and the Company. The Parties may agree to a private arbitrator mutually selected by the Parties, in which case the AAA employment rules will apply to the conduct of the hearing. Any arbitration proceeding will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. Claims against officers, directors and other executives or agents of the Company are included in this agreement to arbitrate. The Company will pay Executive’s portion of the AAA filing fee in an amount up to $250.00 (or the then current filing fee if it exceeds $250.00) as well as the fees and costs of the arbitrator and any AAA administrative costs. Any arbitration hearing will be conducted in the city or region closest to Executive’s residence, unless the Parties mutually agree to conduct the hearing in another location.

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An arbitrator’s award must be in writing, with specific findings of fact, and will be enforceable by judgment entered upon the award in any court having jurisdiction. In reaching any decision, the arbitrator will interpret and be bound by this Agreement (and cannot add or disregard any provision of this Agreement) as well as applicable federal, state or local law. Any arbitration will provide each Party with all substantive rights and remedies provided under any applicable federal or state law related to such claim, including but not limited to, any legal or equitable remedy available in a court of competent jurisdiction such as money damages and legal fees. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any policy, rule or practice of the Company or the AAA, the arbitrator is bound by the terms of this Agreement. Nothing in this agreement to arbitrate precludes the Company or Executive from seeking temporary or permanent injunctive or declaratory relief from a court of competent jurisdiction relative to any alleged breach of an applicable non-compete or trade secret agreement between the Parties. Neither Party shall be entitled to: (i) join or consolidate claims in arbitration by or against other executives, (ii) arbitrate any claim against the other party as a representative or member of a class or collective action, or (iii) arbitrate any claim in a private attorney general capacity.

 

8.  Governing Law. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of law principles.

 

9.  Entire Agreement. Unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement contains all of the understandings and representations between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

 

10.  Modification and Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in writing and signed by the Parties. No waiver by the Parties of any breach by another Party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by another Party shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by any Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power, or privilege.

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11.  Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any amounts payable under this Agreement are subject to any requirement to clawback or recover amounts paid to Executive as required by applicable law, regulation or listing standards.

 

12.  Stock Ownership Requirements. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be expected to maintain ownership of Common Stock in accordance with guidelines established by the Board from time to time.

 

13.  Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable under this Agreement any federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.

 

14.  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if modified, or if any portion of this Agreement shall be held as unenforceable and thus stricken, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the Parties with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though originally set forth in this Agreement.

 

15.  Headings. Headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the caption or heading of any section or paragraph.

 

16.  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17. Section 409A.

 

17.1  General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and any regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as “separation pay” or as a “short-term deferral” shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes any representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

 

17.2  Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit provided to Executive in connection with his termination of employment is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and Executive is determined to be a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(b)(i), then such payment or benefit shall not be paid until the first payroll date to occur following the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date or, if earlier, on Executive’s death (the “Specified Employee Payment Date”). The aggregate of any payments that would otherwise have been paid before the Specified Employee Payment Date shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum on the Specified Employee Payment Date and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.

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17.3  Reimbursements. To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following:

 

(a)  the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year;

 

(b)  any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

 

(c)  any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

18.  Section 280G. In the event that part or all of the payments or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive under this Agreement together with the aggregate present value of payments, consideration, compensation and benefits under all other plans, arrangements and agreements applicable to Executive (“Total Payments”) will be subject to an excise tax under the provisions of Code Section 4999 (“Excise Tax”), the Total Payments shall be reduced so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) will be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount that would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that the Total Payments shall only be reduced to the extent the after-tax value of amounts received by Executive after application of the above reduction would exceed the after-tax value of the Total Payments received by the Executive without application of such reduction. In making any determination as to whether the Total Payments would be subject to an Excise Tax, applicable determinations shall take into account any portion of the Total Payments that could reasonably be considered, based on the relevant facts and circumstances, to be reasonable compensation for services rendered (whether before or after the consummation of the applicable Change in Control), with all determinations under this Section 18 to be made by 280G Solutions (or, in the event 280G Solutions is not available to provide such services, a nationally recognized or specialized accounting firm, as mutually by the Company and Executive). If applicable, the particular payments that are to be reduced shall be subject to the mutual agreement of Executive and the Company, with a view to maximizing the value of the payments to Executive that are not reduced.

 

19.  Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Executive and the heirs, executors, assigns and administrators of Executive and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns (as provided below). Executive may not assign or transfer to others the obligation to perform Executive’s duties hereunder, and there are no third party beneficiaries to Executive’s rights hereunder. The Company may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company. The Company will 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 the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Section 19, “the Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid.

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20.  Notice. 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, or by overnight carrier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as specified by the Parties by like notice):

 

If to the Company:

 

Flagstar Financial, Inc.

102 Duffy Avenue 

Hicksville, New York 11801

Attention: General Counsel

 

If to Executive: At the last address on file with the Company.

 

21.  Legal Fees. The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive in the amount of $125,000 for the Executive’s legal fees incurred in connection this Agreement and related term sheets and other documents and agreements with Executive through the date hereof within 10 days of receipt of the invoice for such legal fees, and any additional reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with such documents and agreements after the date hereof. In the event of a dispute under this Agreement or any other documents or agreements with Executive following a Change of Control (as defined in the Company’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as it applies to Executive), the Company will pay all reasonable legal fees as incurred by Executive in connection with the dispute.

 

22.  Survival. Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the Parties shall survive such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement, and with respect to the Initial Option Award, Sections 5.2(c)(ii) and (iii) shall survive such expiration or other termination of this Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.
       
    By: /s/ Milton Berlinski
    Name: Milton Berlinski
    Title: Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

    By: /s/ Bao Nguyen
    Name: Bao Nguyen
    Title: Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, & Chief of Staff

 

EXECUTIVE  
   
/s/ Joseph M. Otting  
Joseph M. Otting  
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SCHEDULE A

 

Board member (and related committees) of Blockchain.com, Inc.

 

Board member (and related committees) of Talino Ventures

 

Board member of Oasis (nonprofit)

 

Global Board of Advisors of Operation Hope

 

Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner of Andalusian Credit

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Execution Version

 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS (The “Agreement”) is made between __________ (“Executive”) and Flagstar Financial, Inc. for the benefit of Flagstar Financial, Inc., Flagstar Bank, National Association and their respective subsidiaries (collectively, as applicable, the “Employer”), and is effective as of the Effective Date stated below.

 

Executive was employed as an at-will Executive of Employer and Executive’s employment will end on or about [●]. In connection with Executive’s separation of employment, Employer offered Executive separation pay and other good and valuable consideration in return for a release of all claims and other terms. Executive shall have twenty-one (21)/forty-five (45) calendar days after the Termination Date to execute and deliver this Agreement, and an additional seven (7) calendar days thereafter to revoke this Agreement. If Executive does not timely execute this Agreement or timely revokes this Agreement, then this Agreement will not be effective and Executive will no longer be entitled to receive the separation pay and benefits set forth herein.

 

THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and payment set forth below, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.  Date of Termination. Executive’s date of termination is [●] (“Date of Termination”). Subject to any right to continue group health benefits under COBRA, Executive’s eligibility for all benefits provided by Employer will end on [●]. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the Non- Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disparagement and Confidential Information Agreement dated as of [●], and any written agreement signed by Executive concerning the protection of trade secrets or intellectual property belonging to the Employer, shall remain in full force and effect. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, all other agreements, contracts, commitments and understandings between Executive and Employer, whether oral or written, concerning the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by this Agreement.

 

2.  Separation Pay and Consideration for Release. In consideration of the release of claims and other promises in this Agreement by Executive, Employer will pay Separation Pay and other consideration as follows provided the seven (7) day revocation period described below has expired without revocation by Executive within such seven (7)-day period:

 

A. Separation Pay: As noted in Section 5.2 of the Employment Agreement dated [●].

 

Executive agrees that payments and benefits described in the above paragraphs provided by Employer are good and valuable consideration for this Agreement and Executive’s release of claims, and are in excess of any earned wages, benefits or other amounts to which Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination. Executive further acknowledges and warrants that Executive has received all wages, bonuses, overtime, vacation pay and other benefits and compensation due or owing by virtue of Executive’s employment, and further specifically warrants and agrees that he or she received all leaves of absences, including but not limited to, all Family Medical Leave Act leave, and all paid or unpaid time off that Executive requested or was otherwise eligible for while employed by Employer. Executive agrees to promptly pay in full all federal, state or local taxes due or owed on any separation payments made pursuant to this Agreement.

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3.  Other Payments. In connection with Executive’s separation from employment, on the Date of Termination, Employer will also pay any accrued and unused PTO and any other benefits payable upon termination for which Executive is eligible in accord with the express terms of any agreement, benefit plan or Employer policy and applicable law.

 

4.  General Release of all Claims. Executive fully, completely and forever releases and discharges Employer, its current or former parent corporations, units, divisions, subsidiaries, foundations, benefit plans, related or affiliated entities, and all current or former officers, directors, shareholders, employees, donors, agents, attorneys, plan administrators, fiduciaries, successors and assigns of Employer, and any entity or unit described above (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, appeals, controversies, disputes, issues, allegations, loss of services, attorneys’ fees, liabilities, grievances, damages and causes of action of any kind, nature or description, arising from any act, omission, conduct, fact or circumstance existing as of the date Executive signs this Agreement.

 

This release includes, but is not limited to, all workplace disputes, issues or allegations, and all claims or allegations for unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses, bonuses, stock options, wrongful discharge, breach of contract, negligence, defamation, fraud and personal injury (including, but not limited to, mental or emotional anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of professional status, prestige and self-esteem), discrimination, retaliation or unlawful harassment, as well as all claims for loss of consortium or support or affection, and all damages, costs, expenses, compensation, benefits, and attorneys’ fees. This general release also includes all claims and rights under any federal, state or local law or regulation, including but not limited to, Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act; the New York State Human Rights Law; the New York State Labor Law; the New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 125; the New York State Corrections Law; the New York Executive Law § 296(15), and/or any other federal, state or local constitution, statute, ordinance or regulation. By signing below, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this general release also includes any and all claims which in any way involve or arise from Executive’s employment or separation from employment with Employer based on events occurring up to and including the date Executive signs this Agreement.

 

By signing this Agreement, Executive gives up and discharges any such issues, disputes, allegations and claims described above, except for: (i) claims for breach of this Agreement; (ii) claims for health insurance benefits under COBRA or any vested benefits under a retirement plan governed by ERISA; (iii) statutory claims for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits that are not waivable as a matter of law; (iv) equity awards which survive the termination of Executive’s employment; (v) rights to indemnification and reimbursement and advancement of expenses under any charter, bylaw, other organization document, agreement, vote of shareholders or directors or otherwise; and (vi) unemployment compensation claims. The parties further agree that no future claims based on facts or circumstances arising after the execution of this Agreement are waived. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement precludes or limits in any way Executive’s right to file a charge or participate or cooperate in any proceeding conducted by the EEOC or comparable state or local fair employment agency. Executive has the right to have a court determine the validity of the above waiver and release of ADEA claims.

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5.  No Admission of Liability. This Agreement is the good faith settlement of any and all disputes existing as of the date signed or otherwise arising out of Executive’s employment or separation of employment with Employer. This Agreement does not constitute and shall not be used as an admission by either party of any liability, wrongdoing, or violation of any law.

 

6.  Confidential Trade Secrets. Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly disclose, publish or make use of confidential trade secret information concerning Employer without the prior written consent of the General Counsel of Employer, unless such information becomes a matter of general public knowledge without action by Executive, and, in each case, subject to Section 7. Confidential trade secret information includes, but is not limited to, business strategy; customer lists and information about customer needs, specification or requirements; systems operations and capability information; financial, accounting or marketing information; and other risk management or proprietary information or records of Employer.

 

7.  Permitted Disclosures. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement, or any other agreement Executive has with Employer is intended to or shall preclude or impede Executive from (i) voluntarily communicating with an attorney retained by Executive, (ii) voluntarily communicating with or testifying before any law enforcement or government agency or state or local commission on human rights, or any self-regulatory organization, or otherwise initiating, assisting with, or participating in any manner with an investigation conducted by such government agency, in each case, regarding possible violations of law and without advance notice to Employer, (iii) disclosing any information (including, without limitation, confidential trade secret information) to a court or other administrative or legislative body in response to any subpoena, provided that Employee first promptly notifies (to the extent legally permissible) Employer and provides Employer with the opportunity to seek, and join in its efforts at the sole expense of Employer, to challenge the subpoena or obtain a protective order limiting its disclosure, or other appropriate remedy, (iv) filing or disclosing any facts necessary to receive unemployment, Medicaid, or any other public benefits to which Executive is entitled, (v) disclosing the underlying facts or circumstances relating to claims of discrimination, harassment or any other conduct Executive has reason to believe is unlawful in respect of Employer, or (vi) seeking, receiving or recovering a SEC whistleblower award as provided under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise in connection with protected whistleblower activity. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, under the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Employer has advised Executive that he may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for his disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Executive acknowledges that Employer has also advised Executive that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of applicable law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

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8.    Return of Company Property and Cooperation. Executive further agrees to return to Employer on or before the Date of Termination all physical property (and delete all digital property) in Executive’s possession or control belonging to Employer, including, but not limited to, keys, files, cellular phones, credit cards, laptops, computer hardware or software, passwords, codes, books, customer documents, files and all records, and to promptly reconcile all expense accounts. Executive agrees not to retain copies of any property belonging to Employer, whether on paper, tape, disk, or in any electronic or other medium after the Date of Termination. Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate and be available to the Employer (or its Counsel), at the Employer’s expense for out of pocket expenses, as the Employer may reasonably request to assist in any administrative, agency or other matter, including litigation or potential litigation, over which Executive may have knowledge or information based on his or her employment with Employer.

 

9.  Knowing and Voluntary Acknowledgment. Employer advises and encourages Executive to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has read this Agreement in its entirety and understands all of its terms; (ii) Executive has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney of his or her own choice prior to executing this Agreement; (iii) he or she is responsible for any costs and fees resulting from an attorney reviewing this Agreement; (iv) Executive knowing, freely and voluntarily enters into this Agreement and the above general release of claims of Executive’s own free will without any duress or coercion by Employer or its representatives, in exchange for good and valuable consideration in addition to anything of value to which Executive is otherwise entitled; (v) Executive is not waiving or releasing rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement; and (vi) Executive understands that the waiver and release in this Agreement is being requested in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment with Employer.

 

10.  Consideration Period. Executive acknowledges that in accordance with the [[ADEA] OR [the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (“OWBPA”)], Executive has been given at least [twenty-one (21) days/forty-five (45) days] to review and consider this Agreement before signing it. Executive acknowledges that if he or she chooses to sign this Agreement prior to the expiration of that [21-day/45-day period,], he or she expressly waives any remaining portion of the [21-day/45-day consideration period.] Executive agrees that any changes to this Agreement, whether material or Immaterial, do not restart the running of the consideration period.

 

11.  Right to Revoke. Executive may revoke and cancel this Agreement and the release of claims at any time within seven (7) days after signing this Agreement by delivering written notice of revocation to [●]. This Agreement is not effective until Executive has timely signed it and the revocation period has expired without revocation (“Effective Date”). If Executive does so revoke, this Agreement shall be null and void. 

 

19

12.  Binding Nature, Modification, Severability and Governing Law. The waiver of a breach of any term of this Agreement does not operate as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. This Agreement is binding on Employer, its affiliates and all respective successors and assigns, as well as Executive’s personal representatives and heirs. This Agreement may not be assigned by Executive without the prior written consent of the General Counsel of Employer. No amendment or modification of this Agreement is binding unless in writing, specifically refers to this Agreement, and is signed by both Executive and the General Counsel of Employer. Any ambiguity in this Agreement will not be construed presumptively against any party. If any court or competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, such provisions shall be considered removed from this Agreement and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law. This Agreement will be interpreted in accord with the laws of the State of New York, regardless of any conflict of law provisions. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and/or in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one agreement.

 

13.  Medicare Reporting. Executive affirms that he/she is not and has never been a recipient of Medicare benefits, is not otherwise eligible for Medicare benefits, and Medicare has not notified Executive (nor is Executive aware of) any Medicare liens applicable to Executive. Executive acknowledges that none of the Separation Pay is for medical treatment or injuries to Executive caused or attributed to the Employer. The parties have made every effort to adequately protect Medicare’s interest, if any, in this Agreement, and have not shifted responsibility for medical treatment to Medicare in contravention of federal law. Any present or future action or decision by Center for Medicare Services (CMS) regarding this Agreement, or Executive’s eligibility or entitlement to Medicare or Medicare payments, will not render this release void or ineffective, or affect the finality of this Agreement or release of claims. Executive waives any and all private causes of action for damages pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 1395, and acknowledges that the Employer will report any payments to CMS if specifically required by law to do so.

 

14. Arbitration of Disputes. The parties agree that arbitration is the required and exclusive forum for the resolution of all disputes between them in any way related to this Agreement or Executive’s employment and separation from employment from Employer, including but not limited to, any statutory or common law claims alleging unpaid compensation, unpaid wages or overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of express or implied contract, defamation and/or negligence. Specifically excluded from this agreement are workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation benefits, or claims under an executive benefit plan that specifies its claims procedure shall culminate in different arbitration procedures. Any party seeking to pursue a claim shall do so by sending written notice to Employer at [●] or to Executive at Executive’s last home address on record with Employer. Within five (5) days thereafter, the party seeking arbitration will submit the claim to the American Arbitration Association (AAA), The arbitration will be in accordance with the national employment rules of the AAA, except that in no event may the AAA unilaterally select an arbitrator without the written consent of both Executive and Employer. The parties may agree to a private arbitrator mutually selected by the parties, in which case the AAA employment rules will apply to the conduct of the hearing. Any arbitration proceeding will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. Claims against officers, directors and other executives or agents of Employer are included in this agreement to arbitrate. Employer will pay Executive’s portion of the AAA filing fee in an amount up to $250.00 (or the then current filing fee if it exceeds $250.00) as well as the fees and costs of the arbitrator and any AAA administrative costs. Any arbitration hearing will be conducted in the city or region closest to Executive’s residence, unless the parties mutually agree to conduct the hearing in another location.

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An arbitrator’s award must be in writing, with specific findings of fact, and will be enforceable by judgment entered upon the award in any court having jurisdiction. In reaching any decision, the arbitrator will interpret and be bound by this Agreement (and cannot add or disregard any provision of this Agreement) as well as applicable federal, state or local law. Any arbitration will provide each party with all substantive rights and remedies provided under any applicable federal or state law related to such claim, including but not limited to, any legal or equitable remedy available in a court of competent jurisdiction such as money damages and legal fees. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any policy, rule or practice of the Employer or the AAA, the Arbitrator is bound by the terms of this Agreement. Nothing in this agreement to arbitrate precludes Employer or executive from seeking temporary or permanent injunctive or declaratory relief from a court of competent jurisdiction relative to any alleged breach of an applicable non-compete, restrictive covenant or trade secret agreement between the parties. Neither party shall be entitled to: (i) join or consolidate claims in arbitration by or against other Executives, (ii) arbitrate any claim against the other party as a representative or member of a class or collective action, or (iii) arbitrate any claim in a private attorney general capacity.

 

EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT HE MUST SIGN AND RETURN THIS AGREEMENT BY [●] OR EXECUTIVE’S RIGHT TO THE SEPARATION PAY SHALL BE FORFEITED.

 

EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT EXECUTIVE MAY NOT SIGN THIS AGREEMENT BEFORE THE DATE OF TERMINATION.

 

THE PARTIES HAVE FULLY CONSIDERED THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE.



  FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.
       
    By:
    Name: Milton Berlinski
    Title: Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

    By:

    Name: Bao Nguyen
    Title:   Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, & Chief of Staff

 

EXECUTIVE  
   

 
Joseph M. Otting  

 

21

ANNEX A

 

TO SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT DISCLOSURE NOTICE

 

The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) requires that employers provide specific information to employees who are 40 years of age or older and asked to execute a release of claims in connection with a group termination program. This document provides this information.

 

The class, unit, or group of individuals covered by the program includes employees [•].

 

The following is a list of the ages and job titles of employees who were and were not selected for termination and offered consideration for signing a waiver:

 

Job Title Age No. Selected No. Not Selected
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
22

Execution Version

 

EXHIBIT B

 

NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION, NON-DISPARAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AGREEMENT

 

This Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disparagement and Confidential Information Agreement (“Agreement”) is between Flagstar Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), and Joseph M. Otting (the “Executive”) and is effective as of the time the Executive executes this Agreement.

 

In consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company, and the compensation and benefits to be provided to Executive by the Company, Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees as follows:

 

1. Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” means (i) all non-public techniques/strategies and information that Company has or Executive (in the course and scope of employment with the Company) develops, compiles, acquires, or receives that has or may have commercial value or usefulness to the Company, to its clients or to their competitors in their respective businesses; (ii) all non-public information that, if disclosed without authorization, could be detrimental to the interest of Company or its clients, whether or not such information is identified as Confidential Information or otherwise “confidential” by Company or its Clients; (iii) any consumer, customer, or employee information, including all personally identifiable information of any consumer, customer, or employee in any format to which Executive may have access during employment with Company; and (iv) all information belonging to third parties, such as vendors, that the Company is bound by contract or otherwise to keep confidential. Confidential Information includes not only information disclosed by Company (including its employees, agents, and independent contractors) or its clients to Executive, but also information developed or learned by Executive in the course and scope of employment with the Company. By example only and without limitation, “Confidential Information” includes all non-public information on trade secrets, inventions, innovations, processes, discoveries, improvements, research or development test results, specifications, data, data compilations and analyses, know-how, formats, employee information, subscriber information, marketing plans, business plans, strategies, forecasts, unpublished financial information, budgets, projections, and client, prospective client and supplier identities and contact information, characteristics and agreements, whether in print, in electronic files, or residing on non-public Internet sites.

 

The Company is the sole owner of the Confidential Information or is authorized by a third party to use the Confidential Information for limited purposes. Executive hereby irrevocably assigns to the Company all right, title, and interest Executive may have or may acquire during the course of or connected to employment with the Company, under any applicable law, in and to all Confidential Information.

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At all times during Executive’s employment with the Company, and after such employment ends (for any reason, voluntarily or involuntarily), Executive shall hold in trust, keep confidential and shall not make any direct or indirect use or disclosure of any Confidential Information, to or for Executive’s benefit or any third party’s benefit.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not be deemed to include information that (w) becomes generally available to the public through no fault of the Executive, (x) is previously known by the Executive prior to his receipt of such information from the Company, (y) becomes available to the Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source which, to the Executive’s knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing such information by legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation to the Company or (z) is required to be disclosed in order to comply with any applicable law or court order or the request of any regulatory organization.

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), the Executive understands that the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to the Executive’s attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. The Executive understands that if the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to the Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Executive (x) files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement, or any other agreement that the Executive has with the Company, is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.

 

Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement or any other agreement that the Executive has with the Company or its affiliates to the contrary, the Executive shall not be prohibited from reporting possible violations of federal or state law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, legislative body, or any self-regulatory organization, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation, nor is the Executive required to notify the Company regarding any such reporting, disclosure or cooperation with the government.

 

2. No Competition. For a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, for any reason, the Executive agrees that the Executive shall not, on behalf of the Executive or for others, directly or indirectly (whether as employee, consultant, investor, partner, sole proprietor or otherwise), be employed by, have an ownership interest in, or perform any services for a financial institution engaged in the same then-existing material lines of business as the Company (“Business of the Company”) in any state of the United States where the Company is doing such material line of business. The parties agree that this provision shall not prohibit the ownership by the Executive, solely as an investment, of securities of a person engaged in the Business of the Company if (i) the Executive is not an “affiliate” (as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) of the issuer of such securities, (ii) such securities are publicly traded on a national securities exchange and (iii) the Executive does not, directly or indirectly, beneficially own more than two percent (2%) of the class of which such securities are a part.
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3. No Solicitation of Employees. The Executive agrees that, both during the Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Executive or any other person or entity, solicit to hire for employment or consulting or other provision of services, any person who is actively employed (or in the six (6) months preceding the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was actively employed) by the Company. This includes, but is not limited to, inducing or attempting to induce, or influence or attempting to influence, any person employed by the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company.

 

4. No Solicitation of Customers. The Executive agrees that, both during the Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive will not directly, on behalf of any competitor of the Company engaged in the Business of the Company, directly solicit the business of any entity within the United States who is known by the Executive to be a customer of the Company to cease or reduce its business with the Company, it being understood and agreed that this provision shall (i) after expiration of the 6-month period referred to in Section 2 above, not restrict the Executive from engaging in competitive activities other than as explicitly set forth in this Section 4, and (ii) not restrict the activities of any entity with which Executive may be associated provided that Executive is not directly involved in and does not direct the activities of such entity.

 

5. No Disparagement. The Executive agrees that during and following the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will not disparage or encourage or induce others to disparage the Company, together with all of their respective past and present directors and officers, as well as their respective past and present managers, officers, controlling shareholders, partners (as applicable) and employees, agents, attorneys, servants and customers and each of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Company Entities and Persons”); provided that such limitation shall extend to past and present managers, officers, controlling shareholders, partners (as applicable) ,and employees, agents, attorneys, servants and customers only in their capacities as such or in respect of their relationship with the Company. The Company shall instruct its officers and directors not to, during and following the Executive’s employment with the Company, make or issue any statement that disparages the Executive to any third parties or otherwise encourage or induce others to disparage the Executive; provided that this sentence shall not apply to the Company’s officers and directors in the good faith performance of their duties to the Company or in connection with their fiduciary duties to the Company (including, without limitation, in the course of ordinary confidential performance reviews relating to the Executive’s employment during the Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries). The term “disparage” includes, without limitation, comments or statements adversely affecting in any manner (i) the conduct of the business of the Company Entities and Persons or the Executive, or (ii) the business reputation of the Company Entities and Persons or the Executive. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall prevent either party from providing, or limiting testimony in any judicial, administrative or legal process or otherwise as required by law, prevent either party from engaging in truthful testimony pursuant to any proceeding under this Agreement.
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6. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the full, complete and exclusive agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matters covered, and it supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings or agreements pertaining to the subject matters covered hereby. This Agreement may not be amended except with a writing that specifically amends this Agreement and is signed by both parties. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

26

  FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.
       
    By:
    Name: Milton Berlinski
    Title: Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

    By:

    Name: Bao Nguyen
    Title:   Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, & Chief of Staff

 

EXECUTIVE  
   

 
Joseph M. Otting  

  

27

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.22

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A.
Change in Control Agreement

 

AGREEMENT made as of April 11, 2025 (this “Agreement”), by and between Flagstar Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), and George Buchanan (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Bank has determined that it is in the best interests of the Bank and the Bank’s stockholders to ensure that the Bank and its affiliates will have the continued services and dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a termination of the Executive’s employment in connection with or following a Change in Control as defined herein. The Bank believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened termination of the Executive’s employment in such circumstances and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon such a termination which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations who may seek to employ the Executive.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, to accomplish these objectives, the Bank and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.       Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement:

 

(a) Board means the Bank’s Board of Directors.

 

(b) Holding Company means the Bank’s parent, Flagstar Financial, Inc.

 

(c) Holding Company Board means the Board of Directors of Flagstar Financial, Inc.

 

(b)       Cause means (1) personal dishonesty which results in loss to the Bank, or one of its affiliates, (2) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (3) willful violation of any law, rule, regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses), (4) entry of a final cease and desist order which results in substantial loss to the Bank or one of its affiliates or its parent, (5) Executive’s conviction of a crime or act involving moral turpitude, (6) Executive’s willful breach of the Bank’s code of conduct and business ethics, (7) Executive’s disqualification or bar by any governmental or self-regulatory authority from serving in Executive’s then-current employment capacity or (8) Executive’s willful attempt to obstruct or failure to cooperate with any investigation authorized by the Board or the Holding Company Board or any governmental or self-regulatory entity. For purposes of this Agreement, no act, or the failure to act, on Executive’s part shall be “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, not in good faith or without reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank or one of its affiliates or its parent.

 

(c) Change in Control means any of the following events with respect to the Bank or the Holding Company:

 

(i) individuals who, on the date of this Agreement, constitute the Bank or Holding Company Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least half of the Bank or Holding Company Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to such time, whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Bank or Holding Company Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Bank or Holding Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Bank or Holding Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board or Holding Company Board shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

 


 

Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

(ii) any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Bank or Holding Company representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Bank or Holding Company’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Bank or Holding Company Board (the “Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this paragraph (ii) shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the following acquisitions: (A) by the Bank, Holding Company or any subsidiary, (B) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Bank, Holding Company or any subsidiary, (C) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or (D) a transaction (other than one described in (iii) below) in which the Bank or Holding Company Voting Securities are acquired from the Bank or Holding Company, if a majority of the Incumbent Directors approve a resolution providing expressly that the acquisition pursuant to this clause (D) does not constitute a Change in Control under this paragraph (ii);

 

(iii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Bank or the Holding Company or any of its subsidiaries that requires the approval of the Bank’s or the Holding Company’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Business Combination”), unless immediately following such Business Combination: (A) at least 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by the Bank or Holding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Bank or Holding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among (and only among) the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Bank or Holding Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination, (B) no person (other than any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) and (C) at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination; or

 

2

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

(iv) the stockholders of the approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Voting Securities by the Bank or Holding Company which reduces the number of Voting Securities outstanding; provided, that if after such acquisition by the Bank or Holding Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Voting Securities that increases the percentage of outstanding Voting Securities beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

 

(d)       Date of Termination means the date specified in a Notice of Termination pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement, or the Executive’s last date as an active employee of the Bank before a termination of employment due to death, Disability, or other reason, as the case may be.

 

(e)       Disability means the Executive’s total and permanent disability as defined under the terms of the any long-term disability plan of the Bank or one of its affiliates in effect on the Date of Termination (or as defined in the last plan in effect, if no plan is in effect at the time).

 

(f)         Effective Period means the period beginning one (1) month prior to and twelve (12) months following any Change in Control.

 

(g)       Good Reason means, unless the Executive has consented in writing thereto, the occurrence during the Effective Period after a Change in Control, of any of the following:

 

(i) any change in the duties or responsibilities of Executive that is inconsistent in any material and adverse respect with Executive’s duties or responsibilities with the Bank and its affiliates immediately prior to the Change in Control (including any material and adverse diminution of such duties or responsibilities); excluding (A) a change in duties or responsibilities that is solely and directly a result of the Bank no longer being a publicly traded entity and does not involve any other event set forth in this definition and (B) any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied reasonably promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

(ii) a reduction of the Executive’s base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

3

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

(iii) the relocation of the Executive’s office to a location more than thirty (30) miles from the Executive’s usual daily location immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

 

(iv) the taking of any action by the Bank or any of its affiliates or successors which would materially and adversely affect the Executive’s overall compensation and benefits package as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, excluding (A) changes to the compensation and benefits package made on a non-discriminatory basis to substantially all similarly situated employees and (B) any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied reasonably promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given by the Executive.

 

2. Term.

 

(a)        This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Bank shall have given sixty (60) days written notice of cancellation; provided that, notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for the Effective Period after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Bank terminates Executive’s employment prior to a Change in Control.

 

3. Notice of Termination.

 

(a)       Any termination during the Effective Period of the Executive’s employment by the Bank, or by any affiliate of the Bank by which the Executive is employed, for no reason or for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with the Section of this Agreement titled “Notices”. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” for termination of employment for no reason, for Cause or for Good Reason means a written notice which:

 

(i) is given at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination, except in the event of Cause, in which case no prior notice is required;

 

(ii) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon;

 

(iii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated;

 

(iv) specifies the Date of Termination; and

 

(v) in the case of termination by Executive for Good Reason, allows the recipient of the Notice of Termination at least thirty (30) days to cure the act or omission relied upon in the Notice of Termination.

 

(b)       The failure by the Bank, or the Executive’s employer, to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause will not waive any right of the Bank, or the Executive’s employer, or preclude the Bank, or the Executive’s employer, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing its rights hereunder.

 

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Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

(c)       The failure by the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of the Executive or preclude the Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing its rights hereunder, unless the unasserted fact or circumstance was one that was capable of being cured by the Bank within the cure period specified above, in which case such unasserted fact or circumstance shall not be a basis for Good Reason and may not be used by Executive to show a breach of this Agreement by the Bank.

 

4.       Obligations of the Bank Upon Termination of Executive’s Employment Following a Change in Control.

 

(a)       If, during the Effective Period, the Bank terminates the Executive’s employment, other than for Cause or the Executive terminates employment with the Bank for Good Reason, the Bank will pay or provide the following to the Executive:

 

(i) cash in an amount equal to two (2) times the Executive’s annual base salary at the greater of (A) the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given or (B) the rate in effect immediately preceding the Change in Control, payable in a lump sum;

 

(ii) a lump sum cash amount equal to the product of two (2) times the average annual cash bonus, if any, over the three (3) full calendar years prior to the Change in Control or such shorter period that Executive was employed by the Bank;

 

(iii) the continuation of the provision of health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance benefits for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination to the Executive and the Executive’s family substantially equal to and to the same extent as those provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies of the Bank or one of its affiliates as in effect immediately preceding the Effective Period or on the Date of Termination, at the election of the Executive; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes re-employed with another employer and is eligible to receive health insurance, dental insurance or life insurance coverage under another employer provided plan, the health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance coverage described herein will be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility; and

 

(iv) a lump sum cash amount equal to the product of two (2) times the cash value of the Bank’s contributions (including any allocation of Holding Company common stock) for the Executive’s benefit during the last preceding calendar year to any tax qualified defined contribution benefit plan maintained by the Bank or one of its affiliates. For purposes of the preceding sentence, (i) the value of employer securities shall be determined by reference to the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the allocation date (or, if no trading occurred on such date, the next preceding date on which trading occurred) and (ii) the determination of the Executive’s benefit shall exclude any allocation under any Employee Stock Ownership Plan of the Bank or its affiliates made solely on account of a Change in Control.

 

5

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

All cash payments due the Executive under this Section 4(a) shall be made in a single lump sum not later than ten (10) business days following the Executive’s termination date.

 

(b)       If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability during the Term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the date of death or, in the event of Disability, on the Date of Termination. In the event of the Executive’s death following the Executive’s Date of Termination, but prior to the payment of the severance payments and benefits provided under paragraph 4 hereof, if any, such payments and benefits will be paid to the Executive’s beneficiary and if Executive has no beneficiary, then to the Executive’s estate.

 

(c)       The severance payments and benefits provided for under this Agreement are separate and apart from and, to the extent they are actually paid, will be in lieu of any payment under any policy or plan of the Bank or any of its affiliates regarding severance payments generally.

 

5.        Mitigation of Damages. The Executive will not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement will not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of self-employment or employment by another employer or otherwise.

 

6. Limitation of Benefits.

 

(a)       Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any benefit, payment or distribution by the Bank or any affiliate to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether payable or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise) (a “Payment”) would, if paid or received, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code as may be modified or replaced (the “Excise Tax”), then the Payment shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of the Excise Tax. The Executive may select the Payments to be limited or reduced. In addition, if any Payment would be a “golden parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Payment shall be reduced to the extent necessary to comply with Section 18(k), and shall only be paid after (1) the Bank, in its sole discretion, has submitted a written application for supervisory approval pursuant to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) regulation, 12 C.F.R. § 359, and (2) the Bank has received approval from its primary federal banking regulator and/or the FDIC, as appropriate.

 

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Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

(b)       All determinations required to be made under this Section 6 with respect to Section 18(k) for the Federal Deposit Insurance Act shall be made by the Bank, and all determinations with respect to the Excise Tax, including whether an Excise Tax would otherwise be imposed and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by Independent Tax Counsel which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Bank and the Executive within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that a Payment is due to be made, or such earlier time as is requested by the Bank. For purposes of this paragraph, “Independent Tax Counsel” will mean a lawyer, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm with expertise in the area of executive compensation, who will be selected by the Bank and will be reasonably acceptable to the Executive, and whose fees and disbursements will be paid by the Bank. Any determination by the Independent Tax Counsel shall be binding upon the Bank and the Executive. If, as a result of any uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time the initial determination is made by the Independent Tax Counsel hereunder, Payments hereunder have been unnecessarily limited by this Section 6 (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder, then the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be properly paid by the Bank to or for the benefit of the Executive. If, however, Payments hereunder have not been sufficiently limited by this Section 6, consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder, to prevent the imposition of an Excise Tax upon the Executive (the “Overpayment”), then upon discovery by the Executive or upon notice from the Bank, the Executive shall promptly refund any Overpayment by or for the benefit of the Bank so as to properly prevent the imposition of the Excise Tax. If the Executive or the Bank is unable to ascertain or agree upon the amount of Overpayment, the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine the amount of Overpayment that has occurred and any such Overpayment. The Executive shall notify the Bank in writing within fifteen (15) days of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service, that, if successful, would require the payment by the Executive of any Excise Tax, and the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine the amount of Overpayment that has occurred and any such Overpayment shall be properly refunded by the Executive by or for the benefit of the Bank so as to properly prevent the imposition of the Excise Tax.

 

7.       Confidential Information; Nonsolicitation

 

(a)       Confidentiality. The Executive will not disclose to any other Person (as defined in Section 7(c)) (except as required by applicable law or in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder), or use for the Executive’s own benefit or gain, any confidential information of the Bank or any affiliate obtained by the Executive incident to the Executive’s employment with the Bank or its affiliates. The term “confidential information” includes, without limitation, financial information, business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as lending relationships, financial product developments, or possible acquisitions or dispositions of business or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Bank or its affiliates but does not include any information which has become part of the public domain by means other than the Executive’s failure to honor the obligations hereunder.

 

(b)       Nonsolicitation. The Executive will not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or any other Person (as defined herein), (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Bank or its affiliates to leave the employ of the Bank or its affiliates, (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Bank or its affiliates and any employee of the Bank or its affiliates, (iii) employ, or otherwise engage as an employee, independent contractor, or otherwise, any employee of the Bank or its affiliates, or (iv) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or business relation of the Bank or its affiliates to cease doing business with the Bank or its affiliates, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any customer, supplier, licensee, or business relation of the Bank or its affiliates. The Executive will not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or any other Person, solicit the business of any Person known to the Executive to be a customer of the Bank or its affiliate, whether or not the Executive had personal contact with such Person, with respect to products or activities which compete in whole or in part with the products or activities of the Bank or its affiliates. For purposes of this Agreement, “Person” shall include an individual, trust, estate, corporation, limited liability company, savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank, bank holding company, mortgage company or similar type financial institution, including, without limitation, a de novo financial institution in its organizational phase.

 

7

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

8.       Arbitration. The Bank and Executive agree that any claim, dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement (including, without limitation, any such claim, dispute or controversy arising under any federal, state or local statute, regulation or ordinance or any of the Bank’s employee benefit plans, policies or programs) shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be held in the County of Nassau, New York (or at such other location as shall be mutually agreed by the parties). The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) in effect at the time of the arbitration, except that the arbitrator shall be selected by alternatively striking from a list of five arbitrators supplied by the AAA. All fees and expenses of the arbitration, excluding a transcript, shall be borne equally by the parties. Each party will pay for the fees and expenses of its own attorneys, experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs and post-hearing briefs (unless the party prevails on a claim for which attorney’s fees are recoverable under the Rules). Any action to enforce or vacate the arbitrator’s award shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, if applicable, and otherwise by applicable state law. If either the Bank or Executive pursues any claim, dispute or controversy against the other in a proceeding other than the arbitration provided for herein, the responding party shall be entitled to dismissal or injunctive relief regarding such action and recovery of all costs, losses and attorney’s fees related to such action. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, either party may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction, whether or not the case is then pending before the panel of arbitrators. Following the court’s determination of the injunction issue, the case shall continue in arbitration as provided herein.

 

9.       Notices. Any notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered in person or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to the Executive at the Executive’s last known address on the books of the Bank or, in the case of the Bank, at its main office, attention to the General Counsel.

 

10.     Entire Agreement; Effect on Prior Agreements. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, prior draft agreements, and discussions of the parties, whether oral or written.

 

11.     Waivers and Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any waiver on the part of any party of any such right, power or privilege hereunder, nor any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.

 

12.     Governing Law. This is a New York contract and shall be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.

 

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Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

13.       Assignment. This Agreement, and any rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Executive and may be assigned by the Bank only to any successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or the like, or to purchasers of substantially all of the assets of the Bank. Any purported assignment in contravention of this Section 13 is void.

 

14.       Binding Agreement. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Bank and its respective successors and assigns and the Executive and his legal representatives.

 

15.       Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile signatures.

 

16.       Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

17.       Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect.

 

18.       Tax Withholding. The Bank will have the right to deduct from all benefits and/or payments made under this Agreement to the Executive any and all taxes required by law to be paid or withheld with respect to such benefits or payments.

 

19.       No Contract of Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as a contract of employment between the Bank or any of its affiliates and the Executive, as a right of the Executive to be continued in the employment of the Bank or any of its affiliates, or as a limitation of the right of the Bank or any of its affiliates to discharge the Executive with or without cause. Executive is an employee at will.

 

20.       Severability. If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part hereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

 

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Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

21.       Section 409A. The parties to this Agreement intend for the payments and benefits under this Agreement to satisfy the short-term deferral exception under Section 409A of the Code or, in the case of health and welfare benefits, not constitute deferred compensation (since such amounts are not taxable to the Executive). However, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent payments do not meet the short-term deferral exception of Section 409A of the Code and, in the event the Executive is a “Specified Employee” (as defined herein) no payment shall be made to the Executive under this Agreement prior to the first day of the seventh month following the Executive’s termination of employment in excess of the “permitted amount” under Section 409A of the Code. For these purposes the “permitted amount” shall be an amount that does not exceed two times the lesser of: (A) the sum of the Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay for services provided to the Bank for the calendar year preceding the year in which the Executive has a termination of employment, or (B) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a tax-qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the calendar year in which occurs the termination of employment. The payment of the “permitted amount” shall be made within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of the termination of employment. Any payment in excess of the permitted amount shall be made to the Executive on the first day of the seventh month following the termination of employment. “Specified Employee” shall be interpreted to comply with 409A of the Code and shall mean a key employee within the meaning of Section 416(i) of the Code (without regard to subsection 5 thereof), but an individual shall be a “Specified Employee” only if the Bank is a publicly-traded institution or the subsidiary of a publicly-traded holding company.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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Flagstar Bank, N.A, Change In Control Agreement, continued

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Flagstar Bank, N.A.   EXECUTIVE  
           
By: /s/ Simone Betz     /s/ George Buchanan  
Its: Chief Human Resources Office     George Buchanan  

 

11

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 
 

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0102      

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the use of our reports dated March 3, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Flagstar Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, incorporated herein by reference, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP


New York, New York
April 28, 2025 

 

 

KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of
the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with

KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 24.2

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

The undersigned director of Flagstar Financial, Inc. hereby appoints Joseph M. Otting and Bao Nguyen, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including any post-effective amendments, and supplements to this Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-280398), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

In witness whereof, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the date hereof.

 

Date: April 15, 2025 /s/ Brian Callanan  
  Brian Callanan