Delaware | 6036 | 06-1377322 | ||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | ||||
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 | ||
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||
Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||
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 | ||
• | 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; |
• | 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; |
• | 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. |
Items | Description | ||
• | 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. |
• | 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. |
• | 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. |
* | 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. |
(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 |
(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. |
• | 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. |
• | 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. |
Item 13. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
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. |
Item 15. | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. |
• | 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, |
• | 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. |
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) | |||
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) | ||
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) | ||
10.5+ | 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) | ||
10.6+ | 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) | ||
10.7+ | 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) | ||
10.8+ | 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) | ||
10.9+ | 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)**** | |||
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. |
Item 17. | Undertakings. |
(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; |
(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. |
FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC. | ||||||
By: | /s/ Joseph M. Otting | |||||
Joseph M. Otting | ||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
/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 | ||||||
Exhibit 5.1
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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
(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. |
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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. |
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. |
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]
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 |
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; |
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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
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KPMG LLP 345 Park Avenue |
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 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 |