0001725872 True 8-K/A 0001725872 2021-03-31 2021-03-31 0001725872 dei:FormerAddressMember 2021-03-31 2021-03-31 0001725872 BMTX:ClassCommonStockMember 2021-03-31 2021-03-31 0001725872 BMTX:WarrantsToPurchaseClassCommonStockMember 2021-03-31 2021-03-31 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Amendment No. 1 of

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 31, 2021

  

BM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

Delaware   001-38633   82-3410369
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 350

Wayne, PA 19087

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 327-9515

 

Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp.

535 5th Avenue, 29th Floor

New York, NY 10017

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

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company 

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock   BMTX   NYSE American LLC
Warrants to purchase Class A Common Stock   BMTX.W   NYSE American LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment No. 1”) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of BM Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”), originally filed on January 8, 2021 (the “Original Form 8-K”), is being filed solely for the purpose of: (i) amending Item 2.01 to update the Risk Factors therein; (ii) amending the historical financial statements provided under Item 9.01(a) in the Original Form 8-K to include the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019; and (iii) including the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

This Amendment No. 1 does not amend any other item of the Original Form 8-K or purport to provide an update or a discussion of any developments at the Company subsequent to the filing date of the Original Form 8-K. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Original Form 8-K.

 

 

 

 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

 

The disclosure in Item 2.01 of the Original Form 8-K under the caption “Form 10 Information – Risk Factors” is hereby replaced with the following:

 

Risk Factors

 

The risks associated with the Company are described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

The Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
99.1   Audited consolidated financial statements of BM Technologies, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
99.2   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BM Technologies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

1

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  BM Technologies, Inc.
   
Dated: March 31, 2021  By: /s/ Luvleen Sidhu
    Luvleen Sidhu
    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

2

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

BankMobile Technologies, Inc.

Wayne, Pennsylvania

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of BankMobile Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related statements of operations, shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

March 31, 2021

 

F-1

 

 

BANKMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    December 31,  
    2020     2019  
ASSETS            
Non-interest earning deposit   $ 2,989     $ 7,586  
Restricted cash           1,000  
Cash and cash equivalents     2,989       8,586  
Accounts receivable     7,384       10,490  
Receivable from Customers Bank           849  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,348       8,804  
Total current assets     12,721       28,729  
Premises and equipment, net     401       638  
Developed software, net     39,657       50,478  
Goodwill     5,259       5,259  
Other intangibles, net     5,070       5,734  
Other assets     853       2,478  
Total assets   $ 63,961     $ 93,316  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY                
Liabilities:                
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 7,346     $ 11,093  
Payable to Customers Bank     5,105        
Borrowings from Customers Bank     21,000       40,000  
Current portion of operating lease liabilities     701       1,001  
Deferred revenue, current     2,588       1,938  
Total current liabilities     36,740       54,032  
Operating lease liabilities     430       1,536  
Deferred revenue, non-current     2,101        
Other liabilities           3,118  
Total liabilities   $ 39,271     $ 58,686  
Commitments and contingencies (NOTE 16)                
Shareholder’s equity:                
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 100 shares issued and outstanding   $     $  
Additional paid in capital     64,018       62,165  
Accumulated deficit     (39,328 )     (27,535 )
Total shareholder’s equity     24,690       34,630  
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity   $ 63,961     $ 93,316  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

 

F-2

 

 

BANKMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2020     2019     2018  
Operating revenues:                  
Interchange and card revenue   $ 26,285     $ 28,124     $ 29,923  
Servicing fees from Customers Bank     22,465       27,425       16,140  
Account fees     11,308       10,937       6,544  
University fees     5,320       4,964       4,720  
Other     1,480       857       189  
Total revenues     66,858       72,307       57,516  
Operating expenses:                        
Technology, communication, and processing     27,404       27,310       30,281  
Salaries and employee benefits     26,076       22,758       14,607  
Professional services     9,304       10,646       8,301  
Provision for operating losses     5,170       9,367       5,417  
Occupancy     1,428       1,791       1,656  
Customer related supplies     825       1,538       2,117  
Advertising and promotion     941       1,354       557  
Merger and acquisition related expenses     739       100       4,090  
Other     5,346       4,744       5,065  
Total expenses     77,233       79,608       72,091  
Loss from operations     (10,375 )     (7,301 )     (14,575 )
Non-operating expenses:                        
Interest expense     1,395       535        
Loss before income tax expense     (11,770 )     (7,836 )     (14,575 )
Income tax expense     23       27       28  
Net loss   $ (11,793 )   $ (7,863 )   $ (14,603 )
                         
Basic and diluted loss per common share   $ (117,930 )   $ (78,630 )   $ (146,030 )

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

BANKMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

    Common Stock                    
    Shares of
Common
Stock
Outstanding
    Common Stock     Additional
Paid in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total  
Balance, December 31, 2017     100           $ 65,781     $ (5,069 )   $ 60,712  
Net loss                       (14,603 )     (14,603 )
Capital contribution from Customers Bank                     28,474             28,474  
Capital contribution to Customers Bank                 (3,896 )           (3,896  
Balance, December 31, 2018     100             90,359       (19,672 )     70,687  
Net loss                       (7,863 )     (7,863 )
Capital contribution from Customers Bank                 11,806             11,806  
Capital distribution to Customers Bank                 (40,000 )           (40,000 )
Balance, December 31, 2019     100             62,165       (27,535 )     34,630  
Net loss                       (11,793 )     (11,793 )
Capital contribution from Customers Bank                 1,853             1,853  
Balance, December 31, 2020     100     $     $ 64,018     $ (39,328 )   $ 24,690  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

BANKMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)

 

    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2020     2019     2018  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities                  
Net loss   $ (11,793 )   $ (7,863 )   $ (14,603 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                        
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment     310       405       348  
Amortization of developed software     11,047       7,801       4,462  
Amortization of other intangible assets     664       1,070       1,064  
Amortization of right-of-use assets     1,253       1,023        
Impairment of software asset     3,721              
Share-based compensation expense     468       517       251  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable     3,106       (2,521 )     (6,718 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses & other current assets     6,456       (5,811 )     (1,380 )
Decrease in receivable from Customers Bank     849       569       3,253  
Decrease in other assets     372       240       2,968  
(Decrease) in disbursement purchase payment escrowed                 (5,000 )
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (3,747 )     5,440       5,707  
(Decrease) in operating lease liabilities     (1,406 )     (1,011 )      
Increase in payable to Customers Bank     5,105              
Increase in deferred revenue     2,751       95       (160 )
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities     (3,118 )     1,998       (2,152 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities     16,038       1,952       (11,960 )
Cash Flows from Investing Activities                        
Purchases and development of software     (3,947 )     (7,864 )     (17,584 )
Purchases of premises and equipment     (73 )     (191 )     (298 )
Acquisition of university relationship intangible asset                 (1,502 )
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities     (4,020 )     (8,055 )     (19,384 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities                        
(Repayments)/borrowings from Customers Bank     (19,000 )     40,000        
Capital contribution from Customers Bank     1,385       11,289       28,223  
Capital distribution to Customers Bank           (40,000 )     (3,896 )
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities     (17,615 )     11,289       24,327  
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents     (5,597 )     5,186       (7,017 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Beginning     8,586       3,400       10,417  
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash– Ending   $ 2,989     $ 8,586     $ 3,400  
                         
Supplementary Cash Flow Information:                        
Income taxes paid, net of refunds   $     $ (7,522 )   $ 690  
                         
Noncash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Acquisition of right-of-use assets and related operating lease liabilities   $     $ 36     $  
Share-based compensation recorded as capital contribution from Customers Bank (NOTE 12)   $ 468     $ 517     $ 251  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

BANKMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

 

BankMobile Technologies, Inc. (“BMT”) provides state-of-the-art high-tech digital banking and disbursement services to consumers and students nationwide through a full service fintech banking platform, accessible to customers anywhere and anytime through digital channels.

 

BMT facilitates deposits and banking services between a customer and an FDIC insured partner bank. BMT’s Banking-as-a-Service (“BaaS”) business model leverages partners’ existing customer bases to achieve high volume, low-cost customer acquisition in its Disbursement, White Label, and Workplace Banking businesses. BMT has four primary revenue sources: interchange and card revenue, servicing fees from the Bank, account fees, and university fees. The majority of revenues are driven by customer activity (deposits, spend, transactions, etc.) but may be paid or passed through by the Bank, universities, or paid directly by customers.

 

BMT is a Pennsylvania corporation, incorporated in May 2016, and until January 4, 2021, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bancorp, Inc. (the “Bancorp” or “Customers Bancorp”), a bank holding company, collectively referred to as “Customers” herein.

  

The Bank holds BMT serviced deposit accounts, deposit liabilities and related assets funded by the deposits held pursuant to applicable banking law, which requires deposit accounts and liabilities to be held only by a chartered bank. BMT is not a bank, does not hold a bank charter, and it does not provide banking services.

 

As a subsidiary of the Bank, BMT is subject to the regulation of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Reserve Bank, and is periodically examined by those regulatory authorities. BMT is also subject to the regulations of the Department of Education due to its Disbursements business, and is periodically examined by them.  

 

NOTE 2 — ACQUISITION ACTIVITY 

 

In January 2018, BMT entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (“APA”) with a third party (the “Seller”) for the purchase of the Seller’s higher education refund disbursements and student prepaid accounts (“Purchased Assets”). The aggregate purchase price for the purchased assets was $1.5 million. BMT recorded the entire purchase price as an intangible asset as it mainly related to higher education university contractual relationships. This intangible asset has a useful life of 20 years representing the estimated life of the contractual relationships.

 

NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accounting and reporting policies of BMT are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the valuation of deferred tax assets and the annual goodwill and intangible asset impairment analysis.

 

F-6

 

 

Impact of COVID-19

 

In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The spread of COVID-19 has created a global public health crisis that has resulted in unprecedented uncertainty, economic volatility and disruption in financial markets and in governmental, commercial and consumer activity in the United States and globally, including the markets that BMT serves. Significant uncertainties as to future economic conditions exist. BMT’s revenues are derived from account fees earned from the account holders, and interchange and card fees earned from transactions conducted by these account holders. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, BMT experienced an initial decline in revenues as compared to pre-COVID-19 period, followed by an increase in revenues resulting from the benefit of federal stimulus on account balances and activity levels. BMT continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 closely, however, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the operations and financial results of BMT during the remainder of 2021 and beyond is highly uncertain. 

 

Segment Reporting

 

BMT has one reportable segment, as all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of BMT as one segment or unit.

 

Business Combinations

 

Business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at their fair values as of the date of acquisition, and are recognized separately from goodwill. Results of operations of the acquired entity are included in the statement of income from the date of acquisition. BMT recognizes goodwill when the acquisition price exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

As of December 31,2020 and 2019, cash and cash equivalents consisted of non-interest bearing deposits maintained at Customers Bank.

 

Restrictions on Cash

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had $1.0 million of restricted cash maintained in an escrow account related to a U.S. Department of Education enforcement matter. During 2020, the $1.0 million was assumed by the Bank along with the remaining liability for the enforcement matter as discussed in NOTE 16 — LOSS CONTINGENCIES.

 

Receivable from/Payable to Customers Bank

 

The receivable/payable with the Bank represents the net intercompany due to/due from for ongoing operating activities between the Bank and BMT. These operating activities include prepaid fees, payroll, and BMT’s share of income taxes due to/due from the Bank.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable primarily relate to reimbursements to be received from a white label partner, as described in collaborative arrangements below, and uncollected university subscription and disbursement services fees, and are recorded at face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management evaluates accounts receivable and establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience, analysis of past due accounts and other current available information. Accounts receivable deemed to be uncollectible are individually identified and are charged-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Charge-offs of uncollectible accounts have historically been immaterial and BMT had no allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Higher education institution clients are generally billed upfront. Consequently, amounts recorded in accounts receivable may also be reported as deferred revenue as described below.

 

F-7

 

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Potential concentration of credit risk consists primarily of accounts receivable from white label partners, as described in collaborative arrangements below, and higher education institution clients. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, a white label partner accounted for 63% and 74% of accounts receivable, respectively.

 

Premises and Equipment

 

Premises and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, in the case of leasehold improvements, the lease period, if shorter. Upon disposal or retirement of property and equipment, cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Gains and losses from dispositions are credited or charged to operations. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Additions or betterments to property and equipment are capitalized at cost.

 

Developed Software

 

Developed software includes internally developed software and developed software acquired in the Higher One Disbursement business acquisition described in NOTE 2 — ACQUISITION ACTIVITY. Internally developed software and related capitalized work-in-process costs relate to the development of digital banking platforms to connect BaaS banking customers to partner banks.

 

BMT capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage. BMT also capitalizes the cost of specified upgrades and enhancements to internal-use software that result in additional functionality. Once a development project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended use, BMT begins amortizing these costs on a straight-line basis over the internal-use software’s estimated useful life, which range from three to five years.

 

The Higher One Disbursement business developed software is related to the Disbursement business services to colleges and universities and delivering services to students. The Higher One Disbursement business developed software was recorded at the amount determined by a third-party valuation expert and was estimated based on expected revenue attributable to the software utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology, giving consideration to potential obsolescence. The estimated useful life of the Higher One Disbursement business developed software is 10 years.

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of developed software for impairment by measuring the carrying amount of the asset against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with is. If the Company determines that the carrying amount is impaired, the asset is written down to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or management’s estimates, depending on the nature of the assets.

 

See NOTE 6 – DEVELOPED SOFTWARE below for information regarding a $3.7 million non-cash work-in-process write-down of discontinued product.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired through business combinations accounted for under the acquisition method. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights. Intangible assets that have finite lives, such as university relationships and non-compete agreements, are subject to impairment testing. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from four to twenty years.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually as of October 31 and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The goodwill impairment charge represents the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. BMT applies a qualitative assessment to determine if the one-step quantitative impairment test is necessary.

 

F-8

 

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment under ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, which requires that a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.

 

As part of its qualitative assessment, BMT reviewed regional and national trends in current and expected economic conditions, examining indicators such as GDP growth, interest rates and unemployment rates. BMT also considered its own historical performance (through BankMobile), expectations of future performance, indicative deal values, and other trends specific to its industry. Based on its qualitative assessment, BMT determined that there was no evidence of impairment of the balance of goodwill and other intangible assets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, goodwill was $5.3 million and other intangible assets, net was $5.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

 

Leases

 

BMT enters into lease agreements primarily for the use of office space, all of which are classified as operating leases. At lease commencement date, BMT recognizes right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease expense for rental payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are included in Occupancy expense. In addition to rent, BMT pays taxes and maintenance expenses, including an annual increase in operating expenses over the initial year’s expenses under certain leases as variable lease payments.

 

Income Taxes

 

BMT accounts for income taxes under the liability method of accounting for income taxes. The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. BMT determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

 

A tax position is recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the term upon examination includes resolution of the related appeals or litigation process. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.

 

In assessing the realizability of federal or state deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and prudent, feasible and permissible as well as available tax planning strategies in making this assessment. See NOTE 13 — INCOME TAXES for additional information.

 

Loss Contingencies

 

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions, arise in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, BMT establishes an accrued liability when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. As facts and circumstances evolve, BMT, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling the matter, evaluates on an ongoing basis whether such matter presents a loss contingency that is probable and estimable. Once the loss contingency is deemed to be both probable and estimable, BMT will establish an accrued liability and record a corresponding amount of litigation-related expense. BMT continues to monitor the matter for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability that has been previously established.

 

F-9

 

 

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

 

BMT’s adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”), on January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact to BMT’s financial statements and, as such, a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit was not necessary. BMT’s revenues from interchange and card revenue, servicing fees from Customers Bank, account fees, and university fees are within the scope of ASC 606. BMT determined that it is the agent in contracts for interchange and card revenue, and presents these revenues net of related expenses under ASC 606.

 

BMT’s revenue from contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606 are as follows:

 

Interchange and card revenue

 

Interchange fees are earned whenever Customers’ issued debit cards serviced by BMT are processed through card payment networks. Interchange fees are recognized concurrent with the processing of the card transaction. Card revenue includes foreign ATM fees and Mastercard incentive income. ATM fees are recognized when the fee is deducted from the serviced account; Mastercard incentive income is primarily tied to debit spend volume and is recognized concurrent with spend.

 

 Servicing fees from Customers Bank

 

BMT sources and services deposit accounts for the Bank and in exchange is paid servicing fees beginning in 2018. Servicing fees and terms are established by individually negotiated contractual agreements. In 2018, the servicing fee was calculated based on the daily average deposit balance multiplied by a rate determined using a fund transfer pricing methodology that considered the expected tenure of the deposit funding. Beginning in 2019, a fixed rate was applied to the daily average deposit balances. In all periods, servicing fees are recognized monthly based on average daily balances.

 

Account fees

 

BMT earns account fees on BMT serviced deposit accounts for transaction-based, account maintenance services. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance fees for BMT serviced accounts that do not meet minimum deposit balance requirements, are earned on a monthly basis representing the period over which BMT satisfies its performance obligation. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as wire transfer fees, card replacement, and cash deposit via Green Dot network fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed. Service charges on deposit accounts are withdrawn from the depositor’s account balance.

 

University fees

 

BMT earns university fees from higher education clients in exchange for financial aid and other student refund disbursement services provided. BMT facilitates the distribution of financial aid and other refunds to students, while simultaneously enhancing the ability of the higher education institutions to comply with the federal regulations applicable to financial aid transactions. For these services, higher education institution clients are charged an annual subscription fee and/or per-transaction fee (e.g., check issuance, new card, card replacement fees) for certain transactions. The annual subscription fee is recognized ratably over the period of service and the transaction fees are recognized when the transaction is completed. BMT typically enters into long-term (generally three or five-year initial term) contracts with higher education institutions to provide these refund management disbursement services. Deferred revenue consists of amounts received from clients prior to the performance of services. The deferred revenues are recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis.

 

F-10

 

 

Advertising and Promotion

 

Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Collaborative Arrangements

 

In the normal course of business, BMT may enter into collaborative arrangements primarily to develop and commercialize banking products to its partners’ customers. Collaborative arrangements are contractual agreements with third parties that involve a joint operating activity where both BMT and the collaborating white label partner are active participants in the activity and are exposed to the significant risks and rewards of the activity. Collaborative activities typically include research and development, technology, product development, marketing, and day-to-day operations of the banking product. These arrangements often require the sharing of revenue and expense. BMT’s expenses incurred pursuant to these arrangements are reported net of any payments due to or amounts due from BMT’s white label partners, which are recognized at the time the white label partner becomes obligated to pay. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, BMT recognized $18.5 million, $16.2 million and $8.8 million, respectively, in expense reimbursements from collaborative arrangements. In 2020, the reimbursements were primarily recorded in “Salaries and employee benefits” and “Professional services” on the statement of operations.

 

Provision for Operating Losses

 

The provision for operating losses represents BMT’s payments for losses resulting from fraud or theft-based transactions that have generally been disputed by BMT serviced deposit account holders, as well as an estimated liability for disputes that have not been resolved as of the end of the reporting period. The liability is based on historical rates of loss on such transactions. The liability balance was $0.4 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and presented within “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on the balance sheet.

 

Merger and Acquisition Related Expenses

 

In 2020, BMT and Customers Bank entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp. BMT incurred $0.7 million and $0.1 million in merger and acquisition expenses in 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the merger agreement with Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp. In 2017, Customers entered into an Amended and Restated Purchase and Assumption Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Amended Agreement”) with Flagship Community Bank (“Flagship”) to effect the spin-off of BMT to Customers’ common shareholders and merger with Flagship, and Flagship’s related purchase of BankMobile’s deposits. BMT incurred $4.1 million in expense in 2018 related to the spin-off and merger with Flagship before the transaction was terminated in October 2018.

 

F-11

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Presented below are accounting standards that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued that BMT has adopted.

 

 Accounting Standards Adopted on January 1, 2020

 

Standard   Summary of guidance   Effects on Financial Statements

ASU 2019-04,

Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments

 

Issued April 2019

 

 

Clarifies the scope of the credit losses standard and addresses issues related to accrued interest receivable balances, recoveries, variable interest rates, and prepayments.

 

Addresses partial-term fair value hedges, fair value hedge basis adjustments and certain transition requirements.

 

Addresses recognizing and measuring financial instruments, specifically the requirement for remeasurement under ASC 820 when using the measurement alternative, certain disclosure requirements and which equity securities have to be remeasured at historical exchange rates.

 

Topic 326 Amendments — Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption permitted. Topic 815 Amendments — Effective for first annual period beginning after the issuance date of this ASU (i.e., fiscal year 2020). Entities that have already adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-12 may elect either to retrospectively apply all the amendments or to prospectively apply all amendments as of the date of adoption. Topic 825 Amendments — Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.

 

BMT adopted on January 1, 2020.

 

The adoption of this guidance relating to Topics 815 and 825 did not have a material impact on BMT’s financial statements. Please refer to ASU 2016-13 for further discussion on BMT’s adoption of ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326).

 

  

F-12

 

 

Standard   Summary of guidance   Effects on Financial Statements

ASU 2018-18,

Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606

 

Issued November 2018

 

 

Clarifies that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606 when the collaborative arrangement participant is a customer in the context of a unit of account. In those situations, all the guidance in Topic 606 should be applied, including recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements.

 

Adds unit-of-account guidance in Topic 808 to align with the guidance in Topic 606 when an entity is assessing whether the collaborative arrangement or a part of the arrangement is within scope of Topic 606.

 

Requires that in a transaction with a collaborative arrangement participant that is not directly related to sales to third parties, presenting the transaction together with revenue recognized under Topic 606 is precluded if the collaborative arrangement participant is not a customer.

 

Effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption permitted.

 

BMT adopted on January 1, 2020.

 

The adoption did not have a material impact on BMT’s financial statements. 

 

ASU 2018-15,

Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract

 

Issued August 2018

  Clarifies that service contracts with hosting arrangements must follow internal-use software guidance Subtopic 350-40 when determining which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense.  

BMT adopted on January 1, 2020.

 

The adoption did not have a material impact on BMT’s financial statements.

 

 

F-13

 

  

Standard   Summary of guidance   Effects on Financial Statements
   

Also clarifies that capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract are to be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, which includes the noncancelable period of the arrangement plus options to extend the arrangement if reasonably certain to exercise.

 

Clarifies that existing impairment guidance in Subtopic 350-40 must be applied to the capitalized implementation costs as if they were long-lived assets.

 

Applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.

 

Effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption permitted.

 

   

ASU 2016-13,

Financial Instruments — Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

 

Issued June 2016

 

 

Requires an entity to utilize a new impairment model known as the current expected credit loss model to estimate lifetime expected credit loss and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

 

Replaces today’s “incurred loss” approach and is expected to result in earlier recognition of credit losses.

 

BMT adopted on January 1, 2020.

 

BMT has identified accounts receivable to be within the scope of the standard.

 

The adoption did not have a material impact on BMT’s financial statements.

 

 

F-14

 

  

Standard   Summary of guidance   Effects on Financial Statements
   

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, which provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of Topic 326 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825, Financial Instruments. This relief is to be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments upon adoption of Topic 326.

 

Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.

Adoption to be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. 

   

 

NOTE 4 — LOSS PER SHARE

 

The following are the components and results of BMT’s loss per common share calculations for the periods presented. 

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)   2020     2019     2018  
Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (11,793 )   $ (7,863 )   $ (14,603 )
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted     100       100       100  
Basic and diluted loss per common share   $ (117,930 )   $ (78,630 )   $ (146,030 )

 

There were no securities that could potentially dilute basic loss per common share in future periods that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

NOTE 5 — PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

The components of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

(amounts in thousands)   Expected Useful Life   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Leasehold improvements   5 years   $ 28     $ 27  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment   10 years     243       243  
IT equipment   3 to 5 years     1,675       1,603  
          1,946       1,873  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization         (1,545 )     (1,235 )
Total       $ 401     $ 638  

 

F-15

 

 

BMT recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is recorded in “Occupancy” on the statement of operations.

 

NOTE 6 — DEVELOPED SOFTWARE

 

The components of developed software as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

(amounts in thousands)   Expected Useful Life   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Higher One Disbursement business developed software   10 years   $ 27,400     $ 27,400  
Internally developed   3 to 5 years     40,104       38,910  
Work-in-process         1,620       2,588  
          69,124       68,898  
Accumulated amortization         (29,467 )     (18,420 )
Total       $ 39,657     $ 50,478  

 

BMT recorded amortization expense on developed software of $11.0 million, $7.8 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included in “Technology, communication and processing” on the statement of operations. In addition, in 2020 we recorded a $3.7 million non-cash work-in-process write-down of discontinued product, which was due to a project that BMT management determined would not be placed in service and had no alternative use. The write-down resulted in a net non-cash charge of approximately $1.2 million after partner cost reimbursements, which is included in “Other general and administrative expenses” on the statement of operations. The partner cost reimbursements consisted of cash received from our partner for development costs that was recorded as a deferred liability.

 

NOTE 7 — OTHER INTANGIBLES

 

The components of other intangibles as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

(amounts in thousands)   Expected Useful Life   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Customer relationships – universities   20 years   $ 6,402     $ 6,402  
Non-compete agreement   4 years     3,000       3,000  
          9,402       9,402  
Accumulated amortization         (4,332 )     (3,668 )
Total       $ 5,070     $ 5,734  

 

BMT recorded amortization expense of $0.6 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 included in “Other general and administrative expenses” on the statement of operations. The non-compete agreement was fully amortized as of December 31, 2020.

 

NOTE 8 — LEASES

 

BMT leases two office space locations under operating leases, including one lease where the Bank is listed on the lease as lessee, as of December 31, 2020. The operating leases consist of 5-year lease terms with options to renew the leases or extend the term annually or with mutual agreement. Leases include variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate, such as an annual increase in operating expenses over the initial lease year’s expenses. Variable lease payments are not included in the liability or right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and are recognized in the period in which the obligations for those payments are incurred. BMT’s operating lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

  

F-16

 

 

As BMT’s operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, BMT utilized the incremental borrowing rate of the Bank based on the information available at either the adoption of ASC 842, Leases or the commencement date of the lease, whichever was later, when determining the present value of lease payments.

 

The following table summarizes operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities and their corresponding balance sheet location:

 

(amounts in thousands)   Classification   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
ASSETS                    
Operating lease ROU assets   Other assets   $ 1,218     $ 2,471  
LIABILITIES                    
Operating lease liabilities   Operating lease liabilities   $ 1,131     $ 2,537  

 

BMT recorded $0.9 million and $0.8 million of operating lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is recorded in “Occupancy” on the statement of operations.  

 

The maturities of non-cancelable operating lease liabilities were as follows at December 31, 2020:

 

(amounts in thousands)   December 31,
2020
 
2021   $ 718  
2022     430  
Total minimum payments     1,148  
Less: interest     (17 )
Present value of lease liabilities   $ 1,131  

 

Cash paid pursuant to operating lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.0 million in both years, and was reported as cash flows used in operating activities in the statement of cash flows.

 

The following table summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for BMT’s operating leases:

 

(amounts in thousands)   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)            
Operating leases     1.6 years       2.5 years  
Weighted average discount rate                
Operating leases     1.4 %     2.9 %

  

NOTE 9 — SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

BMT has the authority to issue 300,000,000 shares of capital stock, divided into three classes consisting of:

 

(a) 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share — 100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018;

 

(b) 100,000,000 shares of Class B Non-Voting common stock, par value $1.00 per share; and

 

(c) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value as determined by the board of directors.

 

F-17

 

 

NOTE 10 — REVENUES

 

As provided in NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, BMT’s adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), on January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact to BMT’s financial statements and, as such, a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings was not necessary. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting guidance under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.

 

The following tables present BMT’s revenues disaggregated by nature of the revenue stream and the pattern or timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(amounts in thousands)   2020     2019     2018  
Revenue from contracts with customers:                  
Revenue recognized at point in time:                        
Interchange and card revenue   $ 26,285     $ 28,124     $ 29,923  
Servicing fees from Customers Bank     22,465       27,425       16,140  
Account fees     11,308       10,937       6,544  
University fees – disbursement fees     1,240       1,008       1,039  
Other     1,480       857       189  
Total revenue recognized at point in time     62,778       68,351       53,835  
Revenue recognized over time:                        
University fees – subscription revenue     4,080       3,956       3,681  
Total revenue recognized over time     4,080       3,956       3,681  
Total revenue from contracts with customers   $ 66,858     $ 72,307     $ 57,516  

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, BMT’s servicing fees were from the Bank, as described in NOTE 14 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

NOTE 11 — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

BMT’s team members participate in Customers’ 401(k) profit sharing plan whereby eligible team members may contribute amounts up to the annual IRS statutory contribution limit. BMT provides a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of the contribution made by BMT’s team member. BMT’s contributions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $0.8 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

NOTE 12 — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

BMT’s team members participate in the share-based compensation arrangements established by Customers. The shares disclosed below refer to shares of Customers Bancorp.

 

Summary of Customers Bancorp Share Based Compensation Plans

 

During 2019, the shareholders of Customers Bancorp approved the 2019 Plan, during 2010, the shareholders of Customers Bancorp approved the 2010 Plan, and during 2012, the shareholders of Customers Bancorp approved the 2004 Plan. The 2019 Plan was approved by the shareholders of Customers at its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 30, 2019 and allows for the issuance of 1,500,000 shares. The purpose of these plans is to promote the success and enhance the value of Customers Bancorp by linking the personal interests of the members of the Board of Directors, team members, officers and executives of Customers to those of the shareholders of Customers and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance in order to generate superior returns to shareholders of Customers.

 

The 2019 Plan, 2010 Plan and 2004 Plan are intended to provide flexibility to Customers in its ability to motivate, attract and retain the services of members of the Board of Directors, team members, officers and executives of Customers. Stock options and restricted stock units normally vest on the third or fifth anniversary of the grant date provided the grantee remains employed by Customers or continues to serve on the Board. With respect to certain stock options granted under the 2010 Plan, vested options shall be exercisable only when Customers’ fully diluted tangible book value will have increased by 50% from the date of grant. Share-based awards generally provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plans). No stock options may be exercisable for more than 10 years from the date of grant.

 

F-18

 

 

The 2019, 2010 and 2004 Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of options, some or all of which may be structured to qualify as Incentive Stock Options if granted to team members, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted stock to team members, officers, executives, members of the Board of Directors, consultants, and advisors.

 

The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 2019 Plan is 1,500,000 shares. The 2010 Plan provides exclusively for the grant of stock options, some or all of which may be structured to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, to team members, officers and executives. The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 2010 Plan is 3,666,667 shares. The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of options, some or all of which may be structured to qualify as Incentive Stock Options if granted to team members, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted stock to team members, officers, executives and members of the Board of Directors. The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 2004 Plan is 2,750,000 shares. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate number of shares of common shares available for grant under these share-based compensation plans was 7,916,667 shares.

 

BMT’s share-based compensation expense relating to stock options and restricted stock units awarded to BMT team members is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the awards and is a component of BMT’s salaries and employee benefits expense and capital contribution by the Bank. Total share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, there was $1.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested, share-based compensation awards for BMT team members.

 

Stock Options

 

Customers estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant generally using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The risk-free interest rate was based upon the zero-coupon Treasury rates in effect on the grant date of the options based on the expected life of the option. Expected volatility was based upon limited historical information because Customers’ common stock has only been traded since February 2012. Expected life was management’s estimate which took into consideration the vesting requirement, generally three or five years.

 

During 2020, there were no options granted to BMT team members to purchase shares of Customers Bancorp voting common stock. As of December 31, 2020, there were 172,264 non-vested options for BMT team members outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of approximately $21.32 and unamortized compensation expense of $0.8 million. There were 63,382 exercisable options as of December 31, 2020. The aggregate intrinsic value of vested and unvested options was $2.1 million as of December 31, 2020. Most of the non-vested options outstanding as of December 31, 2020 were vested on an accelerated basis in January 2021 as described in in NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The fair value of restricted stock units granted under the 2019 and 2004 Plans is generally determined based on the closing market price of Customers’ common stock on the date of grant.

 

Beginning in 2018, Customers Bancorp’s Compensation Committee recommended and the Board of Directors approved a new long-term incentive compensation plan which incorporates performance metrics into the restricted stock awards for certain of Customers’ key officers. Specifically, 40% of the restricted stock units granted as long-term incentive compensation will vest ratably over three years. The remaining 60% will vest upon Customers meeting certain performance metrics, including total shareholder return, return on average common equity, and average Non-Performing Assets to total assets over a three-year period relative to the performance of its peer group.

 

F-19

 

 

In April 2020, a BMT team member was awarded 10,000 restricted stock units with a grant date market price of $10.03. No restricted stock units were granted to BMT team members during 2019 and 14,168 restricted stock units were granted to BMT team members in 2018. The aggregate restricted stock units were granted under the 2004 Plan. As of December 31, 2020, there was unamortized compensation expense for BMT team members for restricted stock units of $0.2 million. Total non-vested awards were 15,786 units as of December 31, 2020. All non-vested restricted stock units were vested on an accelerated basis in January 2021 as described in NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

NOTE 13 — INCOME TAXES

 

The components of income tax expense were as follows:

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(amounts in thousands)   2020     2019     2018  
Current                  
Federal   $     $     $  
State     23       27       28  
Total current expense     23       27       28  
                         
Deferred                        
Federal     (2,964 )     (2,359 )     (3,864 )
Change in valuation allowance     2,964       2,359       3,864  
State     (807 )     (445 )     (832 )
Change in valuation allowance     807       445       832  
Total deferred expense                  
Income tax expense   $ 23     $ 27     $ 28  

 

Effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 21% due to the following:

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2020     2019     2018  
(amounts in thousands)   Amount     % of pretax
income
    Amount     % of pretax
income
    Amount     % of pretax
income
 
Federal income tax at statutory rate   $ (2,472 )     21.00 %   $ (1,646 )     21.00 %   $ (3,061 )     21.00 %
State income tax, net of federal benefit     (558 )     4.74       (324 )     4.13       (572 )     3.92  
Valuation allowance     3,771       (32.04 )     2,804       (35.78 )     4,696       (32.22 )
Tax credits     (873 )     7.42       (819 )     10.46       (988 )     6.78  
Other     155       (1.31 )     12       (0.16 )     (47 )     0.33  
Effective income tax rate   $ 23       (0.19 )%   $ 27       (0.35 )%   $ 28       (0.19 )%

 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, BMT had no ASC 740-10 unrecognized tax benefits. BMT does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase within the next twelve months. BMT recognizes interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in other expense.

 

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-back period. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the scheduled reversal of the deferred tax liabilities, the level of historical taxable income, and the projected future taxable income over the periods in which the temporary differences comprising the deferred tax assets will be deductible. Based on its assessment, management determined that a full valuation allowance is necessary at December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

 

F-20

 

 

As of December 31, 2020, BMT had Federal net operating loss carryforward of $55.6M and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $28.1M. The net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in the year ending December 31, 2037. In addition, BMT had $2.7M of research and development (R&D) credits. The R&D credit carryforward begins to expire in the year ending December 31, 2038. Both the net operating loss carryforwards and the R&D credit carryforward completely expire in 2040.

 

A portion of the deferred tax assets represents hypothetical tax attributes (net operating losses and tax credits), which are generated as a result of stand-alone operations but which do not legally exist as the losses and credits were used in the filed consolidated tax returns of Customer’s Bancorp, Inc. to offset income/liabilities of other entities. These particular deferred tax assets would be derecognized if BMT were to leave the consolidated tax return filing group.

 

Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expenses for tax reporting and financial statement purposes, principally because certain items are recognized in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. The following represents BMT’s deferred tax asset and liabilities as December 31, 2020 and 2019:

  

(amounts in thousands)   December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Deferred tax assets            
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards   $ 16,321     $ 13,958  
Deferred income     1,226       762  
Section 197 intangibles     1,226       1,042  
Operating lease liability     296       638  
Other     142       548  
Less: valuation allowance     (13,578 )     (9,807 )
Total deferred tax assets     5,633       7,141  
Deferred tax liabilities                
Premises and equipment and developed software     (5,243 )     (6,450 )
Operating lease ROU asset     (318 )     (622 )
Other     (72 )     (69 )
Total deferred tax liabilities     (5,633 )     (7,141 )
Net deferred tax asset (liability)   $     $  

 

BMT is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in various state and local taxing jurisdictions. Generally, BMT is subject to examination by federal, state, and local taxing authorities for all years after December 31, 2016.

 

NOTE 14 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

BMT has had, and is expected to have in the future, transactions in the ordinary course of business with Customers and its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, their immediate families and affiliated companies (commonly referred to as related parties), as described in NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

  

F-21

 

 

Servicing Fees from Customers Bank

 

BMT entered into an Intercompany Services and Expense Agreement (“Intercompany Agreement”) with the Bank effective January 1, 2018, as amended, whereby the Bank pays servicing fees to BMT for the value provided to the Bank for the use of low/no-cost deposits serviced by BMT on its digital platform. Under the Intercompany Agreement, BMT reimbursed payroll expenses of BMT’s team members paid by the Bank through April 2018.

 

BMT amended the Intercompany Agreement with the Bank effective January 1, 2020, whereby the Bank will pay servicing fees at adjusted rates and reimburse BMT for operating losses resulting from fraud or theft-based transactions in BMT serviced deposit accounts. Since January 1, 2020, BMT’s operating losses resulting from fraud or theft-based transactions reimbursed by the Bank was not material.

 

BMT earns interchange fees from debit card transactions at rates set by the card issuing network, which adjust from time to time. Further, Federal Reserve’s regulation caps interchange fees for banks over $10 billion in assets. The Bank became subject to this regulation on July 1, 2020, and has agreed to pay BMT the difference between the regulated and unregulated interchange rates, which was $5.9 million in 2020.

 

Payable to Customers Bank

 

BMT had $5.1 million in net payables to the Bank at December 31, 2020. The amount represents a net intercompany due to/due from for ongoing operating activities between the Bank and BMT.

 

Borrowings from Customers Bank

 

During 2019, BMT entered into a $50.0 million non-negotiable demand promissory note and line of credit agreement with the Bank that was due on demand and carried an interest rate equal to 12-month LIBOR plus 204 basis points payable quarterly. At December 31, 2020, BMT had $21.0 million in borrowings outstanding and accrued interest of $0.1 million under this arrangement with the Bank. The accrued interest is included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on the balance sheet. In conjunction with the merger transaction discussed below in Note 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS, the outstanding principal and interest was paid down on January 4, 2021 and the revolving line of credit was terminated. Concurrent with the termination of the prior lending arrangement, BMT entered into a $10.0 million line of credit with the Bank, with $5.4 million drawn on the arrangement on January 4, 2021. The $10.0 million line of credit from the Bank carries an interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 375 bps and matures on January 4, 2022. Interest is paid monthly in arrears with the principal due in its entirety at the maturity date.

 

Operating leases

 

As of December 31, 2020, BMT leased two offices under operating leases, including one lease where the Bank is listed on the lease as lessee.

 

NOTE 15 — DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

BMT uses fair value measurements to disclose the fair value of its financial instruments. FASB’s ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of an entity’s assets and liabilities considered to be financial instruments. For fair value disclosure purposes, BMT utilized certain fair value measurement criteria under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), as explained below.

 

In accordance with ASC 820, the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for BMT’s financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

 

F-22

 

 

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, focusing on an exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

 

The fair value guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy and describes the following three levels used to classify fair value measurements:

 

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of BMT’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:  

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

The carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet for non-interest bearing deposit and restricted cash approximate those assets’ fair values. These assets are classified as Level 1 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

 

Receivable from Customers Bank:

 

The receivable from the Bank represents an intercompany due to/due from balance for ongoing operating activities of BMT. The carrying amount of the receivable from the Bank approximates its fair value due to the short-term nature of the item.

 

Accounts receivable:

 

The carrying amount of accounts receivable approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.

 

Borrowings from Customers Bank:

 

In 2019, BMT entered a non-negotiable demand promissory note and line of credit agreement with the Bank to borrow up to $50.0 million with interest set at a floating annual rate equal to 12-month LIBOR plus 204 basis points. The balance outstanding as of December 31, 2020 was $21.0 million. The balance outstanding was reduced to $5.4 million in January 2021 as described in NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

The carrying amount of the borrowings from the Bank approximates its fair value due to its floating interest rate and short-term nature. The liability is classified as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

 

F-23

 

 

The estimated fair values of BMT’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

                Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020  
(amounts in thousands)   Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:                              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,989     $ 2,989     $ 2,989     $          $  
Liabilities:                                        
Borrowings from Customers Bank   $ 21,000     $ 21,000     $     $ 21,000     $  

  

                Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019  
(amounts in thousands)   Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:                              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 8,586     $ 8,586     $ 8,586     $     $  
Liabilities:                                        
Borrowings from Customers Bank   $ 40,000     $ 40,000     $     $ 40,000     $  

 

NOTE 16 — LOSS CONTINGENCIES

 

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are any such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements that are not currently accrued for. However, in light of the uncertainties inherent in these matters, it is possible that the ultimate resolution may have a material adverse effect on BMT’s results of operations for a particular period, and future changes in circumstances or additional information could result in accruals or resolution in excess of established accruals, which could adversely affect BMT’s results of operations, potentially materially.

 

United States Department of Education Matter

 

In 2018, Customers received a Final Program Review Determination (“FPRD”) letter dated September 5, 2018 from the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) regarding a focused program review of Higher One’s/Customers Bank’s administration, as a third-party servicer, of the programs authorized pursuant to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The ED program review covered the award years beginning in 2013 through the FPRD issuance date, including the time period when Higher One was acting as the third-party servicer prior to Customers’ acquisition of the Disbursements business on June 15, 2016. The FPRD determined that, with respect to students enrolled at specified partner institutions, Higher One/Customers did not provide convenient fee-free access to ATMs or bank branch offices in such locations as required by the ED’s cash management regulations.

 

Those regulations, which were in effect during the period covered by the program review and were revised during that period, seek, among other purposes, to ensure that students can make fee-free cash withdrawals. The FPRD determined that students incurred prohibited costs in accessing Title IV credit balance funds, and the FPRD classifies those costs as financial liabilities of Customers. The FPRD also requires Customers to take prospective action to increase ATM access for students at certain of its partner institutions. Customers disagreed with the FPRD and appealed the asserted financial liabilities of $6.5 million, and a request for review was submitted to trigger an administrative process before the ED’s Office of Hearing and Appeals.

 

F-24

 

 

On March 26, 2020, the ED and Customers filed a Joint Motion to Dismiss with Prejudice (the “Joint Motion”) with the United States Department of Education. The Joint Motion states that the ED and Customers reached an agreement that resolves the liabilities at issue in the appeal. The Joint Motion was granted on April 27, 2020. As part of the settlement, the liabilities assessed in the FPRD were reduced to $3.0 million (the “Settlement Amount”) and will be paid in quarterly installments over the next three years ending April 1, 2023. BMT had recorded a liability of $2.0 million included in “Other liabilities” on the balance sheet during 2019 with the remaining $1.0 million of the settlement to be funded from the escrow account. On June 30, 2020, the Bank assumed the $2.0 million liability and the $1.0 million escrow account.

 

NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Merger with Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp.

 

On January 4, 2021, Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp. (“Megalith”), MFAC Merger Sub Inc., (“Merger Sub”) and BankMobile Technologies, Inc. (“BankMobile”) consummated the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (as defined below), following the approval at the special meeting of the stockholders of Megalith held on December 21, 2020 (the “Special Meeting”). In connection with the closing of the merger, Megalith Financial Acquisition Corp. changed its name to BM Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” or “BMT”). On August 6, 2020, the parties had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 6, 2020 (as amended on November 2, 2020 and December 8, 2020, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Megalith, Merger Sub, BankMobile, Customers Bank and Customers Bancorp Inc. (“CUBI”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the total consideration for the business combination and related transactions (the “Merger Consideration”) was approximately $87.7 million. Adjusted for Company debt, excess transaction expenses, working capital adjustments and cash (in each case, estimated as of the closing), Customers Bank, as sole stockholder of BankMobile, received approximately $23.1 million in cash, stockholders of CUBI as of a record date of December 18, 2020 and certain employees of BankMobile collectively received $64.6 million in value of shares of Class A common stock of the Company, at $10.38 per share. In connection with the Special Meeting, holders of 500 shares of Megalith Class A common stock sold in its initial public offering exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash prior to the redemption deadline of December 17, 2020, at a price of $10.42 per share, for an aggregate payment from Megalith’s trust account of approximately $5,210. Effective January 6, 2021, the Company’s units ceased trading, and the Company’s common stock and warrants began trading on the NYSE American under the symbols “BMTX” and “BMTX.W,” respectively.

 

After taking into account the aggregate payment in respect of the redemption, the Company’s trust account had a balance immediately prior to the Closing of approximately $27.7 million. Such balance in the trust account, together with approximately $20.0 million in proceeds from the PIPE Financing, were used to pay transaction expenses and other liabilities of Megalith, a cash reserve for the Company of $10.0 million, a portion of BankMobile debt due to CUBI equal to $8.8 million, and the cash consideration paid to Customers Bank of $23.1 million. The amount of outstanding debt owed by BankMobile to CUBI after the close of the transactions was $5.4 million.

 

In conjunction with the business combination and related transactions, most of the non-vested stock options of Customers Bank voting common stock as well as all of the non-vested restricted stock units that had been granted to certain BMT officers and team members were vested. See NOTE 12 — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION above for additional information regarding the stock options and restricted stock units.

 

Management evaluation date

 

Management evaluated subsequent events through March 31, 2021, the date that these financial statements were available for issuance.

 

 

F-25

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 included in this filing. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

 

For purposes of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the business and operations of BankMobile Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

On January 4, 2021, BankMobile Technologies, Inc. became an independent company after the completion of a divestiture transaction and was rebranded BM Technologies, Inc. Previously, BM Technologies, Inc. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bank, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bancorp. The business and financial results disclosed here-in occurred during the period BM Technologies, Inc. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bank, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Overview

 

We are a financial technology company that facilitates deposits and banking services between a customer and an FDIC insured partner bank. We provide state-of-the-art high-tech digital banking and disbursement services to consumers and students nationwide through a full service fintech banking platform, accessible to customers anywhere and anytime through digital channels. Our Banking-as-a-Service business model leverages partners’ existing customer bases to achieve high volume, low-cost customer acquisition in our Disbursement, White Label, and Workplace Banking businesses.

 

We are not a bank, do not hold a bank charter, and do not provide banking services. Our bank partner is subject to regulation of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Reserve Bank, and is periodically examined by those regulatory authorities. We are subject to the regulations of the Department of Education, due to our Disbursement business, and are periodically examined by them.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

For information about the impact that recently adopted or issued accounting guidance will have on us, refer to NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES in the audited financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and that are consistent with general practices within the financial technology industry in the preparation of these financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES in the audited financial statements.

 

Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions used are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the nature of the judgments and assumptions management makes, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets.

 

The critical accounting policies that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require complex, subjective judgments are the accounting policies for the following: revenue recognition, collaborative arrangements, provision for operating losses, income taxes, goodwill and other intangibles, and developed software.

  

1

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenues when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

 

Our interchange and card revenue primarily relates to debit card fees earned from interchange and ATM fees. Fees are earned for the services based on a fee schedule and are recognized whenever a debit card we service is processed through a card payment network and are recognized concurrent with the processing of the debit transaction. Beginning on July 1, 2020, Customers Bank became subject to the Federal Reserve’s regulation limits on interchange fees for banks over $10.0 billion in assets. Customers Bank has agreed to pay us the difference between the regulated and unregulated interchange rates, which is recognized as interchange fees from Customers Bank in the same period as the processing of the debit transaction.

 

Our servicing fees primarily relate to the servicing of deposit accounts for partner banks, currently Customers Bank, in exchange for servicing fees. Servicing fees and terms are established by negotiated contractual agreements with Customers Bank which may differ in terms with future partner banks. In 2018, the servicing fee was calculated based on the daily average deposit balance multiplied by a rate determined using a fund transfer pricing methodology that considered the expected tenure of the deposit funding. Beginning in 2019, a fixed rate approach was applied to the daily average deposit balances. In all periods, servicing fees are recognized monthly based on average daily deposit balances.

 

Our account fees relate to service charges on our serviced deposit accounts for transaction-based account maintenance services, which include services such as monthly maintenance fees for accounts that do not meet minimum deposit balance criteria, wire transfer fees, card replacements, and cash deposit fees at certain merchants. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance and account analysis fees, are earned on a monthly basis representing the period over which we satisfy our performance obligation. Transaction based fees are earned for services based on a fee schedule and are recognized at the time the transaction is executed. The revenues recognized at a point in time primarily consist of contracts with no specified terms, but which may be terminated at any time by the customer without penalty.

 

Our university fees represent revenues from higher education clients and are generated from fees charged for disbursement services provided. We facilitate the distribution of financial aid and other refunds to students through our platform, while simultaneously enhancing the ability of the higher education institution to comply with federal regulations applicable to financial aid transactions. For these services, higher education institutions are charged annual subscription fees and/or per transaction fees for certain transactions. We recognize annual subscription fees from higher education clients ratably over the period of service and transaction fees are recognized when the transaction is completed.

 

We report our revenues on either a gross or net basis based on our assessment of whether we act as a principal or an agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as a principal in the transaction, we report revenues on a gross basis. In concluding whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction, we evaluate whether we obtain control of the good or service prior to the good or service being transferred to the customer. Debit card interchange income is reported on a net basis, while all other revenues are recorded on a gross basis. Additionally, certain debit card interchange income, related to our white label partnership, is recorded in accordance with our collaborative arrangement policy on a net basis.

 

Collaborative Arrangements

 

Collaborative arrangements are contractual agreements with third parties that involve a joint operating activity where both we and the collaborating white label partner are active participants in the activity and are exposed to the significant risks and rewards of the activity. Collaborative activities typically include research and development, technology, product development, marketing, and day-to-day operations of the banking product. These arrangements often require the sharing of revenue and expense. Our expenses incurred pursuant to these arrangements are reported net of any payments due to or amounts due from our white label partner, which are recognized at the time the white label partner becomes obligated to pay.

 

2

 

 

Provision for Operating Losses

 

The provision for operating losses represents our payments for losses resulting from fraud or theft-based transactions that have generally been disputed by our serviced deposit account holders and Regulation E card claim losses incurred by us, as well as estimated liability for such losses where such disputes have not been resolved as of the end of the reporting period. Fraud or theft-based related losses are recognized when realized or incurred and we had no unresolved dispute balances as of December 31, 2020, while an estimate based on historical cash advance rates and loss experience from settled disputes is made for Regulation E card claim losses. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Reg E claims made up approximately 97% of the losses. The remaining fraud or theft-based losses are mostly Check Fraud and ACH/Wire Fraud.

 

The main source of Reg E losses is card holder claims of unauthorized use of their debit card. Drivers include, but are not limited to transaction purchase volume, in person vs. online, macroeconomic conditions, changes in customer behavior, and regulatory changes. A customer has 60 days to dispute a charge. BMT may decline the claim within 10 days or advance the funds to the account holder if the investigation is still pending. BMT may continue to investigate transactions for 35 more days, before making its final decision. At conclusion of the investigation, the advance is reversed or is made permanent. BMT’s loss includes closed disputes where the customer is entitled to keep the funds advanced, an expected loss on actual disputes that are pending investigation, which is based on historical experience, as well as an estimate of disputes not yet disputed. The estimated liability for disputes not yet disputed is created by applying historical rates of transactions disputed after the reporting period end date and applying that rate to actual debit card volume in the period. This estimate of future disputes is then adjusted for our estimate of the amount disputed that we expect to result in a loss, which is estimated based on our historical experience. Our estimation process is subject to risks and uncertainties, including that future performance may be different from our historical experience. Accordingly, our actual loss experience may not match expectations.

 

Fraud or theft-based related losses are recognized when realized or incurred and we had no unresolved dispute balances as of December 31, 2020. Drivers include, but are not limited to efforts by organized or unorganized fraudsters to target an account, customer complicity, customer lack of proper password safeguarding or other preventative measures, onboarding approval procedures, changes in account funds availability, in person vs. online transactions, macroeconomic conditions, changes in customer behavior, and regulatory changes.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the liability method of accounting for income taxes. The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. We determine deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. A portion of the deferred tax assets represents hypothetical tax attributes (net operating losses and tax credits), which are generated as a result of stand-alone operations but which do not legally exist as the losses and credits were used in the filed consolidated tax returns of Customers Bancorp to offset income of other entities. These particular deferred tax assets would be derecognized if we were to leave the consolidated tax return filing group.

 

A tax position is recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the term upon examination includes resolution of the related appeals or litigation process. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.

 

3

 

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired through business combinations accounted for under the acquisition method. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights. Intangible assets that have finite lives, such as university relationships and non-compete agreements, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment testing.

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually as of October 31 and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. If there is a goodwill impairment charge, it will be the amount by which our carrying amount exceeds our fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill. We apply a qualitative assessment to determine if the one-step quantitative impairment test is necessary.

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment, which requires that a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.

 

Developed Software

 

We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage. We also capitalize the cost of specified upgrades and enhancements to internal-use software that result in additional functionality. Once a development project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended use, we begin amortizing these costs on a straight-line basis over the internal-use software’s estimated useful life, which range from three to five years.

 

The Disbursement business developed software is related to the Disbursement business services to colleges and universities facilitating payments to students. The Disbursement business developed software acquired from Higher One was recorded at the amount determined by a third-party valuation expert and was estimated based on expected revenue attributable to the software utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology giving consideration to potential obsolescence. The estimated useful life of the Disbursement business developed software is 10 years.

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of developed software for impairment by measuring the carrying amount of the asset against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with is. If the Company determines that the carrying amount is impaired, the asset is written down to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or management’s estimates, depending on the nature of the assets.

 

4

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2020 versus Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements, including the accompanying notes. Please refer to Critical Accounting Policies in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES in our audited financial statements for information concerning certain significant accounting policies and estimates applied in determining reported results of operations.

  

The following table sets forth the condensed statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Operating revenues   $ 66,858     $ 72,307     $ (5,449 )     (7.5 )%
Operating expenses     77,233       79,608       (2,375 )     (3.0 )%
Interest expense     1,395       535       860       NM  
Loss before income tax expense     (11,770 )     (7,836 )     3,934       50.2 %
Income tax expense     23       27       (4 )     1.5 %
Net loss   $ (11,793 )   $ (7,863 )   $ 3,930       50.0 %

 

NM refers to changes greater than 150%.

 

The $5.4 million decrease in operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 resulted from a $5.0 million decrease in servicing fees from Customers Bank and a $1.8 million decrease in interchange fees (including fees from Customers Bank). Partially offsetting these decreases was a $0.4 million increase in account fees and a $1.0 million increase in university and other fees.

 

In 2020, average serviced deposits increased 37%; however a lower servicing fee resulted in a $5.0 million decline in servicing fees from Customers Bank. Historically, the servicing fee has been set for each annual period. In 2019, our servicing fee was calculated at a fixed 5% of average serviced deposits. In 2020, our servicing fee was calculated at a fixed 3% of average serviced deposits plus reimbursement of any operating losses stemming from fraud-related transactions. Effective upon the close of the business combination, we entered into a new agreement with Customers Bank, which is applicable through the end of 2022 and is on substantially the same terms as our previous 2020 intracompany servicing agreement. Accordingly, the servicing fee will remain consistent with 2020 at 3% plus the reimbursement of any operating losses stemming from fraud-related transactions.

 

The $1.8 million decrease in interchange and card revenue was largely driven by lower foreign ATM fees and a lower interchange rate. We had a $1.3 million reduction in foreign ATM fees given fewer foreign ATM visits. While debit spend increased 18% year-over-year (debit spend was $2.8 billion in 2020 and $2.4 billion in 2019), we had a $0.5 million reduction in interchange income driven by a lower rate of interchange as a percentage of debit spend (which we attribute largely to COVID-related changes in spending patterns that we expect will normalize higher).

 

Account fees increased $0.4 million, an increase of 4%, largely driven by a new account fee structure implemented in the first half of 2019. University fees increased by $0.4 million, or 7%, driven by the addition of new schools and benefits of COVID-related services provided to new, non-subscription clients. Other revenue increased $0.6 million.

 

5

 

 

Operating expenses

 

Operating expenses decreased $2.3 million, or 3% in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily driven by a decrease in the provision for operating losses of $4.2 million, a decrease in professional services expenses of $1.3 million, and a decrease in customer related supplies and advertising and promotion of $1.1 million. The decrease in the provision of operating losses primarily resulted from management initiatives to reduce internet-based fraudulent transactions. Substantially offsetting these decreases were higher salaries and employee benefits of $3.3 million, drive by higher headcount (including replacement of contractors as reflected in the reduction in professional services expense), additional merger and acquisition expenses of $0.6 million, and a $0.6 million increase in other costs.

 

Interest expense

 

The $0.9 million increase in interest expense in 2020 compared to 2019 resulted from the $40.0 million borrowing from Customers Bank in August 2019.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense was less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 resulting from a full valuation allowance recorded on the net deferred tax asset.

 

 OPERATING REVENUES

 

The table below presents the components of operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Interchange and card revenue   $ 26,285     $ 28,124     $ (1,839 )     (7.0 )%
Servicing fees from Customers Bank     22,465       27,425       (4,960 )     (18.1.0 )%
Account fees     11,308       10,937       371       3.4 %
University fees     5,320       4,964       356       7.2 %
Other     1,480       857       623       72.7 %
Total operating revenues   $ 66,858     $ 72,307     $ 5,449       (7.5 )%

 

Interchange and card revenue

 

The $1.8 million decrease in interchange and card revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from lower foreign ATM fees and a lower rate of interchange as a percentage of debit spend, despite an 18% year-over-year increase in debit spend (debit spend was $2.8 billion in 2020 and $2.4 billion in 2019).

 

Servicing fees from Customers Bank

 

The $5.0 million decrease in servicing fees from Customers Bank for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from a decrease in the negotiated servicing fee from Customers Bank during the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Account fees

 

The $0.4 million increase in account fees for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, largely driven by a new account fee structure implemented in the first half of 2019.

 

University fees

 

The $0.4 million increase in university fees for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from an increase in new higher education clients.

 

6

 

 

Other revenues

 

The $0.6 million increase in other revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from the white label partnership.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The table below presents the components of operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Technology, communication and processing   $ 27,404     $ 27,310     $ 94       %
Salaries and employee benefits     26,076       22,758       3,318       14.6 %
Professional services     9,304       10,646       (1,342 )     (12.6 %
Provision for operating losses     5,170       9,367       (4,197 )     (44.8 )%
Occupancy     1,428       1,791       (363 )     (20.3 )%
Customer related supplies     825       1,538       (713 )     (46.4 )%
Advertising and promotion     941       1,354       (413 )     (30.5 )%
Merger and acquisition related expenses     739       100       639       NM  
Other     5,346       4,744       602       12.7 %
Total non-interest expense   $ 77,233     $ 79,608     $ (2,375 )     (3.0 )%

 NM refers to changes greater than 150%.

 

Technology, communications, and processing

 

Technology, communication and processing expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was flat as the savings we realized on certain technology initiatives were offset by increases in software depreciation. We have continued to focus on concentrated cost savings initiatives, partially offset by continued investment to improve and maintain our digital information technology infrastructure and support expanded products and services offered through our white label partnership.

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

The $3.3 million increase in salaries and employee benefits for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in average full-time equivalent team members to support growth in our white label business, conversion of contractors (the expense is classified in professional services) to FTE employees, and merit salary increases.  

 

Professional services

 

The $1.3 million decrease in professional services for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from management’s continued efforts to monitor and control expenses.

 

Provision for operating losses

 

The $4.0 million decrease in provision for operating losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 losses primarily resulted from management initiatives to reduce internet-based fraudulent transactions.

 

7

 

 

Occupancy

 

The $0.4 million decrease in occupancy expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from the termination of operating leases in two locations during 2020.

 

Customer related supplies

 

The $0.6 million decrease in customer related supplies for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from a reduction in the volume of customer related supplies used in the student business and reduced costs of supplies.

 

Advertising and promotion

 

The $0.4 million decrease in advertising and promotion expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from a reduction in the promotion of digital banking products and service offerings.

 

Merger and acquisition related expenses

 

The $0.6 million increase in merger and acquisition related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 resulted from the divestiture transaction.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

 

The table below presents interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Interest expense   $ 1,395     $ 535     $ 860       >100%  

 

The $0.9 million increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 resulted from a $40.0 million borrowing from Customers Bank beginning in August 2019.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

The table below presents income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Loss before income tax expense   $ (11,770 )   $ (7,836 )   $ (3,934 )     46.2 %
Income tax expense     23       27       4         14.8 %
Effective tax rate     (0.2 )%     (0.3 )%                

 

Income tax expense was less than $0.1 million for both the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 resulting from a full valuation allowance recorded on the net deferred tax asset.

 

8

 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

General

 

Our total assets were $64.0 million at December 31, 2020, a decrease of $29.3 million from total assets of $93.3 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease in total assets was primarily driven by decreases in: developed software, net of $10.8 million; prepaid expenses and other current assets, $6.5 million; cash and cash equivalents of $5.6 million; and accounts receivable, net of $3.1 million.

 

Total liabilities were $39.3 million at December 31, 2020, a $19.4 million decrease from $58.7 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease in total liabilities primarily resulted from the repayment of $19.0 million in borrowings from Customers Bank, which declined to $21.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2020 compared to $40.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2019.

 

The following table sets forth certain key condensed balance sheet data: 

 

    December 31,           %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,989     $ 8,586     $ (5,596 )     (65.2 )%
Accounts receivable     7,384       10,490       (3,106 )     (29.6 )%
Receivable from Customers Bank           849       (849 )     (100.0 )%
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,348       8,804       (6,456 )     (73.3 )%
Premises and equipment, net     401       638       (237 )     (37.1 )%
Developed software, net     39,657       50,478       (10,821 )     (21.4 )%
Goodwill     5,259       5,259             —%  
Other intangibles, net     5,070       5,734       (664 )     (11.6 )%
Other assets     853       2,478       (1,625 )     (65.6 )%
Total assets   $ 63,961     $ 93,616     $ (29,355 )     (31.5 )%
                                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     7,346       11,093     $ (3,747 )     (33.8 )%
Payable to Customers Bank     5,105             5,105       100.0 %
Operating lease liabilities     1,131       2,537       (1,406 )     (55.4 )%
Deferred revenue     4,689       1,938       2,751       >100.0 %
Borrowings from Customers Bank     21,000       40,000       (19,000 )     (47.5 )%
Other liabilities           3,118       (3,118 )     (100.0 )%
Total liabilities     39,271       58,686       (19,415 )     (33.1 )%
Total shareholders’ equity     24,690       34,630       (9,940 )     (28.7 )%
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 63,961     $ 93,616     $ (29,355 )     (31.5 )%

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 consisted of non-interest earning deposits maintained at Customers Bank. The balance of non-interest earning deposits varies from day to day based upon operational needs and strategic investment decisions. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2019 consisted of $7.6 million of non-interest earning deposits with Customers Bank and $1.0 million of restricted cash maintained in an escrow account. During 2020, Customers Bank assumed the $1.0 million in restricted cash along with the assumption of the remaining liability related to the Department of Education matter, which is discussed within NOTE 16 — LOSS CONTINGENCIES in our audited financial statements.

 

9

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable primarily relates to reimbursements to be received from a white label partner and uncollected university subscription and disbursement service fees. Accounts receivable are recorded at face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We had no allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables at December 31, 2020 and 2019 as losses on receivables have historically been immaterial. At December 31, 2020, accounts receivable totaled $7.3 million compared to $10.5 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from lower reimbursements to be received from a white label partner.

 

Receivable from/Payable to Customers Bank

 

The receivable from/payable to Customers Bank represent a net intercompany due to/due from for ongoing operating activities and the amounts vary based upon operating activities and the timing of settlements between us and Customers Bank. At December 31, 2020, the net payable to Customers Bank totaled $5.1 million compared to a net receivable of $0.8 million at December 31, 2019.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

 

At December 31, 2020, prepaid expenses and other current assets totaled $2.3 million compared to $8.8 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily resulted from the timing of prepayments to one technology service provider at December 31, 2020 when compared to December 31, 2019.

 

Premises and Equipment, Net

 

At December 31, 2020, premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, totaled $0.4 million compared to $0.6 million at December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.2 million. The decrease resulted from depreciation and amortization expense of $0.3 million in 2020, which was partially offset by purchases of premises and equipment of approximately $0.1 million.

 

Developed Software, Net

 

Developed software includes internally developed software and developed software acquired in the Higher One Disbursement business acquisition. Internally developed software and related capitalized work-in-process costs relate to digital platforms for deposit accounts offered or to be offered to deposit customers of Customers Bank. The internally developed software and related capitalized work-in-process are reported on a cost basis and amortized over the software’s expected useful life, which ranges from 3 to 10 years.

 

At December 31, 2020, developed software, net of amortization, totaled $39.7 million compared to $50.5 million at December 31, 2019, a decrease of $10.8 million. The decrease resulted from amortization expense of $11.0 million and a non-cash work-in-process write-down of discontinued product of $3.7 million, which was partially offset by internally developed software of $3.9 million.

 

The $3.7 million non-cash work-in-process write-down of discontinued product was due to a project that BMT management determined would not be placed in service and had no alternative use. The write-down resulted in a net non-cash charge of approximately $1.2 million after partner cost reimbursements.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill of $5.3 million was recognized from Customers’ acquisition of the Higher One Disbursement business in 2016.

 

Other Intangibles

 

At December 31, 2020, other intangibles totaled $5.1 million compared to $5.7 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease resulted from amortization expense of $0.6 million in 2020.

 

Other Assets

 

At December 31, 2020, other assets totaled $0.9 million compared to $2.5 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from the amortization of the right-of-use lease asset of $0.9 million.

 

10

 

 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

At December 31, 2020, accounts payable and accrued liabilities totaled $7.3 million compared to $11.1 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from amounts associated with the white label partnership.

 

Operating Lease Liabilities

 

At December 31, 2020, we had two office space locations under operating leases, including one lease in which Customers Bank is listed on the lease as a lessee. The operating leases consist of 5-year lease terms with options to renew the leases or extend the term annually or by mutual agreement. We had four operating leases as of December 31, 2019.

 

At December 31, 2020, we had operating lease liabilities of $1.1 million compared to $2.5 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to $1.0 million of lease payments made in 2020 as well as less leased office space as of December 31, 2020.

 

Deferred Revenue

 

Deferred revenue consists of amounts received from clients prior to the performance of services. Deferred revenues are earned over the service period on a straight-line basis. At December 31, 2020, deferred revenue totaled $4.7 million compared to $1.9 million at December 31, 2019, with increases in both our higher education and white label verticals.

 

Borrowings from Customers Bank

 

In August 2019 we entered into a $50.0 million non-negotiable promissory note and line of credit agreement with Customers Bank to meet operating needs. Under this revolving line of credit, we were able to borrow up to $50.0 million, due on demand from Customers Bank, with an interest rate equal to 12-month LIBOR plus 204 basis points payable quarterly. At December 31, 2020, we had $21.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the line of credit, compared to $40.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2019. Accrued interest of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2020 is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

 

With the January 4, 2021 divestiture from Customers Bank, we paid off the $21.0 million of borrowings. We concurrently drew $5.4 million on a new $10.0 million line of credit from Customers Bank with an interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 375 bps.

 

 Other Liabilities

 

At December 31, 2020, other liabilities were zero compared to $3.1 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from the Customers Bank assumption of the remaining liability (and associated cash) related to the Department of Education matter, which is discussed in NOTE 16 — LOSS CONTINGENCIES in our audited financial statements.

  

Shareholder’s Equity

 

At December 31, 2020, shareholder’s equity totaled $24.7 million compared to $34.6 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease resulted from a net loss of $11.8 million during 2020, which was partially offset by $1.9 million of capital contributions from Customers Bank.

 

11

 

 

CREDIT RISK

 

Potential concentration of credit risk consists primarily of accounts receivables from white label partners and higher education institution clients. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, a white label partner accounted for 63% and 74% of accounts receivable, respectively.

 

LIQUIDITY

 

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we financed our operations primarily through cash flows provided by operating activities and a $50.0 million line of credit from Customers Bank, which was paid off and terminated in January 2021.

 

The Company had a substantial increase in cash from operating activities in 2020, and we project positive cash flow from operations in 2021. Although we had a net loss in 2020, the primary driver of the net loss was non-cash operating charges, and we project positive net income in 2021. We had $3.0 million of cash as of December 31, 2020, and on January 4, 2021, we entered into a new line of credit with Customers Bank that provides up to $10.0 million of borrowings.

 

We intend to fund our ongoing operating activities with our existing cash, expected cash flows from operations, and borrowing capacity under our $10.0 million line of credit; we believe these sources of liquidity will be adequate for at least the next 12 months. However, should additional liquidity be necessary, the Company could consider equity or debt financing, but there are no assurances that additional capital would be available or on terms that are acceptable to us.

 

The table below summarizes our cash flows for the years indicated:

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2020     2019     Change     Change  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 16,038     $ 1,952     $ 14,086       >100.0 %
Net cash used in investing activities     (4,020 )     (8,055 )     4,035       50.0 %
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (17,615 )     11,289       (28,904 )     >(100.0 )%
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   $ (5,597 )   $ 5,186     $ (10,783     >(100.0 )%

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $16.0 million in 2020 compared to $2.0 million in 2019, an increase of $14.0 million. The increase was primarily driven by positive changes in our working capital accounts in 2020, and to a lesser extent, higher non-cash operating charges in 2020. Non-cash operating charges consisted primarily of amortization of developed software.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

Cash used in investing activities decreased $4.0 million in 2020, primarily due to reduced investment in 2020 in internally developed software related to our white label partnership.

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

 

We used $17.6 million of cash in our financing activities in 2020 compared to cash provided of $11.3 million in 2019. Cash used in 2020 was due to the repayment of borrowings from Customers Bank. Cash provided by financing activities of $11.3 million in 2019 resulted from capital contributions from Customers Bank.

 

12

 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table sets forth contractual obligations and other commitments representing required and potential cash outflows as of December 31, 2020.

 

Contractual cash obligations

 

(amounts in thousands)   Within one
year
    After one
but within
three year
    After three
but within
five years
    More than
five years
    Total  
On-balance sheet obligations                                        
Operating leases   $ 718     $ 430     $     $     $ 1,148  
Borrowings from Customers Bank           21,000                   21,000  
Total on-balance sheet and contractual cash obligations   $ 718     $ 21,430     $     $     $ 22,148  

 

With the January 4, 2021 divestiture from Customers Bank, we paid off the $21.0 million of borrowings. We concurrently drew $5.4 million on a new $10.0 million line of credit from Customers Bank with an interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 375 bps.

  

13

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 versus Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements, including the accompanying notes. Please refer to Critical Accounting Policies in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and NOTE 3 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES in our audited financial statements for information concerning certain significant accounting policies and estimates applied in determining reported results of operations.

  

The following table sets forth the condensed statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2019     2018     Change     Change  
Operating revenues   $ 72,307     $ 57,516     $ 14,791       25.7 %
Operating expenses     79,608       72,091       7,517       10.4 %
Interest expense     535             535       100.0 %
Loss before income tax expense     (7,836 )     (14,575 )     6,739       (46.2 )%
Income tax expense     27       28       (1 )     (3.6 )%
Net loss   $ (7,863 )   $ (14,603 )   $ 6,740       (46.2 )%

   

The $14.8 million increase in operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted primarily from increases of $11.3 million in servicing fees from Customers Bank given an increase in the negotiated servicing fee, a $4.4 million increase in account fees given a new account fee structure implemented in the first half of 2019, a $0.7 million increase in other fees given growth in the Company’s white label partnership, and a $0.2M increase in University Fees given an increase in college and university clients. These increases were mitigated by a $1.8M reduction in interchange and card revenue which reflected a $1.1M reduction in foreign ATM fees given fewer foreign ATM visits and a $1.6M reduction in interchange income given flat volume and a 7 bps reduction in the blended net rate of interchange earned on transaction volume, mitigated by a $0.9 million increase in MasterCard incentive income based updated terms in a revised agreement. Debit spend was $2.4 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Debit spend for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $2.1 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.

 

Historically, the servicing fee has been set for each annual period. In 2018, our servicing fee was calculated using a fund transfer pricing methodology that compensated us based on serviced deposit balances, estimated life of deposits, and market rates; for 2018 this rate was approximately 3%. In 2019, our servicing fee was calculated at a fixed 5% of average serviced deposits. In 2020, our servicing fee was calculated at a fixed 3% of average serviced deposits plus reimbursement of any operating losses stemming from fraud-related transactions.

 

Effective upon the close of the business combination, we entered into a new agreement with Customers Bank, which is applicable through the end of 2022 and is on substantially the same terms as our previous 2020 intracompany servicing agreement. Accordingly, the servicing fee will remain consistent with 2020 at 3% plus the reimbursement of any operating losses stemming from fraud-related transactions.

 

14

 

 

Operating revenues

 

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 included approximately $2.9 million of revenue from the white label partnership, compared to $0.1M in 2018. Consistent with a business in an early startup phase, the increase in expenses was significantly higher than the growth in revenues. Of note, with our white label software placed in service, the amount of expense we capitalized in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $9.7 million lower than in the year ended December 31, 2018, and we began to depreciate the capitalized asset which was reflected in a $3.3 million increase in depreciation expense. Additionally, our white label partnership was impacted by an increase in internet-based fraudulent transactions which targeted our serviced checking accounts with a cost of approximately $4.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, and a $0.4 million increase in referral bonus or bounty expense paid to a white label partner which were expensed as occurred.

 

Operating expenses

 

The $7.5 million increase in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from increases of $8.2 million in salaries and employee benefits, $4.0 million in provision for operating losses, $2.3 million in professional services, and $0.8 million in advertising and promotion. These increases were offset in part by decreases of $4.0 million in merger and acquisition related expenses and $3.0 million in technology, communication, and processing for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

  

Interest expense

 

The $0.5 million increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted from a $40.0 million borrowing from Customers Bank during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense was less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 resulting from a full valuation allowance recorded on the net deferred tax asset.

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

The table below presents the components of operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2019     2018     Change     Change  
Interchange and card revenue   $ 28,124     $ 29,923     $ (1,799 )     (6.0 )%
Servicing fees from Customers Bank     27,425       16,140       11,285       69.9 %
Account fees     10,937       6,544       4,393       67.1 %
University fees     4,964       4,720       244       5.2 %
Other     857       189       668       353.4 %
Total operating revenues   $ 72,307     $ 57,516     $ 14,791       25.7 %

 

Interchange and card revenue

 

The $1.8 million decrease in interchange and card revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from lower activity volumes.

 

Servicing fees from Customers Bank

 

The $11.3 million increase in servicing fees from Customers Bank for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from an increase in the negotiated servicing fee from Customers Bank during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Account fees

 

The $4.4 million increase in account fees for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from an increase in service charges on certain Company serviced deposit accounts relating to a change in the fee structure during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

15

 

 

University fees

 

The $0.2 million increase in university fees for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from an increase in new higher education clients.

 

Other operating revenues

 

The $0.7 million increase in other operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from the white label partnership.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The table below presents the components of operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2019     2018     Change     Change  
Technology, communication and processing   $ 27,310     $ 30,281     $ (2,971 )     (9.8 )%
Salaries and employee benefits     22,758       14,607       8,151       55.8 %
Professional services     10,646       8,301       2,345       28.2 %
Provision for operating losses     9,367       5,417       3,950       72.9 %
Occupancy     1,791       1,656       135       8.2 %
Customer related supplies     1,538       2,117       (579 )     (27.4 )%
Advertising and promotion     1,354       557       797       143.1 %
Merger and acquisition related expenses     100       4,090       (3,990 )     (97.6 )%
Other     4,744       5,065       (321 )     (6.3 )%
Total non-interest expense   $ 79,608     $ 72,091     $ 7,517       10.4 %

  

Technology, communications, and processing

 

The $3.0 million decrease in technology, communication and processing expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from successful concentrated cost savings initiatives, partially offset by continued investment to improve and maintain our digital information technology infrastructure and support expanded products and services offered through our white label partnership.

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

The $8.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 reflected a $4.4 million increase in gross compensation expense, a $3.1 million reduction in the application of payments under collaborative agreements applied against compensation expense, and a $0.6 million reduction in capitalization of compensation expense. The increase in gross compensation expense reflected an increase of approximately 44 average full-time equivalent team members, with approximately 94% of those roles attributable to expanded products and services offered through our white label partnership, and to a lesser degree to annual merit increases.

  

Professional services

 

The $2.3 million increase in professional services for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from consulting services associated with supporting our white label partnership and digital transformation efforts.

 

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Provision for operating losses

 

The $4.0 million increase in provision for operating losses for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from losses due to an increase in internet-based fraudulent transactions which targeted our serviced checking accounts during the year ended December 31, 2019 and an increase in other disputed charges. Other disputed charges for the year ended December 31, 2019 included funds advanced to the account holders for Regulation E card claims of $4.9 million and Regulation E card claim losses incurred by us of $4.7 million.

 

The provision for operating losses is comprised of fraud losses and Reg-E card claims. Our focus reducing Reg-E card claim losses has yielded a $400 thousand to $600 thousand (approximately 10%) annual reduction in this expense since acquiring this business in 2016. Our management expects extensive training, system automation and improvements, stricter (and timelier) rules on card authorization, as well as augmenting team member talent with subject matter expertise in systems and controls to drive continued improvement in Reg-E card claim losses. In 2021, we will implement a TalkOff program for cardholders with merchant disputes at an estimated $300k annual savings. Eventually we expect improvements in Reg-E card claim losses to level off, and eventually increase given our expectation for increased card spend activity, which is the primary driver of claims.

 

The 2019 increase in reflected heightened losses surrounding the launch of a new product; the Company quickly reacted and implemented mitigants, including lengthened hold times and reporting to stop the fraud, identify future fraud early, and implement mitigants. Our run rates since October 2019, have been significantly lower. Under the terms of our current deposit servicing agreement, fraud related losses are reimbursed by our partner bank.

 

Customer related supplies

 

The $0.6 million decrease in customer related supplies for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from more favorable terms renegotiated with an existing supplier.

 

Advertising and promotion

 

The $0.8 million increase in advertising and promotion expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from the promotion of digital banking products and service offerings available through our white label partnership.

 

Merger and acquisition related expenses

 

The $4.0 million decrease in merger and acquisition related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily resulted from the termination of the planned spin-off and merger with Flagship Community Bank in October 2018.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

 

The table below presents interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %
(dollars in thousands)   2019     2018     Change     Change
Interest expense   $ 535     $     $ 535     100.0%

 

The $0.5 million increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted from a $40.0 million borrowing from Customers Bank during the year ended December 31, 2019. There was no interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

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INCOME TAXES

 

The table below presents income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    For the Years Ended 
December 31,
          %  
(dollars in thousands)   2019     2018     Change     Change  
Loss before income tax expense   $ (7,836 )   $ (14,575 )   $ 6,739       (46.2 )%
Income tax expense     27       28       (1 )     (3.6 )%
Effective tax rate     (0.3 )%     (0.2 )%                

 

 

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