The SOX Act includes provisions addressing, among other matters, the duties, functions and qualifications of audit 12 committees for all public companies; certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer; the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions; a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except (in the case of banking companies) loans in the normal course of business; expedited filing requirements for reports of beneficial ownership of company stock by insiders; disclosure of a code of ethics for senior officers, and of any change or waiver of such code; the formation of a public accounting oversight board; auditor independence; disclosure of fees paid to the company's auditors for non-audit services and limitations on the provision of such services; attestation requirements for company management and external auditors, relating to internal controls and procedures; and various increased criminal penalties for violations of federal securities laws.
The SOX Act includes provisions addressing, among other matters, the duties, functions and qualifications of audit committees for all public companies; certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer; the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions; a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except (in the case of banking companies) loans in the normal course of business; expedited filing requirements for reports of beneficial ownership of company stock by insiders; disclosure of a code of ethics for senior officers, and of any change or waiver of such code; the formation of a public accounting oversight board; auditor independence; disclosure of fees paid to the company's auditors for non-audit services and limitations on the provision of such services; attestation requirements for company management and external auditors, relating to internal controls and procedures; and various increased criminal penalties for violations of federal securities laws.
Our next say-on-pay and say-on-frequency advisory votes are scheduled to occur at the 2025 annual meeting; • Requirements that the SEC adopt rules directing the securities exchanges to adopt listing standards with respect to compensation committee independence and the use of consultants; • Provisions calling for the SEC to adopt expanded disclosure requirements for annual proxy statements and other filings, particularly in the area of executive compensation, such as disclosure of pay versus performance, policies with regard to hedging transactions conducted by employees and directors, and, for public companies other than smaller reporting companies, the ratio of CEO pay to the pay of a median employee.
Our next say-on-pay and say-on-frequency advisory votes are scheduled to occur at the 2025 annual meeting; 7 • Requirements that the SEC adopt rules directing the securities exchanges to adopt listing standards with respect to compensation committee independence and the use of consultants; • Provisions calling for the SEC to adopt expanded disclosure requirements for annual proxy statements and other filings, particularly in the area of executive compensation, such as disclosure of pay versus performance, policies with regard to hedging transactions conducted by employees and directors, and, for public companies other than smaller reporting companies, the ratio of CEO pay to the pay of a median employee.
Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based in part, on the amount of the bank's capital.
Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based in part, 11 on the amount of the bank's capital.
Description of Services: Services or products offered to our customers include, but are not limited to, the following: • Commercial loans for business purposes to business owners and investors for plant and equipment, working capital, real estate renovation and other sound business purposes; • Commercial real estate loans on income producing properties, including commercial construction loans; • SBA guaranteed loans; • Residential construction and mortgage loans; • Municipal financing, including loans and excess deposits secured by FHLBB letters of credit; • Online cash management services, including account reconciliation, credit card depository, Automated Clearing House (ACH) origination, wire transfers, positive pay and night depository; • Merchant credit card services for the deposit and immediate credit of sales drafts; • Remote deposit capture for merchants; • Online mortgage applications; • Online consumer deposit account opening; • Business checking accounts; • Standby letters of credit, bank checks or money orders, and safe deposit boxes; • ATM services; • Debit MasterCard and ATM cards; • Telephone, internet, and mobile banking services, including bill pay; • Home improvement loans and overdraft checking privileges against preauthorized lines of credit; 5 • Retail depository services including personal checking accounts, checking accounts with interest, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, IRA/SEP/KEOGH accounts and Health Savings accounts; and • Wealth management and trust services to individuals and organizations.
Description of Services: Services or products offered to our customers include, but are not limited to, the following: • Commercial loans for business purposes to business owners and investors for plant and equipment, working capital, real estate renovation and other sound business purposes; • Commercial real estate loans on income producing properties, including commercial construction loans; • SBA guaranteed loans; • Residential construction and mortgage loans; • Municipal financing, including loans and excess deposits secured by FHLB letters of credit; • Online cash management services, including account reconciliation, credit card depository, Automated Clearing House (ACH) origination, wire transfers, positive pay and night depository; 5 • Merchant credit card services for the deposit and immediate credit of sales drafts; • Remote deposit capture for merchants; • Online mortgage applications; • Online consumer deposit account opening; • Business checking accounts; • Standby letters of credit, bank checks or money orders, and safe deposit boxes; • ATM services; • Debit MasterCard and ATM cards; • Telephone, internet, and mobile banking services, including bill pay; • Home improvement loans and overdraft checking privileges against preauthorized lines of credit; • Retail depository services including personal checking accounts, checking accounts with interest, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, IRA/SEP/KEOGH accounts and Health Savings accounts; and • Wealth management and trust services to individuals and organizations.
Additionally, Union accepts 8 reciprocal time and money market deposits primarily through its membership with the IntraFi Network in CDARS and ICS, respectively. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 allows the Company to hold reciprocal deposits up to 20 percent of total liabilities without those deposits being treated as brokered for regulatory purposes.
Additionally, Union accepts reciprocal time and money market deposits primarily through its membership with the IntraFi Network in CDARS and ICS, respectively. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 allows the Company to hold reciprocal deposits up to 20 percent of total liabilities without those deposits being treated as brokered for regulatory purposes.
These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must interact with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act established the 10 CFPB, which has the responsibility for making rules and regulations under the federal consumer protection laws relating to financial products and services.
These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must interact with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB, which has the responsibility for making rules and regulations under the federal consumer protection laws relating to financial products and services.
Each agency may exclude organizations that it supervises that otherwise meet the criteria under certain circumstances. The market risk charge will be included in the calculation of an organization's risk based capital ratio. Neither the Company nor Union is currently subject to this special capital charge. Prompt Corrective Action.
Each agency may exclude organizations that it supervises that otherwise meet the criteria under certain circumstances. The market risk charge will be included in the calculation of an organization's risk based capital ratio. Neither the Company nor Union is currently subject to this special capital charge. 9 Prompt Corrective Action.
The Company is subject to restrictions, reporting requirements, and review procedures under federal securities laws and regulations. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “UNB” and accordingly, the Company is subject to the rules of NASDAQ for listed companies. Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation The Dodd-Frank Act.
The Company is subject to restrictions, reporting requirements, and review procedures under federal securities laws and regulations. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “UNB” and accordingly, the Company is subject to the rules of NASDAQ for listed companies. Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation The Dodd-Frank Act.
The USA Patriot Act also amended the BHC Act and the Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution's anti-money laundering program when reviewing applications under these acts for mergers, acquisitions, and certain other expansion activities. SOX Act.
The USA Patriot Act also amended the BHC Act and the Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution's anti-money laundering program when reviewing applications under these acts for mergers, acquisitions, and certain other expansion activities. 12 SOX Act.
Union Bank was organized and 4 chartered as a State bank in 1891 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company upon completion of the holding company reorganization in 1982. Both Union Bankshares, Inc. and Union Bank are headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont. The Company's business is that of a community bank in the financial services industry.
Union Bank was organized and chartered as a State bank in 1891 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company upon completion of the holding company reorganization in 1982. Both Union Bankshares, Inc. and Union Bank are headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont. The Company's business is that of a community bank in the financial services industry.
The Company included the required pay versus performance disclosures beginning with its 2023 proxy statement; 7 • Provisions requiring the adoption or revision of certain other corporate policies, such as compensation "clawback" policies providing for the recovery of executive compensation in the event of a financial restatement.
The Company included the required pay versus performance disclosures beginning with its 2023 proxy statement; • Provisions requiring the adoption or revision of certain other corporate policies, such as compensation "clawback" policies providing for the recovery of executive compensation in the event of a financial restatement.
FDICIA, among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal banking agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository 9 institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements.
FDICIA, among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal banking agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements.
(“Company”) is a one-bank holding company whose sole subsidiary is Union Bank (“Union”). It was incorporated in the State of Vermont in 1982 to serve as a holding company for Union Bank. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "UNB".
(“Company”) is a one-bank holding company whose sole subsidiary is Union Bank (“Union”). It was incorporated in the State of Vermont in 1982 to serve as a holding company for Union Bank. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "UNB".
Under applicable federal laws and regulations, deposit insurance premium assessments to the DIF are currently based on a supervisory risk rating system, with the most favorably rated institutions paying the lowest premiums.
Under applicable federal laws and regulations, deposit insurance premium assessments to the DIF are currently based on a supervisory risk rating system, with the most favorably rated institutions paying the lowest 8 premiums.
Union is also subject to laws and regulations to protect consumers in connection with their deposit or electronic transactions. These laws include the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Expedited Funds Availability Act.
Union is also subject to laws and regulations to protect consumers in connection with their deposit or electronic transactions. These laws include the Truth in 10 Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Expedited Funds Availability Act.
The Company has a Related Persons 11 Transactions Approval Policy administered by the Company's Audit Committee which incorporates applicable regulatory guidelines and requirements. Interstate Banking.
The Company has a Related Persons Transactions Approval Policy administered by the Company's Audit Committee which incorporates applicable regulatory guidelines and requirements. Interstate Banking.
The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. The Company will also provide copies of this 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, free of charge, upon written request to its Treasurer at the Company's main address, PO Box 667, Morrisville, VT 05661-0667.
The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. The Company will also provide copies of this 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, free of charge, upon written request to its Treasurer at the Company's main address, PO Box 667, Morrisville, VT 05661-0667.
Item 1. Business Certain Definitions: Capitalized terms used in the following discussion and not otherwise defined below have the meanings assigned to them in Note 1 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, item 8, page 55 of this Annual Report. General: Union Bankshares, Inc.
Item 1. Business Certain Definitions: Capitalized terms used in the following discussion and not otherwise defined below have the meanings assigned to them in Note 1 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, item 8, page 54 of this Annual Report. General: Union Bankshares, Inc.
Under the regulations as in effect during 2023, a “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.0%, a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%, a total capital ratio of at least 10% and a leverage ratio of at least 5% and not be subject to a capital directive order.
Under the regulations as in effect during 2024, a “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.0%, a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%, a total capital ratio of at least 10% and a leverage ratio of at least 5% and not be subject to a capital directive order.
The Company and Union have filed separate tax returns for each state jurisdiction affected for 2022 and will do the same for 2023. No tax return is currently being examined or audited by any taxing authority that the Company is aware of.
The Company and Union have filed separate tax returns for each state jurisdiction affected for 2023 and will do the same for 2024. No tax return is currently being examined or audited by any taxing authority that the Company is aware of.
The final rule also required accumulated OCI be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless a one time opt-out election was made during the first quarter of 2015. The Company and Union both made the election.
The final rule also requires accumulated OCI be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless a one time opt-out election was made during the first quarter of 2015. The Company and Union both made the election.
Shareholder meeting materials for our 2024 Annual Meeting, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available at www.materials.proxyvote.com/905400 no later than the date on which they are mailed to shareholders.
Shareholder meeting materials for our 2025 Annual Meeting, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available at www.materials.proxyvote.com/905400 no later than the date on which they are mailed to shareholders.
The DFR possesses similar enforcement powers under Vermont law. There are no such enforcement actions currently in place against Union. Deposit Insurance. As a member of the FDIC, the deposits of Union are insured under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) maintained by the FDIC up to $250,000 per ownership category.
The DFR possesses similar enforcement powers under Vermont law. There are no such enforcement actions currently in place against Union. Deposit Insurance. As a member of the FDIC, the deposits of Union are insured under the DIF maintained by the FDIC up to $250,000 per ownership category.
Our employees play a vital role in our company-wide vision of delivering the best banking experience to all of our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders. As of December 31, 2023, Union employed 197 full time employees.
Our employees play a vital role in our company-wide vision of delivering the best banking experience to all of our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders. As of December 31, 2024, Union employed 191 full time employees.
The Company has one definable business segment, Union Bank, which provides full retail, commercial, municipal banking, and wealth management and trust services throughout its 20 banking offices, two loan centers, and several ATMs covering northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire. Also, many of Union's services are provided via the telephone, mobile devices, and through its website, www.ublocal.com .
The Company has one definable business segment, Union Bank, which provides full retail, commercial, municipal banking, and wealth management and trust services throughout its 18 branch banking locations, three loan centers, and several ATMs covering northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire. Also, many of Union's services are provided via the telephone, mobile devices, and through its website, www.ublocal.com .
At December 31, 2023, Union's Tier I and Total Risk Based Capital Ratios were 12.5% and 13.4% respectively, and its Leverage Capital Ratio was 7.6%, and it is considered well capitalized under applicable regulatory guidelines in effect as of such date. Safety and Soundness Standards.
At December 31, 2024, Union's Tier I and Total Risk Based Capital Ratios were 11.6% and 12.5% respectively, and its Leverage Capital Ratio was 7.3%, and it is considered well capitalized under applicable regulatory guidelines in effect as of such date. Safety and Soundness Standards.
Under this assessment system, risk is defined and measured using an institution's supervisory ratings, combined with certain other risk measures, including certain financial ratios and long-term debt issuer ratings. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Bank's total FDIC insurance assessment expense was $998 thousand. Brokered Deposits .
Under this assessment system, risk is defined and measured using an institution's supervisory ratings, combined with certain other risk measures, including certain financial ratios and long-term debt issuer ratings. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Bank's total FDIC insurance assessment expense was $1.2 million. Brokered Deposits .
Consistent with the Company's objective of serving the financial needs of individuals, businesses and others within our market areas, we seek to concentrate our assets in loans. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's rate of average loans to average deposits was 81.8%.
Consistent with the Company's objective of serving the financial needs of individuals, businesses and others within our market areas, we seek to concentrate our assets in loans. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's rate of average loans to average deposits was 92.2%.
As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). As a state chartered commercial bank, Union Bank is subject to the regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation ("DFR").
As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the FRB under the BHCA. As a state chartered commercial bank, Union Bank is subject to the regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the DFR.
The monetary policies and regulations of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.
The final rule took effect on April 1, 2024 with staggered compliance dates of January 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027. Federal Reserve Board Policies. The monetary policies and regulations of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.
This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the Federal Deposit Insurance 6 Fund (“DIF”), and the banking system as a whole, rather than the protection of shareholders or non-depository creditors of a bank holding company such as the Company.
Regulation and Supervision General The following discussion addresses elements of the regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiaries. This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the DIF, and the banking system as a whole, rather than the protection of shareholders or non-depository creditors of a bank holding company such as the Company.
We promote an increased level of personal service and expertise within the community to position Union as a lender to small to middle market business and residential customers, which tend to be under-served by larger institutions.
We promote an increased level of personal service and expertise within the community to position Union as a lender to small to middle market business and residential customers, which tend to be under-served by larger institutions. 6 Through Union's Wealth Management Group we compete for personal and institutional wealth management and trust business with trust companies, commercial banks having trust departments, investment advisory firms, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies.
We compete for deposit accounts by offering customers competitive products and rates, personal service, local area expertise, convenient locations and access, and an array of financial services and products. The rapid increase in interest rates initiated by the Fed in 2022 and 2023 has resulted in higher deposit rates.
We compete for deposit accounts by offering customers competitive products and rates, personal service, local area expertise, convenient locations and access, and an array of financial services and products. Competition for customer deposits remains high as customers continue to seek maximum earnings on their savings dollars.
Competitive pressures for deposits increased during 2023 as customers sought out the highest yield on their savings dollars and were willing to relocate funds to other institutions or brokerage firms. Union is utilizing a combination of higher rates on non-maturity deposits and time deposit specials to retain customer deposits and attract new customers in our new market areas.
Some relief on interest expense has occurred with the 100bp decline in short term interest rates initiated by the FOMC during 2024. Union is utilizing a combination of rates on non-maturity deposits to retain customer deposits and attract new customers in our new market areas.