The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the PATRIOT Act, requires depository institutions and their holding companies to undertake activities including maintaining an anti-money laundering program, verifying the identity of partners and customers, monitoring for and reporting suspicious transactions, reporting on cash transactions exceeding specified thresholds, and responding to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, requires depository institutions and their holding companies to undertake activities including maintaining an anti-money laundering program, verifying the identity of partners and customers, monitoring for and reporting suspicious transactions, reporting on cash transactions exceeding specified thresholds, and responding to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Although not a bank holding company as defined under the Bank Holding Company Act, Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. is our parent holding company and, as such, depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from subsidiaries, particularly our Banks, to fund dividend payments, any potential share repurchases, payment obligations, including debt obligations, and to provide funding and capital, as needed, to our other operating subsidiaries.
Although not a bank holding company as defined under the BHC Act, Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. is our parent holding company and, as such, depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from subsidiaries, particularly our Banks, to fund dividend payments, any potential share repurchases, payment obligations, including debt obligations, and to provide funding and capital, as needed, to our other operating subsidiaries.
The Board’s determination to declare dividends on, or repurchase shares of, our common stock will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable laws and regulations, including those governing our Banks’ ability to pay dividends and make distributions or other payments to us, and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant.
The Board’s determination to declare dividends on, or repurchase shares of, our stock will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable laws and regulations, including those governing our Banks’ ability to pay dividends and make distributions or other payments to us, and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Certain collections from our securitized credit card loans come back to us through our subsidiaries, and we use these collections to fund our purchase of newly originated loans to collateralize our securitized financings. If payment rates on our securitized credit card loans are lower than they have historically been, fewer collections will be remitted to us on an ongoing basis.
Certain collections from our securitized credit card loans come back to us through our subsidiaries, and we use these collections to fund the purchase of newly originated loans to collateralize our securitized financings. If payment rates on our securitized credit card loans are lower than they have historically been, fewer collections will be remitted to us on an ongoing basis.
See also “ –The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may prove to be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans. ” below. 24 Tabl e of Contents Our risk management policies and procedures may not be effective, and the models we rely on may not be accurate or may be misinterpreted.
See also “ –The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may prove to be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans. ” 24 Tabl e of Contents Our risk management policies and procedures may not be effective, and the models we rely on may not be accurate or may be misinterpreted.
Capital Risk Capital risk refers to the potential threat to an institution's financial stability or safety due to inadequate capital resources to support business operations and safeguard against unexpected losses. These risks can arise from various stressed operating conditions, including macroeconomic, credit, liquidity, market, and regulatory factors.
Capital Risk Capital risk refers to the potential threat to an institution’s financial stability or safety and soundness due to inadequate capital resources to support business operations and safeguard against unexpected losses. These risks can arise from various stressed operating conditions, including macroeconomic, credit, liquidity, market, and regulatory factors.
As referenced above, the current and near-term anticipated Delinquency and Net loss rates remain high, relative to our historical experience, and a prolonged continuation or worsening of these rates could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
As referenced above, the current and near-term anticipated Delinquency and Net principal loss rates remain high, relative to our historical experience, and a prolonged continuation or worsening of these rates could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving, both in the United States and internationally, and includes regulatory schemes targeted specifically at AI as well as provisions in intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, employment and other laws applicable to the use of AI.
The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving, both in the United States and internationally, and includes regulatory schemes targeted specifically at AI as well as provisions in intellectual property, privacy, consumer and data protection, employment and other laws applicable to the use of AI.
Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and can impact us through direct or indirect financial loss, brand damage, customer dissatisfaction and legal and regulatory penalties. We have implemented an operational risk framework that is defined in our Operational Risk Management Policy.
Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and can impact us through direct or indirect financial loss, damage to our brand, customer dissatisfaction and legal and regulatory penalties. We have implemented an operational risk framework that is defined in our Operational Risk Management Policy.
Subsequently, on March 10, 2023, LVI and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and in Canada under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (collectively, the LVI Bankruptcy Proceedings).
On March 10, 2023, LVI and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and in Canada under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (collectively, the LVI Bankruptcy Proceedings).
Our ERM program reflects our risk appetite, governance, culture and reporting. We manage enterprise risk using our Board-approved Enterprise Risk Management Framework, which includes Board-level oversight, risk management committees, and a dedicated risk management team led by our Chief Risk Officer (CRO).
Our ERM program reflects our risk appetite, governance, culture and reporting. We manage enterprise risk using our Board-approved Risk Appetite Statements and ERM Framework, which includes Board-level oversight, risk management committees, and a dedicated risk management team led by our Chief Risk Officer (CRO).
Our Compliance organization is responsible for establishing and maintaining our Compliance Risk Management Program. Pursuant to this Program, we seek to manage and mitigate compliance risk by assessing, controlling, monitoring, measuring and reporting the legal and regulatory risks to which we are exposed.
Our Compliance organization is responsible for establishing and maintaining our Compliance Risk Management Program, pursuant to which we seek to manage and mitigate compliance risk by assessing, controlling, monitoring, measuring and reporting the legal and regulatory risks to which we are exposed.
Further, our pricing strategy may not offset the negative impact on profitability caused by increases in delinquencies and losses, thus any material increases in delinquencies and losses beyond our current estimates could have a material adverse impact on us.
Further, our pricing strategy may not offset the negative impact on profitability caused by increases in delinquencies and credit losses, thus any material increases in delinquencies and credit losses beyond our current estimates could have a material adverse impact on us.
Severe weather events and natural disasters could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations, and the timing and effects of any such event cannot accurately be predicted.
Severe weather events and natural disasters could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations, and the timing and effects of any such events cannot accurately be predicted.
We may not be able to retain and/or attract and hire a highly qualified and diverse workforce or maintain our corporate culture, and having a large segment of our workforce working from home may exacerbate these risks and cause new risks. Our performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of our employees, particularly our key personnel and senior management.
We may not be able to retain and/or attract and hire a highly qualified workforce or maintain our corporate culture, and having a large segment of our workforce periodically working from home may exacerbate these risks and cause new risks. Our performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of our employees, particularly our key personnel and senior management.
Regulation in the areas of privacy, data protection, data governance, account access and information and cyber security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect and/or use Personal Information, and any actual or perceived failure to comply with any of these new or existing laws could adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Regulation in the areas of privacy, data protection, data governance, and cyber security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect and/or use Personal Information, and any actual or perceived failure to comply with any of these new or existing laws could adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
President Trump and various federal legislators have also recently made public statements regarding potential efforts to place caps on credit card interest rates, and a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate in February 2025 proposing to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for a period of five years.
In addition, President Trump and various federal legislators have also made public statements regarding potential efforts to place caps on credit card interest rates, and a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate in February 2025 proposing to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for a period of five years.
There are no such restrictions under the FDIA on a bank that is “well capitalized” and as of December 31, 2024, each of our Banks met or exceeded all applicable requirements to be deemed “well capitalized” for purposes of the FDIA. However, there can be no assurance that our Banks will continue to meet those requirements.
There are no such restrictions under the FDIA on a bank that is “well capitalized” and as of December 31, 2025, each of our Banks met or exceeded all applicable requirements to be deemed “well capitalized” for purposes of the FDIA. However, there can be no assurance that our Banks will continue to meet those requirements.
The FDIA prohibits an insured bank from offering interest rates on any deposits that significantly exceed rates in its prevailing market, unless it is “well capitalized”. A bank that is less than “well capitalized” may not pay an interest rate on any deposit in excess of 75 basis points over certain prevailing market rates.
The FDIA prohibits an insured bank from offering interest rates on any deposits that significantly exceed rates in its prevailing market, unless it is “well capitalized.” A bank that is less than “well capitalized” may not pay an interest rate on any deposit in excess of 75 basis points over certain prevailing market rates.
Due to the mix of fixed and floating rate assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, this hypothetical instantaneous 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an insignificant impact on our annual net interest income.
Due to the mix of fixed and floating rate assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2025, this hypothetical instantaneous 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an insignificant impact on our annual Net interest income.
In addition to this industry standard measure, we also consider the potential impact of alternative interest rate scenarios in our internal interest rate risk management decisions, such as larger rate shocks (higher than +/- 100 basis points), or steepening and flattening yield curve scenarios.
In addition to this industry standard measure, we also consider the potential impact of alternative interest rate scenarios in our internal interest rate risk management decisions, such as larger rate shocks (higher than plus-or-minus 100 basis points), or steepening and flattening yield curve scenarios.
Statements in this and other filings we make with the SEC and other public statements, including in our annual sustainability reports, related to these initiatives reflect our current plans and expectations and are not a guarantee that these initiatives will be achieved or achieved on the currently anticipated timeline.
Statements in this and other filings we make with the SEC and other public statements, including in our annual sustainability reporting, related to these initiatives reflect our current plans and expectations and are not a guarantee that these initiatives will be achieved or achieved on the currently anticipated timeline.
In addition, these leaders are responsible for deploying sufficient financial resources and qualified personnel to manage the risks inherent in our business activities. • The “second line of defense” consists of an independent risk management team charged with oversight and monitoring of risk within the business.
In addition, these leaders are responsible for deploying sufficient financial resources and qualified personnel to manage the risks inherent in our business activities. • The “second line of defense” consists of an independent ERM team charged with oversight and monitoring of risk within the business.
Our ratings could be downgraded at any time and without any notice by any of the rating agencies, which could, among other things, adversely limit our access to the capital markets and adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which we are able to obtain funding.
Our ratings or outlook could be downgraded at any time and without any notice by any of the rating agencies, which could, among other things, adversely limit our access to the capital markets and adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which we are able to obtain funding.
For example, the CCPA and related laws in other jurisdictions require us to adhere to certain disclosure restrictions and deletion obligations with respect to the Personal Information of their residents, and allow for penalties for violations and, in some cases, a private right of action.
For example, the CCPA and related laws in other jurisdictions require us, among other requirements, to adhere to certain disclosure restrictions and deletion obligations with respect to the Personal Information of their residents, and allow for penalties for violations and, in some cases, a private right of action.
Our “three lines of defense” risk management model is defined within our ERM Framework and includes the following: • The “first line of defense” is comprised of the business areas that engage in activities that generate revenue or provide operational support or services that introduce risk to us.
Our “three lines of defense” risk management model is defined within our ERM Framework and includes the following: • The “first line of defense” is comprised of the business areas that engage in activities that generate revenue or provide operational support or services that introduce risk to the Company.
In particular, our programs with (alphabetically) Signet Jewelers, Ulta Beauty and Victoria’s Secret & Co. and its retail affiliates, each accounted for 10% or more of our Total net interest and non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024.
In particular, our programs with (alphabetically) Signet Jewelers, Ulta Beauty and Victoria’s Secret & Co. and its retail affiliates, each accounted for 10% or more of our Total net interest and non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025.
For example, in late November 2023, the FDIC issued a consent order to one of our subsidiaries, arising out of the June 2022 transition of our credit card processing services to strategic outsourcing partners, and in August 2024 each of our Banks entered into an agreement with the FDIC to pay civil money penalties (CMPs) of $1 million per Bank, also related to the June 2022 transition.
For example, in late November 2023, the FDIC issued a consent order to one of our subsidiaries, Comenity Servicing LLC, arising out of the June 2022 transition of our credit card processing services to strategic outsourcing partners, and in August 2024 each of our Banks entered into an agreement with the FDIC to pay civil money penalties (CMPs) of $1 million per Bank, also related to the June 2022 transition.
As part of our efforts to manage our credit risk, we use our automated proprietary scoring technology and verification procedures to make risk-based origination decisions when approving new account holders, establishing or adjusting their credit limits and applying our risk-based pricing.
As part of our efforts to manage our credit risk, we use our automated proprietary scoring technology and verification procedures to make risk-based underwriting decisions when approving new account holders, establishing or adjusting their credit limits and applying our risk-based pricing.
In addition, existing relationships may be renewed with less favorable terms to us in response to increased competition for such relationships. The competition for new partners is also significant, and our failure to attract new partners could adversely affect our ability to grow.
In addition, existing relationships may be renewed on less favorable terms to us in response to increased competition for such relationships. The competition for new partners is also significant, and our failure to attract new partners could adversely affect our ability to grow.
Partner and customer adoption is a key competitive factor, and our competitors may develop products, platforms or technologies that become more widely adopted than ours. In addition, we may underestimate the time and expense we must invest in new products and services before they generate significant revenues, if at all.
Partner and customer adoption is a key competitive factor, and our competitors may develop products, platforms or tec hnologies that become more widely adopted than ours. In addition, we may underestimate the time and expense we must invest in new products and services before they generate significant revenues, if at all.
To the extent our leaders behave in a manner that is not consistent with our values, we could experience significant impacts to our brand and reputation, as well as to our corporate culture.
To the extent our leaders behave in a manner that is not consistent with our values and leadership behaviors, we could experience significant impacts to our brand and reputation, as well as to our corporate culture.
Chapter 11 case in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, the liquidating trustee filed an adversary proceeding against us and our general counsel alleging actual and constructive fraudulent transfers, among other claims, in connection with the spinoff; and (ii) in Delaware Chancery Court, the liquidating trustee filed an action against us, each of the members of our Board of Directors at the time of the spinoff, and certain members of our executive management team alleging breaches of fiduciary duties (and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duties) in connection with the spinoff.
Chapter 11 case in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, the liquidating trustee filed an adversary proceeding against us and our general counsel alleging actual and constructive fraudulent transfers, among other claims, in connection with the spinoff; and (ii) in Delaware Chancery Court, the liquidating trustee filed an action against us, each of the members of our Board of Directors at the time of the spinoff, and 45 Tabl e of Contents certain members of our executive management team alleging breaches of fiduciary duties (and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duties) in connection with the spinoff.
The process of developing new products and services, enhancing existing products and services and adapting to technological changes and evolving industry standards is complex, costly and uncertain, and any failure by us to anticipate partners’ and customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends accurately could significantly impede our ability to compete effectively.
T he process of developing new products and services, enhancing existing products and services and adapting to technological changes and evolving industry standards is complex, costly and uncertain, and any failure by us to anticipate partners’ and customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends accurately could significantly impede our ability to compete effectively.
Furthermore, though we believe that our process and decision-making with respect to the spinoff transaction were entirely appropriate, we and certain members of our Board of Directors and executive management team have been named as defendants in various litigation matters relating to the spinoff. LoyaltyOne, Co.
Though we believe that our process and decision-making with respect to the spinoff transaction were entirely appropriate, we and certain members of our Board of Directors and executive management team have been named as defendants in various litigation matters relating to the spinoff, as follows. In Canada, LoyaltyOne, Co.
We believe that regulatory enforcement and fines have also increased across the banking and financial services sector. Further, while the new Presidential Administration and the congressional majorities in the U.S.
We believe that regulatory enforcement and fines have also increased across the banking and financial services sector. Further, while the current Presidential Administration and the congressional majorities in the U.S.
We manage capital in alignment with the risk characteristics of our business, the economic environment, and the expectations of regulators and shareholders. This includes considering the impact of capital stress testing in our assessment of capital adequacy.
We manage capital in alignment with the risk characteristics of our business, the economic environment, and the expectations of regulators and stockholders. This includes considering the impact of capital stress testing in our assessment of capital adequacy.
In addition, there are numerous risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and the implementation of new business opportunities, including, but not limited to: the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; continued financial responsibility with respect to a divested business, including required equity ownership, guarantees, indemnities or other financial obligations; the assumption of unknown liabilities of the acquired company; the uncertainty of achieving expected benefits of an acquisition or disposition, including revenue, human resources, technological or other cost savings, operating efficiencies or synergies; the inability to integrate systems, personnel or technologies from our acquisitions and strategic investments; unforeseen legal, regulatory or other challenges that we may not be able to manage effectively; and the reduction of cash available for operations, payment of dividends, stock repurchase programs or other uses and potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities or incurrence of additional debt.
See also “ Risks Related to the LoyaltyOne Spinoff. ” In addition, there are numerous risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and the implementation of new business opportunities, including, but not limited to: • the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; • continued financial responsibility with respect to a divested business, including guarantees, indemnities or other financial obligations; • the assumption of unknown liabilities of the acquired company; • the uncertainty of achieving expected benefits of an acquisition or disposition, including revenue, human resources, technological or other cost savings, operating efficiencies or synergies; • the inability to integrate systems, personnel or technologies from our acquisitions and strategic investments; • unforeseen legal, regulatory or other challenges that we may not be able to manage effectively; and • the reduction of cash available for operations, payment of dividends, stock repurchase programs or other uses and potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities or incurrence of additional debt.
Other examples of federal and state legislation we are tracking include legislation intended to place caps on the interest rates that we and other financial institutions are permitted to charge.
Examples of federal and state legislation that we track include legislation intended to place caps on the interest rates that we and other financial institutions are permitted to charge.
Certain merchants, in an effort to decrease their operating expenses, have with some success sought to lower interchange fees, including through promoting alternative payment platforms with lower processing costs and lobbying for legislative or regulatory changes. Several recent events and actions indicate a continuing focus on interchange by legislators, regulators and merchants.
Certain merchants, in an effort to decrease their operating expenses, have with some success sought to lower interchange fees, including through litigation against the payment networks, promoting alternative payment platforms with lower processing costs and lobbying for legislative or regulatory changes. Several recent events and actions indicate a continuing focus on interchange by legislators, regulators and merchants.
While we closely monitor economic conditions and indicators, including inflation, interest rates, changes in monetary policy, housing values, the state of the commercial real estate industry, energy prices, consumer wages, consumer saving rates and debt levels, including student loan debt, consumer and business spending, unemployment, financial markets, government policy and concerns about the level of U.S. government debt, as well as economic and political conditions in the U.S. and global markets, the outcome of any of these conditions and indicators remains difficult to predict.
While we closely monitor economic conditions and indicators, including inflation, interest rates, changes in monetary policy, housing values, the state of the commercial real estate industry, energy prices, external credit bureau risk scores, consumer wages, consumer saving rates and debt levels, including student loan debt, consumer and business spending, unemployment, financial markets, government policy and concerns about the level of U.S. government debt, as well as economic and political conditions in the U.S. and global markets, the outcome of any of these conditions and indicators remains difficult to predict.
A recession or prolonged period of economic weakness would likely, among other things, adversely affect consumer discretionary spending levels 22 Tabl e of Contents and the ability and willingness of customers to pay amounts owed to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, key credit trends, results of operations and financial condition.
A recession or prolonged period of economic weakness would likely, among other things, adversely affect consumer discretionary spending levels and the ability and willingness of customers to pay amounts owed to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, key credit trends, results of operations and financial condition.
Regulators and consumer activists have also sought to expand financial institutions’ responsibility to hold customers harmless for fraudulent transactions on their accounts, which increases our exposure to fraud-related losses. The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may prove to be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans.
Regulators and consumer activists have also sought to expand financial institutions’ responsibility to hold customers harmless for fraudulent transactions on their accounts, which increases our exposure to fraud-related losses. 25 Tabl e of Contents The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may prove to be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans.
The 39 Tabl e of Contents Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a unit of the Treasury Department that administers the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the Federal Banking Agencies , as well as the U.S.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a unit of the Treasury Department that administers the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the Federal Banking Agencies , as well as the U.S.
A significant source of our funds is customer deposits, primarily in the form of certificates of deposit and other savings products. We obtain deposits directly from retail and commercial customers or through brokerage firms that offer our deposit products to their customers.
A significant source of our funding is through customer deposits, primarily in the form of certificates of deposit and other savings products. We obtain deposits directly from retail customers or through brokerage firms that offer our deposit products to their customers.
The trading price of our common stock may be affected by a number of factors, including our operating results, changes in our earnings estimates, additions or departures of key personnel, our financial condition, legislative and regulatory changes, general conditions in the industries in which we and our brand partners operate, general economic conditions, and general conditions in the securities markets.
The trading price of our common stock may be affected by a number of factors, including our operating results, changes in our earnings estimates, additions or departures of key personnel, our financial condition, legislative, executive and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policy, general conditions in the industries in which we and our brand partners operate, general economic conditions, and general conditions in the securities markets.
During 2023, we believe the financial services industry generally experienced an uptick in both the volume and sophistication of fraud attacks, and we also experienced that trend in our business, with fraud-related operational losses increasing significantly from 2022 levels.
During 2023, we believe the financial services industry generally experienced an uptick in both the volume and sophistication of fraud attacks, and we also experienced that trend in our business, with fraud-related operational losses increasing significantly.
Our Delinquency rates were 5.9% of Credit card and other loans as of December 31, 2024, compared with 6.5% and 5.5% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For 2024, our Net principal loss rate was 8.2%, compared with 7.5% and 5.4% for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Our Delinquency rates were 5.8% of Credit card and other loans as of December 31, 2025, compared with 5.9% and 6.5% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For 2025, our Net principal loss rate was 7.7%, compared with 8.2% and 7.5% for 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The first line of defense identifies and manages key risk indicators and risks and controls consistent with our risk appetite. The executive officers who serve as leaders in the “first line of defense,” are responsible for ensuring that their respective functions operate within established risk limits, in accordance 46 Tabl e of Contents with our risk appetite.
The first line of defense identifies and manages key risk indicators, and risks and controls consistent with our risk appetite. The executive officers who serve as leaders in the “first line of defense,” are responsible for ensuring that their respective functions operate within established risk limits, in accordance with our risk appetite.
Governance and Accountability Board and Board Committees Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, maintains responsibilities for the oversight of risk management, including monitoring the “tone at the top,” and our risk culture, and overseeing emerging and strategic risks.
Governance and Accountability Board and Board Committees Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, maintains responsibilities for the oversight of risk management, including monitoring the “tone at the top” and our risk culture, and overseeing emerging and strategic risks.
Conversely, our profitability could also be adversely affected if the interest we receive on our Credit card and other loans falls more quickly than the interest we pay on deposits and other borrowings. 34 Tabl e of Contents Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that future sales could occur, may adversely affect our common stock price.
Conversely, our profitability could also be adversely affected if the interest we receive on our Credit card and other loans falls more quickly than the interest we pay on deposits and other borrowings. Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that future sales could occur, may adversely affect our common stock price.
As part of our efforts to minimize our risk of credit card or other loan write-offs, we have developed automated proprietary scoring technology and verification procedures to make risk-based origination decisions when approving new account holders, establishing or adjusting account holder credit limits and applying our risk-based pricing.
As part of our efforts to minimize our risk of credit card or other loan charge-offs, we have developed automated proprietary scoring technology and verification procedures to make risk-based underwriting decisions when approving new account holders, establishing or adjusting account holder credit limits and applying our risk-based pricing.
Social media also can cause harm to our reputation. By its very nature, social media can reach a wide audience in a very short amount of time, which presents unique challenges for corporate communications. Negative or otherwise undesirable publicity generated through unexpected social media coverage can damage our reputation and brand.
By its very nature, social media can reach a wide audience in a very short amount of time, which presents unique challenges for corporate communications. Negative or otherwise undesirable publicity generated through unexpected social media coverage can damage our reputation and brand.
For example, excess spread may be affected if a securitization trust’s borrowing costs increase as a result of the proposed B3E changes to existing capital requirements. Such cost increases may result, for example, because the investors are entitled to indemnification for increased costs resulting from such regulatory changes, such as increased capital requirements.
For example, excess spread may be affected if a securitization trust’s borrowing costs increase as a result of the proposed B3E changes to existing capital requirements. Such cost increases may result, for example, because the investors are entitled to indemnification for increased costs resulting from such regulatory changes, such as increased capital requirements. The future of B3E implementation remains uncertain.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of the 40 Tabl e of Contents proprietary rights of others. Any infringement or misappropriation could harm any competitive advantage we currently derive or may derive from our intellectual property or other proprietary rights.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any infringement or misappropriation could harm any competitive advantage we currently derive or may derive from our intellectual property or other proprietary rights.
As the business owner, the first line of defense is responsible for, among other things, identifying, owning, managing and controlling key risks associated with their activities, timely addressing issues and remediation, and implementing processes and procedures to strengthen the risk and control environment.
As the business owner, the first line of 46 Tabl e of Contents defense is responsible for, among other things, identifying, owning, managing and controlling key risks associated with their activities, timely addressing issues and remediation, and implementing processes and procedures to strengthen the risk and control environment.
Risks related to our liquidity, market and credit risk include: • Adverse financial market conditions or our inability to effectively manage our funding and liquidity risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity and ability to meet our debt service requirements and other obligations. • Our inability to effectively access the securitization or other capital markets could limit our funding opportunities for loans and other business opportunities. • Competition for deposits and regulatory restrictions on deposit products can impact availability and cost of funds. • Our level of indebtedness may restrict our ability to compete and grow our business. • Our market valuation has been, and may continue to be, volatile, and returns to stockholders may be limited. • We are a holding company and depend on dividends and other payments from our Banks, which are subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions. 21 Tabl e of Contents Risks related to our legal, regulatory and compliance environment include: • We face various risks related to the extensive government regulation and supervision of our business, including by the FDIC, CFPB and other federal and state authorities.
Risks related to our liquidity, market and credit risk include: • Adverse financial market conditions or our inability to effectively manage our funding and liquidity risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity and ability to meet our debt service requirements and other obligations. • Our inability to effectively access the securitization or other capital markets could limit our funding opportunities for loans and other business opportunities. • Competition for deposits and regulatory restrictions on deposit products can impact availability and cost of funds. • Our level of indebtedness may restrict our ability to compete and grow our business. • Our market valuation has been, and may continue to be, volatile, and returns to stockholders may be limited. 21 Tabl e of Contents Risks related to our legal, regulatory and compliance environment include: • We face various risks related to the extensive government regulation and supervision of our business, including by the FDIC, CFPB and other federal and state authorities.
Our level of indebtedness, combined with our other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could: • make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations under any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants, could result in an event of default under our credit agreement, the indenture governing our senior notes and the agreements governing our other indebtedness; • require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other new business and other corporate purposes; • increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage or require us to dispose of assets to raise funds if needed for working capital or to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness; • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we and our brand partners operate; • limit our ability to borrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other new business and other corporate purposes; • delay or abandon investments and capital expenditures; • cause any refinancing of our indebtedness to be at higher interest rates and require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations; and • prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase all senior notes tendered to us upon the occurrence of certain changes of control. 33 Tabl e of Contents Restrictions imposed by the indenture governing our senior notes, our credit agreement and our other outstanding or future indebtedness may limit our ability to operate our business and to finance our future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.
Our level of indebtedness, combined with our other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could: • make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations under any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants, could result in an event of default under our credit agreement, the indenture governing our senior notes and the agreements governing our other indebtedness; • require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other new business and other corporate purposes; • increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage or require us to dispose of assets to raise funds if needed for working capital or to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness; • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we and our brand partners operate; • limit our ability to borrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other new business and other corporate purposes; • delay or abandon investments and capital expenditures; • cause any refinancing of our indebtedness to be at higher interest rates and require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations; and • prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase all senior notes tendered to us upon the occurrence of certain changes of control.
Other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could also materially adversely affect our share price. There is no guarantee that we will pay future dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock at a level anticipated by stockholders, which could reduce returns to our stockholders.
Other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could also materially adversely affect our share price. 35 Tabl e of Contents There is no guarantee that we will pay future dividends or repurchase shares of our stock at a level anticipated by stockholders, which could reduce returns to our stockholders.
LoyaltyOne, Co. is also contesting our entitlement to certain potential tax refunds under the tax matters agreement, and we may also become involved in other disputes with respect to the spinoff agreements with LVI or incur other liabilities or obligations under contractual arrangements with LVI.
In connection with the spinoff, we entered into a tax matters agreement, and LoyaltyOne, Co. is contesting our entitlement to certain potential tax refunds under the tax matters agreement, and we may also become involved in other disputes with respect to the spinoff agreements with LVI or incur other liabilities or obligations under contractual arrangements with LVI.
We are also more susceptible to the risks of increased regulations and legal and other regulatory actions that are targeted at consumer credit or the specific consumer credit products that we offer, such as legislation and regulations relating to credit card late fees, finance charges and promotional financing.
We are also more susceptible to the risks of increased regulations and legal and other regulatory actions that are targeted at consumer credit or the specific consumer credit products that we offer, such as legislation and regulations relating to credit card late fees, credit card interest rates and promotional financing.
We are required under the program documents to lengthen this accumulation period to the extent we expect the payment rates to be low enough that the current length of the accumulation period is inadequate to fully fund the restricted account by the applicable security’s maturity date.
We are 32 Tabl e of Contents required under the program documents to lengthen this accumulation period to the extent we expect the payment rates to be low enough that the current length of the accumulation period is inadequate to fully fund the restricted account by the applicable security’s maturity date.
Limitations on our Banks’ ability to accept brokered deposits for any reason (including regulatory limitations on the volume of brokered deposits in total or as a percentage of 32 Tabl e of Contents total assets) in the future could materially adversely impact our liquidity, funding costs and profitability.
Limitations on our Banks’ ability to accept brokered deposits for any reason (including regulatory limitations on the volume of brokered deposits in total or as a percentage of total assets) in the future could materially adversely impact our liquidity, funding costs and profitability.
If we were required to become a BHC, or if we voluntarily take such action that results in the Parent Company becoming a federally-regulated BHC, we and our non-bank subsidiaries would be subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve Board.
If we were required to become a BHC, or if we voluntarily take such action that results in the Parent Company becoming a federally-regulated BHC, we and our non-bank subsidiaries would be subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the FRB.
Risks related to our macroeconomic, global, strategic, business and competitive environment include: • Market conditions, inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, recessionary pressures or concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown, and the related impact on consumer spending behavior, payments, debt levels, savings rates and other behavior, could have a material adverse effect on our business. • Global political, public health and social events or conditions, including ongoing wars and military conflicts, may harm our business. • Our unsecured loans make us reliant on the future credit performance of our customers, and if customers are unable to repay our loans, our level of future delinquency and write-off rates will increase. • A significant percentage of our revenue is generated through relationships with a limited number of partners, and a decrease in business from, or the loss of, any of these partners, could have an adverse effect on our business. • Our business is heavily concentrated in U.S. consumer credit, and therefore our results are more susceptible to fluctuations in the U.S. consumer credit market than a more diversified company. • The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans. • We may be unable to successfully identify, complete or successfully integrate or disaggregate business acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic initiatives. • Competition in our industry is intense. • Our results of operations and growth depend on our ability to retain existing partners and attract new partners, and our results are impacted, to a significant extent, on the active and effective promotion and support of our products by our partners and on the financial performance of our partners. • Underwriting performance of acquired or new lending programs may not be consistent with existing experience. • We rely extensively on models in managing many aspects of our business, and if they are not accurate or are misinterpreted, such factors could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. • Fraudulent activity associated with our products and services could negatively impact our operating results, brand and reputation, decreasing the use of our products and services and increasing our fraud losses.
Risks related to our macroeconomic, global, strategic, business and competitive environment include: • Market conditions, inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, recessionary pressures or concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown, and the related impact on consumer spending behavior, payments, debt levels, savings rates and other behavior, could have a material adverse effect on our business. • Global political, public health and social events or conditions, including ongoing wars and military conflicts, may harm our business. • Our unsecured loans make us reliant on the future credit performance of our customers, and if customers are unable to repay our loans, our level of future delinquency and charge-off rates will increase. • A significant percentage of our revenue is generated through relationships with a limited number of partners, and a decrease in business from, or the loss of, any of these partners, could have an adverse effect on our business. • Our business is heavily concentrated in U.S. consumer credit, and therefore our results are more susceptible to fluctuations in the U.S. consumer credit market than a more diversified company. • The amount of our Allowance for credit losses could adversely affect our business and may be insufficient to cover actual losses on our loans. • We may be unable to successfully identify, complete or successfully integrate or disaggregate business acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic initiatives. • Competition in our industry is intense, including competition from new and non-traditional competitors, such as financial technology companies, and with respect to new products, services and technologies, such as the emergence or increase in popularity of agentic commerce, digital payment platforms and currencies and other alternative payment and deposit solutions. • Our results of operations and growth depend on our ability to retain existing partners and attract new partners, and our results are impacted, to a significant extent, on the active and effective promotion and support of our products by our partners and on the financial performance of our partners. • Underwriting performance of acquired or new lending programs may not be consistent with existing experience. • We rely extensively on models in managing many aspects of our business, and if they are not accurate or are misinterpreted, such factors could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. • Fraudulent activity associated with our products and services could negatively impact our operating results, brand and reputation, decreasing the use of our products and services and increasing our fraud losses.
We also make assumptions, judgments and estimates for items such as the fair value of financial instruments, any 35 Tabl e of Contents impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and other prepaid or intangible assets, the fair value of stock awards, as well as the recognition of revenue.
We also make assumptions, judgments and estimates for items such as the fair value of financial instruments, any impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and other prepaid or intangible assets, the fair value of stock awards, as well as the recognition of revenue.
Failure to attract, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and diverse employee talent, or to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, creativity and teamwork could harm our overall business and results of operations. We rely on key personnel to lead with 28 Tabl e of Contents integrity and decency.
Failure to attract, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified employee talent, or to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, creativity and teamwork could harm our overall business and results of operations. We rely on key personnel to lead with integrity and decency.
We also regularly review the sensitivity of our interest rate risk metrics to changes in our key modeling assumptions. In 2023 and 2024, we implemented a new and improved asset liability management model that is capable of assessing a broader array of interest rate risk scenarios, including a wider range of interest rate and balance sheet assumptions.
We also regularly review the sensitivity of our interest rate risk metrics to changes in our key modeling assumptions. In recent years, we have implemented a new and improved asset liability management model that is capable of assessing a broader array of interest rate risk scenarios, including a wider range of interest rate and balance sheet assumptions.
A significant source of funding is our securitization of credit card loans, which involves the transfer of credit card loans to a trust, and the issuance by the trust of notes to third-party investors collateralized by the beneficial interest in the transferred credit card loans.
A significant source of funding is our securitization of credit card loans, which involves the transfer of credit card loans to a trust, and the issuance by the trust of notes to third-party investors collateralized by the beneficial interest in the 31 Tabl e of Contents transferred credit card loans.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions and the success of our collection and recovery efforts, the stability of our Delinquency and Net loss rates are affected by the credit risk inherent in our Credit card and other loan portfolios, as well as the vintage of the accounts in our various credit card portfolios.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions and the success of our collection and recovery efforts, the 23 Tabl e of Contents stability of our Delinquency and Net principal loss rates are affected by the credit risk inherent in our Credit card and other loan portfolios, as well as the vintage of the accounts in our various credit card portfolios.
We would be required to provide annual reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require pursuant to the BHC Act, and applicable regulations. In addition, we would be subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements.
We would be required to provide annual reports and such additional information as the FRB may require pursuant to the BHC Act, and applicable regulations. In addition, we would be subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements.
Actual results could differ materially from our estimates as a result of adverse impacts from various factors, including regulatory or legislative changes, or if future macroeconomic conditions or future operating results differ significantly from our current assumptions, and such differences could significantly impact our financial results.
Actual results could differ materially from our estimates as a result of adverse impacts from various factors, including regulatory or legislative changes, unexpected developments in legal contingencies, or if future macroeconomic conditions or future operating results differ significantly from our current assumptions, and such differences could significantly impact our financial results.
Pursuant to provisions of the BHC Act and regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board thereunder, a BHC may only engage in, or own companies that engage in, activities deemed by the Federal Reserve Board to be permissible for BHCs.
Pursuant to provisions of the BHC Act and regulations promulgated by the FRB thereunder, a BHC may only engage in, or own companies that engage in, activities deemed by the FRB to be permissible for BHCs.
Our ability to 26 Tabl e of Contents generate significant revenue from partners and customers will depend on our ability to differentiate ourselves through the products and services we provide and the attractiveness of our programs to consumers.
Our ability to generate significant revenue from partners and customers will depend on our ability to differentiate ourselves through the products and services we provide and the attractiveness of our programs to consumers.
Changes in the prevailing interpretations of federal or state laws and related regulations could also invalidate or call into question the legality of certain of our services and business practices.
Changes in the 37 Tabl e of Contents prevailing interpretations of federal or state laws and related regulations could also invalidate or call into question the legality of certain of our services and business practices.
For context, during the Great Recession, our Delinquency and Net loss rates peaked in 2009 at 6.2% and 10.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, our Delinquency rate was 5.9% and our 2024 full-year Net loss rate was 8.2%.
For context, during the Great Recession, our Delinquency and Net principal loss rates peaked in 2009 at 6.2% and 10.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, our Delinquency rate was 5.8% and our 2025 full-year Net principal loss rate was 7.7%.
This risk is particularly acute with respect to our largest partners that account for a significant amount of our Total net 27 Tabl e of Contents interest and non-interest income.
This risk is particularly acute with respect to our largest partners that account for a significant amount of our Total net interest and non-interest income.
As a result of these hurricanes, we froze delinquency progression for cardholders in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified impact zones for one billing cycle, which resulted in modestly lower Net principal losses and Net loss rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, and consequently these actions will negatively impact Net principal losses and the Net loss rate in the second quarter of 2025.
As a 29 Tabl e of Contents result of these hurricanes, we froze delinquency progression for cardholders in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified impact zones for one billing cycle, which resulted in modestly lower Net principal losses and Net principal loss rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, and consequently negatively impacted Net principal losses and the Net principal loss rate in the second quarter of 2025.
The bankruptcy of one 31 Tabl e of Contents or more retailers or other partners could lead to a decline in the amount of new loans and could lead to increased delinquencies and defaults on the associated loans.
The bankruptcy of one or more retailers or other partners could lead to a decline in the amount of new loans and could lead to increased delinquencies and defaults on the associated loans.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights and use of open source software may harm our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights or defend against third-party allegations of infringement may be costly, any of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and profitability.
Business — Privacy, Information Security and Data Protection.” Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights and use of open source software may harm our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights or defend against third-party allegations of infringement may be costly, any of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and profitability.