As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2026
Registration No. 333-
Banc Of California, Inc S-3ASR, filed Mar 2, 2026
Banc Of California, Inc. (BANC)
S-3ASR
2026-03-02
View Original
Added on
October 26, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland | 04-3639825 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | ||
11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(855) 361-2262
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Ido Dotan
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary
Banc of California, Inc.
3 MacArthur Place
Santa Ana, California 92707
(855) 361-2262 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy of communications to:
Edgar J. Lewandowski
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(212) 455-2000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||
Emerging Growth Company | ☐ | ||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
PROSPECTUS
BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Warrants
Rights
Units
The securities listed above may be offered and sold, from time to time, by us and/or one or more selling security holders to be identified in supplements to this prospectus in amounts, at prices, and on other terms to be determined at the time of the offering. We will describe the specific terms and manner of offering of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. Each prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in the securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents or directly to purchasers on a continued or delayed basis.
Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BANC.”
Our principal executive office is located at 11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90049, and our telephone number is (855) 361-2262.
Investing in the offered securities involves risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained on page 6 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
These securities will be our equity securities or our secured or unsecured obligations and will not be savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of any of our bank or nonbank subsidiaries and will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 2, 2026
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under such shelf registration statement, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities identified in this prospectus in one or more offerings. Each time we offer and sell securities, we will, if required, provide a prospectus supplement and, if applicable, a pricing supplement containing specific information about the terms of the securities being offered. That prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to those securities. In addition, under this shelf registration process, one or more selling security holders to be identified in the future may, from time to time, offer and sell, in one or more offerings, the securities described in this prospectus. We may provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of a particular offering by the selling security holders.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. No one is authorized to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is truthful or complete for any date other than the date indicated on the cover page of these documents. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference therein) and any prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, you should rely on the information in that prospectus supplement or pricing supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and pricing supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
We are not offering the securities in any state or other jurisdiction where the offer is prohibited. The distribution of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and the offering of our securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus and any prospectus supplement come should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
The registration statement containing this prospectus, including exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration statement can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Except as otherwise stated or unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “Banc of California,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references mean Banc of California, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
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We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, accessible to the public at www.sec.gov.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information in documents we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus and should be read with the same care. Information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be deemed to automatically modify and supersede the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to the extent that the subsequently filed information modifies or supersedes the existing information.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any documents we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of securities by means of this prospectus is completed or terminated (other than, in each case, documents or portions of documents deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules):
• | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025; |
• | our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2026; |
• | our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 27, 2025 (solely to the extent incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024); and |
• | the description of our common stock set forth in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on May 23, 2014, and any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description. |
You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing) at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address:
Banc of California, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(855) 361-2262
In addition, we maintain a corporate website, www.bancofcal.com. We make available, through our website (by clicking “About Us” and then “Investor Relations” under “Company Information” and then viewing “Documents” under “Financials and Filings”), our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. This reference to our website is for the convenience of investors as required by the SEC and shall not be deemed to incorporate any information on the website into this registration statement.
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This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements about the Company that are intended to be subject to the safe harbors created under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans” and “believes,” among others, generally identify forward-looking statements; however, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual conditions, events, or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those which may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement and those under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other factors described in our periodic reports filed from time to time with the SEC. Actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, those discussed under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in other information contained in our publicly available filings with the SEC. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have a material adverse effect on us and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We encourage you to understand forward-looking statements to be strategic objectives rather than absolute forecasts of future performance. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. We are not under any obligation to, nor do we intend to, publicly update or review any of these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Please carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our other reports filed with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
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This summary contains a general description of the securities that may be offered by this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of us and the terms of the securities that may be offered, you should read carefully this entire prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” section, any applicable prospectus supplement for the securities and the other documents we refer to and incorporate by reference. In particular, we incorporate important business and financial information into this prospectus by reference.
The Securities That May Be Offered
We, and any selling security holders identified in a prospectus supplement, may use this prospectus to offer debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, purchase contracts, warrants, rights or units in one or more offerings. A prospectus supplement, which we will provide for each such offering, will describe the amounts, prices and detailed terms of the securities, to the extent not described in this prospectus, and may describe risks associated with an investment in the securities in addition to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. Terms used in this prospectus will have the meanings described in this prospectus unless otherwise specified.
We and the selling security holders may sell the securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. We, as well as any agents acting on our behalf, reserve the sole right to accept or to reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of our securities. Each prospectus supplement will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of our securities described in that prospectus supplement and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.
Debt Securities
Debt securities issued under this prospectus may be senior or subordinated in priority of payment. We will provide a prospectus supplement that describes the ranking, whether senior or subordinated, the specific designation, the aggregate principal amount, the purchase price, the maturity, the redemption terms, the interest rate or manner of calculating the interest rate, the time of payment of interest, if any, the terms for any conversion or exchange, including the terms relating to the adjustment of any conversion or exchange mechanism, the listing, if any, on a securities exchange and any other specific terms of the debt securities. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, no debt securities issued under this prospectus will be secured by any property or assets of ours or of our subsidiaries and the holders of such debt securities will be unsecured creditors.
Common Stock
We and the selling security holders may sell shares of our common stock. In a prospectus supplement, as applicable to any given offering, we will describe the aggregate number of shares offered, the offering price or prices of the shares and/or the manner of offering.
Preferred Stock
We and the selling security holders may sell shares of our preferred stock in one or more series. In a prospectus supplement, to the extent not described in this prospectus and, as applicable, we will describe the specific designation, the aggregate number of shares offered, the dividend rate or manner of calculating the dividend rate, the dividend periods or manner of calculating the dividend periods, the ranking of the shares of the series with respect to dividends, liquidation and dissolution, the stated value of the shares of the series, the voting rights of the shares of the series, if any, whether and on what terms the shares of the series will be convertible or exchangeable, whether and on what terms we can redeem the shares of the series and/or the manner of offering.
Depositary Shares
We and the selling security holders may offer depositary shares representing fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. In such event, the applicable prospectus supplement will state the fraction or multiple of a share of preferred stock represented by each depositary share, whether we will list the preferred stock or depositary shares on a securities exchange and the specific terms of the underlying series of preferred stock.
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Purchase Contracts
We and the selling security holders may issue or sell purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities. The price of our debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock or other securities, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. Purchase contracts may be sold in such amounts and in as many distinct series as appropriate.
Warrants
We and the selling security holders may sell warrants to purchase our debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock or other securities or property. In a prospectus supplement, to the extent not described in this prospectus, we will inform you of the exercise price and other specific terms of the warrants, including whether our or your obligations, if any, under any warrants may be satisfied by delivering or purchasing the underlying securities or their cash value.
Rights
We may distribute rights to the holders of our common stock or other securities to purchase a specified number of shares of our common stock or other securities that the holder owns as of the record date set by our board of directors. In a prospectus supplement, we will inform you of the exercise price and other specific terms of the rights.
Units
We and the selling security holders may sell any combination of two or more of the other securities described in this prospectus, together as units. In a prospectus supplement, we will describe the particular combination of securities constituting any units and any other specific terms of the units.
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Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our updates to those Risk Factors in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, together with all of the other information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, in light of your particular investment objectives and financial circumstances. In addition to those risk factors, there may be additional risks and uncertainties of which management is not aware or that management deems immaterial. Our business, financial condition or results or operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
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Banc of California, Inc. is a financial holding company regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and is the parent company of Banc of California, (the “Bank”), a California-chartered member bank of the Federal Reserve.
Banc of California, Inc. was incorporated under Maryland law in March 2002, and was formerly known as “First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.”, and changed its name to “Banc of California, Inc.” in July 2013.
Banc of California is one of the nation’s premier relationship-based business banks, providing banking and treasury management services to small-, middle-market, and venture-backed businesses. The Bank offers a broad range of loan and deposit products and services through full-service branches throughout California and in Denver, Colorado, and Durham, North Carolina, as well as through regional offices nationwide. The Bank also provides full-service payment processing solutions to its clients and serves the Community Association Management industry nationwide with its technology-forward platform, SmartStreet™. The Bank is committed to its local communities through the Banc of California Charitable Foundation, and by supporting organizations that provide financial literacy and job training, small business support, affordable housing, and more.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at 11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90049, and its telephone number is (855) 361-2262.
Additional information about us and our subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 2 of this prospectus.
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We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in any prospectus supplement relating to a specific issue of securities. Our general corporate purposes may include, without limitation, financing acquisitions, repurchasing our securities, extending credit to, or funding investments in, our subsidiaries and repaying, reducing or refinancing indebtedness.
The precise amounts and the timing of our use of the net proceeds will depend upon market conditions, our subsidiaries’ funding requirements, the availability of other funds and other factors. Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of any of our securities for general corporate purposes, we expect to use the net proceeds to reduce our indebtedness or for temporary investments. We expect that we will, on a recurrent basis, engage in additional financings as the need arises to finance our corporate strategies, to fund our subsidiaries, to finance acquisitions or otherwise.
We will not receive the proceeds from any sales by selling security holders.
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We may issue senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture, referred to as the “senior indenture,” between us and a senior indenture trustee to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association, dated October 30, 2020, as supplemented by a Supplemental Indenture, dated October 30, 2020, by and between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as may be further amended or supplemented, referred to as the “subordinated indenture.” The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes collectively referred to in this prospectus as the “indentures.” The subordinated indenture is, and the senior indenture will be, subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The subordinated indenture and the form of the senior indenture are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The following briefly describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities which may be offered and the indentures governing them. The particular terms of the debt securities offered, and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities so offered, will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to those securities. The following descriptions of the indentures are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the respective indentures.
General
The indentures will permit us to issue the debt securities from time to time, without limitation as to aggregate principal amount, and in one or more series. The subordinated indenture does not, and the senior indenture will not, limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other indebtedness which we may incur or other securities which we or our subsidiaries may issue, including indebtedness which may rank senior to the debt securities. Nothing in the subordinated indenture prohibits the issuance of securities representing subordinated indebtedness that is senior or junior to the subordinated debt securities.
Unless we give you different information in the prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt, as described under “Description of Debt Securities-Subordination” and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities if the conditions contained in the applicable indenture are satisfied. These conditions include the establishment of the terms of the debt securities being issued in or pursuant to a supplemental indenture or resolutions adopted by our board of directors. Such terms may include:
• | the title and series designation; |
• | the aggregate principal amount and the limit, if any, on the aggregate principal amount or initial issue price of the debt securities which may be issued under the applicable indenture; |
• | the principal amount payable, whether at maturity or upon earlier acceleration; |
• | whether the principal amount payable will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method which may be based on one or more currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices; |
• | whether the debt securities will be issued as original issue discount securities (as defined below); |
• | the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities is payable; |
• | any fixed or variable interest rate or rates per annum or the method or formula for determining an interest rate; |
• | the date from which any interest will accrue; |
• | any interest payment dates; |
• | whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated, and if subordinated, the terms of the subordination; |
• | the price or prices at which the debt securities will be issued, which may be expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of those debt securities; |
• | the stated maturity date; |
• | whether the debt securities are to be issued in global form; |
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• | any sinking fund requirements; |
• | any provisions for redemption, the redemption price and any remarketing arrangements; |
• | the denominations of the securities or series of securities; |
• | whether the debt securities are denominated or payable in United States dollars or a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies; |
• | any restrictions on the offer, sale and delivery of the debt securities; |
• | the place or places where payments or deliveries on the debt securities will be made and may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange; |
• | whether any of the debt securities will be subject to defeasance in advance of the date for redemption or the stated maturity date; |
• | the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into other securities of ours and the terms and conditions upon which any conversion will be effected, including the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period and any other provisions in addition to or instead of those described in this prospectus; |
• | a description of any documents or certificates that must be received prior to the issuance of any definitive securities; |
• | whether and under what circumstances additional amounts will be paid to non-U.S. citizens in connection with any tax, assessment or governmental charge and whether securities may be redeemed in lieu of paying such additional fees; |
• | the identity of each security registrar or paying agent (if other than trustee); |
• | any provisions granting special rights to securities holders upon the occurrence of specified events; |
• | any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to any default events or covenants set forth in the subordinated indenture or the form of senior indenture; |
• | the portion of the principal amount payable upon the declaration of acceleration of the maturity of any securities; and |
• | any other terms of the debt securities which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture. |
The debt securities may be issued as “original issue discount securities” which bear no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates and which will be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. If the maturity of any original issue discount security is accelerated, the amount payable to the holder of the security will be determined by the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the security and the relevant indenture, but may be an amount less than the amount payable at the maturity of the principal of that original issue discount security. Special federal income tax and other considerations relating to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Under the indentures, the terms of the debt securities of any series may differ and we may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of any series, reopen a previous series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series or establish additional terms of that series.
Please see the prospectus supplement and any related pricing supplement you have received or will receive for the terms of the specific debt securities we are offering.
You should be aware that special United States federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may apply to the debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to an issue of debt securities will describe these considerations.
Ranking of Debt Securities; Holding Company Structure
Senior Debt Securities. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on senior debt securities will rank on a parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.
Subordinated Debt Securities. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on subordinated debt securities will be junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt, including senior debt securities.
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We will state in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any subordinated debt securities the subordination terms of the securities as well as the aggregate amount of outstanding debt, as of the most recent practicable date, that by its terms would be senior to those subordinated debt securities. We will also state in that prospectus supplement limitations, if any, on the incurrence of senior or subordinated indebtedness or general obligations, including indebtedness ranking on an equal basis with the subordinated debt securities offered by such prospectus supplement.
Holding Company Structure. The debt securities will be our exclusive obligations. We are a holding company and substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flows and our ability to service our debt, including the debt securities, are dependent upon the results of operations of our subsidiaries and the distribution of funds by our subsidiaries to us. Various statutory and regulatory restrictions, however, limit directly or indirectly the amount of dividends our subsidiaries can pay, and also restrict certain subsidiaries from making investments in or loans to us.
Because we are a holding company, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including indebtedness, customer deposits, trade payables, guarantees and lease obligations, of our subsidiaries. Therefore, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the debt securities, to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors and, if applicable, its depositors, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be effectively subordinate to any security interest in, or mortgages or other liens on, the assets of the subsidiary and would be subordinate to any indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that which is held by us. If a receiver or conservator were appointed for the Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act recognizes a priority in favor of the holders of withdrawable deposits (including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as subrogee or transferee) over general creditors. Claims for customer deposits would have a priority over any claims that we may ourselves have as a creditor of the Bank. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the applicable indenture will not limit the amount of indebtedness or other liabilities that we and our subsidiaries may incur.
Registration and Transfer
Holders may present debt securities in registered form for transfer or exchange for other debt securities of the same series at the offices of the applicable indenture trustee according to the terms of the applicable indenture and the debt securities.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued in fully registered form, and in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
No service charge will be required for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities but we generally may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any transfer or exchange.
Payment and Place of Payment
We will pay or deliver principal and any premium and interest in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable indenture, the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. However, at our option, we may pay any principal or interest by check mailed to the registered holders of the debt securities.
Global Securities
Each indenture provides that we may issue debt securities in global form. If any series of debt securities is issued in global form, the prospectus supplement will describe any circumstances under which beneficial owners of interests in any of those global debt securities may exchange their interests for debt securities of that series and of like tenor and principal amount in any authorized form and denomination. See “Description of Global Securities.”
Redemption and Repurchase
The debt securities of any series may be redeemable at our option, may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and pricing supplement, if any.
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Conversion or Exchange Rights
If debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our equity securities or other securities of ours, the terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:
• | the conversion or exchange price; |
• | the conversion or exchange period; |
• | provisions regarding the convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities, including who may convert or exchange; |
• | events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; |
• | provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities; and |
• | any anti-dilution provisions, if applicable. |
Absence of Limitation on Indebtedness and Liens; Absence of Event Risk Protection
Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities, the subordinated indenture does not, and the senior indenture will not, limit the amount of indebtedness, guarantees or other liabilities that we and our subsidiaries may incur and will not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from creating or assuming liens on our properties, including the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the subordinated indenture does not, and the senior indenture will not, require us to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity, and will not contain provisions which would give holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their debt securities in the event we undergo a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or change in control.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following will be events of default under the senior indenture with respect to the senior debt securities:
• | default in the payment of any principal or premium or make-whole amount, if any, on the senior debt securities when due; |
• | default in the payment of any interest or additional amounts on the senior debt securities, when due, which continues for 30 days; |
• | default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment on the senior debt securities when due; |
• | default in the performance or breach of any other obligation contained in the applicable indenture for the benefit of that series of senior debt securities (other than defaults or breaches otherwise specifically addressed), which continues for 90 days after written notice of the default or breach; |
• | specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and |
• | any other event of default provided with respect to the senior debt securities of any series. |
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default under the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordinated debt securities:
• | specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and |
• | any other event of default provided with respect to the subordinated debt securities of any series. |
If an event of default occurs because we experience specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of the debt securities will be automatically accelerated and become immediately due and payable, without any action by the trustee or any holder. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any other event of default occurs and is continuing for any series of debt securities, unless the principal amount of all debt securities of that particular series has already become due and payable, the indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare all amounts, or any lesser amount provided for in the debt securities of that series, to be immediately due and payable.
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At any time after the applicable indenture trustee or the holders have accelerated a series of debt securities, but before the applicable indenture trustee has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of money due, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul that acceleration and its consequences, provided that all payments and/or deliveries due, other than those due as a result of acceleration, have been made and all events of default have been remedied or waived.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any default with respect to that series, except a default:
• | in the payment of any amounts due and payable or deliverable under the debt securities of that series; or |
• | in an obligation contained in, or a provision of, an indenture which cannot be modified under the terms of that indenture without the consent of each holder of each series of debt securities affected. |
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable indenture trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the indenture trustee with respect to debt securities of that series, provided that any direction is not in conflict with any rule of law or the applicable indenture and the trustee may take other actions, other than those that might lead to personal liability, not inconsistent with the direction. Subject to the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to the duties of the indenture trustee, before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indenture at the direction of the holders, the indenture trustee is entitled to receive from those holders security or indemnity satisfactory to the indenture trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which it might incur in complying with any direction.
A holder of any debt security of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding with respect to the applicable indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, if:
• | that holder previously gives to the indenture trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; |
• | the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series have made written request and offered the indenture trustee indemnity satisfactory to the indenture trustee to institute that proceeding as indenture trustee; |
• | the indenture trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with the request; and |
• | the indenture trustee fails to institute the proceeding within 60 days. |
However, the holder of any debt security has the right to receive payment of the principal of (and premium or make-whole amount, if any) and interest on, and any additional amounts in respect of, such debt security on the respective due dates (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment.
We are required to furnish to the indenture trustees annually a statement as to the performance of our obligations under the indentures and as to any default in that performance of which we are aware.
Modification and Waiver
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Banc of California, Inc. and the applicable indenture trustee may amend and modify each indenture or debt securities under that indenture with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of each series of all outstanding debt securities then outstanding under the indenture affected. However, without the consent of each holder of any debt security issued under the applicable indenture, we may not amend or modify that indenture to:
• | change the stated maturity date of the principal of (or premium or make-whole amount, if any, on), or any installment of principal or interest on, any debt security issued under that indenture; |
• | reduce the principal amount thereof, the rate or amount of interest thereon or any additional amounts payable in respect thereof, or any premium or make-whole amount payable upon the redemption of any debt security issued under that indenture, or change any obligation to pay additional amounts; |
• | reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security or make-whole amount, if any, issued under that indenture payable upon acceleration of its maturity or provable in bankruptcy; |
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• | change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium, any make-whole amount or additional amounts payable in respect of, or interest on, any debt security issued under that indenture; |
• | impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment or delivery on or with respect to any debt security issued under that indenture; |
• | reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series issued under that indenture, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture or to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting; or |
• | make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any security or decrease the conversion or exchange rate or increase the conversion or exchange price. |
The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under that indenture may, with respect to that series, waive past defaults under the indenture, except as described under “-Events of Default.”
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the applicable indenture trustee may also amend and modify each indenture without the consent of any holder for any of the following purposes:
• | to evidence the succession of another person to Banc of California, Inc.; |
• | to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities; |
• | to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities; |
• | to change or eliminate any of the provisions of the applicable indenture in respect of any series of debt securities, so long as any such change or elimination will become effective only in respect of any series of securities when there is no outstanding security of that series which is entitled to the benefit of that provision; |
• | to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series; |
• | to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor indenture trustee; |
• | to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in the applicable indenture, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under that indenture, so long as the interests of holders of the debt securities of any series are not adversely affected in any material respect by the actions taken to cure, correct or supplement a provision in an indenture; |
• | to conform the text of the indenture or the debt securities to this description of debt securities or the description of debt securities in an applicable prospectus supplement; |
• | to secure securities; |
• | to provide for conversion or exchange rights of the holders of the debt securities of any series to enable those holders to convert or exchange those securities into or for other securities; |
• | to close the indenture with respect to the authentication and delivery of additional series of securities or to qualify or maintain qualifications of the applicable indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or |
• | to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture as is necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance or discharge of any series of securities under specified provisions of the indenture, provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the securities of such series or any other series of securities under the indenture in any material respect. |
Voting
The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of the debt securities of a series. A meeting will be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in such indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by the modifications and amendments of an indenture described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series represented at such meeting.
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Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, except as referred to above, any resolution relating to a request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of such specified percentage.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any properly held meeting of holders of the debt securities of any series will be binding on all holders of such series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken relating to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of at least a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding such percentage will constitute a quorum.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that such indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such action, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:
• | there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and |
• | the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under such indenture. |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may consolidate or merge with or into any other person, and we may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person, provided that
(i) | the resulting entity, if other than Banc of California, Inc., is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any U.S. state or the District of Colombia and expressly assumes our obligations to: (1) pay or deliver the principal and any premium or make-whole amount, if any, and any interest on, the debt securities; and (2) perform and observe all of our other obligations under the indentures and supplemental indentures; and |
(ii) | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the indenture shall have occurred and be continuing. |
The indentures do not provide for any right of acceleration in the event of a consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of the assets, recapitalization or change in our stock ownership. In addition, the indentures do not contain any provision which would protect the holders of the debt securities against a sudden and dramatic decline in credit quality resulting from takeovers, recapitalizations or similar restructurings.
Defeasance
We may terminate or “defease” our obligations under the applicable indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series by taking the following steps:
(1) | depositing irrevocably with the indenture trustee an amount, which through the payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, will provide an amount sufficient to pay the entire amount of the debt securities: |
• | in the case of debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, of U.S. dollars or U.S. government obligations; |
• | in the case of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, of money in that foreign currency or foreign government obligations of the foreign government or governments issuing that foreign currency; or |
• | a combination of money and U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations, as applicable; |
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(2) | delivering: |
• | an opinion of independent counsel that the holders of the debt securities of that series will have no federal income tax consequences as a result of that deposit and termination; |
• | an opinion of independent counsel that registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940; |
• | an opinion of counsel as to certain other matters; |
• | officers’ certificates certifying as to compliance with the indenture and other matters; and |
(3) | paying all other amounts due under the indenture. |
Further, the defeasance cannot cause an event of default under the indenture or any other material agreement or instrument and no event of default under the indenture can exist at the time the defeasance occurs.
Subordination
The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all “senior debt,” as defined in the subordinated indenture. In certain circumstances relating to our liquidation, dissolution, receivership, reorganization, insolvency or similar proceedings, the holders of all senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full before the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment on the subordinated debt securities.
In addition, we may make no payment on the subordinated debt securities in the event:
• | there is a default with respect to any senior debt which permits the holders of that senior debt to accelerate the maturity of the senior debt; and |
• | the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default from an authorized person under the subordinated indenture. |
By reason of this subordination in favor of the holders of senior debt, in the event of an insolvency our creditors who are not holders of senior debt or the subordinated debt securities may recover less, proportionately, than holders of senior debt and may recover more, proportionately, than holders of the subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of subordinated debt securities, “senior debt” is defined in the subordinated indenture as all indebtedness and obligations of Banc of California, Inc. as described below, whether any such indebtedness and obligations are outstanding as of the date of the subordinated indenture or created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed after such date:
(iii) | all indebtedness and obligations of, or guaranteed or assumed by, Banc of California, Inc. that are (a) for borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, or (c) deferred obligations for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets; |
(iv) | obligations of Banc of California, Inc. that are similar to those in clause (i) and arise from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes; |
(v) | all obligations of Banc of California, Inc. associated with derivative products such as interest rate and foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements; and (iv) all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of such indebtedness and obligations described in any of the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii). |
“Senior debt” does not include (i) the subordinated debt securities and (ii) other indebtedness of Banc of California, Inc. as is by its terms expressly stated (a) not to be senior in right of payment to, or (b) to rank pari passu with, or (c) to rank junior in right of payment to, the subordinated debt securities.
The subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit the incurrence of additional senior debt, which may include indebtedness that is senior to the subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to our other obligations. Any prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities will set forth the aggregate amount of our indebtedness senior to the subordinated debt securities as of a recent practicable date.
The prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, which may apply to the subordination of the subordinated debt securities of a particular series.
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Restrictive Covenants
The subordinated indenture does not contain any significant restrictive covenants. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities may describe certain restrictive covenants, if any, to which we may be bound under the subordinated indenture.
Governing Law
Unless indicated otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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In this section we describe certain features and rights of our authorized and outstanding capital stock. The summary does not purport to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws and to applicable Maryland law. In this section, “we,”, “us,” “our” and “Company” refer to Banc of California, Inc. (parent company only) and not to any of its subsidiaries.
Our charter provides that the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of:
• | 450,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share; and |
• | 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. |
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock by setting or changing in one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms and conditions of redemption of such shares.
As of December 31, 2025, there were 150,440,841 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 149,963,520 were shares of common stock with full voting rights (the “Voting Common Stock”) and 477,321 were shares of Class B Non-Voting Common Stock, which have no voting rights except as required by law (the “Non-Voting Common Stock,” and together with the Voting Common Stock, the “common stock”).
As of December 31, 2025, there were 5,017,064 shares of Non-Voting Common Equivalent Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “non-voting common equivalent stock”), and 513,250 shares of our 7.75% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series F Preferred Stock”), issued and outstanding; these shares were issued out of the authorized preferred stock.
Common Stock
Voting Rights. Except as described below under “-Anti-takeover Effects-Voting Limitation,” each holder of Voting Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to be voted upon by the common stockholders. There are no cumulative voting rights. Holders of Non-Voting Common Stock are not entitled to vote except as required by law. The terms of the Non-Voting Common Stock are otherwise identical to the terms of the Voting Common Stock. Of the 450,000,000 shares of common stock currently authorized under our charter, our board of directors has classified 3,136,156 as Non-Voting Common Stock.
Except for the election of directors, certain amendments to our bylaws (as described below under “-Anti-takeover Effects-Amendment of Bylaws”) and as otherwise required by law or provided for in our charter, all matters on which our stockholders will vote will be determined by a majority of the votes cast at the meeting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, directors will be elected by a majority of the votes cast if the number of director nominees is less than or equal to the number of open board seats (i.e., an uncontested election) and a plurality of the votes cast if the number of director nominees exceeds the number of open board seats (i.e., a contested election).
Distributions. Subject to preferences to which holders of any shares of preferred or other stock then outstanding may be entitled and any restrictions imposed by banking regulators, holders of common stock will be entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. Our non-voting common equivalent stock, subject to certain customary exceptions, ranks equally with, and has identical rights, preferences and privileges as, the common stock with respect to dividends or distributions (including regular quarterly dividends) declared by our board of directors. Our Series F Preferred Stock ranks senior to the common stock and non-voting common equivalent stock with respect to dividends or distributions (including regular quarterly dividends) declared by our board of directors. Other restrictions on our ability to pay distributions are described below under “Restrictions on Distributions.”
Liquidation Preference. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock will be entitled to share in our assets remaining after the payment or provision for payment of our debts and other liabilities, and the satisfaction of the liquidation preferences of the holders of any class of stock having preference over the common stock. Our non-voting common equivalent stock, subject to certain customary exceptions, ranks equally with, and has identical rights, preferences and privileges as, the common stock with respect to rights upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar proceeding. Our Series F Preferred Stock ranks senior to the common stock and non-voting common equivalent stock with respect to rights upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
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Other Matters. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights under our charter or Maryland law except as we may agree to provide to them. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions that apply to the common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred or other stock that we have outstanding.
Restrictions on Ownership of Our Common Stock. Under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHC Act”), any person or company is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve before acquiring control of us, which, among other things, includes the acquisition of ownership of or control over 25% or more of any class of our voting securities or the power to exercise a “controlling influence” over us. In the case of an acquirer that is a bank or bank holding company, the BHC Act requires approval of the Federal Reserve for the acquisition of ownership or control of any of our voting securities, if the acquisition results in the bank or bank holding company controlling more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of our voting securities. The Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, prohibits a person, entity, or group of persons or entities acting in concert, from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company, such as us, unless the Federal Reserve has been given prior notice and has not objected to the transaction. Under Federal Reserve regulations, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of us would generally be deemed an acquisition of control of us.
Preferred Stock
The following summary contains a description of the general terms of the preferred stock that we may issue. The specific terms of any series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. The terms of any series of preferred stock may differ from the terms described below. Certain provisions of the preferred stock described below and in any prospectus supplement are not complete. You should refer to the articles supplementary to our charter with respect to the establishment of a series of preferred stock which will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such series of preferred stock.
General. Our charter permits our board of directors to authorize the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder action. The board of directors can fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of each series. Therefore, without approval of the holders of our common stock or as may be required by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange or market on which our securities may then be listed or quoted), our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion and other rights that could dilute the voting power or other rights or adversely affect the market value of our common stock and may assist management in impeding any unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control. See “-Anti-Takeover Effects-Authorized Shares.”
The preferred stock has the terms described below unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the preferred stock. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of the preferred stock being offered for specific terms, including:
• | the designation of the series of preferred stock and the number of shares offered; |
• | the amount of liquidation preference per share, if any; |
• | the price at which the preferred stock will be issued; |
• | the dividend rate, or method of calculation, the dates on which dividends will be payable, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will commence to cumulate; |
• | any listing of the preferred stock being offered on any securities exchange or other securities market; |
• | any voting rights; |
• | any redemption or sinking fund provisions; |
• | any conversion provisions; |
• | whether interests in the preferred stock being offered will be represented by depositary shares; and |
• | any other specific terms of the preferred stock being offered. |
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Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will rank equally as to dividends and liquidation rights in all respects with each other series of preferred stock. The rights of holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.
Rank. Any series of the preferred stock will, with respect to the priority of the payment of dividends and the priority of payments upon liquidation, winding up and dissolution, rank:
• | senior to all classes of common stock and all other equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities will rank junior to the preferred stock (referred to as the “junior securities”); |
• | equally with all equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities will rank equally with the preferred stock (referred to as the “parity securities”); and |
• | junior to all equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities will rank senior to the preferred stock. |
Dividends. Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates described, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different rates or based on different methods of calculation. The dividend rate may be fixed or variable or both. Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books on record dates fixed by our board of directors, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Dividends on any series of the preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of noncumulative preferred stock, then the holders of that noncumulative preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend for that dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment dates. Dividends on any series of cumulative preferred stock will accrue from the date we initially issue shares of such series or such other date specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
No full dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of any dividends on any parity securities unless dividends have been paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock. If full dividends are not paid, the preferred stock will share dividends pro rata with the parity securities. No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of dividends on any junior securities unless full cumulative dividends for all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the date of the declaration or payment will have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment set apart for payment on the preferred stock.
Rights Upon Liquidation. If we dissolve, liquidate or wind up our affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive, before any payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of junior securities, liquidating distributions in the amount described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series of the preferred stock, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and, if the series of the preferred stock is cumulative, for all dividend periods prior to that point in time. If the amounts payable with respect to the preferred stock of any series and any other parity securities are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock of that series and of the parity securities will share proportionately in the distribution of our assets in proportion to the full liquidation preferences to which they are entitled. After the holders of preferred stock and the parity securities are paid in full, they will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.
Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors and of our stockholders, including the holders of any shares of preferred stock then outstanding, to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
Redemption. We may provide that a series of the preferred stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option or at the option of the holder of the stock. In addition, a series of preferred stock may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise. The redemption provisions that may apply to a series of preferred stock, including the redemption dates and the redemption prices for that series, will be described in the prospectus supplement.
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In the event of partial redemptions of preferred stock, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, our board of directors will determine the method for selecting the shares to be redeemed, which may be by lot or pro rata or by any other method determined by our board of directors to be equitable.
On or after a redemption date, unless we default in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of preferred stock called for redemption. In addition, all rights of holders of the shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock, if any dividends on any other series of preferred stock ranking equally as to payment of dividends and liquidation rights with such series of preferred stock are in arrears, no shares of any such series of preferred stock may be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, unless all shares of preferred stock are redeemed, and we will not purchase any shares of such series of preferred stock. This requirement, however, will not prevent us from acquiring such shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all such shares outstanding.
Voting Rights. Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the preferred stock will have no voting rights except as otherwise required by law or in our charter.
Under regulations and interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board and its staff, if the holders of any series of preferred stock are or become entitled to vote for the election of directors, such series will be deemed a class of voting securities, and a company holding 25% or more of the series, or a lesser percentage if it otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over us, will be subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. In addition, at the time the series is deemed a class of voting securities, any other bank holding company will be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act, as amended, to acquire or retain more than 5% of that series. Any other person (other than a bank holding company), either individually or acting through or in concert with others, will be required to obtain the non-objection of the Federal Reserve Board under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or retain 10% or more of that series.
Exchangeability. We may provide that the holders of shares of preferred stock of any series may be required at any time or at maturity to exchange those shares for our debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the terms of any such exchange.
Anti-takeover Effects
The provisions of our charter and bylaws summarized in the following paragraphs may have anti-takeover effects and could delay, defer, or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in such stockholder’s best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders, and may make removal of the incumbent management and directors more difficult.
Authorized Shares. Our charter authorizes the issuance of 450,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. We can generally issue, without stockholder approval, additional shares of capital stock, up to the amount authorized. The amount of authorized shares may not be changed by the board of directors without a stockholder vote. However, our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock by setting or changing in one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms and conditions of redemption of such shares. The board of directors also generally has sole authority to determine the terms of any one or more series of preferred or other stock, including voting rights, conversion rates, and liquidation preferences. As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of preferred or other stock, the board has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duties, to issue a series of preferred or other stock to persons friendly to the incumbent management and directors in order to attempt to block a tender offer, merger or other unsolicited transaction by which a third party seeks control of us.
Voting Limitation. Our charter generally prohibits any stockholder that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the outstanding shares of our common stock from voting shares in excess of this limit. This provision, which would limit the voting power of a beneficial owner of more than 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock in a proxy contest or on other matters on which such person is entitled to vote, does not apply to certain holders of our common stock affiliated with Warburg Pincus LLC, specifically, WP Clipper GG 14 L.P., WP Clipper FS II L.P., and each of their respective affiliates.
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The Maryland General Corporation Law contains a control share acquisition statute which, in general terms, provides that where a stockholder acquires issued and outstanding shares of a corporation’s voting stock (referred to as “control shares”) within one of several specified ranges (one-tenth or more but less than one-third, one-third or more but less than a majority, or a majority or more), approval by stockholders of the control share acquisition must be obtained before the acquiring stockholder may vote the control shares. The required stockholder vote is two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast, excluding “interested shares,” defined as shares with respect to which the power to vote in the election of directors is held by the acquiring person, officers of the corporation and employees who are also directors of the corporation. A corporation may, however, opt-out of the control share statute through a charter or bylaw provision, which we have done pursuant to our charter. Accordingly, the Maryland control share acquisition statute does not apply to acquisitions of shares of our common stock. Though not anticipated, we could seek stockholder approval of an amendment to our charter to eliminate the opt-out provision.
Board of Directors. Our charter provides that all directors will stand for election annually for a term of office of one year. Our bylaws provide that subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, in an uncontested election of directors (one where the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of open board seats), directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast, and that in a contested election (one where the number of nominees exceeds the number of open board seats), directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Our charter provides that stockholders may not cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Additionally, our charter and bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, vacancies in the board of directors (including any vacancy caused by a director nominee failing to receive the requisite number of stockholder votes) may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum. The absence of cumulative voting, together with the provision permitting only the remaining directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors, have the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the board of directors.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our bylaws provide that subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, special meetings of stockholders may be called by our President, by our Chief Executive Officer or by our board of directors by vote of a majority of the total number of directors we would have if there were no vacancies. Our bylaws also provide that a special meeting of stockholders shall be called on the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
Action by Stockholders Without A Meeting. Our bylaws provide that no action may be taken by stockholders without a meeting without the written consent of every stockholder entitled to vote on the matter.
Business Combinations With Certain Persons. Our charter provides that certain business combinations (for example, mergers, share exchanges, significant asset sales and significant stock issuances) involving “interested stockholders” of Banc of California, Inc. require, in addition to any vote required by law, the approval of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, unless either (i) a majority of the disinterested directors have approved the business combination or (ii) certain fair price and procedure requirements are satisfied. An “interested stockholder” generally means a person who beneficially owns more than 10% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, or who is an affiliate of Banc of California, Inc. and at any time within the preceding two years beneficially owned 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
The Maryland General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute that prohibits a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder (one who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power) or any affiliate of the interested stockholder for a period of five years after the interested stockholder first becomes an interested stockholder, unless the transaction has been approved by the board of directors before the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or the corporation has exempted itself from the statute pursuant to a charter provision. After the five-year period has elapsed, a corporation subject to the statute may not consummate a business combination with an interested stockholder unless (i) the transaction has been recommended by the board of directors and (ii) the transaction has been approved by (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation, voting together as a single voting group and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation, other than shares held by the interested stockholder or any affiliate or
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associate of the interested stockholder, voting together as a single voting group. This approval requirement need not be met if certain fair price and terms criteria have been satisfied. We have opted-out of the Maryland business combination statute through a provision in our charter. Though not anticipated, we could seek stockholder approval of an amendment to our charter to eliminate the opt-out provision.
Amendment of Bylaws. Our bylaws generally may be amended upon approval by the board of directors or the holders of a majority of the voting power of all then-outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the 10% voting limitation described under “-Voting Limitation”), voting together as a single class. However, an amendment of the provision of the bylaws regarding special meetings of stockholders would require the vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all then-outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the 10% voting limitation described under “-Voting Limitation”), voting together as a single class
Advance Notice Provisions. Our bylaws provide that we must receive written notice of any stockholder proposal for business at an annual meeting of stockholders, or any stockholder director nomination for an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than 90 days or more than 120 days before the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. If, however, the date of the current year annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice of the proposal or nomination must be received by us no earlier than the 120th day prior to the annual meeting or later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which notice of the meeting is mailed or public announcement of the meeting date is first made. The notice must contain certain information specified in our bylaws.
Evaluation of Certain Offers. After evaluating a proposed business combination or change of control transaction, our board of directors may, after due consideration of certain factors, take any lawful action to defeat such transaction, including, but not limited to, advising our stockholders not to accept the proposal, instituting litigation against the party making the proposal, filing complaints with governmental and regulatory authorities, acquiring our stock or any of our other securities, selling or otherwise issuing authorized but unissued stock, acquiring a company that would create an antitrust or other regulatory problem for the party making the proposal and obtaining a more favorable offer from another individual or entity.
Restrictions on Distributions
Our ability to make distributions on our stock, including dividends and repurchases, and the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us, are restricted by several factors. First, we are incorporated in Maryland and governed by the Maryland General Corporation Law. A Maryland corporation generally may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, (i) the corporation would not be able to pay its indebtedness as the indebtedness become due in the usual course of business, or (ii) the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the corporation’s charter permits otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. A distribution that would not comply with the restriction described in clause (ii) above may nevertheless be made from the corporation’s net earnings for the fiscal year in which the distribution is made, the corporation’s net earnings for the preceding fiscal year or the sum of the corporation’s net earnings for the preceding eight fiscal quarters.
Our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders or to repurchase our stock may be limited by certain covenants contained in the indentures governing the debentures underlying the trust preferred securities issued by trusts established by us or established by entities that we have acquired. Generally the indentures provide that if an Event of Default (as defined in the indentures) has occurred and is continuing, or if we are in default with respect to any obligations under our guarantee agreement which covers payments of the obligations on the trust preferred securities, or if we give notice of any intention to defer payments of interest on the debentures underlying the trust preferred securities, then we may not, among other restrictions, declare or pay any dividends with respect to our stock or repurchase shares of our stock.
Furthermore, federal bank regulators are authorized to determine under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank holding company that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof. Under the Federal Reserve’s policy statement on the payment of cash dividends, a bank holding company generally should not pay dividends if its net income for the past year is not sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality, and
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overall financial condition. Federal Reserve policy also provides that a bank holding company should inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the bank holding company’s capital structure.
Finally, the Company’s primary source of liquidity is dividend payments from the Bank. The regulatory regime imposes various restrictions on the ability of the Bank to make capital distributions, which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, and certain other items. For example, taking into account the financial condition of the Bank and other factors, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (the “CA DFPI”) may object and therefore prevent the Bank from paying dividends to the Company. Generally, the Bank may declare a dividend without the approval of the CA DFPI as long as the total dividends declared in a calendar year do not exceed either the retained earnings of the Bank or the total of net earnings of the Bank for three previous fiscal years less any dividend paid during such period. Because substantially all of our business activities, income and cash flow are expected to be generated by the Bank, the inability of the Bank to pay dividends or distribute capital to the Company would adversely affect the Company’s liquidity. Dividends can also be restricted if the capital conservation buffer requirement is not met under Federal Reserve regulations. In general, the Bank may declare a dividend without the approval of the Federal Reserve as long as the total of all dividends declared by the Bank during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, does not exceed the sum of the Bank’s net income during the current calendar year and the retained net income of the prior two calendar years.
Refer to “Item 1. Business-Supervision and Regulation” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and similar sections in our future filings for more information about restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay us dividends.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters
Our charter provides that our directors and officers shall not be liable to us or our stockholders for money damages, except to the extent that (i) it is proved that the person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services for the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; (ii) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding; or (iii) it is otherwise required by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Our charter further provides that we shall indemnify (i) our current and former directors and officers to the fullest extent required or permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, including the advancement of expenses and (ii) other employees and agents to the extent authorized by our board of directors and permitted by law. We must pay any indemnification claim in full within 60 days after a written claim has been received by us (or within 20 days in the case of a claim for advancement of expenses). In the case of a claim for advancement of expenses by an indemnitee, we must receive from the indemnitee both (x) an undertaking as required by law to repay such advances in the event it will ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met; and (y) a written affirmation of the indemnitee of his or her good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us has been met.
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We may offer depositary shares, which will be evidenced by depositary receipts, representing fractional interests in shares of preferred stock of any series. In connection with the issuance of any depositary shares, we will enter into a deposit agreement with a depositary, which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following briefly summarizes the material provisions of the deposit agreement and of the depositary shares and depositary receipts, other than pricing and related terms disclosed for a particular issuance in an accompanying prospectus supplement. This description is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable deposit agreement, depositary shares and depositary receipts. You should read the particular terms of any depositary shares and any depositary receipts that are offered and any deposit agreement relating to a particular series of preferred stock described in more detail in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the generalized provisions summarized below do not apply to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered.
General
We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. In such event, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock.
The shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and the depositary we select. Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the underlying preferred stock, including any dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights described in the particular prospectus supplement, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by such depositary share.
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the deposited preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the preferred stock in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders.
In the case of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute any property received by it other than cash to the record holders of depositary shares entitled to receive it. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution, it may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of the depositary shares.
The amounts distributed in any such distribution, whether in cash or otherwise, will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld by us or the preferred stock depositary on account of taxes.
Redemption, Conversion and Exchange of Preferred Stock
If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the preferred stock depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of that series of preferred stock. The depositary shares will be redeemed by the preferred stock depositary at a price per depositary share equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable in respect of the shares of preferred stock redeemed.
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem as of the same date the number of depositary shares representing shares of preferred stock redeemed. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by the preferred stock depositary by lot or ratably or by any other equitable method, in each case as we may determine.
If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is to be converted or exchanged, the holder of depositary receipts representing the shares of preferred stock being converted or exchanged will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts.
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After the redemption, conversion or exchange date, the depositary shares called for redemption, conversion or exchange will no longer be outstanding. When the depositary shares are no longer outstanding, all rights of the holders will end, except the right to receive money, securities or other property payable upon redemption, conversion or exchange.
Voting Deposited Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any series of deposited preferred stock are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares relating to that series of preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary to vote the amount of the preferred stock represented by the holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will try, if practical, to vote the amount of such series of preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions.
We will take all reasonable actions that the preferred stock depositary determines are necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote as instructed. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting shares of any series of preferred stock held by it for which it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing those preferred shares.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters any existing right of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of depositary receipts representing at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the depositary receipt, to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement, as amended.
We may direct the preferred stock depositary to terminate the deposit agreement at any time by mailing notice of termination to the record holders of the depositary receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for termination. Upon termination, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of those receipts, such number of whole shares of the series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares together with cash in lieu of any fractional shares, to the extent we have deposited cash for payment in lieu of fractional shares with the preferred stock depositary. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
• | all of the shares of the preferred stock deposited with the preferred stock depositary have been withdrawn, redeemed, converted or exchanged; or |
• | there has been a final distribution in respect of the deposited preferred stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. |
Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary; Taxes and Other Governmental Charges
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We also will pay charges of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the initial deposit of preferred stock and any redemption of preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.
Prospective purchasers of depositary shares should be aware that special tax, accounting and other issues may be applicable to instruments such as depositary shares.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its intent to do so, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary meeting the requirements specified in the deposit agreement and its acceptance of such appointment.
Miscellaneous
The preferred stock depositary will forward all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the preferred stock depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the deposited preferred stock.
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Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be liable if we are or the preferred stock depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond our or its control in performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of the duties under the deposit agreement and we and the preferred stock depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares, depositary receipts or shares of preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the preferred stock depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
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We and the selling security holders may issue or sell purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities.
The price of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish.
The applicable prospectus supplement may contain, where applicable, the following information about the purchase contracts issued under it:
• | whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or method of determining those amounts; |
• | whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not; |
• | whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of our common stock or preferred stock; |
• | any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts; |
• | United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the purchase contracts; and |
• | whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form. |
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The preceding description and any description of purchase contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contract agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such purchase contracts.
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We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities or property. The warrants may be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between Banc of California, Inc. and a warrant agent, as will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as an agent of Banc of California, Inc. in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants.
The following outlines some of the anticipated general terms and conditions of the warrants. Further terms of the warrants and any applicable warrant agreement will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description and any description of the warrants in a prospectus supplement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms and provisions of the warrants and any applicable warrant agreement.
If warrants are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants, including the following as applicable:
• | the offering price; |
• | the type and number of securities and, as applicable, its or their designation or terms, or other property purchasable upon exercise of the warrants and the price and/or manner of exercise of the warrants; |
• | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; |
• | the circumstances, if any, under which the exercise price payable and the number or type of securities or other property purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted and the nature of those adjustments; and |
• | any other terms of the warrants. |
If in registered form, warrants may be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement, before the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of any securities purchasable upon such exercise, and will not be entitled to, among other things, vote or receive dividend payments or other distributions on any securities purchasable upon exercise.
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This section describes the general terms of the rights to purchase common stock or other securities that we may offer using this prospectus. Further terms of the rights will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description and any description of the rights in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of any agreement relating to the rights.
Rights may or may not be transferable. As part of any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement under which the underwriters or any other person would purchase any securities that are not purchased in such rights offering. The prospectus supplement relating to any rights we offer will describe the specific terms of the offering and the rights, including as appropriate:
• | the record date for determining security holders entitled to the rights distribution; |
• | the number of rights issued and the number of shares of common stock or other securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the rights; |
• | the exercise price of the rights; |
• | the steps required to exercise the rights; |
• | the date on which the rights will become effective and the date on which the rights will expire; |
• | whether the rights will include oversubscription rights, so that the holder may purchase more securities if other holders do not purchase their full allotments; |
• | whether we intend to sell the shares of common stock or other securities that are not purchased in the offering to an underwriter or other purchaser under a contractual standby commitment or other arrangement; and |
• | our ability to withdraw or terminate the rights offering prior to the expiration date of the rights. |
Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement, prior to the exercise of their rights, holders of rights will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon the exercise of the rights, and will not be entitled to, among other things, vote or receive dividend payments or other distributions on the securities purchasable upon exercise.
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Units will consist of any combination of two or more of the other securities described in this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement or supplements will also describe:
• | the designation and the terms of the units and of any combination of the securities constituting the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or traded separately; |
• | any additional terms of the agreement governing the units; |
• | any additional provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities constituting the units; and |
• | whether the units will be issued in fully registered form. |
The terms and conditions described under “Description of Debt Securities,” “Description of Common Stock and Preferred Stock,” “Description of Depositary Shares,” “Description of Purchase Contracts,” “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Rights” will apply to each unit that includes such securities and to the securities included in each unit, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue the units under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a unit agent. We may issue units in one or more series, which will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue the securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depository or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depository or its nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depository for the registered global security, the nominees of the depository or any successors of the depository or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depository or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states and other jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depository for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, unit agreement or deposit agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take, the depository for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to other securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of Banc of California, Inc., the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any preferred stock depositary, as applicable, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or the payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depository for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders of that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depository. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
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If the depository for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depository or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depository registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depository. In addition, under the terms of the indenture for any debt securities, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have any of such securities represented by one or more registered global securities. We understand, however, that, under current industry practices, the depository would notify its participants of our request, but will only withdraw beneficial interests from a global security at the request of each participant. We would issue definitive certificates in exchange for any such interests withdrawn. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depository gives to the applicable trustee, warrant agent, unit agent, preferred stock depositary or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depository’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depository from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depository.
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We and/or the selling security holders, if applicable, may sell the securities in several ways, including:
• | through underwriters or dealers; |
• | through agents; |
• | in “at the market” offerings, within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market on an exchange or otherwise; |
• | directly to purchasers or to a single purchaser; |
• | directly to our stockholders, including as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering; or |
• | through a combination of any of these methods of sale or by any other legally available means. |
Any prospectus supplement with respect to a particular offering of securities will set forth the terms of the offering of such securities, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the price at which such securities are offered, the proceeds to us from such offering, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation, any selling commissions to dealers or agents, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents and any securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed. Dealers and agents participating in offerings of our securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” as that term is defined in the Securities Act.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under agreements that they may enter into with us, to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with their participation in our offerings.
If we and/or the selling security holders, if applicable, use underwriters in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will state any material relationships between the underwriters and us and the nature of the underwriters’ obligation to take and pay for securities.
Securities also may be offered directly by us and/or the selling security holders or through agents designated by us from time to time. Any such agent will be named, and the terms of any such agency (including any commissions payable by us to any such agent) will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement relating to such securities. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will act on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Agents named in a prospectus supplement may be deemed to be underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the securities described in such prospectus supplement and, under agreements which may be entered into with us, may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
We may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions with financial institutions. These financial institutions may in turn engage in sales of securities to hedge their position, deliver this prospectus in connection with some or all of those sales and use the securities covered by this prospectus to close out any short position created in connection with those sales. We may also sell securities short using this prospectus and deliver securities covered by this prospectus to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge securities to financial institutions that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. We may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus to support a derivative or hedging position or other obligations and, if we default in the performance of our obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the securities from time to time pursuant to this prospectus.
Underwriters and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or other agents of ours to solicit offers by certain specified entities to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and
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delivery at a future date. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will not be subject to any conditions except those described in such prospectus supplement. Such prospectus supplement will set forth the commissions payable for solicitations of such contracts.
Underwriters and agents may from time to time purchase and sell securities in the secondary market, but are not obligated to do so, and there can be no assurance that there will be a secondary market for the securities or liquidity in the secondary market if one develops. From time to time, underwriters and agents may make a market in the securities but are not obligated to do so and may cease to do so at any time.
One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the securities, if the prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the securities in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they remarket. Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements that may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
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Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the common stock, preferred stock, preferred stock represented by depository shares, and common stock and preferred stock issuable as part of units or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities, or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other securities, will be passed upon for us by Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP and the validity of the debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts, units, the foregoing securities issuable as part of the units, and any of the debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts or units issuable upon the exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other securities, will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York. Certain additional legal matters may be passed on for us, or for any agents, dealers or underwriters, by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited Banc of California, Inc’s consolidated financial statements included in Banc of California, Inc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the effectiveness of Banc of California, Inc’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, as set forth in their reports thereon, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Banc of California, Inc’s financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Banc of California, Inc. as of December 31, 2023, and for the year then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Warrants
Rights
Units
PROSPECTUS
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
The following table sets forth the expenses, other than underwriting compensation, expected to be incurred in connection with the registration and sale of the securities covered by this registration statement.
SEC registration fee | * | ||
Blue Sky fees and expenses | ** | ||
Rating agency fees | ** | ||
Legal fees and expenses | ** | ||
Accounting fees and expenses | ** | ||
Trustee fees and expenses | ** | ||
Printing and engraving fees and expenses | ** | ||
Miscellaneous | ** | ||
Total | ** | ||
* | Pursuant to Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act, the registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee relating to securities that are registered and available for sale under this registration statement. |
** | These fees and expenses are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly, cannot be estimated at this time. |
Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
Section 2-405.2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation or its stockholders for money damages except: (1) to the extent it is proven that the director or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, for the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; or (2) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer is entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the director’s or officer’s action or failure to act was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The Registrant’s charter contains such a provision, thereby limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify a director or officer who is made a party to any proceeding by reason of service in that capacity against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred unless it is established that: (1) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (2) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (3) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that where a director or officer is a defendant in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, the director or officer may not be indemnified if he or she is found liable to the corporation. The Maryland General Corporation Law also provides that a director or officer may not be indemnified in respect of any proceeding alleging improper personal benefit in which he or she was found liable on the grounds that personal benefit was improperly received. A director or officer found liable in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation or in a proceeding alleging improper personal benefit may petition a court to nevertheless order indemnification of expenses if the court determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances.
Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law provides that unless limited by the charter of a Maryland corporation, a director or an officer who is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding must be indemnified against reasonable expenses. Section 2-418 also provides that a Maryland corporation may advance reasonable expenses to a director or an officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by the director or officer or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
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The Registrant’s charter provides for indemnification of directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. Additionally, the Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with certain officers and directors of the Registrant, which supplement the indemnification provisions of the Registrant’s charter by contractually obligating the Registrant to indemnify, and to advance expenses to, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
Under a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, directors and officers of the Registrant are insured against certain liabilities.
Item 16. | Exhibits |
The Exhibit Index appearing before the signature pages below is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 17. | Undertakings. |
(a) | The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: |
(1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
(i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
(ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and |
(iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement; |
(2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
(3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
(4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: |
(i) | Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
(ii) | Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that |
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prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
(i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
(ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
(iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the Registrant; and |
(iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the Registrant to the purchaser. |
(b) | The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(c) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
(d) | The Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act. |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | ||
1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement for any offering of securities(1) | ||
Third Articles of Restatement of the Charter of the Registrant (Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference) | |||
Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference) | |||
Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference) | |||
Indenture, dated as of October 30, 2020, by and between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference) | |||
Form of Indenture for Senior Debt Securities (Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-270328 filed on March 7, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference) | |||
4.6 | Form of Senior Debt Securities(1) | ||
4.7 | Form of Subordinated Debt Securities(1) | ||
4.8 | Form of Articles Supplementary for Preferred Stock(1) | ||
4.9 | Form of Deposit Agreement for Depositary Shares(1) | ||
4.10 | Form of Purchase Contract(1) | ||
4.11 | Form of Warrant Agreement(1) | ||
4.12 | Form of Unit Agreement(1) | ||
Opinion of Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP | |||
Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | |||
Consent of Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |||
Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2) | |||
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP | |||
Consent of KPMG LLP | |||
Powers of attorney (included on the signature page) | |||
25.1 | Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Senior Indenture(2) | ||
Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture | |||
Filing Fee Table | |||
(1) | To be filed as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement. |
(2) | To be incorporated by reference to a filing made in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Ana, State of California, on March 2, 2026.
BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Joseph Kauder | ||
Joseph Kauder | |||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
(Duly Authorized Representative) | |||
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Each person whose signature appears below appoints Jared M. Wolff, Joseph Kauder and Ido Dotan, or either of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubsitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement and Power of Attorney has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Jared M. Wolf | ||
Jared M. Wolff | |||
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer | |||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Joseph Kauder | ||
Joseph Kauder | |||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
(Principal Financial Officer) | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Karen Hon | ||
Karen Hon | |||
Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | |||
(Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ James A. “Conan” Barker | ||
James A. “Conan” Barker | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Paul R. Burke | ||
Paul R. Burke | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Mary A. Curran | ||
Mary A. Curran | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ John M. Eggemeyer | ||
John M. Eggemeyer | |||
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lead Independent Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Shannon F. Eusey | ||
Shannon F. Eusey | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Richard J. Lashley | ||
Richard J. Lashley | |||
Director | |||
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Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Susan E. Lester | ||
Susan E. Lester | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Joseph J. Rice | ||
Joseph J. Rice | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Todd Schell | ||
Todd Schell | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Vania E. Schlogel | ||
Vania E. Schlogel | |||
Director | |||
Date: March 2, 2026 | /s/ Andrew Thau | ||
Andrew Thau | |||
Director | |||
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Exhibit 5.1
Law Offices
Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP
A Limited Liability Partnership Including Professional Corporations
3299 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 100
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20007
(202) 295-4500
WWW.SFTTLAW.COM
March 2, 2026
Banc of California, Inc.
11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90049
Re: Registration Statement on Form S‑3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Maryland counsel to Banc of California, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the
“Registration Statement”) being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) relating to the offering and sale from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the following securities of the Company: (i) debt securities (the “Debt Securities”); (ii) preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”); (iii) depositary shares
representing a fraction of a share of a particular class or series of Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”); (iv) common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”); (v) contracts to purchase or sell Debt Securities, Common Stock,
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other securities (the “Purchase Contracts”); (vi) units, to be comprised of two or more of the Securities, as defined below (the “Units”); (vii) warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary
Shares, Common Stock or other securities or property (the “Warrants”); and (viii) rights entitling the holders thereof to purchase shares of Common Stock or other securities (the “Rights”). The Debt Securities, the Preferred Stock, the Depositary
Shares, the Common Stock, the Purchase Contracts, the Units, the Warrants and the Rights are collectively referred to as the “Securities.”
In our capacity as the Company’s special Maryland counsel in connection with such registration, we have made such legal and factual examinations and inquiries, including an examination of originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and instruments, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion letter, including, but not limited to: (i) the Registration
Statement; (ii) the charter and bylaws of the Company, each as in effect on the date hereof; (iii) records of proceedings and actions of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and committees of the Board; and (iv) such other documents as we
have deemed relevant. In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as
copies.
In connection with this opinion letter, we have also assumed that: (i) the Registration Statement, and any post-effective amendments thereto, will have become effective; (ii) a prospectus supplement for
the applicable offering will have been prepared and filed with the Commission; (iii) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and
the applicable prospectus supplement; (iv) at the time of any offering or sale by the Company of any shares of Common Stock and/or Preferred Stock, the Company will have such number of shares of Common Stock and/or Preferred Stock as are to be so
offered and sold, authorized and available for issuance; (v) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the
other parties thereto; and (vi) Securities issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any other Securities being offered or otherwise pursuant to the terms of such other Securities will have been duly authorized and, if appropriate, reserved
for issuance upon such exercise, conversion or exchange or otherwise pursuant to the terms of such other Securities.
Banc of California, Inc.
March 2, 2026
Page 2
Our opinions set forth below are limited to the matters expressly set forth in this opinion letter. No opinion is to be implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly so stated. The opinions
expressed herein are limited solely to matters involving the application of the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland (the “MGCL”), and we express no opinion with respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction. The opinions expressed
herein concern only the effect of the MGCL as currently in effect and are rendered as of the date hereof. We undertake no, and hereby disclaim any, obligation to revise or supplement this opinion letter should such law be changed by legislative
action, judicial decision, or otherwise after the date of this opinion letter, or if we become aware of any facts that might change the opinions expressed herein after the date of this opinion letter.
Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof:
1. With respect to any shares of Preferred Stock to be issued, when: (a) the Board has taken or caused to be taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of
and establish the terms of such Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, including the adoption of resolutions relating to the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption of such Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock Resolutions”); (b) the Preferred Stock Resolutions have been included as part of articles supplementary to the Company’s charter duly
filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland; (c) the terms of the Preferred Stock and of their issuance and sale have been established so as to not violate any applicable law or the Company’s charter or bylaws, or
result in a default under or a breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirements or restrictions imposed by any court, regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over
the Company; and (d) certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered (or such shares are issued in uncertificated form in accordance with the Company’s bylaws and Maryland
law) either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock) provided for therein or
(ii) upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any other Security or otherwise pursuant to the terms of such other Security, in each case in accordance with the terms of such other Security or the instrument governing such other Security as
approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock), then the shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Preferred Stock covered in the
opinion in this paragraph includes any Preferred Stock that may be represented by the Depositary Shares or that may be issued (i) as part of the Units or (ii) upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any other Securities or otherwise pursuant to
the terms of any other Securities.
2. With respect to any shares of Common Stock to be issued, when: (a) the Board has taken or caused to be taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and
the terms of the offering of the shares of Common Stock and related matters; (b) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock have been established so as to not violate any applicable law or the Company’s charter or bylaws, or result in
a default under or a breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirements or restrictions imposed by any court, regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the
Company; and (c) certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered (or such shares are issued in uncertificated form in accordance with the Company’s bylaws and Maryland law)
either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the par value of the Common Stock) provided for therein or (ii)
upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any other Security or otherwise pursuant to the terms of such other Security, in each case in accordance with the terms of such other Security or the instrument governing such other Security as approved by
the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Common Stock), then the shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Common Stock covered by the opinion in this
paragraph includes any Common Stock that may be issued (i) as part of the Units or (ii) upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any other Securities or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
Banc of California, Inc.
March 2, 2026
Page 3
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement and in the
prospectus included therein. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. The opinion
expressed herein is a matter of professional judgment and is not a guarantee of result.
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Very truly yours,
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/s/ SILVER, FREEDMAN, TAFF & TIERNAN LLP
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SILVER, FREEDMAN, TAFF & TIERNAN LLP
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Exhibit 5.2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett llp
March 2, 2026
Banc of California, Inc.,
11611 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90049
To the Addressee Stated Above:
We have acted as counsel to Banc of California, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (the “Registration Statement”) including the
prospectus contained therein (the “Prospectus”) filed on the date hereof by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to (i) shares of common stock of the
Company $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) that may be sold by the Company and/or selling stockholders who may be identified in future supplements to the Prospectus; (ii) shares of preferred stock of the Company $0.01 par value per share
(the “Preferred Stock”); (iii) depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) representing fractional interests in shares of Preferred Stock, which will be evidenced by depositary receipts (the “Depositary Receipts”); (iv) debt securities, which may be
either senior (the “Senior Debt Securities”) or subordinated (the “Subordinated Debt Securities”) (collectively, the “Debt Securities”); (v) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Depositary Shares or other securities
or property (the “Warrants”); (vi) contracts for the purchase and sale of Common Stock, Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other securities (the “Purchase Contracts”); (vii) rights entitling the holders of the Common Stock or
other securities to purchase shares of Common Stock or other securities (the “Rights”) and (viii) units consisting of two or more of the foregoing Securities (as defined below) in any combination (the “Units”). The Common Stock, the Preferred
Stock, the Depositary Shares and related Depositary Receipts, the Debt Securities, the Warrants, the Purchase Contracts, the Rights and the Units are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Securities.” The Securities may be issued and sold or
delivered from time to time for an indeterminate aggregate initial offering price.
The Depositary Shares and related Depositary Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more Deposit Agreements (each, a “Deposit Agreement” and, collectively, the “Deposit Agreements”), between the
Company and a depositary as shall be named therein (a “Depositary”).
The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture (the “Senior Indenture”) . The Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture (the “Subordinated Indenture”) dated as of
October 30, 2020 between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Indentures.”
The Warrants will be issued pursuant to one or more Warrant Agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement” and, collectively, the “Warrant Agreements”) between the Company and a warrant agent as shall be
named therein.
The Rights will be issued pursuant to one or more one or more rights agreements (each, a “Rights Agreement” and, collectively, the “Rights Agreements”), between the Company and such rights agent as
shall be named therein.
The Purchase Contracts will be issued pursuant to one or more Purchase Contract Agreements (each, a “Purchase Contract Agreement” and, collectively, the “Purchase Contract Agreements”) between the
Company and a purchase contract agent as shall be named therein.
The Units will be issued pursuant to one or more Unit Agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement” and, collectively, the “Units Agreements”) between the Company and such unit agents as shall be named
therein (the “Unit Agents”).
The Deposit Agreements, the Senior Indenture (including any supplemental indentures thereto), the Warrant Agreements, the Rights Agreements, the Purchase Contract Agreements and the Unit Agreements
are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Securities Agreements.”
We have examined the Registration Statement, the form of Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture, each of which is an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In addition, we have examined,
and have relied as to matters of fact upon, originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such records, agreements, documents and other instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and
representatives of the Company and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinions hereinafter set forth.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, including electronic signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. We also have assumed that, at the
time of execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of any of the Securities, the applicable Securities Agreement will be, and in the case of the Subordinated Indenture, is, the valid and legally binding obligation of each party thereto other
than the Company. We also have assumed that any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock underlying the Securities are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed further that, at the time of execution, authentication, issuance and delivery, as applicable, of each of the applicable Securities
Agreements and Securities, (1) the Company will be validly existing and in good standing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized and such Securities Agreement will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company
in accordance with its organizational documents and the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (2) the execution, delivery, issuance and performance, as applicable, by the Company of such Securities Agreement and such Securities will not
constitute a breach or violation of its organizational documents or violate the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized or any other jurisdiction (except that no such assumption is made with respect to the law of the State of New York,
assuming there shall not have been any change in such laws affecting the validity or enforceability of such Securities Agreement and such Securities) and (3) the execution, delivery, issuance and performance, as applicable, by the Company of such
Securities Agreement and such Securities (a) will not constitute a breach or default under any agreement or instrument which is binding upon the Company and (b) will comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed further that (1) the Company is validly existing and in good standing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized and has
duly authorized, executed and delivered the Subordinated Indenture in accordance with its organizational documents and the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (2) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the
Subordinated Indenture does not constitute a breach or violation of its organizational documents or violate the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized or any other jurisdiction (except that no such assumption is made with respect to the law
of the State of New York) and (3) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Subordinated Indenture (a) does not constitute a breach or default under any agreement or instrument which is binding upon the Company and (b) complies
with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. With respect to the Depositary Shares, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof (each,
the “Board of Directors”) of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and delivery to the Depositary of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares, the issuance and terms of the Depositary Shares and the terms
of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, (b) the Common Stock or Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and
(c) the due execution, issuance and delivery of Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares against deposit of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable definitive Deposit Agreement, upon payment therefor in
accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and such Deposit Agreement, the Depositary
Shares will represent legal and valid interests in such Common Stock or Preferred Stock and the Depositary Receipts will constitute valid evidence of such interests in such Common Stock or Preferred Stock.
2. With respect to the Debt Securities, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company or duly authorized officers of
the Company (such Board of Directors or authorized officers being referred to herein as the “Company Authorizing Party”) to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Debt Securities and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate
any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, and (b) the due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of the Senior Indenture, as applicable, and such Debt Securities, upon payment therefor in accordance with
the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Company Authorizing Party and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable Indenture, such Debt Securities will constitute valid
and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
3. With respect to the Rights, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and
terms of any Rights and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, countersignature, issuance and delivery of such Rights, upon payment
therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable Rights Agreement,
such Rights will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
4. With respect to the Warrants, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance
and terms of any Warrants and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, countersignature, issuance and delivery of such Warrants, upon
payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable
definitive Warrant Agreement, such Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
5. With respect to the Purchase Contracts, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the
issuance and terms of any Purchase Contracts and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, issuance and delivery of such Purchase
Contracts, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the
applicable definitive Purchase Contract Agreement, such Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
6. With respect to the Units, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and
delivery to the Unit Agents of the Securities that are the components of any Units, the issuance and terms of such Units and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the
Company, (b) the Common Stock and Preferred Stock that are components of such Units and/or issuable under any Purchase Contracts and/or Warrants that are components of such Stock Purchase Units are or will be, as applicable, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and the Warrants that are components of such Units are valid and legally binding obligations of the Company and (c) the due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery, as applicable, of such Units and the Securities that
are the components of such Units, in each case upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the
provisions of such agreement, the applicable definitive Securities Agreements, the Indentures or the Company’s organizational documents, such Units will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company
in accordance with their terms.
Our opinions set forth in paragraphs 1 through 6 above are subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to
or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. In addition, we express no opinion as to the validity,
legally binding effect or enforceability of any provisions of the Indentures relating to the separability of provisions of the Indentures.
In rendering the opinions set forth in paragraphs 2 and 6 above, we have assumed that under the law of any jurisdiction in whose currency (or whose currency is a component currency of a composite
currency in which) any Securities are denominated or payable, if other than in U.S. dollars, (A) no consent, approval, authorization qualification or order of, or filing or registration with, any governmental agency or body or court of such
jurisdiction is required for the issuance or sale of the Securities by the Company and (B) the issuance or sale of the Securities and compliance with the terms and provisions thereof will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or
provisions of any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court of such jurisdiction.
We note that (i) a New York State statute provides that, with respect to a foreign currency obligation, a New York State court shall render a judgment or decree in such foreign currency and such
judgment or decree shall be converted into currency of the United States at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of entry of such judgment or decree and (ii) with respect to a foreign currency obligation, a U.S. federal court sitting in New
York State may award a judgment based in whole or in part in U.S. dollars, provided that we express no opinion as to the rate of exchange that such court would apply.
We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.2 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption Legal Matters in
the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.
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Very truly yours,
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/s/Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
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SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP
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Exhibit 23.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Banc of California, Inc. for the
registration of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, purchase contracts, warrants, rights, and units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 27, 2026, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Banc of California, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Banc of California, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Irvine, CA
March 2, 2026
Exhibit 23.4
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KPMG LLP
Suite 700
20 Pacifica Irvine, CA 92618-3391 |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our report dated February 29, 2024, except for Note 24, as to which the date is March 3, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Banc of California, Inc., incorporated
herein by reference, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Irvine, California
February 27, 2026
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KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, and its subsidiaries are part of
the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG
International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee.
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Exhibit 25.2
securities and exchange commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) ☐
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)
91-1821036
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
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800 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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55402
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Shannon Matthews
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
100 Wall Street, Suite 600
New York, NY 10005
(724) 494-1506
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
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Maryland
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04-3639825
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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11611 San Vincente Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90049
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90049
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Subordinated Debt Securities
(Title of the Indenture Securities)
FORM T-1
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Item 1.
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GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the
following information as to the Trustee.
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| a) |
Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
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Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, D.C.
| b) |
Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
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Yes
| Item 2. | AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation. |
None
| Items 3-15 |
Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee's knowledge, the obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.
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| Item 16. |
LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as
a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.
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| 1. | A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee, attached as Exhibit 1. |
| 2. | A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2. |
| 3. |
A copy of the authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, included as Exhibit 2.
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| 4. |
A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee, attached as Exhibit 4.
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| 5. |
A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.
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| 6. |
The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.
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| 7. |
Report of Condition of the Trustee as of September 30, 2025, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New York, State of New York on the 28th of February, 2026.
| By: | /s/ Shannon Matthews |
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| Shannon Matthews |
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Assistant Vice President |
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Exhibit 1
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
U. S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
For the purpose of organizing an association (the “Association”) to perform any lawful activities of national banks, the undersigned enter into the following Articles of Association:
FIRST. The title of this Association shall be U. S. Bank Trust Company, National Association.
SECOND. The main office of the Association shall be in the city of Portland, county of Multnomah, state of
Oregon. The business of the Association will be limited to fiduciary powers and the support of activities incidental to the exercise of those powers. The Association may not expand or alter its business beyond that stated in this article
without the prior approval of the Comptroller of the Currency.
THIRD. The board of directors of the Association shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five
persons, the exact number to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Each director shall own
common or preferred stock of the Association or of a holding company owning the Association, with an aggregate par, fair market, or equity value of not less than $1,000, as of either (i) the date of purchase, (ii) the date the person became a
director, or (iii) the date of that person's most recent election to the board of directors, whichever is more recent. Any combination of common or preferred stock of the Association or holding company may be used.
Any vacancy in the board of directors may be filled by action of a majority of the remaining directors between meetings of shareholders. The board of directors may increase the number of directors up to the maximum
permitted by law. Terms of directors, including directors selected to fill vacancies, shall expire at the next regular meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected, unless the directors resign or are removed from office. Despite the
expiration of a director's term, the director shall continue to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until there is a decrease in the number of directors and his or her position is eliminated.
Honorary or advisory members of the board of directors, without voting power or power of final decision in matters concerning the business of the Association, may be appointed by resolution of a majority of the full
board of directors, or by resolution of shareholders at any annual or special meeting. Honorary or advisory directors shall not be counted to determined the number of directors of the Association or the presence of a quorum in connection with any
board action, and shall not be required to own qualifying shares.
-1-
FOURTH. There shall be an annual meeting of the shareholders to elect directors and transact whatever other business may be brought before the meeting. It shall be held at
the main office or any other convenient place the board of directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefor in the Bylaws, or if that day falls on a legal holiday in the state in which the Association is located, on the next
following banking day. If no election is held on the day fixed or in the event of a legal holiday on the following banking day, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the day fixed, to be designated by the board of
directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the day, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares issued and outstanding. In all cases, at least 10 days’ advance notice of the meeting shall be given to the shareholders by first-class mail.
In all elections of directors, the number of votes each common shareholder may cast will be determined by multiplying the number of shares he or she owns by the number of directors to be elected. Those votes may be
cumulated and cast for a single candidate or may be distributed among two or more candidates in the manner selected by the shareholder. On all other questions, each common shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by
him or her.
A director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the board of directors, its chairperson, or to the Association, which resignation shall be effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice
specifies a later effective date.
A director may be removed by the shareholders at a meeting called to remove him or her, when notice of the meeting stating that the purpose or one of the purposes is to remove him or her is provided, if there is a
failure to fulfill one of the affirmative requirements for qualification, or for cause; provided, however, that a director may not be removed if the number of votes sufficient to elect him or her under cumulative voting is voted against his or
her removal.
FIFTH. The authorized amount of capital stock of the Association shall be 1,000,000 shares of common stock of
the par value of ten dollars ($10) each; but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, according to the provisions of the laws of the United States. The Association shall have only one class of capital stock.
No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall have any preemptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any class of stock of the Association, whether now or
hereafter authorized, or to any obligations convertible into stock of the Association, issued, or sold, nor any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time
determine and at such price as the board of directors may from time to time fix.
Transfers of the Association's stock are subject to the prior written approval of a federal depository institution regulatory agency. If no other agency approval is required, the approval of the Comptroller of the
Currency must be obtained prior to any such transfers.
Unless otherwise specified in the Articles of Association or required by law, (1) all matters requiring shareholder action, including amendments to the Articles of Association must be approved by shareholders owning
a majority voting interest in the outstanding voting stock, and
(2) each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote per share.
-2-
Unless otherwise specified in the Articles of Association or required by law, all shares of voting stock shall be voted together as a class, on any matters requiring shareholder approval.
Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting is the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or
otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 70 days before the meeting.
The Association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt obligations, whether subordinated, without the approval of the shareholders. Obligations classified as debt, whether subordinated,
which may be issued by the Association without the approval of shareholders, do not carry voting rights on any issue, including an increase or decrease in the aggregate number of the securities, or the exchange or reclassification of all or part of
securities into securities of another class or series.
SIXTH. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of this Association and one of its
members chairperson of the board and shall have the power to appoint one or more vice presidents, a secretary who shall keep minutes of the directors' and shareholders' meetings and be responsible for authenticating the records of the
Association, and such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this Association. A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the board of directors in
accordance with the Bylaws.
The board of directors shall have the power to:
| (1) |
Define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents of the Association.
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| (2) |
Delegate the performance of its duties, but not the responsibility for its duties, to the officers, employees, and agents of the Association.
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| (3) |
Fix the compensation and enter employment contracts with its officers and employees upon reasonable terms and conditions consistent with applicable law.
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| (4) |
Dismiss officers and employees.
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| (5) |
Require bonds from officers and employees and to fix the penalty thereof.
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| (6) |
Ratify written policies authorized by the Association's management or committees of the board.
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| (7) |
Regulate the manner any increase or decrease of the capital of the Association shall be made; provided that nothing herein shall restrict the power of shareholders to increase or decrease the capital of the Association in accordance with
law, and nothing shall raise or lower from two-thirds the percentage required for shareholder approval to increase or reduce the capital.
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-3-
| (8) |
Manage and administer the business and affairs of the Association.
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| (9) |
Adopt initial Bylaws, not inconsistent with law or the Articles of Association, for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the Association.
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| (10) |
Amend or repeal Bylaws, except to the extent that the Articles of Association reserve this power in whole or in part to the shareholders.
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| (11) |
Make contracts.
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| (12) |
Generally perform all acts that are legal for a board of directors to perform.
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SEVENTH. The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of the main office to any
authorized branch within the limits of the city of Portland, Oregon, without the approval of the shareholders, or with a vote of shareholders owning two-thirds of the stock of the Association for a location outside such limits and upon receipt
of a certificate of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency, to any other location within or outside the limits of the city of Portland, Oregon, but not more than thirty miles beyond such limits. The board of directors shall have the power
to establish or change the location of any office or offices of the Association to any other location permitted under applicable law, without approval of shareholders, subject to approval by the Comptroller of the Currency.
EIGHTH. The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until termination according to the laws of
the United States.
NINTH. The board of directors of the Association, or any shareholder owning, in the aggregate, not less than
25 percent of the stock of the Association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the Bylaws or the laws of the United States, or waived by shareholders, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of
every annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least 10, and no more than 60, days prior to the date of the meeting to each shareholder of record at his/her address as shown
upon the books of the Association. Unless otherwise provided by the Bylaws, any action requiring approval of shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting.
TENTH. These Articles of Association may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the holders of such greater amount; provided,
that the scope of the Association's activities and services may not be expanded without the prior written approval of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Association's board of directors may propose one or more amendments to the Articles of
Association for submission to the shareholders.
-4-
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 11th of June, 1997.
| /s/ Jeffrey T. Grubb |
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Jeffrey T. Grubb
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/s/ Robert D. Sznewajs
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Robert D. Sznewajs
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/s/ Dwight V. Board
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Dwight V. Board
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/s/ P. K. Chatterjee
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P. K. Chatterjee
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/s/ Robert Lane
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Robert Lane
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Exhibit 2
Exhibit 4
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
Meetings of Shareholders
Section 1.1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the shareholders, for the election of directors and the transaction of any other proper business, shall be held at a time and place as the
Chairman or President may designate. Notice of such meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days or more than sixty (60) days prior to the date thereof, to each shareholder of the Association, unless the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency (the “OCC”) determines that an emergency circumstance exists. In accordance with applicable law, the sole shareholder of the Association is permitted to waive notice of the meeting. If, for any reason, an election of directors is not made
on the designated day, the election shall be held on some subsequent day, as soon thereafter as practicable, with prior notice thereof. Failure to hold an annual meeting as required by these Bylaws shall not affect the validity of any corporate
action or work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association.
Section 1.2. Special Meetings. Except as otherwise specially provided by law, special meetings of the shareholders may be called for any purpose, at any time by a majority of the board of
directors (the “Board”), or by any shareholder or group of shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding stock.
Every such special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be called upon not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days prior notice stating the purpose of the meeting.
Section 1.3. Nominations for Directors. Nominations for election to the Board may be made by the Board or by any shareholder.
Section 1.4. Proxies. Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly authorized in writing. Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting and any adjournments of
such meeting and shall be filed with the records of the meeting.
Section 1.5. Record Date. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at any meeting will be thirty days before the date of such meeting, unless otherwise
determined by the Board.
Section 1.6. Quorum and Voting. A majority of the outstanding capital stock, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, unless otherwise
provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question or matter submitted to the shareholders at
any meeting, unless otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of Association.
Section 1.7. Inspectors. The Board may, and in the event of its failure so to do, the Chairman of the Board may appoint Inspectors of Election who shall determine the presence of quorum,
the validity of proxies, and the results of all elections and all other matters voted upon by shareholders at all annual and special meetings of shareholders.
Section 1.8. Waiver and Consent. The shareholders may act without notice or a meeting by a unanimous written consent by all shareholders.
Section 1.9. Remote Meetings. The Board shall have the right to determine that a shareholder meeting not be held at a place, but instead be held solely by means of remote communication in
the manner and to the extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE II
Directors
Section 2.1. Board of Directors. The Board shall have the power to manage and administer the business and affairs of the Association. Except as expressly limited by law, all corporate
powers of the Association shall be vested in and may be exercised by the Board.
Section 2.2. Term of Office. The directors of this Association shall hold office for one year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation
or removal.
Section 2.3. Powers. In addition to the foregoing, the Board shall have and may exercise all of the powers granted to or conferred upon it by the Articles of Association, the Bylaws and by
law.
Section 2.4. Number. As provided in the Articles of Association, the Board of this Association shall consist of no less than five nor more than twenty-five members, unless the OCC has
exempted the Association from the twenty-five-member limit. The Board shall consist of a number of members to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of the Board or the shareholders at any meeting thereof, in accordance with the
Articles of Association. Between meetings of the shareholders held for the purpose of electing directors, the Board by a majority vote of the full Board may increase the size of the Board but not to more than a total of twenty-five directors, and
fill any vacancy so created in the Board; provided that the Board may increase the number of directors only by up to two directors, when the number of directors last elected by shareholders was fifteen or fewer, and by up to four directors, when
the number of directors last elected by shareholders was sixteen or more. Each director shall own a qualifying equity interest in the Association or a company that has control of the Association in each case as required by applicable law. Each
director shall own such qualifying equity interest in his or her own right and meet any minimum threshold ownership required by applicable law.
Section 2.5. Organization Meeting. The newly elected Board shall meet for the purpose of organizing the new Board and electing and appointing such officers of the Association as may be
appropriate. Such meeting shall be held on the day of the election or as soon thereafter as practicable, and, in any event, within thirty days thereafter, at such time and place as the Chairman or President may designate. If, at the time fixed for
such meeting, there shall not be a quorum present, the directors present may adjourn the meeting until a quorum is obtained.
Section 2.6. Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the Board shall be held, without notice, as the Chairman or President may designate and deem suitable.
Section 2.7. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time, at any place and for any purpose by the Chairman of the Board or the President of the Association, or
upon the request of a majority of the entire Board. Notice of every special meeting of the Board shall be given to the directors at their usual places of business, or at such other addresses as shall have been furnished by them for the purpose.
Such notice shall be given at least twelve hours (three hours if meeting is to be conducted by conference telephone) before the meeting by telephone or by being personally delivered, mailed, or electronically delivered. Such notice need not include
a statement of the business to be transacted at, or the purpose of, any such meeting.
Section 2.8. Quorum and Necessary Vote. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board, except when otherwise provided by law; but less than a quorum may
adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. Unless otherwise provided by law or the Articles or Bylaws of this Association, once a quorum is established, any act by a majority of those
directors present and voting shall be the act of the Board.
Section 2.9. Written Consent. Except as otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations, the Board may act without a meeting by a unanimous written consent by all directors, to be
filed with the Secretary of the Association as part of the corporate records.
Section 2.10. Remote Meetings. Members of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of conference telephone, video or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 2.11. Vacancies. When any vacancy occurs among the directors, the remaining members of the Board may appoint a director to fill such vacancy at any regular meeting of the Board, or
at a special meeting called for that purpose.
ARTICLE III
Committees
Section 3.1. Advisory Board of Directors. The Board may appoint persons, who need not be directors, to serve as advisory directors on an advisory board of directors established with respect
to the business affairs of either this Association alone or the business affairs of a group of affiliated organizations of which this Association is one. Advisory directors shall have such powers and duties as may be determined by the Board,
provided, that the Board's responsibility for the business and affairs of this Association shall in no respect be delegated or diminished.
Section 3.2. Trust Audit Committee. At least once during each calendar year, the Association shall arrange for a suitable audit (by internal or external auditors) of all significant
fiduciary activities under the direction of its trust audit committee, a function that will be fulfilled by the Audit Committee of the financial holding company that is the ultimate parent of this Association. The Association shall note the results
of the audit (including significant actions taken as a result of the audit) in the minutes of the Board. In lieu of annual audits, the Association may adopt a continuous audit system in accordance with 12 C.F.R. § 9.9(b).
The Audit Committee of the financial holding company that is the ultimate parent of this Association, fulfilling the function of the trust audit committee:
(1) Must not include any officers of the Association or an affiliate who participate significantly in the administration of the Association’s fiduciary activities; and
(2) Must consist of a majority of members who are not also members of any committee to which the Board has delegated power to manage and control the fiduciary activities of the Association.
Section 3.3. Executive Committee. The Board may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of at least three directors and which shall have, and may exercise, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, all the powers of the Board between meetings of the Board or otherwise when the Board is not meeting.
Section 3.4. Trust Management Committee. The Board of this Association shall appoint a Trust Management Committee to provide oversight of the fiduciary activities of the Association. The
Trust Management Committee shall determine policies governing fiduciary activities. The Trust Management Committee or such sub-committees, officers or others as may be duly designated by the Trust Management Committee shall oversee the processes
related to fiduciary activities to assure conformity with fiduciary policies it establishes, including ratifying the acceptance and the closing out or relinquishment of all trusts. The Trust Management Committee will provide regular reports of its
activities to the Board.
Section 3.5. Other Committees. The Board may appoint, from time to time, committees of one or more persons who need not be directors, for such purposes and with such powers as the Board
may determine; however, the Board will not delegate to any committee any powers or responsibilities that it is prohibited from delegating under any law or regulation. In addition, either the Chairman or the President may appoint, from time to time,
committees of one or more officers, employees, agents or other persons, for such purposes and with such powers as either the Chairman or the President deems appropriate and proper. Whether appointed by the Board, the Chairman, or the President, any
such committee shall at all times be subject to the direction and control of the Board.
Section 3.6. Meetings, Minutes and Rules. An advisory board of directors and/or committee shall meet as necessary in consideration of the purpose of the advisory board of directors or
committee, and shall maintain minutes in sufficient detail to indicate actions taken or recommendations made; unless required by the members, discussions, votes or other specific details need not be reported. An advisory board of directors or a
committee may, in consideration of its purpose, adopt its own rules for the exercise of any of its functions or authority.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 4.1. Who Shall Constitute. The Officers of the Association shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary, and other officers such as Vice Chair, Executive Vice
Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Trust Officers, Assistant Trust Officers, Controller, and Assistant Controller, as the Board may appoint from time to time. The Board may appoint
or elect a person as a Vice Chair without regard to whether such person is a member of the Board. The Board may choose to delegate authority to elect officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary, Vice Chairs and Senior
Executive Vice Presidents, to the President. Any person may hold two offices. The President shall at all times be a member of the Board of Directors.
Section 4.2. Term of Office. All officers shall be elected for and shall hold office until their respective successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation,
retirement, disqualification or removal from office, subject to the right of the Board of Directors in its sole discretion to discharge any officer at any time. The Board may choose to delegate authority to remove officers other than the Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary, Vice Chair and Senior Executive Vice Presidents, to the President.
Section 4.3. Chairman of the Board. The Board may appoint one of its members to be Chairman of the Board to serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Chairman shall supervise the carrying out
of the policies adopted or approved by the Board; shall have general executive powers, as well as the specific powers conferred by these Bylaws; and shall also have and may exercise such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon
or assigned by the Board.
Section 4.4. President. The Board may appoint one of its members to be President of the Association. In the absence of the Chairman, the President shall preside at any meeting of the Board.
The President shall have general executive powers, and shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation or practice, to the office of President, or imposed by these Bylaws. The President shall also have
and may exercise such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred or assigned by the Board.
Section 4.5. Vice President. The Board may appoint one or more Vice Presidents who shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned by the Board and to perform the duties of the
President on those occasions when the President is absent, including presiding at any meeting of the Board in the absence of both the Chairman and President.
Section 4.6. Secretary. The Board shall appoint a Secretary, or other designated officer who shall be Secretary of the Board and of the Association, and shall keep accurate minutes of all
meetings. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of all notices required by these Bylaws to be given; shall be custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the Association; shall provide for the keeping of proper records of
all transactions of the Association; shall, upon request, authenticate any records of the Association; shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation or practice, to the Secretary, or imposed by these
Bylaws; and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board. The Board may appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries with such powers and duties as the Board, the President or the Secretary shall from time to
time determine.
Section 4.7. Other Officers. The Board may appoint, and may authorize the Chairman, the President or any other officer to appoint, any officer as from time to time may appear to the Board,
the Chairman, the President or such other officer to be required or desirable to transact the business of the Association. Such officers shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as pertain to their several offices, or as may be conferred
upon or assigned to them by these Bylaws, the Board, the Chairman, the President or such other authorized officer. Any person may hold two offices.
ARTICLE V
Stock
Section 5.1. The Board may authorize the issuance of stock either in certificated or in uncertificated form. Certificates for shares of stock shall be in such form as the Board may from time to
time prescribe. If the Board issues certificated stock, the certificate shall be signed by the President, Secretary or any other such officer as the Board so determines. Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the Association, and a
transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded. Every person becoming a shareholder by such transfer shall, in proportion to such person's shares, succeed to all rights of the prior holder of such shares. Each
certificate of stock shall recite on its face that the stock represented thereby is transferable only upon the books of the Association properly endorsed. The Board may impose conditions upon the transfer of the stock reasonably calculated to
simplify the work of the Association for stock transfers, voting at shareholder meetings, and related matters, and to protect it against fraudulent transfers.
ARTICLE VI
Corporate Seal
Section 6.1. The Association shall have no corporate seal; provided, however, that if the use of a seal is required by, or is otherwise convenient or advisable pursuant to, the laws or regulations
of any jurisdiction, the following seal may be used, and the Chairman, the President, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary shall have the authority to affix such seal:
ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 7.1. Execution of Instruments. All agreements, checks, drafts, orders, indentures, notes, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, endorsements, assignments, certificates,
declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, guarantees, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, countersigned, executed, acknowledged,
endorsed, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the Association, whether in a fiduciary capacity or otherwise, by any officer of the Association, or such employee or agent as may be designated from time to time by the Board by resolution, or
by the Chairman or the President by written instrument, which resolution or instrument shall be certified as in effect by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Association. The provisions of this section are supplementary to any other
provision of the Articles of Association or Bylaws.
Section 7.2. Records. The Articles of Association, the Bylaws as revised or amended from time to time and the proceedings of all meetings of the shareholders, the Board, and standing
committees of the Board, shall be recorded in appropriate minute books provided for the purpose. The minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the Secretary, or other officer appointed to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 7.3. Trust Files. There shall be maintained in the Association files all fiduciary records necessary to assure that its fiduciary responsibilities have been properly undertaken and
discharged.
Section 7.4. Trust Investments. Funds held in a fiduciary capacity shall be invested according to the instrument establishing the fiduciary relationship and according to law. Where such
instrument does not specify the character and class of investments to be made and does not vest in the Association a discretion in the matter, funds held pursuant to such instrument shall be invested in investments in which corporate fiduciaries
may invest under law.
Section 7.5. Notice. Whenever notice is required by the Articles of Association, the Bylaws or law, such notice shall be by mail, postage prepaid, e-mail, in person, or by any other means
by which such notice can reasonably be expected to be received, using the address of the person to receive such notice, or such other personal data, as may appear on the records of the Association.
Except where specified otherwise in these Bylaws, prior notice shall be proper if given not more than 30 days nor less than 10 days prior to the event for which notice is given.
ARTICLE VIII
Indemnification
Section 8.1. The Association shall indemnify such persons for such liabilities in such manner under such circumstances and to such extent as permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, as now enacted or hereafter amended. The Board may authorize the purchase and maintenance of insurance and/or the execution of individual agreements for the purpose of such indemnification, and the Association shall advance all
reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending any action, suit or proceeding to all persons entitled to indemnification under this Section 8.1. Such insurance shall be consistent with the requirements of 12 C.F.R.
§ 7.2014 and shall exclude coverage of liability for a formal order assessing civil money penalties against an institution-affiliated party, as defined at 12 U.S.C. § 1813(u).
Section 8.2. Notwithstanding Section 8.1, however, (a) any indemnification payments to an institution-affiliated party, as defined at 12 U.S.C. § 1813(u), for an administrative proceeding or civil
action initiated by a federal banking agency, shall be reasonable and consistent with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) and the implementing regulations thereunder; and (b) any indemnification payments and advancement of costs and expenses to
an institution-affiliated party, as defined at 12 U.S.C. § 1813(u), in cases involving an administrative proceeding or civil action not initiated by a federal banking agency, shall be in accordance with Delaware General Corporation Law and
consistent with safe and sound banking practices.
ARTICLE IX
Bylaws: Interpretation and Amendment
Section 9.1. These Bylaws shall be interpreted in accordance with and subject to appropriate provisions of law, and may be added to, altered, amended, or repealed, at any regular or special meeting
of the Board.
Section 9.2. A copy of the Bylaws and all amendments shall at all times be kept in a convenient place at the principal office of the Association, and shall be open for inspection to all
shareholders during Association hours.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 10.1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on the first day of January in each year and shall end on the thirty-first day of December following.
Section 10.2. Governing Law. This Association designates the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time, as the governing law for its corporate governance procedures, to
the extent not inconsistent with Federal banking statutes and regulations or bank safety and soundness.
***
(November 6, 2025)
Exhibit 6
CONSENT
In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned
by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
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Dated: February 25, 2026
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By: | /s/ Shannon Matthews | |
| Shannon Matthews | |||
| Assistant Vice President | |||
Exhibit 7
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
Statement of Financial Condition
as of 12/31/2025
($000’s)
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12/31/2025
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||||
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Assets
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||||
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Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions
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$
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2,035,855
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||
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Securities
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4,696
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|||
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Federal Funds
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0
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|||
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Loans & Lease Financing Receivables
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0
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|||
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Fixed Assets
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623
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|||
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Intangible Assets
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574,084
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|||
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Other Assets
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173,370
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|||
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Total Assets
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$
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2,788,628
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Liabilities
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||||
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Deposits
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$
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0
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||
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Fed Funds
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0
|
|||
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Treasury Demand Notes
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0
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|||
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Trading Liabilities
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0
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|||
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Other Borrowed Money
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0
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|||
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Acceptances
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0
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|||
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Subordinated Notes and Debentures
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0
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|||
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Other Liabilities
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237,596
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|||
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Total Liabilities
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$
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237,596
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||
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Equity
|
||||
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Common and Preferred Stock
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200
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|||
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Surplus
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1,171,635
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|||
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Undivided Profits
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1,379,197
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|||
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Minority Interest in Subsidiaries
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0
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|||
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Total Equity Capital
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$
|
2,551,032
|
||
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Total Liabilities and Equity Capital
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$
|
2,788,628
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