Risk Factors Dashboard

Once a year, publicly traded companies issue a comprehensive report of their business, called a 10-K. A component mandated in the 10-K is the ‘Risk Factors’ section, where companies disclose any major potential risks that they may face. This dashboard highlights all major changes and additions in new 10K reports, allowing investors to quickly identify new potential risks and opportunities.

Risk Factors - HTH

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$HTH Risk Factor changes from 00/02/15/22/2022 to 00/02/14/25/2025

Item 1A. Risk Factors.​The following discussion sets forth what management currently believes could be the material regulatory, market and economic, liquidity, legal and business and operational risks and uncertainties that could impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Other risks and uncertainties, including those not currently known to us, could also negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Thus, the following should not be considered a complete discussion of all of the risks and uncertainties we may face, and the order of their respective significance may change. Below is a summary of our material risk factors with a more detailed discussion following. Below is a summary of our risk factors with a more detailed discussion following. ​●Our allowances for credit losses for loans and debt securities may prove inadequate, or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures.​Our allowances for credit losses for loans and debt securities may prove inadequate or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures. Also, future additions to our allowance for credit losses will reduce our future earnings. ●Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as bank failures or concerns involving liquidity, may have a material effect on the Company’s operations.●Our operational systems and networks have been, and will continue to be, subject to an increasing risk of continually evolving cybersecurity or other technological risks, which could result in a loss of customer business, financial liability, regulatory penalties, damage to our reputation or the disclosure of confidential information. ●Our banking segment is subject to risk arising from conditions in the commercial real estate market and may be adversely affected by weaknesses in the commercial real estate market.●Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by unpredictable economic, market and business conditions.●Our business is subject to interest rate risk, and fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings, capital levels and overall results.●Inflationary pressures and rising prices may affect our results of operations and financial condition.●Our mortgage origination business is subject to fluctuations based upon seasonal and other factors and, as a result, our results of operations for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.●The financial services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, and if we fail to keep pace, our business may suffer. ●The financial services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, and if we fail to keep pace, our business may suffer. ●We are heavily reliant on technology, and a failure to effectively implement new technological solutions or enhancements to existing systems or platforms could adversely affect our business operations and the financial results of our operations. ●Our geographic concentration may magnify the adverse effects and consequences of any regional or local economic downturn.●An adverse change in real estate market values may result in losses in our banking segment and otherwise adversely affect our profitability.●Our risk management processes may not fully identify and mitigate exposure to the various risks that we face, including interest rate, credit, liquidity and market risk.●Our hedging strategies may not be successful in mitigating our exposure to interest rate risk.●Our bank lending, margin lending, stock lending, securities trading and execution and mortgage purchase businesses are all subject to credit risk.●We depend on our computer and communications systems and an interruption in service would negatively affect our business.●Climate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.●Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers. 28 Table of Contents●We are heavily dependent on dividends from our subsidiaries.●We are subject to extensive supervision and regulation that could restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business and limit our ability to generate income.●We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements in the future.●Our broker-dealer business is subject to various risks associated with the securities industry.●Market fluctuations could adversely impact our broker-dealer business.●Our investment advisory business may be affected if our investment products perform poorly.●Our existing correspondents may choose to perform their own clearing services or move their clearing business to one of our competitors or exit the business.●Several of our broker-dealer segment’s product lines rely on favorable tax treatment, and changes in federal tax law could impact the attractiveness of these products to our customers.●Our mortgage origination segment is subject to investment risk on loans that it originates.●If we fail to develop, implement and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting in future periods may be adversely affected.●We ultimately may write-off goodwill and other intangible assets resulting from business combinations.●The value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio fluctuates due to changes in interest rates, which may increase the volatility of our earnings.●Changes in interest rates may change the value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio, which may increase the volatility of our earnings. ●The accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if we are exposed to actual conditions different from the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting estimates.●We are dependent on our management team, and the loss of our senior executive officers or other key employees could impair our relationship with customers and adversely affect our business and financial results.●We are subject to losses due to fraudulent and negligent acts. ●Negative publicity regarding us, or financial institutions in general, could damage our reputation and adversely impact our business and results of operations.●We are subject to legal claims and litigation, including potential securities law liabilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.●Our indebtedness may affect our ability to operate our business, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness.●We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the Subordinated Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful.●We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful. ●A reduction in our credit rating could adversely affect us or the holders of our securities.●The indentures governing the Subordinated Notes contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.●The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business. ●The CFPB has issued “ability-to-repay” and “qualified mortgage” rules that may have a negative impact on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. ​29 Table of ContentsRisks Related to our Business​Our allowances for credit losses for loans and debt securities may prove inadequate or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures. Also, future additions to our allowance for credit losses will reduce our future earnings. ​As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that we could sustain losses because our borrowers may not repay their loans in accordance with the terms of their loans. We maintain allowances for credit losses for loans and debt securities to provide for defaults and nonperformance, which represent an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual lives of the loan and debt security portfolios. This estimate is the result of our continuing evaluation of specific credit risks and loss experience, current loan and debt security portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions, industry concentrations, reasonable and supportable forecasts for future conditions and other factors that may indicate losses. The determination of the appropriate levels of the allowances for loan and debt security credit losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and requires us to make estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Generally, our nonperforming loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”) reflect operating difficulties of individual borrowers and weaknesses in the economies of the markets we serve.​Under the acquisition method of accounting requirements, we were required to estimate the fair value of the loan portfolios acquired in each of the PlainsCapital Merger, the FDIC-assisted transaction (the “FNB Transaction”) whereby the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of FNB, the acquisition of SWS Group, Inc.​Under the acquisition method of accounting requirements, we were required to estimate the fair value of the loan portfolios acquired in each of the PlainsCapital Merger, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) -assisted transaction (the “FNB Transaction”) whereby the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of FNB, the acquisition of SWS Group, Inc. in a stock and cash transaction (the “SWS Merger”) and the acquisition of The Bank of River Oaks (“BORO”) in an all-cash transaction (“BORO Acquisition,” and collectively with the PlainsCapital Merger, FNB Transaction and the SWS Merger, the “Bank Transactions”) as of the applicable acquisition date and write down the recorded value of each such acquired portfolio to the applicable estimate. For most loans, this process was accomplished by computing the net present value of estimated cash flows to be received from borrowers of such loans. The allowance for credit losses that had been maintained by PCC, FNB, SWS or BORO, as applicable, prior to their respective transactions, was eliminated in this accounting process. ​The estimates of fair value as of the consummation of each of the Bank Transactions were based on economic conditions at such time and on Bank management’s projections concerning both future economic conditions and the ability of the borrowers to continue to repay their loans. If management’s assumptions and projections prove to be incorrect, however, the estimate of fair value may be higher than the actual fair value and we may suffer losses in excess of those estimated. Further, the allowance for credit losses established for new loans may prove to be inadequate to cover actual losses, especially if economic conditions worsen.​While Bank management endeavors to estimate the allowance to cover anticipated losses over the lives of our loan and debt security portfolios, no underwriting and credit monitoring policies and procedures that we could adopt to address credit risk could provide complete assurance that we will not incur unexpected losses. These losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, federal regulators periodically evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs based on judgments different from those of Bank management. Any such increase in our provision for (reversal of) credit losses or additional loan charge-offs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.​Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as bank failures or concerns involving liquidity, may have a material effect on the Company’s operations.​Events in early 2023 relating to the failures of certain banking entities have caused general uncertainty and concern regarding the liquidity adequacy of the banking sector as a whole. Although we were not directly affected by these bank failures, the resulting speed and ease in which news, including social media commentary, led depositors to withdraw or attempt to withdraw their funds from these and other financial institutions as well as caused the stock prices of many financial institutions to become volatile. In the future, events such as these bank failures or negative news or the public perception thereof, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, either directly or through an adverse impact on certain of our customers. ​30 Table of ContentsIn response to these failures and the resulting market reaction, the Secretary of the Treasury approved actions enabling the FDIC to complete its resolutions of the failed banks in a manner that fully protects depositors by utilizing the Deposit Insurance Fund, including the use of Bridge Banks to assume all of the deposit obligations of the failed banks, while leaving unsecured lenders and equity holders of such institutions exposed to losses. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank announced it would make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions under a Bank Term Funding Program to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. In an effort to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors, regulators announced that any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law, which could increase the cost of our FDIC insurance assessments. However, it is uncertain whether these steps by the government will be sufficient to reduce the risk of additional bank failures in the future or resultant significant depositor withdrawals at other institutions. As a result of this uncertainty, we face the potential for reputational risk, deposit outflows, increased costs and competition for liquidity, and increased credit risk which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of this attack, we incurred costs to provide identity protections services, including credit monitoring, to customers who may have been impacted and other legal and professional services, and may also incur expenses in the future including legal and professional expenses and claims for damages. ​Our operational systems and networks have been, and will continue to be, subject to an increasing risk of continually evolving cybersecurity or other technological risks, which could result in a loss of customer business, financial liability, regulatory penalties, damage to our reputation or the disclosure of confidential information. ​We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business and maintain the security of confidential information and complex transactions, which subjects us to an increasing risk of cyber incidents and threats of cyber attacks from these activities due to a combination of new technologies and the increasing use of the Internet to conduct financial transactions, including the usage of artificial intelligence and automation, as well as a potential failure, interruption or breach in the security of these systems, including those that could result from attacks or planned changes, upgrades and maintenance of these systems. ​We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business and maintain the security of confidential information and complex transactions, which subjects us to an increasing risk of cyber incidents from these activities due to a combination of new technologies and the increasing use of the Internet to conduct financial transactions, as well as a potential failure, interruption or breach in the security of these systems, including those that could result from attacks or planned changes, upgrades and maintenance of these systems. Such cyber incidents could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, securities trading, general ledger, deposits, computer systems, electronic underwriting servicing or loan origination systems; or unauthorized disclosure of confidential and non-public information maintained within our systems. We also utilize relationships with third parties to aid in a significant portion of our information systems, communications, data management and transaction processing. These third parties with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risks, including operational errors, system interruptions or breaches, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and misuse of intellectual property, and have experienced cyber attacks. Evolving technologies and the increased use of artificial intelligence and automation by third parties further increase the risk of cyber attacks and threats of cyber attacks against us or those third parties that we depend upon. If our third-party service providers encounter any of these issues, we could be exposed to disruption of service, reputation damages, and litigation risk, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.​During the second quarter in 2023, a third-party vendor of the Bank confirmed that data specific to the Bank’s customers was likely obtained in a security incident targeting the vendor’s instance of the MOVEit Transfer Application. As a result of this, an unauthorized party likely obtained information in the vendor’s possession about substantially all of the Bank’s customers, including social security numbers and account numbers. Hilltop Securities was notified by the same vendor that certain of its data was also likely obtained in the incident; however, based on the review conducted to date, we do not have indication that protected or confidential information was present within the information obtained related to Hilltop Securities. Given the widespread use of the MOVEit Transfer Application, additional vendors of ours may have been impacted. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, expenses related to this incident, and we remain subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of the incident, including litigation and additional regulatory scrutiny.​The continued occurrence of cybersecurity incidents and threats thereof across a range of industries has resulted in increased legislative and regulatory scrutiny over cybersecurity and calls for additional data privacy laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels.​The recent occurrence of cybersecurity incidents across a range of industries has resulted in increased legislative and regulatory scrutiny over cybersecurity and calls for additional data privacy laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels. For example, in 2018, the State of California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) in 2023, which imposes requirements on companies operating in California and provides consumers with a private right of action if covered companies suffer a data breach related to their failure to implement reasonable security measures. For example, in 2018, the State of California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which imposes requirements on companies operating in California and provides consumers with a private right of action if covered companies suffer a data breach related to their failure to implement reasonable security measures. Other state privacy laws with similarities to the CCPA/CPRA, such as the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, the Colorado Privacy Act, the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, the Oregon Consumer Data Privacy Act, the Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act, the Utah Consumer Privacy Act, the Virginia Consumer Data Privacy Act, came into force in 2023 and 2024. Iowa, Indiana, 31 Table of Contentsand Tennessee have each recently passed their own general consumer privacy laws, which are expected to come into force later in 2025 and 2026, and there have been ongoing discussions and proposals in the U.S. Congress with respect to new federal data privacy and security laws to which we would become subject if enacted. ​These upcoming and evolving laws and regulations could result in increased operating expenses or increase our exposure to the risk of litigation or regulatory inquiries or proceedings. ​Although we devote significant resources to maintain and regularly upgrade our systems and networks to safeguard critical business applications, there is no guarantee that these measures or any other measures can provide absolute security. Our computer systems, software and networks may be adversely affected by cyber incidents such as unauthorized access; loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information); account takeovers; unavailability of service; computer viruses or other malicious code; cyber attacks; and other events. In addition, our protective measures may not promptly detect intrusions, and we may experience losses or incur costs or other damage related to intrusions that go undetected or go undetected for significant periods of time, at levels that adversely affect our financial results or reputation. Further, because the methods used to cause cyber attacks change frequently, or in some cases cannot be recognized until launched, we may be unable to implement preventative measures or proactively address these methods until they are discovered. Cyber threats may derive from human error, fraud or malice on the part of employees or third parties, or may result from accidental technological failure. For example, during the second quarter of 2018, we became the victim of a “spear phishing” attack on one of our employees in which we suffered a $4.0 million wire fraud loss and sensitive customer information was stolen. As a result of this attack, we incurred costs to provide identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to customers who may have been impacted and other legal and professional services, and may also incur expenses in the future including legal and professional expenses and claims for damages. As a result of this attack, we incurred costs to provide identity protections services, including credit monitoring, to customers who may have been impacted and other legal and professional services, and may also incur expenses in the future including legal and professional expenses and claims for damages. Additional challenges are posed by external extremist parties, including foreign state actors, in some circumstances, as a means to promote political ends. If one or more of these events occurs, it could result in the disclosure of confidential client or customer information, damage to our reputation with our clients, customers and the market, customer dissatisfaction, additional costs such as repairing systems or adding new personnel or protection technologies, regulatory penalties, fines, remediation costs, exposure to litigation and other financial losses to both us and our clients and customers. Such events could also cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations. We maintain cyber risk insurance, but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses from any future breaches of our systems. ​We continue to evaluate our cybersecurity program and will consider incorporating new practices as necessary to meet the expectations of regulatory agencies in light of such cybersecurity guidance and regulatory actions and settlements for cybersecurity-related failures and violations by other industry participants. Such procedures include management-level engagement and corporate governance, risk management and assessment, technical controls, incident response planning, vulnerability testing, vendor management, intrusion detection monitoring, patch management and staff training. Even if we implement these procedures, however, we cannot assure you that we will be fully protected from a cybersecurity incident, the occurrence of which could adversely affect our reputation and financial condition.​Our banking segment is subject to risk arising from conditions in the commercial real estate market and may be adversely affected by weaknesses in the commercial real estate market.​As of December 31, 2024, commercial real estate loans comprised approximately 40% of our banking segment’s loan portfolio. Commercial real estate loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than residential real estate loans because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy. Because payments on loans secured by commercial real estate often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties and the businesses which operate from within them, repayment of such loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy or changes in government regulations. A failure by the banking segment to have adequate risk management policies, procedures and controls could result in an increased rate of delinquencies in, and increased losses from, this portfolio, which, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of this attack, we incurred costs to provide identity protections services, including credit monitoring, to customers who may have been impacted and other legal and professional services, and may also incur expenses in the future including legal and professional expenses and claims for damages. ​32 Table of ContentsOur business and results of operations may be adversely affected by unpredictable economic, market and business conditions.​Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by unpredictable economic, market and business conditions. ​Our business and results of operations are affected by general economic, market and business conditions. The credit quality of our loan portfolio necessarily reflects, among other things, the general economic conditions in the areas in which we conduct our business. Our continued financial success depends to a degree on factors beyond our control, including:​●national and local economic conditions, such as the level and volatility of short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, home prices, unemployment and under-employment levels, energy prices, bankruptcies, household income and consumer spending;●the availability and cost of capital and credit;●incidence of customer fraud; and●federal, state and local laws affecting these matters.​The deterioration of any of these conditions, as we have experienced with past economic downturns, could adversely affect our consumer and commercial businesses and securities portfolios, our level of loan charge-offs and provision for credit losses, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, the investment portfolio of our insurance segment, our capital levels and liquidity, our securities underwriting business and our results of operations.​Several factors could pose risks to the financial services industry, including tightening monetary policies by central banks, rising energy prices, trade wars, restrictions and tariffs; slowing growth in emerging economies; geopolitical matters, including international political unrest, disturbances and conflicts; acts of war and terrorism; pandemics; changes in interest rates; regulatory uncertainty; continued infrastructure deterioration; low oil prices; disruptions in global or national supply chains; and natural disasters.​Several factors could pose risks to the financial services industry, including trade wars, restrictions and tariffs; slowing growth in emerging economies; geopolitical matters, including international political unrest, disturbances and conflicts; acts of war and terrorism; pandemics; changes in interest rates; regulatory uncertainty; continued infrastructure deterioration; low oil prices; disruptions in global or national supply chains; and natural disasters. Each of these factors may adversely affect our fees and costs.​Over the last several years, there have been several instances where there has been uncertainty regarding the ability of Congress and the President collectively to reach agreement on federal budgetary and spending matters. A period of failure to reach agreement on these matters, particularly if accompanied by an actual or threatened government shutdown, may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy. Additionally, a prolonged government shutdown may inhibit our ability to evaluate borrower creditworthiness and originate and sell certain government-backed loans.​Our business is subject to interest rate risk, and fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings, capital levels and overall results.​The majority of our assets are monetary in nature and, as a result, we are subject to significant risk from changes in interest rates. Between August 2019 and March 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board decreased its target range for the federal funds rate by 200 basis points, while between March 2022 and December 2023, it raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 525 basis points. Between September 2024 and December 2024, the Federal Reserve Board decreased its target range for the federal funds rate by 100 basis points and indicated that further changes may occur in 2025. Changes in interest rates have in the past and may continue to impact our net interest income in our banking segment in the future as well as the valuation of our assets and liabilities in each of our segments. Changes in interest rates may impact our net interest income in our banking segment as well as the valuation of our assets and liabilities in each of our segments. Earnings in our banking segment are significantly dependent on our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect to periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our banking segment’s assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this “gap” may work against us, and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. Given the potential for an adverse impact on our net interest income associated with interest rate cycle transitions, we periodically evaluate our current “gap” position and determine whether a repositioning of the banking segment’s balance sheet is appropriate. Asymmetrical changes in interest rates, such as if short-term rates increase or decrease at a faster rate than long-term rates, can affect the slope of the yield curve. A continued inversion of the yield curve, as measured by the difference between 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yields and 3-month yields, could adversely 33 Table of Contentsimpact the net interest income of our banking segment as the spread between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities becomes further compressed. Treasury bond yields and 3-month yields, could adversely impact the net interest income of our banking segment as the spread between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities becomes compressed. ​As of December 31, 2024, approximately 58% of our loans were advanced to our customers on a variable or adjustable-rate basis and approximately 42% of our loans were advanced to our customers on a fixed-rate basis.​As of December 31, 2021, approximately 56% of our loans were advanced to our customers on a variable or adjustable-rate basis and approximately 2% of our loans were advanced to our customers on a fixed-rate basis where we utilized derivative instruments to swap our economic exposure to a variable-rate basis. As a result, an increase in interest rates could result in increased loan defaults, foreclosures and charge-offs and could necessitate further increases to the allowance for credit losses, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Alternatively, a decrease in interest rates could negatively impact our margins and profitability. Certain of our variable rate loans only provide for resets of interest rates periodically, which can result in significant periods of time between resets in loan rates, which can negatively impact our margins and profitability. Further, a portion of our adjustable rate loans have interest rate floors at or above the loan's contractual interest rate. Further, a significant portion of our adjustable rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 10% of our total loans’ rates are floored, with most expected to reprice to the loan’s contractual rate at the next reset date. The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates, although this result is subject to the risks that borrowers may refinance these loans during periods of declining interest rates. Also, when loans are at their floors, there is a further risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.​If we need to offer higher interest rates on checking accounts to maintain current clients or attract new clients, our interest expense will increase, perhaps materially. Furthermore, if we fail to offer interest in a sufficient amount to keep these demand deposits, our core deposits may be reduced, which would require us to obtain funding in other ways or risk slowing our future asset growth.​An increase in the absolute level of interest rates may also, among other things, adversely affect the demand for loans and our ability to originate loans. In particular, if mortgage interest rates increase, the demand for residential mortgage loans and the refinancing of residential mortgage loans will likely decrease, which will have an adverse effect on our income generated from mortgage origination activities. Conversely, a decrease in the absolute level of interest rates, among other things, may lead to prepayments in our loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios as well as increased competition for deposits. Accordingly, changes in the general level of market interest rates may adversely affect our net yield on interest-earning assets, loan origination volume and our overall results.​Our broker-dealer segment holds securities, principally fixed-income bonds, to support sales, underwriting and other customer activities. If interest rates increase, the value of debt securities held in the broker-dealer segment’s inventory would decrease. Rapid or significant changes in interest rates could adversely affect the segment’s bond sales, trading and underwriting activities. Further, the profitability of our margin and stock lending businesses depends to a great extent on the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments of customer cash balances and the interest expense paid on customer cash balances and borrowings.​In addition, we hold securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in securities’ prepayment risk, increases in loan demand, general liquidity needs and other similar factors. Such securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at estimated fair value, which may fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. The effects of an increase in market interest rates may result in a decrease in the value of our available for sale investment portfolio.​Market interest rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, political factors, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.​Market interest rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. We may not be able to accurately predict the likelihood, nature and magnitude of such changes or how and to what extent such changes may affect our business. We also may not be able to adequately prepare for, or compensate for, the consequences of such changes. Any failure to predict and prepare for changes in interest rates, or adjust for the consequences of these changes, may adversely affect our earnings and capital levels and overall results of operations and financial condition.​34 Table of ContentsInflationary pressures and rising prices may affect our results of operations and financial condition.​Inflation rose sharply at the end of 2021 and continued rising into 2024 at elevated levels. While the rise in inflation has slowed during the latter half of 2024, inflationary pressures are still expected to remain elevated throughout 2025. Small to medium-sized businesses may be impacted more during periods of high inflation as they are not able to leverage economics of scale to mitigate cost pressures compared to larger businesses. Consequently, the ability of our business customers to repay their loans may deteriorate, and in some cases this deterioration may occur quickly, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Similarly, rising interest rates will negatively impact our mortgage business by making home mortgages more expensive for home buyers and by making mortgage refinancing transactions less likely, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition in PrimeLending. Furthermore, a prolonged period of inflation could cause wages and other costs to Hilltop and its subsidiaries to increase, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. This competition could result in the loss of customer deposits and brokerage accounts and lower mortgage originations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. ​Our mortgage origination business is subject to fluctuations based upon seasonal and other factors and, as a result, our results of operations for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.​Our mortgage origination business is subject to several variables that can impact loan origination volume, including seasonal and interest rate fluctuations. We typically experience increased loan origination volume from purchases of homes during the second and third calendar quarters, when more people tend to move and buy or sell homes. In addition, an increase in the general level of interest rates may, among other things, adversely affect the demand for mortgage loans and our ability to originate mortgage loans. In addition, an increase in the 33 Table of Contentsgeneral level of interest rates may, among other things, adversely affect the demand for mortgage loans and our ability to originate mortgage loans. In particular, if mortgage interest rates increase, the demand for residential mortgage loans and the refinancing of residential mortgage loans will likely decrease, which will have an adverse effect on our mortgage origination activities. Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates, among other things, may lead to increased competition for mortgage loan origination business. ​As a result of these variables, our results of operations for any single quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.​The financial services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, and if we fail to keep pace, our business may suffer. ●The financial services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, and if we fail to keep pace, our business may suffer. ​The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, including increased usage of artificial intelligence and automation.​The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively or timely implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers and clients. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry and avoid interruptions, errors and delays could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​We are heavily reliant on technology, and a failure to effectively implement new technological solutions or enhancements to existing systems or platforms could adversely affect our business operations and the financial results of our operations. ​Like most financial services companies, we significantly depend on technology to deliver our products and services and to otherwise conduct business. To remain technologically competitive and operationally efficient, we have either begun the significant investment in or have plans to invest in new technological solutions, substantial core system upgrades and other technology enhancements within each of our operating segments and corporate. Many of these solutions and enhancements have a significant duration, include phased implementation schedules, are tied to critical systems, and require substantial internal and external resources for design and implementation. Such external resources may be relied upon to provide expertise and support to help implement, maintain and/or service certain of our core technology solutions. ​Although we take steps to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with these solutions and initiatives, we may encounter significant adverse developments in the completion and implementation of these initiatives. These may include significant time delays, cost overruns, loss of key personnel, technological problems, processing failures, distraction of 35 Table of Contentsmanagement and other adverse developments. These may include significant time delays, cost overruns, loss of key personnel, technological problems, processing failures, distraction of management and other adverse developments. Further, our ability to maintain an adequate control environment may be impacted.​The ultimate effect of any adverse development could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could materially affect us, including our control environment, operating efficiency, and results of operations. ​The ultimate effect of any adverse development could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could materially affect us, including our control environment, operating efficiency, and results of operations. ​Our geographic concentration may magnify the adverse effects and consequences of any regional or local economic downturn.​We conduct our banking operations primarily in Texas. At December 31, 2024, an aggregate of 76% of the real estate loans in our loan portfolio, and included within the commercial real estate and 1-4 family residential portfolio segments, were secured by properties in Texas. Specifically, 28%, 17%, 8% and 5% of the real estate loans were secured by properties located within the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio markets, respectively. Substantially all of these loans are made to borrowers who live and conduct business in Texas. Accordingly, economic conditions in Texas have a significant impact on the ability of the Bank’s customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans, our ability to sell the collateral upon any foreclosure, and the stability of the Bank’s deposit funding sources. Further, low crude oil prices may have a more profound effect on the economy of energy-dominant states such as Texas. The Bank has loans extended to businesses that depend on the energy industry including those within the exploration and production, oilfield services, pipeline construction, distribution and transportation sectors. If crude oil prices were to be depressed for an extended period, the Bank could experience weaker energy loan demand and increased losses within its energy and Texas-related loan portfolios. If crude oil prices remain depressed for an extended period or decrease further, the Bank could experience weaker energy loan demand and increased losses within its energy and Texas-related loan portfolios. Moreover, natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Winter Storm Uri, in 2021 may also have an adverse impact on local economic conditions. Moreover, natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, may also have an adverse impact on local economic conditions. ​In addition, mortgage origination fee income is dependent to a significant degree on economic conditions in Texas and California. During 2024, 31. During 2021, 18. 5% and 7.6% and 11. 7% of our mortgage loans originated (by dollar volume) were collateralized by properties located in Texas and California, respectively. Also, in our broker-dealer segment, 76% of public finance services net revenues were from entities located in Texas, and 87% of retail brokerage service net revenues were generated through locations in Texas and California. Also, in our broker-dealer segment, 61% of public finance services net revenues were from entities located in Texas, and 88% of retail brokerage service revenues were generated through locations in Texas, California and Oklahoma. Any regional or local economic downturn that affects Texas or, to a lesser extent, California, whether caused by recession, inflation, unemployment, changing oil prices, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions or other factors, may affect us and our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our competitors that are less geographically concentrated, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Any regional or local economic downturn that affects Texas or, to a lesser extent, California or Oklahoma, whether caused by recession, inflation, unemployment, changing oil prices, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions or other factors, may affect us and our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our competitors that are less geographically concentrated, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. ​An adverse change in real estate market values may result in losses in our banking segment and otherwise adversely affect our profitability.​At December 31, 2024, 64% of the loan portfolio of our banking segment was comprised of loans with commercial or residential real estate as the primary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides a source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A decline in commercial or residential real estate values generally, and in Texas specifically, could impair the value of the collateral underlying a significant portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio and our ability to sell the collateral upon any foreclosure. In the event of a default with respect to any of these loans, the amounts we receive upon sale of the collateral may be insufficient to recover the outstanding principal and interest on the loan. As a result, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by a decrease in real estate market values.​Our risk management processes may not fully identify and mitigate exposure to the various risks that we face, including interest rate, credit, liquidity and market risk.​We continue to refine our risk management techniques, strategies and assessment methods on an ongoing basis. However, our risk management techniques and strategies (as well as those available to the market generally) may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all economic market environments or against all types of risk. For example, we might fail to identify or anticipate particular risks, or the systems that we use, and that are used within our business segments generally, may not be capable of identifying certain risks. Certain of our strategies for managing risk are based upon observed historical market behavior. We apply statistical and other tools to these observations to quantify 36 Table of Contentsour risk exposure. We apply statistical and other tools to these observations to quantify our risk exposure. Any failures in our risk management techniques and strategies to accurately identify and quantify our risk exposure could limit our ability to manage risks. In addition, any risk management failures could cause our losses to be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. Further, our quantified modeling does not take all risks into account. As a result, we also take a qualitative approach in reducing our risk, although our qualitative approach to managing those risks could also prove insufficient, exposing us to material unanticipated losses.​Our hedging strategies may not be successful in mitigating our exposure to interest rate risk.​We use derivative financial instruments, primarily consisting of interest rate swaps, to limit our exposure to interest rate risk within the banking and mortgage origination segments. No hedging strategy can completely protect us, and the derivative financial instruments we elect may not have the effect of reducing our interest rate risk. Poorly designed strategies, improperly executed and documented transactions, inaccurate assumptions or the failure of a counterparty to fulfill its obligations could actually increase our risks and losses. In addition, hedging strategies involve transaction and other costs. Our hedging strategies and the derivatives that we use may not adequately offset the risks of interest rate volatility and could result in or magnify losses, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.​Our bank lending, margin lending, stock lending, securities trading and execution and mortgage purchase businesses are all subject to credit risk.​We are exposed to credit risk in all areas of our business. The Bank is exposed to the risk that its loan customers may not repay their loans in accordance with their terms, the collateral securing the loans may be insufficient, or its credit loss reserve may be inadequate to fully compensate the Bank for the outstanding balance of the loan plus the costs to dispose of the collateral. Further, our mortgage warehousing activities subject us to credit risk during the period between funding by the Bank and when the mortgage company sells the loan to a secondary investor.​Our broker-dealer business is subject to credit risk if securities prices decline rapidly because the value of our collateral could fall below the amount of the indebtedness it secures. In rapidly appreciating markets, credit risk increases due to short positions. Our securities lending business as well as our securities trading and execution businesses subject us to credit risk if a counterparty fails to perform or if collateral securing its obligations is insufficient. In securities transactions, we are subject to credit risk during the period between the execution of a trade and the settlement by the customer.​Significant failures by our customers, including correspondents, or clients to honor their obligations, or increases in their rates of default, together with insufficient collateral and reserves, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​We depend on our computer and communications systems and an interruption in service would negatively affect our business.​Our businesses rely on electronic data processing and communications systems. The effective use of technology allows us to better serve customers and clients, increases efficiency and reduces costs. Our continued success will depend, in part, upon our ability to successfully maintain, secure and upgrade the capability of our systems, our ability to address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that satisfy their demands and our ability to retain skilled information technology employees. Significant malfunctions or failures of our computer systems, computer security, software or any other systems in the trading process (e.g., record retention and data processing functions performed by third parties, and third-party software, such as Internet browsers) could cause delays in customer trading activity., record retention and data processing functions performed by third parties, and third party software, such as Internet browsers) could cause delays in customer trading activity. Such delays could cause substantial losses for customers and could subject us to claims from customers for losses, including litigation claiming fraud or negligence. In addition, if our computer and communications systems fail to operate properly, regulations would restrict our ability to conduct business. Any such failure could prevent us from collecting funds relating to customer and client transactions, which would materially impact our cash flows. Any computer or communications system failure or decrease in computer system performance that causes interruptions in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​37 Table of ContentsClimate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.​Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers. ​Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led, and will continue to lead, to governmental efforts in the United States to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior as a result of these concerns. We and our customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations, as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. We and our customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon intensive activities. Within Texas, where our banking operations are primarily located and in which we have a significant presence for our broker-dealer and mortgage origination segments, a shift in the current state of the energy industry reflecting a transition from carbon intensive activities to low-carbon or “green” technologies and processes could have a more profound impact on our customers, consumer behavior and the economy. Among the impacts to us could be a drop in demand for our products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, we could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. Our efforts to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.​We are heavily dependent on dividends from our subsidiaries.​We are a financial holding company engaged in the business of managing, controlling and operating our subsidiaries. Hilltop conducts limited material business other than activities incidental to holding stock in the Bank and Securities Holdings. As a result, we rely substantially on the profitability of, and dividends from, these subsidiaries to pay our operating expenses and to pay interest on our debt obligations. The Bank and Securities Holdings are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends to us. Accordingly, if the Bank and Securities Holdings are unable to make cash distributions to us, then we may be unable to satisfy our operating expense obligations or make interest payments on our debt obligations.​Our broker-dealer business is subject to various risks associated with the securities industry.​Our broker-dealer business is subject to uncertainties that are common in the securities industry. These uncertainties include:​●intense competition in the securities industry;●the volatility of domestic and international financial, bond and stock markets;●extensive governmental regulation;●litigation; and●substantial fluctuations in the volume and price level of securities.​As a result of such uncertainties, the revenues and operating results of our broker-dealer segment may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. Unfavorable financial or economic conditions could reduce the number and size of transactions in which we provide financial advisory, underwriting and other services. Disruptions in fixed income and equity markets could lead to a decline in the volume of transactions executed for customers and, therefore, to declines in revenues from commissions and clearing services. In addition, the Hilltop Broker-Dealers are operating subsidiaries of Hilltop, which means that their activities are limited to those that are permissible for subsidiaries of a bank holding company.​Market fluctuations could adversely impact our broker-dealer business.​Our broker-dealer segment is subject to risks as a result of fluctuations in the securities markets. Our securities trading and underwriting activities involve the purchase and sale of securities as a principal, which subjects our capital to significant risks. Our securities trading, market-making and underwriting activities involve the purchase and sale of securities as a principal, which subjects our capital to significant risks. Market conditions could limit our ability to sell securities purchased or to purchase securities sold in such transactions. If interest rates increase, the value of debt securities we hold in our inventory would decrease. Rapid or significant market fluctuations could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.​38 Table of ContentsIn addition, during periods of market disruption, it may be difficult to value certain assets if comparable sales become less frequent or market data becomes less observable.​In addition, during periods of market disruption, it may be difficult to value certain assets if comparable sales become less frequent or market data becomes less observable. Certain classes of assets or loan collateral that were in active markets with significant observable data may become illiquid due to the current financial environment. In such cases, asset valuations may require more estimation and subjective judgment.​Our investment advisory business may be affected if our investment products perform poorly.​Poor investment returns and declines in client assets in our investment advisory business, due to either general market conditions or underperformance (relative to our competitors or to benchmarks) by investment products, may affect our ability to retain existing assets, prevent clients from transferring their assets out of products or their accounts, or inhibit our ability to attract new clients or additional assets from existing clients. Any such poor performance could adversely affect our investment advisory business and the advisory fees that we earn on client assets.​Our existing correspondents may choose to perform their own clearing services or move their clearing business to one of our competitors or exit the business.​As the operations of our correspondents grow, our correspondents may consider the option of performing clearing functions themselves, in a process referred to as “self-clearing.” The option to convert to self-clearing operations may become more attractive as the transaction volume of a broker-dealer grows. The cost of implementing the necessary infrastructure may eventually be offset by the elimination of per transaction processing fees that would otherwise be paid to a clearing firm. Additionally, performing their own clearing services allows self-clearing broker-dealers to retain their customers’ margin balances, free credit balances and securities for use in margin lending activities. Additionally, performing their own clearing services allows self-clearing broker-dealers to retain their customers’ margin 36 Table of Contentsbalances, free credit balances and securities for use in margin lending activities. Furthermore, our correspondents may decide to use the clearing services of one of our competitors or exit the business. Any significant loss of correspondents due to self-clearing, moving their clearing business to a competitor or exiting the business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​Several of our broker-dealer segment’s product lines rely on favorable tax treatment, and changes in federal tax law could impact the attractiveness of these products to our customers.​We offer a variety of services and products, such as individual retirement accounts and municipal bonds, which rely on favorable federal income tax treatment to be attractive to our customers. Should favorable tax treatment of these products be eliminated or reduced, sales of these products could be materially impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. ​Our mortgage origination segment is subject to investment risk on loans that it originates.​We intend to sell, and not hold for investment, substantially all residential mortgage loans that we originate through PrimeLending. At times, however, we may originate a loan or execute an interest rate lock commitment (“IRLC”) with a customer pursuant to which we agree to originate a mortgage loan on a future date at an agreed-upon interest rate without having identified a purchaser for such loan. An identified purchaser may also decline to purchase a loan for a variety of reasons. In these instances, we will bear interest rate risk on an IRLC until, and unless, we are able to find a buyer for the loan underlying such IRLC and the risk of investment on a loan until, and unless, we are able to find a buyer for such loan. In addition, in the event of a breach of any representation or warranty concerning a loan, an agency, investor or other third-party could, among other things, require us to repurchase the full amount of the loan or seek indemnification for losses from us, even if the loan is not in default. In addition, in the event of a breach of any representation or warranty concerning a loan, an agency, investor or other third party could, among other things, require us to repurchase the full amount of the loan or seek indemnification for losses from us, even if the loan is not in default. Further, if a customer defaults on a mortgage payment shortly after the loan is originated, the purchaser of the loan may have a put right, whereby the purchaser can require us to repurchase the loan at the full amount that it paid. During periods of market downturn, we may choose to hold mortgage loans when the identified purchasers have declined to purchase such loans because we may not obtain an acceptable substitute bid price for such loan. The failure of mortgage loans that we hold on our books to perform adequately could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Moreover, if a property securing a mortgage loan on which we own the servicing rights is damaged, including from flooding, we may be responsible for repairs for uninsured damage. ​39 Table of ContentsIf we fail to develop, implement and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting in future periods may be adversely affected.​If we fail to develop, implement and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting in future periods may be adversely affected. ​The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations require that management report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and assess the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures on a quarterly basis. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide timely and reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. We have identified control deficiencies that constituted a material weakness in our internal controls and procedures in the past and may experience a material weakness in future years. If we fail to maintain adequate internal controls, our financial statements may not accurately reflect our financial condition. Any material misstatements could require a restatement of our consolidated financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, leading to a decline in the market value of our securities.​We ultimately may write-off goodwill and other intangible assets resulting from business combinations.​As a result of purchase accounting in connection with acquisitions, our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2024, included goodwill of $267.4 million and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, of $6.6 million.3 million. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate whether facts and circumstances indicate any impairment of value of intangible assets. As circumstances change, we may not realize the value of these intangible assets. If we determine that a material impairment has occurred, we will be required to write-off the impaired portion of intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the write-off occurs. We have goodwill and intangibles balances recorded in connection with acquisitions in our banking, broker-dealer and mortgage origination segments, which we periodically review for impairment.​We have goodwill and intangibles balances recorded in connection with acquisitions in our banking, broker-dealer and mortgage origination segments, which we periodically review for impairment. These assets are sensitive to any significant changes in related results of operations of the underlying businesses.​In light of continuing macroeconomic challenges in the mortgage industry given tight housing inventories and mortgage interest rate levels, our mortgage origination segment experienced lower-than-forecasted operating results during 2022 and 2023. These headwinds, coupled with inflationary pressures associated with compensation, occupancy and software costs within our business segments since 2022 have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our operating results during 2025. Given the potential impacts of the operating performance of our reporting segments and overall economic conditions, actual results may differ materially from our current estimates as the scope of such impacts evolves or if the duration of business disruptions is longer than currently anticipated. Given the potential impacts as a result of economic uncertainties associated with the pandemic, actual results may differ materially from our current estimates as the scope of such impacts evolves or if the duration of business disruptions is longer than currently anticipated. ​We further considered the amount by which fair value exceeded book value in the most recent quantitative analysis and sensitivities performed. At the conclusion of the annual assessment, we determined that as of October 1, 2024 it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets exceeded their respective carrying values. We continue to monitor developments regarding future operating performance of our reportable business segments, overall economic conditions, market capitalization, and any other triggering events or circumstances that may indicate an impairment in the future. We continue to monitor developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented in response to the pandemic, market capitalization, overall economic conditions and any other triggering events or circumstances that may indicate an impairment in the future. ​To the extent future operating performance of our reporting segments remains challenged and below forecasted projections, significant assumptions such as expected future cash flows or the risk-adjusted discount rate used to estimate fair value are adversely impacted, or upon the occurrence of what management would deem to be a triggering event that could, under certain circumstances, cause us to perform impairment tests on our goodwill and other intangible assets, an impairment charge may be recorded for that period. In the event that we conclude that all or a portion of our goodwill and other intangible assets are impaired, a non-cash charge for the respective amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital or regulatory capital. ​The value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio fluctuates due to changes in interest rates, which may increase the volatility of our earnings. ​Changes in interest rates may change the value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio, which may increase the volatility of our earnings. ​As a result of our mortgage servicing business, we have a portfolio of MSR assets, which we grew to historically elevated levels before selling the vast majority of our MSR assets, and at December 31, 2024, the mortgage origination segment’s MSR asset had a fair value of $5.9 million.3 million. An MSR is the right to service a mortgage loan – collect principal, 40 Table of Contentsinterest and escrow amounts – for a fee. An MSR is the right to service a mortgage loan – collect principal, interest and escrow amounts – for a fee. We measure and carry all of our residential MSR assets using the fair value measurement method. Fair value is determined as the present value of estimated future net servicing income, calculated based on a number of variables, including assumptions about the likelihood of prepayment by borrowers, and as a result, the value of our MSR assets fluctuates due to changes in interest rates, which may increase volatility of earnings. Fair value is determined as the present value of estimated future net servicing income, calculated based on a number of variables, including assumptions about the likelihood of prepayment by borrowers. ​The rising interest rate environment that began in 2022 and continued through 2023 resulted in an increased valuation of the MSR asset, however one of the principal risks associated with MSR assets is that in a declining interest rate environment, they will likely lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of higher than anticipated prepayments. Moreover, if prepayments are greater than expected, the cash we receive over the life of the mortgage loans would be reduced. The mortgage origination segment uses derivative financial instruments, including U.S. Treasury bond futures and options, as a means to mitigate market risk associated with MSR assets. However, no hedging strategy can protect us completely, and hedging strategies may fail because they are improperly designed, improperly executed and documented or based on inaccurate assumptions and, as a result, could actually increase our risks and losses. An increasing size of our MSR portfolio may increase our interest rate risk and correspondingly, the volatility of our earnings, especially if we cannot adequately hedge the interest rate risk relating to our MSR assets. The increasing size of our MSR portfolio may increase our interest rate risk and correspondingly, the volatility of our earnings, especially if we cannot adequately hedge the interest rate risk relating to our MSR assets. ​If we increase the size of our MSR portfolio, it could result in us carrying significant asset balances. The increased size of our MSR portfolio could result 37 Table of Contentsin us carrying significant asset balances. This could result in a reduction in our liquidity and cause a reduction in our capital ratios. The combination of these impacts along with other impacts, could cause us to not have sufficient liquidity or capital. ​All income related to retained servicing, including changes in the value of the MSR asset, is included in noninterest income. Depending on the interest rate environment and market trends related to MSR sales, it is possible that the fair value of our MSR asset may be reduced in the future. Depending on the interest rate environment, it is possible that the fair value of our MSR asset may be reduced in the future. If such changes in fair value significantly reduce the carrying value of our MSR asset, our financial condition and results of operations would be negatively affected. If we increase the size of our MSR assets in the future, these risks could increase. ​The accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if we are exposed to actual conditions different from the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting estimates.​38 Table of ContentsThe accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if we are exposed to actual conditions different from the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting policies. ​The preparation of financial statements and related disclosure in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our critical accounting estimates, which are included in this Annual Report, describe those significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements that we consider “critical” because they involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operation. As a result, if future events differ significantly from the judgments, assumptions and estimates in our critical accounting policies, such events or assumptions could have a material impact on our audited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.​We are dependent on our management team, and the loss of our senior executive officers or other key employees could impair our relationship with customers and adversely affect our business and financial results.​Our success is dependent, to a large degree, upon the continued service and skills of our existing management team and other key employees with long-term customer relationships. Our business and growth strategies are built primarily upon our ability to retain employees with experience and business relationships within their respective segments. The loss of one or more of these key personnel could have an adverse impact on our business because of their skills, knowledge of the market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel. In addition, we currently do not have non-competition agreements with certain members of management and other key employees. If any of these personnel were to leave and compete with us, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth could suffer.​A decline in the market for municipal advisory services could adversely affect our business and results of operations.​Our broker-dealer segment has historically earned a material portion of its revenues from advisory fees paid to it by its clients, in large part upon the successful completion of the client’s transaction. New issuances in the municipal market by cities, counties, school districts, state and other governmental agencies, airports, healthcare institutions, institutions of 41 Table of Contentshigher education and other clients that the public finance services line of business serves can be subject to significant fluctuations based on factors such as changes in interest rates, property tax bases, budget pressures on certain issuers caused by uncertain economic times and other factors. New issuances in the municipal market by cities, counties, school districts, state and other governmental agencies, airports, healthcare institutions, institutions of higher education and other clients that the public finance services line of business serves can be subject to significant fluctuations based on factors such as changes in interest rates, property tax bases, budget pressures on certain issuers caused by uncertain economic times and other factors. A decline in the market for municipal advisory services due to the factors listed above could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.​We are subject to losses due to fraudulent and negligent acts. ​Our banking and mortgage origination businesses expose us to fraud risk from our loan and deposit customers and the parties they do business with, as well as from our employees, contractors and vendors. We rely heavily upon information supplied by third parties, including the information contained in credit applications, property appraisals, title information, equipment pricing and valuation, and employment and income documentation, in deciding which loans to originate and the terms of those loans. If any of the information upon which we rely is misrepresented, either fraudulently or negligently, and the misrepresentation is not detected prior to funding, the value of the collateral may be significantly lower than expected, the source of repayment may not exist or may be significantly impaired, or we may fund a loan that we would not have funded or on terms we would not have extended. While we have underwriting and operational controls in place to help detect and prevent such fraud, no such controls are effective to detect or prevent all fraud. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the applicant, another third-party or one of our own employees, we may bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the applicant, another third party or one of our own employees, we may bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. We have experienced losses resulting from fraud in the past, including loan, wire transfer, document and check fraud, and identity theft. We maintain fraud insurance, but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses from any fraudulent acts. ​Our broker-dealer activities also expose us to fraud risks. When acting as an underwriter, our broker-dealer segment may be liable jointly and severally under federal, state and foreign securities laws for false and misleading statements concerning the securities, or the issuer of the securities, that it underwrites. We are sometimes brought into lawsuits in connection with our correspondent clearing business based on actions of our correspondents. In addition, we may act as a fiduciary in other capacities that could expose us to liability under such laws or under common law fiduciary principles. ​Negative publicity regarding us, or financial institutions in general, could damage our reputation and adversely impact our business and results of operations.​Our ability to attract and retain customers and conduct our business could be adversely affected to the extent our reputation is damaged. Reputational risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion regarding our company, or financial institutions in general (such as the bank failures in the first half of 2023), is inherent in our business. Reputational risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion regarding our company, or financial institutions in general, is inherent in our business. Adverse perceptions concerning our reputation or financial institutions in general could lead to difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts as well as in financing them. Adverse perceptions concerning our reputation could lead to difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts as well as in financing them. In particular, such negative perceptions could lead to decreases in the level of deposits that consumer and commercial customers and potential customers choose to maintain with us. Negative public opinion could result from actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities or circumstances, including lending or foreclosure practices; sales practices; corporate governance and potential conflicts of interest; ethical failures or fraud, including alleged deceptive or unfair lending or pricing practices; regulatory compliance; protection of customer information; cyber attacks, whether actual, threatened, or perceived; negative news about us or the financial institutions industry generally; general company performance; or actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to such activities or circumstances. Furthermore, our failure to address, or the perception that we have failed to address, these issues appropriately could impact our ability to keep and attract customers and/or employees and could expose us to litigation and/or regulatory action, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.​In addition, stockholders, customers and other stakeholders have begun to consider how corporations are addressing environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues. Governments, investors, customers and the general public are increasingly focused on ESG practices and disclosures, and views about ESG are diverse and rapidly changing and have become a consideration in investment decisions. These shifts in investing priorities may result in adverse effects on the trading price of our common stock if investors determine that we have not made sufficient progress on ESG matters. These shifts in investing priorities may result in adverse effects on the trading price of the Company’s common stock if investors determine that the Company has not made sufficient progress on ESG matters. We could also face potential negative ESG-related publicity in traditional media or social media if stockholders or other stakeholders determine that we have not adequately considered or addressed ESG matters. If we, or our relationships 42 Table of Contentswith certain customers, vendors or suppliers, became the subject of negative publicity, our ability to attract and retain customers and employees, and our financial condition and results of operations, could be adversely impacted. If the Company, or our relationships with certain customers, vendors or suppliers, became the subject of negative publicity, our ability to attract and retain customers and employees, and our financial condition and results of operations, could be adversely impacted. ​We are subject to legal claims and litigation, including potential securities law liabilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.​We face significant legal risks in each of the business segments in which we operate, and the volume of legal claims and amount of damages and penalties claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial service companies remains high. These risks often are difficult to assess or quantify, and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us or any of our subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cause significant reputational harm to us, which could seriously harm our business and prospects. Further, regulatory inquiries and subpoenas, other requests for information, or testimony in connection with litigation may require incurrence of significant expenses, including fees for legal representation and fees associated with document production. These costs may be incurred even if we are not a target of the inquiry or a party to the litigation. Any financial liability or reputational damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.​Further, in the normal course of business, our broker-dealer segment has been subject to claims by customers and clients alleging unauthorized trading, churning, mismanagement, suitability of investments, breach of fiduciary duty or other alleged misconduct by our employees or brokers. We are sometimes brought into lawsuits based on allegations concerning our correspondents. As underwriters, we are subject to substantial potential liability for material misstatements and omissions in prospectuses and other communications with respect to underwritten offerings of securities. Prolonged litigation producing significant legal expenses or a substantial settlement or adverse judgment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​Because we may use a substantial portion of our remaining excess capital to make acquisitions or effect a business combination, we may become subject to risks inherent in pursuing and completing any such acquisitions or business combination.​We may make acquisitions or effect business combinations with a substantial portion of our remaining excess capital. We may not, however, be able to identify suitable targets, consummate acquisitions or effect a combination on commercially acceptable terms or, if consummated, successfully integrate personnel and operations.​The success of any acquisition or business combination will depend upon, among other things, the ability of management and our employees to integrate personnel, operations, products and technologies effectively, to attract, retain and motivate key personnel and to retain customers and clients of targets.​40 Table of ContentsThe success of any acquisition or business combination will depend upon, among other things, the ability of management and our employees to integrate personnel, operations, products and technologies effectively, to attract, retain and motivate key personnel and to retain customers and clients of targets. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees. In addition, the integration of certain operations will require the dedication of significant management resources, which may temporarily distract management’s attention from our day-to-day business. Any inability to realize the full extent, or any, of the anticipated cost savings and financial benefits of any acquisitions we make, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and cause a decrease in our earnings per share or decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the acquisitions and contribute to a decrease in the price of our common stock. In addition, any acquisition or business combination we undertake may consume available cash resources, result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities and divert management’s attention from other business concerns. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business that we acquire or with which we merge, our diligence may not surface all material issues that may adversely affect a particular target business, and we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Consequently, we also may need to make further investments to support the acquired or combined company and may have difficulty identifying and acquiring the appropriate resources.​43 Table of ContentsWe may enter, through acquisitions or a business combination, into new lines of business or initiate new service offerings subject to the restrictions imposed upon us as a regulated financial holding company.​We may enter, through acquisitions or a business combination, into new lines of business or initiate new service offerings subject to the restrictions imposed upon us as a regulated financial holding company. Accordingly, there is no basis for you to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the particular target business with which we may combine or that we may ultimately acquire.​Subject to the restrictions imposed upon us as a regulated financial holding company, we may also use excess capital to make investments in companies engaged in non-financial activities. These investments could decline in value and are likely to be substantially less liquid than exchange-listed securities, if we are able to sell them at all. If we are required to sell these investments quickly, we may receive significantly less value than if we could otherwise have sold them. Losses on these investments could have an adverse impact on our profitability, results of operations and financial condition.​We may be subject to environmental liabilities in connection with the foreclosure on real estate assets securing the loan portfolio of our banking segment.​Hazardous or toxic substances or other environmental hazards may be located on the real estate that secures our loans. If we acquire such properties as a result of foreclosure, or otherwise, we could become subject to various environmental liabilities. For example, we could be held liable for the cost of cleaning up or otherwise addressing contamination at or from these properties. We could also be held liable to a governmental entity or third-party for property damage, personal injury or other claims relating to any environmental contamination at or from these properties. We could also be held liable to a governmental entity or third party for property damage, personal injury or other claims relating to any environmental contamination at or from these properties. In addition, we could be held liable for costs relating to environmental contamination at or from our current or former properties. We may not detect all environmental hazards associated with these properties. If we ever became subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be harmed.​Risks Related to Our Indebtedness​Our indebtedness may affect our ability to operate our business, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness.​At December 31, 2024, on a consolidated basis, we had total deposits of $11.1 billion and other indebtedness of $1.2 billion, including $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5% senior notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”), which have since been redeemed in full, $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5% senior notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”), $50. 0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030 (the “2030 Subordinated Notes”) and $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2035 (the “2035 Subordinated Notes” and, collectively with the 2030 Subordinated Notes, the “Subordinated Notes”).125% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2035 (the “2035 Subordinated Notes”). Our significant amount of indebtedness could have important consequences, such as:​●limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our working capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other debt service requirements or for other purposes;●limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service debt;●limiting our ability to compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions;●restricting us from making strategic acquisitions, developing properties or pursuing business opportunities;●restricting the way in which we conduct our business because of financial and operating covenants in the agreements governing our and certain of our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness, including, in the case of certain indebtedness of subsidiaries, certain covenants that restrict the ability of such subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;●exposing us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under financial and operating covenants contained in our or our subsidiaries’ debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results;●increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or a decrease in pricing of our products; and●limiting our ability to react to changing market conditions in our industry and in our customers’ industries. Our significant amount of indebtedness could have important consequences, such as:​●limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our working capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other debt service requirements or for other purposes;●limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service debt;41 Table of Contents●limiting our ability to compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions;●restricting us from making strategic acquisitions, developing properties or pursuing business opportunities;●restricting the way in which we conduct our business because of financial and operating covenants in the agreements governing our and certain of our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness, including, in the case of certain indebtedness of subsidiaries, certain covenants that restrict the ability of such subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;●exposing us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under financial and operating covenants contained in our or our subsidiaries’ debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results;●increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or a decrease in pricing of our products; and●limiting our ability to react to changing market conditions in our industry and in our customers’ industries. ​44 Table of ContentsIn addition to our debt service obligations, our operations require substantial investments on a continuing basis.​In addition to our debt service obligations, our operations require substantial investments on a continuing basis. Our ability to make scheduled debt payments, to refinance our obligations with respect to our indebtedness and to fund capital and non-capital expenditures necessary to maintain the condition of our operating assets and properties, as well as to provide capacity for the growth of our business, depends on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, competitive, legal and other factors.​Subject to the restrictions in the indentures governing the Subordinated Notes, we may incur significant additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks described above could increase.​We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the Subordinated Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful.●We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful. ​Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon, among other things:​●our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control; and●our future ability to refinance the Subordinated Notes, which depends on, among other things, our compliance with the covenants in the indentures governing the Subordinated Notes.​Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon, among other things:​●our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control; and●our future ability to refinance the Senior and Subordinated Notes, which depends on, among other things, our compliance with the covenants in the indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes. ​We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that we will be able to obtain financing in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs.​If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness, including the Subordinated Notes, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the Subordinated Notes.​If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness, including the Senior and Subordinated Notes, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the Senior and Subordinated Notes. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations, including our obligations under the Subordinated Notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations, sell equity and/or negotiate with our lenders and other creditors to restructure the applicable debt in order to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. The indentures governing the Subordinated Notes may restrict, or market or business conditions may limit, our ability to avail ourselves of some or all of these options. The indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes may restrict, or market or business conditions may limit, our ability to avail ourselves of some or all of these options. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due.​A reduction in our credit rating could adversely affect us or the holders of our securities.​The credit rating agencies rating our indebtedness regularly evaluate us, and credit ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and ability to generate earnings, as well as factors not entirely within our control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry and the economy and changes in rating methodologies.​The credit rating agencies rating our indebtedness regularly evaluate the Company, and credit ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and ability to generate earnings, as well as factors not entirely within our control, 42 Table of Contentsincluding conditions affecting the financial services industry and the economy and changes in rating methodologies. There can be no assurance that we will maintain our current credit rating. A downgrade of our credit rating could adversely affect our access to liquidity and capital, and could significantly increase our cost of funds, trigger additional collateral or funding requirements and decrease the number of investors and counterparties willing to lend to us or purchase our securities. This could affect our growth, profitability and financial condition, including liquidity. ​45 Table of ContentsThe indentures governing the Subordinated Notes contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business. ​The indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business. ​The indentures governing the Subordinated Notes contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to, among other things:​●dispose of, or issue voting stock of, certain subsidiaries; or●incur or permit to exist any mortgage, pledge, encumbrance or lien or charge on the capital stock of certain subsidiaries.​The indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to, among other things:​●dispose of, or issue voting stock of, certain subsidiaries; or●incur or permit to exist any mortgage, pledge, encumbrance or lien or charge on the capital stock of certain subsidiaries. ​Any of these restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions and could otherwise restrict corporate activities. Any failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the indentures governing the Subordinated Notes. Upon a default, holders of the Subordinated Notes have the ability ultimately to force us into bankruptcy or liquidation, subject to the indentures governing the Subordinated Notes. Upon a default, holders of the Senior and Subordinated Notes have the ability ultimately to force us into bankruptcy or liquidation, subject to the indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes. In addition, a default under the indentures governing the Subordinated Notes could trigger a cross default under the agreements governing our existing and future indebtedness. In addition, a default under the indentures governing the Senior and Subordinated Notes could trigger a cross default under the agreements governing our existing and future indebtedness. Our operating results may not be sufficient to service our indebtedness or to fund our other expenditures, and we may not be able to obtain financing to meet these requirements.​Risks Related to our Industry​The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect our business.​Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. We have exposure to many different counterparties and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, credit unions, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even negative speculation about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry in general, have led to market-wide liquidity problems in the past and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. For example, bank failures during the first half of 2023 put additional financial pressure and uncertainty on other financial institutions and led to increased regulatory scrutiny in the industry. Similar bank failures, or the perception thereof, could adversely affect our operations. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when we hold collateral that cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the receivable due to us. Any such losses could be material and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.​We face strong competition from other financial institutions and financial service companies, which may adversely affect our operations and financial condition.​Our banking segment primarily competes with national, regional and community banks within various markets where the Bank operates. The Bank also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance companies and credit unions. A number of these banks and other financial institutions have substantially greater resources and lending limits, larger branch systems and a wider array of banking services than we do. We also compete with other providers of financial services, such as money market mutual funds, brokerage and investment banking firms, consumer finance companies, pension trusts, governmental organizations and increasingly fintech companies, each of which may offer more favorable financing than we are able to provide. In addition, some of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern us. The banking business in Texas has remained competitive over the past several years, and we expect the level of competition we face to further increase. Competition for deposits and in providing lending products and services to consumers and businesses in our market area continues to be competitive and pricing is important. Competition for deposits and in providing lending products and services to consumers and businesses in our market area is intense and pricing is important. Other factors encountered in competing for savings deposits are convenient office locations, interest rates and fee structures of products offered. Direct competition for savings deposits also comes from other commercial bank and thrift institutions, money market mutual funds and corporate and government securities that may offer more attractive rates than insured depository institutions are willing to pay. Competition for loans is based on factors such as interest rates, loan origination fees and 46 Table of Contentsthe range of services offered by the provider. Competition for loans is based on factors such as interest rates, loan origination fees and the range of services offered by the provider. We seek to distinguish ourselves from our competitors through our commitment to personalized customer service and responsiveness to customer needs while providing a range of competitive loan and deposit products and other services. Our profitability depends on our ability to compete effectively in these markets. This competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking services, reduce our market share and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.​The financial advisory and investment banking industries also are intensely competitive industries and will likely remain competitive. Our broker-dealer business competes directly with numerous other financial advisory and investment banking firms, broker-dealers and banks, including large national and major regional firms and smaller niche companies, some of whom are not broker-dealers and, therefore, not subject to the broker-dealer regulatory framework. In addition to competition from firms currently in the industry, there has been increasing competition from others offering financial services, including automated trading and other services based on technological innovations. Our broker-dealer business competes on the basis of a number of factors, including the quality of advice and service, technology, product selection, innovation, reputation, client relationships and price. Increased pressure created by any current or future competitors, or by competitors of our broker-dealer business collectively, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Increased competition may result in reduced revenue and loss of market share. Further, as a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, our broker-dealer business may from time to time make certain pricing, service or marketing decisions that also could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.​Our mortgage origination business faces vigorous competition from banks and other financial institutions, including large financial institutions as well as independent mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations. Our mortgage origination segment competes on a number of factors including customer service, quality and range of products and services offered, price, reputation, interest rates, closing process and duration, and loan origination fees. The ability to attract and retain skilled mortgage origination professionals is critical to our mortgage origination business. We seek to distinguish ourselves from our competitors through our commitment to personalized customer service and responsiveness to customer needs while providing a range of competitive mortgage loan products and services. ​Overall, competition among providers of financial products and services continues to increase as technological advances, including the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, have lowered the barriers to entry for financial technology companies, with consumers having the opportunity to select from a growing variety of traditional and nontraditional alternatives, including online checking, savings and brokerage accounts, online lending, online insurance underwriters, crowdfunding, digital wallets, and money transfer services. ​Overall, competition among providers of financial products and services continues to increase as technological advances have lowered the barriers to entry for financial technology companies, with consumers having the opportunity to select from a growing variety of traditional and nontraditional alternatives, including online checking, savings and brokerage accounts, online lending, online insurance underwriters, crowdfunding, digital wallets, and money transfer services. The ability of non-banking financial institutions to provide services previously limited to commercial banks has intensified competition. Because non-banking financial institutions are not subject to many of the same regulatory restrictions as banks and bank holding companies, they can often operate with greater flexibility and lower cost structures. This competition could result in the loss of customer deposits and brokerage accounts and lower mortgage originations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.​Legal and Regulatory Risks​Acquisitions may be delayed, impeded, or prohibited due to regulatory issues.​Acquisitions by financial institutions are subject to approval by a variety of federal and state regulatory agencies. The process for obtaining these required regulatory approvals has become substantially more difficult in recent years. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues we have, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to the Bank Holding Company Act, the Bank Merger Act, Bank Secrecy Act compliance, Community Reinvestment Act issues, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations and other similar laws and regulations. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues we have, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to Bank Secrecy Act compliance, Community Reinvestment Act issues, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations and other similar laws and regulations. We may fail to pursue, evaluate or complete strategic and competitively significant acquisition opportunities as a result of our inability, or perceived or anticipated inability, to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, under reasonable conditions or at all. Difficulties associated with potential acquisitions that may result from these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.47 Table of Contents​We are subject to extensive supervision and regulation that could restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business and limit our ability to generate income.●We are subject to extensive supervision and regulation that could restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business and limit our ability to generate income. ​We are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision, including that of the Federal Reserve Board, the Texas Department of Banking, the FDIC, the CFPB, the SEC and FINRA. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not stockholders or other debt holders. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not stockholders or other debt holders Likewise, regulations promulgated by the SEC and FINRA are primarily intended to protect the securities markets and 44 Table of Contentscustomers of broker-dealer businesses rather than stockholders or other debt holders. Likewise, regulations promulgated by the SEC and FINRA are primarily intended to protect the securities markets and customers of broker-dealer businesses rather than stockholders or other debt holders. Additionally, the Bank is subject to the CFPB’s supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to federal consumer financial laws.​These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, capital requirements, investment practices, brokerage and investment advisory activities, dividends and growth, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in enforcement actions, money damages, civil money penalties or reputational damage, as well as sanctions and supervisory actions by regulatory agencies that could subject us to significant restrictions on or suspensions of our business and our ability to expand through acquisitions or branching. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in money damages, civil money penalties or reputational damage, as well as sanctions and supervisory actions by regulatory agencies that could subject us to significant restrictions on or suspensions of our business and our ability to expand through acquisitions or branching. Further, our clearing contracts generally include automatic termination provisions that are triggered in the event we are suspended from any of the national exchanges of which we are a member for failure to comply with the rules or regulations thereof. While we have implemented policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations of rules and regulations, such violations may occur from time to time, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.​The U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies frequently revise banking and securities laws, regulations and policies. For example, several aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act have affected our business, including, without limitation, increased capital requirements, increased mortgage regulation, restrictions on proprietary trading in securities, restrictions on investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, executive compensation restrictions, potential federal oversight of the insurance industry and disclosure and reporting requirements. Although the EGRRCPA is intended to ease the regulatory burden imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act with respect to company-run stress testing, resolution plans, the Volcker Rule, high volatility commercial real estate exposures, and real estate appraisals, at this time, it remains difficult to predict the full extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act, the EGRRCPA, the AML 2020 Act or the resulting rules and regulations will affect our business. Compliance with new laws and regulations has resulted and likely will continue to result in additional costs, which could be significant and may adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.​The Bank received a “satisfactory” CRA rating in connection with its most recent CRA performance evaluation. A CRA rating of less than “satisfactory” adversely affects a bank’s ability to establish new branches and impairs a bank’s ability to commence new activities that are “financial in nature” or acquire companies engaged in these activities. Other regulatory exam ratings or findings also may adversely impact our ability to branch, commence new activities or make acquisitions.​We cannot predict whether or in what form any other proposed regulations or statutes will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute. These changes become less predictable, yet more likely to occur, following the transition of power from one presidential administration to another, especially as occurred in 2025, when it involves a change in the governing political party. These changes become less predictable, yet more likely to occur, following the transition of power from one presidential administration to another, especially as in 2021, when it involves a change in political party. Any such changes could subject our business to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things.​We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements in the future.​We are subject to regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital that we must maintain. From time to time, the regulators change these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. For example, on July 27, 2023, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the OCC issued a proposal, referred to as “Basel III Endgame,” that would result in significant changes to the U.S. regulatory capital rules for banking organizations with total consolidated assets of $100 billion or more. This proposal has not yet been finalized.​48 Table of ContentsIf we fail to meet the minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements as applicable to us, we or our subsidiaries may be restricted in the types of activities we may conduct, and we may be prohibited from taking certain capital actions, such as paying dividends and repurchasing or redeeming capital securities. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, we or our subsidiaries may be restricted in the types of activities we may conduct and we may be prohibited from taking certain capital actions, such as paying dividends and repurchasing or redeeming capital securities. ​Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The application of more stringent capital requirements for Hilltop and PlainsCapital could, among other things, adversely affect our results of operations and growth, require the raising of additional capital, restrict our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. ​Periodically, the SEC adopts amendments to Rules 15c3-1 and 15c3-3 under the Exchange Act related to our broker-dealer segment. The implementation of any new requirements from these amendments may increase our cost of regulatory compliance.​The CFPB has issued “ability-to-repay” and “qualified mortgage” rules that may have a negative impact on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.​The CFPB’s “qualified mortgage” rule requires mortgage lenders to consider consumers’ ability to repay home loans before extending them credit. The rule describes certain minimum requirements for lenders making ability-to-repay determinations, but does not dictate that they follow particular underwriting models. Lenders are presumed to have complied with the ability-to-repay rule if they issue “qualified mortgages,” which are generally defined as mortgage loans prohibiting or limiting certain risky features. Loans that do not meet the ability-to-repay standard can be challenged in court by borrowers who default and the absence of ability-to-repay status can be used against a lender in foreclosure proceedings. Any loans that we make outside of the “qualified mortgage” criteria, including the newly created “seasoned qualified mortgage” criteria could expose us to an increased risk of liability and reduce or delay our ability to foreclose on the underlying property. Any increases in compliance and foreclosure costs caused by the rule could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition.​Risks Related to Our Common Stock​We may issue shares of preferred stock or additional shares of common stock to complete an acquisition or effect a combination or under an employee incentive plan after consummation of an acquisition or business combination, which would dilute the interests of our stockholders and likely present other risks.​The issuance of shares of preferred stock or additional shares of common stock:​●may significantly dilute the equity interest of our stockholders;●may subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our common stock;●could cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards; and●may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.​Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock from the authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock. Subject to limitations imposed by law or our articles of incorporation, our board of directors is empowered to determine the designation and number of shares constituting each series of preferred stock, as well as any designations, qualifications, privileges, limitations, restrictions or special or relative rights of additional series. The rights of preferred stockholders may supersede the rights of common stockholders. Preferred stock could be issued with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the shares of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could also result in a series of securities outstanding that would have preferences over the common stock with respect to dividends and in liquidation.49 Table of Contents​Our common stock price may experience substantial volatility, which may affect your ability to sell our common stock at an advantageous price.​Our common stock price may experience substantial volatility, which may affect your ability to sell our common stock at an advantageous price. ​Price volatility of our common stock may affect your ability to sell our common stock at an advantageous price. Market price fluctuations in our common stock may arise due to acquisitions, dispositions or other material public announcements, including those regarding dividends or changes in management, along with a variety of additional factors, including, without limitation, other risks identified in “Forward-looking Statements” and these “Risk Factors.” In addition, the stock markets in general, including the NYSE, have experienced extreme price and trading fluctuations. These fluctuations have resulted in volatility in the market prices of securities that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to changes in operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.​Existing circumstances may result in several of our directors having interests that may conflict with our interests.​A director who has a conflict of interest with respect to an issue presented to our board will have no inherent legal obligation to abstain from voting upon that issue. We do not have provisions in our bylaws or charter that require an interested director to abstain from voting upon an issue, and we do not expect to add provisions in our charter and bylaws to this effect. Although each director has a duty to act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests, there is a risk that, should interested directors vote upon an issue in which they or one of their affiliates has an interest, their vote may reflect a bias that could be contrary to our best interests. In addition, even if an interested director abstains from voting, the director’s participation in the meeting and discussion of an issue in which he or she has, or companies with which he or she is associated have, an interest could influence the votes of other directors regarding the issue.​Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited.​We are organized under Maryland law, which provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In addition, our charter eliminates our directors’ and officers’ liability to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and that is material to the cause of action. Our bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and officers for liability resulting from actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. As a result, our stockholders and we may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers.​Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.​Authority to Issue Additional Shares. Under our charter, our board of directors may issue up to an aggregate of ten million shares of preferred stock without stockholder action. The preferred stock may be issued, in one or more series, with the preferences and other terms designated by our board of directors that may delay or prevent a change in control of us, even if the change is in the best interests of stockholders. At December 31, 2024, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.​Banking Laws. Any change in control of our company is subject to prior regulatory approval under the Bank Holding Company Act or the Change in Bank Control Act, which may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control of us.​FINRA. Any change in control (as defined under FINRA rules) of any of the Hilltop Broker-Dealers, including through acquisition, is subject to prior regulatory approval by FINRA which may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or other change in control of such broker-dealers.​Restrictions on Calling Special Meeting, Cumulative Voting and Director Removal. Our bylaws include a provision prohibiting holders that do not or have not owned, continuously for at least one year as of the record date of such proposed 50 Table of Contentsmeeting, capital stock representing at least 15% of the shares entitled to be voted at such proposed meeting, from calling a special meeting of stockholders. Our bylaws include a provision prohibiting holders that do not or have not owned, continuously for at least one year as of the record date of such proposed meeting, capital stock representing at least 15% of the shares entitled to be voted at such proposed meeting, from calling a special meeting of stockholders. Our charter does not provide for the cumulative voting in the election of directors. In addition, our charter provides that our directors may only be removed for cause and then only by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. Any amendment to our charter relating to the removal of directors requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. These provisions of our bylaws and charter may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control of us.​There can be no assurance that we will continue to declare cash dividends or repurchase stock.​In October 2016, we announced that our board of directors authorized a dividend program under which we intend to pay quarterly dividends on our common stock, subject to quarterly declarations by our board of directors. During 2024, we declared and paid cash dividends of $0.68 per common share.​In January 2024, our board of directors authorized a new stock repurchase program through January 2025, pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $75.​In January 2021, the Hilltop board of directors authorized a new stock repurchase program through January 2022, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $75. 0 million of our outstanding common stock. During 2024, we paid $19. During 2021, 18. 9 million to repurchase an aggregate of 640,042 shares of our common stock at an average price of $31.6 million to repurchase an aggregate of 3,632,482 shares of common stock at an average price of $34. 04 per share pursuant to the stock repurchase program.01 per share associated with the stock repurchase program. These shares were returned to the pool of authorized but unissued shares of common stock.​In January 2025, our board of directors authorized a new stock repurchase program through January 2026, pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $100.​In January 2021, the Hilltop board of directors authorized a new stock repurchase program through January 2022, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $75. 0 million of our outstanding common stock. Such purchases may be subject to a nondeductible excise tax under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 equal to 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased, subject to certain limitations. ​Any future declarations, amount and timing of any dividends and/or the amount and timing of such stock repurchases are subject to capital availability and the discretion of our board of directors, which must evaluate, among other things, whether cash dividends and/or stock repurchases are in the best interest of our stockholders and are in compliance with all applicable laws and any agreements containing provisions that limit our ability to declare and pay cash dividends and/or repurchase stock. Our ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions, the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to Hilltop, capital adequacy requirements and other regulatory restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, policies of the Federal Reserve Board, equity and debt service requirements senior to our common stock, earnings, financial condition, the general economic and regulatory climate and other factors beyond our control that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, the amount we spend and the number of shares we are able to repurchase under our stock repurchase program may further be affected by a number of other factors, including the stock price and blackout periods in which we are restricted from repurchasing shares. Our dividend payments and/or stock repurchases may change from time to time, and we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to declare dividends and/or repurchase stock in any particular amounts or at all. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments, our dividend program and/or stock repurchases could have a negative effect on our stock price.​An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit.​An investment in our common stock is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, SIPC or any other government agency. Accordingly, you should be capable of affording the loss of any investment in our common stock.​Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.​None.51 Table of ContentsItem 1C. Cybersecurity.​Risk Management and Strategy ​Hilltop recognizes the critical importance of protecting company data and the information systems that collect, process and maintain data, and we have developed an enterprise-wide program for assessing, identifying and managing material cybersecurity risks and threats. The systems we utilize include safeguards to protect against or mitigate possible threats, as well as controls designed to ensure accountability, availability, integrity and confidentiality of the data. Security measures are implemented to guard against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of data and systems, including accidental loss and destruction. Our program is supported by management and the board of directors. ​Organizational Model​Our Information Security Department is comprised of four primary functions:●Information Security Risk assesses technology risks and controls, evaluates application systems’ conformance to internally defined and approved security standards, coordinates audits and examinations for Information Technology (“IT”) and Information Security, as well as tracks open risk issues and exceptions.●IT Security defines security policies and standards, conducts security awareness and training, evaluates security configuration and assesses vulnerability risk.●Security Operations utilizes security solutions to detect and respond to security threats and supports the end-user security needs. We recognize the critical importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our information systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our data.●Security Engineering plans, builds, and maintains technical controls and solutions that enhance our security posture that mitigate risk to the enterprise while assuring the integrity of the engineering design process.​Managing Material Cybersecurity Risks ​As a part of our overall risk management strategy, Information Security Risk conducts risk assessments on the technology environment as well as application systems implemented to support the various business functions of Hilltop based on the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act guidance. Risks are identified from the Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit assessments of IT and Information Security. Information Security then quantifies the incidents and risks that have been identified and reports to the Operations & Strategy Committee, which is comprised of executives from across the enterprise representing disciplines including compliance, regulatory, information technology, risk, finance, and operations, if they meet certain thresholds. The necessary controls are identified to address the risk and this control evaluation contributes to the assessment of the residual risk value. In 2024, additional assessments were completed utilizing the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool and the Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool for the enterprise. ​Engage Third-Parties on Risk Management ​Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, Hilltop engages with a range of external experts, including cybersecurity assessors, consultants and auditors in evaluating and testing our risk management systems. These partnerships enable us to leverage specialized knowledge and insights, ensuring our cybersecurity strategies and processes remain at the forefront of industry best practices. Our collaboration with these third-parties includes regular audits, threat assessments, and consultation on security enhancements. In particular, each year we engage a firm to perform penetration testing. We do not allow the same firm to be engaged for more than three years in an effort to obtain diversity in methods of testing. Additionally, at least every two years, we engage a firm to perform a red-team exercise for a simulated cybersecurity event. ​52 Table of ContentsService Provider Oversight​HTH Procurement processes contract requests, contract renewals and onboard of vendors. Such process creates a single point of entry for all sourcing and contract requests. Vendors who match certain inherent risk levels are then sent to Vendor Risk Management (“VRM”) for further review and due diligence. Vendors who host Non-Public Personally Identifiable Information or vendors who we deem materially critical, regardless of risk, are managed by VRM. The VRM’s due diligence process is risk-based and serves as a verification and analysis tool to assist in the evaluation of risk associated with new vendor relationships and ongoing reviews of inherently high-risk and vital vendors. VRM also is tasked with monitoring managed vendors business continuity and disaster recovery processes.​VRM considers specific factors in performing their due diligence based on the risk profile of the high-risk and vital vendor and services being performed. The specific factors include, but are not limited to, a review of the vendor’s:●Information security and related controls (third-party audit);●Existence of disaster recovery and business continuity program and testing;●Financial status, including reviews of financial statements; and●Geographic location (country risk).​Material findings are reported to the Operations & Strategy Committee. A report of these vendors also is provided to the Risk Committee of the board of directors, which provides updates to the full board of directors.​Risks from Cybersecurity Threats ​We face a number of cybersecurity risks in connection with our business. We do not currently believe that any current cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Hilltop, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For more information about the cybersecurity risks we face, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors — Our operational systems and networks have been, and will continue to be, subject to an increasing risk of continually evolving cybersecurity or other technological risks, which could result in a loss of customer business, financial liability, regulatory penalties, damage to our reputation or the disclosure of confidential information.●Our operational systems and networks have been, and will continue to be, subject to an increasing risk of continually evolving cybersecurity or other technological risks, which could result in a loss of customer business, financial liability, regulatory penalties, damage to our reputation or the disclosure of confidential information. ”​Governance ​The board of directors is acutely aware of the critical nature of managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats. To address the significance of these threats to our operations, customers and stockholders, we have established oversight mechanisms to ensure effective management, oversight and governance in managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats. ​Board of Directors Oversight ​Our board of directors and the Risk Committee of the board of directors oversee an enterprise-wide approach to risk management, including cybersecurity risks, intended to support the achievement of organizational objectives, including strategic objectives, to improve long-term organizational performance and enhance stockholder value. The Risk Committee is central to the board of directors’ oversight of cybersecurity risks and bears the primary responsibility for this function. The Risk Committee is composed of board members with diverse expertise including, risk management assisting them to oversee cybersecurity risks. The Risk Committee receives regular reports from our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) and provides updates to the full board of directors at each regular meeting of the board of directors. The Risk Committee also reviews all information security plans and policies, which are then recommended to the full board of directors for its review and approval. ​53 Table of ContentsManagement’s Role Managing Risk ​Our CISO plays a pivotal role in informing the Risk Committee on cybersecurity risks and developments. Our CISO provides comprehensive briefings to the Risk Committee on a regular basis, with a minimum frequency of four times per year. These briefings encompass a broad range of topics, including:●Current cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats;●Status of ongoing cybersecurity initiatives and strategies;●Incident reports and learnings from any cybersecurity events;●Vulnerability management, including software patching, reviews of risk accepted vulnerabilities (remediated, renewed and top risks) and trends related thereto; and●Compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. ​In addition to Risk Committee meetings, our CISO generally meets with executive management weekly to provide updates regarding current activities and areas of focus. In the event of a potential or actual cybersecurity event, the CISO immediately notifies the General Counsel at which point the information security incident response plan is activated if warranted. The information security incident response plan provides the procedures for responding, including personnel required to be informed and updated. The board of directors is informed promptly in the event such incident is, or is reasonably expected to have, a material impact on operations or financial condition. We also conduct cybersecurity tabletop exercises each year to ensure our processes and procedures align with our technical controls, and to ensure that the organization is prepared for a security-related event. ​Primary responsibility for assessing, monitoring and managing our cybersecurity risks rests with our CISO. With over twenty years of experience in the field of cybersecurity, our CISO brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His background includes extensive experience in all facets of information technology and information security and is well-recognized within the industry. His in-depth knowledge and experience are instrumental in developing and executing our cybersecurity strategies. ​Our CISO is responsible for our Information Security Program and our information security leaders report directly to our CISO. We also maintain a standing committee, the Information Security Governance Committee, which consists of certain members of executive management, our CISO and information security leaders. Our Information Security Governance Committee allows for direct management reporting for IT Risk management, audit/examination report(s) review, and oversight of our Information Security strategy and program, and daily Security Operations. ​Monitor Cybersecurity Incidents ​Our CISO is continually informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity, including potential threats and innovative risk management techniques. This ongoing knowledge acquisition is crucial for the effective prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. To assist our information security team in such knowledge acquisition, we subscribe to certain services that provide us alerts on security incidents and threats. Our CISO oversees the implementation of, and the processes for, the regular monitoring of our information systems. This includes the deployment of advanced security measures and regular system audits to identify potential vulnerabilities. As previously noted, in the event of a cybersecurity incident, the information security incident response plan is enacted. This plan includes immediate actions to mitigate the impact of and remediate the incident. ​.
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