Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

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   [¶10,352] In the Matter of Ocean Independent Bank, Ocean, New Jersey, Docket No. FDIC-91-321b (10-8-91).

   Bank to cease and desist from such unsafe or unsound practices as operating with an excessive level of poor quality assets; following hazardous lending and lax collection practices; extending credit which is inadequately secured and without sufficient documentation; operating without adequate reserve for loan
{{9-30-94 p.C-1555}}losses; operating so as not to produce stable earnings; failing to provide adequate supervision over the Bank's affairs; operating with inadequate liquidity; operating with inadequate routine and controls policies; operating in violation of applicable laws or regulations; and operating with inadequate capital. (This order was terminated by order of the FDIC dated 7-21-94; see ¶ 15,891.)

   [.1] Assets—Adversely Classified—Eliminate/Reduce
   [.2] Assets—Problem Assets—Written Plans Required
   [.3] Assets—Problem Assets—Review by Board of Directors Required
   [.4] Loans—Extensions of Credit—Existing Borrowers—Curtail
   [.5] Loan Loss Reserve—Establish/Maintain
   [.6] Lending and Collection Policy—Minimum Requirements
   [.7] Capital—Tier 1 Capital—Increase/Maintain—Methods
   [.8] Violations of Law—Eliminate/Correct
   [.9] Bank Operations—Internal Routine and Controls—Written Policy Required
   [.10] Budget and Earnings Plan—Preparation Required
   [.11] Dividends—Restricted
   [.12] Liquidity and Funds Management—Policy Required
   [.13] Management—Qualifications—Review
   [.14] Strategic Plan—Preparation Required
   [.15] Brokered Deposits—Report to FDIC Required
   [.16] Shareholders—Disclosure—Cease and Desist Order
   [.17] Board of Directors—Committee to Review Compliance with Cease and Desist Order
   [.18] Compliance Reports—Frequency

In the Matter of

OCEAN INDEPENDENT BANK
OCEAN, NEW JERSEY
(Insured State Nonmember Bank)
ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST
FDIC-91-321b

   Ocean Independent Bank, Ocean, New Jersey ("Bank"), having been advised of its right to a Notice of Charges and of Hearing detailing the unsafe or unsound banking practices and violations of law and regulations alleged to have been committed by the Bank and of its right to a hearing on such alleged charges under section 8(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("Act"), 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b), and having waived those rights, entered into a STIPULATION AND CONSENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST ("CONSENT AGREEMENT") with counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), dated October 8, 1991, whereby, solely for the purpose of this proceeding and without admitting or denying the alleged charges of unsafe or unsound banking practices and violation of law and regulations, the Bank consented to the issuance of an ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST ("ORDER") by the FDIC.
   The FDIC considered the matter and determined that it had reason to believe that the Bank had engaged in unsafe or unsound banking practices and had violated laws and regulations. The FDIC, therefore, accepted the CONSENT AGREEMENT and issued the following:

   IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that Ocean Independent Bank, Ocean, New Jersey, its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, and other institution-affiliated parties, as defined in section 3(u) of the Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1813(u), CEASE AND DESIST from the following unsafe or unsound banking practices:
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   (a) Operating the Bank with an excessive level of poor quality assets;
   (b) Operating the Bank with hazardous lending and lax collection practices;
   (c) Extending credit which is inadequately secured and without adequate and appropriate supporting documentation;
   (d) Operating the Bank without providing an adequate reserve for loan losses;
   (e) Operating the Bank in such a manner so as not to produce stable operating earnings;
   (f) Operating the Bank without adequate supervision and direction of the operating management of the board of directors;
   (g) Operating the Bank without adequate liquidity and proper regard for funds management;
   (h) Operating the Bank without establishing and following acceptable internal routine and control policies and audit procedures;
   (i) Engaging in violations of applicable laws and regulations as more fully set forth on pages 6-a through 6-a-3 of the Report of Examination of the Bank by the FDIC as of April 22, 1991; and
   (j) Operating the Bank with capital which is inadequate in relation to the kind and quality of its assets.
   IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that Ocean Independent Bank, Ocean, New Jersey, its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, and other institution-affiliated parties, take AFFIRMATIVE action as follows:

[.1] 1. (a) Within 10 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall eliminate from its books, by collection or charge-off, all assets or portions of all assets classified "Loss" and 50 percent of all assets or portions of all assets classified "Doubtful" by the FDIC as a result of its examination of the Bank as of April 22, 1991 which have not been previously charged-off or collected. In addition, and so long as this ORDER remains in effect, the Bank shall, within 10 days from the receipt of any subsequent Report of Examination of the Bank from the FDIC or the State of New Jersey Department of Banking ("Department"), eliminate from its books, by collection or charge-off, all assets or portions of assets classified "Loss" and 50 percent of all such assets or portions of such assets classified "Doubtful" in any such Reports of Examination.
   (b) On or before December 31, 1991, the Bank shall reduce the remaining total of all assets classified "Doubtful" and "Substandard" by the FDIC as a result of the examination of the Bank as of April 22, 1991 to not more than 75 percent of equity capital and reserves, and subsequently, on or before June 30, 1992, the Bank shall further reduce this percentage to not greater than 50 percent. On or before December 31, 1992, the Bank shall further reduce and thereafter maintain this percentage at no greater than 25 percent.
   (c) On or before December 31, 1991, the Bank shall reduce to not more than 7 percent, the ratio of loans on which interest or principal is past due for 30 days or more to gross loans, and subsequently, on or before June 30, 1992, the Bank shall further reduce such ratio to not more than 5 percent if the ratio exceeds 5 percent at the end of such latter period, a written explanation of the reason for such excess and the status of collection efforts on each such past-due loan shall be reflected in the minutes of the board of directors of the Bank and forwarded to the Regional Director and the New York Regional Office of the FDIC ("Regional Director").
   (d) On or before June 30, 1992, the Bank shall reduce to not more than 1.0 percent, the ratio of nonaccrual loans to gross loans. If the ratio exceeds 1.0 percent at the end of such period, a written explanation of the reason for such excess and the status of collection efforts on each such nonaccrual loan shall be reflected in the minutes of the board of directors of the Bank and forwarded to the Regional Director.
   (e) The requirements of paragraph 1 of this ORDER shall not be construed as a standard for future operations of the Bank. In addition to accomplishing the foregoing schedule of reductions, the Bank shall eventually reduce all nonaccrual loans, past due loans, and adversely classified assets of the Bank.
   (f) As used in paragraph 1 of this ORDER, the word "reduce" means (1) to collect, (2) to charge-off, or (3) to improve the quality of adversely classified assets sufficiently to warrant removing any adverse classification, as determined by the FDIC.
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   [.2] 2. Within 45 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the board of directors of the Bank shall adopt and implement a written program with regard to each asset criticized by the FDIC as a result of its examination of the Bank as of April 22, 1991, so as to eliminate the basis of criticism of each such asset. This program shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the status of each criticized assets, the proposed action for eliminating the basis of criticism, and the time frame for its accomplishment. Once all such programs are adopted, a copy of the program for each criticized assets which equals or exceeds $50,000 shall be forwarded to the Regional Director. Furthermore, while this ORDER is in effect, the Bank's board of directors shall, within 30 days following receipt of any Report of Examination of the Bank from the FDIC or the Department, adopt and implement written programs as specified above, for any assets criticized in said Report and not criticized as of April 22, 1991, and forward copies of such programs to the Regional Director. For the purposes of Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the ORDER, the term "criticized asset" means any asset or group of related assets, or portion thereof, scheduled as "Special Mention", "Substandard", or "Doubtful" in any Report of Examination of the Bank by the FDIC or the Department.

   [.3] 3. The Bank's board of directors shall conduct a review of each program adopted pursuant to paragraph 2 of this ORDER at least once in each month, to determine:

   (a) the status of each criticized asset;
   (b) management's adherence to each written program;
   (c) the status and effectiveness of each written program; and
   (d) the need to revise each written program and/or take other actions.

[.4] 4. (a) Immediately upon the effective date of this ORDER, and notwithstanding any other provision of this ORDER, the Bank shall not extend, either directly or indirectly, any new or additional credit (which, for the purposes of this ORDER, shall include the granting of renewals or extensions, or the capitalizing of accrued interest) to, or for the benefit of, any borrower who is obligated in any manner to the Bank on any extension of credit, or portion thereof, which has been charged off the books of the Bank in whole or in part, or to any affiliate of, related interest of, or other person or entity associated with, any such borrower, so long as any portion of such extension of credit, whether or not that portion was charged off, remains uncollected.
   (b) Immediately upon the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall not extend, directly or indirectly, any new or additional credit to, or for the benefit of, any borrower who is obligated in any manner to the Bank on any loan or other extension of credit that has been adversely classified ("classified borrower"), in whole or in part, by the FDIC as a result of the examination of the Bank as of April 22, 1991 or as a result of any subsequent examination of the Bank by the FDIC or the Department, so long as such loan or other extension of credit remains classified or is uncollected. This paragraph 4(b) shall not prohibit the Bank from renewing all or any part of an extension of credit to a classified borrower who is not subject to the prohibitions of paragraph 4(a) of this ORDER, after collection in cash of interest due on the entire extension of credit. The prohibitions of this paragraph 4(b) shall not apply to any extension of credit to a classified borrower who is not subject to the prohibitions of paragraph 4(a) of this ORDER, if:

   (i) the Bank's failure to extend further credit to a classified borrower would be substantially detrimental to the best interests of the Bank; and
   (ii) prior to extending any credit, a majority of the Bank's full board of directors approves the extension of credit and certifies, in writing, the specific reasons why failure to so act would be substantially detrimental to the best interest of the Bank. A copy of the board of directors' certification shall be maintained in the credit file of the classified borrower.

   [.6] 6. Within 60 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank's board of directors shall revise, adopt, and implement written lending and collection policies and procedures to provide effective guidance and control over the lending function of the Bank. Upon adoption by the board of the revised policies, a copy of each such policy shall be provided to the Regional Director. At a minimum, the policies shall include the following:

   (a) Standards for all applications for credit which shall include, at a minimum:

   (i) financial statement requirements;
   (ii) credit analysis requirements;
   (iii) loan purpose statement requirements;
   (iv) identification of repayment sources (primary and secondary);
   (v) realistic repayment plan requirements;
   (vi) collateral requirements; and
   (vii) documentation requirements.

   (b) Effective loan administration, servicing and collection procedures including, at a minimum:

   (i) establishing loan amounts requiring board of directors approval;
   (ii) establishing appropriate control and periodic review of collateral;
   (iii) setting forth requirements for maintaining current information, including financial data, in credit files;
   (iv) establishing appraisal and inspection standards, particularly with regard to construction financing;
   (v) standardizing follow-up procedures on maturing and delinquent loans; and
   (vi) ensuring that delinquencies are accurately reported to the board of directors on a monthly basis.

   (c) A loan review system which will effectively identify, categorize, and report problem credits to the board of directors. Such reports shall, at a minimum, include the following information:

   (i) the overall quality of the loan portfolio;
   (ii) the identification, type and amount of problem loans;
   (iii) the identification and amount of delinquent loans;
   (iv) credit and collateral documentation exceptions; and
   (v) the identification and status of violations of law or regulations.

[.7] 7. (a) On the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall have a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets equal to or greater than 6.0 percent. Thereafter, at all times while this ORDER is in effect, the Bank shall maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets equal to or greater than 6.0 percent. For the purposes of this ORDER, the terms "Tier 1 capital" and "total assets" shall be defined as those terms are defined by the FDIC in Part 325 of its Rules and Regulations ("Regulations"), 12 C.F.R. Part 325.
   (b) If such ratio is less than 6.0 percent, as determined by the FDIC, the Bank shall, within 30 days after receipt of a written notice of the capital deficiency from the Regional Director, present to the Regional Director a capital plan to increase the Tier 1 capital of the Bank or take other measures to bring the ratio to 6.0 percent. Upon receipt of a written ap- {{12-31-91 p.C-1559}}proval or statement of nonobjection from the Regional Director, the revised capital plan shall forthwith be adopted and implemented.
   (c) Such plan for achieving the capital ratio set forth in paragraph 7(b) may include, but is not limited to:

   (i) The sale of new securities in the form of common stock or noncumulative perpetual preferred stock; or
   (ii) The direct contribution of cash by the directors, shareholders, or parent bank holding company of the Bank; or
   (iii) The collection in cash of assets classified "Loss" without loss or liability to the Bank; or
   (iv) The collection of assets previously charged off; or
   (v) Any other method acceptable to the FDIC.

   (d) If all or part of the increase in Tier 1 capital required by subparagraph 7(b) of this ORDER is accomplished by the sale of new securities, the board of directors of the Bank shall adopt and implement a plan for the sale of such additional securities, including the voting of any shares owned or proxies held or controlled by them in favor of the plan. Should the implementation of the plan involve a public distribution of the Bank's securities (including a distribution limited only to the Bank's existing shareholders), the Bank shall prepare offering materials fully describing the securities being offered, including an accurate description of the financial condition of the Bank and the circumstances giving rise to the offering, and any other material disclosures necessary to comply with the Federal securities laws. Prior to the implementation of the plan and, in any event, not less than 20 days prior to the dissemination of such materials, the plan and any materials used in the sale of the securities shall be submitted to the FDIC, Registration and Disclosure Unit, Washington, D.C. 24029. Any changes requested to be made in the plan or materials by the FDIC shall be made prior to their dissemination.
   (e) Nothing in this ORDER shall operate to subject any individual director of the Bank to a Federal District Court order of enforcement pursuant to section 8(i)(1) of the Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i)(1), or imposition of civil money penalties pursuant to section 8(i)(2) of the Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i)(2), for failure to utilize such director's personal assets to satisfy the capital requirements of paragraphs 7(a) through 7(d) of this ORDER; provided, however, that the sale of new offerings of common stock or noncumulative perpetual preferred stock pursuant to paragraph 7(c)(i) of this ORDER shall not be considered to be a utilization of such director's personal assets, even if such sale may result in the diminution in value of stock held by any director.

[.8] 8. (a) Within 30 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall eliminate or correct all violations of law and regulations, as described on pages 6-a through 6-a-3 of the Report of Examination of the Bank by the FDIC as of April 22, 1991. In addition, within 60 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the board of directors of the Bank shall adopt and implement specific procedures to ensure future compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Such procedures shall be designed to make the Bank aware, on a continuing basis, of all applicable laws and regulations, and for ensuring compliance therewith. A copy of these procedures shall be forwarded to the Regional Director.
   (b) Notwithstanding paragraph 8(a), within 10 days of the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall provide the Regional Director with satisfactory evidence that is has secured blanket bond coverage which is both adequate for the needs of the Bank and is in compliance with N.J. Stat. Ann. § 17:9A-115 (West 1984).

   [.10] 10. Within 60 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the board of directors of the Bank shall adopt a comprehensive earnings plan which, together with the development of operating budgets and projections, shall provide for the achievement of consistent profitability. Particular emphasis should be directed towards achievement of improving net interest margins and reduction in overhead expenses.

   [.11] 11. While this ORDER is in effect, the Bank shall not declare or pay, either directly or indirectly, and dividends, whether in cash, stock, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Regional Director.

   [.12] 12. The board shall ensure that the Bank maintains adequate sources of liquidity in relation to the Bank's needs. Within 60 days from the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank's board of directors shall revise, adopt and implement a written policy governing funds management. Upon adopting of the revised policy, a copy of such policy shall be provided to the Regional Director. The policy will contain, at a minimum:

   (a) an asset/liability management strategy to achieve an acceptable rate sensitivity balance between interest bearing assets and funding sources; and
   (b) establishment of recordkeeping systems and procedures which will enable the board of directors and operating management to monitor the Bank's liquidity and rate sensitivity positions and maintain liquidity at an adequate level. Upon adoption, the board shall cause management to fully implement the policies with particular attention to improving the Bank's liquidity position.

   (i) comply with the requirements of this ORDER;
   (ii) operate the Bank in a safe and sound manner;
   (iii) comply with applicable laws and regulations; and
   (iv) restore all aspects of the Bank to a safe and sound condition, including capital adequacy, asset quality, management effectiveness, earnings and liquidity.
During the life of this ORDER, the Bank shall notify the Regional Director in writing of any changes in management. Except in the case of any director and any senior executive officer, as defined by the FDIC in section 303.14(a)(3) of the Regulations, 12 C.F.R. § 303.14(a)(3), promulgated pursuant to section 32 of the Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1831i ("senior executive officer"), the notification must include the names and background of any additional or replacement management personnel and must be provided not less than 15 days prior to the individual assuming the new position. In the case of any addition to, or replacement of, any member of the board of directors of the Bank, or the employment or change in responsibilities of any individual to any position as a senior executive officer, the notification shall be provided in accordance with section 32 of the Act and section 303.14 of the Regulations.
   (b) To facilitate having and retaining qualified management, the Bank's board of directors shall, within 7 days from the effective date of this ORDER, appoint a committee ("Committee") composed of at least 3 directors who are not now, nor have ever been, involved in the daily operations of the Bank, and whose composition is acceptable to the Regional Director. The Committee shall evaluate the position and performance of each person who is an officer or employee of the Bank on the effective date of this ORDER. The Committee shall determine whether the Bank should retain the position occupied by each such officer and employee, and determine further whether each such officer and employee possesses the ability, experience, integrity, and other qualifications required to perform present and anticipated duties. The results of this evaluation and the recommendations of the Committee shall forthwith be presented to the Bank's board of directors in writing and copies of this evaluation and the recommendations shall be furnished to the Regional Director for review and com- {{2-28-95 p.C-1561}}ment. Upon receiving and considering the comments from the Regional Director, the Bank's board of directors shall implement the recommendations of the Committee with any modifications made thereto after such consideration.

   [.15] 15. While this ORDER is in effect, the Bank shall give written notice to the Regional Director at such time as the Bank intends to accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits. The notice shall contain the information required to be filed by an undercapitalized insured depository institution seeking approval to utilize brokered deposits as set forth in section 337.6(d) of the Regulations, 12 C.F.R. § 337.6(d), promulgated pursuant to section 29 of the Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1831f, and other related sections. The Regional Director shall have the right to reject the Bank's plan for utilizing brokered deposits. The Bank shall provide, on the first Monday of each month, a written report to the Regional Director detailing the level, source and use of brokered deposits. For the purposes of this ORDER, the term "brokered deposits" shall have the same definition as found in section 337.6(a)(1) of the Regulations, 12 C.F.R. § 337.6(a)(1).

   [.16] 16. Following the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall send to, or otherwise furnish, its shareholders a description of this ORDER (1) in conjunction with the Bank's next shareholder communication and (2) in conjunction with its notice or proxy statement preceding the Bank's next shareholders meeting. The description shall fully describe the ORDER in all material respects. The description and any accompanying communication, statement, or notice shall be sent to the FDIC, Registration and Disclosure Unit, Washington, D.C. 20429, for review at least 20 days prior to dissemination to shareholders. Any changes requested to be made by the FDIC shall be made prior to dissemination of the description, communication, notice or statement.

   [.17] 17. The Committee appointed pursuant to paragraph 13(b) of this ORDER shall monitor the Bank's compliance with this ORDER. Within 30 days from the effective date of this ORDER and at monthly intervals thereafter, such Committee shall prepare and present to the Bank's board of directors a written report of its findings, detailing the form, content, and manner of any action taken to secure compliance with this ORDER and the results thereof, and any recommendations with respect to such compliance. Such progress reports shall be included in the minutes of the Bank's board of directors.

   [.18] 18. By the fifteenth day of each calendar quarter following the effective date of this ORDER, the Bank shall furnish written progress reports to the Regional Director and the Commissioner of Banking of the State of New Jersey ("Commissioner") detailing the form, content, and manner of any actions taken to secure compliance with this ORDER, and the results thereof. The Regional Director may subsequently permit the Bank to submit such reports less frequently. Such reports may be discontinued when the corrections required by this ORDER have been accomplished and the Regional Director has, in writing, released the Bank from making further reports.
   The effective date of this ORDER shall be 10 days from the date of its issuance.
   The provisions of this ORDER shall be binding upon Ocean Independent Bank, its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, and other institution-affiliated parties.
   The provisions of this ORDER shall remain effective and enforceable except to the extent that, and until such time as, any provisions of this ORDER shall have been modified, terminated, suspended, or set aside by the FDIC.
   Date of Issuance: October 8, 1991.
   Pursuant to delegated authority.