Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has various commitments and contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Bank.

Financial Instruments

The Bank does not engage in the use of interest rate swaps or futures, forwards or option contracts.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, unused lines of credit and outstanding commitments to originate loans were as follows:

Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Bank generally originates single-family residential loans within its primary lending area which is Waukegan, Illinois and the surrounding area. The Bank’s underwriting policies require such loans to be made at approximately 80% loan-to-value, based upon appraised values, unless private mortgage insurance is obtained, or the loan is guaranteed by the government. These loans are secured by the underlying properties.

The Bank maintains its cash in deposit accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank or other institutions, the balances of which may exceed federally insured limits. The Bank has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Bank believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Interest Rate Risk

The Bank assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal operations. As a result, fair values of its financial instruments will change when interest rate levels change, and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Bank. Management attempts to match maturities of assets and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize interest rate risk. However, borrowers with fixed rate obligations are less likely to prepay in a rising rate environment and more likely to prepay in a falling rate environment. Conversely, depositors who are receiving fixed rates are more likely to withdraw funds before maturity in a rising rate environment and less likely to do so in a falling rate environment. Management monitors rates and maturities of assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate risk by adjusting terms of new loans and deposits and by investing in securities with terms that mitigate the overall interest rate risk.

Litigation

Due to the nature of its business activities, the Bank is at times subject to legal action which arises in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Bank.