Atlantic Stewardship Bank SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.13
Atlantic Stewardship Bank
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT AGREEMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT AGREEMENT
THIS SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into this day of January 1, 2018, by and between Atlantic Stewardship Bank (“Bank”), a state-chartered commercial bank located in Midland Park, NJ and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (“Executive”).
Article 1
Benefits
Tables
The following tables describe the benefits available to the Executive, or the Executive’s Beneficiary, upon the occurrence of certain events. Capitalized terms have the meanings given them in Article 3. Each benefit described is in lieu of any other benefit herein, except as expressly stated otherwise.
Table A: Retirement Benefit
Distribution Event | Amount of Benefit | Form of Benefit | Timing of Benefit Distribution |
Separation from Service following attainment of age 66 | $30,367 per year | Equal monthly payments | Payments begin: First day of the month following Separation from Service Duration: 180 months Duration: 15 years |
Table B: Benefit Available Prior to
Retirement & Other Separation from Service
Events
Distribution Event | Amount of Benefit | Form of Benefit | Timing of Benefit Distribution |
Voluntary or Involuntary Separation from Service prior to age 66 | 100% of the Accrued Liability Balance, calculated as of date of Separation from Service | Lump sum | Payment begins: Within 90 days following Separation from Service |
Change in Control , followed by Involuntary Separation from Service within 2 years | Table A Benefit | Equal monthly payments | Payments begin: First day of the month following Separation from Service Duration: 180 months |
Termination of employment upon Disability | Table A Benefit | Equal monthly payments | Payments begin: First day of the month following Separation from Service Duration: 180 months |
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Table C: Death Benefit
Distribution Event | Amount of Benefit | Form of Benefit | Timing of Benefit Distribution |
Death while actively employed by Bank or during installment payout of benefit under Table A or B | 100% of the Accrued Liability Balance, calculated as of date of death [ | Lump sum | Payment (to Beneficiary): within 90 days following Executive’s death |
Article 2
Purpose
The purpose of this Agreement is to further the growth and development of the Bank by providing Executive with supplemental retirement income, and thereby encourage Executive’s productive efforts on behalf of the Bank and the Bank’s shareholders, and to align the interests of the Executive and those shareholders. The Bank promises to make certain payments to the Participant, or the Participant’s Beneficiary, at retirement, death, or upon some other qualifying event pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
Article 3
Definitions and Construction
It is intended that this Agreement comply and be construed in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). It is also intended that the Agreement be "unfunded" and maintained for a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Bank, for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") and not be construed to provide income to the Executive or Beneficiary under Code prior to actual receipt of benefits.
Where the following words and phrases appear in the Agreement, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless their context clearly indicates to the contrary:
3.1 | “Accrued Liability Balance” shall mean the amount accrued by the Bank to fund the future benefit expense associated with this Agreement. The Bank shall account for this benefit using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, regulatory accounting guidance of the Bank’s primary federal regulator, and other applicable accounting guidance, including APB 12, FAS 106, or FAS 87, whichever is appropriate. Accordingly, the Bank shall establish a liability retirement account for the Executive into which appropriate accruals shall be made using a reasonable discount rate, which may be adjusted from time to time. |
3.2 | “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank, constituted from time to time. |
3.3 | “Change in Control” shall mean a change in ownership or control of the Bank as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5) or any subsequently applicable published authority or guidance. |
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3.4 | “Disability” shall mean Executive, while actively employed by the Bank: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank. Medical determination of Disability may be made by either the Social Security Administration or by the provider of an accident or health plan covering employees of the Bank, provided that the definition of Disability applied under such Disability insurance program complies with the requirements of Section 409A. Upon the request of the Plan Administrator, the Executive must submit proof to the Plan Administrator of Social Security Administration’s or the provider’s determination. |
3.5 | “Involuntary Separation from Service” shall mean that the Bank notifies the Executive in writing that Executive’s employment with the Bank has been terminated by the Bank for reasons other than “Cause.” |
3.6 | “Separation from Service” shall mean that the Executive has retired or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, whether a termination of employment or service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date, or that the level of bona fide services the Executive would perform after such date (whether as an Executive or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an Executive or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Bank if the Executive has been providing services to the Bank less than 36 months). Facts and circumstances to be considered in making this determination include, but are not limited to, whether the Executive continues to be treated as an Executive for other purposes (such as continuation of salary and participation in Executive benefit programs), whether similarly situated service providers have been treated consistently, and whether the Executive is permitted, and realistically available, to perform services for other service recipients in the same line of business. An Executive will be presumed not to have separated from service where the level of bona fide services performed continues at a level that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average level of service performed by the Executive during the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period. A Separation from Service will not be deemed to have occurred while the Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, provided Executive has the right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract. |
3.7 | “Cause” shall mean: |
(a) | Willful malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties; or |
(b) | Conduct demonstrably and significantly harmful to the Bank or a financial institution subsidiary; or |
(c) | Conviction of a felony. |
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3.8 | “Voluntary Separation from Service” shall mean the Executive terminates his or her employment by the Bank after notifying the Bank in writing that Executive is resigning their position with the Bank. |
3.9 | “Year of Service” shall mean each completed 12-month period of time during which Executive is employed on a full-time basis with the Bank, commencing with the Executive’s first date of hire and each anniversary thereof and continuing through Separation from Service. The Board shall have discretion to grant a Year of Service for nonconsecutive Years of Service in its sole discretion. |
Article 4
Beneficiary
4.1 | Beneficiary. Executive shall have the right to name a Beneficiary of the death benefit, if any, described in Article 1 herein. Executive shall have the right to name such Beneficiary at any time prior to Executive’s death and submit it to the Plan Administrator (or Plan Administrator’s representative) on the form provided. Once received and acknowledged by the Plan Administrator, the form shall be effective. The Executive may change a Beneficiary designation at any time by submitting a new form to the Plan Administrator. Any such change shall follow the same rules as for the original Beneficiary designation and shall automatically supersede the existing Beneficiary form on file with the Plan Administrator. |
4.2 | Failure to Designate a Beneficiary. If Executive dies without a valid Beneficiary designation on file with the Plan Administrator, the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any, shall become the designated Beneficiary. If Executive has no surviving spouse, death benefits shall be paid to the personal representative of Executive’s estate. |
4.3 | Facility of Distribution. If the Plan Administrator determines in its discretion that a benefit is to be paid to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person’s property, the Plan Administrator may direct distribution of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Plan Administrator may require proof of incompetence, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any distribution of a benefit shall be a distribution for the account of the Executive and the Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Agreement for such distribution amount. |
Article 5
General Limitations
5.1 | Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall not distribute any benefit under this Agreement if Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause. |
5.2 | Removal. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall not distribute any benefit under this Agreement if the Executive is subject to a final removal or prohibition order issued by an appropriate federal banking agency pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. |
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Article 6
Administration of Agreement
6.1 | Plan Administrator. The Bank, acting through the Board and authorized officers, shall be the Plan Administrator. The Bank may appoint a Committee (“Committee”) of one or more individuals in the employment of Bank for the purpose of discharging the administrative responsibilities of the Bank under the Plan. The Bank may remove a Committee member for any reason and may fill any vacancy created. The Committee shall represent the Bank in all matters concerning the administration of this Plan; provided however, the final authority for all administrative and operational decisions relating to the Plan remains with the Bank. |
6.2 | Authority of Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall have full power and authority to adopt rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, provided they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan, to interpret, alter, amend or revoke any rules and regulations so adopted, to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bank with respect to this Agreement, to make discretionary decisions under this Plan, to demand satisfactory proof of the occurrence of any event that is a condition precedent to the commencement of any payment or discharge of any obligation under the Plan, and to perform any and all administrative duties under this Plan. |
6.3 | Recusal. An individual serving as Plan Administrator may be eligible to participate in the Plan, but such person shall not be entitled to participate in discretionary decisions under Articles 6 or 7 relating to such person’s own interests in the Plan. |
6.4 | Agents. In the administration of this Agreement, the Plan Administrator may employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, (including acting through a duly appointed representative), and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Bank. |
6.5 | Binding Effect of Decisions. The decision or action of the Plan Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Agreement. |
6.6 | Indemnification of Plan Administrator. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless any party contracted for the purposes of assisting the Plan Administrator in performing its duties under this Agreement against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Agreement, except in the case of willful misconduct by such contracted party. |
6.7 | Bank Information. To enable any party contracted for the purposes of assisting the Plan Administrator in performing its duties under this Agreement to perform its functions, the Bank shall supply full and timely information to such contracted party on all matters relating to the date and circumstances of any event triggering a benefit hereunder. |
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Article 7
Claims and Review Procedures
7.1 | Claims Procedure. An Executive or Beneficiary (“claimant”) who has not received benefits under the Agreement that he or she believes should be distributed shall make a claim for such benefits as follows: |
7.1.1 | Initiation – Written Claim. The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Plan Administrator a written claim for the benefits. |
7.1.2 | Timing of Plan Administrator Response. The Plan Administrator shall respond to such claimant within 90 days after receiving the claim. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional 90 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 90-day period that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision. |
7.1.3 | Notice of Decision. If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of such denial. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth: |
(a) | The specific reasons for the denial; |
(b) | A reference to the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based; |
(c) | A description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed; |
(d) | An explanation of the Agreement’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures; and |
(e) | A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review. |
7.2 | Review Procedure. If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Plan Administrator of the denial, as follows: |
7.2.1 | Initiation – Written Request. To initiate the review, the claimant, within 60 days after receiving the Plan Administrator’s notice of denial, must file with the Plan Administrator a written request for review. |
7.2.2 | Additional Submissions – Information Access. The claimant shall then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim. The Plan Administrator shall also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits. |
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7.2.3 | Considerations on Review. In considering the review, the Plan Administrator shall take into account all materials and information the claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. |
7.2.4 | Timing of Plan Administrator Response. The Plan Administrator shall respond in writing to such claimant within 60 days after receiving the request for review. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 60-day period that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision. |
7.2.5 | Notice of Decision. The Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of its decision on review. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth: |
(a) | The specific reasons for the denial; |
(b) | A reference to the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based; |
(c) | A statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits; and |
(d) | A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a). |
Article 8
Amendments and Termination
8.1 | Amendment and Termination – in General. This Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Bank and the Executive. Notwithstanding anything in the previous sentence to the contrary, the Bank may amend this Agreement to conform to written directives to the Bank from its banking regulators. |
8.2 | Termination or Modification of Agreement by Reason of Change in the Law, Rules, or Regulations. The Bank is entering into this Agreement upon the assumption that certain existing tax laws. The Bank reserves the right to terminate or modify this Agreement if necessary to conform to any change in tax or other laws affecting the operation of or benefits under this Agreement or application of such laws in order to maintain the intended tax treatment of such benefits, or otherwise to respond to such change in law or application of law. |
8.3 | Subsequent Changes to Time and Form of Payment. The Bank may permit a change by the Executive to the time and form of benefit distributions. Any such change shall be considered made only when it becomes irrevocable under the terms of the Agreement. Any change will be considered irrevocable not later than thirty (30) days following acceptance of the change by the Plan Administrator, subject to the following rules: |
(1) | the subsequent deferral election may not take effect until at least twelve (12) |
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months after the date on which the election is made;
(2) | the payment (except in the case of death, disability, or unforeseeable emergency) upon which the subsequent deferral election is made is deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise have been paid; and |
(3) | in the case of a payment made at a specified time, the election must be made not less than twelve (12) months before the date the payment is scheduled to be paid. |
Article 9
Miscellaneous
9.1 | Binding Effect. This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Bank, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees. |
9.2 | No Guarantee of Employment. This Agreement is not a contract for employment. It does not give the Executive the right to remain as an employee of the Bank, nor does it interfere with the Bank's right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive's right to terminate employment at any time. |
9.3 | Non-Transferability. Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner. |
9.4 | Tax Withholding. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that the Bank’s sole liability regarding taxes is to forward any amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authority(ies). |
9.5 | Applicable Law. The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America. |
9.6 | Unfunded Arrangement. The Executive is a general unsecured creditor of the Bank for the distribution of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Bank to distribute such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive's life or other informal funding asset is a general asset of the Bank to which the Executive has no preferred or secured claim. |
9.7 | Reorganization. The Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another bank, or reorganize, or sell substantially all of its assets to another bank, firm, or person unless such succeeding or continuing bank, firm, or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Bank” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the successor or survivor bank. |
9.8 | Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Bank and the Executive as to the subject matter hereof. No rights are granted to the Executive by virtue of this Agreement other than those specifically set forth herein. |
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9.9 | Interpretation. Wherever the fulfillment of the intent and purpose of this Agreement requires, and the context will permit, the use of the masculine gender includes the feminine and use of the singular includes the plural. |
9.10 | Alternative Action. In the event it shall become impossible for the Bank or the Plan Administrator to perform any act required by this Agreement, the Bank or Plan Administrator may in its discretion perform such alternative act as most nearly carries out the intent and purpose of this Agreement and is in the best interests of the Bank. |
9.11 | Headings. Article and section headings are for convenient reference only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions. |
9.12 | Validity. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and invalid provision has never been inserted herein. |
9.13 | Notice. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Bank or Plan Administrator under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the address below: |
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
Atlantic Stewardship Bank |
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ |
Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.
Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Executive under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by mail, to the last known address of the Executive.
9.14 | Opportunity to Consult with Independent Advisors. The Executive acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to consult with independent advisors of his choosing including, without limitation, accountants or tax advisors and counsel regarding both the benefits granted to him under the terms of this Agreement and the (i) terms and conditions which may affect the Executive's right to these benefits, and (ii) personal tax effects of such benefits including, without limitation, the effects of any federal or state taxes, Section 280G of the Code, Section 409A of the Code, and any other taxes, costs, expenses or liabilities whatsoever related to such benefits, which in any of the foregoing instances the Executive acknowledges and agrees shall be the sole responsibility of the Executive notwithstanding any other term or provision of this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Bank shall have no liability whatsoever related to any such personal tax effects or other personal costs, expenses, or liabilities applicable to the Executive and further specifically waives any right for himself or herself, and his or her heirs, beneficiaries, legal representatives, agents, successor and assign to claim or assert liability on the part of the Bank related to the matters described above in this Section 9.14. The Executive further acknowledges that he has read, understands and consents to all of the |
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terms and conditions of this Agreement, and that he enters into this Agreement with a full understanding of its terms and conditions.
9.15 | Restriction on Timing of Distribution. Solely to the extent necessary to avoid penalties under Section 409A, distributions under this Agreement may not commence earlier than six (6) months after a Separation from Service (as described under the “Separation from Service” provision herein) if, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, the participant hereto is considered a “specified employee” of a publicly-traded company. In the event a distribution is delayed pursuant to this Section, the originally scheduled distribution shall be delayed for six (6) months, and shall commence instead on the first day of the seventh month following Separation from Service. If payments are scheduled to be made in installments, the first six (6) months of installment payments shall be delayed, aggregated, and paid instead on the first day of the seventh month, after which all installment payments shall be made on their regular schedule. If payment is scheduled to be made in a lump sum, the lump sum payment shall be delayed for six (6) months and instead be made on the first day of the seventh month. |
9.16 | Certain Accelerated Payments. The Bank may make any accelerated distribution permissible under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4), provided that such distribution(s) meets the requirements of Section 1.409A-3(j)(4), or as otherwise permitted under Section 409A. |
9.17 | Nonwaiver. The failure of either party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any one or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of such term(s) or condition(s) or of that party’s right thereafter to enforce each and every term and condition of this Agreement. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Bank have signed this Agreement as of the date indicated above.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
ATLANTIC STEWARDSHIP BANK:
Signed: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
By: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: President and CEO
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BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM
( ) New Designation
( ) Change in Designation
I,___________________________, designate the following as Beneficiary under the Agreement:
Primary: _______________________________________________________________ Name Relationship __________________________________________________________________ Name Relationship | ______ % ______ % |
Contingent: _______________________________________________________________ Name Relationship __________________________________________________________________ Name Relationship | ______ % ______ % |
Notes:
• | Please PRINT CLEARLY or TYPE the names of the beneficiaries. |
• | To name a trust as Beneficiary, please provide the name of the trustee(s) and the exact name and date of the trust agreement. |
• | To name your estate as Beneficiary, please write “Estate of [your name]”. |
• | Be aware that none of the contingent beneficiaries will receive anything unless ALL of the primary beneficiaries predecease you. |
I understand that I may change these beneficiary designations by delivering a new written designation to the Plan Administrator, which shall be effective only upon receipt and acknowledgment by the Plan Administrator prior to my death.
Name: ______________________________
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________
Received by the Plan Administrator [Bank] this__________day of_______________, 2____
By: ______________________________
Title: ______________________________