Matthew Clark's questions to First Foundation Inc (FFWM) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Matthew Clark of Piper Sandler Companies questioned the reasons behind the recent management turnover, including the CBO, COO, and Chief Credit Officer, and asked about the company's plans to further reduce its high-cost ECR deposits.
Answer
CEO Thomas Shafer attributed the turnover to the significant changes in the company's operating model, stating that the skills required for the next phase are different and that the changes create opportunities. On deposits, Mr. Shafer confirmed the focus is on replacing high-cost funds. CFO James Britton added that they aim to reduce concentration in the remaining $500M ECR portfolio, potentially by another couple hundred million by year-end, and noted the full benefit of recent MSR deposit exits will appear in Q3.