UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month
of December, 2023
Commission File
Number: 001-40805
VersaBank
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
140 Fullarton
Street, Suite 2002
London, Ontario
N6A 5P2
Canada
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ¨
Form 40-F x
On December 13, 2023, VersaBank issued a press release regarding fourth
quarter and year end 2023 results and press release regarding dividends as well as executed Form 52-109F1 certificates of annual filings
by its CEO and CFO, copies of which are furnished as Exhibit 99.1, 99.2, 99.3 and 99.4 to this Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form
6-K.
The information in this Form 6-K (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not
be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise
subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of
1933 or the Exchange Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
VERSABANK |
|
|
|
Date: December 13, 2023 |
By: |
/s/ Brent T. Hodge |
|
|
Name: |
Brent T. Hodge |
|
|
Title: |
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 99.1
For Immediate Release: December 13, 2023
Attention: Business Editors
VERSABANK REPORTS RECORD FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL
2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS AS IT CONTINUES TO BENEFIT FROM INCREASING OPERATING LEVERAGE IN ITS UNIQUE DIGITAL BANKING MODEL
– Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Highlighted
by Another Record Loan Portfolio and Record Revenue, Net Interest Income and Net Income While ROCE Improves to 13.58% –
VersaBank’s 2023 annual audited Consolidated
Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) will be available today online at www.versabank.com/investor-relations,
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Supplementary Financial Information will also be available on our website at www.versabank.com/investor-relations.
All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. All interim financial information within this earnings release is unaudited
and based on interim Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in compliance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial
Reporting, unless otherwise noted. All annual financial information herein was derived from VersaBank’s 2023 annual audited Consolidated
Financial Statements and MD&A.
LONDON, ON/CNW – VersaBank (“VersaBank”
or the “Bank”) (TSX: VBNK; NASDAQ: VBNK), a North American leader in business-to-business digital banking, as well as technology
solutions for cybersecurity, today reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended October 31, 2023. All figures are in Canadian
dollars unless otherwise stated.
Consolidated
and Segmented Financial Summary
(unaudited) | |
As at or for the three months ended | |
As at or for the year ended |
| |
October 31 | |
July 31 | |
| |
October 31 | |
| |
October 31 | |
October 31 | |
|
(thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts) | |
2023 | |
2023 | |
Change | |
2022 | |
Change | |
2023 | |
2022 | |
Change |
Financial results | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Total revenue | |
$ | 29,173 | | |
$ | 26,859 | | |
| 9% | | |
$ | 24,252 | | |
| 20% | | |
$ | 108,635 | | |
$ | 82,392 | | |
| 32% | |
Cost of funds(1) | |
| 3.86% | | |
| 3.62% | | |
| 7% | | |
| 2.45% | | |
| 58% | | |
| 3.46% | | |
| 1.77% | | |
| 95% | |
Net interest margin(1) | |
| 2.54% | | |
| 2.57% | | |
| (1% | ) | |
| 2.81% | | |
| (10% | ) | |
| 2.68% | | |
| 2.70% | | |
| (1% | ) |
Net interest margin on loans(1) | |
| 2.69% | | |
| 2.69% | | |
| 0% | | |
| 3.03% | | |
| (11% | ) | |
| 2.85% | | |
| 3.08% | | |
| (7% | ) |
Return on average common equity(1) | |
| 13.58% | | |
| 11.15% | | |
| 22% | | |
| 7.32% | | |
| 86% | | |
| 11.75% | | |
| 6.61% | | |
| 78% | |
Net income | |
| 12,479 | | |
| 10,003 | | |
| 25% | | |
| 6,429 | | |
| 94% | | |
| 42,162 | | |
| 22,658 | | |
| 86% | |
Net income per common share basic and diluted | |
| 0.47 | | |
| 0.38 | | |
| 24% | | |
| 0.23 | | |
| 104% | | |
| 1.57 | | |
| 0.79 | | |
| 99% | |
Balance sheet and capital ratios | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total assets | |
$ | 4,201,610 | | |
$ | 3,980,845 | | |
| 6% | | |
$ | 3,265,998 | | |
| 29% | | |
$ | 4,201,610 | | |
$ | 3,265,998 | | |
| 29% | |
Book value per common share(1) | |
| 14.00 | | |
| 13.55 | | |
| 3% | | |
| 12.37 | | |
| 13% | | |
| 14.00 | | |
| 12.37 | | |
| 13% | |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio | |
| 11.33% | | |
| 11.15% | | |
| 2% | | |
| 12.00% | | |
| (6% | ) | |
| 11.33% | | |
| 12.00% | | |
| (6% | ) |
Total capital ratio | |
| 15.38% | | |
| 15.10% | | |
| 2% | | |
| 16.52% | | |
| (7% | ) | |
| 15.38% | | |
| 16.52% | | |
| (7% | ) |
Leverage ratio | |
| 8.30% | | |
| 8.53% | | |
| (3% | ) | |
| 9.84% | | |
| (16% | ) | |
| 8.30% | | |
| 9.84% | | |
| (16% | ) |
| (1) | See definition under
‘Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures’ in the Annual 2023 Management’s
Discussion and Analysis. |
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
for the three months ended |
October 31, 2023 |
July 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 | |
|
Digital Banking |
DRTC |
Eliminations/ |
Consolidated |
Digital Banking |
DRTC |
Eliminations/ |
Consolidated |
Digital Banking |
DRTC |
Eliminations/ |
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
|
Adjustments |
|
Net interest income |
$ | 26,239 | |
$ | — | |
$ | — | |
$ | 26,239 | |
$ | 24,929 | |
$ | — | |
$ | — | |
$ | 24,929 | |
$ | 22,477 | |
$ | — | |
$ | — | |
$ | 22,477 | |
Non-interest income |
| 315 | |
| 3,699 | |
| (1,080 | ) |
| 2,934 | |
| 101 | |
| 2,020 | |
| (191 | ) |
| 1,930 | |
| 38 | |
| 1,778 | |
| (41 | ) |
| 1,775 | |
Total revenue |
| 26,554 | |
| 3,699 | |
| (1,080 | ) |
| 29,173 | |
| 25,030 | |
| 2,020 | |
| (191 | ) |
| 26,859 | |
| 22,515 | |
| 1,778 | |
| (41 | ) |
| 24,252 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses |
| (184 | ) |
| — | |
| — | |
| (184 | ) |
| 171 | |
| — | |
| — | |
| 171 | |
| 205 | |
| — | |
| — | |
| 205 | |
|
| 26,738 | |
| 3,699 | |
| (1,080 | ) |
| 29,357 | |
| 24,859 | |
| 2,020 | |
| (191 | ) |
| 26,688 | |
| 22,310 | |
| 1,778 | |
| (41 | ) |
| 24,047 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Non-interest expenses: |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Salaries and benefits |
| 5,878 | |
| 1,411 | |
| — | |
| 7,289 | |
| 5,891 | |
| 1,562 | |
| — | |
| 7,453 | |
| 5,678 | |
| 1,541 | |
| — | |
| 7,219 | |
General and administrative |
| 4,889 | |
| 354 | |
| (1,080 | ) |
| 4,163 | |
| 4,257 | |
| 380 | |
| (191 | ) |
| 4,446 | |
| 5,154 | |
| 457 | |
| (41 | ) |
| 5,570 | |
Premises and equipment |
| 617 | |
| 372 | |
| — | |
| 989 | |
| 610 | |
| 370 | |
| — | |
| 980 | |
| 624 | |
| 361 | |
| — | |
| 985 | |
|
| 11,384 | |
| 2,137 | |
| (1,080 | ) |
| 12,441 | |
| 10,758 | |
| 2,312 | |
| (191 | ) |
| 12,879 | |
| 11,456 | |
| 2,359 | |
| (41 | ) |
| 13,774 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
| 15,354 | |
| 1,562 | |
| — | |
| 16,916 | |
| 14,101 | |
| (292 | ) |
| — | |
| 13,809 | |
| 10,854 | |
| (581 | ) |
| — | |
| 10,273 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Income tax provision |
| 4,088 | |
| 349 | |
| — | |
| 4,437 | |
| 3,999 | |
| (193 | ) |
| — | |
| 3,806 | |
| 3,939 | |
| (95 | ) |
| — | |
| 3,844 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net income (loss) |
$ | 11,266 | |
$ | 1,213 | |
$ | — | |
$ | 12,479 | |
$ | 10,102 | |
$ | (99 | ) |
$ | — | |
$ | 10,003 | |
$ | 6,915 | |
$ | (486 | ) |
$ | — | |
$ | 6,429 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total assets |
$ | 4,190,876 | |
$ | 26,443 | |
$ | (15,709 | ) |
$ | 4,201,610 | |
$ | 3,971,781 | |
$ | 25,485 | |
$ | (16,421 | ) |
$ | 3,980,845 | |
$ | 3,267,479 | |
$ | 22,345 | |
$ | (23,826 | ) |
$ | 3,265,998 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total liabilities |
$ | 3,818,412 | |
$ | 28,788 | |
$ | (22,748 | ) |
$ | 3,824,452 | |
$ | 3,609,832 | |
$ | 29,123 | |
$ | (23,153 | ) |
$ | 3,615,802 | |
$ | 2,912,249 | |
$ | 25,755 | |
$ | (22,681 | ) |
$ | 2,915,323 | |
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
for the year ended |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 | |
|
Digital Banking |
DRTC |
Eliminations/ |
Consolidated |
Digital Banking |
DRTC |
Eliminations/ |
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
|
Adjustments |
|
Net interest income |
$ | 100,051 | |
$ | — | |
$ | — | |
$ | 100,051 | |
$ | 76,666 | |
$ | — | |
$ | — | |
$ | 76,666 | |
Non-interest income |
| 540 | |
| 9,698 | |
| (1,654 | ) |
| 8,584 | |
| 52 | |
| 5,839 | |
| (165 | ) |
| 5,726 | |
Total revenue |
| 100,591 | |
| 9,698 | |
| (1,654 | ) |
| 108,635 | |
| 76,718 | |
| 5,839 | |
| (165 | ) |
| 82,392 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses |
| 609 | |
| — | |
| — | |
| 609 | |
| 451 | |
| — | |
| — | |
| 451 | |
|
| 99,982 | |
| 9,698 | |
| (1,654 | ) |
| 108,026 | |
| 76,267 | |
| 5,839 | |
| (165 | ) |
| 81,941 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Non-interest expenses: |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Salaries and benefits |
| 25,382 | |
| 6,046 | |
| — | |
| 31,428 | |
| 22,303 | |
| 4,493 | |
| — | |
| 26,796 | |
General and administrative |
| 15,140 | |
| 1,565 | |
| (1,654 | ) |
| 15,051 | |
| 17,614 | |
| 1,283 | |
| (165 | ) |
| 18,732 | |
Premises and equipment |
| 2,462 | |
| 1,440 | |
| — | |
| 3,902 | |
| 2,475 | |
| 1,390 | |
| — | |
| 3,865 | |
|
| 42,984 | |
| 9,051 | |
| (1,654 | ) |
| 50,381 | |
| 42,392 | |
| 7,166 | |
| (165 | ) |
| 49,393 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
| 56,998 | |
| 647 | |
| — | |
| 57,645 | |
| 33,875 | |
| (1,327 | ) |
| — | |
| 32,548 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Income tax provision |
| 15,867 | |
| (384 | ) |
| — | |
| 15,483 | |
| 9,744 | |
| 146 | |
| — | |
| 9,890 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net income (loss) |
$ | 41,131 | |
$ | 1,031 | |
$ | — | |
$ | 42,162 | |
$ | 24,131 | |
$ | (1,473 | ) |
$ | — | |
$ | 22,658 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total assets |
$ | 4,190,876 | |
$ | 26,443 | |
$ | (15,709 | ) |
$ | 4,201,610 | |
$ | 3,267,479 | |
$ | 22,345 | |
$ | (23,826 | ) |
$ | 3,265,998 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total liabilities |
$ | 3,818,412 | |
$ | 28,788 | |
$ | (22,748 | ) |
$ | 3,824,452 | |
$ | 2,912,249 | |
$ | 25,755 | |
$ | (22,681 | ) |
$ | 2,915,323 | |
Highlights
for the FOURTH Quarter of Fiscal 2023
Consolidated
| · | Total assets increased 29% year-over-year and 6% sequentially to a record $4.2 billion; |
| · | Consolidated total revenue increased 20% year-over-year and 9% sequentially to a record $29.2 million,
driven by higher net interest income due primarily to continued strong loan growth, as well as a larger contribution from DRT Cyber Inc.
(“DRTC”); |
| · | Consolidated net income increased 94% year-over-year and 25% sequentially to $12.5 million, driven primarily
by the significant and increasing operating leverage in VersaBank’s branchless, business-to-business (partner-based) digital banking
model as well as a recovery of credit losses; |
| · | Consolidated earnings per share increased 104% year-over-year and 24% sequentially to $0.47 due to higher
net income, as well as the positive impact of the purchase and cancellation of VersaBank’s common shares through its Normal Course
Issuer Bid (“NCIB”); |
| · | Return on common equity increased to 13.58% from 7.32%; and, |
| · | The Bank continues to advance the process seeking approval of its proposed acquisition of OCC-chartered
US bank, Stearns Bank Holdingford N.A., and expects a decision from US regulators during the first calendar quarter of 2024. If favourable,
the Bank will proceed toward completion of the acquisition as soon as possible, subject to Canadian regulatory (OSFI) approval. |
Digital Banking Operations
| · | Loans increased 29% year-over-year and 5% sequentially to a record $3.85 billion, driven primarily by
growth in the Bank’s Point-of-Sale (“POS”) Financing portfolio, which increased 30% year-over-year and 4% sequentially; |
| · | Total revenue increased 18% year-over-year and 6% sequentially to a record $26.6 million, driven primarily
by higher net interest income attributable substantially to loan growth and higher non-interest income attributable to higher gross profit
generated by DRTC; |
| · | Net interest margin on loans decreased 34 bps, or 11%, year-over-year
and was unchanged sequentially at 2.69%. The year-over-year and sequential trends were a function primarily of higher cost of funds due
to elevated rates on term deposits experienced periodically over the course of the year, including during the fourth quarter, offset partially
by higher yields earned on the Bank’s loans; |
| · | Net interest margin decreased 27 bps year-over-year, or 10%, and
decreased 3 bps, or 1%, sequentially to 2.54%; |
| · | Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average loans remained negligible at -0.02%, compared with
a 12-quarter average of 0.00%, which remains among the lowest of the publicly traded Canadian Schedule I (federally licensed) Banks; and, |
| · | Efficiency ratio (excluding DRTC) improved year-over-year to 45% (down from 51%), driven by the significant
and increasing operating leverage in VersaBank’s branchless, business-to-business (partner) digital banking model. On a sequential
basis, efficiency ratio increased modestly to 45% from 43% due primarily to transitory non-interest expenses related to inter-company
technology and cybersecurity services provided in the current quarter. |
DRTC’s Cybersecurity Services Operations
(Digital Boundary Group)
| · | Revenue for the Cybersecurity Services component of DRTC (Digital Boundary Group, or DBG) increased 21%
year-over-year to $3.4 million driven by higher service engagements, while gross profit increased 50% to $2.6 million due to improved
operational efficiency. Sequentially, revenue and gross profit for Digital Boundary Group increased 46% and 45%, respectively, due primarily
to higher service engagements. DBG’s gross profit amounts are included in DRTC’s consolidated revenue which is reflected in
non-interest income in VersaBank’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. DBG remained profitable on a standalone
basis within DRTC. |
hIGHlights
for the FULL Fiscal 2023 YEAR
Consolidated
| · | Total assets increased 29% year-over-year and 6% sequentially to a record $4.2 billion; |
| · | Consolidated total revenue increased 32% to a record $108.6 million, driven by higher net interest income
resulting primarily from continued strong loan growth and higher revenue contributions from DRT Cyber Inc. (“DRTC”); |
| · | Consolidated net income increased 86% to $42.2 million due primarily to strong revenue growth significantly
outpacing the small increase in non-interest expenses (mainly due to the significant and increasing operating leverage in VersaBank’s
branchless, business-to-business (partner-based) digital banking model), which was partially offset by higher provision for credit losses; |
| · | Consolidated earnings per share increased 99% year-over-year to $1.57 due to higher net income, as well
as the positive impact of the purchase and cancellation of VersaBank’s common shares through its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”); |
| · | Return on common equity increased to 11.75% from 6.61%; and, |
| · | The Bank purchased and cancelled 1,321,358 common shares under its NCIB
in the current year, bringing the total number of common shares purchased through the NCIB as at October 31, 2023 to 1,516,658. |
Digital Banking Operations
| · | Loans increased 29% to a record $3.85 billion, driven primarily by growth in the Bank’s Point-of-Sale
(“POS”) Financing portfolio, which increased 30% year-over-year, as well as strong growth in its commercial lending portfolio,
which increased 24%; |
| · | Total revenue increased 31% year-over-year to a record $100.6 million, driven primarily by higher net
interest income attributable substantially to loan growth; |
| · | Net interest margin on loans decreased 23 bps, or 7%, year-over-year
to 2.85% due to elevated rates on term deposits experienced periodically over the course of the year, offset partially by higher
yields earned on the Bank’s loans; |
| · | Net interest margin decreased 2 bps year-over-year, or 1% to 2.68%; |
| · | Provision for credit losses (“PCL”) was $609,000 compared with $451,000 last year
due primarily to higher loan balances, as well as changes in the forward-looking information used by VersaBank in its credit risk models
offset partially by changes in the Bank’s loan mix; |
| · | Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average loans remained negligible at 0.02%, compared with
a 12-quarter average of 0.00%, which remains among the lowest of the publicly traded Canadian Schedule I (federally licensed) Banks; and, |
| · | Efficiency ratio for Digital Banking operations (excluding DRTC) improved to 43% from 55% last year as a function of 31% growth in
revenue and only a 1% increase in non-interest expenses due to the significant and increasing operating leverage in VersaBank’s
branchless, business-to-business (partner-based) digital banking model. |
DRTC’s Cybersecurity Services Operations
(Digital Boundary Group)
| · | Revenue for the Cybersecurity Services component of DRTC (Digital Boundary Group, or DBG) increased 9%
year-over-year to $10.6 million due to higher service engagements, while gross profit increased 38% to $7.8 million due to improved operating
efficiency. DBG’s gross profit amounts are included in DRTC’s consolidated revenue which is reflected in non-interest income
in VersaBank’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. DBG remained profitable on a standalone basis within
DRTC. |
Management Commentary
“Another record quarter capped off another
record year as continued strong growth in our loan portfolio increasingly enabled us to capitalize on the significant operating leverage
in our unique, branchless, business-to-business, partner-based digital banking model,” said David Taylor, President and Chief Executive
Officer, VersaBank. “29% growth in total assets for the year, which pushed us well past our $4 billion milestone, drove an 86% increase
in annual net income, improving our banking efficiency ratio for the year to 43% from 55% and return on common equity at the end of the
year to just under 12% for the year and just under 14% for the fourth quarter from 7.3% last year.”
“Looking ahead to fiscal 2024, we expect
continued solid growth in our loan portfolio, led by our Canadian Point-of-Sale Receivable Purchase Program, with an expectation to surpass
our next total asset milestone of $5 billion during the year. As we continue to grow, we will increasingly benefit from the operating
leverage in our model, driving further outsized increases in profitability and return on common equity. The massive US market opportunity
for our Receivable Purchase Program, should we receive regulatory approval for our proposed acquisition of a US national bank, provides
the potential for additional growth to drive total assets well in excess of our $5 billion milestone.”
Financial Review
Consolidated
Net Income – Net income for the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2023 was $12.5 million, or $0.47 per common share (basic and diluted), compared with $10.0 million, or $0.38 per common
share (basic and diluted) for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and $6.4 million, or $0.23 per common share (basic and diluted), for the
same period of fiscal 2022. The sequential and year-over-year increases were due primarily to higher revenue, which was driven by strong
loan growth, increased contribution from DRTC, a recovery of credit losses as well as lower non-interest expense.
Capital – At October 31, 2023, VersaBank’s
total regulatory capital was $476 million compared with $460 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and $449 million a
year ago. The Bank’s total capital ratio at October 31, 2023, was 15.38%, compared with 15.10% at the end of the third quarter of
fiscal 2023 and 16.52% a year ago.
Digital Banking Operations
Net Interest Margin – Net interest
margin (or spread) for the quarter was 2.54% compared to 2.57% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2.81% for the same period of fiscal
2022. The year-over-year and sequential decreases were a function primarily of higher cost of funds
due to elevated rates on term deposits experienced periodically over the course of the year, offset partially by higher yields earned
on the Bank’s loans.
Net Interest Margin on Loans – Net
interest margin on loans for the quarter was 2.69% compared to 2.69% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and 3.03% for the same period
of fiscal 2022. The year-over-year and sequential trends are attributable to the same variables
discussed in the Net Interest Margin section above.
Net Interest Income – Net interest
income for the quarter increased to a record $26.2 million from $24.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and $22.5 million for
the same period of fiscal 2022. The year-over-year and sequential trends were a function primarily of higher interest income attributable
to continued, strong loan growth, higher yields earned on floating rate loans attributable to rising interest rates and the redeployment
of available cash into higher yielding, low risk securities, offset partially by higher interest expense in the current period.
Non-Interest Expenses – Non-interest
expenses for the quarter were $11.4 million compared with $10.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and $11.5 million for the
same period of fiscal 2022. The sequential increase was a function primarily of higher fees incurred in the current quarter related to
inter-company technology and cybersecurity services.
Provision for/Recovery of Credit Losses
– Recovery of credit losses for the quarter was $184,000 compared to a provision for credit losses of $171,000 for the third quarter
of fiscal 2023 and a provision for credit losses of $205,000 for the same period of fiscal 2022. The year-over-year and sequential trends
were a function primarily of management recalibrating the POS Financing portfolio’s static, legacy loss rate floor to align more
closely with empirical loss rate data and changes in the Bank’s lending mix offset partially by higher loan balances and changes
in the forward-looking information used in the Bank’s credit risk models. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average
loans was -0.02%, compared with a 12-quarter average of 0.00%.
Credit Quality – The Bank’s
allowance for expected credit losses (“ECL”) at October 31, 2023 was $2.5 million compared with $2.7 million for the third
quarter of fiscal 2023 and $1.9 million a year ago. The sequential and year-over-year increases were due primarily to higher loan balances
and changes in the forward-looking information used by VersaBank in its credit risk models offset partially by the impact of management
recalibrating the POS Financing portfolio’s static, legacy loss rate floor to align more closely with empirical loss rate data and
changes in the Bank’s loan portfolio mix. VersaBank’s allowance for credit losses ratio continues to be one of the lowest
in the Canadian banking industry, reflecting the very low risk profile of the Bank’s loan portfolio, enabling it to generate superior
net interest margins by offering innovative, high-value deposit and lending solutions that address unmet needs in the banking industry
through a highly efficient partner model. VersaBank has very limited exposure to the commercial real estate market as the vast majority
of its commercial real estate portfolio is composed of loans and mortgages for residential use properties, it has very limited exposure
to the commercial real estate market.
Lending Operations: POS Financing –
POS Financing portfolio balances for the quarter increased 4% sequentially and 30% year-over-year to $2.9 billion due primarily to continued
strong demand for home improvement/HVAC receivable financing. Consumer spending and business investment in Canada are expected to slow
modestly over the course of fiscal 2024 due primarily to the impact of higher interest rates, inflationary pressures and a softening labour
market. This modest economic slowdown is not expected to devolve into a recession and is anticipated to be reasonably short lived, with
only modest layoffs and a moderate increase in unemployment. It is management’s view that any impact of a slower Canadian economy
on the POS Financing portfolio in fiscal 2024 will be substantially mitigated by the positive impact of continued onboarding of new origination
partners and the continued expansion of business with existing partners over the course of the year. As a result, management expects solid
growth in the Canadian POS portfolio over the course of fiscal 2024.
US Receivable Purchase Program (“RPP”) –
Despite higher interest rates and continuing inflationary pressures in the US, the US labour market remains resilient, which, combined
with the broad expectation that the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle has come to an end will continue to support consumer spending.
Management views the current trajectory of the US economy to be favourable in the context of continued, stable demand for durable goods
as a function of enduring consumption. Management believes that the anticipated US macroeconomic and industry trends described above
will continue to support healthy growth in the Bank’s RPP portfolio over the course of fiscal 2024, which would be expected to
include meaningful contribution from the Bank’s US subsidiary should VersaBank receive regulatory approval for, and complete, the
proposed acquisition of a US bank.
Lending Operations: Commercial Lending –
The Commercial Lending portfolio for the quarter increased 10% sequentially and 24% year-over-year to $898 million due primarily to increased
loan origination in select markets that were in line with the Bank’s conservative loan origination strategy in light of the evolving,
challenging macroeconomic environment. Notwithstanding the effective risk mitigation strategies that are employed in managing the Bank’s
Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) portfolios, including working with well-established, well-capitalized partners and maintaining
modest loan-to-value ratios on individual transactions, management continues to take a cautionary stance with respect to its broader CRE
portfolios due to volatility in CRE asset valuations and the potential impact of higher for longer interest rates on borrowers’
ability to service debt. While management will continue to focus on the multi-family residential sector in fiscal 2024 it is anticipated
that Bank’s CRE portfolio asset mix will meaningfully pivot into lower risk weighted insured assets that will drive moderate portfolio
growth in the coming year.
Deposit Funding – Cost of funds for
the fourth quarter was 3.86%, an increase of 24 bps sequentially and 141 bps year-over-year due primarily to higher rates paid on term
deposits during the quarter. Management expects that commercial deposits raised via VersaBank’s Trustee Integrated Banking (“TIB”)
program will continue to grow throughout fiscal 2024 as a function of higher volumes of consumer and commercial bankruptcy and proposal
restructuring proceedings, attributable primarily to the impact of a higher interest rate environment. In addition, VersaBank continues
to pursue a number of initiatives to grow and expand its well-established, diverse deposit broker network through which it sources personal
deposits, consisting primarily of guaranteed investment certificates. The Bank’s current deposit channels remain an efficient, reliable
and diversified source of funding, providing access to ample reasonably priced deposits in volumes that comfortably support the Bank’s
liquidity requirements. Substantially all of the Bank’s deposit volumes raised through these channels are eligible for CDIC insurance.
DRTC (Cybersecurity Services and Banking and Financial Technology
Development)
DRTC revenue (including that from services provided
to the Digital Banking operations) increased 83% sequentially and increased 108% year-over-year to $3.7 million, due primarily to the
timing of service engagements and higher fees earned related to inter-company technology and cybersecurity services provided to Digital
Banking. DRTC recorded net income of $1.2 million compared to net loss of $99,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and a net loss
of $486,000 a year ago. The sequential and year-over-year improvement was due primarily to higher revenue which was partially offset by
higher non-interest expenses attributable to higher salary and benefits expense due to higher staffing levels necessary to support expanded
business activity.
DBG revenue increased 46% sequentially and 21%
year-over-year to $3.4 million while gross profit increased 45% sequentially and 50% year-over-year to $2.6 million. The sequential and
year-over-year trends were due primarily to higher service engagements in the current quarter. DBG’s gross profit amounts are included
in DRTC’s consolidated revenue which is reflected in non-interest income in VersaBank’s consolidated statements of income
and comprehensive income.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(unaudited) |
for the three months ended |
for the year ended |
|
October 31 |
October 31 |
October 31 |
October 31 |
($CDN thousands except per share amounts) |
2023 |
2022 |
2023 |
2022 |
Results of operations |
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
$ | 66,089 | |
$ | 42,072 | |
$ | 229,334 | |
$ | 126,817 | |
Net interest income |
| 26,239 | |
| 22,477 | |
| 100,051 | |
| 76,666 | |
Non-interest income |
| 2,934 | |
| 1,775 | |
| 8,584 | |
| 5,726 | |
Total revenue |
| 29,173 | |
| 24,252 | |
| 108,635 | |
| 82,392 | |
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses |
| (184 | ) |
| 205 | |
| 609 | |
| 451 | |
Non-interest expenses |
| 12,441 | |
| 13,774 | |
| 50,381 | |
| 49,393 | |
Digital banking |
| 11,384 | |
| 11,456 | |
| 42,984 | |
| 42,392 | |
DRTC |
| 2,137 | |
| 2,359 | |
| 9,051 | |
| 7,166 | |
Net income |
| 12,479 | |
| 6,429 | |
| 42,162 | |
| 22,658 | |
Income per common share: |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Basic |
$ | 0.47 | |
$ | 0.23 | |
$ | 1.57 | |
$ | 0.79 | |
Diluted |
$ | 0.47 | |
$ | 0.23 | |
$ | 1.57 | |
$ | 0.79 | |
Dividends paid on preferred shares |
$ | 247 | |
$ | 247 | |
$ | 988 | |
$ | 988 | |
Dividends paid on common shares |
$ | 650 | |
$ | 680 | |
$ | 2,612 | |
$ | 2,741 | |
Yield* |
| 6.40% | |
| 5.26% | |
| 6.14% | |
| 4.47% | |
Cost of funds* |
| 3.86% | |
| 2.45% | |
| 3.46% | |
| 1.77% | |
Net interest margin* |
| 2.54% | |
| 2.81% | |
| 2.68% | |
| 2.70% | |
Net interest margin on loans* |
| 2.69% | |
| 3.03% | |
| 2.85% | |
| 3.08% | |
Return on average common equity* |
| 13.58% | |
| 7.32% | |
| 11.75% | |
| 6.61% | |
Book value per common share* |
$ | 14.00 | |
$ | 12.37 | |
$ | 14.00 | |
$ | 12.37 | |
Efficiency ratio* |
| 43% | |
| 57% | |
| 46% | |
| 60% | |
Efficiency ratio - Digital banking* |
| 45% | |
| 51% | |
| 43% | |
| 55% | |
Return on average total assets* |
| 1.19% | |
| 0.77% | |
| 1.10% | |
| 0.76% | |
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses as a % of average loans* |
| (0.02% | ) |
| 0.03% | |
| 0.02% | |
| 0.02% | |
|
| as at | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Balance Sheet Summary |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Cash |
$ | 132,242 | |
$ | 88,581 | |
$ | 132,242 | |
$ | 88,581 | |
Securities |
| 167,940 | |
| 141,564 | |
| 167,940 | |
| 141,564 | |
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses |
| 3,850,404 | |
| 2,992,678 | |
| 3,850,404 | |
| 2,992,678 | |
Average loans |
| 3,756,038 | |
| 2,903,400 | |
| 3,421,541 | |
| 2,547,864 | |
Total assets |
| 4,201,610 | |
| 3,265,998 | |
| 4,201,610 | |
| 3,265,998 | |
Deposits |
| 3,533,366 | |
| 2,657,540 | |
| 3,533,366 | |
| 2,657,540 | |
Subordinated notes payable |
| 106,850 | |
| 104,951 | |
| 106,850 | |
| 104,951 | |
Shareholders' equity |
| 377,158 | |
| 350,675 | |
| 377,158 | |
| 350,675 | |
Capital ratios** |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Risk-weighted assets |
$ | 3,095,092 | |
$ | 2,714,902 | |
$ | 3,095,092 | |
$ | 2,714,902 | |
Common Equity Tier 1 capital |
| 350,812 | |
| 325,657 | |
| 350,812 | |
| 325,657 | |
Total regulatory capital |
| 476,005 | |
| 448,575 | |
| 476,005 | |
| 448,575 | |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio |
| 11.33% | |
| 12.00% | |
| 11.33% | |
| 12.00% | |
Tier 1 capital ratio |
| 11.78% | |
| 12.50% | |
| 11.78% | |
| 12.50% | |
Total capital ratio |
| 15.38% | |
| 16.52% | |
| 15.38% | |
| 16.52% | |
Leverage ratio |
| 8.30% | |
| 9.84% | |
| 8.30% | |
| 9.84% | |
| * | See definition under 'Non-GAAP
and Other Financial Measures' in the Annual 2023 Management's Discussion and Analysis. |
| ** | Capital management and
leverage measures are in accordance with OSFI's Capital Adequacy Requirements and Basel III
Accord. |
STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT OF CERTAIN SENIOR MANAGEMENT
ROLES
VersaBank also announced that it has realigned
certain senior management roles as it prepares for broad launch of its RPP in the US should it receive the relevant regulatory approvals
(as discussed above). Shawn Clarke, previously the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to the newly created role
of Chief Operating Officer (COO). John Asma, previously Treasurer, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chintan Shah, previously
Assistant Treasurer, will assume the role of Treasurer, reporting directly to Mr. Asma.
“I am very pleased to announce these appointments,
which, together, enable the Bank to efficiently and effectively deploy our deep internal expertise to fully capitalize on the significant
opportunities in front of us,” said Mr. Taylor. “During his nearly 15-year tenure with VersaBank, Shawn has made tremendous
contributions to our growth and success in a variety of capacities, especially in last several years, as, in addition to his normal course
CFO duties he has been integral to our US IPO and Nasdaq listing, as well as the US regulatory approval process for our proposed acquisition.
His extensive involvement in the development of the business plan and implementation strategy for the RPP in the US will be invaluable
to the success of our broad roll out.”
“John brings a long track record of success
in banking and finance, as well as a deep knowledge and understanding of the unique VersaBank model, to the CFO role. In his recent tenure
as Treasurer, he has been instrumental in enhancing our return on treasury balances, while further mitigating risk and enhancing liquidity,
as well as expanding our base of business development. As CFO, John’s financial acumen and discipline will serve the Bank well as
we increasingly realize the operating leverage in our business, with a particular focus on optimizing net interest margin and managing
non-interest expense to fully capitalize on this critical part of our business model, as well as optimizing its efficiency and return
on common equity in the context of focusing on risk mitigation throughout the Bank and our regulatory obligations.”
“Chintan has spent most of his career in
the treasury function within the banking sector and over the past two and a half years has proven to be a valuable member of our own Treasury
team, working closely with John toward that group’s many accomplishments. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to take on
the Bank’s Treasurer role and continue to drive the success of this critical aspect of our business.”
About VersaBank
VersaBank is a Canadian Schedule I chartered (federally
licensed) bank with a difference. VersaBank became the world’s first fully digital financial institution when it adopted its highly
efficient business-to-business model in 1993 using its proprietary state-of-the-art financial technology to profitably address underserved
segments of the Canadian banking market in the pursuit of superior net interest margins while mitigating risk. VersaBank obtains all of
its deposits and provides the majority of its loans and leases electronically, with innovative deposit and lending solutions for financial
intermediaries that allow them to excel in their core businesses. In addition, leveraging its internally developed IT security software
and capabilities, VersaBank established wholly owned, Washington, DC-based subsidiary, DRT Cyber Inc. to pursue significant large-market
opportunities in cyber security and develop innovative solutions to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial
institutions, corporations of all sizes and government entities on a daily basis.
VersaBank’s Common Shares trade on the Toronto
Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq under the symbol VBNK. Its Series 1 Preferred Shares trade on the TSX under the symbol VBNK.PR.A.
Forward-Looking Statements
VersaBank’s public communications often include
written or oral forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document and may be included in other filings
and with Canadian securities regulators or the US Securities and Exchange Commission, or in other communications. All such statements
are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, the United
States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation. The statements in this management’s
discussion and analysis that relate to the future are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve
inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, many of which are out of VersaBank’s control. Risks exist that predictions,
forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives,
expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the
strength of the Canadian and US economy in general and the strength of the local economies within Canada and the US in which VersaBank
conducts operations; the effects of changes in monetary and fiscal policy, including changes in interest rate policies of the Bank of
Canada and the US Federal Reserve; global commodity prices; the effects of competition in the markets in which VersaBank operates; inflation;
capital market fluctuations; the timely development and introduction of new products in receptive markets; the impact of changes in the
laws and regulations pertaining to financial services; changes in tax laws; technological changes; unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings;
unexpected changes in consumer spending and savings habits; the impact of wars or conflicts and the impact of both on global supply chains
and markets; the impact of outbreaks of disease or illness that affect local, national or international economies; the possible effects
on our business of terrorist activities; natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications,
power or water supply; and VersaBank’s anticipation of and success in managing the risks implicated by the foregoing. For a detailed
discussion of certain key factors that may affect VersaBank’s future results, please see VersaBank’s annual MD&A for the
year ended October 31, 2023.
The foregoing list of important factors is not
exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing
factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The forward-looking information contained in the management’s discussion and
analysis is presented to assist VersaBank shareholders and others in understanding VersaBank’s financial position and may not be
appropriate for any other purposes. Except as required by securities law, VersaBank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement
that is contained in this management’s discussion and analysis or made from time to time by VersaBank or on its behalf.
Conference Call
VersaBank will be hosting a conference call and
webcast today, Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss its fourth quarter results, featuring a presentation by David
Taylor, President & CEO, and other VersaBank executives, followed by a question and answer period.
Dial-in Details
Toll-free dial-in number: |
1 (888) 664-6392 (Canada/US) |
Local dial-in number: |
(416) 764-8659 |
Please call between 8:45 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. (ET).
To join the conference call by telephone without
operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number in advance at https://emportal.ink/49VXnYb to receive an instant
automated call back.
Webcast Access: For those preferring to listen
to the conference call via the Internet, a webcast of Mr. Taylor’s presentation will be available via the internet, accessible
here https://app.webinar.net/G5MNnkaXpb2 or from the Bank’s web site.
Instant Replay
Toll-free dial-in number: |
1 (888) 390-0541 (Canada/US) |
Local dial-in number: |
(416) 764-8677 |
Passcode: |
219304# |
Expiry Date: |
January 13th, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) |
The archived webcast presentation will also be
available via the Internet for 90 days following the live event at https://app.webinar.net/G5MNnkaXpb2 and on the Bank’s web site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
LodeRock Advisors
Lawrence Chamberlain
(416) 519-4196
lawrence.chamberlain@loderockadvisors.com
|
Visit our website at: www.versabank.com
Follow VersaBank
on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
and X (formerly Twitter)
Exhibit 99.2
For Immediate
Release: December 13, 2023
Attention: Business
Editors
VERSABANK DECLARES
DIVIDENDS
LONDON, ON/CNW
- VersaBank (the “Bank”) (TSX: VBNK; NASDAQ: VBNK) today announced that cash dividends in the amount of CAD $0.025 per
Common Share of the Bank and CAD $0.1693 per Series 1 Preferred Share of the Bank, have been declared for the quarter ending January
31, 2024, payable as of January 31, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 5, 2024.
The dividends to
which this notice relates are eligible dividends for tax purposes.
About VersaBank
VersaBank is a Canadian
Schedule I chartered (federally licensed) bank with a difference. VersaBank became the world’s first fully digital financial institution
when it adopted its highly efficient business-to-business model in 1993 using its proprietary state-of-the-art financial technology to
profitably address underserved segments of the Canadian banking market in the pursuit of superior net interest margins while mitigating
risk. VersaBank obtains all of its deposits and provides the majority of its loans and leases electronically, with innovative deposit
and lending solutions for financial intermediaries that allow them to excel in their core businesses. In addition, leveraging its internally
developed IT security software and capabilities, VersaBank established wholly owned, Washington, DC-based subsidiary, DRT Cyber Inc.
to safeguard its digital infrastructure and to pursue significant large-market opportunities in cyber security and develop innovative
solutions to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and
government entities on a daily basis.
VersaBank’s
Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq under the symbol VBNK. Its Series 1 Preferred Shares
trade on the TSX under the symbol VBNK.PR.A.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
LodeRock Advisors
Lawrence Chamberlain
(416) 519-4196
lawrence.chamberlain@loderockadvisors.com |
Visit
our website at: www.versabank.com
Follow
VersaBank on Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter)
Exhibit 99.3
FORM 52-109F1
CERTIFICATION
OF ANNUAL FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, David R. Taylor,
President & Chief Executive Officer of VersaBank, certify the following:
| 1. | Review:
I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A,
including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by
reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of VersaBank (the “issuer”)
for the financial year ended October 31, 2023. |
| 2. | No misrepresentations:
Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings
do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances
under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
| 3. | Fair presentation:
Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial
statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
| 4. | Responsibility:
The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial
reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification
of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
| 5. | Design:
Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s
other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
| (a) | designed
DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
that |
| (i) | material information
relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which
the annual filings are being prepared; and |
| (ii) | information
required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports
filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
| (b) | designed
ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP. |
| 5.1 | Control
framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and
I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is Internal Control – Integrated Framework,
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
| 6. | Evaluation:
The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have |
| (a) | evaluated,
or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s
DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our
conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation;
and |
| (b) | evaluated,
or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s
ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
| (i) | our conclusions
about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
| 7. | Reporting
changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the
issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning August 1, 2023 and ended on
October 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the issuer’s ICFR. |
| 8. | Reporting
to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s
other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of
the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the issuer’s ICFR. |
/s/ David R. Taylor
____________________
David R. Taylor
President &
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.4
FORM 52-109F1
CERTIFICATION
OF ANNUAL FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Shawn Clarke,
Chief Financial Officer of VersaBank, certify the following:
| 1. | Review:
I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A,
including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by
reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of VersaBank (the “issuer”)
for the financial year ended October 31, 2023. |
| 2. | No misrepresentations:
Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings
do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances
under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
| 3. | Fair presentation:
Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial
statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
| 4. | Responsibility:
The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial
reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification
of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
| 5. | Design:
Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s
other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
| (a) | designed
DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
that |
| (i) | material information
relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which
the annual filings are being prepared; and |
| (ii) | information
required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports
filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
| (b) | designed
ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP. |
| 5.1 | Control
framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and
I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is Internal Control – Integrated Framework,
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
| 6. | Evaluation:
The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have |
| (a) | evaluated,
or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s
DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our
conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation;
and |
| (b) | evaluated,
or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s
ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
| (i) | our conclusions
about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
| 7. | Reporting
changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the
issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning August 1, 2023 and ended on
October 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the issuer’s ICFR. |
| 8. | Reporting
to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s
other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of
the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the issuer’s ICFR. |
/s/ Shawn Clarke
__________________________
Shawn Clarke
Chief Financial Officer
VersaBank (NASDAQ:VBNK)
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VersaBank (NASDAQ:VBNK)
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