First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM)

First Foundation Inc., also known as FFWM, is a financial services company that operates as a bank holding company, offering a comprehensive platform of financial services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. With a focus on small to moderate-sized businesses and professional firms, FFWM operates in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, boasting a total of $13.3 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023.

FFWM's main business activities encompass banking, investment advisory and wealth management, and trust services. The company generates revenue through its banking products and services, investment advisory and wealth management services, and trust services. Its primary products include loan products, deposit products, treasury management products and services, and trust services.

In the banking sector, FFWM's subsidiary, First Foundation Bank (FFB), offers a wide range of loan products. These include multifamily and single-family residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial term loans and lines of credit, and consumer loans. The company's lending platform is centered on three primary channels: Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Commercial and Industrial (C&I), and Consumer. The CRE loan channel focuses on multifamily residential, non-owner occupied commercial real estate, and land and construction loans. The C&I loan channel provides financing solutions to small to moderate-sized businesses, professional firms, and municipal agencies. The Consumer loan channel offers single-family residential loans, home equity lines of credit, personal lines of credit, and other consumer-related products.

In terms of its position within the industry, FFWM competes with other financial institutions, including larger banks and community banks. The company's competitive advantages include its personalized and detailed approach to underwriting, which allows it to better understand and meet its clients' borrowing needs. FFWM's team-based approach to delivering its platform of services also sets it apart from its competitors.

FFWM's investment advisory and wealth management services are provided through its subsidiary, First Foundation Advisors (FFA). FFA is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act and the SEC's regulations promulgated thereunder. FFA offers a range of investment advisory services, including portfolio management, investment research, and financial planning. The company's investment advisory and wealth management services are designed to help individuals, businesses, and other organizations achieve their financial goals.

FFWM's trust services are provided through its subsidiary, First Foundation Trust Company (FFTC). FFTC offers a range of trust services, including estate planning, trust administration, and investment management. The company's trust services are designed to help individuals and families manage their assets and achieve their financial goals.

FFWM is subject to regulation by various federal and state agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFPI), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The company is also subject to capital requirements and risk-based capital guidelines, which are administered by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC.