Washington Trust Bancorp Inc

and the tactics, techniques, and procedures used in cyberattacks change, develop, and evolve rapidly and continuously, including from growth in third-party services that facilitate or carry out cyberattacks and from emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, which may be used to enhance the tactics, techniques, and procedures described above and facilitate new cyber threats. Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyberattacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. A failure or circumvention of our security systems could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and financial condition.

We operate in a highly competitive environment that includes financial and non-financial services firms, including traditional banks, online banks, financial technology companies, and investment management and wealth advisory firms, including commercial banks and trust companies, investment advisory firms, mutual fund companies, stock brokerage firms. These companies compete on the basis of, among other factors, size, location, quality and type of products and services offered, price, technology, brand recognition, and reputation. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (including machine learning and generative artificial intelligence) and quantum computing, have the potential to further intensify competition and accelerate disruption in the financial services industry. Financial technology companies now offer services traditionally provided by financial institutions. These firms use technology and mobile platforms to enhance the ability of companies and individuals to borrow, save and invest money. Additionally, financial technology companies and other firms have begun to offer services such as stablecoins that may serve as alternatives to traditional banking products such as deposits. Many of these non-financial services competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures than we do. Our long-term success depends on our ability to develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives; to develop competitive products and technologies; and to attract, retain and develop a highly skilled employee workforce. We may not be as timely or successful in assessing the evolving competitive landscape and developing or introducing new products and services as our competitors. Our business may be negatively impacted if we, or our third-party providers, do not timely develop and apply emerging technologies, or if our initiatives in these areas are deficient or fail. Our, or our third-party providers’, inability or resistance to timely innovate or adapt operations, products, and services to evolving regulatory and market environments, industry standards, and consumer preferences could result in service disruptions, harm our business, and adversely affect our results of operations and reputation.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The widespread adoption of new technologies, including cryptocurrencies and payment systems, could require substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products and services. The introduction of new or modified products or services can entail significant time and resources. We might not be successful in developing or introducing new or modified products and services, integrating new products or services into our existing offerings, responding or adapting to changes in consumer behavior, preferences, spending, investing and/or saving habits, achieving market acceptance of our products and services, reducing costs in response to pressures to deliver products and services at lower prices or sufficiently developing and maintaining loyal customers. Products and services relying on internet and mobile technologies may expose us to fraud and cybersecurity risks. Implementation of certain new technologies, such as those related to artificial intelligence, automation and algorithms, may have unintended consequences due to their limitations, potential manipulation, or our failure to use them effectively. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new or modified products or services could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The widespread adoption of new technologies, including cryptocurrencies and payment systems, could require substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products and services. The introduction of new or modified products or services can entail significant time and resources. We might not be successful in developing or introducing new or modified products and services, integrating new products or services into our existing offerings, responding or adapting to changes in consumer behavior, preferences, spending, investing and/or saving habits, achieving market acceptance of our products and services, reducing costs in response to pressures to deliver products and services at lower prices or sufficiently developing and maintaining loyal customers. Products and services relying on internet and mobile technologies may expose us to fraud and cybersecurity risks. Implementation of certain new technologies, such as those related to artificial intelligence, automation and algorithms, may have unintended consequences due to their limitations, potential manipulation, or our failure to use them effectively. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new or modified products or services could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.