16.  COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has adversely affected the economies and financial markets worldwide and has materially and adversely affected many businesses and as of September 30, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. In response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed by various states, including the States of Connecticut, Florida and New York to prevent, or at least reduce the risk of the spread of the virus, at the end of the first quarter of 2020 the Company adopted certain temporary programs, policies and guidelines designed primarily to preserve its liquidity, help its borrowers and protect its employees. In particular, the Company invested capital into its technology infrastructure over the course of 2020 and into 2021 to allow its employees to work remotely and remain effective in the event of office shutdowns.

Over the course of 2020 and into early 2021, the U.S. Congress has authorized over $4.0 trillion of stimulus payments to small businesses and individuals adversely impacted by COVID-19. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has maintained its accommodative monetary policy. Finally, since December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has issued emergency use authorizations for three COVID-19 vaccines. The combination of these factors – stimulus, monetary easing and vaccination roll-out, appears to have had positive impact on general economic conditions. As a result, real estate values have stabilized and the Company has not experienced any significant increase in defaults.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there are still concerns regarding mutations of the virus that might not be susceptible to the existing vaccines and there is still a significant portion of the worldwide population, including in the U.S., that is not vaccinated. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed certain vulnerabilities in the U.S. economy that could materially and adversely impact our borrowers and, by extension the Company. These vulnerabilities include a labor shortage and supply chain disruptions, particularly with respect to building materials and appliances. If continuing concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic limit our ability to have meetings with potential borrowers, or our borrower’s ability to source materials and services to complete construction in process, the Company’s business and operations could be adversely impacted. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business and operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. If the disruptions posed by COVID-19 or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, the Company’s business, operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.