2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2 | AMERIS BANCORP DEAR SHAREHOLDERS, For the banking community, the restrictions and challenges imposed by COVID-19 affected every aspect of life and business - socially, economically, and physically - and ultimately caused a shift in both consumer and business behaviors. This, in turn, presented some opportunities. Ameris was ready. Our core priorities stood firm: providing banking services that meet the needs of our customers and communities, continuously advancing our technological offerings, delivering exceptional customer service, and constantly nurturing our culture. Our leadership and management team adjusted our tactical plans based on work- from-home requirements and changes in customer behaviors. We were poised and ready to overcome new and challenging hurdles to accommodate customer needs and expectations. Our optimistic spirit and fierce determination are more prevalent than ever before. For Ameris, 2020 was a record year. For the first time in the history of our company, our revenue surpassed $1 billion, and we reported total assets over $20 billion. Our success is attributable to our strong leadership team and the solid talent found throughout our organization. Our focus on commercial and industrial lending continued as we added several talented bankers throughout the Ameris footprint. Our disciplined risk management and controls provide the guidance and support necessary for continued growth. Our markets are strong and resilient, and we proudly support the families and businesses in our markets as they rebound from the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Ameris recognizes that our teammates represent our strongest asset. Our focus on equal dignity resulted in many accomplishments and record financial results. Continuing to recruit, develop and retain a diverse team of talent remains a priority. We are committed to empowering teammates and fostering an inclusive environment throughout our organization. This report outlines several initiatives already in place and our plan to support these efforts in the future. We thank our teammates for adapting, executing bold strategies, and producing high-performing results, and we are grateful to our Board of Directors for continuing to provide sound strategic oversight with a passion for community banking. To our valued customers and shareholders, thank you for your continued trust and confidence. Ameris is well positioned for the future. We are fortunate to write this letter with great excitement about the years ahead. The momentum created in 2020 is tremendous, and we plan to capitalize on this energy and continue to exceed expectations. With sincere appreciation, H. Palmer Proctor Jr. Leo J. Hill Chief Executive Officer Lead Independent Director Ameris Bancorp and Ameris Bank Ameris Bancorp ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 3 COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2020 was a year unlike any other, as Ameris Bank, our teammates, customers and communities reacted to the pressures, restrictions and mandates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ameris leadership successfully pivoted and remained agile, providing the resources and financial support needed during this unprecedented time. Preparedness and Protocols Ameris leadership continuously monitored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as necessary, to help ensure safety and wellbeing, closed branch lobbies, shifting customers to conduct banking at drive-thrus, by appointment or through online and mobile banking platforms. Bankers quickly adapted to providing an exceptional customer experience remotely or digitally. Protocols were instituted, including mandatory mask requirements in all Ameris Bank facilities, social distancing, sanitizing procedures, travel bans and in-person meeting restrictions. Ameris Bank deployed monthly customer e-newsletters that included supportive, pandemic-related articles specific to cybersecurity awareness, financial support and personal care. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economies and providing hardship relief loans to businesses facing these difficult times was a priority. With the support of over 300 teammates across the organization, Ameris Bank successfully deployed the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), administering loans to 8,812 businesses totaling over $1.1 billion. Employee Care For the safety of our teammates, their families and our customers, in March of 2020, 75% of the Ameris workforce seamlessly transitioned to work-from-home. Within days, Ameris Bank’s information technology team deployed an additional 300 laptops for remote work and video conference usage increased by 150%. Communication remained a top priority, with weekly written or recorded communications sent to all teammates providing support, procedures and empathy. Ameris Bank also issued more than $1.5 million in “thank you” pay to teammates who continued to work on our front lines, supporting customers throughout the pandemic. ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 5 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE STRATEGY Ameris believes in the potential of our communities, neighbors and teammates. We are committed to creating positive change. Our company proudly supports community engagement and sustainability initiatives across the Southeast, and makes investing and growing a talented, diverse and inclusive team a key priority. Investing in a Sustainable Future In 2020, the ingenuity of Ameris Bank’s mortgage and technology teams created automated and scalable, electronic and robotic solutions to maximize efficiencies and human capital engagement. The bank continues to convert thousands of customers to e-statements, online banking, mobile banking and other digital offerings. At the new Ameris headquarters, LED lighting is used, and with the support of a third-party energy consultant, Ameris Bank has further plans to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases across all facilities. Building a Better Community Ameris and our teammates passionately give time, talents and resources to support our communities, with efforts focused on improving educational equality, housing affordability and the overall health and wellbeing of those within the community. In 2020, Ameris Bank gave over $1.5 million to philanthropic and civic organizations. Ameris Bank made homeownership a reality for 30,033 buyers. We are proud of our efforts to make homeownership a reality for 8,002 first-time homebuyers; 6,385 buyers through VA, FHA or USDA programs; and 1,390 buyers through down payment assistance programs. Advancing Our Teammates Ameris Bank teammates are energetic, dynamic team players and problem-solvers who are committed to going the extra mile. Ameris supports a culture of learning and dedication to teammates by offering leadership development, numerous health and wellness programs, mentorship, tuition reimbursement and career pathways. We’re committed to empowering our people, diversifying our teams and fostering inclusion throughout our organization. ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 7 PEOPLE FIRST Our teammates are our greatest strength. From our humble beginnings in 1971 to a multi-billion dollar publicly traded company, our team continues to be the driving force of our success. We take pride in listening to our teammates, welcoming diverse and unique perspectives, supporting personal and professional growth and developing natural talents. Teammate Engagement Effective and frequent two-way communication is critical to our company’s support and growth of our teammates and culture. Annually, Ameris Bank administers a teammate engagement survey to gather meaningful insights and data, which is used in strategic planning and to nurture our culture. Ameris Bank also administers frequent companywide and job family specific communications, such as a weekly e-newsletter, monthly learning and development e-newsletter, as needed executive announcements and COVID-19 pandemic bulletins. Support and Wellness It is a top priority to provide our teammates with meaningful, competitive and supportive benefits to care for their life and family. Ameris Bank proudly offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time-off and an employee stock purchase plan. Ameris Bank’s 401(k) plan matches 50% of each employee’s elective deferral amount, up to the first 6% of the contribution. Ameris Bank’s benefits also include access to a network of nearby providers for a wide range of behavioral health support with options for in-person care or virtual visits at any time, any day. Personal and Professional Growth Ameris takes pride in offering professional growth opportunities, as we believe effective leadership development, mentorship at all levels and career pathing will further elevate our company and support us in continuing to attract and retain top talent. Managers develop action plans, have career development discussions and provide mentorship – all to support teammates in reaching their goals and aspirations. Developed in 2020, Ameris Bank launched in January 2021 its Leadership Development Program, which is a self-paced three-tiered program available to all teammates, with course work specific to leading self, leading others and leading leaders. Annually, Ameris Bank facilitates its formal mentorship program, Mentor Ameris. ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 9 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral part of our strategic vision at Ameris Bank. We are committed to fostering a fair and inclusive work environment built