#USA #Acquisition #Cincinnati #First Financial #BankFinancial

First Financial Bancorp Completes Acquisition of BankFinancial

On December 31, 2025, First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) announced the successful completion of its acquisition of BankFinancial Corporation, a strategic move aimed at enhancing its presence in the Chicago market. This all-stock transaction, effective from January 1, 2026, allows First Financial to bolster its services by incorporating BankFinancial’s established network and expertise.

Expanding Market Reach

First Financial's acquisition of BankFinancial is set to significantly expand its operations by adding 18 financial centers in the Chicago area. This strategic move is not merely about increasing the number of branches; it also enhances First Financial’s core deposit franchise and diversifies its commercial loan, lease, and deposit business. With this addition, First Financial's total asset portfolio will reach approximately $22 billion, allowing for an even broader range of consumer-driven services, commercial offerings, specialty lending, and wealth management solutions.

Leadership Insights

Archie Brown, President and CEO of First Financial Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Expanding our presence in Chicago presents us with significant opportunities for growth and profitability. The integration of BankFinancial enables us to deliver a wider array of solutions to both new and existing clients in this enticing market."

As part of the acquisition process, BankFinancial will continue to operate under its own name until expected conversion in June 2026. During this period, existing BankFinancial clients can remain assured that their services will continue without interruption as detailed information regarding account conversions will be communicated soon. Notably, clients of First Financial will not experience any service disruptions due to this merger.

Recent Growth and Strategic Expansion

This acquisition isn't First Financial’s first growth initiative in recent times. In 2023, the company entered the Chicago market with a focus on commercial lending within the Fulton Market area, followed by the acquisition of Agile Premium Finance in 2024. More recently, in November 2025, they finalized the acquisition of Westfield Bank, further enhancing their commercial banking and wealth management capabilities in Northeast Ohio. In addition, First Financial has expanded its footprint to Grand Rapids, Michigan, demonstrating its commitment to growth across the Midwest, which includes a strong presence in cities such as Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Indiana, and Louisville.

First Financial Bancorp Overview

First Financial Bancorp operates as a bank holding company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. By September 30, 2025, the company reported $18.6 billion in assets, $11.7 billion in loans, and $14.4 billion in deposits. Founded in 1863, First Financial Bank delivers various financial services through multiple business lines, including Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, and Wealth Management. Specifically, their Wealth Management unit manages approximately $4.0 billion in assets, which includes wealth planning, portfolio management, and retirement services.

The bank has also been recognized for its commendable performance, receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Federal Reserve regarding its adherence to the Community Reinvestment Act and achieving the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, acknowledging its success in fostering a positive workplace culture.

In conclusion, the acquisition of BankFinancial not only furthers First Financial Bancorp’s strategy for expansion in the competitive landscape of banking but also highlights its commitment to delivering valuable financial services to its growing customer base. As this integration unfolds, both First Financial and BankFinancial clients can expect enhanced service offerings and a broader range of banking solutions to meet their evolving financial needs. For more details regarding this transition and First Financial's offerings, visit www.bankatfirst.com.