Working Together to Serve You

 

We are excited to share that the sale of BankFinancial to First Financial Bank has received regulatory approval. While this is an important milestone, it's just the first step as we begin to merge BankFinancial into First Financial. You will continue to bank with us as you always have, with the same familiar faces. In the meantime, the BankFinancial and First Financial Bank teams are hard at work behind the scenes preparing to combine the two banks.

 

What does this change mean for you?

  • Beginning this Spring, you will start to receive communications about the transition of your accounts and services. You'll receive complete details well in advance of when your account(s) are converted,
  • For now, continue to bank as you always have – continue to access all your accounts as you always have.
  • Our team will continue to be your points of contact going forward. We’re excited to have joined the First Financial team and to continue providing the exceptional service you have come to expect from us.
 

Next Steps

  • To ensure you receive all upcoming communications, it is important that we have your most up-to-date contact information. If your contact information has changed please reach out to us.
  • We're excited to share with you our great new banking options as we complete the transition to First Financial Bank later this year.
  • Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback along the way. 

We look forward to working with you through this exciting transition.

Q. Now that BankFinancial is joining with First Financial Bank, what will happen next?

A. The agreement to join together has received regulatory and shareholder approval and other closing conditions.  While we’re excited to have achieved this milestone achieved,  you will continue to bank with your current BankFinancial branch team, your commercial banker, or your trust and wealth management representative.

First Financial is excited to be expanding in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. We’re also excited to share with you information on new products and services which will be available in the coming months.

 

Q. I’ve not heard of First Financial Bank, who are they?

A. First Financial is a strong, regional banking leader in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and now First Financial is making a major expansion into the Chicagoland market.

Founded in 1863, First Financial is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with 128 financial centers throughout its five-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. The bank has deep roots in the communities it serves and is proud of the many individuals and businesses they’ve helped grow over more than a century. With more than $18.5 billion in assets, the bank is committed to serving the needs of businesses and consumers across its key lines of business: Commercial and Consumer Banking, Wealth Management, and Specialty Banking Services. They offer all the services we provide and more! To learn more, visit bankatfirst.com. 


Q. Who will be leading the bank going forward?

A. The combined organization of First Financial Bank will continue to be led by its existing Cincinnati-based executive management and Board of Directors. The First Financial Bank leadership team will begin working with the BankFinancial leadership team over the coming weeks. Our BankFinancial bankers, whom customers work with now, will remain in place to support our customers now and going forward. Both organizations know that the highest quality customer service is a priority, and First Financial is making sure the same team that supports customers now will support you in the future.

 

Q. Will the bank still be called BankFinancial?

A. We anticipate that the BankFinancial name will be replaced with First Financial Bank brand by mid-2026. Until then, we will operate as BankFinancial, A Division of First Financial Bank and you may see this logo used in select places.

 

Q. What will change as the banks combine?

A. Our teams are working closely to align products and services to ensure a seamless transition. If there are any changes to features, benefits, or how you access your accounts, you will be notified well in advance. As a larger regional bank, First Financial will also introduce additional products and services not currently offered.

 

Q. What will happen to the branch where I bank? Will branches close?

A. First Financial currently does not have any retail branch locations in Chicago, only a commercial banking office in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. They are excited about expanding into the market. The team is learning about each BankFinancial location. 

At this time, no decisions have been made regarding branch changes.

 

Q. What will happen to business accounts / commercial loans?

A. Customers will continue to bank as they do today, including accessing accounts online and through our other customer service channels. As we move into next year, First Financial will be sharing some exciting new products and services that First Financial offers. If there are some enhancements or differences in your business account, First Financial will notify you well in advance.

 

 

Q. Who should I call if I need help?

A. Customers will continue to bank as they do today. Please contact our Customer Service Center at 1.800.894.6900 for help with any banking matters.

 

Q. Will my [loan amount, CD rate, checking account, etc.] change?

A. The terms of your loans, CDs, and other deposit accounts will remain the same. In mid-2026, when First Financial will convert our systems onto the First Financial platform, there will be changes to your debit cards and/or checks, but customers will know well in advance. We will be here to help along the way. If there is an impact to your account number, you will receive direct communication.

 

Q. Will my direct deposit (for payroll, social security, child support or other) continue?

A. Yes. Your direct deposit will continue without interruption.

 

 

Q. How will I know what’s changing if something does change?

A. We will communicate updates via email and direct mail using the contact information on file. Please ensure your contact information is current by updating it through Online Banking, by visiting your branch, or by contacting Customer Service at 1.800.894.6900.

 

Q. Can BankFinancial customers start using First Financial Branches?

A. Eventually customers will be able to access their BankFinancial accounts at First Financial offices, but that will not occur until mid-2026.

 

Q. I would like to open / change my ______ product. What should I do? Who should I call?

A. We’re here to help now and going forward. Customers should call our Customer Service Center at 1.800.894.6900 with any questions.

 

Q. What is First Financial's commitment to the communities they serve?

A. Similar to BankFinancial, First Financial has received an “Outstanding” rating for CRA from the banking regulators—the highest rating possible. The bank also earned the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in 2025 and in 2024, First Financial signed its second Community Benefits Agreement with the National Community Investment Coalition. The 5-year agreement includes $2.5 billion in investments to support the needs of communities throughout its footprint. In total, First Financial donated $4.6 million in 2024 to communities throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. This includes more than $2.2 million through the First Financial Foundation. Additionally, First Financial associates logged nearly 15,000 volunteer hours in 2024.

 

Q. Why is BankFinancial being acquired?

A. To better serve our customers by gaining access to more products and services — while keeping the same relationship-focused approach. We chose First Financial because they are the ideal partner to help us continue our legacy of delivering exceptional financial solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to customer care and service to our communities. We look forward to being part of First Financial's continued success as we expand the scope of our financial services to our customers and communities.

 

Q.  Do I need to do anything now?

A. No. Your accounts, cards, and online access remain the same for now—no action is needed. We’ll notify you in advance of any future changes.

 

Q. Will I still see the same staff at my branch?

A. Yes. Your local team remains in place and is here to support you.

 

Q. Are my deposits still insured?

A. Yes. Your deposits remain fully FDIC-insured up to the applicable limits. Note, if you currently have accounts at both BankFinancial and First Financial Bank, your coverage may be impacted depending on your account types and deposit balances. Since BankFinancial and First Financial will be a single FDIC-insured financial institution on January 1, 2026, individuals with accounts at both institutions will have a grace period for FDIC insurance coverage in which their separate accounts will be insured up to the applicable limits to give those impacted with enough time to restructure their accounts if needed. The length of the grace period may vary depending on account type. For more information on FDIC insurance, the grace period, or to calculate your specific insurance coverage, please visit the FDIC website at fdic.gov.

 

Q. What will change for me?

A. In time, you’ll gain access to more banking services, including additional locations in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and enhanced digital tools—all backed by the same personal service you expect and are accustomed to.