Working Together to Serve You

On August 11, 2025,  BankFinancial entered into an agreement to join with First Financial Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1863, First Financial has a strong reputation for relationship-based banking and community involvement, much like our own. As we considered potential partners for growth, First Financial's strength in the banking industry, culture and deep commitment to communities they serve set them apart. You can learn more about First Financial by visiting bankatfirst.com.

Our branch locations in Chicago will allow First Financial to expand upon their existing commercial and wealth banking office in Chicago's Fulton Market area. By joining forces, we will be able to offer a broader range of products and services, access new technology, and expand our capabilities available to personal, small business, and commercial customers.
 

What's Next?

  • Continue to access your banking services in the same way online and at our branches.
  • We expect to officially become part of First Financial Bank in late 2025 following regulatory approvals. in 2026, the BankFinancial brand name will be succeeded by First Financial Bank. We will share more information in the coming weeks and months as we know more.
  • We're excited to expand our offering and share more about new products and services coming your way.
  • This agreement needs to be approved by shareholders and regulators and is expected to close late this year.
  • First Financial Bank is thrilled to be expanding in Chicago. With more than 125 financial centers in Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, they are a leading regional bank. By joining forces, they'll extend their strong presence in Northwest Indiana into the dynamic Chicagoland market.
We look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks and months. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care Center at 1.800.894.6900, as always, we are here for you.
 

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

A. The agreement to join together is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval and other closing conditions. We anticipate the closing will happen in late 2025. Until the closing everything stays the same. You will continue to bank with your current BankFinancial branch team, your commercial banker or trust and wealth management representative.

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

 

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 their five-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. The bank has deep roots in the communities they serve 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 business 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 support 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.

 

Q. What will change as the banks combine?

A. We will begin working closely with the First Financial team in the coming months to understand any differences in our products and services. If there are some changes in the features and benefits of our products or how customers access them, we’ll make sure customers are aware of them well in advance. And, as a significantly larger regional bank, First Financial has some new products and services that we do not currently offer.

 

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

A. First Financial does not have any retail branch locations in Chicago, only a commercial banking office in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. They are looking forward to visiting our branches and learning about the market and each individual location. At that point, First Financial will be able to confirm if any BankFinancial locations will be impacted.

 

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, and 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 2026, when First Financial will convert our systems onto the First Financial platform, there may be some changes to things like your debit card or checks, but customers will know well in advance and there will not be any disruptions in how they access their accounts. First Financial will be here to help along the way.

 

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

A. We’ll continue to update customers through email and direct mail to their home or businesses. Any changes will be communicated well in advance.

 

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 Financials’ 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. 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, the limit will be capped at $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category, since BankFinancial and First Financial will be a single FDIC-insured financial institution. To calculate your specific insurance coverage, you can use the Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE), available on the FDIC’s website.

 

Q. What will change for me?

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