First Financial Bancorp Acquires BankFinancial, Expanding Midwest Presence into Chicago Market
- First Financial Bancorp acquires BankFinancial, entering the Chicago market to enhance retail and commercial offerings.
- The acquisition increases First Financial's assets to $22 billion, expanding its range of services and client engagement.
- BankFinancial branches will operate under their brand until June 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for customers.
First Financial Bancorp Expands Midwest Presence with BankFinancial Acquisition
First Financial Bancorp announces the successful completion of its acquisition of BankFinancial Corporation, a strategic move that marks the company’s entry into the Chicago market. This all-stock transaction, effective January 1, 2026, allows First Financial to enhance its retail consumer-focused offerings significantly. By acquiring BankFinancial, First Financial adds 18 financial centers in the Chicago area to its portfolio, strengthening its core deposit franchise and broadening its commercial loan, lease, and deposit services. The acquisition aligns with First Financial's ongoing strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities in the Midwest, and it positions the bank to better serve a diverse range of clients in a major urban market.
The transaction elevates First Financial’s total assets to approximately $22 billion, enabling the bank to offer an expanded suite of services, including consumer, commercial, and specialty lending, along with wealth management solutions. Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial Bank, underscores the potential for growth and profitability in the Chicago market, expressing a commitment to fostering opportunities for both clients and the local communities. The acquisition is not merely a financial maneuver; it reflects First Financial's dedication to enhancing its service offerings and deepening its engagement with customers in the region.
As part of the integration process, BankFinancial branches will continue to operate under their existing brand until June 2026, when the consolidation of products, processes, and operating systems will take place. Customers of BankFinancial are advised to expect detailed information regarding account conversions in the coming months, but they are encouraged to take no immediate action, as their services will remain unchanged for the time being. Similarly, First Financial clients will not experience any disruptions during this transition, ensuring a smooth continuation of banking services across both institutions.
In addition to this latest acquisition, First Financial Bancorp has been actively expanding its footprint in the Midwest. Following the establishment of a commercial lending presence in Chicago's Fulton Market in 2023 and the acquisition of Agile Premium Finance in 2024, the company has shown a consistent commitment to building a robust commercial banking presence in the region. The recent acquisition of Westfield Bank in November 2025 further solidifies First Financial's strategy to enhance its operations and service offerings, ensuring that it remains competitive and responsive to the needs of its clients.