The agreement to join together is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, along with other closing conditions. We anticipate the closing will happen in late 2026. For now, everything stays the same. You will continue to bank with your current Peoples Banking Center team, your Business Banker and/or Wealth Advisor. First Financial is excited to be expanding its presence in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area. We also look forward to sharing information on new products and services, which will be available after the transition is complete.
We expect the retail, business, mortgage bankers, and wealth advisors you work with today will be the same going forward. They’re learning more about First Financial and are excited to share updates with you as they become available.
No, not at this time. You will continue to access your accounts using the same systems, bankers, and Banking Centers until the transition is fully complete in 2027. We are excited that once the transition is complete, both Peoples Bank and First Financial customers will have a larger network in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.
Founded in 1863 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, First Financial Bank is a strong regional financial institution with more than [$22.5 billion in assets] and 153 financial centers across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. For more than 160 years, the bank has built strong relationships with individuals, families, and businesses while maintaining deep roots in the communities it serves.
First Financial has a long history of serving customers throughout Northwest Indiana and has continued to expand its presence in Chicagoland, most recently adding 15 financial centers in the Chicagoland area. The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions, including Commercial and Consumer Banking, Wealth Management, and Specialty Banking Services.
With a commitment of helping customers and communities grow and prosper, First Financial provides all the services we offer and more. To learn more, visit
www.bankatfirst.com.
We anticipate that the Peoples Bank name will be replaced with the First Financial Bank brand in 2027. Although we will have a new name, our strong commitment remains the same.
As we move through the integration process, we will work closely with the First Financial team to evaluate our products and services. Should any changes occur, customers will be informed well ahead of time. In addition, First Financial offers a broader range of products and services than we currently provide, giving customers access to even more banking, lending, and financial solutions.
First Financial is very excited to be expanding in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland markets. Over the coming months, First Financial will evaluate both Peoples Bank and existing First Financial Banking Center locations to determine how to best serve customers and support future growth. While no decisions have been made regarding specific locations, any changes will be communicated as soon as information becomes available. In the meantime, customers can look forward to the benefits of a larger, stronger Banking network, including greater access to Banking Centers, ATMs, and experienced Bankers throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.
There are no immediate changes to your business accounts or commercial loans. You will continue to bank as you do today, including through Digital Banking and our current customer service channels. As the integration progresses, First Financial will share information about new products, services, and additional capabilities available to business customers. Should any changes be made to your accounts or loans, you will receive plenty of advance notice and support throughout the transition.
Your personal accounts, including loans, CDs, and deposit accounts, will remain unchanged for now. As we work with First Financial to review products and services, we will keep you informed of any changes in advance. There will be no disruption to how you access your accounts, and our team will be here to support you throughout the transition.
Please continue to contact us just as you do today. Our team remains available to assist you with any questions or banking needs, and we are here to support you throughout this transition.
We’re here to help now and going forward. You should contact your current banker, our call center, or visit your local Banking Center with any questions.
First Financial provides funding, business support, and volunteer support to many organizations throughout their footprint. As the bank expands in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, they are committed to donating an additional $1.5 million in community funding to Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.
First Financial has received an “Outstanding” rating from banking regulators for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act – 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 2025, First Financial donated $4.6 million to communities throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. Additionally, First Financial employees recorded more than 16,000 volunteer hours last year.
Peoples Bank is joining First Financial to better meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities. This partnership will allow us to offer an expanded range of products and services while continuing the personalized care and local service our customers have come to expect. We chose First Financial because they share our values, our commitment to customer service, and our dedication to the communities we serve. Together, we’ll build on Peoples Bank’s strong legacy and create new opportunities to support our customers’ financial success.
No. Your accounts, cards, and digital banking access remain the same for now — no action is needed. We’ll notify you in advance of any future changes.
Yes. Your deposits remain fully FDIC-insured up to the applicable limits. If you currently have accounts at both Peoples Bank and First Financial Bank, the limit will be capped at $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category, since Peoples Bank and First Financial will be a single FDIC-insured financial institution. If you have accounts at both banks, we’re happy to help you understand how to ensure they are fully covered by the FDIC. Once the agreement closes, we’ll reach out to any customers with accounts at both banks with more details.
Please make sure your contact information is up to date. Visit your Peoples Bank location to confirm that your email address, phone number, and home address is up to date.
