First Financial Bancorp. completes acquisition of BankFinancial, expands presence in Chicago market.

First Financial Bancorp. has completed its acquisition of Chicago-based BankFinancial Corporation, expanding its presence in the Chicago market with 18 financial centers and a regional and national commercial loan, lease, and deposit lines of business. The acquisition adds $22 billion in assets and offers a broader range of consumer, commercial, specialty lending, and wealth management services. First Financial will consolidate the two banks' products, processes, and operating systems by June 2026.