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Overview and Core Business
First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE) is a diversified financial holding company with a heritage spanning over 145 years. As a premier provider of financial services, the company operates through three principal segments: Banking, FirsTech (financial technology solutions), and Wealth Management. With a deep-rooted commitment to community banking, First Busey extends its services across central Illinois, Indiana, southwest Florida, and beyond, serving the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and communities.
Banking Segment and Community Focus
The Banking segment is at the heart of First Busey’s operations, delivering traditional yet comprehensive retail and commercial banking services. This segment focuses on generating revenue from deposit accounts, loan products, and related financial services. The company has continually demonstrated its ability to integrate community expectations with rigorous financial discipline. Its strategy embraces regional market presence with full-service banking centers that foster enduring relationships built on trust and integrity.
Innovative Fintech Solutions with FirsTech
Under its FirsTech umbrella, First Busey addresses the evolving technological needs of its diverse customer base. FirsTech specializes in cutting-edge payment technology solutions that support online, mobile, and voice-activated bill payments, as well as remittance, merchant services, and lockbox remittance processing. These services not only streamline financial transactions but also integrate seamlessly into overall banking workflows through advanced billing, reconciliation, and treasury services.
Wealth Management and Tailored Financial Advisory
The Wealth Management division provides a full spectrum of asset management, investment advisory, brokerage, and fiduciary services. Leveraging in-depth market expertise, the firm caters to high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions, ensuring that a personalized approach aligns with long-standing relationships. The division is recognized for its capability to manage a broad array of wealth assets, delivering bespoke solutions that meet sophisticated financial needs without compromise.
Strategic Mergers and Operational Synergies
First Busey has demonstrated a proactive approach in expanding its footprint through strategic mergers and acquisitions, integrating new banking franchises and financial institutions into its stable operating framework. These initiatives have broadened the company’s geographic reach and enhanced its capabilities in commercial banking and wealth management. The seamless integration of acquired entities is managed with an emphasis on sustaining community service values while leveraging increased economies of scale and operational efficiencies.
Competitive Position and Industry Standing
The company distinguishes itself through a disciplined approach to risk management, a diversified array of financial products, and an unyielding commitment to community values. Although operating in a competitive financial services landscape, its diverse revenue streams and commitment to service excellence allow First Busey to maintain a strong competitive position. The robust technological integration from FirsTech and the comprehensive advisory capabilities of its Wealth Management division further reinforce its market position in an era marked by rapid digital transformation in banking and finance.
Operational Excellence and Corporate Culture
First Busey emphasizes an engaged and service-driven workforce, which is integral to its operational success and brand reputation. The company’s culture, highlighted by numerous awards for workplace excellence, centers on professional development, customer service, and community support. This culture not only contributes to high customer satisfaction rates but also solidifies trust among stakeholders, underpinning its long-standing history and operational consistency.
Conclusion
Through a blend of traditional banking services, advanced fintech solutions, and holistic wealth management, First Busey articulates a comprehensive business model aimed at sustaining financial stability while innovating within the financial services industry. Its deep community roots, strategic acquisitions, and continual focus on operational efficiency position it as an enduring and trusted institution for investors and clients seeking a balanced approach to modern banking.
First Busey (NASDAQ: BUSE) has completed its acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares effective March 1, 2025. The merger creates a premier commercial bank with approximately $20 billion in total assets, $17 billion in deposits, $15 billion in loans, and $14 billion in wealth assets under care, serving clients across 77 locations in 10 states.
The holding company will be headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, while Busey Bank's headquarters remains in Champaign, Illinois. CrossFirst Bank will initially operate as a separate banking subsidiary until June 2025, when it will merge with Busey Bank under the Busey brand.
Under the merger terms, CrossFirst shareholders received 0.6675 shares of Busey common stock for each CrossFirst share, representing approximately 36.5% ownership of the combined company. The merged entity continues trading under the 'BUSE' ticker on NASDAQ.
First Busey (BUSE) reported Q4 2024 net income of $28.1 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared to $32.0 million ($0.55/share) in Q3 2024 and $25.7 million ($0.46/share) in Q4 2023. Adjusted net income was $30.7 million ($0.53/share).
Key highlights include record quarterly wealth management revenue of $17.0 million, tangible book value per share increase of 7.6% year-over-year to $17.88, and adjusted noninterest income of $35.4 million (30.3% of total revenue). The company received stockholder and regulatory approvals for the CrossFirst Bankshares merger, expected to close March 1, 2025.
Full-year 2024 results showed net income of $113.7 million ($1.98/share) and adjusted net income of $119.8 million ($2.08/share). The company maintained strong asset quality with non-performing assets at 0.19% of total assets and an allowance for credit losses covering 3.59 times non-performing loans.
First Busey (NASDAQ: BUSE) has received Federal Reserve approval to acquire CrossFirst Bankshares through merger. The transaction, which received shareholder approval on Dec. 20, 2024, is expected to close on March 1, 2025, pending Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approval.
The merger will create a combined entity with approximately $20 billion in total assets, $17 billion in deposits, $15 billion in loans, and $14 billion in wealth assets under care. The combined company will operate across 77 locations in 10 states, expanding Busey's presence in high-growth metro markets including Kansas City, Wichita, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix.
CrossFirst Bank will initially operate as a separate banking subsidiary until its planned merger with Busey Bank in late June 2025. The partnership aims to enhance commercial banking relationships and expand wealth management and payment technology solutions through FirsTech, Inc. The combination is expected to improve net interest margin and efficiency, leading to increased profitability for shareholders.
First Busey (BUSE) and CrossFirst Bankshares (CFB) announced that shareholders of both companies have approved all proposals related to their merger. The special shareholder meetings were held on December 20, 2024. The merger is expected to close in Q1 or Q2 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
The combined entity will create a premier full-service commercial bank with:
- $20 billion in total assets
- $17 billion in total deposits
- $15 billion in total loans
- $14 billion in wealth assets under care
- 77 full-service locations across 10 states
The merger aims to enhance performance metrics through improved net interest margin and efficiency, leading to increased profitability and shareholder returns.
First Busey (BUSE) and CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (CFB) have announced a merger agreement valued at approximately $916.8 million. The all-stock transaction will create a combined entity with $20 billion in assets, operating under the Busey brand. The merger extends Busey's market presence to Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Key highlights:
- Combined company will have $17 billion in deposits and $13 billion in wealth management assets
- Expected to provide 20% EPS accretion for Busey in 2026
- Minimal tangible book value dilution of -0.6% with a 6-month earnback period
- CrossFirst shareholders will receive 0.6675 Busey shares for each CFB share
- Transaction expected to close in Q1 or Q2 2025, subject to approvals
First Busey (Nasdaq: BUSE) reported net income of $27.4 million and diluted EPS of $0.47 for Q2 2024, marking an increase from Q1 2024 but a decrease from Q2 2023. Adjusted net income was $29.0 million, or $0.50 per diluted share. The company's net interest margin rose by 24 basis points to 3.03%. Noninterest income stood at $33.8 million, with a record high in revenue for Wealth Management and FirsTech segments. The acquisition of Merchants & Manufacturers Bank was completed on April 1, 2024, and integrated by June 21, 2024.
Busey's tangible book value per common share rose to $16.97, an 11.3% year-over-year increase. Total assets were $11.97 billion, with portfolio loans reaching $8.00 billion. Noninterest expense rose to $75.5 million, and the allowance for credit losses was $85.2 million. Despite a $2.3 million provision for credit losses, asset quality remains strong, with non-performing assets at 0.08% of total assets.
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