# First Merchants Corporation vs peers: AI and technology compared

Source: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants/vs-peers
Last updated: Oct 20, 2026

*Part of the [First Merchants Corporation AI strategy profile](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants). Peer group: Old National Bancorp, First Financial Bancorp, First Busey Corporation, Park National Corporation, WesBanco, First Commonwealth Financial Corporation.*

## How does First Merchants Corporation compare with its peers on AI and technology?

On this site's AI disclosure index First Merchants scores 29.8 (#88 of 120 US banks), third in a seven-bank group of Midwest regionals behind Old National (66) and Busey (44.9), and ahead of WesBanco (26.9), First Commonwealth (25.9), Park National (6.6) and First Financial Bancorp (4.4). It leads the group on dated moves in the last 12 months (18). Its AI is a broad productivity rollout: a specialty-lending president said in June 2026 that Microsoft Copilot has been rolled out 'through the entire organization' and that AI sifts incoming mortgage applications so volume can grow with the same staff. Its 2025 10-K, filed February 25, 2026, is the first to mention AI, 13 times inside one risk factor, which says it and its vendors use machine-learning and generative AI tools. What it lacks is a named owner and a measured result. Busey hired its first director of AI, data science and insights in April 2026 and reports Glia virtual assistants handling 61.5% of calls; Old National runs an AI Center of Excellence, and Abrigo reports about 31% higher loan-review efficiency there (July 2026). First Merchants' CIO, Stephan Fluhler, has led technology since 2014, and no earnings call transcript uses the word AI. A new CEO, Mike Stewart, takes over on January 1, 2027, promising 'smarter use of technology'. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253425000058/frme-20241231.htm), [Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments), [Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/21/first-merchants-frme-q4-2025-earnings-transcript), [earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/first-merchants-frme-q1-2026-earnings-transcript), [Investing.com](https://ca.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-merchants-misses-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-fall-93CH-4749656), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo))

## Where does First Merchants lead its peers on AI?

- **Copilot across the whole organization.** First Merchants' specialty-lending president Tony Schoen told a Louisville Business First panel in June 2026 that Microsoft Copilot has been rolled out 'through the entire organization'. Park National names one AI tool, an Auto-Coach for bankers, and First Financial names none; WesBanco's decks speak of AI initiatives without naming a tool. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm), [WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526204123/wsbc-ex99_1.htm))
- **AI at mortgage intake to grow volume without more staff.** The same June 2026 panel described AI used as a 'front side sifter' for incoming mortgage applications, so the bank can handle more volume with the same people. Among the peers, only Old National discloses AI in lending, through Abrigo's loan-review assistant, and Busey's disclosed AI is in its contact centre. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883))
- **The most dated moves in the group.** First Merchants has 18 dated moves on its record in the last 12 months, first of seven (peer median 15): the First Savings conversion in May 2026, Spiral's savings and giving centre in March 2026, a director of small-business banking and a CEO succession announced on October 1, 2026. ([First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/docs/default-source/integrations/first-savings-bank/fmb-fsb-important-information.pdf), [Spiral (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331563167/en/First-Merchants-Bank-Selects-Spiral-to-Power-Personalized-Savings-and-Community-Giving-Through-Everyday-Banking), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/news-detail/2025/11/17/kevin-knipp-joins-first-merchants-bank-to-revolutionize-the-small-business-banking-experience), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo))

## Where does First Merchants trail its peers on AI?

- **No named AI owner, while Busey and Old National name theirs.** First Merchants names no AI leader; technology is run by CIO Stephan Fluhler (since May 2014) and risk by chief risk officer Eva Scurlock (since January 2026). Busey appointed Adrianne Bernini its first director of AI, data science and insights in April 2026, and Old National's AI Center of Excellence keeps a live inventory of AI, including AI inside vendor platforms. ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000025/frme-20260402.htm), [Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments))
- **No measured AI result, while peers report theirs.** First Merchants has disclosed no usage count or outcome for Copilot or mortgage AI. Busey says Glia virtual assistants handled 61.5% of calls and cut wrap-up time 50% (February 2026); Abrigo reports Old National's reviewers about 31% more efficient (July 2026); Park National's voice-assistant self-service grew 132% in 2025. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm))
- **AI missing from calls and quarterly filings.** No First Merchants earnings call transcript uses the word AI; the Q1 and Q2 2026 calls list 'technology investments' among four focus areas, and the 2026 10-Qs contain no AI. Old National's CEO tied 'technology, AI, and process improvements' to a 45.2% adjusted efficiency ratio on the July 2026 call. ([earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/first-merchants-frme-q1-2026-earnings-transcript), [Investing.com](https://ca.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-merchants-misses-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-fall-93CH-4749656), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000059/frme-20260630.htm), [Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-bancorp-q2-earnings-150646360.html))
- **Less independent coverage than most peers.** First Merchants scores 3 on independent sources, fifth of seven (median 5); Old National leads with 9. Most of First Merchants' AI record comes from a single business-journal panel and its own 10-K risk factor. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm))

## Where does First Merchants rank against its peers on AI disclosure?

Scores from the US AI disclosure index of 120 banks (0–100; 45% of the weight on independent coverage). The index measures what each bank has put on the public record and what outside outlets have reported about its AI, not capability or spending; every count is of entries on that bank's profile, each of which cites its sources.

| Bank | Score | Rank | Independent sources | Own disclosures | Use cases in production | Moves, last 12 months | Named AI platform |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Old National Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | [66](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #40 of 120 | [9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#sources) | [22](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#sources) | [10 of 14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#where) | [18](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#timeline) | Vendor-delivered automation on an acquisition-built bank ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Receives-2026-Trust-in-Banking-Award), [GlobeNewswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9651962en-471PA5GUQ40497E71D0E3EU3B5), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/four-tips-to-identify-ai-solutions-that-solve-real-business-problems/), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/what-not-to-share-when-using-ai-for-personal-finance-help/)) |
| [First Busey Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | [44.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #64 of 120 | [4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#sources) | [21](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#sources) | [10 of 13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#where) | [13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#timeline) | Director of AI, Data Science and Insights (from April 2026) ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [First Busey Corporation](https://ir.busey.com/static-files/e566cc4a-c381-404d-a3b6-e8d0a79aced4), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Glia (case study)](https://www.glia.com/case-study/busey-bank)) |
| [First Merchants Corporation (this page)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | [29.8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #88 of 120 | [3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#sources) | [22](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#sources) | [9 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#where) | [18](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [WesBanco](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco) | [26.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #92 of 120 | [2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco#sources) | [23](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco#sources) | [9 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco#where) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [First Commonwealth Financial Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth) | [25.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #94 of 120 | [6](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth#sources) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth#sources) | [7 of 8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth#where) | [10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Park National Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national) | [6.6](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #103 of 120 | [2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national#sources) | [10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national#sources) | [5 of 8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national#where) | [10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [First Financial Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) | [4.4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #105 of 120 | [7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#sources) | [24](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#sources) | [8 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#where) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#timeline) | Not disclosed |

## On which parts of the AI record is First Merchants ahead of or behind its peers?

Each row is one input of the index, counted on the profiles of First Merchants and the 6 peers that are scored on the same basis. "Place" is First Merchants's position in the group of 7 (1st = most).

| Component (weight) | First Merchants | Peer median | Most in the group | Place |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Independent sources (45%) | 3 | 5 | [Old National (9)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 5th of 7 |
| Use cases in production (10%) | 9 | 8.5 | [Old National (10)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 3rd of 7 |
| Own primary disclosures (10%) | 22 | 21.5 | [First Financial Bank (24)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) | 3rd of 7 |
| Dated moves, last 12 months (10%) | 18 | 15 | [First Merchants (18)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | 1st of 7 |
| Disclosed numbers (5%) | 12 | 13.5 | [Old National (16)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 5th of 7 |
| Named AI leaders (5%) | 7 | 6.5 | [Old National (12)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 3rd of 7 |
| Use cases described (5%) | 11 | 11.5 | [Old National (14)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | 4th of 7 |

## What has each bank in First Merchants's peer group disclosed about its AI?

Facts from each bank's profile, cited to the profile's own sources. "Not disclosed" means the bank's public record, as cited on its profile, does not state it.

| Bank | Platform or assistant, as the profile names it | AI leaders named | Headline AI number disclosed | Patents on the record | Open AI roles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [First Merchants Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | Not disclosed | [7, incl. Mark K. Hardwick (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants#people) ([First Merchants Corporation (GlobeNewswire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/first-merchants-corporation-announces-second-200500052.html), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/06/04/first-merchants-bank-recognized-on-forbes--world-s-best-banks-2026), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000067/frme-20261001.htm)) | Digital platform conversion cost (non-core, 2024): $2.4 million (Dec 31, 2024) ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Old National Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Vendor-delivered automation on an acquisition-built bank ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Receives-2026-Trust-in-Banking-Award), [GlobeNewswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9651962en-471PA5GUQ40497E71D0E3EU3B5), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/four-tips-to-identify-ai-solutions-that-solve-real-business-problems/), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/what-not-to-share-when-using-ai-for-personal-finance-help/)) | [12, incl. Jim Ryan (Chairman and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#people) ([Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Bancorp-Reports-Record-Second-Quarter-2026-Results-Announces-Enhanced-Executive-Leadership-Structure), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/acquisitive-old-national-eyes-growth-in-midwest-southeast)) | Legacy Power BI code clean-up with AI: ≈ 1 week vs ≈ 1 month for top programmers (Apr 22, 2026) ([The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-onb-q1-2026-172452001.html)) | None found (the profile's patent search) ([Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bancorp%22), [Google Patents (USPTO)](https://patents.google.com/?assignee=%22Old+National+Bank%22)) | [1 open AI roles (Oct 1, 2026); most in AI product & strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national#roles) |
| [First Financial Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) | Not disclosed | [7, incl. Archie Brown (Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#people) ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/cincinnatis-first-financial-strikes-third-deal-in-13-months), [First Financial Bancorp (PR Newswire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/first-financial-bancorp-announces-second-203000197.html), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000155/ffbc-20260914.htm)) | AI references in the 10-K, FY2023 / FY2024 / FY2025: none / 1 passage / about 25 (Feb 19, 2026) ([First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895524000018/ffbc-20231231.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000012/ffbc-20241231.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | [0 open AI roles (Sep 24, 2026)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio#roles) |
| [First Busey Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Director of AI, Data Science and Insights (from April 2026) ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [First Busey Corporation](https://ir.busey.com/static-files/e566cc4a-c381-404d-a3b6-e8d0a79aced4), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Glia (case study)](https://www.glia.com/case-study/busey-bank)) | [8, incl. Van A. Dukeman (Chairman, President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey#people) ([First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/28/3334801/10701/en/First-Busey-Corporation-Announces-2026-Second-Quarter-Earnings.html), [First Busey Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://ir.busey.com/news-releases/news-release-details/busey-dukeman-agree-contract-extension/)) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Park National Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national) | Not disclosed | [6, incl. Matthew R. Miller (President and Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national#people) ([Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm), [Park National Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/29/3123162/4491/en/Park-National-Corporation-names-Matthew-R-Miller-Chief-Executive-Officer-David-L-Trautman-to-continue-as-Board-Chair.html)) | Virtual voice assistant self-service growth: 132% in 2025 (Dec 31, 2025) ([Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [WesBanco](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco) | Not disclosed | [5, incl. Jeff Jackson (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco#people) ([WesBanco](https://wesbanco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2025-Annual-Report-ADA-Compliant.pdf), [WesBanco (PR Newswire)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wesbanco-announces-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-302831242.html)) | Retail customers using digital channels / logins per month: ≈ 80% / 7.7 million (Jun 30, 2026) ([WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526371610/wsbc-ex99_1.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [First Commonwealth Financial Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth) | Not disclosed | [6, incl. Mike Price (President and Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth#people) ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-commonwealth-beats-q2-2026-estimates-shares-rise-93CH-4821505)) | Full-time employees: 1,522 full-time and 55 part-time (Dec 31, 2025) ([First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712537/000071253726000013/fcf-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |

## What are the latest dated moves on the AI record of First Merchants and its peers?

The two newest dated entries of each bank since Oct 16, 2025, from the timelines of the profiles (which also log filings, results and deals that bear on the AI record), newest first.

| Date | Bank | Move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [First Merchants](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | CEO succession: Stewart to replace Hardwick on 1 January 2027 ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000067/frme-20261001.htm), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo)) |
| Sep 14, 2026 | [First Financial Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) | Succession reshuffle: Anderson president, former CIO Myers COO ([First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000155/ffbc-20260914.htm), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/after-year-of-rapid-growth-ohio-bank-revamps-its-top-ranks)) |
| Aug 27, 2026 | [WesBanco](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco) | Q3 2026 investor presentation repeats the AI initiatives ([WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526371610/wsbc-ex99_1.htm)) |
| Aug 11, 2026 | [First Merchants](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-merchants) | Customer warning on bank-impersonation scams ([First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/news-detail/2026/08/11/it-could-happen-to-you--bank-impersonation-scams)) |
| Aug 10, 2026 | [First Commonwealth](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth) | Q2 2026 10-Q: no AI language ([First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712537/000071253726000022/fcf-20260331.htm), [First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712537/000071253726000030/fcf-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 7, 2026 | [Park National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national) | Q2 10-Q: data processing costs up, Tennessee legacy core still running ([Park National Corporation (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000061/prk-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 6, 2026 | [Busey Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Q2 2026 10-Q: AI named in forward-looking risks; headcount and data processing ([First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000055/buse-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 6, 2026 | [First Financial Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) | Q2 2026 10-Q: no AI language ([First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000144/ffbc-20260630.htm), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-financial-bancorp-posts-q2-2026-profit-beat-93CH-4806062)) |
| Jul 30, 2026 | [WesBanco](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco) | Q2 2026 10-Q has no AI language ([WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526326145/wsbc-20260630.htm)) |
| Jul 29, 2026 | [First Commonwealth](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth) | Q2 2026 call: call-centre AI example ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-commonwealth-beats-q2-2026-estimates-shares-rise-93CH-4821505), [Moby via Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/first-commonwealth-financial-corporation-q2-123000772.html)) |
| Jul 29, 2026 | [Old National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Q2 2026 10-Q has no AI language ([Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000046/onb-20260630.htm), [Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000038/onb-20260331.htm), [Old National Bancorp](https://ir.oldnational.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Old-National-Bancorp-Reports-Record-Second-Quarter-2026-Results-Announces-Enhanced-Executive-Leadership-Structure)) |
| Jul 28, 2026 | [Busey Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) | Q2 2026 investor presentation: AI in the CFO's portfolio ([First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000049/buse_20260728x26q2xex992.htm)) |
| Jul 27, 2026 | [Park National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national) | Q2 2026 results; conversion on track for third quarter ([Park National Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/27/3333881/0/en/park-national-corporation-reports-financial-results-for-second-quarter-and-first-half-of-2026.html)) |
| Jul 22, 2026 | [Old National](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) | Q2 2026 call: AI for scalability ([Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/old-national-bancorp-q2-earnings-150646360.html)) |

## What AI tools have First Merchants and its Midwest peers named?

The AI or automation tools each bank has named publicly, with the result it or its vendor reported. A blank means nothing is on the record, not that nothing exists.

| Bank | Tool | Where | Result or scale disclosed |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Merchants | Microsoft Copilot; AI 'front side sifter' for mortgage applications | Whole organization; mortgage intake | Not disclosed (June 2026) ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html)) |
| Busey | Glia virtual assistants and Glia Voice | Contact centre | 61.5% of calls handled; wrap-up time down 50% (February 2026) ([The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883)) |
| Old National | Abrigo Loan Review Assistant; AI call-centre automation | Credit review, contact centre | About 31% higher reviewer efficiency (vendor-reported, July 2026) ([Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments)) |
| Park National | AI-powered Auto-Coach for bankers; virtual voice assistant | Branches and service | Voice-assistant self-service up 132% in 2025 ([Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm)) |
| First Commonwealth | Vendor-enabled AI that surfaces policy and procedure during calls | Call centre | 'Probably a dozen or more' AI uses, per the CEO (July 2026) ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-commonwealth-beats-q2-2026-estimates-shares-rise-93CH-4821505)) |
| First Financial | None named; Upstart Referral Network for personal loans | Consumer lending | Not disclosed ([Upstart (Business Wire)](https://businesswire.com/news/home/20210414005295/en), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm)) |

## Who owns AI at First Merchants and its peers, and what do their filings say?

The named owner of AI or technology, and how far AI has reached each bank's SEC filings.

| Bank | Named owner | What the filings say | Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Merchants | No AI head; CIO Stephan Fluhler (since 2014) | AI first appears in the FY2025 10-K: 13 mentions, all in one risk factor; none in the 2026 10-Qs | February 2026 ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000025/frme-20260402.htm), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253425000058/frme-20241231.htm), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000059/frme-20260630.htm)) |
| Old National | CIO Matt Keen; AI Center of Excellence | Full AI risk factor in the FY2025 10-K naming 'digital employees and digital engineers'; board Enterprise Risk Committee updated on AI | February and April 2026 ([Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000010/onb-20251231.htm), [Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000110465926039075/onb-20260513xdef14a.htm)) |
| Busey | Adrianne Bernini, director of AI, data science and insights | 10-K says AI-powered tools add layers of fraud and threat detection | April 2026 ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm)) |
| First Financial | No AI head; CIO Donnie Slavens | Stand-alone AI risk factor with about 25 references; AI governance framework 'implemented' (2026 proxy) | February and April 2026 ([First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000110465926043973/tm261377-1_def14a.htm)) |
| WesBanco | No AI or data leader named | AI named among competitors' technologies in the 10-K; AI expertise among desired director qualifications | 2026 ([WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526085463/wsbc-20251231.htm), [WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526106165/wsbc-20260313.htm)) |
| Park National | CIO Malory Dcosta; no AI head | No AI in the 10-K filed February 23, 2026 | February 2026 ([Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm)) |

## How do First Merchants' digital and acquisition moves compare with its peers'?

The latest dated digital or acquisition move each bank has disclosed. Conversions take the same technology teams that would otherwise build AI.

| Bank | Move | When | Scale disclosed |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Merchants | First Savings Financial Group acquired ($241 million in stock) and converted; Spiral savings and giving centre selected; 2024 digital platform conversion | May 2026; March 2026; 2024 | First Savings added 16 banking centres and $2.4 billion of assets; digital conversion cost $2.4 million ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-merchants-deal-secures-a-louisville-beachhead), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/docs/default-source/integrations/first-savings-bank/fmb-fsb-important-information.pdf), [Spiral (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331563167/en/First-Merchants-Bank-Selects-Spiral-to-Power-Personalized-Savings-and-Community-Giving-Through-Everyday-Banking), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm)) |
| Old National | Bremer Financial conversions | Mid-October 2025 | 100% of $111 million annual cost saves realised by April 2026 ([Old National Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707179/000070717926000010/onb-20251231.htm), [Earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool)](https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/22/old-national-onb-q1-2026-earnings-transcript/)) |
| Busey | CrossFirst Bankshares ($917 million) merged into Busey Bank | June 20, 2025 | Glia voice AI absorbed 30,000 CrossFirst customers without extra headcount ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/head-start-old-national-says-bremer-deal-will-close-early), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883)) |
| WesBanco | Premier Financial conversion | May 2025 | About 80% of retail customers digital; 7.7 million logins a month (2026) ([WesBanco](https://www.wesbanco.com/news/wesbanco-inc-expands-regional-presence-with-conversion-of-premier-financial-corp/), [WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526371610/wsbc-ex99_1.htm)) |
| First Financial | Westfield, BankFinancial and Finward acquisitions | 2025 to 2027 | Chicagoland deposits of $4.1 billion after Finward ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/cincinnatis-first-financial-strikes-third-deal-in-13-months)) |

## Which banks are First Merchants's peers, and why these?

First Merchants Corporation is compared here with Old National Bancorp, First Financial Bancorp, First Busey Corporation, Park National Corporation, WesBanco and First Commonwealth Financial Corporation: chosen by the editors for this page (see the note below the table). First Merchants Corporation is classed as a regional or retail-commercial bank in the Midwest.

The computed group mixed in First National Bank of Omaha, Seacoast (Florida), CVB Financial (California) and Central Bancompany (Missouri); this group holds the Midwest regionals that compete in First Merchants' Indiana, Ohio and Michigan markets or next to them: Old National and First Financial in Indiana, Park National, WesBanco and First Commonwealth in Ohio, and Busey in Illinois.

## Common questions

### Is First Merchants better than Old National at AI?

The record cannot settle capability, but Old National has put more on it: 66 on this site's disclosure index against First Merchants' 29.8. Old National runs an AI Center of Excellence and reports vendor results in loan review. First Merchants has rolled out Microsoft Copilot across the organization and uses AI at mortgage intake, without a disclosed result. ([Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments), [Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html))

### Does First Merchants Bank use AI?

Yes. A First Merchants executive said in June 2026 that Microsoft Copilot has been rolled out through the entire organization and that AI sifts incoming mortgage applications. Its 2025 10-K says the bank and its vendors use machine-learning and generative AI tools under governance and control frameworks. No AI leader or budget is disclosed. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm))

### How does First Merchants compare with Busey on AI?

Busey scores 44.9 on this site's index and First Merchants 29.8. Busey named a director of AI, data science and insights in April 2026 and reports Glia virtual assistants handling 61.5% of calls. First Merchants' AI is a firm-wide Copilot rollout and mortgage-intake AI, with no named owner. ([Busey Bank](https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883), [Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html))

### Which Indiana bank has the most disclosed AI?

Among Indiana-based banks on this site, Old National scores 66 on the AI disclosure index and First Merchants 29.8. Old National's record includes an AI Center of Excellence and Abrigo's AI loan review; First Merchants' includes a Copilot rollout and mortgage AI. JPMorgan Chase, the largest deposit holder in Indiana, is scored among the large banks. ([Old National Bank](https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments), [Abrigo](https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/), [Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AIN+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT&limit=10000))

### Who leads technology and AI at First Merchants?

Chief information officer Stephan Fluhler, CIO since May 2014 and CTO from 2004 to 2014, leads technology; Eva Scurlock has been chief risk officer since January 2026. No chief AI or data officer is named. President Mike Stewart becomes CEO on January 1, 2027, succeeding Mark Hardwick. ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000025/frme-20260402.htm), [First Merchants Bank](https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo))

### How does First Merchants' technology spending compare?

First Merchants does not publish a technology budget. Its 10-K shows equipment expense of $28.6 million and outside data processing fees of $27.5 million in 2025. WesBanco's equipment and software expense rose 51.6% to $62.6 million in 2025 during its Premier conversion, and Busey's data processing expense was $43.2 million. ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm), [WesBanco (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526085463/wsbc-20251231.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm))

### What does First Merchants' 10-K say about AI compared with peers'?

Its FY2025 10-K mentions artificial intelligence 13 times, all in one risk factor: the bank and its vendors use AI tools, and failing to embrace AI could be a competitive disadvantage. First Financial's 10-K has about 25 AI references; Park National's has none; Busey's says AI-powered tools add fraud and threat detection. ([First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm), [Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm), [First Busey Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/314489/000031448926000013/buse-20251231.htm))

### How does First Merchants compare with First Financial Bancorp on AI?

First Merchants scores 29.8 on this site's disclosure index and First Financial 4.4. First Merchants has rolled out Microsoft Copilot across the organization and uses AI at mortgage intake; First Financial has an AI governance framework and a 10-K with about 25 AI references but names no AI tool. Both compete in Indiana, where First Merchants holds $11.67 billion of deposits and First Financial $6.20 billion. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000110465926043973/tm261377-1_def14a.htm), [First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm), [FDIC](https://api.fdic.gov/banks/sod?filters=STALPBR%3AIN+AND+YEAR%3A2025&fields=NAMEFULL%2CDEPSUMBR%2CCERT&limit=10000))

### Does First Merchants have an AI assistant for customers?

Not one it has disclosed. Its AI on the record is internal: Microsoft Copilot across the organization and AI that sifts incoming mortgage applications. Among Midwest rivals, Fifth Third's Jeanie chatbot was named Best Chatbot of 2026, and Busey reports Glia virtual assistants handling 61.5% of its calls. ([Louisville Business First](https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html), [Fifth Third](https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/media-center/press-releases/2026/press-release-2026-08-12.html), [The Financial Brand](https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883))

## Peers on this site

- [Old National Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/old-national/vs-peers)
- [First Financial Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-financial-ohio/vs-peers)
- [First Busey Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/busey/vs-peers)
- [Park National Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/park-national/vs-peers)
- [WesBanco AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/wesbanco/vs-peers)
- [First Commonwealth Financial Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-commonwealth/vs-peers)

## Sources

1. Executive Insights: Experts weigh in on state of crypto, AI and what the business community needs most from banks right now — Louisville Business First, Jun 5, 2026. https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2026/06/05/executive-insights-experts-crypto-ai-business-bank.html
2. First Merchants Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 25, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000022/frme-20251231.htm
3. First Merchants Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 — First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 24, 2025. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253425000058/frme-20241231.htm
4. Bernini Joins Busey as Director of AI — Busey Bank, Apr 6, 2026. https://www.busey.com/about-us/news-and-announcements/busey-announces-director-of-ai-data-science-and-insights
5. Building Relationships When Checking No Longer Confers Primacy — The Financial Brand, Feb 24, 2026. https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/checking-accounts/build-relationships-checking-no-longer-promises-primacy-195883
6. How CFOs Can Drive Real Returns From AI Investments — Old National Bank, May 19, 2026. https://www.oldnational.com/resources/insights/how-cfos-can-drive-real-returns-from-ai-investments
7. Old National Bank increased loan review efficiency and capacity with Abrigo — Abrigo, Jul 7, 2026. https://www.abrigo.com/success-stories/how-old-national-bank-increased-loan-review-efficiency-and-capacity-with-ai-powered-workflow-intelligence/
8. First Merchants (FRME) Q4 2025 Earnings Transcript — earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool), Jan 27, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/21/first-merchants-frme-q4-2025-earnings-transcript
9. First Merchants (FRME) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript — earnings call transcript (The Motley Fool), Apr 23, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/first-merchants-frme-q1-2026-earnings-transcript
10. Earnings call transcript: First Merchants misses Q2 2026 estimates as shares fall — Investing.com, Jul 23, 2026. https://ca.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-first-merchants-misses-q2-2026-estimates-as-shares-fall-93CH-4749656
11. First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick to Retire at the End of 2026 and President Mike Stewart to Become President and CEO — First Merchants Bank, Oct 1, 2026. https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/2026/10/01/first-merchants-bank-ceo-mark-hardwick-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-and-president-mike-stewart-to-become-president-and-ceo
12. Park National Corporation 2025 Annual Report to Shareholders (Form ARS) — Park National Corporation (SEC filing, ARS), Mar 9, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/805676/000080567626000023/a2025annualreport_finalx.htm
13. First Financial Bancorp. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — First Financial Bancorp (SEC filings), Feb 19, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895526000028/ffbc-20251231.htm
14. Q2 2026 Investor Presentation (Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1) — WesBanco (SEC filings), May 4, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/203596/000119312526204123/wsbc-ex99_1.htm
15. First Savings Bank to First Merchants: Important Information Guide — First Merchants Bank, May 13, 2026. https://firstmerchants.com/docs/default-source/integrations/first-savings-bank/fmb-fsb-important-information.pdf
16. First Merchants Bank Selects Spiral to Power Personalized Savings and Community Giving Through Everyday Banking — Spiral (Business Wire), Mar 31, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331563167/en/First-Merchants-Bank-Selects-Spiral-to-Power-Personalized-Savings-and-Community-Giving-Through-Everyday-Banking
17. Kevin Knipp Joins First Merchants Bank to Revolutionize the Small Business Banking Experience — First Merchants Bank, Nov 17, 2025. https://firstmerchants.com/why-us/news/news-detail/2025/11/17/kevin-knipp-joins-first-merchants-bank-to-revolutionize-the-small-business-banking-experience
18. First Merchants Corporation 2026 Proxy Statement — First Merchants Corporation (SEC filings), Apr 3, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000025/frme-20260402.htm
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44. Park National Corporation names Matthew R. Miller Chief Executive Officer; David L. Trautman to continue as Board Chair — Park National Corporation (GlobeNewswire), Jul 29, 2025. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/29/3123162/4491/en/Park-National-Corporation-names-Matthew-R-Miller-Chief-Executive-Officer-David-L-Trautman-to-continue-as-Board-Chair.html
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