First Bank & Trust Awarded Blue Ribbon Designation

EVANSTON, IL – First Bank & Trust has received a top rating of Green with Three Stars, the highest designation possible, from VERIBANC, Inc., a banking analysis firm in Woonsocket, RI. In addition, the bank has also been awarded the special recognition of “Blue Ribbon Bank.”

The Blue Ribbon Bank award, reserved for those highly rated institutions that demonstrate exceptional attention to safety, soundness and financial strength, is the oldest national accolade presented to banks by private sector analysts.

The award is based on more than 20 tests of an institution’s financial strength. Among the areas considered are its balance sheet, income statement, loan portfolio, compliance with federal capital requirements, off-balance sheet exposure and the condition of any affiliated banks, to name a few.

A few illustrations highlight First Bank & Trust’s current financial strength. According to the manner in which government supervisory authorities measure capital, the bank exceeds requirements for the regulatory designation of “Well Capitalized” by a factor of more than one and two thirds. The bank’s assets are of particularly high quality, backed by loan loss reserves and an equity base in excess of any foreseeable need. In addition, First Bank & Trust maintains a liquidity position that exceeds 49 percent of deposits.

These key financial indicators, in conjunction with VERIBANC’s other stringent criteria for Blue Ribbon Banks, highlight First Bank & Trusts’ financial strength and soundness.

“We are pleased to receive recognition as a Blue Ribbon Bank,” stated Jay Lytle, Managing Director of First Bank & Trust. “First Bank & Trust draws considerable strength serving the financial needs of Chicago’s North Shore and Western suburban families and businesses. We believe that continuing to support these groups will be the cornerstone of our banking success during the coming years.”