Greg Wernette

With change comes opportunity! The Comerica Bank / Fifth Third Bank merger is a timely reminder that consolidation across the banking sector continues to accelerate. As this trend plays out, middle-market companies will have fewer traditional lenders to choose from. At the same time, the banks that remain are becoming increasingly selective in the corporate loan opportunities they are willing to fund. As a result, many corporate borrowers are being pushed into the private credit markets to finance growth initiatives and acquisition strategies. The good news? Private credit is no longer a niche alternative. It has grown into a $2.5 trillion market, offering borrowers greater flexibility in structuring, increased certainty of execution, and significantly shorter underwriting timelines. The challenge is that private credit markets remain highly fragmented. Successfully navigating them requires experienced capital markets guidance. At Bankers Edge Advisory, we help corporate borrowers and transaction sponsors confidently access and navigate the private credit landscape—delivering tailored capital solutions that align with strategic objectives. And if you’re a commercial market lender impacted by industry consolidation, we want to talk to you. Apply below and let’s start a conversation! Sincerely, Richard Consul Managing Partner Bankers Edge Advisory

16

HBT Financial to Acquire CNB Bank Shares in $170 Million HBT Financial, Inc., parent company of Heartland Bank and Trust Company, announced a definitive agreement to acquire CNB Bank Shares, Inc., parent of CNB Bank & Trust, N.A., in a $170.2 million cash and stock transaction. The combined institution will boast $6.9 billion in total assets, $4.7 billion in loans, and $5.9 billion in deposits, with 84 branch locations across Illinois, Eastern Iowa, and Missouri. CNB Bank serves a strong regional footprint across Illinois communities including Alton, Edwardsville, Litchfield, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, and others, with $1.8B in assets and $1.5B in deposits as of September 30, 2025. The merger builds on a shared culture of relationship-driven community banking, expanding HBT’s presence in the Central Illinois, Chicago MSA, and St. Louis MSA markets. This marks HBT’s 11th merger since 2007, reflecting its consistent, disciplined M&A growth strategy. Fred Drake, Executive Chairman of HBT, praised James T. Ashworth, Andrew Tinberg, and the CNB team for building a “solid and well-respected bank,” highlighting deep cultural alignment. J Lance Carter, President & CEO of HBT Financial, emphasized that both institutions share “strong credit cultures” and local roots, ensuring profitable growth and shareholder value. James T. Ashworth, President of CNB Bank Shares, noted that the merger reinforces CNB’s mission to “deliver exceptional service and community impact.” Andrew Tinberg, CEO of CNB Bank, echoed the alignment of values, underscoring the relationship-based culture both banks share. Advisors: Vedder Price P.C. (Legal Counsel) and Piper Sandler. (Financial Advisor) for HBT Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP (Legal Counsel) and D.A. Davidson Companies (Financial Advisor) for CNBN Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC provided an independent fairness opinion to CNBN. Upon completion, CNBN shareholders will own approximately 15% of HBT’s common stock, and Jim Ashworth and Nancy Ruyle will join HBT’s Board of Directors. The merger is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

101

Failed Bank : Chicago-based Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust Friday, brokering a sale of most of the bank's assets to Detroit-based First Independence Bank. • The failure is the first of 2026, and is estimated to cost the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund $19.7 million, according to the agency. Metropolitan reported $43 million in liabilities against advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank system in the third quarter of 2025. • The swift resolution of Metropolitan and sale to First Independence are in line with FDIC Chair Travis Hill's stated priority to resolve and sell failed banks quickly to prevent their value from eroding.

95

14 Comments

"Traditional financing, is not within reach for some borrowers — which is where Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) save the day. These lenders often work side by side with banks to fill gaps in access and expand capital to neighborhoods that are under-resourced."🏡🌱 Wisconsin Bankers Association sat down with Kathryn Dunn, President and CVO of WWBIC (a statewide economic development organization and a WBA associate member) to discuss all this and more. READ ABOUT IT 📖👇 https://zurl.co/4Zn37 #WWBIC #WBA #CDFI #smallbiz #smallbusiness #smallbizloan #entrepreneur #impact #entrepreneurship #shoplocal #networking #shopsmall #fyp

11

2 Comments

Illinois community bank hopeful after year of restructuring Midland States' decision to sell its equipment finance portfolio has boosted its capital ratios and reduced problem loan levels. https://buff.ly/b4j9gCe #FinTech #FinServ #Banking

1