Sub Prime Crisis

Given the considerable recent press coverage concerning the subprime crisis, we thought you might like to know that First Bank & Trust was not affected in any direct way by the problems stemming from this crisis. While First Bank & Trust is very active in providing mortgage and home equity loans to our customers, we have never engaged in predatory lending to sub-prime or sub-standard borrowers and, of course, we never will.

As you are aware, we are a community oriented bank, mindful of the best interests of our customers. We provide a high level of service, at affordable prices and it would be contrary to our mission to engage in the practices exemplified by most of the sub-prime lenders. The press has reported significant loan losses and capital deterioration of many of the sub-prime lenders/investors.

We are happy to advise you that our asset quality is extraordinarily high and the capital levels of First Bank & Trust are among the best in the nation. Indeed, Bauer Financial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm recognized First Bank & Trust’s sixth achievement of a 5 Star rating as one of the strongest banks in the country based on our financial condition!