<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-25-268179.txt : 20251106
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-25-268179.hdr.sgml : 20251106
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20251106082815
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-25-268179
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	424B5
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20251106
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20251106

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000708955
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
		ORGANIZATION NAME:           	02 Finance
		EIN:				311042001
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			OH
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		424B5
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-291294
		FILM NUMBER:		251456333

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		255 EAST FIFTH STREET
		STREET 2:		SUITE 900
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45202
		BUSINESS PHONE:		8773229530

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		255 EAST FIFTH STREET
		STREET 2:		SUITE 900
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45202
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>424B5
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d97196d424b5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>424B5
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>424B5</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE" STYLE="line-height:Normal">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)<BR> Registration Statement No. 333-291294 </B></P>
<p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="position:relative; overflow:visible; width:698pt; height:30pt; transform-origin:bottom left; transform: rotate(-90deg) translate(-100%, 100%) translateX(30pt);">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><FONT COLOR="#ff4338"><B>The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to the
securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. </B></FONT></P></DIV><DIV STYLE="position:relative; overflow:visible; margin-left:48pt; margin-right:48pt; transform: translateY(-30pt);">
<p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><FONT COLOR="#ff4338"><B>SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2025
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(to
Prospectus dated November 5, 2025) </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>$&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g97196g01g01.jpg" ALT="LOGO" STYLE="width:4.33333in;height:0.5625in;">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>&#8195;&#8195;%
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Fixed-to-Floating</FONT></FONT> Rate Subordinated Notes due 2035 </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are offering $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; aggregate principal amount of &#8195; %
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Fixed-to-Floating</FONT></FONT> Rate Subordinated Notes due 2035 (the &#8220;subordinated notes&#8221;). The subordinated notes will mature on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2035. From
and including the date of original issuance to, but excluding,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, or the date of early redemption, the subordinated notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of&#8195;% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears
on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; and &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; of each year, commencing on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2026. From and including&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, to, but excluding the maturity date or the date of early redemption,
the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined herein)) plus a spread of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points, payable quarterly in
arrears on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;and&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;of each year, commencing on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that benchmark rate is less than zero, then the benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may, at our option, redeem the subordinated notes
(i)&nbsp;in whole or in part beginning with the interest payment date of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, and on any interest payment date thereafter or (ii)&nbsp;in whole but not in part upon the occurrence of a &#8220;Tax Event,&#8221; a
&#8220;Tier 2 Capital Event&#8221; or First Financial Bancorp. becoming required to register as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#8220;1940 Act&#8221;). The redemption price for any redemption is
100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any early redemption of the subordinated notes will be subject to the receipt of the approval of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System to the extent then required under applicable laws or regulations, including capital regulations. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">There is no
sinking fund for the subordinated notes. The subordinated notes will rank junior to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness. In addition, the subordinated notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the
extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries, including the deposit liabilities and claims of
other creditors of our bank subsidiary, First Financial Bank. The subordinated notes will be equal in right of payment with any of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness, including our 5.25% subordinated notes due 2030. The subordinated
notes will be obligations of First Financial Bancorp. only and will not be obligations of, and will not be guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries. For a more detailed description of the subordinated notes, see &#8220;Description of Subordinated
Notes.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes will not be listed on any national securities exchange or quoted on a quotation system. Currently, there is no public
market for the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="74%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="8%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Per&nbsp;Note</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Total</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Public Offering Price<SUP STYLE="font-size:75%; vertical-align:top">(1)</SUP></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Underwriting discounts and
commissions<SUP STYLE="font-size:75%; vertical-align:top">(2)</SUP></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Proceeds, before expenses, to us</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Plus accrued interest, if any, from&nbsp;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025, to the date of delivery.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">We will also reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses incurred in this offering. See
&#8220;Underwriting&#8221; in this prospectus supplement for details. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center><DIV STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</DIV></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The underwriters expect to deliver the subordinated notes to investors in book-entry only form on or about&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025, which is
the&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;business day following the date of pricing the subordinated notes (such settlement being referred to as &#8220;T+&#8195;&#8221;). See &#8220;Underwriting&#8221; beginning on page
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-44</FONT> of this prospectus supplement for details. </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Investing in the subordinated notes involves certain risks, including that the interest rate on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period may
be determined based on a rate other than <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Three-Month</FONT> Term SOFR. Please read &#8220;<A HREF="#supprom97196_7">Risk Factors</A>&#8221; beginning on page <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-7</FONT> of this
prospectus supplement, on page 5 of the accompanying prospectus, beginning on page 14 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, which Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein, and carefully consider that
information before investing in the subordinated notes. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>The subordinated notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of First
Financial Bank or any nonbank subsidiaries. The subordinated notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the &#8220;FDIC&#8221;), or any other government agency or public or private insurer. Neither the
Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, the FDIC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy
of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>Joint
Book-Running Managers </I></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:16pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="49%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:16pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Keefe,&nbsp;Bruyette</B><B></B><B>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Woods</B><B><I></I></B><I></I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:7.50em; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;A&nbsp;Stifel&nbsp;Company</I></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-size:16pt"><B>Janney&nbsp;Montgomery&nbsp;Scott</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The date of this prospectus supplement is November &#8195;, 2025. </B></P></DIV>
<p STYLE="clear:both; font-size:1pt; height:0">&nbsp;</p>
</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus Supplement </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="95%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_1">About this Prospectus Supplement</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-ii</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_2">Extended Settlement</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-iii</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_3">Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-iii</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_4">Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Information</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-iv</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_5">Summary</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_6">The Offering</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_7">Risk Factors</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_8">Use of Proceeds</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-16</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_9">Capitalization</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-17</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_11">Description of Subordinated Notes</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-18</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_12">Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-36</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_13">Certain ERISA and Benefit Plan Considerations</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-41</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_14">Underwriting</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_15">Legal Matters</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-48</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#supprom97196_16">Experts</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-48</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="97%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_1">ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_2">CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_3">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">4</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_4">INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">4</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_5">FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">5</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_6">RISK FACTORS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">5</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_7">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">6</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_8">DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">6</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_9">DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">14</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_10">DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">18</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_11">DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">21</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_12">DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">23</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_13">DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">24</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_14">DESCRIPTION OF UNITS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_15">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_16">VALIDITY OF SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">27</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom97196_17">EXPERTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">28</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-i </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_1"></A>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This document is comprised of two parts. The first is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The
second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement also adds to, updates and changes information contained in the accompanying prospectus. If the
information set forth in this prospectus supplement differs in any way from the information in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. If the information set forth in this prospectus supplement
conflicts with any statement in a document we have incorporated by reference, then you should consider only the statement in the more recent document. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The accompanying prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
&#8220;SEC&#8221;) using a shelf registration statement. Under the shelf registration process, from time to time, we may offer and sell debt securities, including the subordinated debt securities offered hereby, preferred shares, depositary shares,
common stock, warrants, rights, purchase contracts or units, or any combination thereof, in one or more offerings. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">It is important that
you read and consider all of the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC related to this offering in making your investment decision. You should also
read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in &#8220;Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference&#8221; on page <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-iii</FONT> of this prospectus supplement and &#8220;Where
You Can Find More Information&#8221; on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized
any other person to provide you with any information other than the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you and the documents incorporated
by reference herein and therein. Neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for, or provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any different or additional information. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any
free writing prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation
is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein or
any free writing prospectus prepared by us is only accurate as of the date of the document containing such information, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement and any sale of the subordinated notes. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>The information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is not investment, legal or tax advice. You should consult your own legal counsel, accountants and other advisers for legal, tax, business, financial and related advice before
investing in the subordinated notes. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing
prospectus and the offering of the subordinated notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus come should inform
themselves about and observe any such restrictions. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In this prospectus supplement, references to &#8220;First Financial,&#8221; the
&#8220;Company,&#8221; &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; and similar terms mean First Financial Bancorp. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-ii </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_2"></A>EXTENDED SETTLEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We expect that delivery of the subordinated notes will be made against payment therefor on or about&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025, which
will be the&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;business day following the date of pricing of the subordinated notes, or &#8220;T+&#8195;.&#8221; Under Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">15c6-1</FONT> of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the &#8220;Exchange Act&#8221;), trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the subordinated notes
prior to the business day before delivery of the subordinated notes will be required, by virtue of the fact that the subordinated notes initially settle in T+&#8195;, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to
prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the subordinated notes who wish to trade the subordinated notes prior to their date of delivery hereunder should consult their advisors. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_3"></A>INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the
public on the SEC&#8217;s website at <I>www.sec.gov</I> and on the investor relations page of our website at <I>www.bankatfirst.com</I>. Except for those SEC filings incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the contents of our
website are not part of this prospectus, and the reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference in this prospectus of the information contained at that website. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as permitted by law, we &#8220;incorporate by reference&#8221; information from
other documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus and should be read with the same care. When we update the information contained in documents that have been incorporated by reference by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is considered to be automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in case of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We incorporate by reference the following documents listed below: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Annual Report on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000012/ffbc-20241231.htm">Form
 <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT></A> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;20, 2025; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Quarterly Reports on <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Form&nbsp;10-Q&nbsp;for</FONT> the quarters ended
March&nbsp;31, 2025, June&nbsp;30, 2025 and September&nbsp;30, 2025, filed with the SEC on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000038/ffbc-20250331.htm">May&nbsp;
9, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000070/ffbc-20250630.htm">August&nbsp;
7, 2025</A>, and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000109/ffbc-20250930.htm">November&nbsp;4, 2025</A>, respectively; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Current Reports on <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Form&nbsp;8-K&nbsp;
filed</FONT> with the SEC on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000017/ffbc-20250326.htm">March&nbsp;
28, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000046/ffbc-20250527.htm">May&nbsp;
29, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000057/ffbc-20250623.htm">June&nbsp;
23, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000074/ffbc-20250811.htm">August&nbsp;
11, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000094/ffbc-20251010.htm">October&nbsp;
16, 2025</A>, and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000106/ffbc-20251103.htm">November&nbsp;3, 2025</A> (with respect to the first filing only other than the portions of such
deemed to be furnished and not filed); and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our definitive Proxy Statement on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000110465925035790/tm252287-2_def14a.htm">Schedule
 14A</A> for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on April&nbsp;
17, 2025 (solely to the extent incorporated by reference into <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000708955/000070895525000012/ffbc-20241231.htm#i1bc6aeca22764ac09dc7018e29eb95b5_73">Part III</A> of
our Annual Report on <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Form&nbsp;10-K</FONT> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024). </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, all reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or
after the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus until we complete the offering of the subordinated notes offered by this prospectus supplement (other than any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of
any Current Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K,</FONT> unless we specifically state in such Current Report that such information is to be considered &#8220;filed&#8221; under the Exchange Act or we incorporate it by reference into a
filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#8220;Securities </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-iii </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
Act&#8221;), or the Exchange Act) will be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and to be part of this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement,
the accompanying prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained in any subsequently filed document which is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will provide to each person to whom a
prospectus supplement is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement but not delivered with the prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, other than an exhibit to
a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing, at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at the following address: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">First Financial Bancorp. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">255 East
Fifth Street </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Suite 700 </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Attention:
Investor Relations </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(877) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">322-9530</FONT> </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, these filings are available on our website at <I>www.bankatfirst.com</I>. Please note that this website address is for textual
reference only and the information on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_4"></A>CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein may contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing to investors, analysts, members of the media, or
others. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as &#8220;may,&#8221;
&#8220;might,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;expects,&#8221; &#8220;intends,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;anticipates,&#8221; &#8220;believes,&#8221; &#8220;estimates,&#8221; &#8220;predicts,&#8221;
&#8220;potential&#8221; or &#8220;continue,&#8221; the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (some of which are beyond our control and
ability to predict), may include projections of our future financial performance, future expenses, anticipated growth strategies, descriptions of new business initiatives and anticipated trends in our business or financial results. These statements
are not guarantees of future performance and are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause
the Company&#8217;s actual financial condition and results of operations, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are the factors disclosed under &#8220;Risk
Factors&#8221; in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;20, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time
to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such
statements are made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-iv </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">While no list of assumptions, risks, or uncertainties could be complete, some of the factors
that may cause actual results or other future events or circumstances to differ from those in forward-looking statements include: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the
Company&#8217;s business; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">future credit quality and performance, including our expectations regarding future loan losses and our allowance
for credit losses </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">management&#8217;s ability to effectively execute its business plans; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company&#8217;s acquisitions will not be realized or
will not be realized within the expected time period; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in customers&#8217; performance and creditworthiness; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such
litigation;</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of changes in housing prices,
fluctuations in unemployment rates, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, trade and tariff policies, and any slowdown in global economic growth; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our capital and liquidity requirements (including under regulatory capital standards, such as the Basel III
capital standards) and our ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">financial services reform and other current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a
negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation and regulation relating to bank products and services; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates or in the level or composition
of our assets or liabilities on our net interest income, net interest margin and our mortgage originations, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage loans held for sale; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage, asset and wealth management businesses;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party
vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of changes in the level of checking or savings account deposits on our funding costs and net interest
margin; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our ability to develop and execute effective business plans and strategies. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-v </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_5"></A>SUMMARY </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>The following summary should be read together with the information contained in other parts of this prospectus supplement and in the
accompanying prospectus. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in their entirety, including
&#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; beginning on page <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-7</FONT> of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024,
and our financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making a decision about whether to invest in the subordinated notes. </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>First Financial Bancorp. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">First Financial Bancorp. is an $18.6&nbsp;billion financial holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company primarily operates
through First Financial Bank, an Ohio-chartered commercial bank with 127 full service banking centers at September&nbsp;30, 2025. First Financial provides banking and financial services products to business and retail clients through its six lines
of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Finance. The Commercial Finance business lends to targeted industry verticals and has a national geographic footprint.
Wealth Management, operating under the brand of Yellow Cardinal Advisory Group, had $4.0&nbsp;billion in assets under management as of September&nbsp;30, 2025, and provides the following services: financial planning, investment management, trust
administration, estate settlement, business succession planning services, brokerage services and retirement planning. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our principal
executive offices are located at 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 900, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (877) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">322-9530.</FONT> We maintain a website at <I>www.bankatfirst.com</I> where general
information about us is available. The information on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Recent Developments </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Acquisition of
Westfield </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">First Financial acquired Westfield Bancorp, Inc. (&#8220;Westfield&#8221;), an Ohio corporation, effective
November&nbsp;1, 2025, pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement between First Financial and Ohio Farmers Insurance Company (&#8220;Ohio Farmers&#8221;), an Ohio insurance company, as the sole owner of Westfield. Under the terms of the
definitive agreement, First Financial acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity securities of Westfield in exchange for (i)&nbsp;2,753,094 First Financial common shares, equal to $65.0&nbsp;million based on the volume weighted average price
per First Financial common share on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (&#8220;Nasdaq&#8221;) for ten consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the definitive agreement, and (ii)&nbsp;a cash payment of
$260.0&nbsp;million, for a total purchase price of $325.0&nbsp;million. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Pending Merger with BankFinancial </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">On August&nbsp;11, 2025, First Financial and BankFinancial Corporation, a Maryland corporation (&#8220;BankFinancial&#8221;), entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the &#8220;Merger Agreement&#8221;), pursuant to which First Financial will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, acquire BankFinancial in an
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">all-stock</FONT> transaction. Under the Merger Agreement, BankFinancial will merge with and into First Financial, with First Financial as the surviving corporation in the merger (the &#8220;Merger&#8221;).
Immediately </P>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-1 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
following the Merger, BankFinancial, National Association, a national banking association and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BankFinancial, will merge with and into First Financial Bank, an Ohio
state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial, with First Financial Bank as the surviving bank. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">At the effective
time of the Merger, BankFinancial stockholders will receive 0.480 of a First Financial common share for each share of BankFinancial common stock they own. Based on the closing price of First Financial&#8217;s common shares on Nasdaq on
August&nbsp;11, 2025, the last trading day before the public announcement of the Merger, the exchange ratio represented approximately $11.34 in value for each share of BankFinancial common stock, representing merger consideration of approximately
$141.3&nbsp;million on an aggregate basis. The Merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and approval of BankFinancial&#8217;s stockholders. </P>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-2 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_6"></A>THE OFFERING </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Issuer: </P></TD>
<TD>First Financial Bancorp. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Securities Offered: </P></TD>
<TD>$&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;aggregate principal amount of&#8195;&#8195;% <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">fixed-to-floating</FONT></FONT> rate subordinated notes due 2035. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Maturity Date: </P></TD>
<TD>The subordinated notes will mature on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2035 (the &#8220;Maturity Date&#8221;). </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Issue Date: </P></TD>
<TD>&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Interest: </P></TD>
<TD>From and including the date of original issuance to, but excluding, &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030 or the date of earlier redemption (the &#8220;fixed rate period&#8221;), the subordinated notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of
&#8195;&#8195;% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;and &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; of each year (each, a &#8220;fixed rate interest payment date&#8221;), commencing on &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2026. The
last fixed rate interest payment date for the fixed rate period will be &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"><FONT STYLE="font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD>From and including &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the date of earlier redemption (the &#8220;floating rate period&#8221;), the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal
to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points. For each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on
&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;and of each year (each, a &#8220;floating rate interest payment date&#8221; and, together with the fixed rate interest payment dates, the &#8220;interest payment
dates&#8221;), commencing on &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">For each interest period during the floating rate period, &#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR&#8221; means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference
Time for any interest period, as determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions (each as defined under &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Interest&#8221;). </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">If the calculation agent determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its
related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined under &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8221;) have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions under &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Effect of
Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221; which are referred to herein as the &#8220;benchmark transition provisions,&#8221; will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the
floating rate period. In accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, after a Benchmark </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-3 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:0%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be an annual
rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement (as defined under &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8221;) plus&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ranking </P></TD>
<TD>The subordinated notes will be our general unsecured subordinated obligations not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and will be: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">junior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and all of our future Senior
Indebtedness (as defined under &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8221;); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">equal in right of payment and upon our liquidation with any of our existing 5.25% subordinated notes due 2030 and
all of our future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks equally with the subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">senior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and future indebtedness the terms of
which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to the subordinated notes, including our obligations relating to any junior subordinated debt securities issued to our capital trust subsidiaries; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing
such indebtedness; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries, including, without
limitation, First Financial Bank&#8217;s depositors, liabilities to general creditors, and liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, which means that such creditors generally will be paid from those subsidiaries&#8217;
assets before holders of the subordinated notes would have any claims to those asset. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">The subordinated notes are not savings accounts or deposits and they are not insured by the United States, the FDIC or any other agency of fund of the United States. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, we had $27.8&nbsp;million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis, and First Financial Bank had $14.4&nbsp;billion of deposits, $550.0&nbsp;million of Federal Home Loan
Bank (&#8220;FHLB&#8221;) advances, and $45.2&nbsp;million of other short term borrowings to which the subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated. The FHLB advances are secured by mortgage loan related collateral and the customer
repurchase agreements are secured by investment securities. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Redemption </P></TD>
<TD> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">We may, at our option, beginning with the interest payment date of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, and on any interest payment date thereafter,
redeem the subordinated notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-4 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the subordinated notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. See &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Redemption.&#8221; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"><FONT STYLE="font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD>We may also redeem the subordinated notes at any time prior to their maturity, including prior to &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, in whole, but not in part, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such
approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve, upon the occurrence of a &#8220;Tax Event,&#8221; a &#8220;Tier 2 Capital Event&#8221; or the Company becoming required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act.
</TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"><FONT STYLE="font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD>See &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Redemption.&#8221; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Listing </P></TD>
<TD>Currently, there is no public market for the subordinated notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the subordinated notes on any securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Use of Proceeds </P></TD>
<TD>We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the potential redemption of our 5.25% Subordinated Notes due 2030. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">See &#8220;Use of Proceeds.&#8221; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Tax Considerations </P></TD>
<TD>You should carefully review the section &#8220;Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences&#8221; in this prospectus supplement and discuss the tax consequences of your particular situation with your tax advisor. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Certain ERISA and Benefit Plan Considerations </P></TD>
<TD>For a discussion of certain prohibited transactions and fiduciary duty issues pertaining to purchases by or on behalf of an employee benefit plan, you should read &#8220;Certain ERISA and Benefit Plan Considerations.&#8221; </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Global Note; Book-Entry System </P></TD>
<TD>The subordinated notes offered hereby will be issued only in fully registered form without interest coupons and in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The subordinated notes offered hereby will be
evidenced by a global note deposited with the trustee under the indenture for the subordinated notes, as custodian for DTC. Beneficial interests in the global note will be shown on, and transfers of those beneficial interest can only be made
through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. See &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Form, Denomination, Transfer, Exchange and Book-Entry Procedures.&#8221; </TD></TR></TABLE>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-5 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1.00pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1.00pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px; MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;max-width:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-bottom:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Risk Factors </P></TD>
<TD>See &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; and other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in the
subordinated notes. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Trustee </P></TD>
<TD>Wilmington Trust, National Association </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Calculation Agent </P></TD>
<TD>We will appoint a calculation agent for the subordinated notes prior to the commencement of the floating rate period. We will act as the initial calculation agent. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Original Issue Discount </P></TD>
<TD>The subordinated notes may be issued with original issue discount (&#8220;OID&#8221;) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, holders subject to U.S. federal income taxation, whether on the cash or accrual method of tax accounting,
generally would be required to include any amounts representing OID in gross income (as ordinary income) as the OID accrues on a constant yield to maturity basis, in advance of the receipt of cash payments to which such income is attributable. See
&#8220;Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.&#8221; </TD></TR></TABLE>
</div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-6 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_7"></A>RISK FACTORS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>An investment in the subordinated notes involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors and other information
included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making an investment decision. In particular, you should carefully consider, among other things, the matters discussed below and under
&#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in our Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected
by any of these risks. The price of the subordinated notes could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus also contains forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein. The prospectus supplement is qualified in its entirety by those risk factors. </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Risk Factors Related to the Subordinated Notes </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>You should not rely on indicative or historical data concerning SOFR. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The interest rate during the floating rate period will be determined using Three-Month Term SOFR (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its
related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, in which case the rate of interest will be based on the next-available Benchmark Replacement). In the following discussion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(&#8220;SOFR&#8221;), when we refer to SOFR-linked subordinated notes, we mean the subordinated notes at any time when the interest rate on the subordinated notes is or will be determined based on SOFR, including Three-Month Term SOFR. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">SOFR is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (&#8220;FRBNY&#8221;) and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing
cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. FRBNY reports that SOFR includes all trades in the Broad General Collateral Rate, plus bilateral U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement (&#8220;repo&#8221;) transactions cleared through the
delivery-versus-payment service offered by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (the &#8220;FICC&#8221;), a subsidiary of The Depository Trust&nbsp;&amp; Clearing Corporation (&#8220;DTCC&#8221;). SOFR is filtered by FRBNY to remove a portion of
the foregoing transactions considered to be &#8220;specials.&#8221; According to FRBNY, &#8220;specials&#8221; are repos for specific-issue collateral which take place at cash-lending rates below those for general collateral repos because cash
providers are willing to accept a lesser return on their cash in order to obtain a particular security. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">FRBNY reports that SOFR is
calculated as a volume-weighted median of transaction-level <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">tri-party</FONT> repo data collected from The Bank of New York Mellon, which currently acts as the clearing bank for the
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">tri-party</FONT> repo market, as well as general collateral finance repo transaction data and data on bilateral U.S. Treasury repo transactions cleared through the FICC&#8217;s delivery-versus-payment service. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">FRBNY states that it obtains information from DTCC Solutions LLC, an affiliate of DTCC. FRBNY currently publishes SOFR daily on its website.
FRBNY states on its publication page for SOFR that use of SOFR is subject to important disclaimers, limitations and indemnification obligations, including that FRBNY may alter the methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices
or availability of SOFR at any time without notice. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">On July&nbsp;29, 2021, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the
&#8220;ARRC&#8221;) convened by the Federal Reserve and FRBNY formally recommended the use of the CME Group&#8217;s computation of forward-looking SOFR </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-7 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
term rates, which are calculated by the CME Group based on SOFR futures. It is currently anticipated that Three-Month Term SOFR, for purposes of the subordinated notes, will be based on the CME
Group&#8217;s forward-looking SOFR term rates with a tenor of three months. FRBNY started publishing SOFR in April 2018. FRBNY has also started publishing historical indicative SOFRs dating back to 2014, although such historical indicative data
inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. You should not rely on such historical indicative data or on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of the future performance of SOFR. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The amount of interest payable on the subordinated notes will vary on and after&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As the interest rate of the subordinated notes will be calculated based on SOFR from&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030 to, but excluding, the
maturity date or earlier redemption date and SOFR is a floating rate, the interest rate on the subordinated notes will vary on and after&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. During this period, the subordinated notes will bear a floating interest rate
set each quarterly interest period at a per annum rate equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; basis points; provided, that in the event the Benchmark rate is less
than zero, then the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero. The per annum interest rate that is determined on the relevant determination date will apply to the entire quarterly interest period following such determination date even if the
Benchmark rate increases during that period. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Floating rate notes bear additional significant risks not associated with fixed rate debt
securities. These risks include fluctuation of the interest rates and the possibility that you will receive an amount of interest that is lower than expected. We have no control over a number of matters, including economic, financial, and political
events, that are important in determining the existence, magnitude, and longevity of market volatility and other risks and their impact on the value of, or payments made on, the floating rate subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>SOFR may be more volatile than other benchmark or market rates. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in comparable
benchmark or market rates, and SOFR over time may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. In addition, the return on and value of the SOFR-linked subordinated notes may fluctuate more than floating rate
securities that are linked to other rates. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Changes in SOFR could adversely affect the amount of interest that accrues on the SOFR-linked
subordinated notes and the trading prices for the SOFR-linked subordinated notes. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Because SOFR is published by FRBNY based on data
received from other sources, we have no control over its determination, calculation or publication. There can be no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of
investors in the SOFR-linked subordinated notes. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest that accrues on the SOFR-linked subordinated notes, which may adversely affect the
trading prices of the SOFR-linked subordinated notes. In addition, the interest rate on the SOFR-linked subordinated notes for any day will not be adjusted for any modification or amendment to SOFR for that day that FRBNY may publish if the interest
rate for that day has already been determined prior to such publication. Further, if the Benchmark rate on the SOFR-linked subordinated notes during the floating rate period for any interest period declines to zero or becomes negative, interest will
only accrue on the SOFR-linked subordinated notes at a rate equal to the spread of &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;% per annum with respect to that interest period. There is no assurance that changes in SOFR could not have a material adverse effect on
the yield on, value of and market for the SOFR-linked subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Any failure of SOFR to maintain market acceptance could adversely affect
the subordinated notes. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an
alternative to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, in part because it is considered a representation of general </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-8 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, SOFR does not measure bank-specific
credit risk and, as a result, is less likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR a suitable replacement or successor for all of the purposes for which
LIBOR historically has been used (including, without limitation, as a representation of the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks), which may, in turn, lessen market acceptance of SOFR. Any failure of SOFR to maintain wide market acceptance
could adversely affect the return on and value of the subordinated notes and the price at which investors can sell the subordinated notes in the secondary market. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Any market for the SOFR-linked subordinated notes may be illiquid or unpredictable. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Since SOFR is a relatively new market index, SOFR-linked debt securities likely will have no established trading market when issued, and an
established trading market for the SOFR-linked subordinated notes may never develop or may not be very liquid. Market terms for securities that are linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in the interest rate provisions, may
evolve over time, and as a result, trading prices of the SOFR-linked subordinated notes may be lower than those of later-issued securities that are linked to SOFR. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used in securities that are similar or
comparable to the SOFR-linked subordinated notes, the trading price of the SOFR-linked subordinated notes may be lower than those of securities that are linked to rates that are more widely used. You may not be able to sell the SOFR-linked
subordinated notes at all or may not be able to sell the SOFR-linked subordinated notes at prices that will provide you with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased
pricing volatility and market risk. The manner of adoption or application of reference rates based on SOFR in the bond and equity markets may differ materially compared with the application and adoption of SOFR in other markets, such as the
derivatives and loan markets. You should carefully consider how any potential inconsistencies between the adoption of reference rates based on SOFR across these markets may impact any hedging or other financial arrangements which you may put in
place in connection with any acquisition, holding or disposal of the SOFR-linked subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Any Benchmark Replacement may not be the
economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under the benchmark transition provisions of the subordinated notes, if the
calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the interest rate on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period will be
determined using the next-available Benchmark Replacement (which may include a related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment). However, the Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR. For example, Compounded SOFR,
the first available Benchmark Replacement, is the compounded average of the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rates calculated in arrears, while Three-Month Term SOFR is intended to be a forward-looking rate with a tenor of three months. In
addition, very limited market precedent exists for securities that use Compounded SOFR as the rate basis, and the method for calculating Compounded SOFR in those precedents varies. Further, the ISDA Fallback Rate, which is another Benchmark
Replacement, has not yet been established and may change over time. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes could adversely
affect the amount of interest that accrues on the subordinated notes and the trading prices for the subordinated notes. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under the
benchmark transition provisions of the subordinated notes, if a particular Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment cannot be determined, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will apply.
These replacement rates and adjustments may be selected or formulated by (i)&nbsp;the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto (the
&#8220;Relevant Governmental Body&#8221;) (such as the ARRC), (ii) International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., or any successor thereto </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-9 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
(&#8220;ISDA&#8221;) or (iii)&nbsp;in certain circumstances, the calculation agent. In addition, the benchmark transition provisions expressly authorize the calculation agent to make certain
changes, which are defined in the terms of the subordinated notes as &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes,&#8221; with respect to, among other things, the determination of interest periods, and the timing and frequency of determining
rates and making payments of interest. The application of a Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, and any implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, could result in adverse consequences to the amount of
interest that accrues on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for the subordinated notes. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any Benchmark
Replacement will be similar to the then-current Benchmark that it is replacing, or that any Benchmark Replacement will produce the economic equivalent of the then-current Benchmark that it is replacing. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>A change in the Benchmark may be treated as a significant modification of the subordinated notes for tax purposes, which could result in taxable gain or
loss to holders. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If a term of the subordinated notes, such as the interest rate, is altered and the degree to which the
subordinated notes are altered is economically significant, the subordinated notes will be treated as exchanged for the modified notes for federal tax purposes. A deemed exchange of the subordinated notes could result in gain or loss to the holders.
Thus, if the Benchmark is replaced with a rate other than the Three-Month Term SOFR, such replacement could adversely affect the holders of the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Because the subordinated notes may be redeemed at our option under certain circumstances prior to their maturity, you may be subject to reinvestment
risk. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent that such approval is then required, we may redeem the
subordinated notes at our option (i)&nbsp;in whole or in part beginning with the interest payment date of &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, and on any interest payment date thereafter. In addition, at any time at which any subordinated notes
remain outstanding, subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent that such approval is then required, we may redeem the subordinated notes in whole but not in part upon the occurrence of (i)&nbsp;a &#8220;Tier 2 Capital
Event,&#8221; (ii) a &#8220;Tax Event&#8221; or (iii)&nbsp;if we are required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act. In the event that we redeem the subordinated notes, holders of the subordinated notes will receive only the
principal amount of the subordinated notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, such earlier redemption date. If any redemption occurs, holders of the subordinated notes will not have the opportunity to continue to accrue and be
paid interest to the stated maturity date. Any such redemption may have the effect of reducing the income or return that you may receive on an investment in the subordinated notes by reducing the term of the investment. If this occurs, you may not
be able to reinvest the proceeds at an interest rate comparable to the rate paid on the subordinated notes. See &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Redemption.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>If we are in default on our obligations to pay our Senior Indebtedness, we will not be able to make payments on the subordinated notes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our obligations under the subordinated notes will be unsecured and will rank junior to the following, unless, by their terms, the obligation
ranks equal with, or junior to, the subordinated notes: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our indebtedness for purchased or borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by securities, notes,
debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our capital lease obligations; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, our conditional sale
obligations and our obligations under any conditional sale or title retention agreement, but excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-10 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our obligations arising from <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">off-balance</FONT> sheet guarantees and
direct credit substitutes, including obligations in respect of any letters of credit, bankers&#8217; acceptance, security purchase facilities and similar credit transactions; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our obligations associated with derivative products, including obligations in respect of interest rate
swap, cap or other agreements, interest rate future or options contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of the above listed types of obligations of other persons for the payment for which we are responsible or
liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of the above listed types of obligations of other persons secured by any lien on any of our property or
assets whether or not we assume that obligation; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any of the above listed obligations. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we default on payments under any of these obligations that are senior to the subordinated notes, or if any of these senior obligations are
accelerated or any judicial proceeding with respect to a default is pending, we will not be able to make payments on the subordinated notes, unless we cure the default. Additionally, the subordinated notes will rank<I>&nbsp;pari passu</I>&nbsp;with
our outstanding&nbsp;5.25% subordinated notes due 2030. If we liquidate, go bankrupt or dissolve, we would be able to pay under the subordinated notes only after we have paid in full all of our liabilities that are senior to the subordinated notes.
As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, we had $27.8&nbsp;million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis. The Subordinated Indenture (as defined below) does not limit the amount of Senior Indebtedness that we may incur. For more
information on the subordination of payments under the subordinated notes, see &#8220;Description of Subordinated Notes&#8212;Subordination.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The subordinated notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness of our subsidiaries and creditors of our subsidiaries will have priority as to
our subsidiaries&#8217; assets. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries or any
third party. As a result, our right and the rights of our creditors, including holders of the subordinated notes, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon its liquidation, reorganization or otherwise would be
subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary. In the event of any such distribution of assets of our bank subsidiary, First Financial Bank, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors of First Financial Bank
would be entitled to priority over the claims of ours or holders of the subordinated notes. Accordingly, the subordinated notes are structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries. Claims
on First Financial Bank by creditors other than us include those by holders of our long-term debt and there are substantial obligations with respect to deposit liabilities and federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and various other
financial obligations. As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, we had $27.8&nbsp;million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis, and First Financial Bank had $14.4&nbsp;billion of deposits, $550.0&nbsp;million of FHLB advances, and
$45.2&nbsp;million of other short term borrowings to which the subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>We are a holding company, and
banking laws and regulations could limit our access to funds from First Financial Bank with the result that we may not have access to sufficient cash to make payments on the subordinated notes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As a holding company, our principal source of funds to service our debt, including the subordinated notes, is dividends from our subsidiaries.
For the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, our interest expense on our debt obligations was $18.4&nbsp;million (holding company only). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Federal and state banking regulations limit dividends from First Financial Bank to us. Generally, banks are prohibited from paying dividends
when doing so would cause them to fall below regulatory minimum capital levels. Additionally, limits exist on banks paying dividends in excess of net income for specified periods. The </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-11 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
total amount available for payment of dividends by First Financial Bank was approximately $230.5&nbsp;million at September&nbsp;30, 2025, based on First Financial Bank maintaining enough capital
to be considered well capitalized and other regulatory restrictions on subsidiary bank dividend payments. During the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, First Financial Bank paid dividends of $200.0&nbsp;million to us. In addition, federal bank
regulatory agencies have the authority to prohibit First Financial Bank from engaging in unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their business. The payment of dividends or other transfers of funds to us, depending on the financial condition of
First Financial Bank, could be deemed an unsafe or unsound practice. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Dividend payments from First Financial Bank would also be prohibited
under the &#8220;prompt corrective action&#8221; regulations of federal bank regulators if First Financial Bank is, or after payment of such dividends would be, undercapitalized under such regulations. In addition, First Financial Bank is subject to
restrictions under federal law that limit their ability to transfer funds or other items of value to us and our <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-bank</FONT> subsidiaries, including affiliates, whether in the form of loans and other extensions of
credit, investments and asset purchases, or as other transactions involving the transfer of value. Unless an exemption applies, these transactions by First Financial Bank with us are limited to 10% of First Financial Bank&#8217;s capital stock and
surplus and, with respect to all such transactions with affiliates in the aggregate, to 20% of First Financial Bank&#8217;s capital stock and surplus. As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, a maximum of approximately $197.4&nbsp;million was available to us
from First Financial Bank pursuant to these limitations. Moreover, loans and extensions of credit by First Financial Bank to its affiliates, including us, generally are required to be secured in specified amounts. A bank&#8217;s transactions with
its <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-bank</FONT> affiliates also are required generally to be on <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">arm&#8217;s-length</FONT> terms. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that we will receive dividends or other
distributions from First Financial Bank and our other subsidiaries in an amount sufficient to pay interest on or principal of the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Holders of the subordinated notes will have limited rights, including limited rights of acceleration, if there is an event of default. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Payment of principal on the subordinated notes may be accelerated only in the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency involving us
or First Financial Bank. There is no automatic acceleration, or right of acceleration, in the case of default in the payment of principal of or interest on the subordinated notes, or in the performance of any of our other obligations under the
subordinated notes or the Subordinated Indenture governing the subordinated notes. Our regulators can, in the event we or First Financial Bank become subject to an enforcement action, prohibit First Financial Bank from paying dividends to us, and
prevent our payment of interest or principal on the subordinated notes and any dividends on our capital stock, but such limits will not permit acceleration of the subordinated notes. See &#8220;Description of the Subordinated Notes&#8212;Events of
Default.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial results and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the subordinated
notes. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition to our currently outstanding indebtedness and any additional indebtedness we may incur pursuant to this
offering, we may be able to borrow substantial additional indebtedness, including senior debt, in the future. If new indebtedness is incurred in addition to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our indebtedness, including the indebtedness we may incur in the future, could have important consequences for the holders of the subordinated
notes, including: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">limiting our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to the subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and
other general corporate requirements; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-12 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations for the payment of principal of, and interest
on, our indebtedness and thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">putting us at a disadvantage compared to competitors with less indebtedness. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness by us, including secured indebtedness, which would be
effectively senior to the subordinated notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Our business operations may
not generate the cash needed to service our indebtedness. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, including the
subordinated notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be
available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay interest on and principal of our indebtedness, including the subordinated notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The limited covenants relating to the subordinated notes do not protect you. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The covenants in the Subordinated Indenture governing the subordinated notes are limited. In addition, the subordinated notes and the
Subordinated Indenture do not limit our or our subsidiaries&#8217; ability to further issue additional subordinated notes, including additional notes of the same series as the subordinated notes, or to incur additional debt. As a result, the terms
of the Subordinated Indenture do not protect you in the event of an adverse change in our financial condition or results of operations, and you should not consider the terms of the Subordinated Indenture to be a significant factor in evaluating
whether we will be able to comply with our obligations under the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, we are not restricted under the
Subordinated Indenture governing the subordinated notes from granting or incurring a lien on any of our assets, selling or otherwise disposing of any of our assets, paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our securities including our regular
quarterly dividend and any share repurchases pursuant to a share repurchase program. In addition, there are no financial covenants in the Subordinated Indenture governing the subordinated notes. Except as expressly provided in the Subordinated
Indenture, you are not protected under the Subordinated Indenture governing the subordinated notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, default under our existing indebtedness, restructuring, merger or similar transaction
that may adversely affect you. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>There may be no active market for the subordinated notes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes are a new issuance of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the
subordinated notes on any national securities exchange or for quotation of the subordinated notes on any automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they presently intend to make a market in the subordinated notes.
However, it is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market making activities at any time without any notice. A liquid or active trading market for the subordinated notes may not develop. If an active trading market for the
subordinated notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the subordinated notes may be adversely affected. If the subordinated notes offered hereby are traded, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending
on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our performance and other factors. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-13 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>If a trading market for the subordinated notes develops, changes in the debt markets, among others,
could adversely affect your ability to liquidate your investment in the subordinated notes and the market price of the subordinated notes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Many factors could affect the trading market for, and the trading value of, the subordinated notes. These factors include: the method of
calculating the principal, premium, if any, interest or other amounts payable, if any, on the subordinated notes; the time remaining to the maturity of the subordinated notes; the ranking of the subordinated notes; the redemption features of the
subordinated notes; the outstanding amount of subordinated notes with terms identical to the subordinated notes offered hereby; the prevailing interest rates being paid by other companies similar to us; changes in U.S. interest rates; whether the
ratings on the subordinated notes or us provided by any rating agency have changed; our financial condition, financial performance and future prospects; the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; general economic
conditions of the capital markets in the United States; and geopolitical conditions and other financial, political, regulatory, and judicial events that affect the capital markets generally. The condition of the financial markets and prevailing
interest rates have fluctuated significantly in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. Such fluctuations could adversely affect the trading market (if any) for, and the market price of, the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The subordinated notes are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, any other governmental agency or instrumentality, or any of our subsidiaries.
</I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of First Financial Bank and are not insured by the
FDIC or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, or public or private insurer. The subordinated notes are obligations of First Financial only and are neither obligations of, nor guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Regulatory guidelines may restrict our ability to pay the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the subordinated notes, regardless of
whether we are the subject of an insolvency proceeding. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As a bank holding company, our ability to pay the principal of, and
interest on, the subordinated notes is subject to the rules and guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy. We intend to treat the subordinated notes as &#8220;Tier 2 capital&#8221; under the Federal Reserve&#8217;s regulatory
rules and guidelines. Pursuant to federal law and the Federal Reserve regulations, as a bank holding company, we are required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to First Financial Bank and commit resources to its support,
including, without limitation, the guarantee of its capital plans if it is undercapitalized. Such support may be required at times when we may not otherwise be inclined or able to provide it. As a result of the foregoing, we may be unable to pay
accrued interest on the subordinated notes on one or more of the scheduled interest payment dates, or at any other time, or the principal of the subordinated notes at the maturity of the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we were to be the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, then the bankruptcy trustee would be
deemed to have assumed and would be required to cure, immediately any deficit under any commitment we have to any of the federal banking agencies to maintain the capital of First Financial Bank, and any other insured depository institution for which
we have such a responsibility, and any claim for breach of such obligation would generally have priority over most other unsecured claims. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Our
published credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in the subordinated notes. A downgrade in our credit ratings or the ratings of First Financial Bank could have a material adverse impact on us. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The published credit ratings of us or our indebtedness are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. These
ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the subordinated notes, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor, are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks
relating to an investment in the subordinated notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. The published credit ratings assigned to the </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-14 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
subordinated notes may not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure and other factors on any trading market for, or trading value of, the subordinated notes. Accordingly,
you should consult your own financial and legal advisors as to the risks entailed by an investment in the subordinated notes and the suitability of investing in the subordinated notes in light of your particular circumstances. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Rating agencies continuously evaluate us and our subsidiaries, and their ratings of our and First Financial Bank&#8217;s long-term and
short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including financial strength, as well as factors not entirely within our and First Financial Bank&#8217;s control, such as conditions affecting the financial services industry generally. In light of
these reviews and the continued focus on the financial services industry generally, we and First Financial Bank may not be able to maintain our current credit ratings. Ratings downgrades by a rating agency could have a significant and immediate
impact on our funding and liquidity through cash obligations, reduced funding capacity and collateral triggers. A reduction in our or First Financial Bank&#8217;s credit ratings could also increase our and First Financial Bank&#8217;s borrowing
costs and limit access to the capital markets. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Downgrades in the credit or financial strength ratings assigned to the counterparties with
whom we transact could create the perception that our financial condition will be adversely impacted as a result of potential future defaults by such counterparties. Additionally, we could be adversely affected by a general, negative perception of
financial institutions caused by the downgrade of other financial institutions. Accordingly, ratings downgrades for other financial institutions could affect the market price of our stock and could limit our access to or increase our cost of
capital. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>We will act as the initial calculation agent and may have economic interests adverse to the interests of the holders of the subordinated
notes. </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The calculation agent will determine the interest rate during the floating rate period. We will act as the initial
calculation agent for the subordinated notes. Any exercise of discretion by us under the terms of the subordinated notes, including, without limitation, any discretion exercised by us acting as calculation agent, could present a conflict of
interest. In making the required determinations, decisions and elections, we may have economic interests that are adverse to the interests of the holders of the subordinated notes, and those determinations, decisions or elections could have a
material adverse effect on the yield on, value of and market for the subordinated notes. Any determination by us, as the calculation agent, will be final and binding absent manifest error. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>The subordinated notes may be issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes may be issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, holders subject to U.S. federal income
taxation, whether on the cash or accrual method of tax accounting, generally would be required to include any amounts representing OID in gross income (as ordinary income) as the OID accrues on a constant yield to maturity basis, in advance of the
receipt of cash payments to which such income is attributable. See &#8220;Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.&#8221; </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-15 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_8"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate
purposes, including the potential redemption of our 5.25% Subordinated Notes due 2030. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-16 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_9"></A>CAPITALIZATION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of September&nbsp;30, 2025 (i) on an actual basis and (ii)&nbsp;on an as
adjusted basis to give effect to the sale of $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes offered hereby and the use of the proceeds therefrom, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses. The
information presented in the following table reflects First Financial&#8217;s information and does not give effect to the acquisitions of Westfield or BankFinancial. You should read this table in conjunction with the more detailed information,
including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="84%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="70%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><B>Actual</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><B>As&nbsp;Adjusted</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Cash and due from banks</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">174,659</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Short-term borrowings:</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Other short term borrowings</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">45,167</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">45,167</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">FHLB borrowings</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">550,000</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">550,000</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:5.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total short-term borrowings</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">595,167</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">595,167</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Long-term debt:</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">FHLB borrowings</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">0</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">0</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subordinated debt</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">194,962</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unamortized debt issuance costs</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">(953</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">)&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Capital lease liability</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,174</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,174</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Capital loan with municipality</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">775</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">775</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Notes issued in conjunction with acquisition of property and equipment</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25,865</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25,865</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:5.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total long-term debt</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">221,823</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Shareholders&#8217; equity:</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Common stock, no par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized; 104,281,794 shares as of
September&nbsp;30, 2025</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,641,315</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,641,315</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Retained earnings</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,399,577</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1,399,577</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">(223,000</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">)&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">(223,000</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">)&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Treasury stock, at cost, 8,524,544 shares as of September&nbsp;30, 2025</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">(186,037</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">)&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">(186,037</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">)&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:5.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total shareholders&#8217; equity</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2,631,855</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2,631,855</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:7.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total long-term debt and shareholders&#8217; equity</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2,853,678</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:3.00px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:3.00px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:3.00px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:3.00px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-17 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_11"></A>DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED NOTES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>The following summary of the subordinated notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the Subordinated
Indenture (as defined below), including the definitions therein of certain terms. Unless otherwise specified, capitalized terms used in this summary have the meanings specified in the Subordinated Indenture. For purposes of this &#8220;Description
of Subordinated Notes,&#8221; references to the &#8220;Company,&#8221; &#8220;First Financial,&#8221; &#8220;we,&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; include only First Financial Bancorp. and not its consolidated subsidiaries. </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes offered
hereby will be issued under a subordinated indenture, dated as of November&nbsp;&#8195;, 2025 as amended and supplemented by a first supplemental indenture, to be dated as of the issue date, between First Financial and Wilmington Trust, National
Association, as trustee, which together we refer to in this summary as the &#8220;Subordinated Indenture.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes
will be our general unsecured, subordinated obligations and will rank equal in right of payment and upon our liquidation with any of our existing 5.25% subordinated notes due 2030 and all of our future indebtedness the terms of which provide that
such indebtedness ranks equally with the subordinated notes. The subordinated notes will rank junior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and all of our future Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Subordinated
Indenture and described below) to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated Indenture. In addition, the subordinated notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets
securing such indebtedness. The subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries, including the deposit liabilities and claims of other creditors of our subsidiary
bank, First Financial Bank. See &#8220;&#8212;Subordination.&#8221; The subordinated notes will be obligations of First Financial Bancorp. only and will not be obligations of, and will not be guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries. The subordinated
notes are not deposits and are not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes will mature
on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2035 (the &#8220;Maturity Date&#8221;), unless previously redeemed or otherwise accelerated. There is no sinking fund for the subordinated notes. We intend for the subordinated notes to qualify (subject to applicable
limitations) as Tier 2 capital under applicable capital regulations, guidance, and interpretations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the &#8220;Federal Reserve&#8221;). Payment of principal on the Notes may be accelerated only
in the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. See &#8220;&#8212;Events of Default.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Beginning with the interest
payment date of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, and on any interest payment date thereafter, we may, at our option, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the
Federal Reserve (or, as and if applicable, the rules of any successor appropriate bank regulatory agency) (&#8220;Federal Reserve Approval&#8221;), redeem the subordinated notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
of the subordinated notes to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The subordinated notes may not be redeemed by us prior to&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, except that we may, at our option,
subject to Federal Reserve Approval, redeem the subordinated notes in whole, but not in part, prior to maturity, including prior to&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, upon the occurrence of a &#8220;Tax Event&#8221; or a &#8220;Tier 2 Capital
Event&#8221; (as such terms are defined in the Subordinated Indenture) or if we are required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act, in each case, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes to
be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Any partial redemption will be made in accordance with the applicable procedures of The Depository Trust Company (with its successors, &#8220;DTC&#8221;). See
&#8220;&#8212;Redemption.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We do not intend to apply for the listing of the subordinated notes on any securities exchange or the
quotation of the subordinated notes on any quotation system. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-18 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Additional Notes </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes will initially be limited to an aggregate principal amount of $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;. We may in the future from
time to time, without notice to or consent of the holders of the subordinated notes, create and issue additional subordinated notes having the same terms and conditions as the subordinated notes offered by this prospectus supplement in all respects,
except for any differences in the issue date and price and interest accrued prior to the issue date of the additional subordinated notes; provided, that no such additional subordinated notes may be issued unless they will be fungible for U.S.
securities law purposes and (1)&nbsp;such additional subordinated notes are issued pursuant to a &#8220;qualified reopening&#8221; of the subordinated notes offered hereby for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (2)&nbsp;such additional
subordinated notes are, and the subordinated notes offered hereby were, issued without OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and provided, further, that the additional subordinated notes have the same CUSIP number as the subordinated notes
offered hereby. The subordinated notes offered hereby and any additional subordinated notes would rank equally and ratably and would be treated as a single series for all purposes under the Subordinated Indenture. No additional subordinated notes
may be issued if any event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Interest </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">From and including the date of original issuance to, but excluding,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, or the date of earlier redemption (the
&#8220;fixed rate period&#8221;), the subordinated notes will bear interest at an initial rate of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;and&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;of each year
(each, a &#8220;fixed rate interest payment date&#8221;), commencing on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; , 2026. The last fixed rate interest payment date for the fixed rate period will be&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">From and including&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; , 2030, to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the date of earlier redemption (the
&#8220;floating rate period&#8221;), the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points. For
each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;,&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; and&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;of each year (each,
a &#8220;floating rate interest payment date&#8221; and, together with the fixed rate interest payment dates, the &#8220;interest payment dates&#8221;), commencing on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2031. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Benchmark
rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For the purpose of calculating the interest on the subordinated
notes for each interest period during the floating rate period when the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, &#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR&#8221; means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator
at the Reference Time for any floating rate period, as determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions. We will act as the initial calculation agent. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following definitions apply to the foregoing definition of Three-Month Term SOFR: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark&#8221; means, initially, Three-Month Term SOFR; provided,<I> </I>that if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the
Reference Time for any floating rate interest period that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then &#8220;Benchmark&#8221; means
the applicable Benchmark Replacement for such floating rate interest period and any subsequent floating rate interest periods. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Corresponding Tenor&#8221; means (i)&nbsp;with respect to Term SOFR, three months, and (ii)&nbsp;with respect to a Benchmark
Replacement, a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Federal Reserve Bank of New York&#8217;s Website&#8221; means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New&nbsp;York
(&#8220;FRBNY&#8221;) at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The foregoing Internet website is </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-19 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference
herein or therein. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Reference Time&#8221; with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1)&nbsp;if the Benchmark is
Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and (2)&nbsp;if the Benchmark is not Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving
effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Relevant Governmental Body&#8221; means the Federal Reserve and/or the
FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;SOFR&#8221; means the secured overnight financing rate published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the
Benchmark (or any successor administrator), on the Federal Reserve Bank of New&nbsp;York&#8217;s Website. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Term SOFR&#8221; means
the forward-looking term rate for the applicable Corresponding Tenor based on SOFR as published by the Term SOFR Administrator. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Term SOFR Administrator&#8221; means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of Three-Month Term
SOFR selected by the calculation agent in its reasonable discretion). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions&#8221; means any
determination, decision or election with respect to any technical, administrative or operational matter (including with respect to the manner and timing of the publication of Three-Month Term SOFR, or changes to the definition of &#8220;interest
period,&#8221; timing and frequency of determining Three-Month Term SOFR with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent determines may
be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not
administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for the use of Three-Month Term SOFR exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The terms &#8220;Benchmark Replacement,&#8221; &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Adjustment,&#8221; &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Conforming
Changes,&#8221; &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Date&#8221; and &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event&#8221; have the meanings set forth below under the heading &#8220;&#8212;Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraphs related to the determination of interest, if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the
relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined below) have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions set forth below under the heading
&#8220;&#8212;Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221; which we refer to as the &#8220;benchmark transition provisions,&#8221; will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period
during the floating rate period. In accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, after a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest
period during the floating rate period will be an annual rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement plus&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Absent manifest error, the calculation agent&#8217;s determination of the interest rate for an interest period for the subordinated notes will
be binding and conclusive on you, the trustee and us. The calculation agent&#8217;s determination of any interest rate, and its calculation of interest payments for any period, will be maintained on file at the calculation agent&#8217;s principal
offices, will be made available to any holder of the subordinated notes promptly upon request and will be provided to the trustee. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Interest on the subordinated notes will be calculated on the basis of a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">360-day</FONT> year consisting of
twelve <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">30-day</FONT> months during the fixed rate period and, during the floating rate period, on the basis of a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">360-day</FONT> year </P>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-20 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
and the actual number of days elapsed. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-half</FONT> cent being rounded
upward. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Interest on the subordinated notes, subject to certain exceptions, will accrue during the applicable interest period. When we use
the term &#8220;interest period,&#8221; we mean the period from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date in respect of which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from
and including the date of issuance of the subordinated notes to, but excluding, the applicable interest payment date or the Maturity Date or date of earlier redemption, if applicable. If a fixed rate interest payment date or the Maturity Date falls
on a day that is not a business day, then the interest payment or the payment of principal and interest at maturity will be postponed to the next succeeding business day, but the payments made on such dates will be treated as being made on the date
that the payment was first due and the holders of the subordinated notes will not be entitled to any further interest or other payments in respect thereof. However, if a floating rate interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day,
then such floating rate interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day unless such day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, in which case such floating rate interest payment date will be accelerated to the
immediately preceding business day, and, in each such case, the amounts payable on such business day will include interest accrued to, but excluding, such business day. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Interest on each subordinated note will be payable to the person in whose name such subordinated note is registered on the fifteenth day
immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date, whether or not such day is a business day. Any interest which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date shall cease to be payable to the
holder on the relevant record date by virtue of having been a holder on such date, and such defaulted interest may be paid by us to the person in whose name the subordinated notes are registered at the close of business on a special record date for
the payment of defaulted interest. However, interest that is paid on the Maturity Date will be paid to the person to whom the principal is payable. Interest will be payable by wire transfer in immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to DTC or
its nominee or, at our option in the event the subordinated notes are not represented by global notes, by check mailed to the address of the person specified for payment in the preceding sentences. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If any of the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest payments during the floating rate period are
inconsistent with any of the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions determined by the calculation agent, then the relevant Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions will apply. Furthermore, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event
and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR at any time when any of the subordinated notes are outstanding, then the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest
payments during the floating rate period will be modified in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">When we refer to a
&#8220;business day&#8221; with respect to the subordinated notes, we mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a federal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, or New York City or any place of
payment are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close; provided, that, when used in connection with an amount that bears interest at a rate based on SOFR or Term SOFR or any direct or indirect calculation or determination
of SOFR or Term SOFR, the term &#8220;business day&#8221; means any such day that is also a U.S. Government Securities Business Day. &#8220;U.S. Government Securities Business Day&#8221; means any day except for (a)&nbsp;a Saturday, (b)&nbsp;a
Sunday or (c)&nbsp;a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities. </P>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-21 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Ranking </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes will be our general unsecured, subordinated obligations. The subordinated notes will not be guaranteed by any of our
subsidiaries, including First Financial Bank, which is our principal subsidiary. The subordinated notes will rank: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">junior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and all of our future Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the Subordinated Indenture and described below); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">equal in right of payment and upon our liquidation with any of our existing 5.25% subordinated notes due 2030 and
all of our future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks equally with the subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">senior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and future indebtedness the terms of
which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to the subordinated notes, including our obligations relating to any junior subordinated debt securities issued to our capital trust subsidiaries; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing
such indebtedness; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries, including, without
limitation, First Financial Bank&#8217;s depositors, liabilities to general creditors, and liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, which means that such creditors generally will be paid from those subsidiaries&#8217;
assets before holders of the subordinated notes would have any claims to those asset. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Subordination </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes are junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. This means that, under
certain circumstances where we may not be making payments on all of our debt obligations as they become due, the holders of all of our Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts that are due or will become due on
their debt securities before the holders of the subordinated notes will be entitled to receive any amounts under the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture does not restrict us or any of our subsidiaries in any way now or in the future from incurring any debt, whether
Senior Indebtedness, secured debt or indebtedness that would be <I>pari passu </I>with or subordinate to the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The
Subordinated Indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any subordinated notes under the following
circumstances: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization,
arrangement or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relative to us or our property, or any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">winding-up</FONT> of us, whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in the event and during the continuation of any default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof and notice of such default has been given to us and the trustee or judicial proceedings are pending in respect of such default; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in the event that any subordinated notes have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity as a
result of certain events of default set forth in the Subordinated Indenture. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If the trustee or any holders of
subordinated notes receives any payment or distribution that is prohibited under the subordination provisions, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for and so paid and </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-22 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
delivered to the holders of Senior Indebtedness (or their duly authorized representatives) until all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the subordinated notes, we will be in default on our
obligations under the subordinated notes if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the trustee and the holders of subordinated notes can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of
Senior Indebtedness have been fully satisfied. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture defines &#8220;Senior Indebtedness&#8221; as: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the principal and any premium or interest for money borrowed or purchased by us, including, but not limited to,
indebtedness evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">obligations arising from <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">off-balance</FONT> sheet guarantees and direct credit
substitutes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers&#8217; acceptances or similar facilities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade
accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">capital lease obligations; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">obligations associated with derivative products, including, but not limited to, securities contracts, foreign
currency exchange contracts, swap agreements (including interest rate and foreign exchange rate swap agreements), cap agreements, floor agreements, collar agreements, interest rate agreements, foreign exchange rate agreements, options, commodity
futures contracts, commodity option contracts and similar financial instruments; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">obligations of others described in the preceding clauses that we have guaranteed or for which we are otherwise
liable or that are secured by any lien on any of our property or assets; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our obligations to our general creditors, </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">unless, in any case in the instrument creating or evidencing any such indebtedness or obligation, or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided
that such indebtedness or obligation is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated notes or to other debt that is <I>pari passu </I>with or subordinate to the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior Indebtedness does not include: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business, which will rank equally in right of payment
and upon liquidation with the subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any debt of ours which when incurred and without respect to any election under Section&nbsp;1111(b) of the United
States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, was without recourse to us; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any debt to any employee of ours; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any other debt securities issued pursuant to the Subordinated Indenture (except if such debt securities are not,
or no longer are, subject to the subordination provision of such indenture); or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any debt that expressly states that it is junior to, or ranks equally in right of payment with, the subordinated
notes, including the $150&nbsp;million aggregate principal amount of our 5.25% subordinated notes due May&nbsp;15, 2030. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, the Company had $27.8&nbsp;million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are a financial holding company and substantially all of our assets are held by our direct and indirect subsidiaries. We rely on dividends
and other payments or distributions from our subsidiaries to pay the interest </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-23 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
on our debt obligations (such as the subordinated notes offered hereby), which interest expense was $18.4&nbsp;million and $18.3&nbsp;million for each of the years ended December&nbsp;31, 2024
and 2023, respectively (holding company only). Federal and state bank regulations impose certain restrictions on the ability of our bank subsidiaries to pay dividends directly or indirectly to us, to make any extensions of credit to us or certain of
our affiliates and to invest in our stock or securities. These regulations also prevent us from borrowing from our bank subsidiaries unless the loans are secured by collateral. Accordingly, we may not have access to sufficient cash to make payments
on the subordinated notes. See &#8220;Risk Factors.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors,
including holders of the subordinated notes, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or winding up of any of our subsidiaries will be structurally subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of such subsidiary and, as such, would be subject to the prior claims of the creditors of such subsidiary (except to the extent that we are a creditor with a recognized claim). In the event of any such distribution of
assets of First Financial Bank due in part to its status as an insured depository institution, the claims of its depositors and other general or subordinated creditors would be entitled to priority over claims of its shareholders, including us as
its parent holding company and any creditor of ours, such as holders of the subordinated notes. As of September&nbsp;30, 2025, we had $27.8&nbsp;million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis, and First Financial Bank had
$14.4&nbsp;billion of deposits, $550.0&nbsp;million of FHLB advances, and $45.2&nbsp;million of other short term borrowings to which the subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>No Additional Amounts </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In the event that
any payment on the subordinated notes is subject to withholding of any U.S. federal income tax or other tax or assessment (whether as a result of a change in law or otherwise), we will not pay additional amounts with respect to such tax or
assessment. For a discussion relating to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the subordinated notes, see &#8220;Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Redemption </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes are
not subject to redemption or prepayment at the option of the holders. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may, at our option, beginning with the interest payment date
of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, but not prior thereto (except upon the occurrence of certain events specified below), and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the subordinated notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, subject
to obtaining the Federal Reserve Approval, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, we may, at our option, redeem the subordinated notes, in whole, but not in part, subject to obtaining the Federal Reserve
Approval, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, at any time, including before the Maturity Date, upon the
occurrence of: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a &#8220;Tax Event,&#8221; defined in the Subordinated Indenture to mean the receipt by us of an opinion of
independent tax counsel to the effect that as a result of (a)&nbsp;an amendment to or change (including any announced prospective amendment or change) in any law or treaty, or any regulation thereunder, of the United States or any of its political
subdivisions or taxing authorities; (b)&nbsp;a judicial decision, administrative action, official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, regulation, notice or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt
or promulgate any ruling, regulatory procedure or regulation (any of the foregoing, an &#8220;administrative or judicial action&#8221;); or (c)&nbsp;an amendment to or change in any official position with respect to, or any interpretation of, an
administrative or judicial action or a law or regulation of the United States that differs from the </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-24 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
previously generally accepted position or interpretation, in each case, which change or amendment or challenge becomes effective or which pronouncement, or decision or challenge is announced on
or after the original issue date of the subordinated notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by us on the subordinated notes is not, or, within 90 days of the date of such opinion, will not be, deductible by us, in
whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a &#8220;Tier 2 Capital Event,&#8221; defined in the Subordinated Indenture to mean our good faith determination
that, as a result of (a)&nbsp;any amendment to, or change in, the laws, rules or regulations of the United States (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the Federal Reserve and other
federal bank regulatory agencies) or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the original issue date of the subordinated notes; (b)&nbsp;any proposed change in those laws, rules or regulations
that is announced or becomes effective after the original issue date of the subordinated notes; or (c)&nbsp;any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying
those laws, rules, regulations, policies or guidelines with respect thereto that is announced after the original issue date of the subordinated notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that we will not be entitled to treat the subordinated
notes then outstanding as &#8220;Tier 2 Capital&#8221; (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy rules or regulations of the Federal Reserve (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy rules or regulations of any successor
appropriate federal banking agency) as then in effect and applicable to us, for so long as any subordinated notes are outstanding; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the Company becoming required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes may not otherwise be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In the event of any redemption of the subordinated notes, we will deliver or cause to be delivered a notice of redemption (which notice may be
conditional in our discretion on one or more conditions precedent, and the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all of such conditions have been satisfied or revoked by us if we determine that such conditions will not be
satisfied) to each holder of subordinated notes not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. We will provide written notice to the trustee prior to the close of business two Business Days prior to the redemption date (or such
shorter period as may be acceptable to the trustee) if any such redemption has been rescinded or delayed, and upon receipt the trustee will provide such notice to each holder of the notes in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was
given. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any partial redemption will be made in accordance with DTC&#8217;s applicable procedures among all of the holders of the
subordinated notes. If any subordinated note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption relating to such subordinated note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A replacement subordinated note in
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note. The subordinated notes are not subject to redemption or prepayment at the option of the holders. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Events of Default </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under the Subordinated
Indenture, an event of default permitting acceleration of the maturity of the subordinated notes will occur with respect to the subordinated notes only upon our or our principal subsidiary bank&#8217;s bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation,
reorganization or similar event. The term &#8220;principal subsidiary bank&#8221; means each of (1)&nbsp;any bank subsidiary the consolidated assets of which constitute 40% or more of our consolidated assets and (2)&nbsp;any other bank subsidiary
designated as a &#8220;principal subsidiary bank&#8221; by our Board of Directors; provided, that if the Federal Reserve notifies us that our bank subsidiary that is a principal subsidiary bank applying the tests in clause&nbsp;(1) or (2)&nbsp;above
does not qualify as a &#8220;major subsidiary depository institution&#8221; within the requirements of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, such bank subsidiary will not be a principal subsidiary bank
from and after the time we receive from the Federal Reserve such a notice. Currently, First Financial Bank is our only principal subsidiary bank and therefore is a </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-25 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
&#8220;principal subsidiary bank.&#8221; If an event of default permitting acceleration of the maturity of the subordinated notes occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of
not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes may declare the principal amount and interest to be due and payable immediately. The foregoing provision would, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency
involving the Company or First Financial Bank, be subject as to enforcement to the broad equity powers of a federal bankruptcy court and to the determination by that court of the nature and status of the payment claims of the holders of the
subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we default in our obligation to pay any interest on the subordinated notes when due and payable and such default
continues for a period of 30 days, or if we default in our obligation to pay the principal amount due upon maturity, and such default continues for a period of 30 days, then the trustee may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, seek to
enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of subordinated notes of the performance of any covenant or agreement in the Subordinated Indenture. <B>The trustee and holders of the subordinated notes may not accelerate the maturity of the
subordinated notes, except upon our or our principal subsidiary bank&#8217;s bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership or similar event.</B> </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture also provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the subordinated notes may waive
any past default with respect to the subordinated notes and its consequences, except a default consisting of: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our failure to pay the principal of or interest on the subordinated notes; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a default relating to a covenant or provision contained in the Subordinated Indenture that cannot be modified or
amended without the consent of the holders of each outstanding subordinated note. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture contains a
provision entitling the trustee to be indemnified by the holders of any outstanding subordinated notes before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Subordinated Indenture at the holders&#8217; request or direction. The holders of a
majority in principal amount of outstanding subordinated notes of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or other power conferred on the trustee,
with respect to the subordinated notes of that series. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the Subordinated Indenture, which may involve the trustee in personal liability or which may be
unduly prejudicial to the holders of the subordinated notes not joining in the direction (it being understood that the trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such directions are unduly prejudicial to such holders).
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture provides that no holder of the subordinated notes will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or
otherwise, with respect to the Subordinated Indenture or a subordinated note, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy under the Subordinated Indenture, unless: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">such holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to
the subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes shall have made
written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default in its own name as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">such holder or holders have offered security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses
and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of security or indemnity has failed
to institute any such proceeding; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">60-day</FONT> period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes of such series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-26 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of subordinated notes for
the enforcement of payment of the principal of or interest on the subordinated notes on or after the maturity date. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Modification </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Except as set forth below, modification and amendment of the Subordinated Indenture as applicable to the subordinated notes may be made only
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the subordinated notes and all other series of debt securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture and affected by such modification or amendment (voting as one
class). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture as applicable to the subordinated notes may, without the consent of
each holder affected thereby, do any of the following: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">change the stated maturity or due date of the principal of or interest payable on the subordinated notes or
change any place of payment where or the currency in which such principal and interest is payable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reduce the principal amount of or the rate or amount of interest on the subordinated notes;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the subordinated
notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reduce the percentage of the holders of the subordinated notes necessary (1)&nbsp;to modify or amend the
Subordinated Indenture, or (2)&nbsp;to waive compliance with certain provisions thereof or certain defaults and consequences thereunder; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">modify any of the provisions with respect to the subordination of the subordinated notes of any series in a
manner adverse to the holders or adverse to the capital treatment of the subordinated notes, except to clarify ambiguities or to meet regulatory requirements and treatment of the subordinated notes as Tier 2 capital; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">modify or affect in any manner adverse to the holders the terms and conditions of our obligation in respect of
the due and punctual payment of the principal of or interest on the subordinated notes. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We and the trustee may modify
or amend the Subordinated Indenture as applicable to the subordinated notes, without the consent of any holder of the subordinated notes, for any of the following purposes: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under the Subordinated Indenture;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to evidence and provide for the acceptance or appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the subordinated
notes or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Subordinated Indenture by more than one trustee; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add to the covenants for the benefit of the holders of the subordinated notes or to surrender any right or
power conferred upon us in the Subordinated Indenture; provided, that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the subordinated notes as determined in good faith by us and evidenced by an officer&#8217;s certificate;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add or eliminate additional events of default; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the Subordinated Indenture; provided, that such action shall
not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the subordinated notes in any material respect as determined in good faith by us and evidenced by an officer&#8217;s certificate; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to secure the subordinated notes or add obligors; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to establish the form of any securities and to provide for the issuance of any series of securities under the
Subordinated Indenture and to set forth the terms thereof; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to provide for additional notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-27 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to provide for the issuance of subordinated notes in uncertificated form in place of certificated subordinated
notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to qualify or maintain qualification of the Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to comply with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the
subordinated notes may be listed or traded. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture that adversely
affects the superior position of any holder of senior indebtedness will be effective against any such holder of senior indebtedness unless such holder of senior indebtedness will have consented to such modification or amendment. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, or convey or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to
any person or entity; provided, that: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the person or entity which acquires
by conveyance or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all of the outstanding subordinated notes and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions to be performed by us contained in the Subordinated
Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default or default under the Subordinated
Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time or both, would become an event of default or a default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we and the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the person or entity which
acquires by conveyance or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety delivers to the trustee an officer&#8217;s certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer complies with
the relevant provisions of the Subordinated Indenture and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of us and such corporation, person or entity. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Upon any such consolidation or merger, or conveyance or transfer, the successor corporation formed, or into which we are merged or to which
such conveyance or transfer is made, shall succeed to, and be substituted for, us under the Subordinated Indenture, as supplemented. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This
covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, change of control of us or a transaction in which we incur a large amount of additional debt unless the transaction or change of control included a merger or consolidation or transfer of
all or substantially all of our assets. There are no covenants or other provisions in the Subordinated Indenture providing for a put option or increased interest or that would otherwise afford holders of the subordinated notes additional protection
in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control of us or a transaction in which we incur or acquire a large amount of additional debt. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase &#8220;substantially as an entirety&#8221; and similar phrases, there is
no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances, there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve the property or assets of a person
&#8220;substantially as an entirety.&#8221; </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-28 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Satisfaction and Discharge </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture provides that when, among other things, all subordinated notes not previously delivered to the trustee for
cancellation: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">have become due and payable, or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of
notice of redemption by the trustee, </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">and we deposit or cause to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose
money, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the subordinated notes not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for the principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case
of subordinated notes which have become due and payable) or to the Maturity Date or the date of redemption, as the case may be; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">then, upon our request,
the Subordinated Indenture will cease to be of further effect, and we will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the Subordinated Indenture with respect to the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Defeasance </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our obligations will be
deemed to have been paid and discharged if the following applicable conditions have been satisfied: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we have irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations sufficient to pay
and discharge the entire indebtedness on all outstanding subordinated notes for principal and interest to the Maturity Date or the date of redemption; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under the Subordinated Indenture with respect to the
subordinated notes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we have delivered to the trustee, an officer&#8217;s certificate stating that no event of default or event which
with notice or lapse of time or both would become an event of default with respect to the subordinated notes will have occurred; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we have delivered to the trustee, an officer&#8217;s certificate and opinion of counsel stating that all
conditions precedent relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the subordinated notes have been complied with; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we have delivered to the trustee a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel to the
effect that holders of the subordinated notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the
same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">if the subordinated notes are then listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we have delivered to the trustee an
opinion of counsel to the effect that the subordinated notes will not be delisted as a result of the defeasance. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any
defeasance of the subordinated notes pursuant to the Subordinated Indenture will be subject to our obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and any additional requirements that the Federal Reserve may impose with respect to defeasance of
the subordinated notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, due to a change in law, regulation or policy subsequent to the issue date of the subordinated notes the Federal Reserve does not require that defeasance of instruments be subject to Federal
Reserve approval in order for the instrument to be accorded Tier 2 capital treatment, then no such approval of the Federal Reserve will be required for such defeasance. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-29 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Effect of Benchmark Transition Event </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Benchmark Replacement</I><I>. </I>If the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark
Replacement Date have occurred on or prior to the Reference Time in respect of any interest period during the floating rate period, then the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the subordinated
notes during such interest period and all subsequent interest periods. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes</I><I>. </I>In
connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the calculation agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Certain Defined Terms</I>. As used herein: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement&#8221; means the Interpolated Benchmark with respect to the then-current Benchmark, plus the Benchmark Replacement
Adjustment for such Benchmark; provided,<I> </I>that if (a)&nbsp;the calculation agent cannot determine the Interpolated Benchmark as of the Benchmark Replacement Date or (b)&nbsp;the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR and a Benchmark
Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR (in which event no Interpolated Benchmark with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR shall be determined), then </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement&#8221; means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent
as of the Benchmark Replacement Date: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Compounded SOFR; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the sum of: (a)&nbsp;the alternate rate that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body
as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b)&nbsp;the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the sum of: (a)&nbsp;the ISDA Fallback Rate, and (b)&nbsp;the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; and
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(4)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the sum of: (a)&nbsp;the alternate rate that has been selected by the calculation agent as the replacement for
the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time, and
(b)&nbsp;the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Adjustment&#8221; means the first
alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive
or negative value or zero), that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA
Fallback Adjustment; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the
calculation agent, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark
Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Conforming
Changes&#8221; means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of &#8220;interest period,&#8221; timing and frequency of determining rates with respect to
each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent determines may be </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-30 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent determines that adoption of any portion
of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary).
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Date&#8221; means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
</P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">in the case of clause (1)&nbsp;of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221; the relevant
Reference Time in respect of any determination; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">in the case of clause (2)&nbsp;or (3) of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221; the later
of (a)&nbsp;the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b)&nbsp;the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">in the case of clause (4)&nbsp;of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221; the date of the
public statement or publication of information referenced therein. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If the event giving rise to the Benchmark
Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Benchmark Transition Event&#8221; means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current
Benchmark: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, we determine that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of
three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark
announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely; provided,<I> </I>that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide
the Benchmark; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the
Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an
entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely; provided,<I>
</I>that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(4)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the
Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Compounded SOFR&#8221; means the compounded
average of SOFRs for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, with the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate (which will be compounded in arrears with a lookback and/or suspension period as a mechanism to determine the
interest amount payable prior to the end of each interest period) being established by the calculation agent in accordance with: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant
Governmental Body for determining compounded SOFR; provided,<I> </I>that: </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">if, and to the extent that, the calculation agent determines that Compounded SOFR cannot be determined in
accordance with clause (1)&nbsp;above, then the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate that have been selected by the calculation agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted market practice for U.S.
dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-31 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Compounded SOFR shall exclude the Benchmark
Replacement Adjustment and the spread of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;basis points per annum. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Interpolated Benchmark&#8221; with
respect to the Benchmark means the rate determined by the calculation agent for the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between: (1)&nbsp;the Benchmark for the longest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is shorter
than the Corresponding Tenor, and (2)&nbsp;the Benchmark for the shortest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;ISDA Definitions&#8221; means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any
successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;ISDA Fallback Adjustment&#8221; means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for
derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;ISDA Fallback Rate&#8221; means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective
upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#8220;Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement&#8221; means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The terms &#8220;Reference Time,&#8221; &#8220;Relevant Governmental Body,&#8221; &#8220;SOFR&#8221; and &#8220;Term SOFR&#8221; have the
meanings set forth above under the heading &#8220;&#8212;Interest.&#8221; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Determinations and Decisions </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We and the calculation agent are expressly authorized to make certain determinations, decisions and elections under the terms of the
subordinated notes, including with respect to the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark for the floating rate period and under the benchmark transition provisions. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us or by the
calculation agent under the terms of the subordinated notes, including any determination with respect to the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark for the Floating Rate Period, any determination under the benchmark transition provisions, any
determination of a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-occurrence</FONT> of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">will be conclusive and binding on the holders of the subordinated notes and the trustee absent manifest error;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">if made by us as calculation agent, will be made in our sole discretion; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">if made by a calculation agent other than us, will be made after consultation with us, and the calculation agent
will not make any such determination, decision or election to which we reasonably object; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Subordinated Indenture, shall become effective without consent
from the holders of the subordinated notes, the trustee or any other party. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Form, Denomination, Transfer, Exchange and Book-Entry
Procedures </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes offered hereby will be issued only in fully registered form, without interest coupons, and in
minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-32 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes offered hereby will be evidenced by a global note which will be
deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, or any successor thereto, and registered in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co., or Cede, as nominee of DTC. Except as set forth below, record ownership of the global note may be transferred, in whole or in part,
only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The global note will not be registered in the name of any person,
or exchanged for subordinated notes that are registered in the name of any person, other than DTC or its nominee, unless one of the following occurs: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue acting as the depositary for the global note, or DTC
has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and in either case we fail to appoint a successor depositary; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an event of default with respect to the subordinated notes represented by the global note has occurred and is
continuing. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In those circumstances, DTC will determine in whose names any securities issued in exchange for the global
note will be registered. Any such subordinated notes in certificated form will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and may be transferred or exchanged only in such minimum denominations. In
connection with any proposed exchange of a global note for a certificated note, there shall be provided to the trustee all information necessary to allow the trustee to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations, including, without
limitation, any cost basis reporting obligations under Internal Revenue Code Section&nbsp;6045. The trustee may rely on information provided to it and shall have no responsibility to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global note for all purposes, and as a result: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you cannot get subordinated notes registered in your name if they are represented by the global note;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you cannot receive certificated (physical) notes in exchange for your beneficial interest in the global note;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you will not be considered to be the owner or holder of the global note or any note it represents for any
purpose, including notices; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all payments on the global note will be made to DTC or its nominee. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain kinds of purchasers (for example, certain insurance companies) can only own securities in
definitive (certificated) form. These laws may limit your ability to transfer your beneficial interests in the global note to these types of purchasers. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Only institutions (such as a securities broker or dealer) that have accounts with DTC or its nominee (called &#8220;participants&#8221;) and
persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants (including through Euroclear Bank SA/NV or Clearstream Banking, soci&eacute;t&eacute; anonyme, as DTC participants) can own a beneficial interest in the global note. The only place
where the ownership of beneficial interests in the global note will appear and the only way the transfer of those interests can be made will be on the records kept by DTC (for their participants&#8217; interests) and the records kept by those
participants (for interests of persons held by participants on their behalf). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Secondary trading in bonds and notes of corporate issuers
is generally settled in clearing-house (that is, <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">next-day)</FONT> funds. In contrast, beneficial interests in a global note usually trade in DTC&#8217;s <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">same-day</FONT> funds
settlement system, and settle in immediately available funds. We make no representations as to the effect that settlement in immediately available funds will have on trading activity in those beneficial interests. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will make cash payments of interest on and principal of the global note to Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co., the nominee for DTC, as the registered
owner of the global note. We will make these payments by wire transfer of immediately available funds on each payment date. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-33 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You may exchange or transfer the subordinated notes at the corporate trust office of the
trustee under the Subordinated Indenture for the series of subordinated notes or at any other office or agency maintained by us for those purposes. We will not require payment of a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the subordinated
notes, but First Financial may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge. The transferor of any note shall provide or cause to be provided to the trustee all information necessary to allow the
trustee to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations, including, without limitation, any cost basis reporting obligations under Internal Revenue Code Section&nbsp;6045. The trustee may rely on information provided to it and shall have no
responsibility to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have been informed that, with respect to any cash payment of
interest on or principal of the global note, DTC&#8217;s practice is to credit participants&#8217; accounts on the payment date with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the subordinated notes represented by
the global note as shown on DTC&#8217;s records, unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on that payment date. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in subordinated notes represented by the global note
held through participants will be the responsibility of those participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in &#8220;street name.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We also understand that neither DTC nor Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. will consent or vote with respect to the subordinated notes. We have been advised
that under its usual procedures, DTC will mail or send an &#8220;omnibus proxy&#8221; to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co.&#8217;s consenting or voting rights to those participants to whose
accounts the subordinated notes are credited on the record date identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Because DTC can
only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in the principal amount represented by the global note to pledge the interest to persons or entities that do
not participate in the DTC book-entry system, or otherwise take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing its interest. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes (including the presentation of notes for exchange)
only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global note are credited and only in respect of such portion of the principal amount of the subordinated notes represented by the global note as to which
such participant has, or participants have, given such direction. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">DTC has also advised us as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a &#8220;banking organization&#8221; within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a &#8220;clearing corporation&#8221; within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code, as amended, and a &#8220;clearing agency&#8221; registered pursuant to the provisions of Section&nbsp;17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other
organizations. Certain of such participants (or their representatives), together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The policies and procedures of DTC, which may change periodically, will apply to payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to
beneficial interests in the global note. We and the trustee have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC&#8217;s or any participants&#8217; records relating to beneficial interests in the global note, including for payments made on the
global note, and we and the trustee are not responsible for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of those records. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-34 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Calculation Agent </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will appoint a calculation agent for the subordinated notes prior to the commencement of the floating rate period and will keep a record of
such appointment at our principal offices, which will be available to any holder of the subordinated notes upon request. In addition, we or an affiliate of ours may assume the duties of the calculation agent. We will act as the initial calculation
agent. The trustee will have no responsibility for any act or omission of the calculation agent. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>The Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The trustee under the Subordinated Indenture is Wilmington Trust, National Association. If an event of default with respect to the subordinated
notes occurs, and is not cured, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs in the exercise of its powers. Subject to the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture, the trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Subordinated Indenture at the request of any holders of the subordinated notes, unless they have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee.
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Wilmington Trust, National Association in the future, may be the trustee under other indentures pursuant to which we issue debt.
Computershare, as successor in interest to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association currently serves as trustee under the indenture governing our 5.25% Subordinated Notes due 2030. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, if a default occurs with
respect to the securities of any series, the trustee will be required to eliminate any conflicting interest as defined in the Trust Indenture Act or resign as trustee with respect to the securities of that series within 90 days of such default,
unless such default were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated. In the event of such resignation, we would be required to appoint a successor trustee under the Subordinated Indenture for the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">From time to time, we and our subsidiaries may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions, including lending
transactions, with the trustee in the ordinary course of business. The trustee assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning us or our affiliates or any other party contained in this document or the related
documents or for any failure by us or any other party to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Payment and Paying Agents </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will pay
principal and interest on the subordinated notes at the corporate trust office of the trustee or at such other place that we appoint in accordance with the Subordinated Indenture. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will pay any interest on the subordinated notes to the registered owner of the subordinated notes at the close of business on the record
date for the interest, except in the case of defaulted interest. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any moneys deposited with the trustee or any paying agent, or then held
by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated note that remains unclaimed for two years after the principal or interest has become due and payable will, at our request, be repaid to us, or (if then held by us)
be discharged from such trust. After repayment to us, you are entitled to seek payment only from us as an unsecured general creditor. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Governing Law
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture and the subordinated notes are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York. The Subordinated Indenture provides that we and the trustee, and each holder of a subordinated note by its acceptance thereof, irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any
legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the Subordinated Indenture or the subordinated notes, or any transaction contemplated thereby. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-35 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_12"></A>CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the subordinated
notes described in this prospectus supplement. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the &#8220;Code&#8221;), applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authorities and
administrative interpretations, in each case as of the date of this prospectus supplement, all of which are subject to change or different interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. We cannot assure you that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
(the &#8220;IRS&#8221;) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described in this discussion, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel with respect to the U.S. federal income
tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This discussion does not purport to address all U.S.
federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder in light of the holder&#8217;s particular circumstances or status, nor does it discuss the U.S. federal income tax consequences to certain types of holders subject to special treatment
under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">tax-exempt</FONT> entities, dealers in securities or foreign currency, real
estate investment trusts, thrifts, traders in securities that have elected the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">mark-to-market</FONT></FONT> method of accounting for their securities, partnerships or other
pass-through entities (or investors in such entities), U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose &#8220;functional currency&#8221; is not the U.S. dollar, U.S. Holders that hold subordinated notes through <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT>
brokers or other <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> intermediaries, persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of income as a result of such income being included on an applicable financial statement, U.S. expatriates
and former long-term residents of the United States or persons that hold the subordinated notes as part of a hedge, wash sale, conversion transaction, straddle or other risk reduction transaction. This discussion is limited to those holders that
purchase notes for cash in this offering at their &#8220;issue price&#8221; (which is the first price at which a substantial amount of the subordinated notes is sold for cash to investors other than to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or
organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) and that hold the subordinated notes as capital assets (generally, property held for investment). Moreover, this discussion does not address the effect of any
alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on investment income, state, local or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> tax laws or the application of any U.S. federal taxes other than U.S. federal income taxes (such as U.S. federal estate
or gift taxes). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If any entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a holder of
subordinated notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership or a partner in a partnership considering
an investment in the subordinated notes, you should consult your own tax advisor about the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the subordinated notes. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Investors considering the purchase of subordinated notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S.
federal tax laws to their particular situations and the applicability and effect of state, local or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> tax laws and tax treaties. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You are
a U.S. Holder for purposes of this discussion if you are a beneficial owner of a subordinated note and, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a corporation (including any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or
organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
</P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-36 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a trust, if (i)&nbsp;a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust
and one or more United States persons (as defined under the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii)&nbsp;the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as
a United States person. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Payments of Interest and Original Issue Discount </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a debt instrument will qualify as a &#8220;variable rate debt instrument&#8221; if (i)&nbsp;its issue
price does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the debt instrument by more than a specified <I>de minimis</I> amount and (ii)&nbsp;the debt instrument provides for stated interest, paid or compounded at least annually, at
current values of a single fixed rate and one or more qualified floating rates. We expect that the subordinated notes will meet the requirements for being variable rate debt instruments. We intend to treat the subordinated notes as variable rate
debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under this characterization, payments treated as qualified stated interest (&#8220;QSI&#8221;) on the subordinated notes generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income at the time such QSI
is received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. QSI generally means stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash at least annually at a single fixed rate, but as discussed
below, special rules are applicable to variable rate debt instruments. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes will be treated as issued with OID for U.S.
federal income tax purposes if the issue price of the subordinated notes is less than the stated redemption price at maturity by more than a <I>de minimis</I> amount. The stated redemption price at maturity for the subordinated notes is the sum of
(i)&nbsp;the principal amount of the subordinated notes and (ii)&nbsp;any interest on the subordinated notes that is not QSI. The issue price of debt instruments equals the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt instruments has been
sold (ignoring sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers). As discussed below, solely for purposes of calculating OID, special rules apply for
determining the &#8220;maturity&#8221; of a subordinated note. If the subordinated notes are issued with OID, a U.S. Holder generally must include such OID in taxable income (as ordinary income) as such OID accrues in accordance with a constant
yield method based on a compounding of interest, regardless of the U.S. Holder&#8217;s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include OID in income in advance of the
receipt of the cash to which such OID is attributable. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under applicable Treasury Regulations, to determine the amount of QSI and OID in
respect of a variable rate debt instrument, an &#8220;equivalent fixed rate debt instrument&#8221; must be constructed. The equivalent fixed rate debt instrument of a variable rate debt instrument that has an initial fixed rate followed by one or
more qualified floating rates, such as a subordinated note, is constructed as follows: (i)&nbsp;first, the initial fixed rate is replaced with a qualified floating rate such that the fair market value of a subordinated note as of the subordinated
note&#8217;s issue date would be approximately the same as the fair market value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for the replacement qualified floating rate rather than the fixed rate, and (ii)&nbsp;second, each floating rate
(including the floating rate determined under clause (i)&nbsp;of this paragraph) is converted into a fixed rate substitute (which, in each case, generally will be the value of each floating rate as of the issue date of the subordinated notes). When
the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument has been constructed pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of QSI and OID, if any, are determined for the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general OID rules to the equivalent fixed
rate debt instrument, and a U.S. Holder of subordinated notes will account for such OID, if any, and QSI as if the U.S. Holder held the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument. For each accrual period, appropriate adjustments will be made to the
amount of QSI or OID assumed to have been accrued or paid with respect to the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument in the event that such amounts differ from the actual amount of interest accrued or paid on the subordinated notes during the accrual
period. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Treasury Regulations provide special rules for determining the yield and maturity of a debt instrument, such as the
subordinated notes, that provide an issuer with the option to redeem the instrument at specified times. The Treasury Regulations generally deem an issuer to exercise a redemption option in a manner that minimizes
</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-37 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
the yield on the debt instrument for purposes of determining whether a debt instrument is issued with OID. Under the terms of the subordinated notes, if the initial fixed rate substitute on the
equivalent fixed rate debt instrument (as determined in the manner described above) is less than the fixed rate substitute of the floating rate (as determined in the manner described above), the yield on the subordinated notes will be minimized if
the subordinated notes are redeemed immediately before the change in the interest rate on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, and, therefore, the subordinated notes will be treated as maturing on such date for OID purposes. This assumption is made
solely for purposes of determining whether the subordinated notes are issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not an indication of our intention to redeem or not to redeem the subordinated notes at any time. If, contrary to this
presumption, the subordinated notes are not redeemed prior to the change in the interest rate on&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2030, then, solely for OID purposes, the subordinated notes will be deemed to be reissued at their adjusted issue price on
the date that they are not redeemed. This deemed reissuance should not result in taxable gain or loss to U.S. Holders. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Based on current
market conditions and the manner in which the interest rates on the subordinated notes are determined, we expect that when the foregoing calculations are completed, the subordinated notes will be presumed to remain outstanding until maturity and
have no original issue discount or will have de minimis original issue discount that can be disregarded and that, therefore all interest payable on the subordinated notes will be treated as qualified stated interest. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Disposition of the Subordinated Notes. </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You generally will recognize capital gain or loss on a sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a subordinated
note equal to the difference, if any, between (i)&nbsp;the amount realized on such disposition (excluding amounts attributable to any accrued but unpaid stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent you have not previously
included such amounts in income) and (ii)&nbsp;your adjusted tax basis in the subordinated note. The amount realized will equal the sum of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received on the disposition. Your adjusted tax basis
in a subordinated note generally will equal the amount you paid for the subordinated note, increased by any OID previously included in your gross income with respect to the subordinated note (including OID accrued in the year of the sale or other
disposition).<B> </B>Any such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the subordinated note for more than one year at the time of the disposition. Long-term capital gains of
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-corporate</FONT> U.S. Holders generally are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Information Reporting and Backup Withholding </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Payments of stated interest which is QSI, accruals of OID and the proceeds of a disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of
subordinated notes may be reported to the IRS. These information reporting requirements, however, do not apply with respect to certain exempt U.S. Holders, such as corporations. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%) may apply to payments of the foregoing amounts, unless you provide the applicable withholding
agent with your taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information, or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against your
U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and may entitle you to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Tax
Consequences to <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holders </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You are a
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#8220;Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder&#8221; for purposes of this discussion if you are a beneficial owner of a subordinated note and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an individual, corporation, estate or trust
that is not a U.S. Holder. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-38 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Interest on the Subordinated Notes </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to the discussion below under the headings &#8220;&#8212;<I>Information Reporting and Backup Withholding</I>&#8221; and &#8220;Foreign
Account Tax Compliance Act,&#8221; payments of interest (which, for purposes of this discussion of <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holders, shall include any OID) on the subordinated notes generally will be exempt from U.S. federal
income and withholding tax under the &#8220;portfolio interest&#8221; exemption if you properly certify as to your <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> status, as described below, and: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you do not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our
stock entitled to vote; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on the subordinated notes is in connection with an extension of
credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you are not a &#8220;controlled foreign corporation&#8221; for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is related
to us; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">interest on the subordinated notes is not effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The portfolio interest exemption applies only if you appropriately certify as to your
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> status. You generally can meet this certification requirement by providing a properly executed IRS Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">W-8BEN</FONT> or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">W-8BEN-E,</FONT></FONT> as applicable (or appropriate substitute or successor form) to the applicable withholding agent. If you hold the subordinated notes through a financial institution or other agent acting on your
behalf, you may be required to provide appropriate certifications to your agent. Your agent then generally will be required to provide appropriate certifications to the applicable withholding agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If you cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to you will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax,
currently at a 30% rate, unless (i)&nbsp;you provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">W-8BEN</FONT> or
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">W-8BEN-E,</FONT></FONT> as applicable (or appropriate substitute or successor form) claiming an exemption from (or a reduction of) withholding under an applicable income tax treaty or
(ii)&nbsp;the payments of interest are effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States and you meet the certification requirements described below (see &#8220;&#8212;<I>Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a
U.S. Trade or Business</I>&#8221;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Disposition of the Subordinated Notes </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to the discussion below under the headings &#8220;&#8212;<I>Information Reporting and Backup Withholding</I>&#8221; and &#8220;Foreign
Account Tax Compliance Act,&#8221; you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on a sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a subordinated note (other than amounts
attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which will be treated as described above under &#8220;&#8212;<I>Interest on the Subordinated Notes</I>&#8221;) unless: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by you of a U.S. trade or business; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">you are an individual who has been present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the
disposition and certain other requirements are met. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If you are a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT>
Holder described in the first bullet point above, you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below (see &#8220;&#8212;<I>Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business</I>&#8221;). If you are a <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder described in the second bullet point above, you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (or a lower applicable income tax treaty rate) on the gain derived from the
sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If any interest on the subordinated notes or gain from a sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the
subordinated notes is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-39 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
you, then you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest or gain on a net income basis in the same manner as a U.S. Holder (unless an applicable income tax treaty
provides otherwise).<B> </B>If interest received with respect to the subordinated notes is effectively connected income, the U.S. federal withholding tax described above will not apply (assuming an appropriate certification is provided) unless an
applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. You generally can meet the certification requirements by providing a properly executed IRS Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">W-8ECI</FONT> (or other applicable form) to the applicable withholding
agent.<B> </B>In addition, if you are a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that portion of your earnings and profits that is attributable to such effectively connected income or gain, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to
a &#8220;branch profits tax&#8221; at a 30% rate (or a lower applicable income tax treaty rate). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
</I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Payments to you of interest on a subordinated note, and amounts withheld from such payments, if any, generally will be required to
be reported to the IRS and may also be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which you are a tax resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement. Backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%)
generally will not apply to payments of interest on a subordinated note to a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder if the certification described in &#8220;&#8212;<I>Interest on the Subordinated Notes</I>&#8221; above is provided
by the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder, or the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Proceeds from a disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of a subordinated note effected by the U.S. office of a U.S. or <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> broker will be subject to information reporting requirements and backup withholding unless you properly certify, under penalties of perjury, as to your <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT>
status and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption.<B> </B>Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any proceeds from a disposition of a subordinated note effected outside the United
States by a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> office of a broker, unless such broker has certain connections to the United States, in which case information reporting, but not backup withholding, will apply unless the broker has
documentary evidence in its records that you are a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-U.S.</FONT> Holder and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against your
U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and may entitle you to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Foreign
Account Tax Compliance Act </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax (separate and apart from, but
without duplication of, the withholding tax described above) at a rate of 30% on payments of interest on, and the gross proceeds from a disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of, a debt instrument paid to certain <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> entities, including certain foreign financial institutions and investment funds (including, in some instances, where such an entity is acting as an intermediary), unless such
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> entity complies with certain withholding and reporting requirements regarding U.S. account holders and U.S. owners of such entity&#8217;s equity and debt. Pursuant to proposed U.S. Treasury
Regulations (upon which taxpayers are permitted to rely until final U.S. Treasury Regulations are issued), this withholding tax generally will not apply to payments of gross disposition proceeds. Foreign financial institutions located in
jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States with respect to these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner of subordinated notes may be eligible for a refund or credit
of such taxes. Prospective purchasers of the subordinated notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding these withholding and reporting provisions. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>The preceding discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is for general information only and is not tax advice. Each
prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the subordinated notes, including
the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.</B></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-40 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_13"></A>CERTAIN ERISA AND BENEFIT PLAN CONSIDERATIONS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">A fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended (&#8220;ERISA&#8221;) (each, an &#8220;ERISA Plan&#8221;), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the ERISA Plan&#8217;s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in the subordinated notes.
Among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and conflicts of interest requirements of ERISA, and would be consistent with the documents and instruments
governing the ERISA Plan, and whether the investment would involve a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition,
Section&nbsp;406 of ERISA and Section&nbsp;4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans, as well as individual retirement accounts and any other plans that are subject to Section&nbsp;4975 of the Code (together with ERISA Plans, &#8220;Plans&#8221;) from
engaging in certain transactions involving &#8220;plan assets&#8221; with persons who are &#8220;parties in interest&#8221; under ERISA or &#8220;disqualified persons&#8221; under the Code with respect to the Plan. A violation of these prohibited
transaction rules may result in excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA or the Code for those persons, and the transaction may need to be reversed, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory, regulatory or administrative
exemption. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For example, the acquisition and holding of the subordinated notes or any interest therein by a Plan or any entity whose
underlying assets include &#8220;plan assets&#8221; by reason of any Plan&#8217;s investment in the entity (a &#8220;Plan Asset Entity&#8221;) with respect to which we, an underwriter or any paying agent, or any of our or its respective affiliates
is or becomes a party in interest or disqualified person may result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section&nbsp;4975 of the Code, unless the subordinated notes (or interests) are acquired and held pursuant to an applicable exemption. The
U.S. Department of Labor has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions, or &#8220;PTCEs,&#8221; that may potentially provide exemptive relief if required for direct or indirect prohibited transactions that may arise from the purchase or holding
of the subordinated notes, or any interest therein. These exemptions include PTCE <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">84-14</FONT> (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTCE <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">90-1</FONT> (for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTCE <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">91-38</FONT> (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">95-60</FONT> (for transactions involving certain insurance company general accounts), and PTCE <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">96-23</FONT> (for transactions managed by <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">in-house</FONT>
asset managers). In addition, ERISA Section&nbsp;408(b)(17) and Section&nbsp;4975(d)(20) of the Code (the &#8220;service provider exemption&#8221;) may provide an exemption for an otherwise prohibited purchase and sale of subordinated notes between
a Plan and a party in interest or disqualified person; provided that (i)&nbsp;the issuer of the subordinated notes is not a party in interest or disqualified person with respect to an investing Plan other than by reason of providing services to the
Plan or a relationship to a service provider, (ii)&nbsp;neither the issuer of the subordinated notes nor any of its affiliates has or exercises any discretionary authority or control or renders any investment advice with respect to the assets of the
Plan involved in the transaction, and provided further that the Plan pays no more and receives no less than &#8220;adequate consideration&#8221; in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such
exemption or any other exemption will be satisfied or that any such exemption or other exemption will be available, with respect to any and all possible prohibited transactions that may arise in connection with the acquisition and holding of
subordinated notes or interests therein. Fiduciaries of Plans considering an investment in shares in reliance on one or more exemptions should carefully review such exemptions to assure their terms will be satisfied with respect to transactions
involving the subordinated notes. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Employee benefit plans that are governmental plans (as defined in Section&nbsp;3(32) of ERISA), certain
church plans (as defined in Section&nbsp;3(33) of ERISA that have not made an election under Section&nbsp;410(d) of the Code) and <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> plans (as described in Section&nbsp;4(b)(4) of ERISA) <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">(&#8220;Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangements&#8221;) are not subject to the requirements of Section&nbsp;406 of ERISA or Section&nbsp;4975 of the Code but may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state,
local, <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> or other laws (&#8220;Similar Laws&#8221;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any purchaser or holder of the
subordinated notes or any interest therein will be deemed to have represented by its purchase and holding of the subordinated notes or any interest therein that it either (1)&nbsp;is not a Plan, an </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-41 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
entity deemed to hold the assets of any Plan (a &#8220;Plan Asset Entity&#8221;) or a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangement and is not purchasing or holding the
subordinated notes or any interest therein on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan, a Plan Asset Entity or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangement or (2)&nbsp;its purchase, holding and disposition of the subordinated notes,
or any interest in the subordinated notes, will not constitute or result in a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-exempt</FONT> prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code or a similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The foregoing discussion is merely a summary and should not be construed as legal advice or as complete in all relevant respects. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-42 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-exempt</FONT> prohibited transactions or other violations, it is important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing the subordinated notes or any interest therein on behalf of or with the assets of any
Plan, a Plan Asset Entity or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangement consult with their counsel regarding the potential consequences under ERISA, Section&nbsp;4975 of the Code or Similar Law, and, if necessary, the availability
of exemptive relief under as applicable. Purchasers of the subordinated notes (including interests in a subordinated note) have the exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase and holding of the subordinated notes or any interest
therein do not violate the fiduciary or prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or the Code or any Similar Laws. The sale of any subordinated notes or interests therein to a Plan, Plan Asset Entity or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT>
Arrangement is in no respect a recommendation to make such a purchase or a representation by us, the underwriters or any of our or their affiliates or representatives that such an investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to
investments by any such Plans, Plan Asset Entities or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangements generally or any particular Plan, Plan Asset Entity or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangement or that such
investment is appropriate or advisable for such Plans, Plan Asset Entities or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT> Arrangements generally or any particular Plan, Plan Asset Entity or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-ERISA</FONT>
Arrangement. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-43 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_14"></A>UNDERWRITING </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have entered into an underwriting agreement, dated &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025 (the &#8220;Underwriting Agreement&#8221;), with
Keefe, Bruyette&nbsp;&amp; Woods, Inc. and Janney&nbsp;Montgomery&nbsp;Scott&nbsp;LLC, or the underwriters, with respect to the subordinated notes. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters have agreed to purchase the aggregate principal
amount of subordinated notes set forth next to its name in the following table. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="80%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; display:table-cell; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><B>Underwriters</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Principal<BR>Amount of<BR>Subordinated<BR>Notes</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Keefe, Bruyette&nbsp;&amp; Woods, Inc.</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Janney&nbsp;Montgomery&nbsp;Scott&nbsp;LLC</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the subordinated
notes offered hereby are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will purchase all of the subordinated notes if any of the subordinated notes are purchased. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated notes sold by the underwriters to the public will be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this
prospectus supplement. The underwriters may offer the subordinated notes to selected dealers at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement less a concession not in excess of&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;% of the
principal amount per note. After the initial offering, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the subordinated notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the
underwriters&#8217; right to reject any order in whole or in part. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Discounts, Commission and Expenses </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following table shows the public offering price, the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay the underwriters and the
proceeds, before expenses, to us in connection with this offering (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the subordinated notes offered hereby). </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="65%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="12%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Per&nbsp;Subordinated<BR>Note</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Total</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Public offering price<SUP STYLE="font-size:75%; vertical-align:top">(l)</SUP></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff" STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Proceeds to us, before expenses</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">%&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">$</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <DIV STYLE="line-height:8.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:11%">&nbsp;</DIV>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Plus accrued interest from&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025, to the date of delivery. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We estimate expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than, in each case, underwriting discounts and commissions, will be
approximately $&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; . This estimate reflects that we may reimburse the underwriters for certain of their reasonable <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">out-of-pocket</FONT></FONT> expenses incurred in
connection with their engagement as underwriters, including certain expenses attributable to legal fees and marketing, syndication and travel. The underwriters may also reimburse us for certain of our expenses related to the offering. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Indemnification </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have agreed to
indemnify each underwriter, its affiliates, selling agents, employees, officer and directors and each person who controls any underwriter, against certain losses and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to contribute to
payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of these liabilities. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-44 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>No Public Trading Markets </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">There is currently no public trading market for the subordinated notes. In addition, we have not applied and do not intend to apply to list the
subordinated notes on any national securities exchange or to have the subordinated notes quoted on an automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that it intends to make a market in the subordinated notes. However, the
underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making in the subordinated notes at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the subordinated
notes will develop or continue, that you will be able to sell your subordinated notes at a particular time, or that the price that you receive when you sell will be favorable. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>No Sale of Similar Securities </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have
agreed with the underwriters that for a period of 45 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement, we and our subsidiaries will not, without the prior consent of the underwriters, offer or sell, or enter into any agreement to sell, any debt
securities (excluding deposit obligations) of ours or of our subsidiaries. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Stabilization </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with this offering of the subordinated notes, the underwriters may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions and
syndicate covering transactions. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the underwriters. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the subordinated notes in the open market for the
purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the subordinated notes. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the subordinated notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short
positions. Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the subordinated notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of those transactions. If the underwriters engage in stabilizing or
syndicate covering transactions, they may discontinue such activities at any time without notice. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Neither we nor the underwriters make
any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the subordinated notes. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that
the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Electronic
Distribution </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made available in electronic format on websites or
through other online services maintained by the underwriters or their affiliates. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Other than the prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus in electronic format, information on such websites and any information contained in any other website maintained by any of the underwriters or their affiliates is not part of this prospectus supplement or our registration
statement of which the related prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriters in their capacity as underwriters and should not be relied on by investors. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Our Relationships with the Underwriters </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The underwriters and their affiliates have engaged, or may in the future engage, in investment banking transactions, lendings and other
commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. The underwriters have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-45 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, in the ordinary course of its business activities, the underwriters and their
affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade indebtedness and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own accounts and for the accounts of their
customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research
views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. Keefe, Bruyette&nbsp;&amp; Woods, Inc. acted as financial advisor
to Ohio Farmers with respect to the sale of Westfield to First Financial and Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to BankFinancial with respect to its sale to First Financial. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acted as
financial advisor to First Financial with respect to its acquisition of Westfield. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Alternative Settlement Cycle and Other Matters </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the subordinated
notes offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction in which action for that purpose is required. The subordinated notes offered by this prospectus supplement may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in
compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. We and the underwriters require that the persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement comes inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the
offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction in which such
an offer or a solicitation is unlawful. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We expect that delivery of the subordinated notes will be made against payment therefor on or
about&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; , 2025, which will be the&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;business day following the date hereof (such settlement being referred to as &#8220;T+&#8195;&#8221;). Under Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">15c6-1</FONT>
of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the subordinated notes prior to the
business day before delivery of the subordinated notes will be required, by virtue of the fact that the subordinated notes initially settle in T+&#8195;, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a
failed settlement. Purchasers of the subordinated notes who wish to trade the subordinated notes prior to their date of delivery hereunder should consult their advisors. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Selling Restrictions </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>European Economic Area
</I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area (the &#8220;EEA&#8221;), each a Member State, no offer of the
subordinated notes to the public has been or will be made in that Member State, except that offers of the subordinated notes to the public may be made in that Member State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:
</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to any legal entity which is a &#8220;qualified investor&#8221; as defined in the Prospectus Regulation;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors, as defined in the Prospectus
Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">provided that no such offer of subordinated notes shall require us or the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus
Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-46 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For the purposes of the above provisions, the expression &#8220;an offer of subordinated
notes to the public&#8221; in relation to any subordinated notes in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any subordinated notes to be offered so as to enable an
investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any subordinated notes, and the expression &#8220;Prospectus Regulation&#8221; means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>United Kingdom </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This document is
only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation that are also (i)&nbsp;investment professionals falling within Article
19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, referred to herein as the Order, and/or (ii)&nbsp;high net worth entities falling within Article&nbsp;49(2)(a) to (d)&nbsp;of the Order and other
persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated. Each such person is referred to herein as a Relevant Person. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In the United Kingdom, any
investment or investment activity to which this prospectus supplement relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will only be engaged with Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement and its contents are confidential and should not be
distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this document or any of its
contents. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-47 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_15"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Certain legal matters in connection with this offering, including the validity of the subordinated notes offered hereby, will be passed upon
for us by Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, Cincinnati, Ohio. Certain other legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by our General Counsel. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for
the underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher&nbsp;&amp; Flom LLP, New York, New York. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="supprom97196_16"></A>EXPERTS
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to First Financial Bancorp.&#8217;s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-48 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>PROSPECTUS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>First Financial Bancorp. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Debt Securities </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Common
Shares </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Preferred Shares </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Depositary Shares </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Warrants </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Stock Purchase Contracts </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Units </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center><DIV STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</DIV></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The securities listed above may be offered and sold by us from time to time in one or more separate offerings, in amounts, at prices and on
other terms to be determined at the time of an offering. We may offer the securities independently or together in any combination for sale directly to purchasers or through underwriters, dealers or agents to be designated at a future date. The
specific terms and manner of offering of these securities will be provided in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in the securities described in the
applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">First Financial Bancorp.&#8217;s common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol &#8220;FFBC.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully before you invest. Investing in our securities involves risks. See the
section entitled &#8220;<A HREF="#rom52457_6">Risk Factors</A>,&#8221; on page&nbsp;5 of this prospectus, in the applicable prospectus supplement and the discussion of risk factors contained in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange
Commission, nor any state securities commission or bank regulatory agency, has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Any securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will be our equity securities or unsecured obligations
and will not be deposits or accounts or other obligations of any of our bank or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-bank</FONT> subsidiaries and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System or any other governmental or regulatory agency or instrumentality. </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center><DIV STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</DIV></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The date of this prospectus is November 5, 2025. </B></P>
</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="97%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_1">ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_2">CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_3">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">4</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_4">INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">4</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_5">FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">5</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_6">RISK FACTORS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">5</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_7">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">6</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_8">DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">6</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_9">DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">14</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_10">DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">18</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_11">DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">21</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_12">DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">23</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_13">DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">24</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_14">DESCRIPTION OF UNITS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_15">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_16">VALIDITY OF SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">27</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#rom52457_17">EXPERTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">28</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">i </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_1"></A>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (&#8220;SEC&#8221;) using
a &#8220;shelf&#8221; registration process. Under this shelf registration statement, we may, from time to time, offer any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more separate offerings. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus describes the general terms of the securities we may offer and the general manner in which we may offer the securities. Each
time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific terms of the securities offered and the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. A prospectus supplement may
include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities or to us. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency
between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should carefully read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement,
together with the information described under the headings &#8220;<B>Where You Can Find More Information</B>&#8221; and &#8220;<B>Incorporation By Reference</B>,&#8221; before deciding whether to invest in any of our securities. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. We
have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with different, additional or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities,
and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference
is accurate as of any date other than the dates of the applicable documents. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless the context requires otherwise, references to
&#8220;First Financial Bancorp.,&#8221; &#8220;First Financial,&#8221; the &#8220;Company,&#8221; &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our,&#8221; &#8220;ours&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; are to First Financial Bancorp. and its subsidiaries. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise indicated, currency amounts in this prospectus and in any applicable prospectus supplement are stated in United States
dollars. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">1 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_2"></A>CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe
harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing to investors, analysts, members of the media, or others. Forward-looking statements reflect our
current expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;might,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221;
&#8220;expects,&#8221; &#8220;intends,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;anticipates,&#8221; &#8220;believes,&#8221; &#8220;estimates,&#8221; &#8220;predicts,&#8221; &#8220;potential&#8221; or &#8220;continue,&#8221; the negative of these terms and
other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (some of which are beyond our control and ability to predict), may include projections of our future financial performance,
future expenses, anticipated growth strategies, descriptions of new business initiatives and anticipated trends in our business or financial results. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are only predictions based on our
current expectations and projections about future events. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause the Company&#8217;s actual financial condition and results of operations, level
of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are the factors disclosed under &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;20, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, as well as the other
information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking
statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">While no list of assumptions, risks, or uncertainties could be complete, some of the factors that may cause actual results or other future
events or circumstances to differ from those in forward-looking statements include: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the
Company&#8217;s business; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">future credit quality and performance, including our expectations regarding future loan losses and our allowance
for credit losses </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">Management&#8217;s ability to effectively execute its business plans; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company&#8217;s acquisitions will not be realized or
will not be realized within the expected time period; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in customers&#8217; performance and creditworthiness; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such
litigation;</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of changes in housing prices,
fluctuations in unemployment rates, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, trade and tariff policies, and any slowdown in global economic growth; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our capital and liquidity requirements (including under regulatory capital standards, such as the Basel III
capital standards) and our ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">2 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">financial services reform and other current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a
negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation and regulation relating to bank products and services; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates or in the level or composition
of our assets or liabilities on our net interest income, net interest margin and our mortgage originations, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage loans held for sale; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage, asset and wealth management businesses;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party
vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the effect of changes in the level of checking or savings account deposits on our funding costs and net interest
margin; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our ability to develop and execute effective business plans and strategies. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found
in our Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.&nbsp;Information contained on any website we refer
to in this Registration Statement does not and will not constitute a part of this Registration Statement and such references are intended to be inactive textual references only. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">All forward-looking statements included in this filing are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of
the filing.&nbsp;Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">3 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_3"></A>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-3</FONT> that we filed with the SEC registering
the securities that may be offered hereunder. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement. A copy of the registration statement can be obtained at the address set
forth below. You should read the registration statement for more information about our securities and us. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are subject to the reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC&#8217;s website at<U>&nbsp;http://www.sec.gov</U>.</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our website address is <I>www.bankatfirst.com</I>. We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K,</FONT> quarterly reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q</FONT> and current reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> that are filed with or furnished to the SEC, and amendments to
those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The contents of our website are not part of this prospectus, and the reference to our website does not constitute
incorporation by reference in this prospectus of the information contained at that website. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_4"></A>INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The SEC allows us to &#8220;incorporate by reference&#8221; information in this prospectus. This means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The following documents that we have filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference in, and considered a part of, this prospectus: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Annual Report on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000012/ffbc-20241231.htm">Form
 <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT></A> for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;20, 2025; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Quarterly Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q</FONT> for the quarter ended <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000109/ffbc-20250930.htm">September&nbsp;30,
 2025</A>, our quarterly report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q</FONT> for the quarter ended <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000070/ffbc-20250630.htm">June&nbsp;
30, 2025</A> and our Quarterly Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q</FONT> for the period ended <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000038/ffbc-20250331.htm">March&nbsp;31,
 2025</A>; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000110465925035790/tm252287-2_def14a.htm">definitive
 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A</A> for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on April&nbsp;17, 2025; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our Current Reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filed with the SEC on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000017/ffbc-20250326.htm">March&nbsp;28,
 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000046/ffbc-20250527.htm">May&nbsp;
29, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000057/ffbc-20250623.htm">June&nbsp;
23, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000074/ffbc-20250811.htm">August&nbsp;
11, 2025</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000094/ffbc-20251010.htm">October&nbsp;16, 2025</A> and November&nbsp;3, 2025 (with respect to the first filing only other than the
portions deemed to furnished and not filed); and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the description of our common stock, without par value, set forth in <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895520000011/a201910-kex419.htm">Exhibit
 4.18</A> of our Annual Report on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/708955/000070895525000012/ffbc-20241231.htm">Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT></A> for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2024. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are also incorporating by reference in this prospectus all documents (other than current
reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) that we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination or completion of any offering of securities under this prospectus and all applicable prospectus supplements. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">4 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will provide to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral
request and without charge, any of the above documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including any exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests should be directed to: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">First Financial Bancorp. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">255 East
Fifth Street </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Suite 700 </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Telephone:
(877) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">322-9530</FONT> </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Attention: Investor Relations </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the applicable prospectus supplement or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_5"></A>FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">First Financial Bancorp. is an $18.6&nbsp;billion financial holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company primarily operates
through First Financial Bank, an Ohio-chartered commercial bank with 127 full service banking centers at September&nbsp;30, 2025. First Financial provides banking and financial services products to business and retail clients through its six lines
of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Finance. The Commercial Finance business lends to targeted industry verticals and has a national geographic footprint.
Wealth Management, operating under the brand of Yellow Cardinal Advisory Group, had $4.0&nbsp;billion in assets under management as of September&nbsp;30, 2025, and provides the following services: financial planning, investment management, trust
administration, estate settlement, business succession planning services, brokerage services and retirement planning. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our principal
executive offices are located at 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (877) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">322-9530.</FONT> We maintain a website at <I>www.bankatfirst.com</I><I> </I>where general
information about us is available. The information on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_6"></A>RISK FACTORS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Investing in our securities involves risk. Before you decide to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider and evaluate all of
the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated herein by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K,</FONT> as updated by our
subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q,</FONT> Current Reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> and other filings with the SEC, as well as the risk factors set forth under the &#8220;<B>Risk
Factors</B>&#8221; heading in any applicable prospectus supplement. In addition to those risk factors, there may be additional risks and uncertainties of which management is not aware or focused on or that management deems immaterial. It is possible
that our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. In addition, see &#8220;<B>Forward-Looking Statements</B>&#8221; above for a description of certain risks and
uncertainties associated with our business. The market or trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks and uncertainties, and you may lose all or a part of your investment. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">5 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_7"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We intend to use the net proceeds from the sales of the securities that may be offered under this prospectus as set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_8"></A>DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purposes of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not its
subsidiaries. The following description of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. The debt securities may be issued as senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue senior debt securities under a senior indenture (the &#8220;senior indenture&#8221;), which we will enter into with a trustee to be named
in the senior indenture. Prior to issuing any debt securities under such senior indenture, we will select the trustee for the senior indenture (the &#8220;senior indenture trustee&#8221;) relating to the issuance of senior debt securities, qualify
the senior indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act and execute such senior indenture. We also may issue subordinated debt securities in one or more series under the Subordinated Indenture, dated November 5, 2025 (the &#8220;subordinated
indenture&#8221;), between First Financial and Wilmington Trust, National Association (&#8220;Wilmington&#8221;), and the related supplemental indentures for such subordinated debt securities. Each of the senior indenture trustee and Wilmington is
referred to as the &#8220;indenture trustee,&#8221; unless otherwise specified. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The senior indenture and subordinated indenture are
sometimes collectively referred to as the &#8220;indentures&#8221; and individually referred to as an &#8220;indenture,&#8221; and the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities are sometimes referred to as the &#8220;debt
securities.&#8221; The indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the &#8220;Trust Indenture Act&#8221;). The form of senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following summary of the terms of the indentures is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the indentures, which contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section, and the description of the specific terms of the debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. The
following summary is not complete. You should read all of the provisions of the indentures, including the definitions of certain terms. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Since we are a holding company, our right, and accordingly, the right of our creditors and shareholders, including the holders of the
securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon its liquidation, reorganization or similar proceeding is subject to the prior claims of creditors of
that subsidiary, except to the extent that our claims as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Terms of the Securities </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The debt securities will not be secured by any of our assets. All of the debt securities issued under each of the indentures will rank equally
and ratably with any additional debt securities issued under the same indenture. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated as described below under the heading &#8220;<B>Subordination</B>.&#8221; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The indentures give us broad authority to set the particular terms of each series of debt securities, including the right to modify certain of
the terms contained in the applicable indenture. We will describe the specific terms of a series of debt securities and the extent, if any, to which the specific terms of the debt securities modify the terms of the applicable indenture in the
prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Neither the indentures nor the debt securities limit or otherwise restrict the
amounts of other indebtedness that we may incur, or the amount of other securities that we may issue. The indentures do not limit the principal </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">6 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
amount of any particular series of debt securities. Each prospectus supplement will specify the particular terms of the debt securities being offered, including the following, as may be
applicable: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the title of the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the principal amount being offered and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount
outstanding; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the priority of payments on the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the issue price or prices (which may be expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount) of the debt
securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the date or dates, or the method of determining the dates, on which the debt securities will mature;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the interest rate or rates of the debt securities, or the method of determining those rates;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the interest payment dates, the dates on which payment of any interest will begin and the regular record dates;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that will
be payable if the maturity date of the debt securities is accelerated; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any event of default applicable to the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any covenants included for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">provisions, if any, restricting the declaration of dividends or requiring the maintenance of any asset ratio or
the creation or maintenance of reserves; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">provisions relating to modification of the terms of the debt securities or the rights of holders of the debt
securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">provisions, if any, restricting the incurrence of additional debt or the issuance of additional securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">restrictions, if any, on transfer, sale or other assignment of the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">whether the debt securities will be issuable in temporary or permanent global form and, if so, the identity of
the depositary for such global security, or the manner in which any interest payable on a temporary or permanent global security will be paid; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any terms relating to the conversion of the debt securities into our common shares or preferred shares,
including, without limitation, the time and place at which such debt securities may be converted, the conversion price and any adjustments to the conversion price and any other provisions that may be applicable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any sinking fund or similar provisions applicable to the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any mandatory or optional redemption, repurchase or repayment provisions applicable to the debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the denomination or denominations in which the debt securities are authorized to be issued;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">with respect to the senior indenture, whether any of the debt securities will be issued in bearer form and, if
so, any limitations on issuance of such bearer securities (including exchanges for registered securities of the same series); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">information describing any book-entry features of the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">whether any of the debt securities will be issued as &#8220;original issue discount&#8221; securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the place of payment on the debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">7 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">each office or agency where the debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer, exchange or
conversion; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the method of determining the amount of any payments on the securities which are linked to an index or determined
by a formula; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">if other than United States dollars, the currency or currencies in which payments on the debt securities will be
payable, and whether the holder may elect payment to be made in a different currency; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">with respect to the senior indenture, the identity of the senior indenture trustee; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the nature of any material relationship between us or our affiliates and the trustee named in the indenture, the
percentage of debt securities of a series necessary to require such trustee to take action, and what indemnification such trustee may require before proceeding to take action; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the identity of any registrar and/or paying agent; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any defeasance of certain obligations by us pertaining to the series of debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;
and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any other terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any
terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or in connection with the marketing of the debt securities. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Some of our debt securities may be issued as &#8220;original issue discount&#8221; securities. Original issue discount securities bear no
interest or bear interest at below-market rates and will be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. The prospectus supplement will also contain any special tax, accounting or other information relating to original issue discount
securities or relating to certain other kinds of securities that may be offered, including securities linked to an index. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Acceleration of Maturity
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If an event of default with respect to any outstanding series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the indenture trustee or
the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount due and payable immediately by providing written notice of such acceleration to us, and, if notice is given by the
holders instead of the indenture trustee, to the indenture trustee. Under the subordinated indenture, all outstanding subordinated debt securities will become immediately due and payable, only upon the following events of default: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a decree or order is entered against us in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law now or hereafter in effect, a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official is appointed for us, certain of our subsidiary banks, or a substantial part of our property, or a receiver or
similar official is appointed by a court or a bank regulatory authority, or a court or administrative order is entered for the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">winding-up</FONT> or liquidation of our affairs or those of certain of our subsidiary
banks, and such decree or order remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">We (a)&nbsp;commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
hereafter in effect, or consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (b)&nbsp;consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or
similar official of us, certain of our subsidiary banks or for any substantial part of our property, (c)&nbsp;make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (d)&nbsp;fail generally to pay our debts as they become due or (e)&nbsp;take any
corporate action in furtherance of any of the foregoing. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">8 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to certain conditions, the declaration of acceleration may be rescinded, and past
defaults (except uncured payment defaults and certain other specified defaults) may be waived, by the holders of not less than a majority of the principal amount of debt securities of that series. You should refer to the prospectus supplement
relating to each series of debt securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Registration and Transfer </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will issue
the subordinated debt securities in registered form only, without coupons. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each series of senior debt securities will also be issued in
registered form only, without coupons, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The senior indenture allows us to issue the securities in bearer form, or in both registered and bearer form. Any securities issued in bearer
form will have interest coupons attached, unless they are issued as zero coupon securities. Securities in bearer form will not be offered, sold, resold or delivered in connection with their original issuance in the United States or to any United
States person other than to offices of certain United States financial institutions located outside the United States. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise
indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities we are offering will be issued in denominations of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities,
but we may require payment of an amount sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Payment and Paying Agent </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will pay
principal, interest and any premium on fully registered debt securities in the designated currency or currency unit at the office of a designated paying agent. At our option, payment of interest on fully registered debt securities may also be made
by check mailed to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered on the days specified in the indentures or any prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">With respect to senior debt securities issued in bearer form, we will pay principal, interest and any premium on such bearer senior debt
securities in the designated currency or currency unit at the office of a designated paying agent or agents outside of the United States. Payments will be made at the offices of the paying agent in the United States only if the designated currency
is United States dollars and payment outside of the United States is illegal or effectively precluded. If any amount payable on a debt security or coupon remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such amount became due and payable, the paying
agent will release any unclaimed amounts, and the holder of the debt security or coupon will look only to us for payment. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Global Securities </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates (&#8220;Global
Securities&#8221;) that will be deposited with a depositary to be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Global Securities may be issued in either temporary or permanent form. Global Securities representing subordinated debt securities
must be issued in registered form only, whereas Global Securities representing senior debt securities may be issued in registered or bearer form. Global Securities in bearer form will be deposited with a depositary outside the United States. Unless
and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificates evidencing senior debt securities in definitive form represented thereby, a bearer Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to a nominee of
that depositary or by a nominee of that depositary to a depositary or another nominee of that depositary. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The specific terms of the
depositary arrangements for each series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">9 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Modification and Waiver </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Modification with Consent of the Holders </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each indenture provides that modifications and amendments may be made by us and the indenture trustee with the consent of the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the amendment or modification. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder affected: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">change the maturity of, or the stated maturity date of the debt security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reduce the principal amount, any rate of interest, or any additional amounts in respect of any debt security;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">with respect to senior debt securities, reduce the amount of any premium payable upon the redemption of any
senior debt security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">change the time or place of payment, currency or currencies in which any debt security or any premium or interest
thereon is payable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">impair the holders&#8217; rights to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the maturity or
stated maturity date, as applicable, of any debt security or, in the case of redemption or repayment, as applicable, on or after the redemption date or repayment date; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities required to consent to any
modification, amendment or waiver under the indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">modify, except under limited circumstances, any provision of the applicable indenture relating to modification
and amendment of the indenture, waiver of compliance with conditions and defaults thereunder or the right of a majority of holders to take action under the applicable indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adversely affect any rights of conversion; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in the case of the subordinated indenture, alter the provisions regarding subordination of the subordinated debt
securities, in any way that would be adverse to the holders of those securities; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reduce the principal amount of original issue discount debt securities which could be declared due and payable
upon an acceleration of their maturity. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition to the above, no modification or amendment to the subordinated
indenture or the rights of holders of subordinated debt securities may, without the consent of each holder of such subordinated debt securities affected: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">change the maturity of the principal of, or the stated maturity of, or any installment of interest on, the
subordinated debt security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or any premium thereon or the rate of interest thereon; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">change the computation of the principal amount of the subordinated debt security on any date;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">modify, except under limited circumstances, the right of a holder of subordinated debt securities to receive
payments of the principal, premium, interest or any additional amounts due with respect to such subordinated debt securities on the maturity or stated maturity date (or the redemption date, in the case of redemption) and to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment thereof; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">modify any provisions of the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordination of any security in a
manner adverse to the capital treatment of the subordinated debt securities, except to clarify ambiguities or to meet certain regulatory requirements; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">modify or affect in any manner adverse to the holders of subordinated debt securities the terms and conditions
of our obligation to punctually pay the principal of, or premium or interest on, the subordinated debt securities when due. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">10 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Waiver of Compliance or Default </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive compliance by us and the indenture
trustee with certain provisions of the indentures. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any past default under the applicable indenture with respect to that series, except a default
in the payment of the principal, or any premium, interest, or additional amounts payable on a debt security of that series or in respect of a covenant or provision which under the terms of the applicable indenture cannot be modified or amended,
without the consent of each affected holder. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Modification of Senior Debt Securities without Consent </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">With the senior indenture trustee, we may modify and amend any senior indenture without the consent of any holder of senior debt securities for
any of the following purposes: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to name a successor entity to us; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of senior debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add to the events of default; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or
purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of senior debt securities, as set forth in the applicable indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to establish the form or terms of senior debt securities of any series and any related coupons;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor senior indenture trustee; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to make provision for the conversion rights of the holders of the senior debt securities in certain events;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the applicable indenture, provided that such action is not
inconsistent with the provisions of that indenture and does not adversely affect the interests of the applicable holders; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of any indenture to conform our or the senior indenture
trustee&#8217;s obligations under the applicable indenture to the Trust Indenture Act. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Modification of Subordinated
Debt Securities without Consent </I></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Together with Wilmington, we may modify and amend any subordinated indenture without the consent of
any holder of subordinated debt securities for any of the following purposes: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to name a successor entity to us; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to provide for the acceptance of an additional successor trustee with respect to one or more series of
subordinated debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add to our covenants and agreements for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of subordinated debt
securities or to surrender any right or power conferred on us by the subordinated indenture, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of outstanding subordinated securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to add or eliminate the events of default; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the subordinated indenture, or make any other provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under the subordinated indenture, provided such other provisions do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of outstanding subordinated debt securities in any material respect; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">11 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to secure the subordinated debt securities or add obligors; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to establish any form or terms, or to provide for the issuance, of any series of subordinated debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to provide for the issuance of subordinated debt securities in uncertificated form to replace certificated
subordinated debt securities of any series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to qualify or maintain qualification of the subordinated indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to comply with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of
the subordinated debt securities may be listed or traded. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Calculation of Outstanding Debt Securities </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">To calculate whether the holders of a sufficient principal amount of the outstanding securities have given any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent or waiver under any indenture: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in the case of original issue discount securities, the principal amount that may be included in the calculation
is the amount of principal that would be declared to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration according to the terms of that original issue discount security as of the date of the calculation; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any debt securities owned by us, or owned by any other obligor of the debt securities or any affiliate of ours or
of any other obligor, should be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding for purposes of the calculation. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Additional Provisions
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Other than the duty to act with the required standard of care during an event of default, the indenture trustee is not obligated to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless the holders have offered the indenture trustee reasonable indemnification. Each indenture provides
that the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may, in certain circumstances, direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee, or
exercising any trust or other power conferred on the indenture trustee. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No holder of a debt security of any series will have the right to
institute any proceeding for any remedy under the applicable indenture, unless: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holder has provided the indenture trustee with written notice of a continuing event of default regarding the
holder&#8217;s series of debt securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series have made a
written request to the indenture trustee, and offered indemnity or security, as applicable, satisfactory to the indenture trustee, to institute a proceeding for remedy; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the indenture trustee has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
request and offer of indemnity or security, as applicable; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the indenture trustee has not received any direction during such <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">60-day</FONT>
period inconsistent with such request from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">However, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal, any premium, any
interest or any additional amounts in respect of such debt security on or after the date expressed in such debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">12 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are required to file annually with the indenture trustee a certificate of no default, or
specifying any default that exists. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Conversion Rights for Senior Debt Securities </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms on which senior debt securities of any series may be convertible. The
subordinated indenture does not provide for conversion of the subordinated debt securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Events of Default </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following will be events of default under the senior indenture with respect to the senior debt securities of a series: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to pay any interest or any additional amounts on any senior debt security of that series when due, and
continuance of such default for 30 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to pay principal of, or any premium on, any senior debt security of that series when due;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to deposit any sinking fund payment for a senior debt security of that series when due;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to perform any of our other covenants or warranties in the senior indenture or senior debt securities
(other than a covenant or warranty included in that indenture solely for the benefit of a different series of senior debt securities), which has continued for 90 days after written notice as provided in the senior indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">acceleration of indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $25,000,000 for money borrowed by us, and the
acceleration is not annulled, or the indebtedness is not discharged, within a specified period after written notice is given according to the senior indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or the Bank; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any other event of default regarding that series of senior debt securities. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following will be events of default under the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordinated debt securities of a series unless
such event is inapplicable to a particular series or is deleted or modified with respect to such series in the applicable resolution of our Board of Directors or supplemental indenture under which such series is issued: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to pay any interest on or any additional amounts payable with respect of any subordinated debt security
of that series when due, and continuance of such default for 30 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to pay the principal of, or any premium on, any subordinated debt security of that series when due upon
maturity or upon redemption, and continuance of such default for 30 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to deposit any sinking fund payment for a subordinated debt security of that series when due;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">failure to perform or breach of our covenants or warranties in the subordinated indenture or the subordinated
debt securities (except with respect to those covenants and warranties specifically addressed in the subordinated indenture or expressly included solely for the benefit of a series of subordinated debt securities other than such series) and
continuance of such failure or breach for 90 days after notice to us of such failure or breach by Wilmington or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or the Bank; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any other event of default regarding that series of subordinated debt securities. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In the event of a default in the payment of interest or principal, the holders of senior indebtedness will be entitled to be paid in full
before any payment can be made to holders of subordinated debt securities. However, a </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">13 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
holder of a subordinated debt security (or Wilmington or any identified trustee under the applicable subordinated indenture on behalf of all of the holders of the affected series) may, subject to
certain limitations and conditions, seek to enforce overdue payments of interest or principal on the subordinated debt securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Subordination
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally among themselves and with all of our unsubordinated debt or other
unsecured debt, if any. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the
extent and in the manner set forth below, to the prior payment in full of all of the Company&#8217;s senior indebtedness, as more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If any of the following circumstances has occurred, payment in full of all principal, premium, if any, and interest must be made or provided
for with respect to all outstanding senior indebtedness before we can make any payment or distribution of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceeding relating to us
or to our property has been commenced; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up relating to us has been commenced, whether or not such
event involves our insolvency or bankruptcy; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our subordinated debt securities of any series is declared or otherwise becomes due and payable before its
maturity date upon the occurrence of a specified event of default in the subordinated indenture, provided that such declaration has not been rescinded or annulled as provided in the subordinated indenture; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any default with respect to senior indebtedness which permits its holders to accelerate the maturity of the
senior indebtedness has occurred and is continuing, and either (a)&nbsp;notice of such default has been given to us and to the indenture trustee and judicial proceedings are commenced in respect of such default within 180 days after notice in the
case of a default in the payment of principal or interest, or within 90 days after notice in the case of any other default, or (b)&nbsp;any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to any such default. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_9"></A>DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purposes of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not its
subsidiaries. The following summary describes the material features of our capital stock. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended
(&#8220;Articles&#8221;), and our Amended and Restated Regulations, as amended (&#8220;Regulations&#8221;), each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should refer to, and read this
summary together with, our Articles and Regulations to review all of the terms of our capital stock. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Authorized Capital Stock </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our authorized capital stock consists of 160,000,000 common shares, without par value (&#8220;common shares&#8221;) and 10,000,000 preferred
shares, with or without par value as determined by the Board (&#8220;preferred shares&#8221;). As of November 3, 2025, 104,281,794 of our common shares were issued, 98,529,694 of our common shares were outstanding, 5,752,100 of our common shares
were held by us in treasury, and none of our preferred shares were issued or outstanding. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">14 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Common Shares </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Holders of our common shares are entitled to: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">cast one vote for each common share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors from funds legally available therefor,
subject to the rights of holders of preferred shares, if any; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">share ratably in our net assets legally available to our shareholders in the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, after provision for the distribution of any preferential amounts to the holders of preferred shares, if any. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Holders of our common shares have no preemptive, subscription, preference, redemption, conversion, exchange or cumulative voting rights. The
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common shares are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights, preferences and privileges of holders of any preferred shares that we may designate and issue in the future. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws, our common shares may be transferred without any restrictions or
limitations. The transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is Computershare. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global
Select Market under the symbol &#8220;FFBC&#8221;. Our outstanding common shares are, and any common shares that we issue under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Preferred Shares </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our Articles authorize
the Board to issue, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, subject to certain limitations prescribed by law and the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed, up to an aggregate of 10,000,000
preferred shares in one or more series. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subject to the limitations described in the next paragraph, the Board is also authorized to
determine and fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, conversion and other special rights of each series of preferred shares issued from time to time, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions
thereof, including the designation and authorized number of each series, dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption and exchange rights, sinking fund requirements and liquidation rights. The Board may increase or decrease the
number of shares of any series of preferred shares before or after the issue of that series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding. If the number of preferred shares of any series is so decreased, the shares constituting
such decrease will resume the status of authorized but unissued shares. Under Ohio law, the authority of a board to establish the par value of preferred shares is not settled even if such authority is provided in the corporation&#8217;s articles.
Consequently, our preferred shares will be issued without par value unless the Board determines to issue preferred shares with par value after having been advised by counsel that it has the authority to do so. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Articles provide that the voting rights of each preferred share are limited to no more than one vote per share when voting as a class with
the common shares, and the preferred shares will not vote as a separate class or series except as required by Ohio law. The Board has represented that it will not issue, without prior shareholder approval, any series of preferred shares for any
defensive or anti-takeover purpose, for the purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan, or with features specifically intended to make any attempted acquisition of the Company more difficult or costly. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Board will fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, conversion and other special rights of each
series of preferred shares that we offer under this prospectus and any applicable </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">15 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
prospectus supplement, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, in a certificate of amendment to our Articles relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or incorporate by reference therein from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate of amendment to our Articles that describes the terms of the series of
preferred shares that we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred shares. We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of preferred shares being offered. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Board may authorize the issuance of preferred shares with voting, conversion or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power
or other rights of the holders of our common shares. The issuance of preferred shares could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common shares, restricting our ability to repurchase outstanding common shares, decreasing the amount
of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our common shares and creating restrictions upon the payment and amount of dividends and other distributions to holders of our common shares. The issuance of preferred shares also could
have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us without further action by our shareholders. When we issue preferred shares under this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, such preferred shares will be
fully paid and nonassessable. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As described below under &#8220;<B>Description of Depositary Shares</B>,&#8221; we may, at our option, with
respect to any series of preferred shares, elect to offer fractional interests in preferred shares, and provide for the issuance of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of
a particular series of preferred shares. The fractional interest will be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred shares. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The transfer agent for any series of preferred shares that we may offer under this prospectus will be named and described in the prospectus
supplement for that series. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Ohio Law </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our Articles contain certain provisions that make it more difficult to acquire control of us by means of a tender offer, open market purchase,
a proxy fight or otherwise. These provisions are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our Board. We believe that, as a general rule, the interests of our shareholders would be best served if any change in
control results from negotiations with our Board. The following provisions of our Articles and Ohio law might have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us and would operate only with respect to an extraordinary
corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of assets or liquidation involving the Company and certain persons described below. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Ohio General Corporation Law provides that the approval of <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">two-thirds</FONT> of the voting power of a
corporation is required to effect mergers and similar transactions, to adopt amendments to the articles of incorporation of a corporation and to take certain other significant actions. Although under Ohio law the articles of incorporation of a
corporation may permit such actions to be taken by a vote that is less than <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">two-thirds</FONT> (but not less than a majority), our Articles do not contain such a provision. The
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">two-thirds</FONT> voting requirement tends to make approval of such matters, including further amendments to the Articles, relatively difficult, and a vote of the holders of in excess of <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-third</FONT> of our outstanding common shares would be sufficient to prevent implementation of any of the corporate actions mentioned above. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ohio Revised Code Section&nbsp;1701.831 is a &#8220;control share acquisition&#8221; statute. The control share acquisition statute basically
provides that any person acquiring shares of an &#8220;issuing public corporation&#8221; (which definition we meet) in any of the following three ownership ranges must seek and obtain shareholder approval of the acquisition transaction that first
puts such ownership within each such range: (i)&nbsp;more than 20% but less than 33&nbsp;/3%; (ii) 33 /3% but not more than 50%; and (iii)&nbsp;more than 50%. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">16 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The purpose of the control share acquisition statute is to give shareholders of Ohio
corporations a reasonable opportunity to express their views on a proposed shift in control, thereby reducing the coercion inherent in an unfriendly takeover. The provisions of the control share acquisition statute grant to our shareholders the
assurance that they will have adequate time to evaluate the proposal of the acquiring person, that they will be permitted to vote on the issue of authorizing the acquiring person&#8217;s purchase in the same manner and with the same proxy
information that would be available to them if a proposed merger of the Company were before them and, most importantly, that the interests of all shareholders will be taken into account in connection with such vote and the probability will be
increased that they will be treated equally regarding the price to be offered for their common shares if the purchase is approved. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The
control share acquisition statute applies not only to traditional offers but also to open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions and original issuances by an Ohio corporation, whether friendly or unfriendly. The procedural requirements
of the control share acquisition statute could render approval of any control share acquisition difficult because it must be authorized at a special meeting of shareholders, at which a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of the majority of
the voting power represented and by a majority of the portion of such voting power, excluding interested shares. Any corporate defense against persons seeking to acquire control may have the effect of discouraging or preventing offers which some
shareholders might find financially attractive. On the other hand, the need on the part of the acquiring person to convince our shareholders of the value and validity of the offer may cause such offer to be more financially attractive in order to
gain shareholder approval. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1704 is a &#8220;merger moratorium&#8221; statute. The merger moratorium statute
provides that, unless a corporation&#8217;s articles of incorporation or regulations otherwise provide, an &#8220;issuing public corporation&#8221; (which definition we meet) may not engage in a &#8220;Chapter 1704 transaction&#8221; for three years
following the date on which a person acquires more than 10% of the voting power in the election of directors of the issuing corporation, unless the Chapter 1704 transaction is approved by the corporation&#8217;s board of directors prior to such
transaction. A person who acquires such voting power is an &#8220;interested shareholder,&#8221; and &#8220;Chapter 1704 transactions&#8221; involve a broad range of transactions, including mergers, consolidations, combinations, liquidations,
recapitalizations and other transactions between an issuing public corporation and an interested shareholder if such transactions involve 5% of the assets or shares of the issuing public corporation or 10% of its earning power. After the initial
three year moratorium, Chapter 1704 prohibits such transactions absent approval by disinterested shareholders or the transaction meeting certain statutorily defined fair price provisions. One significant effect of Chapter 1704 is to encourage a
person to negotiate with a corporation&#8217;s board of directors prior to becoming an interested shareholder. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ohio also has enacted Ohio
Revised Code Section&nbsp;1707.043, which provides that a person who announces a control bid must disgorge profits realized by that person upon the sale of any equity securities within 18 months of the announcement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, Section&nbsp;1701.59 of the Ohio Revised Code provides that, in determining what a director reasonably believes to be in the best
interests of the corporation, such director may consider, in addition to the interests of the corporation&#8217;s shareholders, any of the interests of the corporation&#8217;s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the State
of Ohio and the United States, community and societal considerations and the long-term as well as the short-term interests in the corporation and its shareholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued
independence of the corporation. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The overall effect of these statutes may be to render more difficult or discourage the removal of
incumbent management or the assumption of effective control by other persons. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">17 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_10"></A>DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purposes of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not to its
subsidiaries. The following description of the depositary shares representing our preferred shares sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of the depositary
shares and the related deposit agreement and depositary receipts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those depositary shares. We will file forms of the applicable deposit agreement and the depositary receipts as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as exhibits to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of the depositary shares and the related deposit
agreement and depositary receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may, at our option, elect to
offer fractional preferred shares, rather than full preferred shares. If we exercise this option, we will issue depositary receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular series of
preferred shares, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will deposit with a depositary (the &#8220;preferred stock depositary&#8221;) preferred shares of each series represented by depositary shares and enter into a deposit
agreement with the preferred stock depositary and holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary which evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a
depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the holder&#8217;s fractional interest in the preferred shares, to all the rights and preferences of the series of the preferred shares represented by the depositary shares (including dividend,
voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights). The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be issued to those persons purchasing the fractional preferred
shares in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Dividends and Other Distributions
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the preferred
shares underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of the depositary receipts owned by the holders. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date
for the preferred shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute property
received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of the depositary receipts owned by the holders. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, the preferred
stock depositary may, with our approval, adopt another method for the distribution, including selling the property and distributing the net proceeds from the sale to the holders. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we offer to the holders of a series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares any rights, preferences or privileges to
subscribe for or purchase any securities, or any other rights, preferences or privileges, the preferred stock depositary will make such rights, preferences or privileges available to the record holders of depositary shares either by the issue of
warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges or by such other method as approved by the preferred stock depositary and us. If the preferred stock depositary determines that such action is not lawful or feasible or if it is instructed
by a holder that such holder does not want to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, it may (with our approval in any case when the preferred stock depositary has determined that it is not feasible to make such rights, preferences or
privileges available) sell such rights, preferences or privileges and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to the holders of depositary shares entitled to such proceeds. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">18 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Withdrawal </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Preferred shares represented by depositary shares may be withdrawn from the depositary arrangement upon surrender of depositary receipts at the
principal office of the preferred stock depositary and upon payment of the taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the holder of depositary receipts will receive the appropriate
number of preferred shares and any money or property represented by such depositary shares. Only whole preferred shares may be withdrawn; if a holder holds an amount of depositary shares in excess of whole preferred shares, the preferred stock
depositary will deliver along with the withdrawn preferred shares a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Except as described in the deposit agreement, holders of withdrawn preferred shares will not be entitled to
redeposit such preferred shares or to receive depositary shares for such preferred shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Redemption </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we redeem preferred shares held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will concurrently redeem the number of
depositary shares representing the preferred shares so redeemed (provided that we have paid the applicable redemption price for the preferred shares to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for
redemption). The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable on the preferred shares multiplied by the fraction of a preferred share represented by one depositary share. If
fewer than all the outstanding depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional depositary shares) or as otherwise determined
by us. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">After the date fixed for redemption, depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all
rights of the holders of depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the monies payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of the depositary shares were entitled upon redemption upon surrender to the
depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Voting </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred shares are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will
mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred shares) will
be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred shares represented by the holder&#8217;s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of
preferred shares represented by the depositary shares in accordance with the holder&#8217;s instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote such shares. The preferred stock
depositary will abstain from voting the amount of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares for which it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Liquidation Preference </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each preferred share represented by the depositary shares, as set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Adjustments </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Upon any change in par value or liquidation preference, <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">split-up,</FONT> combination or any other
reclassification of the series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares, or upon any recapitalization, </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">19 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
reorganization, merger or consolidation affecting us or to which we are a party, the preferred stock depositary may in its discretion, with our approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) and
instructions, and in such manner as the preferred stock depositary may deem equitable, treat any securities which are received by the preferred stock depositary in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares as new
deposited securities received in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares and may make such adjustments in the fraction of an interest represented by one depositary share in one such preferred share as may be necessary
to fully reflect the effects of such change. With our approval, the preferred stock depositary may execute and deliver additional depositary receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding depositary receipts to be exchanged for new
depositary receipts specifically describing such new deposited securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Amendment </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time by agreement between us and the preferred
stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related preferred
shares will not be effective unless the holders of at least <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">two-thirds</FONT> of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts then outstanding approve the amendment. No amendment will impair the right,
subject to the exceptions set forth in the deposit agreement, of any holder of depositary receipts to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related preferred shares and all money and other property, if any,
represented by the depositary receipt, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the receipt, to consent and agree to
the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Termination </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days&#8217; prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if a majority
of each series of preferred shares affected by the termination consents to the termination. Upon termination, the preferred stock depositary will deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary
receipts held by the holder, the number of whole and/or fractional preferred shares represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts together with any other property held by the preferred stock depositary with respect to the
depositary receipt. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">there has been a final distribution in respect of the related preferred shares in connection with our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the distribution has been made to the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing the preferred shares; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">each related preferred share has been converted into our common shares or other securities which are not
represented by depositary shares. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we
will pay the fees and charges of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred shares, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, any redemption of the preferred shares and all withdrawals of preferred
shares by owners of depositary shares. All other transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges will be at the expense of the holders of depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will also pay such other charges and expenses
(i)&nbsp;as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts and (ii)&nbsp;for any duties requested by the holders to be performed which </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">20 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement. If those charges, expenses and taxes have not been paid by the holders of depositary receipts, the preferred stock depositary
may refuse to transfer depositary shares or withdraw any preferred shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the preferred shares or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Resignation and Removal of Preferred Stock Depositary </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to resign, and we may at any time remove the
preferred stock depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon our appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. We must appoint a successor preferred stock depositary within 60 days
after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal, and any preferred stock depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having the requisite combined capital and surplus as set forth in the
applicable agreement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Notices </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The
preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any notice, reports and other communications that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred shares. In addition, the
depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications we deliver to the
depositary as the holder of preferred shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Limitation of Liability </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not be liable, nor will the preferred stock depositary be liable, if we or the preferred stock depositary are prevented from or
delayed, by law or any circumstances beyond our control, in performing our respective obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to
performing our duties in good faith and without negligence (only in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares), gross negligence or willful misconduct. We will not be obligated, nor
will the preferred stock depositary be obligated, to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or preferred shares represented by depositary shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished.
We may rely, and the preferred stock depositary may rely, on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information, and on
documents reasonably believed to be genuine and signed or presented by a proper party. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_11"></A>DESCRIPTION OF
WARRANTS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purposes of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First
Financial and not to its subsidiaries. The following description of the warrants sets forth general terms that may apply to the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any series of warrants and the related warrant
agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate) will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those warrants. We will file the form of the applicable warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate)
as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as an exhibit to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any series of warrants and the related
warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate) as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue warrants in one or more series to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or units of two or
more of those securities. We may issue warrants independently or together </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">21 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
with any other securities we offer pursuant to a prospectus supplement, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a
separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of
agency for or on behalf of holders or beneficial owners of warrants. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any
warrants being offered and the applicable warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate), including the following, as may be applicable: the title of the warrants; the total number of warrants to be issued and currently
outstanding, if any; the consideration for which we will issue the warrants, including the applicable currency or currencies; anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of our common shares or other securities to be delivered upon exercise of the
warrants; the designation, number or amount and terms of the underlying securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; the price at which and the currency or currencies in which investors may purchase the underlying securities purchasable upon
exercise of the warrants, and any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the price; the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire; the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; whether
the warrants will be in registered or bearer form; information with respect to book-entry registration and transfer procedures, if any; the minimum or maximum amount of warrants which may be exercised at any one time; the designation and terms of
the related securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security; the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable; a
discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations; the identity of the warrant agent; and any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures, conditions and limitations relating to the exchange, transfer, redemption
and exercise of the warrants. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants exercisable for debt securities will not have
any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise, or to enforce
covenants in the applicable indenture. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants exercisable for our common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares will not have any rights of holders of common shares, preferred shares or
depositary shares purchasable upon such exercise, including any rights to vote such shares or to receive any distributions or dividends thereon. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Exercise of Warrants </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">A warrant will
entitle the holder to purchase the securities at the exercise price set forth in, or that will be determinable as described in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants may be exercised at any time prior to the close of business on the
expiration date, and in accordance with the procedures, set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon and after the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void and have no further force, effect or value.
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant
agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, we will
issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants. Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, and warrants may be exercised at the warrant agent&#8217;s corporate trust office or any other
office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Enforceability of Rights; Governing Law </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of warrants, without the consent of the warrant agent, may, on their own behalf and for their own benefit, enforce, and may
institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against us to enforce their </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">22 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
rights to exercise and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of their warrants. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, each issue of warrants and the
applicable warrant agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_12"></A>DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purpose of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not
to its subsidiaries. The following description of the rights sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the rights that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any rights and the related rights agreement (including the form
of rights certificate) will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those rights. We will file the form of the applicable rights agreement (including the form of rights certificate) as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part or as an exhibit to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any rights and the related rights agreement (including the form of
rights certificate) as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue rights to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares that we may offer to our
securityholders. The rights may be issued independently or together with any other securities we offer, and may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a
standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons may be required to purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering.
Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement which we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent
in connection with the certificates representing the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any rights being offered and the applicable rights agreement (including the
form of the rights certificate), including the following, as may be applicable: the date of determining the securityholders entitled to participate in the rights offering; the consideration for which we will issue the rights; the total number of
rights to be issued; the designation, number or amount and terms of the underlying securities issuable upon exercise of the rights; the price at which and the currency or currencies in which investors may purchase the underlying securities
purchasable upon exercise of rights, and any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the price; the dates on which the holder&#8217;s ability to exercise the rights will commence and expire; the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise
of the rights; the extent to which the rights will be transferable; the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase
agreement entered into by us in connection with the rights offering; a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the rights; the identity of the rights agent; and any other terms of the
rights, including terms, procedures, conditions and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of the rights. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Exercise Price
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each right will entitle its holder to purchase the underlying securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Our Board will determine the exercise price or prices for the rights based upon a number of factors, including, without limitation: our business prospects; our capital requirements; the price or prices at which an underwriter or standby
purchasers may be willing to purchase securities that remain unsold in the rights offering; and general conditions in the securities markets, especially for securities of financial institutions. The subscription price may or may not reflect the
actual or long-term fair value of the securities </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">23 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
offered in the rights offering. We provide no assurances as to the market values or liquidity of any rights issued, or as to whether or not the market prices of the securities subject to the
rights will be more or less than the rights&#8217; exercise price during the term of the rights or after the rights expire. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Exercising Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The manner of exercising rights will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate
properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all
of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our securityholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including
pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Expiration of Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the expiration date and time for exercising rights. If holders of rights do not exercise
their rights prior to such time, their rights will expire and will no longer be exercisable and will become void and have no value. We will extend the expiration date as required by applicable law and may, in our sole discretion, extend the
expiration date. If we elect to extend the expiration date, we will issue a press release announcing such extension prior to the scheduled expiration date. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Fees and Expenses </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will pay all fees
charged by the rights agent in connection with the distribution and exercise of rights. Rights holders will be responsible for paying all other commissions, fees, taxes or other expenses incurred in connection with their transfer of rights that are
transferable. Neither we nor the rights agent will pay such expenses. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Withdrawal and Termination </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may withdraw the rights offering at any time prior to the Expiration Date for any reason. We may terminate the rights offering, in whole or
in part, at any time before completion of the rights offering if there is any judgment, order, decree, injunction, statute, law or regulation entered, enacted, amended or held to be applicable to the rights offering that in the sole judgment of our
Board would or might make the rights offering or its completion, whether in whole or in part, illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit completion of the rights offering. We may waive any of these conditions and choose to proceed with the rights
offering even if one or more of these events occur. If we terminate the rights offering, in whole or in part, all affected rights will expire without value, and all subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned promptly
without interest. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_13"></A>DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purpose of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not to its
subsidiaries. The following description of stock purchase contracts sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the stock purchase contracts that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any stock purchase contracts will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the stock purchase contracts. We will file forms of the relevant documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as exhibits to one or more
reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any stock purchase contracts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the
general terms described in this prospectus. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">24 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue stock purchase contracts representing contracts obligating holders to purchase
from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares at a future date or dates. The price per common share, preferred share or depositary share may be fixed at the time the
stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. Any purchase contract may include anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to
such purchase contract upon the occurrence of certain events. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_14"></A>DESCRIPTION OF UNITS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For purpose of this section, the terms &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer only to First Financial and not to its
subsidiaries. We may issue units consisting of one or more debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement
will describe the terms of any units being offered and the applicable unit agreement (including the form of unit), including the following, as may be applicable: the terms of the units and of the debt securities, common shares, preferred shares,
depositary shares, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts or any combination of such securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately; a discussion of
material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange or the units. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_15"></A>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may sell the securities offered under this prospectus from time to time: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to or through underwriters; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">to or through dealers; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">through agents; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">directly to purchasers; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">in &#8220;at the market offerings&#8221; within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or
through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange, or otherwise; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">through a dividend, distribution, rights offering, forward contracts or similar arrangements;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">through a combination of any of these methods of sale; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">through any other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The securities we distribute by any of these methods may be sold, in one or more transactions: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">at prices related to prevailing market prices; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">at negotiated prices. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific plan of distribution and
the terms of the offering of the securities, including: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">25 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any discounts, concessions, commissions, agency fees and other items constituting underwriters&#8217;,
dealers&#8217; or agents&#8217; compensation; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any initial public offering price; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any delayed delivery arrangements; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may sell securities from time to time to one or more underwriters, who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public,
either on a firm-commitment or best-efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale, and we will name the underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including
negotiated transactions. The underwriters may sell the securities in order to facilitate transactions in any of our other securities (described in this prospectus or otherwise), including other public or private transactions and short sales. The
underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. The underwriters may change from time to time any
initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with sales to
underwriters, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters
may resell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from purchasers for whom they may act as agents. The applicable
prospectus supplement will include any required information about underwriting compensation we pay to underwriters, and any discounts, concessions or commissions underwriters allow to participating dealers, in connection with an offering of
securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">From time to time, we may sell securities to one or more dealers acting as principals. The dealers, who may be deemed to be
underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, may then resell those securities to the public. The applicable prospectus supplement will include the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may solicit offers to purchase securities directly from the public from time to time. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be
involved. We may also designate agents from time to time to solicit offers to purchase securities from the public on our behalf. Such agents may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus
supplement relating to any particular offering of securities will name any agents designated to solicit offers and will include information about any compensation we may pay the agents in connection with that offering. Unless otherwise indicated in
the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of
the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. The terms of any such direct sales will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may make direct sales of the securities through subscription rights distributed to our existing securityholders on a pro rata basis, which
may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">26 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
rights, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or we may engage the services of one or more
underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties. The terms of any such sales or arrangements will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit from certain types of institutional investors offers to purchase securities under
delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on future dates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material terms of these contracts, including any conditions to the purchasers&#8217; obligations, and will include
any required information about commissions we may pay for soliciting these contracts. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may authorize one or more &#8220;remarketing
firms&#8221; to sell securities pursuant to a remarketing arrangement upon the purchase of the securities. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us, and will offer or sell the securities in accordance with
a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities, or otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and describe the terms of its compensation and agreements, if any, with us. Remarketing firms
may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to the securities they remarket. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless the
applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the securities offered under this prospectus (other than our common shares) will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of offered
securities on an exchange. Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may make a market in such securities, but may discontinue such market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the securities
will have a liquid trading market. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may engage in over-allotment,
stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions
involve bids to purchase the underlying securities in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the
over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution has been completed, in order to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally
sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover short positions. These activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may,
if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the offered
securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any compensation and profits received by such persons upon sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under agreements that they may enter into with us, to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments that such persons make with respect to these liabilities. Our underwriters, dealers and agents, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_16"></A>VALIDITY OF SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities being offered under this prospectus will be
passed upon for us by Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, Cincinnati, Ohio. If the securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, the validity of the securities will be passed upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the
applicable prospectus supplement. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">27 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="rom52457_17"></A>EXPERTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to First Financial Bancorp&#8217;s Annual Report on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2024 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">28 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left" style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
<DIV STYLE="line-height:2.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:2.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;
</DIV><DIV STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:16pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>$&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195; </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g97196g01g01.jpg" ALT="LOGO" STYLE="width:4.33333in;height:0.5625in;">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>% <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Fixed-to-Floating</FONT></FONT> Rate
Subordinated Notes due 2035 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:72pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="font-size:72pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center><DIV STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</DIV></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus Supplement </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center><DIV STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</DIV></center>
<P STYLE="font-size:72pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:72pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>Joint Book-Running Managers </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:8pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:16pt">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="50%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:16pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Keefe, Bruyette&nbsp;&amp; Woods <BR></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8194;</B><B><I></I></B><B></B><I>&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&ensp;&#8196;&#8202;A Stifel Company</I><B></B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-size:16pt"><B>Janney Montgomery Scott</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The date of this prospectus supplement is November &#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;, 2025. </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:30pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;
</DIV><DIV STYLE="line-height:4.5pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:2.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV></Center>

</BODY></HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>GRAPHIC
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>g97196g01g01.jpg
<DESCRIPTION>GRAPHIC
<TEXT>
begin 644 g97196g01g01.jpg
M_]C_X  02D9)1@ ! 0$ 8 !@  #_[1)P4&AO=&]S:&]P(#,N,  X0DE-! 0
M    $E,
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
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M=9.ATB5C9(*2HL+A%R9#1(.$\"=%1E5EE=/_Q  : 0$  P$! 0
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MQ!0>A%LVPZ0K!AU[I0[ R R3K^199:]3V>ZD"WUT<Y.<;K7#ESYA>:U-<:V
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M+D455+23&2D=N28QD@'A\JXJ(-B]C^W*[07BFHM37)\M-+,UN[%21\6 <L@
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M^?/]D]90%0AJC:?6TMWJ*2BCH)&4]0^,ES'Y#0[&3X0X\%GFSK54=]M8=-)
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M28XJDTA$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1
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M+A2/IJN&*:%Q!+96![3@^0K23;WLPK]/:@JKG0Q25%)75574%E/2.:V!@<'
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M[:O=1<OAQ?9-5VQ6-C[LQYSO-J&8^8KMCMV:\3Q\/LX9*SDV[5Y_Y3^;D_\
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M&1;%VY-2/+3L'^*Z?;-9I8KJ:UK'N@9!&TO$?@YWCPS\JR'8W1RT[Y^F+2#
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M44<S'@F(GR^<<,<8Q'&Q@Y>"T!?3'%$1*R6)D@P]C7CR.&5Q)+712>/24_\
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M6.'%I'(#SJ<D0?&EA$%-%$W.&-#1E?9$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1
M1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1
M1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1
41$0$1$!$1 1$0$1$!$1 1$0?_]D!

end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
