A MeSSAGE FROM RICHARD J. GREEN, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND OWNER OF FIRSTRUST BANK

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by friends and family. As a family-owned institution, we understand and value the importance of spending time with loved ones and fostering strong relationships—principles that guide everything we do at Firstrust Bank.

As we enter 2025, Firstrust Bank is stronger than ever. Serving as Philadelphia's hometown bank, Maryland’s family-owned commercial bank and the Official Bank of the Eagles, we are honored to also be recognized as a Top Workplace and a Philadelphia Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business of the Year. We have achieved the highest satisfaction ratings for customer service and for online and mobile banking, and we remain exceptionally well-capitalized, earning top marks from independent agencies such as BAUER and IDC Financial.

For 90 years, Firstrust has stood as a safe, sound, and reliable partner, prioritizing trust, customer relationships, and an exceptional banking experience. In 2024, we celebrated numerous milestones, that includes leading a $1 billion lending facility to support one of our most innovative customers in expanding their student loan business. Amid ongoing banking consolidation and market disruption in Philadelphia, Firstrust stood out as a trusted, resilient, and forward-thinking institution. We are proud to be the bank of choice for numerous multigenerational and family-owned businesses and are thrilled to welcome many new businesses of all kinds, sizes, industries, and stages of development to Firstrust. We are committed to helping all our customers thrive by providing fresh ideas, personalized service and relationships, and technology that empowers them to manage their businesses seamlessly, anytime and anywhere.

As we look ahead, Firstrust remains dedicated to meeting your evolving needs by focusing on long-term relationships, delivering a best-in-class digital banking experience, and providing unwavering advocacy for a thriving region and community. Our mission remains unchanged since our founding: to cultivate prosperity for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. We are inspired every day by the opportunity to partner with you in achieving your goals, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

As the Eagles head into the playoffs, Firstrust Bank enthusiastically celebrates90-0, a 90 year winning streak as Philadelphia’s hometown bank. And, as the official bank of the Eagles, we are thrilled to stand with our city, and team, and cheer them on in their quest for the Big Game in New Orleans. Here’s to another winning year—together. Go Birds! Go Firstrust!

‍

We are pleased to announce that the 56th Annual Samuel A. Green Scholarship (SAG) Program has officially begun. Made possible by the Green Family Foundation and Firstrust Bank, this Program was named in loving memory of Firstrust’s Founder Samuel A. Green, who was a staunch believer in providing the opportunity to pursue higher education. We are inspired to carry on his strong commitment to the youth in our communities through the SAG Scholarship Program, honoring those students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to making a substantial impact in the community.

‍SAG Scholars will receive up to $20,000 in multi-year support towards college. We will distribute a total of $360,000 in awards this year.

High school seniors may take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by submitting 300 words or less on how they will use their college education to assist them in making a substantial impact in their community. From all entries, our committee will choose the top 100 applicants who will then move onto the semi-finalist round.

For this round, applications will be required to submit a copy of their high school transcript and obtain a letter of reference from someone in their life that can substantiate or attest to their demonstrated leadership.

Please share this scholarship opportunity with your friends who may know of a graduating high school senior in the Greater Philadelphia or Lehigh Valley areas that demonstrates leadership potential and a fierce commitment to making a substantial impact in their community*. Interested students need to check the eligibility requirements and submit their application online by March 2, 2025 by clicking the button below.

On December 4th, Apex, a subsidiary of Firstrust Bank, demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community support and engagement by serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House as a gesture of our mission to cultivate prosperity for customers, employees, and the communities it serves.

Firstrust and Apex employees Paul Silvestri, Tre' Smith, Patrick Hasher, Shannah Berger, and Stephen Parkes, came together to provide a warm and comforting meal to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a vital service by offering families a place to stay close to their hospitalized children. By preparing and serving meals, Apex employees directly contributed to the organization’s mission to ease the burden on families during challenging times.

We look forward to continuing our involvement with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and encourage employees to participate in future community service initiatives. Together, we can make a difference—one meal, one act of service at a time.

We are thrilled to announce that Firstrust Bank's HR team has been honored with the 2024 HR Excellence Award in Technology at the prestigious HR Department of the Year Awards Ceremony held on November 14th!

This incredible achievement recognizes the HR team’s innovative approach to leveraging technology to enhance employee experiences, streamline processes, and foster a positive workplace environment. Their forward-thinking strategies and commitment to continuous improvement have set a new standard, not only within Firstrust but across the industry.

‍A Culture of Excellence

At Firstrust, we pride ourselves on cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement, growth, and well-being. The HR team’s use of cutting-edge technology has played a vital role in improving communication, onboarding, training, and performance management, empowering employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

Congratulations once again to our outstanding HR team on this well-deserved honor!

On December 16, 2024, Firstrust Bank proudly celebrated Joe Sweeney’s 50th anniversary as a dedicated member of our team. For five decades, Joe has exemplified what it means to be a Firstruster, and his legacy is etched into the very fabric of our organization.

Joe’s office at our MFC branch tells the story of his journey with Firstrust—walls adorned with memories and achievements that reflect his unwavering commitment to his clients, coworkers, and community. As Matt Hein, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, shared,

“Joe has exemplified what it means to be a Firstruster for 50 years. If you need proof, take time to visit Joe’s office in our MFC branch. The pictures are worth a thousand words. Joe has been a consistent goal achiever, he’s provided service and support to his clients allowing them to prosper, and he’s been an active member in our community giving his time to help organizations, like Variety – The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley, thrive. Congratulations Joe, you’re an inspiration!”

Joe’s ability to build lasting relationships with clients and his passion for community service have made him a role model for all of us. Joe’s remarkable career at Firstrust Bank reflects his passion for service, excellence, and community engagement.

Congratulations, Joe, on this incredible milestone! Your dedication and hard work continue to inspire us all.

‍

‍

* The 7-Month TDCD will earn the initial Annual Percentage Yield (APY) from the date the TDCD is opened and funded through the date of the next Regular Season or Post Season game played during the 2024/2025 season. The APY for the 7-Month TDCD will increase in basis points by the number of points the Eagles score in the first game played after the 7-Month TDCD is opened (a basis point is equal to .01%). The increase, if any, will be effective on the first Firstrust Bank business day following that game and the new APY will be effective until the first maturity date. The 7-Month Touchdown CD is only eligible for a one-time basis point increase; the 7-Month Touchdown CD does not accumulate basis points for any other 2024/2025 season games. A new 7-Month TDCD must be opened prior to each game at the initial yield to earn basis points for that game. For example, if you open a 7-Month TDCD today, your APY will start at 3.75% and if the Eagles score 35 points in their next game after you fund the 7-Month TDCD, your APY is 3.75% plus 0.35% for a total of 4.10%. May not be combined with any other offer. See the 7-Month Touchdown CD Addendum for complete details.

This is a limited time offer. Initial APY on the 7-Month Touchdown CD is subject to availability and the offer may change or be withdrawn at any time and without notice at the bank’s discretion. The minimum deposit to open the account and obtain the APY is $2,500. $2,500 minimum deposit of new funds required. New funds are funds not currently on deposit at Firstrust Bank or invested through Firstrust Financial Resources. The maximum opening deposit for this 7-Month Touchdown CD is $500,000. All other terms and conditions of the 7-Month Touchdown CD, including compounding of interest, are the same as Firstrust Bank’s CDs as defined in the current Truth in Savings Disclosure. The APY may change after the account is opened. Eligible for Regular CDs and Traditional, Roth and SEP IRAs. There is a penalty for early withdrawal. Additional federal penalties may apply for IRA CD withdrawals below age 59 1/2. (Please consult your tax advisor.) APY is accurate as of 12.22.2024. Available in PA/NJ/DE only.

* Home Equity Line of Credit Annual Percentage Rates (APR’s) offered are subject to change at any time and without notice. All applications subject to individual approval. Lines of credit secured by an interest in your real estate, property insurance required. Title insurance required on lines over $400,000 with a maximum credit line of $500,000 and is estimated to range in cost from $2,600 to $3,100. Monthly payments required when there is a balance. The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 80%. The introductory APR today is 4.99% for the first 6 months. After expiration of the 6-month introductory rate period, the APR today is 7.50% which is equal to the highest U.S. Prime Rate in the Wall Street Journal + 0%, this is a variable rate which may increase. Maximum APR is 25% and the minimum APR after the introductory period is 3.25%. A $30 annual fee is waived the first year. A $250 fee applies for lines closed within twelve months of opening.

Home Equity loans and lines of credit are offered by Firstrust Bank NMLS # 424205. Information above is current as of December 20, 2024.Consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of mortgage interest and charges.

Firstrust National Mortgage Licensing Service (NMLS) Representatives