The Federal Reserve Board of Governors approved the merger between First Foundation Inc. and FirstSun Capital Bancorp on March 11, 2026, and the announcement was released on March 12. The approval removes the last regulatory hurdle, allowing the two banks to move forward with integration and a projected closing on April 1, 2026.
First Foundation reported assets of $11.9 billion as of September 2025, while FirstSun reported $8.5 billion as of December 31 2025. The combined balance sheet will exceed $30 billion, giving the new entity a broader footprint that spans California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. The enlarged bank will be better positioned to compete with larger regional players such as Banc of California, which holds more than $34 billion in assets, and CVB Financial, with over $14 billion.
The transaction is an all‑stock deal in which First Foundation shareholders will receive 0.16083 shares of FirstSun common stock for each share of First Foundation common stock. The exchange ratio reflects the relative valuations of the two banks and provides First Foundation shareholders with a direct stake in the larger, diversified institution. The merger also allows First Foundation to exit its low‑coupon commercial real‑estate portfolio, freeing capital to expand lending and wealth‑management services.
First Foundation’s recent financials show a turnaround: a net loss of $14.1 million in Q4 2024, a $92.4 million loss for FY 2024, and a return to profitability with $6.9 million net income in Q1 2025. FirstSun posted an adjusted net income of $26.9 million and revenue of $110.18 million in Q4 2025, underscoring its strong commercial and mortgage banking performance. The merger combines First Foundation’s wealth‑management expertise with FirstSun’s commercial and mortgage capabilities, creating a more comprehensive service offering for clients.
Prior to the Federal Reserve’s approval, the merger had already received clearance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and was approved by shareholders of both companies in February 2026. The all‑stock structure and exchange ratio were finalized in an amendment to the merger agreement that addressed the conversion terms of non‑voting common stock. The expected closing date of April 1 2026 follows the regulatory timeline and aligns with the companies’ integration plans.
With the merger, the new bank will command a balance sheet that surpasses $30 billion and a geographic reach that covers five states, positioning it as a stronger regional player. The combined entity will benefit from scale, diversified revenue streams, and an expanded client base, enhancing its ability to compete with larger regional banks and to pursue growth opportunities in lending and wealth management.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.