In Q1 2026, First Merchants Corp expanded its loan portfolio robustly to $15.3 billion, up $1.5 billion from year-end 2025, while the allowance for credit losses on loans increased to $212.5 million but remained stable as a percentage of total loans. This growth is underpinned by its regional commercial banking model focused on diversified lending in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. The bank’s active capital and liquidity management alongside disciplined credit risk controls support its competitive position in the Midwest banking sector. Near-term growth is driven by acquisitions and organic market penetration amid interest rate fluctuations, but credit risk and regulatory oversight remain key watchpoints going forward.