FIRST BANK APPOINTS WILL AIKEN TO LEAD SPECIALTY BUSINESSES

Rhea-AI Summary

First Bank (NASDAQ: FBNC) named Will Aiken Managing Director, Specialty Businesses, effective April 7, 2026. Aiken will oversee CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending to support growth.

The hire brings 20+ years of banking experience in credit, risk management, and specialty lending and will be based in Greenville, South Carolina.

First Bank reported approximately $12.7 billion in total assets and operates 113 branches across North and South Carolina.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

• Experienced hire with 20+ years in credit, risk, and specialty lending
• Focused leadership for CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending
• Supports growth in specialty businesses tied to shareholder value

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – FBNC

-0.94%

1 alert

-0.94% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FBNC declined 0.94%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Total assets: $12.7 billion Branches: 113 branches Banking experience: More than 20 years +1 more

4 metrics

Total assets $12.7 billion First Bank franchise size cited in appointment release

Branches 113 branches Locations across North Carolina and South Carolina

Banking experience More than 20 years Will Aiken’s banking experience

Founding year 1935 Year First Bank’s history dates back to

Market Reality Check

Price: $59.27 Vol: Volume 113,484 is about 4...

low vol

$59.27 Last Close

Volume Volume 113,484 is about 46% of the 20-day average 246,967, indicating light trading ahead of/around this appointment news. low

Technical Shares at $56.28 are trading above the 200-day MA of $52.54 and about 10.15% below the 52-week high of $62.64.

Peers on Argus

Key regional bank peers (e.g., FRME +1.47%, BANR +2.08%, CUBI +1.77%) also showe...

Key regional bank peers (e.g., FRME +1.47%, BANR +2.08%, CUBI +1.77%) also showed gains, but no peers appeared in the momentum scanner, suggesting today’s modest +0.73% move in FBNC is more company-specific than a broad sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 23 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 23	Performance ranking	Positive	+2.8%	S&P Global ranked First Bank #14 among large U.S. public banks.
Mar 13	Dividend announcement	Positive	-0.9%	Declared $0.24 per share cash dividend reflecting strong Q4 performance.
Feb 13	Governance recognition	Positive	+1.8%	CEO Adam Currie elected Class A Director of Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Jan 27	Board retirement	Neutral	+0.2%	Long-serving director Mary Clara Capel retired from boards of First Bancorp and bank.
Jan 21	Earnings results	Positive	+0.7%	Reported Q4 and full-year 2025 results with strong loans and net interest income.

Pattern Detected

FBNC often trades in line with the tone of news; positive announcements have usually seen modest positive next-day moves, with one recent dividend headline showing a mild divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, FBNC has highlighted solid fundamentals and governance stability. Earnings on Jan 21 showed meaningful profitability and balance sheet strength, followed by board and leadership changes that maintained continuity. Recognition by S&P Global on Mar 23 and a dividend increase on Mar 13 underscored performance and shareholder returns. Today’s management appointment extends that narrative by bolstering leadership around specialty businesses, a noted driver of long-term growth.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement centers on expanding leadership for specialty businesses that the bank calls key d...

Analysis

This announcement centers on expanding leadership for specialty businesses that the bank calls key drivers of shareholder value and long-term growth. With approximately $12.7 billion in assets and 113 branches, FBNC is emphasizing credit, risk management, and specialty lending expertise. Investors may watch for subsequent disclosures on growth in SBA, asset-based lending, and other specialty portfolios to gauge how this hire translates into performance over time.

Key Terms

sba, asset based lending, state-chartered, nasdaq global select market, +2 more

6 terms

sba financial

"including CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending"

SBA stands for Small Business Administration, a U.S. government agency that offers support to small businesses through loans, grants, and counseling. It matters to investors because its programs can help small businesses grow and succeed, potentially leading to new investment opportunities or economic growth in local communities. Essentially, the SBA serves as a bridge, helping small businesses access resources they might not otherwise afford.

asset based lending financial

"Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending—key drivers of shareholder value"

A form of lending where a company borrows money using its tangible assets—like inventory, unpaid customer invoices, or equipment—as collateral. Think of it like taking a loan secured by items you own: if the borrower can’t repay, the lender can sell those assets to recover money. Investors watch this because it affects a company’s access to cash, borrowing costs and the risk that important assets could be seized if financial trouble arises.

state-chartered regulatory

"As a state-chartered community-focused bank, First Bank operates 113 bank branches"

A state-chartered company—most often a bank—has its legal license to operate granted by a state government rather than the federal government. That matters to investors because the choice of charter affects which regulators set rules, what kinds of activities and geographic reach are allowed, and how oversight and exit options work; think of it like a business with a local permit versus a national license, which can change costs, risks and growth opportunities.

nasdaq global select market financial

"First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market"

A Nasdaq Global Select Market listing is the highest tier of stocks on the Nasdaq exchange, reserved for companies that meet the strictest financial, reporting and governance standards. For investors, it acts like a premium quality label—signaling larger, more transparent and better-governed companies that tend to offer greater liquidity and lower perceived risk compared with lower-tier listings, making it easier to buy, sell and evaluate shares.

member fdic regulatory

"Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender."

A “Member FDIC” is a bank or savings institution that participates in the U.S. federal deposit insurance program, meaning customer deposits up to the insured limit are protected if the bank fails. For investors and savers this matters because it lowers the risk of losing cash held at that institution and signals that the bank is subject to federal oversight and safety rules—think of it like a backup guarantee on money kept in an account.

equal housing lender regulatory

"Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender."

A lender who uses the phrase or logo “Equal Housing Lender” is signaling compliance with U.S. fair‑housing and anti‑discrimination rules that require mortgage and housing-related credit decisions to be based on financial factors, not race, gender, national origin, disability or similar traits. For investors, that label matters because it indicates the institution is managing legal and reputational risk associated with discriminatory lending; compliance helps protect a lender’s ability to originate loans, maintain regulatory standing and avoid costly fines or lawsuits — similar to a restaurant displaying health inspection compliance to reassure patrons and regulators.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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GREENVILLE, S.C., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Bank (NASDAQ: FBNC), has appointed Will Aiken as Managing Director, Specialty Businesses, reinforcing its commitment to expanding and strengthening key areas of the Bank's business.

In this role, Aiken will oversee a portfolio of First Bank's specialty businesses, including CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending—key drivers of shareholder value and long‑term growth.

With more than 20 years of banking experience and extensive expertise in credit, risk management, and specialty lending, Aiken will be based in Greenville, South Carolina.

"We are excited to welcome Will to First Bank," said Adam Currie, CEO of First Bank. "Will's extensive experience across credit, risk, and specialty lending, combined with his proven leadership, makes him an outstanding addition to our team. As we continue to expand our specialty businesses, his perspective and expertise will be instrumental in supporting sustainable growth and delivering value to our customers."

Prior to joining First Bank, Aiken served as Chief Risk Officer at Southern First Bank and previously held a similar role at South State Bank, where he served as Chief Commercial Credit Officer.

"First Bank stands out for its ability to combine specialized expertise with a relationship-driven approach," said Aiken. "There's a clear vision for where these businesses can go, and I'm excited to be part of building what comes next."

This appointment reflects First Bank's continued focus on building specialized capabilities that meet customers where they are—and support them as they grow.

First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.7 billion. As a state-chartered community-focused bank, First Bank operates 113 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions and helpful local expertise to help our customers achieve their dreams. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-bank-appoints-will-aiken-to-lead-specialty-businesses-302735981.html

SOURCE First Bank

FAQ

Who is Will Aiken and what role did he take at First Bank (FBNC) on April 7, 2026?

Will Aiken was appointed Managing Director, Specialty Businesses at First Bank. According to the company, he will oversee CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending and will be based in Greenville, South Carolina.

What teams and businesses will Will Aiken manage at First Bank (FBNC)?

He will manage the bank's specialty businesses including CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending. According to the company, these units are identified as key drivers of shareholder value and long-term growth.

How does First Bank (FBNC) describe Will Aiken's experience and expertise?

First Bank describes Aiken as having more than 20 years of banking experience in credit, risk management, and specialty lending. According to the company, his background includes roles as chief risk officer and chief commercial credit officer.

Where will Will Aiken be based after joining First Bank (FBNC)?

Will Aiken will be based in Greenville, South Carolina. According to the company, his location supports oversight of the bank's specialty businesses and aligns with the bank's regional operations in the Carolinas.

What scale of operations does First Bank (FBNC) report alongside this appointment?

First Bank reports approximately $12.7 billion in total assets and operates 113 branches in North and South Carolina. According to the company, the bank is state-chartered and community-focused since 1935.

What is the intended business impact of appointing Will Aiken at First Bank (FBNC)?

The appointment is intended to strengthen and expand specialty businesses to support sustainable growth. According to the company, Aiken's leadership will help deliver value to customers and enhance specialty lending capabilities.