First Financial Bank launched a dedicated solution, to be supported by First Financial Equipment Finance, designed to deliver specialized financing solutions for the middle market independent lessor market. The solution will provide flexible capital solutions tailored to the needs of independent leasing companies and their borrowers.
The launch follows the previously announced acquisition of BankFinancial and represents a strategic expansion of equipment finance capabilities within First Financial Bank. Integration of the BankFinancial Systems is expected to be completed on June 6.
First Financial Equipment Finance will focus specifically on supporting independent leasing companies with tailored financing solutions that enable them to grow their portfolios and better serve their customers. Core offerings include: debt discounting, offering efficient, scalable access to institutional capital; paying agent services to streamline payments and reporting; bridge loans, warehouse lines and working capital facilities; funding for commercial transactions; flexible capital solutions for public and private businesses; and financing for essential-use collateral, including hard assets and associated soft costs.
“Independent lessors play a critical role in providing equipment financing solutions to businesses across a wide range of industries,” Carl Zwilling, president of First Financial Equipment Finance, said. “With the launch of our Lessor Solutions offering, we aim to create a true one-stop-shop for independent lessors, offering the resources, expertise and support they need to thrive. After more than 25 years at an independent lessor myself, I recognize the diverse and evolving challenges these firms face. Our product is designed to fill those gaps, delivering flexible, bank-backed capital solutions and a partnership mentality that empowers independent lessors to grow, compete and achieve long-term success.”
The leadership team supporting the solution brings decades of experience in the independent lessor space, including professionals joining from the acquired BankFinancial Lessor Solutions business. The team possesses deep expertise in working with independent leasing companies and developing specialized financing programs designed to meet their unique needs.
