MUNCIE, Ind. — July 9, 2026 — First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME), a $21 billion asset[1] financial institution serving communities across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, was included in TIME Magazine’s “America’s Best Companies 2026” list. There were 1,000 companies recognized with this distinction, and First Merchants was one of 141 banks on the national list, highlighting the bank’s scalability and personalization in supporting local clients and the community.
This ranking identifies top-performing U.S. companies using a data-driven evaluation across employee satisfaction, which was based on employee survey data accessing employer ratings across working conditions, salary, culture and more; financial performance showing revenue growth, profitability and asset performance using multi-year financial data; and sustainability transparency, which evaluates environmental impact, social responsibility and governance practices.
“We’re honored to be recognized by TIME as one of America’s Best Companies,” said Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank. “Our success is rooted in the strength of the local communities we serve and the commitment of our employees to helping clients achieve their financial goals. This recognition reinforces our purpose of helping families, businesses and neighborhoods prosper.”
TIME and research partner Statista used the following methodology to develop the list of America’s Best Companies. The 1,000 highest-scoring companies were recognized.
- Employee Satisfaction – Based on survey data from approximately 217,000 verified employees at U.S. companies over the past three years, covering company recommendations and employer ratings across image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, workplace and equality.
- Financial Performance – Drawn from Statista’s revenue database over the last five years. Companies needed at least $100 million in revenue in 2025. Performance was assessed on multiple metrics: short-term (2023–2025) and long-term (2021–2025) revenue growth (relative and absolute), changes in net income, asset growth and the evolution of return on assets (ROA), all for 2023–2025.
- Sustainability Transparency – Based on an ESG index from Statista’s ESG database and additional research, covering:
- Environmental: 2024 carbon emissions intensity, reduction rate vs. 2022 and CDP score.
- Social: Share of women on the board of directors and existence of a human rights policy.
- Governance: Presence of a GRI-aligned CSR report and a compliance/anti-corruption policy.
The prestigious TIME honor is one of many accolades for First Merchants, including recently being recognized on Forbes’ World’s Best Banks 2026 List. For more information on First Merchants and to find a local branch, visit https://www.firstmerchants.com/.
About First Merchants Corporation
With approximately $21 billion in assets1, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through employee empowerment, philanthropy, charitable giving, financial wellness, and community home and business lending. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Time Magazine, American Banker, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/.
Media Contacts
Jaime Faulkner
Director of Corporate Communications
765-747-1336
jfaulkner@firstmerchants.com
Colleen Settle
Borshoff
317-242-8907
Colleen.Settle@borshoff.biz
1 Includes the assets from the acquisition of First Saving Financial Group on February 1, 2026.
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