Other Events.

First Financial Bancorp. today announced that, effective as of the close of business on December 30, 2016, its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association, converted from a national association to an Ohio state chartered bank and changed its name to First Financial Bank. First Financial Bank is now a member bank of the Federal Reserve System through the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The conversion is not expected to affect the Bank’s clients in any way, and deposit clients will continue to receive the same protection on deposits through the FDIC.

The press release issued by the Company in connection with the charter conversion is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated into this Item 8.01 by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

The following exhibit shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(d) Exhibits:

99.1 First Financial Bancorp. Press Release dated January 3, 2017.