The executive officers of First Financial Bancorp. intend to use the materials filed herewith, in whole or in part, in one or more meetings with investors and analysts. A copy of the investor presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

First Financial Bancorp. does not intend for this Item 7.01 or Exhibit 99.1 to be treated as “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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. Investor Presentation.

About FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC)

First Financial Bancorp. (First Financial) is a regional bank holding company. First Financial is engaged in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (the Bank). The range of banking services provided by First Financial to individuals and businesses include commercial lending, real estate lending and consumer financing. First Financial offers deposit products that include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts, time deposits and cash management services for commercial customers. First Financial’s Wealth Management division provides a range of trust and asset management services. It operates over 110 banking centers. The Company’s operating markets are located within the regions of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. First Financial operates over 60 banking centers in Ohio, approximately 40 banking centers in Indiana and over four banking centers in Kentucky.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC) Recent Trading Information

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. (NASDAQ:FFBC) closed its last trading session 00.00 at 25.15 with – shares trading hands.