First Financial Bancorp Auditor Sells Shares Amid Expansion Plans James R. Shank, Chief Internal Auditor of First Financial Bancorp, sold 7,600 shares for $189,392, as per SEC filings. Despite the sale, the company remains focused on growth, reporting strong 2024 earnings and expanding into new markets like Grand Rapids. Analysts highlight potential merger opportunities in the $1-$5 billion bank space.1