SEC Filing | First Busey Corporation

View:

buse-20240331

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


þ			Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2024


o			Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File No. 0-15950

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada			37-1078406
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 W. University Ave. Champaign, Illinois			61820
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (217) 365-4544

N/A

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol (s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.001 par value

BUSE

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company ☐	Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at May 7, 2024

Common Stock, $.001 par value

56,729,312

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2024


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY		3

PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	5

Item 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	5
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)	6
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)	7
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)	8
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)	9
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)	10
	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	12
	Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies	12
	Note 2. Debt Securities	15
	Note 3. Portfolio Loans	21
	Note 4. Leases	33
	Note 5. Deposits	35
	Note 6. Borrowings	36
	Note 7. Regulatory Capital	37
	Note 8. Tax Credit and Other Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	40
	Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation	41
	Note 10. Outstanding Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	44
	Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments	45
	Note 12. Fair Value Measurements	51
	Note 13. Earnings per Common Share	57
	Note 14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	58
	Note 15. Operating Segments and Related Information	59
	Note 16. Acquisition	61
Item 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	63
Item 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	94
Item 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	95

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION	96

Item 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	96
Item 1A.	RISK FACTORS	96
Item 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	96
Item 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	96
Item 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	96
Item 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	96
Item 6.	EXHIBITS	97

SIGNATURES		98

Table of Contents

GLOSSARY

We use acronyms, abbreviations, and other terms throughout this Quarterly Report, as defined in the glossary below:


Term						Definition
2020 Equity Plan						First Busey Corporation Amended 2020 Equity Incentive Plan
2021 ESPP						First Busey Corporation 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) Plan						First Busey Corporation Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
ACL						Allowance for credit losses
Annual Report						Annual report filed with the SEC on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
AOCI						Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
ASC						Accounting Standards Codification
ASU						Accounting Standards Update
Basel III						2010 capital accord adopted by the international Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
Basel III Rule						Regulations promulgated by U.S. federal banking agencies – the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC – to both enforce implementation of certain aspects of the Basel III capital reforms and effect certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
BHCA						Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
bps						basis points
C&I						Commercial and industrial loans
CAC						Cummins-American Corp.
CECL						ASU 2016-13, codified as ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” which established the Current Expected Credit Losses methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments
CFPB						Consumer Financial Protection Bureau




Current Report						Current report filed with the SEC on Form 8-K pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



DSU						Deferred stock unit

Exchange Act						Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Fair value						The price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, as defined in ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement”
FASB						Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC						Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Reserve						Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
FHLB						Federal Home Loan Bank
First Busey						First Busey Corporation, together with its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries; also, “Busey,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”


FirsTech						FirsTech, Inc.
FOMC						Federal Open Market Committee
GAAP						U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles



LIBOR						London Interbank Offered Rate

M&M						Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Corporation
M&M Bank						Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
Nasdaq						National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations

Table of Contents


Term						Definition
NM						Not meaningful
NMTC						New Markets Tax Credit

OCI						Other comprehensive income (loss)
OREO						Other real estate owned
PCD						Purchased credit deteriorated


PSU						Performance stock unit

Quarterly Report						Quarterly report filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act

RSU						Restricted stock unit
SBA						U.S. Small Business Administration
SEC						U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act						Securities Act of 1933, as amended
SOFR						Secured Overnight Financing Rate published by the Federal Reserve
Stock Repurchase Plan						Stock repurchase program approved by First Busey Corporation's board of directors on February 3, 2015

Term Loan						$60 million term loan provided for in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated May 28, 2021
U.S.						United States of America
U.S. Treasury						U.S. Department of the Treasury

Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	93,091	$	134,680
Interest-bearing deposits	497,980		584,901
Total cash and cash equivalents	591,071		719,581

Debt securities available for sale	1,898,072		2,087,571
Debt securities held to maturity	862,218		872,628
Equity securities	9,790		9,812
Loans held for sale	6,827		2,379
Portfolio loans (net of ACL of $91,562 at March 31, 2024, and $91,740 at December 31, 2023)	7,496,515		7,559,294
Premises and equipment, net	121,506		122,594
Right of use assets	10,590		11,027
Goodwill	317,873		317,873
Other intangible assets, net	33,582		35,991
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance	182,105		182,975
Other assets	357,309		361,690
Total assets	$	11,887,458	$	12,283,415

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	2,784,338	$	2,834,655
Interest-bearing	7,175,853		7,456,501
Total deposits	9,960,191		10,291,156

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,175		187,396
Short-term borrowings	—		12,000
Long-term debt	—		18,000

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	223,100		222,882
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	72,040		71,993
Lease liabilities	10,896		11,308
Other liabilities	191,405		196,699
Total liabilities	10,604,807		11,011,434

Outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities (see Notes 4 and 10)

Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, ($.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized)	58		58
Additional paid-in capital	1,324,999		1,323,595
Retained earnings	248,412		237,197
AOCI	(222,190)		(218,803)
Total stockholders’ equity before treasury stock	1,351,279		1,342,047
Treasury stock at cost	(68,628)		(70,066)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,282,651		1,271,981
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	11,887,458	$	12,283,415

Shares
Common shares issued	58,116,969		58,116,969
Less: Treasury shares	(2,816,961)		(2,872,850)
Common shares outstanding	55,300,008		55,244,119

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans		$	99,325	$	89,775
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable interest income		19,597		19,599
Non-taxable interest income		340		743
Other interest income		6,471		988
Total interest income		125,733		111,105

Interest expense
Deposits		43,968		14,740
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,372		1,222
Short-term borrowings		232		4,822
Long-term debt		296		454

Subordinated notes		3,109		3,097
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts		989		913
Total interest expense		49,966		25,248

Net interest income		75,767		85,857
Provision for credit losses		5,038		953
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		70,729		84,904

Noninterest income
Wealth management fees		15,549		14,797
Fees for customer services		7,056		6,819
Payment technology solutions		5,709		5,315
Mortgage revenue		746		288
Income on bank owned life insurance		1,419		1,652
Realized gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights		7,465		—
Realized net gains (losses) on securities		(6,802)		4
Unrealized net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities		427		(620)
Other income		3,431		3,593
Total noninterest income		35,000		31,848

Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits		42,090		40,331
Data processing		6,550		5,640
Net occupancy expense of premises		4,720		4,762
Furniture and equipment expenses		1,813		1,746
Professional fees		2,253		2,058
Amortization of intangible assets		2,409		2,729
Interchange expense		1,611		1,853
FDIC insurance		1,400		1,502
Other expense		7,923		9,782
Total noninterest expense		70,769		70,403

Income before income taxes		34,960		46,349
Income taxes		8,735		9,563
Net income		$	26,225	$	36,786

Basic earnings per common share		$	0.47	$	0.66
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.46	$	0.65
Dividends declared per share of common stock		$	0.24	$	0.24

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net income		$	26,225	$	36,786
OCI:
Unrealized/Unrecognized gains (losses) on debt securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale, net of taxes of $2,266, and $(8,749), respectively		(5,681)		21,944

Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on debt securities available for sale included in net income, net of taxes of $(1,939), and $1, respectively		4,863		(3)
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity, net of taxes of $(402), and $(483), respectively		1,009		1,210
Net change in unrealized/unrecognized gains (losses) on debt securities		191		23,151
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $2,086, and $(1,214), respectively		(5,232)		3,050
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges included in net income, net of taxes of $(659), and ($516), respectively		1,654		1,293
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		(3,578)		4,343
Net change in AOCI		(3,387)		27,494
Total comprehensive income (loss)		$	22,838	$	64,280

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	Shares	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2023	55,244,119	$	58	$	1,323,595	$	237,197	$	(218,803)	$	(70,066)	$	1,271,981
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principal (ASU 2023-02)	—	—		—		(1,391)		—		—		(1,391)
Net income	—	—		—		26,225		—		—		26,225
OCI, net of tax	—	—		—		—		(3,387)		—		(3,387)

Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	23,305	—		(124)		—		—		599		475
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/PSU/DSU vesting and related tax	32,584	—		(1,235)		—		—		839		(396)


Cash dividends on common stock at $0.24 per share	—	—		—		(13,259)		—		—		(13,259)
Stock dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—		360		(360)		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—		2,403		—		—		—		2,403
Balance, March 31, 2024	55,300,008	$	58	$	1,324,999	$	248,412	$	(222,190)	$	(68,628)	$	1,282,651


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
	Shares	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		AOCI		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2022	55,279,124	$	58	$	1,320,980	$	168,769	$	(273,278)	$	(70,552)	$	1,145,977
Net income	—	—		—		36,786		—		—		36,786
OCI, net of tax	—	—		—		—		27,494		—		27,494

Repurchase of stock	(25,000)	—		—		—		—		(534)		(534)
Issuance of treasury stock for ESPP	30,360	—		(257)		—		—		782		525
Net issuance of treasury stock for RSU/DSU vesting and related tax	8,977	—		(331)		—		—		231		(100)
Net issuance of treasury stock for warrants exercised	994	—		(17)		—		—		26		9
Cash dividends on common stock at $0.24 per share	—	—		—		(13,268)		—		—		(13,268)
Stock dividend equivalents on RSUs/PSUs/DSUs	—	—		363		(363)		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—		1,669		—		—		—		1,669
Balance, March 31, 2023	55,294,455	$	58	$	1,322,407	$	191,924	$	(245,784)	$	(70,047)	$	1,198,558

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income	$	26,225	$	36,786
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	5,038		953
Amortization of intangible assets	2,409		2,729
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights	468		749
Amortization of NMTC	—		2,221
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment	2,378		2,371
Net amortization (accretion) on portfolio loans	1,629		1,803
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on investment securities	2,535		4,231
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on time deposits	(20)		(80)
Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on FHLB advances and other borrowings	265		252
Impairment of OREO and other repossessed assets	—		113
Impairment of fixed assets held for sale	48		—
Impairment of mortgage servicing rights	1		1

Unrealized (gains) losses recognized on equity securities, net	(427)		620

(Gain) loss on sales of debt securities, net	6,802		(4)
(Gain) loss on sales of mortgage servicing rights	(7,465)		—
(Gain) loss on sales of loans, net	(269)		(159)
(Gain) loss on sales of OREO and other repossessed assets	(540)		—
(Gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment	(10)		(266)
(Gain) loss on life insurance proceeds	(394)		(707)
(Increase) decrease in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance	(1,025)		(945)
Provision for deferred income taxes	—		(1,617)
Stock-based compensation	2,403		1,669

Proceeds from the sale of mortgage servicing rights	9,796		—
Mortgage loans originated for sale	(19,296)		(9,524)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans	15,241		8,219
(Increase) decrease in other assets	1,613		(2,119)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(10,055)		(2,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	37,350		45,296

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Purchases of equity securities	(177)		(14)
Purchases of debt securities available for sale	(780)		(2,449)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	626		14
Proceeds from sales of debt securities available for sale	101,360		—
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of debt securities held to maturity	11,154		11,708
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of debt securities available for sale	79,104		107,492
Purchases of FHLB and other bank stock	—		(17,891)
Proceeds from the redemption of FHLB and other bank stock	—		6,086

Net (increase) decrease in loans	56,113		(60,807)
Cash paid for premiums on bank-owned life insurance	(70)		(76)
Proceeds from life insurance	2,359		2,026
Purchases of premises and equipment	(1,365)		(2,380)
Proceeds from disposition of premises and equipment	37		284
Proceeds from sales of OREO and other repossessed assets, including cash payments collected	600		42
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	248,961		44,035

(continued)

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Continued)

(dollars in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	$	(330,945)	$	(270,031)
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	(40,221)		(18,829)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	—		265,000

Repayment of other borrowings	(30,000)		(3,173)
Cash dividends paid	(13,259)		(13,268)
Purchase of treasury stock	—		(534)
Cash paid for withholding taxes on stock-based payments	(396)		(100)

Proceeds from stock warrants exercised	—		9


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(414,821)		(40,926)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(128,510)	$	48,405
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	719,581		227,164
Cash and cash equivalents, ending of period	$	591,071	$	275,569

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash payments for:
Interest	$	51,676	$	19,961


Non-cash investing and financing activities:
OREO acquired in settlement of loans	—		64

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation organized in 1980, is a $11.9 billion financial holding company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Busey’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

First Busey operates and reports its business in three segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech.

•The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through its banking center network in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

•The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations.

•The FirsTech operating segment provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions including online, mobile, and voice-recognition bill payments; money management and credit card networks; direct debit services; lockbox remittance processing for payments made by mail; and walk-in payments. FirsTech also provides additional tools to help clients with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services.

For additional information about First Busey's operating segments, see “Note 15. Operating Segments and Related Information.”

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in Busey's 2023 Annual Report. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements serve to update our 2023 Annual Report and may not include all information and notes necessary to constitute a complete set of financial statements.

We prepared these unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions. We have also reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In our opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments needed to present fairly our results for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.

Use of Estimates

In preparing the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, Busey’s management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates which are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the fair value of debt securities available for sale, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, goodwill, income taxes, and the determination of the ACL.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑02 “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323),” permitting an election to use the proportional amortization method to account for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, provided that certain conditions are met. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. Busey adopted this standard on a modified retrospective basis on January 1, 2024. Upon adoption, Busey recorded an after-tax decrease to retained earnings of $1.4 million for the cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2023‑02. This transition adjustment included a $2.4 million decrease in other assets, a $0.5 million decrease in other liabilities, and a $0.5 million increase in deferred tax assets.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑01 “Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements,” which requires amortization over the useful life of leasehold improvements (not the lease term) when the lease is between entities under common control, and any value of such leasehold improvements remaining at the end of the lease term is to be accounted for as a transfer between entities under common control. Busey adopted this standard on a prospective basis on January 1, 2024. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Busey’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 “Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions,” which clarifies that contractual restrictions on the sale of equity securities are not considered in measuring the fair value of those equity securities, and further that contractual sale restrictions cannot be recognized and measured as a separate unit of account. Busey adopted this standard on a prospective basis on January 1, 2024. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Busey’s financial position or results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01 “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards” to clarify that certain “profits interests” are within the scope of Topic 718 by amending the language and providing illustrative examples on how the scope guidance in paragraph 718-10-15-3 should be applied. This update is intended to improve clarity of the accounting standards codification, not to change the guidance. This update may be applied on a retrospective or prospective basis and will be effective for Busey for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Busey is currently evaluating the potential effects of adoption of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which requires more detailed disclosures of income taxes paid net of refunds received, income from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit, and income tax expense from continuing operations. This standard is to be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted, and will be effective for Busey for annual reporting periods beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Busey does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑07 “Segment Reporting Topic 820): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” requiring enhanced disclosures related to significant segment expenses. This standard is to be applied on a retrospective basis and is effective for Busey for annual reporting periods beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, and for interim reporting periods within fiscal years starting January 1, 2025. Busey does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023‑06 “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” which aligns certain GAAP disclosure requirements with the SEC’s disclosure requirements, in order to better facilitate comparisons between entities that are subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with entities that were not previously subject to the SEC’s requirements. Amendments in this update should be applied prospectively, and the effective date for Busey for each amendment in this ASU will be the date on which the SEC removes the related disclosure from Regulation S‑X or Regulation S‑K. Early adoption is prohibited. Busey does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Subsequent Events

Busey has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report were issued. Busey issued a Form 8‑K on April 1 , 202 4, announcing completion of its acquisition of M&M on that date. Merger consideration paid to M&M common stockholders was comprised of an aggregate of 1,429,304 shares of Busey common stock and an aggregate of $12.2 million in cash. For additional information about Busey’s acquisition of M&M, see “Not e. 16 Acquisition.” There were no other significant events subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2024, through the filing date of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 2. DEBT SECURITIES

Busey's portfolio of debt securities includes both available for sale and held to maturity securities. The tables below provide the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair values of debt securities summarized by major category (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	749	$	—	$	(7)	$	742
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	5,777		1		(35)		5,743
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1	168,997		20		(18,091)		150,926
Asset-backed securities1,2	462,082		—		(384)		461,698
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	108,006		—		(15,443)		92,563
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,223,453		2		(201,722)		1,021,733
Corporate debt securities	177,212		85		(12,630)		164,667
Total debt securities available for sale	$	2,146,276	$	108	$	(248,312)	$	1,898,072



	Amortized Cost		Unrecognized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	424,946	$	—	$	(74,590)	$	350,356
Residential mortgage-backed securities	437,272		—		(74,597)		362,675
Total debt securities held to maturity	$	862,218	$	—	$	(149,187)	$	713,031

___________________________________________

1.Includes securities marked at par, with no gain or loss to report.

2.Gross gains were insignificant, rounding to zero thousand.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	16,031	$	—	$	(85)	$	15,946
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	5,889		1		(58)		5,832
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1	190,819		52		(18,026)		172,845
Asset-backed securities	470,046		—		(1,823)		468,223
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	119,044		—		(15,535)		103,509
Residential mortgage-backed securities1	1,306,854		5		(195,547)		1,111,312
Corporate debt securities	225,947		128		(16,171)		209,904
Total debt securities available for sale	$	2,334,630	$	186	$	(247,245)	$	2,087,571



	Amortized Cost		Unrecognized				Fair Value
			Gross Gains		Gross Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	$	428,526	$	—	$	(71,000)	$	357,526
Residential mortgage-backed securities	444,102		—		(71,231)		372,871
Total debt securities held to maturity	$	872,628	$	—	$	(142,231)	$	730,397

___________________________________________

1.Includes securities marked at par, with no gain or loss to report.

Maturities of Debt Securities

Amortized cost and fair value of debt securities, by contractual maturity or pre-refunded date, are shown below. Mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities may be called or prepaid; therefore, actual maturities could differ from the contractual maturities. All mortgage-backed securities were issued by U.S. government corporations and agencies (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale
Due in one year or less	$	262,012	$	222,566
Due after one year through five years	752,610		666,718
Due after five years through ten years	529,926		469,029
Due after ten years	601,728		539,759
Debt securities available for sale	$	2,146,276	$	1,898,072




Debt securities held to maturity
Due in one year or less	$	104,797	$	88,589
Due after one year through five years	263,376		216,744
Due after five years through ten years	241,243		198,562
Due after ten years	252,802		209,136
Debt securities held to maturity	$	862,218	$	713,031

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Gains and Losses on Debt Securities Available for Sale

Realized gains and losses related to sales and calls of debt securities available for sale are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Realized gains and losses on debt securities
Gross gains on debt securities		$	1	$	10
Gross (losses) on debt securities1		(6,803)		(6)
Realized net gains (losses) on debt securities		$	(6,802)	$	4

___________________________________________

1.During the first quarter of 2024, Busey sold available-for-sale debt securities with a book value of approximately $108.2 million for a pre-tax loss of $6.8 million, as part of a balance sheet repositioning strategy. The loss on the sale of securities was offset by a pre-tax gain of $7.5 million realized on the sale of mortgage servicing rights on approximately $923.5 million of one- to four-family mortgage loans.

Debt securities with carrying amounts of $787.5 million on March 31, 2024, and $837.4 million on December 31, 2023, were pledged as collateral for public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Debt Securities in an Unrealized or Unrecognized Loss Position

The following information pertains to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	—	$	—	$	742	$	(7)	$	742	$	(7)
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	—		—		5,629		(35)		5,629		(35)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	8,524		(68)		134,945		(18,023)		143,469		(18,091)
Asset-backed securities	—		—		253,231		(384)		253,231		(384)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		92,563		(15,443)		92,563		(15,443)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	165		(1)		1,021,383		(201,721)		1,021,548		(201,722)
Corporate debt securities	4,313		(102)		152,739		(12,528)		157,052		(12,630)
Debt securities available for sale with gross unrealized losses	$	13,002	$	(171)	$	1,661,232	$	(248,141)	$	1,674,234	$	(248,312)



	12 months or more			Total
		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		$	350,356	$	(74,590)	$	350,356	$	(74,590)
Residential mortgage-backed securities		362,675		(74,597)		362,675		(74,597)
Debt securities held to maturity with gross unrecognized losses		$	713,031	$	(149,187)	$	713,031	$	(149,187)

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	—	$	—	$	15,946	$	(85)	$	15,946	$	(85)
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	—		—		5,709		(58)		5,709		(58)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	11,442		(54)		146,797		(17,972)		158,239		(18,026)
Asset-backed securities	—		—		468,223		(1,823)		468,223		(1,823)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		103,509		(15,535)		103,509		(15,535)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	141		(1)		1,110,906		(195,546)		1,111,047		(195,547)
Corporate debt securities	1,450		(10)		198,694		(16,161)		200,144		(16,171)
Debt securities available for sale with gross unrealized losses	$	13,033	$	(65)	$	2,049,784	$	(247,180)	$	2,062,817	$	(247,245)



	12 months or more			Total
		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses		Fair Value		Unrecognized Losses
Debt securities held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		$	357,526	$	(71,000)	$	357,526	$	(71,000)
Residential mortgage-backed securities		372,871		(71,231)		372,871		(71,231)
Debt securities held to maturity with gross unrecognized losses		$	730,397	$	(142,231)	$	730,397	$	(142,231)

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Additional information about debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position is presented in the tables below (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Available for Sale			Held to Maturity			Total
Debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, fair value	$	1,674,234		$	713,031		$	2,387,265
Gross unrealized or unrecognized losses on debt securities	248,312			149,187			397,499
Ratio of gross unrealized or unrecognized losses to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses	14.8		%	20.9		%	16.7		%

Count of debt securities	708			55			763
Count of debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position	654			55			709


	As of December 31, 2023
	Available for Sale			Held to Maturity			Total
Debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses, fair value	$	2,062,817		$	730,397		$	2,793,214
Gross unrealized or unrecognized losses on debt securities	247,245			142,231			389,476
Ratio of gross unrealized or unrecognized losses to debt securities with gross unrealized or unrecognized losses	12.0		%	19.5		%	13.9		%

Count of debt securities	835			55			890
Count of debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position	779			55			834

Unrealized and unrecognized losses were related to changes in market interest rates and market conditions that do not represent credit-related impairments. Unless part of a corporate strategy or restructuring plan, Busey does not intend to sell securities that are in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position, and it is more likely than not that the Company will recover the amortized cost prior to being required to sell the debt securities. Full collection of the amounts due according to the contractual terms of the debt securities is expected; therefore, no ACL was recorded in relation to debt securities, and the impairment related to noncredit factors on debt securities available for sale is recognized in AOCI, net of applicable taxes. As of March 31, 2024, Busey did not hold general obligation bonds of any single issuer, the aggregate of which exceeded 10% of Busey’s stockholders’ equity.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 3. PORTFOLIO LOANS

Loan Categories

Busey’s lending can be summarized in two primary categories: commercial and retail. Lending is further classified into five primary areas of loans: C&I and other commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans, retail real estate loans, and retail other loans. Distributions of the loan portfolio by loan category and class is presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,828,711	$	1,835,994
Commercial real estate	3,331,670		3,337,337
Real estate construction	445,860		461,717
Total commercial loans	5,606,241		5,635,048
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,708,663		1,720,455
Retail other	273,173		295,531
Total retail loans	1,981,836		2,015,986

Total portfolio loans	7,588,077		7,651,034
ACL	(91,562)		(91,740)
Portfolio loans, net	$	7,496,515	$	7,559,294

Net deferred loan origination costs included in the balances above were $13.4 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $13.5 million as of December 31, 2023. Net accretable purchase accounting adjustments included in the balances above reduced loans by $4.3 million as of March 31, 2024, and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2023.

Busey did not purchase any retail real estate loans during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

Pledged Loans

The principal balance of loans Busey has pledged as collateral to the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank for liquidity as set forth in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Pledged loans
FHLB	$	4,821,485	$	4,865,481
Federal Reserve Bank	724,971		722,914
Total pledged loans	$	5,546,456	$	5,588,395

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Risk Grading

Busey utilizes a loan grading scale to assign a risk grade to all of its loans. A description of the general characteristics of each grade is as follows:

•Pass – This category includes loans that are all considered acceptable credits, ranging from investment or near investment grade, to loans made to borrowers who exhibit credit fundamentals that meet or exceed industry standards.

•Watch – This category includes loans that warrant a higher-than-average level of monitoring to ensure that weaknesses do not cause the inability of the credit to perform as expected. These loans are not necessarily a problem due to other inherent strengths of the credit, such as guarantor strength, but have above average concern and monitoring.

•Special mention – This category is for “Other Assets Specially Mentioned” loans that have potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect Busey’s credit position at some future date.

•Substandard – This category includes “Substandard” loans, determined in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that Busey will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

•Substandard non-accrual – This category includes loans that have all the characteristics of a “Substandard” loan with additional factors that make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and may be dependent on collateral with a value that is difficult to determine.

All loans are graded at their inception. Commercial lending relationships that are $1.0 million or less are usually processed through an expedited underwriting process. Most commercial loans greater than $1.0 million are included in a portfolio review at least annually. Commercial loans greater than $0.35 million that have a grading of special mention or worse are typically reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interim reviews may take place if circumstances of the borrower warrant a more frequent review.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following table is a summary of risk grades segregated by category and class of portfolio loans (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Substandard Non-accrual		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,491,166	$	243,635	$	37,711	$	42,853	$	13,346	$	1,828,711
Commercial real estate	2,797,374		447,313		49,932		36,987		64		3,331,670
Real estate construction	410,089		22,483		7,743		5,301		244		445,860
Total commercial loans	4,698,629		713,431		95,386		85,141		13,654		5,606,241
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,692,013		9,371		922		2,689		3,668		1,708,663
Retail other	273,030		—		—		—		143		273,173
Total retail loans	1,965,043		9,371		922		2,689		3,811		1,981,836
Total portfolio loans	$	6,663,672	$	722,802	$	96,308	$	87,830	$	17,465	$	7,588,077


	As of December 31, 2023
	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Substandard Non-accrual		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,462,755	$	296,416	$	46,488	$	27,733	$	2,602	$	1,835,994
Commercial real estate	2,827,030		431,427		48,545		29,492		843		3,337,337
Real estate construction	448,011		8,135		—		5,327		244		461,717
Total commercial loans	4,737,796		735,978		95,033		62,552		3,689		5,635,048
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,702,897		11,144		1,024		1,795		3,595		1,720,455
Retail other	295,374		—		—		—		157		295,531
Total retail loans	1,998,271		11,144		1,024		1,795		3,752		2,015,986
Total portfolio loans	$	6,736,067	$	747,122	$	96,057	$	64,347	$	7,441	$	7,651,034

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Risk grades of portfolio loans and gross charge-offs are presented in the tables below by loan class, further sorted by origination year (dollars in thousands):


	As of and For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year												Revolving Loans		Total
Risk Grade Ratings	2024		2023		2022		2021		2020		Prior
C&I and other commercial
Pass	$	92,898	$	261,771	$	214,944	$	156,831	$	66,161	$	154,099	$	544,462	$	1,491,166
Watch	4,869		58,913		49,671		14,389		23,226		27,759		64,808		243,635
Special Mention	665		239		7,964		2,654		677		3,264		22,248		37,711
Substandard	8,371		5,700		1,386		819		525		2,348		23,704		42,853
Substandard non-accrual	—		75		—		117		66		1,388		11,700		13,346
Total commercial	106,803		326,698		273,965		174,810		90,655		188,858		666,922		1,828,711
Gross charge-offs	—		5,130		—		—		—		88		—		5,218

Commercial real estate
Pass	77,146		362,541		845,621		676,837		384,545		433,216		17,468		2,797,374
Watch	58,049		131,059		35,873		111,998		32,964		73,846		3,524		447,313
Special Mention	1,405		8,646		13,126		12,578		5,015		9,162		—		49,932
Substandard	1,362		5,626		2,677		18,821		3,337		5,114		50		36,987
Substandard non-accrual	—		44		—		—		20		—		—		64
Total commercial real estate	137,962		507,916		897,297		820,234		425,881		521,338		21,042		3,331,670
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		96		—		96

Real estate construction
Pass	58,333		177,437		72,325		75,282		2,458		3,332		20,922		410,089
Watch	—		3,678		18,030		455		320		—		—		22,483
Special Mention	—		7,743		—		—		—		—		—		7,743
Substandard	—		5,301		—		—		—		—		—		5,301
Substandard non-accrual	—		—		—		—		—		244		—		244
Total real estate construction	58,333		194,159		90,355		75,737		2,778		3,576		20,922		445,860
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Retail real estate
Pass	19,533		240,662		376,623		378,955		153,995		313,080		209,165		1,692,013
Watch	805		832		2,873		2,242		937		401		1,281		9,371
Special Mention	—		191		354		—		—		377		—		922
Substandard	—		136		1,049		519		45		935		5		2,689
Substandard non-accrual	—		—		527		65		253		1,982		841		3,668
Total retail real estate	20,338		241,821		381,426		381,781		155,230		316,775		211,292		1,708,663
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		52		—		52

Retail other
Pass	1,458		78,006		83,891		20,205		5,438		3,546		80,486		273,030



Substandard non-accrual	—		—		93		49		—		1		—		143
Total retail other	1,458		78,006		83,984		20,254		5,438		3,547		80,486		273,173
Gross charge-offs	—		3		—		23		—		68		—		94

Total portfolio loans	$	324,894	$	1,348,600	$	1,727,027	$	1,472,816	$	679,982	$	1,034,094	$	1,000,664	$	7,588,077
Total gross charge-offs	$	—	$	5,133	$	—	$	23	$	—	$	304	$	—	$	5,460

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of and For The Year Ended December 31, 2023
	Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year												Revolving Loans		Total
Risk Grade Ratings	2023		2022		2021		2020		2019		Prior
C&I and other commercial
Pass	$	306,578	$	220,847	$	159,130	$	71,025	$	35,927	$	143,078	$	526,170	$	1,462,755
Watch	78,603		65,703		21,421		23,919		7,035		21,293		78,442		296,416
Special Mention	792		8,224		2,917		1,076		686		3,274		29,519		46,488
Substandard	8,715		765		942		426		3,734		1,859		11,292		27,733
Substandard non-accrual	166		—		117		84		128		407		1,700		2,602
Total commercial	394,854		295,539		184,527		96,530		47,510		169,911		647,123		1,835,994
Gross charge-offs	284		—		420		—		316		1,409		—		2,429

Commercial real estate
Pass	395,644		824,506		720,052		399,195		271,078		199,662		16,893		2,827,030
Watch	166,795		47,070		92,848		34,010		68,196		19,396		3,112		431,427
Special Mention	14,313		10,507		12,446		4,968		3,297		3,014		—		48,545
Substandard	1,796		188		18,862		2,938		1,802		3,856		50		29,492
Substandard non-accrual	47		79		85		23		—		609		—		843
Total commercial real estate	578,595		882,350		844,293		441,134		344,373		226,537		20,055		3,337,337
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		953		—		953

Real estate construction
Pass	204,952		128,462		85,086		2,616		1,323		2,934		22,638		448,011
Watch	2,859		4,406		507		322		41		—		—		8,135

Substandard	5,327		—		—		—		—		—		—		5,327
Substandard non-accrual	—		—		—		—		—		244		—		244
Total real estate construction	213,138		132,868		85,593		2,938		1,364		3,178		22,638		461,717
Gross charge-offs	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Retail real estate
Pass	243,400		376,922		411,723		156,762		70,099		256,571		187,420		1,702,897
Watch	1,096		4,137		2,442		954		536		234		1,745		11,144
Special Mention	286		358		—		—		—		380		—		1,024
Substandard	69		72		292		49		80		997		236		1,795
Substandard non-accrual	—		528		121		267		100		1,960		619		3,595
Total retail real estate	244,851		382,017		414,578		158,032		70,815		260,142		190,020		1,720,455
Gross charge-offs	—		5		—		29		72		301		—		407

Retail other
Pass	88,885		92,931		23,019		6,701		4,597		854		78,387		295,374



Substandard non-accrual	—		93		62		—		—		2		—		157
Total retail other	88,885		93,024		23,081		6,701		4,597		856		78,387		295,531
Gross charge-offs	5		71		172		5		3		373		—		629

Total portfolio loans	$	1,520,323	$	1,785,798	$	1,552,072	$	705,335	$	468,659	$	660,624	$	958,223	$	7,651,034
Total gross charge-offs	$	289	$	76	$	592	$	34	$	391	$	3,036	$	—	$	4,418

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Past Due and Non-accrual Loans

An analysis of the amortized cost basis of portfolio loans that are past due and still accruing, or on a non-accrual status, is as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Loans past due, still accruing						Non-accrual Loans
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+Days
Past due and non-accrual loans
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	13,346
Commercial real estate	3,174		338		—		64
Real estate construction	—		—		—		244
Past due and non-accrual commercial loans	3,217		338		—		13,654
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	2,869		385		77		3,668
Retail other	530		102		11		143
Past due and non-accrual retail loans	3,399		487		88		3,811
Total past due and non-accrual loans	$	6,616	$	825	$	88	$	17,465


	As of December 31, 2023
	Loans past due, still accruing						Non-accrual Loans
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+Days
Past due and non-accrual loans
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	—	$	214	$	—	$	2,602
Commercial real estate	752		—		—		843
Real estate construction	24		—		—		244
Past due and non-accrual commercial loans	776		214		—		3,689
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	2,781		927		366		3,595
Retail other	886		195		9		157
Past due and non-accrual retail loans	3,667		1,122		375		3,752
Total past due and non-accrual loans	$	4,443	$	1,336	$	375	$	7,441

Gross interest income recorded on 90+ days past due loans, and that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans if they had been accruing interest in accordance with their original terms, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The amount of interest collected on those loans and recognized on a cash basis that was included in interest income was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Loan Modifications for Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified—specifically in the form of (1) principal forgiveness, (2) an interest rate reduction, (3) an other-than-insignificant payment deferral, and/or (4) a term extension—for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the periods indicated, disaggregated by class of financing receivable and type of concession granted (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	Payment Deferral1		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable		Term Extension2		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	10,000	0.5	%	$	17,155	0.9	%
Commercial real estate	—		—	%	1,705		0.1	%



Total of loans modified during the period	$	10,000	0.1	%	$	18,860	0.2	%

___________________________________________

1.One loan was modified and classified as non-accrual during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

2.Modifications to extend loan terms also included, in some cases, interest rate increases during the extension period. All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
	Payment Deferral1		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable2		Term Extension3		% of Total Class of Financing Receivable
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	489	—	%	$	25,155	1.3	%
Commercial real estate	—		—	%	12,698		0.4	%



Total of loans modified during the period4	$	489	—	%	$	37,853	0.5	%

___________________________________________

1.Loans with payment deferrals were modified to defer all principal payments until the end of the loan terms, which were shortened. Regular interest payments continue to be required during the deferral period.

2.Loans with payment deferrals represent an insignificant portion of commercial loans and total loans, rounding to zero percent.

3.Modifications to extend loan terms also included, in most cases, interest rate increases during the extension period.

4.All modifications were for loans classified as substandard.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2024

2023

Weighted Average Term Extension

Effects of Loan Modifications

C&I and other commercial

19.1 months

9.1 months

Commercial real estate

2.0 months

5.8 months

Total effect

17.6 months

8.0 months

No loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty had a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023, after having been modified during the 12 months before that default. A default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due or transferred to non-accrual status.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Busey closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table depicts the payment performance of loans modified during the last twelve months (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Non-accrual
Modified Loans
C&I and other commercial	$	21,641	$	—	$	—	$	10,000
Commercial real estate	3,009		—		—		—
Real estate construction	5,301		—		—		—


Amortized cost of modified loans	$	29,951	$	—	$	—	$	10,000

Collateral Dependent Loans

Management's evaluation as to the ultimate collectability of loans includes estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral. These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers. Collateral dependent loans are loans in which repayment is expected to be provided solely by the operation or sale of the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment. Loans are written down to the lower of cost or fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Busey had $14.2 million and $6.1 million of collateral dependent loans secured by real estate or business assets as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Foreclosures

As of March 31, 2024, Busey had $0.9 million of residential real estate loans in the process of foreclosure. Busey follows Federal Housing Finance Agency guidelines on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned evictions on portfolio loans.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Loans Evaluated Individually

Busey evaluates loans with disparate risk characteristics on an individual basis. The following tables provide details of loans evaluated individually, segregated by loan category and class. The unpaid principal balance represents customer outstanding contractual principal balances excluding any partial charge-offs. Recorded investment represents the amortized cost of customer balances net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loan. Average recorded investment is calculated using the most recent four quarters (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment								Average Recorded Investment
			With No Allowance		With Allowance		Total		Related Allowance
Loans evaluated individually
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	20,372	$	2,197	$	10,920	$	13,117	$	7,498	$	6,553
Commercial real estate	—		—		—		—		—		2,618

Commercial loans evaluated individually	20,372		2,197		10,920		13,117		7,498		9,171
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	213		61		25		86		25		289

Retail loans evaluated individually	213		61		25		86		25		289
Total loans evaluated individually	$	20,585	$	2,258	$	10,945	$	13,203	$	7,523	$	9,460

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment								Average Recorded Investment
			With No Allowance		With Allowance		Total		Related Allowance
Loans evaluated individually
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	7,283	$	585	$	1,785	$	2,370	$	785	$	5,244
Commercial real estate	2,600		610		85		695		85		3,865
Real estate construction	—		—		—		—		—		49
Commercial loans evaluated individually	9,883		1,195		1,870		3,065		870		9,158
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	213		61		25		86		25		790

Retail loans evaluated individually	213		61		25		86		25		790
Total loans evaluated individually	$	10,096	$	1,256	$	1,895	$	3,151	$	895	$	9,948

Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the portfolio loans’ amortized cost bases to present the net amount expected to be collected on the portfolio loans. Portfolio loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Recoveries will be recognized up to the aggregate amount of previously charged-off balances. The ACL is established through the provision for credit loss charged to income.

Management estimates the ACL balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. The cumulative loss rate used as the basis for the estimate of credit losses is comprised of Busey’s historical loss experience beginning in 2010. Due to the continued economic uncertainty in the markets in which the Company operates, Busey will continue to utilize a forecast period of 12 months with an immediate reversion to historical loss rates beyond this forecast period in its ACL estimate.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following tables summarize activity in the ACL attributable to each loan class. Allocation of a portion of the ACL to one loan class does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other loan classes (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	C&I and Other Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, December 31, 2023	$	21,256	$	35,465	$	5,163	$	26,298	$	3,558	$	91,740
Provision for credit losses	10,125		(1,864)		(491)		(2,093)		(639)		5,038
Charged-off	(5,218)		(96)		—		(52)		(94)		(5,460)
Recoveries	44		—		41		128		31		244
ACL balance, March 31, 2024	$	26,207	$	33,505	$	4,713	$	24,281	$	2,856	$	91,562


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
	C&I and Other Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Real Estate Construction		Retail Real Estate		Retail Other		Total
ACL balance, December 31, 2022	$	23,860	$	38,299	$	6,457	$	18,193	$	4,799	$	91,608

Provision for credit losses	695		(3,359)		(1,329)		5,948		(1,002)		953
Charged-off	(400)		(539)		—		(5)		(237)		(1,181)
Recoveries	121		20		31		119		56		347
ACL balance, March 31, 2023	$	24,276	$	34,421	$	5,159	$	24,255	$	3,616	$	91,727

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following tables present the ACL and amortized cost of portfolio loans by loan category and class (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Portfolio Loans						ACL Attributed to Portfolio Loans
	Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		Individually Evaluated for Impairment		Total		Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		Individually Evaluated for Impairment		Total
Portfolio loans and related ACL
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	1,815,594	$	13,117	$	1,828,711	$	18,709	$	7,498	$	26,207
Commercial real estate	3,331,670		—		3,331,670		33,505		—		33,505
Real estate construction	445,860		—		445,860		4,713		—		4,713
Commercial loans and related ACL	5,593,124		13,117		5,606,241		56,927		7,498		64,425
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	1,708,577		86		1,708,663		24,256		25		24,281
Retail other	273,173		—		273,173		2,856		—		2,856
Retail loans and related ACL	1,981,750		86		1,981,836		27,112		25		27,137
Portfolio loans and related ACL	$	7,574,874	$	13,203	$	7,588,077	$	84,039	$	7,523	$	91,562

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Portfolio Loans						ACL Attributed to Portfolio Loans
	Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		Individually Evaluated for Impairment		Total		Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		Individually Evaluated for Impairment		Total
Portfolio loans and related ACL
Commercial loans:
C&I and other commercial	$	1,833,624	$	2,370	$	1,835,994	$	20,471	$	785	$	21,256
Commercial real estate	3,336,642		695		3,337,337		35,380		85		35,465
Real estate construction	461,717		—		461,717		5,163		—		5,163
Commercial loans and related ACL	5,631,983		3,065		5,635,048		61,014		870		61,884
Retail loans:
Retail real estate	1,720,369		86		1,720,455		26,273		25		26,298
Retail other	295,531		—		295,531		3,558		—		3,558
Retail loans and related ACL	2,015,900		86		2,015,986		29,831		25		29,856
Portfolio loans and related ACL	$	7,647,883	$	3,151	$	7,651,034	$	90,845	$	895	$	91,740

NOTE 4. LEASES

Busey as the Lessee

Busey has operating leases consisting primarily of equipment leases and real estate leases for banking centers, ATM locations, and office space. The following table summarizes lease-related information and balances Busey reported in its Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Lease balances
Right of use assets	$	10,590		$	11,027
Lease liabilities	10,896			11,308

Supplemental information
Year through which lease terms extend	2037			2037
Weighted average remaining lease term	8.26 years			8.39 years
Weighted average discount rate	3.61		%	3.59		%

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following table represents lease costs and cash flows related to leases for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Lease costs
Operating lease costs		$	535	$	628
Variable lease costs		14		5
Short-term lease costs		13		6
Total lease cost1		$	562	$	639

Cash flows related to leases
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating lease cash flows – Fixed payments		$	507	$	570
Operating lease cash flows – Liability reduction		411		479
Right of use assets obtained during the period in exchange for operating lease liabilities		—		4

___________________________________________

1.Lease costs are included in net occupancy and equipment expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited).

Busey was obligated under noncancelable operating leases for office space and other commitments. Future undiscounted lease payments with initial terms of one year or more, are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
Rent commitments
Remainder of 2024	$	1,515
2025	1,768
2026	1,443
2027	1,277
2028	1,255
2029	1,278
Thereafter	4,200
Total undiscounted cash flows	12,736
Less: Amounts representing interest	1,840
Present value of net future minimum lease payments	$	10,896

Busey as the Lessor

Busey occasionally leases parking lots and office space to outside parties. Revenues recorded in connection with these leases, reported in Other income on our Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited), are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Rental income		$	202	$	191

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 5. DEPOSITS

The composition of Busey’s deposits is as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	2,784,338	$	2,834,655
Interest-bearing transaction deposits	2,397,937		2,717,139
Saving deposits and money market deposits	3,200,738		2,920,088
Time deposits	1,577,178		1,819,274
Total deposits	$	9,960,191	$	10,291,156

Additional information about Busey’s deposits follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Brokered savings deposits and money market deposits	$	6,001	$	6,001
Brokered time deposits	—		285
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination of $100,000	898,433		1,072,189
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a minimum denomination that meets or exceeds the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000	326,794		386,286

Scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
Time deposits by schedule of maturities
Remainder of 2024	$	1,371,431
2025	156,304
2026	22,905
2027	13,209
2028	10,150
2029	2,743
Thereafter	436
Time deposits	$	1,577,178

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 6. BORROWINGS

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature daily. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The underlying securities are held by Busey’s safekeeping agent. Busey may be required to provide additional collateral based on fluctuations in the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	147,175		$	187,396
Weighted average rate for securities sold under agreements to repurchase	2.96		%	3.26		%

Term Loan

On May 28, 2021, Busey entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Busey has access to (1) a $40.0 million revolving line of credit with an initial termination date of April 30, 2022, and (2) a $60.0 million Term Loan with a maturity date of May 31, 2026. The loans had an annual interest rate of 1.75% plus the one-month LIBOR rate. On April 30, 2022, the agreement was amended, effecting an extension of the termination date for the revolving line of credit to April 30, 2023, and providing for the transition from a LIBOR-indexed interest rate to a SOFR-indexed interest rate. Under the terms of the amendment, the loans now have an annual interest rate of 1.80% plus the one-month forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. The agreement has subsequently been amended twice to extend the termination date for the revolving line of credit, which is currently April 30, 2025. During the first quarter of 2024, Busey paid the full $30.0 million balance remaining on the Term Loan, at which time the Term Loan carried interest at a rate of 7.13%.

As of March 31, 2024, there was no balance outstanding on the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility incurs a non-usage fee based on any undrawn amounts.

Short-term Borrowings

Busey’s short-term borrowings include loans maturing within one year of the loan origination date and, when applicable, the current portion of long-term debt that is due within 12 months. Short-term borrowings are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Short-term borrowings



Term Loan, current portion due within 12 months	$	—	$	12,000
Total short-term debt	$	—	$	12,000

Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings that generally mature between one day and 90 days. During the first quarter of 2024, Busey purchased federal funds to test operational availability to access funds if needed. Busey had no federal funds purchased as of March 31, 2024, or December 31, 2023.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Long-term Debt

Busey’s long-term debt consists of loans maturing more than one year from the loan origination date, excluding the current portion that is due within 12 months. Long-term debt is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Long-term debt

Term Loan	$	—	$	18,000
Total long-term debt	$	—	$	18,000

Subordinated Notes

On June 1, 2020, Busey issued $125.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on June 1, 2030. The subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, bear interest at an annual rate of 5.25% for the first five years after issuance and thereafter bear interest at a floating rate equal to a three-month benchmark rate plus a spread of 5.11%, as calculated on each applicable determination date. Interest on the subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on each June 1 and December 1 during the five-year fixed-term, and thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 2025. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after June 1, 2025. The subordinated notes are unsecured obligations of the Company.

On June 2, 2022, Busey issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes maturing June 15, 2032, which qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. The price to the public for the subordinated notes was 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes. Interest on the subordinated notes accrues at a rate equal to (i) 5.000% per annum from the original issue date to, but excluding, June 15, 2027, payable semiannually in arrears, and (ii) a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be the Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the subordinated notes), plus a spread of 252 basis points from and including June 15, 2027, payable quarterly in arrears. The subordinated notes have an optional redemption, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after June 15, 2027.

Unamortized debt issuance costs related to Busey’s subordinated notes are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Subordinated notes issued in 2020	$	610	$	735
Subordinated notes issued in 2022	1,290		1,383
Total unamortized debt issuance costs	$	1,900	$	2,118

NOTE 7. REGULATORY CAPITAL

Busey and Busey Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory—and possibly additional discretionary—actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Busey's consolidated financial statements. Capital amounts and classification also are subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Banking regulations identify five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, all capital ratios of Busey and Busey Bank exceeded well capitalized levels under the applicable regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to March 31, 2024, that would change this designation.

Current Expected Credit Loss Model

On August 26, 2020, the FDIC and other federal banking agencies adopted a final rule which provided banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020 with the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital and to phase in the aggregate impact of the deferral on regulatory capital over a subsequent three-year period. Under this final rule, because Busey elected to use the deferral option, the regulatory capital impact of our transition adjustments recorded on January 1, 2020, arising from the adoption of CECL, was deferred for two years. In addition, 25 percent of the ongoing impact of CECL on our ACL, retained earnings, and average total consolidated assets from January 1, 2020, through the end of the two-year deferral period, each as reported for regulatory capital purposes, has been added to the deferred transition amounts (“adjusted transition amounts”) and deferred for the two-year period. On January 1, 2022, at the conclusion of the two-year period, the adjusted transition amounts began to be phased-in for regulatory capital purposes at a rate of 25 percent per year, with the phased-in amounts included in regulatory capital at the beginning of each year.

Capital Amounts and Ratios

The following tables summarize regulatory capital requirements applicable to Busey and Busey Bank (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Actual				Minimum Capital Requirement				Minimum To Be Well Capitalized
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,166,919	13.45	%	$	390,433	4.50	%	$	563,958	6.50	%
Busey Bank	$	1,365,033	15.79	%	$	389,113	4.50	%	$	562,052	6.50	%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,240,919	14.30	%	$	520,577	6.00	%	$	694,103	8.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,365,033	15.79	%	$	518,817	6.00	%	$	691,756	8.00	%

Total capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,557,137	17.95	%	$	694,103	8.00	%	$	867,628	10.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,456,250	16.84	%	$	691,756	8.00	%	$	864,695	10.00	%

Leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets
First Busey	$	1,240,919	10.46	%	$	474,678	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Busey Bank	$	1,365,033	11.53	%	$	473,422	4.00	%	$	591,777	5.00	%

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Actual				Minimum Capital Requirement				Minimum To Be Well Capitalized
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,155,973	13.09	%	$	397,331	4.50	%	$	573,923	6.50	%
Busey Bank	$	1,362,962	15.48	%	$	396,128	4.50	%	$	572,185	6.50	%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,229,973	13.93	%	$	529,775	6.00	%	$	706,367	8.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,362,962	15.48	%	$	528,171	6.00	%	$	704,228	8.00	%

Total capital to risk weighted assets
First Busey	$	1,540,318	17.44	%	$	706,367	8.00	%	$	882,958	10.00	%
Busey Bank	$	1,448,307	16.45	%	$	704,228	8.00	%	$	880,285	10.00	%

Leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets
First Busey	$	1,229,973	10.08	%	$	488,315	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Busey Bank	$	1,362,962	11.19	%	$	487,103	4.00	%	$	608,879	5.00	%

Capital Conservation Buffer

In July 2013, U.S. federal banking authorities approved the Basel III Rule for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Rule introduced a capital conservation buffer, composed entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital, which is added to the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is not a minimum capital requirement; however, banking institutions with a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments based on the amount of the shortfall. In order to refrain from restrictions on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments, banking institutions must maintain minimum ratios of (1) common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0%, (2) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, and (3) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 8. TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

Busey has invested in certain tax-advantaged projects promoting affordable housing, new markets, and historic rehabilitation. These investments are designed to generate returns primarily though the realization of federal and state income tax credits and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These investments are considered to be variable interest entities, and are accounted for under the equity, deferral, or proportional amortization practical expedient methods, as appropriate. Busey is not required to consolidate variable interest entities in which it has concluded it does not have a controlling financial interest, and is not the primary beneficiary. Busey’s maximum exposure to loss related to its investments in these unconsolidated variable interest entities is limited to the carrying amount of the investment, net of any unfunded capital commitments and previously recorded tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level. Busey believes potential losses from these investments are remote.

In addition, Busey has private equity investments, which are primarily in funds that invest in small businesses across diverse sectors including, but not limited to, financial technology, business services, manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, software as a service, and environmental, or supporting the preservation of affordable housing.

Busey’s investments in these unconsolidated entities and related unfunded investment obligations are reflected in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), and are summarized in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


		As of
	Location	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Funded investments	Other assets	$	64,516	$	68,516
Unfunded investments	Other assets	56,362		58,552
Investments in unconsolidated entities		$	120,878	$	127,068

Unfunded investment obligations	Other liabilities	$	56,362	$	58,552

Upon adoption of ASU 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, Busey elected to apply the proportional amortization method in accounting for investments in tax-advantaged projects. Income tax credits and other tax benefits, net of investment amortization, were included as a component of our estimated annual effective tax rate used for the calculation of income taxes presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited). These income tax credits and other benefits, along with the investment amortization, are presented in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024

Tax effects of investments in tax-advantaged projects
Income tax credits and other tax benefits		$	4,101
Amortization of investments in tax-advantaged projects		3,647

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Options

Busey has outstanding stock options assumed from acquisitions. A summary of the status of, and changes in, the Company's stock option awards for the three months ended March 31, 2024, follows:


Options	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2023	21,266	$	23.53	2.88 years

Forfeited	(880)	23.53

Outstanding at March 31, 2024	20,386	23.53		2.63 years

Exercisable at March 31, 2024	20,386	23.53		2.63 years

2020 Equity Plan

The 2020 Equity Plan was originally approved by stockholders at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A description of the 2020 Equity Plan, as originally approved, can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 9, 2020. An amendment and restatement of the 2020 Equity Plan was approved by stockholders at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Terms of the amended and restated 2020 Equity Plan are substantially identical to those of the originally approved 2020 Equity Plan, other than a 1,350,000 increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan. More information can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 14, 2023.

Busey has granted RSU, PSU, and DSU awards under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan. Upon vesting and delivery, shares are expected, though not required, to be issued from treasury stock. There were 1,333,769 shares available for issuance under the 2020 Equity Plan as of March 31, 2024.

A description of RSU, PSU, and DSU awards granted in 2024 under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan is provided below. Further information related to awards granted in prior years has been presented in the Annual Reports previously filed with the SEC corresponding to the year of each award grant.

RSU Awards

Busey grants RSU awards to members of management periodically throughout the year. RSU awards are stock-based awards for which vesting is conditional upon meeting established service criteria. Each RSU is equivalent to one share of Busey’s common stock. Busey’s RSUs have requisite service periods ranging from one year to five years, and are subject to accelerated vesting upon eligible retirement from Busey. Recipients earn quarterly dividend equivalents on their respective RSUs, which entitle the recipients to additional units. Therefore, dividends earned each quarter compound based upon the updated unit balances.

On March 20, 2024, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 189,179 RSUs to members of management. The grant date fair value of the award was $4.4 million, which will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period ranging from one year to five years. The terms of these awards included an accelerated vesting provision upon eligible retirement from Busey, after a one-year minimum requisite service period. Subsequent to the requisite service period, the awards will become 100% vested.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

A summary of changes in Busey’s RSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2024, is as follows:


RSU Awards	Shares	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2023	1,041,444	$	22.05
Granted	189,179	23.35
Dividend equivalents earned	10,219	24.46
Vested	(7,681)	23.23
Forfeited	(5,347)	23.38
Nonvested at March 31, 2024	1,227,814	22.25

PSU Awards

Busey grants PSU awards to members of management periodically throughout the year. PSU awards are stock-based awards for which vesting is conditional upon meeting established performance criteria. Each PSU is equivalent to one share of Busey’s common stock. The number of PSUs that ultimately vest will be determined based on the extent to which market or other performance goals are achieved. Busey’s PSUs are subject to accelerated service-based vesting conditions upon eligible retirement from Busey. After performance determination, dividend equivalents are compounded based upon the updated PSU balances at each dividend date during the performance period.

On March 20, 2024, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted a target of 94,604 PSUs with a maximum award of 151,366 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0% to 160% of the initial grant, depending on attaining a market-based total stockholder return performance goal. The estimated grant date fair value of the award was $2.2 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2026. Busey expects to finalize the grant date fair value of these awards in the second quarter of 2024.

On March 20, 2024, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted a target of 94,604 PSUs with a maximum award of 151,366 units. The actual number of units issued at the vesting date could range from 0% to 160% of the initial grant, depending on attaining an adjusted return on average tangible common equity performance goal. The grant date fair value of the award was $2.2 million, which will be recognized in compensation expense over the performance period ending December 31, 2026. The actual amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards may vary, subject to achievement of the performance goal.

A summary of changes in Busey’s PSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2024, is as follows:


PSU Awards	Shares1	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2023	341,700	$	22.67
Granted	189,208	23.35
Dividend equivalents earned2	4,264	22.95
Vested2	(4,264)	22.95
Forfeited	(1,754)	22.76

Nonvested at March 31, 2024	529,154	$	22.91

___________________________________________

1.Shares for PSU awards represent target shares at the grant date.

2.PSUs granted in 2021 vested on December 31, 2023, with performance determination and settlement activity in the first quarter of 2024. Final performance was determined to be at 50% of target.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

DSU Awards

Busey grants DSU awards to its directors and advisory directors. DSU awards are stock-based awards with a deferred settlement date. Each DSU is equivalent to one share of Busey’s common stock. DSUs vest over a one-year period following the grant date. Under the 2020 Equity Plan, DSUs are generally subject to the same terms as RSUs, except that following vesting of DSUs, settlement occurs within 30 days following the earlier of separation from the board or a change in control of the Company. After vesting and prior to delivery, DSUs will continue to earn dividend equivalents.

On March 20, 2024, under the terms of the 2020 Equity Plan, Busey granted 35,847 DSUs to directors and advisory directors. The grant date fair value of the award totaled $0.8 million and will be recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period of one year. Subsequent to the requisite service period, the awards will become 100% vested.

A summary of changes in Busey’s DSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2024, is as follows:


DSU Awards	Shares	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2023	43,026	$	20.41
Granted	35,847	23.35
Dividend equivalents earned	1,836	24.46
Vested	(44,862)	20.57

Nonvested at March 31, 2024	35,847	23.35

Vested and outstanding at March 31, 2024	189,000	22.82

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The First Busey Corporation 2021 ESPP was approved at Busey’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and details can be found in Appendix A within Busey’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2021. The purpose of the 2021 ESPP is to provide a means through which our employees may acquire a proprietary interest in Busey by purchasing shares of our common stock at a 15% discount through voluntary payroll deductions, to assist us in retaining the services of our employees and securing and retaining the services of new employees, and to provide incentives for our employees to exert maximum efforts toward our success.

The 2021 ESPP initially reserved for issuance and purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of Busey’s common stock. The first offering under the 2021 ESPP began on July 1, 2021. There were 429,074 shares available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP as of March 31, 2024.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

Busey did not record any stock option compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, or 2023. Busey did not have any unrecognized stock option compensation expense as of March 31, 2024.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Busey recognized compensation expense related to nonvested RSU, PSU, and DSU awards, as well as the 2021 ESPP, as summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Stock-based compensation expense

RSU awards	$	894	$	1,020
PSU awards1	1,210		360
DSU awards	215		196
2021 ESPP	84		93
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,403	$	1,669

___________________________________________

1.Expense for PSU awards with a market-based total stockholder return performance goal represents amounts based on target shares at the grant date. Expense for PSU awards with return on average tangible common equity and compounded annual revenue growth rate performance goals represents amounts based on target shares at the grant date, adjusted for performance expectations as of the date indicated.

Unamortized compensation expense related to nonvested RSU, PSU, and DSU awards is summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Unamortized stock-based compensation
RSU awards	$	10,259	$	6,842
PSU awards1	8,743		3,607
DSU awards	812		190
Total unamortized stock-based compensation	$	19,814	$	10,639

Weighted average period over which expense is to be recognized	2.7 years		2.4 years

___________________________________________

1.Unamortized expense for PSU awards with a market-based total stockholder return performance goal represents amounts based on target shares at grant date. Unamortized expense for PSU awards with return on average tangible common equity and compounded annual revenue growth rate performance goals represents amounts based on target shares at grant date, adjusted for performance expectations as of the date indicated.

NOTE 10. OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Legal Matters

Busey is a party to legal actions which arise in the normal course of its business activities. Legal and administrative proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and while unfavorable outcomes could occur, Busey does not believe at this time that any potential liabilities relating to pending or potential legal matters are likely to have a material impact on Busey's results of operations or financial position.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Credit Commitments and Contingencies

A summary of the contractual amount of Busey’s exposure to off-balance-sheet risk relating to the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk
Commitments to extend credit	$	2,118,621	$	2,132,500
Standby letters of credit	46,967		43,996
Total commitments	$	2,165,588	$	2,176,496

Franchise Tax Matter

In 2021, Busey received an inquiry from the Illinois Secretary of State (“ISOS”), pursuant to which the ISOS asked for additional information regarding certain of our franchise tax filings and the calculation of amounts due thereunder. The franchise tax is established by the Illinois Business Corporation Act (“BCA”) 805 ILCS 5/1 et seq., and is a tax imposed on foreign and domestic corporations for the privilege of conducting business in Illinois. Busey has been cooperating with the inquiry and has agreed to prepare additional BCA forms requested by the ISOS, with a full reservation of rights by Busey, including seeking judicial relief, if necessary, with respect to any potential dispute regarding Busey’s preparation of the BCA forms and the calculation of the franchise taxes due. Where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, as is the case with this matter, no accrual is required. It is reasonably possible that this matter could require us to pay additional taxes, including potential penalties and interest, or make other expenditures or accrue liabilities in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated as of March 31, 2024. If the likelihood of potential liabilities elevates, requiring an accrual, the potential future liabilities could be material in the period(s) in which they are recorded.

NOTE 11. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Busey utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. Additionally, Busey enters into derivative financial instruments, including interest rate lock commitments issued to residential loan customers for loans that will be held for sale; forward sales commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to investors; and interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements, and foreign currency exchange contracts with customers and other third parties. See “Note 12: Fair Value Measurements” for further discussion of the fair value measurement of such derivatives.

To secure its obligations under derivative contracts, Busey pledged cash and held collateral as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash pledged to secure obligations under derivative contracts	$	34,210	$	34,210
Collateral held to secure obligations under derivative contracts	24,860		19,280

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges

Busey entered into derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. For a derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $450.0 million as of March 31, 2024, and $350.0 million as of December 31, 2023, were designated as cash flow hedges. Busey entered into one $50.0 million interest rate swap to hedge the risks of variability in cash flows for future interest payments attributable to changes in the 3-month CME Term SOFR benchmark interest rate on Busey’s junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts (Debt Swap). In addition, Busey entered into one $300.0 million receive fixed pay floating interest rate swap to reduce Busey’s asset sensitivity (Prime Loan Swap). Duration was added to our loan portfolio by fixing a portion of floating prime-based loans. Interest rates had risen above their historical lows allowing Busey to lock in a portion of its loan portfolio to reduce asset sensitivity while creating a more stable margin in a volatile rate market. These hedges were determined to be highly effective during the period, and Busey expects its hedges to remain highly effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. Further, in 2024 Busey entered into one $100.0 million one year forward-starting SOFR-based receive-fixed pay-floating interest rate swap, with an effective date of March 5, 2025, to reduce Busey’s asset sensitivity (SOFR Loan Swap). Changes in fair value were recorded net of tax in OCI.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

A summary of the interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges is presented below (dollars in thousands):


		As of
	Location	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Debt Swap
Notional amount		$	50,000		$	50,000
Weighted average fixed pay rates		1.79		%	1.79		%
Weighted average variable 3-month Fallback Rate (SOFR) receive rates		5.62		%	5.61		%
Weighted average maturity		0.46 years			0.71 years

Prime Loan Swap
Notional amount		$	300,000		$	300,000
Weighted average fixed receive rates		4.81		%	4.81		%
Weighted average variable Prime pay rates		8.50		%	8.50		%
Weighted average maturity		4.85 years			5.10 years

SOFR Loan Swap
Notional amount		$	100,000		$	—
Weighted average fixed receive rates		3.72		%	—

Weighted average maturity		4.93 years			—

Gross aggregate fair value of the swaps
Gross aggregate fair value of swap assets	Other assets	$	1,178		$	1,293
Gross aggregate fair value of swap liabilities	Other liabilities	30,303			25,411

Balances carried in AOCI
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	AOCI	$	(20,272)		$	(16,694)

Busey expects to reclassify unrealized gains and losses from OCI to interest income and interest expense as shown in the following table, during the next 12 months (dollars in thousands). Amounts actually recognized could differ from these expectations due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to March 31, 2024.


	As of March 31, 2024
Unrealized gains (losses) in OCI expected to be recognized in income
Unrealized losses expected to be reclassified from OCI to interest income	$	(952)
Unrealized gains expected to be reclassified from OCI to interest expense	483
Net unrealized gains (losses) in OCI expected to be recognized in net interest income	$	(469)

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Interest expense recorded on these swap transactions was as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Interest on swap transactions
Increase (decrease) in interest income on swap transactions		$	(2,796)	$	(2,192)
(Increase) decrease in interest expense on swap transactions		483		383
Net increase (decrease) in net interest income on swap transactions		$	(2,313)	$	(1,809)

The following table reflects the net gains (losses) relating to cash flow derivative instruments that were recorded in AOCI and the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) during the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Net gain (loss) recognized in OCI, net of tax		$	(5,232)	$	3,050
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest income, net of tax		1,999		1,567
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest expense, net of tax		(345)		(274)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax		$	(3,578)	$	4,343

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges

Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedges

Busey may offer derivative contracts to its customers in connection with their risk management needs. Busey manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into equal and offsetting derivative agreements with third-party dealers. These contracts supported variable rate, commercial loan relationships totaling $678.3 million as of March 31, 2024, and $663.1 million as of December 31, 2023. These derivatives generally worked together as an economic interest rate hedge, but Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Amounts and fair values of derivative assets and liabilities related to customer interest rate swaps recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Derivative Asset				Derivative Liability
	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate swaps – pay floating, receive fixed	$	71,472	$	868	$	606,862	$	33,552
Interest rate swaps – pay fixed, receive floating	606,862		33,552		71,472		868
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	678,334	$	34,420	$	678,334	$	34,420

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Derivative Asset				Derivative Liability
	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate swaps – pay floating, receive fixed	$	177,883	$	2,375	$	485,253	$	26,289
Interest rate swaps – pay fixed, receive floating	485,253		26,289		177,883		2,375
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	663,136	$	28,664	$	663,136	$	28,664

Changes in fair value of these derivative assets and liabilities were recorded in noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) and are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Location		2024		2023
Interest rate swaps
Pay floating, receive fixed	Noninterest expense		$	5,480	$	(7,667)
Pay fixed, receive floating	Noninterest expense		(5,480)		7,667
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps			$	—	$	—

Risk Participation Agreements

To manage the credit risk exposure related to customer-facing swaps, Busey entered into risk participation agreements in conjunction with loan participation arrangements with other financial institutions. Under these risk participation agreements, Busey purchased a portion of the credit exposure, paying an up-front fee, and will receive a payment from the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligations.

Busey also entered into a risk participation agreement under which Busey sold a portion of its credit exposure, receiving an up-front fee, and will be required to make a payment to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligations.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The notional amount of the risk participation agreements reflect Busey's pro-rata share of the derivative instrument, consistent with its share of the related participated loan. The risk participation agreements mature between June 2024 and January 2029, and are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Risk participation agreements purchased
Number of risk participation agreements	4		3
Notional amount	$	35,097	$	34,251
Fair value	9		15

Risk participation agreements sold
Number of risk participation agreements	1		1
Notional amount	$	20,001	20,001
Fair value	—		—

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

Interest rate lock commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), with changes in the fair values of the corresponding derivative financial assets or liabilities recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Forward Sales Commitments

Busey economically hedges mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments issued to its residential loan customers related to loans that will be held for sale by obtaining corresponding forward sales commitments with an investor to sell the loans at an agreed-upon price at the time the interest rate locks are issued to the customers. Forward sales commitments that meet the definition of derivative financial instruments under ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” are carried at their fair values in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited). While such forward sales commitments generally served as an economic hedge to mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments, Busey did not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Amounts and fair values of mortgage banking derivatives included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


		As of March 31, 2024				As of December 31, 2023
	Location	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
Mortgage banking derivative assets
Interest rate lock commitments	Other assets	$	9,123	$	133	$	3,477	$	25
Forward sales commitments	Other assets	2,772		9		1,761		11
Mortgage banking derivative assets		$	11,895	$	142	$	5,238	$	36

Mortgage banking derivative liabilities
Interest rate lock commitments	Other liabilities	$	268	$	3	$	1,615	$	10
Forward sales commitments	Other liabilities	6,619		51		5,216		47
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities		$	6,887	$	54	$	6,831	$	57

Gains (losses) relating to these derivative instruments are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Location		2024		2023
Gains (losses)
Interest rate lock commitments	Mortgage revenue		$	267	$	37
Forward sales commitments	Mortgage revenue		9		(54)
Interest rate lock commitments	Other expense		5		—
Forward sales commitments	Other expense		51		—

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received by selling that asset or paid in transferring that liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement” establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

•Level 1 Inputs—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

•Level 2 Inputs—Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

•Level 3 Inputs—Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to Busey’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, when available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar securities for which significant assumptions are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect, among other things, counterparty credit quality and the company's creditworthiness as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. While management believes Busey's valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Debt Securities Available for Sale

Debt securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. Busey obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The independent pricing service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service applies available information to prepare evaluations, with a focus on observable market data such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing.

The independent pricing service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model, to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. Models and processes take into account market conventions. For each asset class, a team of evaluators gathers information from market sources and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements, and sector news into the evaluated pricing applications and models.

Market inputs that the independent pricing service normally seeks for evaluations of securities, listed in approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. The independent pricing service also monitors market indicators, industry, and economic events. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used or some of the market inputs may not be applicable. Evaluators may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the evaluation process for each security evaluation on a given day. Because the data utilized was observable, the securities have been classified as Level 2.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Equity Securities

Equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements of mutual funds, when held, are determined using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date and are classified as Level 1. Fair value measurements of stock utilize quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and are classified as Level 2.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

Busey’s derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 or Level 3 inputs. Fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined based on prices that are obtained from a third-party which uses observable market inputs and, with the exception of our risk participation agreements, are classified as Level 2. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, derivative assets related to our risk participation agreements are classified as Level 3.

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	—	$	742	$	—	$	742
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	—		5,743		—		5,743
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—		150,926		—		150,926
Asset-backed securities	—		461,698		—		461,698
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		92,563		—		92,563
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		1,021,733		—		1,021,733
Corporate debt securities	—		164,667		—		164,667
Equity securities	—		9,790		—		9,790
Derivative assets	—		35,740		9		35,749
Derivative liabilities	—		64,777		—		64,777

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	—	$	15,946	$	—	$	15,946
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	—		5,832		—		5,832
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—		172,845		—		172,845
Asset-backed securities	—		468,223		—		468,223
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		103,509		—		103,509
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		1,111,312		—		1,111,312
Corporate debt securities	—		209,904		—		209,904
Equity securities	448		9,364		—		9,812
Derivative assets	—		29,993		15		30,008
Derivative liabilities	—		54,132		—		54,132

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

Loans Evaluated Individually

Busey does not record portfolio loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, a loan is evaluated individually and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If the collateral value is not sufficient, a specific reserve is recorded. Collateral values are estimated using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of individually evaluated collateral dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.

Bank Property Held for Sale

Bank property held for sale represents certain banking center office buildings which Busey has closed and consolidated with other existing banking centers. Bank property held for sale is measured at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair values were based upon discounted appraisals or real estate listing prices. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of all bank property held for sale have been classified as Level 3.

The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the periods presented, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024
	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance	$	—	$	—	$	3,422	$	3,422

Bank property held for sale with impairment	—		—		4,238		4,238

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	As of December 31, 2023
	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance	$	—	$	—	$	1,000	$	1,000

Bank property held for sale with impairment	—		—		4,286		4,286

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands):

As of March 31, 2024

Fair Value

Valuation
Techniques

Unobservable
Input

Range
(Weighted Average)

Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance

3,422

Appraisal of collateral

Appraisal adjustments

-25.0% to -100.0%

(-68.7)%

Bank property held for sale with impairment

4,238

Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price

Appraisal adjustments

-9.0% to -64.9%

(-39.1)%

As of December 31, 2023

Fair Value

Valuation
Techniques

Unobservable
Input

Range
(Weighted Average)

Loans evaluated individually, net of related allowance

1,000

Appraisal of collateral

Appraisal adjustments

-41.2% to -100.0%

(-47.2)%

Bank property held for sale with impairment

4,286

Appraisal of collateral or real estate listing price

Appraisal adjustments

-6.2% to -64.9%

(-38.4)%

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities That Are Not Carried at Fair Value

Estimated fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in Busey’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value, were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024				As of December 31, 2023
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets
Level 1 inputs:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	591,071	$	591,071	$	719,581	$	719,581
Level 2 inputs:
Debt securities held to maturity	862,218		713,031		872,628		730,397
Loans held for sale	6,827		6,834		2,379		2,401
Accrued interest receivable	46,530		46,530		45,288		45,288
Level 3 inputs:
Portfolio loans, net	7,496,515		7,293,871		7,559,294		7,276,905
Mortgage servicing rights	989		5,468		3,289		18,079
Other servicing rights	1,573		2,008		1,597		2,062

Financial liabilities
Level 2 inputs:
Time deposits	$	1,577,178	$	1,559,643	$	1,819,274	$	1,804,905
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,175		147,175		187,396		187,396
Short-term borrowings	—		—		12,000		12,034
Long-term debt	—		—		18,000		18,020
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	72,040		58,776		71,993		57,153
Accrued interest payable	26,707		26,707		28,418		28,418
Level 3 inputs:

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	223,100		204,750		222,882		200,000

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which include DSUs that are vested but not delivered. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if Busey’s outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised, stock units were vested, and ESPP shares were issued.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net income		$	26,225	$	36,786

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic		55,416,589		55,397,989
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents:

Warrants		—		1,296
RSU awards		653,437		651,777
PSU awards		293,389		90,645
DSU awards		33,481		24,345
2021 ESPP		9,604		13,554
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted		56,406,500		56,179,606

Basic earnings per common share		$	0.47	$	0.66
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.46	$	0.65

Average shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive are summarized in the table below for the periods presented:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024	2023
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents
Options		20,386	22,806


PSU awards		108,671	265,459

Total anti-dilutive common stock equivalents		129,057	288,265

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables present changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024						2023
	Before Tax		Tax Effect		Net of Tax		Before Tax		Tax Effect		Net of Tax
Unrealized/Unrecognized gains (losses) on debt securities
Balance at beginning of period	$	(282,688)	$	80,579	$	(202,109)	$	(352,878)	$	100,585	$	(252,293)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale, net	(7,947)		2,266		(5,681)		30,693		(8,749)		21,944

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	6,802		(1,939)		4,863		(4)		1		(3)
Amortization of unrecognized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity	1,411		(402)		1,009		1,693		(483)		1,210
Balance at end of period	(282,422)		80,504		(201,918)		(320,496)		91,354		(229,142)

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Balance at beginning of period	(23,348)		6,654		(16,694)		(29,350)		8,365		(20,985)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net	(7,318)		2,086		(5,232)		4,264		(1,214)		3,050
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net	2,313		(659)		1,654		1,809		(516)		1,293
Balance at end of period	(28,353)		8,081		(20,272)		(23,277)		6,635		(16,642)

Total AOCI	$	(310,775)	$	88,585	$	(222,190)	$	(343,773)	$	97,989	$	(245,784)

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 15. OPERATING SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

Busey has three reportable operating segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and FirsTech. Busey’s three operating segments are strategic business units that are separately managed, as they offer different products and services and have different marketing strategies.

The Banking Operating Segment

The Banking operating segment provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through First Busey Corporation’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Busey Bank, with 58 banking centers in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Banking services offered to individual customers include customary types of demand and savings deposits, money transfers, safe deposit services, individual retirement accounts and other fiduciary services, automated teller machines, and technology-based networks, as well as a variety of loan products including residential real estate, home equity lines of credit, and consumer loans. Banking services offered to corporate customers include commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction, and agricultural loans, as well as commercial depository services such as cash management.

The Wealth Management Operating Segment

The Wealth Management operating segment provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations. Services are provided through Busey Capital Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Busey Bank, and Busey Wealth Management, a division of Busey Bank.

Wealth management services tailored to individuals include trust and estate advisory services and financial planning. Business services include business succession planning and employee retirement plan services. Services for foundations include investment strategy consulting and fiduciary services.

The FirsTech Operating Segment

The FirsTech operating segment provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions through Busey Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FirsTech. FirsTech's multi-channel payment platform allows businesses to collect payments from their customers in a variety of ways to enable fast, frictionless payments. Payment method vehicles include, but are not limited to, text-based mobile bill pay; interactive voice response; electronic payment concentration delivered to Automated Clearing House networks, money management, and credit card networks; walk-in payment processing for customers at retail pay agents; customer service payments made over a telephone; direct debit services; and lockbox remittance processing for customers to make payments by mail. FirsTech also provides additional tools to help clients with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services.

FirsTech's client base represents a diverse set of industries, with a higher concentration in highly regulated industries, such as financial institutions, utility, insurance, and telecommunications industries.

Segment Financial Information

The segment financial information provided below has been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage Busey’s financial performance. The accounting policies of the three operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies” of Busey’s 2023 Annual Report. Busey accounts for intersegment revenue and transfers at current market value.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Following is a summary of selected financial information for Busey’s operating segments. The “other” category included in the tables below consists of the parent company, First Busey Risk Management, Inc. until its dissolution on December 18, 2023, and the elimination of intercompany transactions (dollars in thousands):


	Goodwill				Total Assets
	As of				As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Operating segment
Banking	$	294,773	$	294,773	$	11,722,919	$	12,125,298
Wealth Management	14,108		14,108		107,251		103,147
FirsTech	8,992		8,992		50,643		51,600
Other	—		—		6,645		3,370
Consolidated total	$	317,873	$	317,873	$	11,887,458	$	12,283,415

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net interest income
Banking		$	79,533	$	89,890

FirsTech		13		13
Other		(3,779)		(4,046)
Total net interest income		$	75,767	$	85,857

Noninterest income
Banking		$	13,472	$	12,421
Wealth Management		15,712		14,926
FirsTech		5,971		5,674
Other		(155)		(1,173)
Total noninterest income		$	35,000	$	31,848

Noninterest expense
Banking		$	52,387	$	54,651
Wealth Management		9,136		8,534
FirsTech		5,866		5,739
Other		3,380		1,479
Total noninterest expense		$	70,769	$	70,403

Income before income taxes
Banking		$	35,580	$	46,707
Wealth Management		6,576		6,392
FirsTech		118		(52)
Other		(7,314)		(6,698)
Total income before income taxes		$	34,960	$	46,349

Net income
Banking		$	26,492	$	36,835
Wealth Management		4,998		4,858
FirsTech		86		(38)
Other		(5,351)		(4,869)
Total net income		$	26,225	$	36,786

NOTE 16. ACQUISITION

Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Corporation

Effective April 1, 2024, Busey completed its previously announced acquisition of M&M, pursuant to which Busey acquired M&M and its wholly-owned subsidiary, M&M Bank, through a merger transaction. This partnership adds M&M’s Life Equity Loan® products to Busey’s existing suite of services and expands Busey’s presence in the suburban Chicago market.

Table of Contents

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Busey will operate M&M Bank as a separate banking subsidiary of Busey until it is merged with Busey Bank, which is expected to occur in June 2024. At the time of the bank merger, M&M Bank’s banking centers will become banking centers of Busey Bank, except for M&M’s banking center located at 990 Essington Rd., Joliet, Illinois, which is expected to be closed in connection with the bank merger.

At the effective time of the Merger, each share of M&M common stock converted to the right to receive, at the election of each stockholder and subject to proration and adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement, either (1) $117.74 in cash (“Cash Election”), (2) 5.7294 shares of Busey common stock (“Share Election”), or (3) mixed consideration of $34.55 in cash and 4.0481 shares of Busey common stock (“Mixed Election”).

Most of the M&M common stockholders who submitted an election form by the election deadline made the Share Election to receive their Merger consideration solely in the form of shares of Busey common stock. As a result of the elections of M&M common stockholders, and in accordance with the proration and adjustment provisions of the Merger Agreement, the Merger consideration paid to M&M common stockholders was comprised of an aggregate of approximately 1,429,304 shares of Busey common stock and an aggregate of approximately $12.2 million in cash, allocated as follows for each share of M&M stock: (1) $117.74 in cash for the Cash Election, (2) $5.3966 in cash and 5.4668 shares of Busey common stock for the Share Election, and (3) $34.55 in cash and 4.0481 shares of Busey common stock for the Mixed Election. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, M&M common stockholders that did not make an election or submit a properly completed election form by the election deadline of March 29, 2024, received cash consideration of $117.74 for each share of M&M common stock held. No fractional shares of Busey common stock were issued in the Merger. Fractional shares were paid in cash at the rate of $23.32 per share.

This transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged was recorded at estimated fair values on April 1, 2024, the date of acquisition. Fair values will be subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date as additional information regarding the closing date fair values becomes available. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, Busey incurred $0.3 million in pre-tax acquisition expenses, comprised primarily of legal expenses, related to the acquisition of M&M.

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Contents of Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


SCOPE OF DISCUSSION			64
BUSINESS			64
Banking Center Markets			64
Busey's Conservative Banking Strategy			64
Acquisition			65
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024			66
Net Income			66
Operating Performance Metrics			66
Net Interest Income			67
Noninterest Income			71
Busey executed a two-part balance sheet repositioning strategy.”			72
Noninterest Expense			73
FINANCIAL CONDITION			75
Balance Sheet			75
Portfolio Loans			75
Deposits			81
Liquidity			82
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements			83
Capital Resources			83
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION			84
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			92
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES			92
Fair Value of Debt Securities Available for Sale			93
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations			93
Goodwill			94
Income Taxes			94
Allowance for Credit Losses			94

Table of Contents

SCOPE OF DISCUSSION

The following discussion and analysis are intended to assist readers in understanding Busey’s financial condition and results of operations during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) and the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) included in this Quarterly Report, as well as our 2023 Annual Report.

BUSINESS

First Busey Corporation is a $11.9 billion financial holding company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

Our three operating segments provide a full range of banking, wealth management, and payment technology solutions through our subsidiaries, Busey Bank and FirsTech, in Illinois; the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area; southwest Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Banking Center Markets

Busey Bank serves the Illinois banking market with 46 banking centers, including 21 located within central Illinois, 13 located within the suburban Chicago market, and 12 located within the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area. Our Illinois markets feature several Fortune 1000 companies. Those organizations, coupled with large healthcare and higher education sectors, anchor the communities in which they are located and have provided a comparatively stable foundation for housing, employment, and small business.

Busey Bank has eight banking centers in Missouri. St. Louis, Missouri has a diverse economy with major employment sectors including health care, financial services, professional and business services, and retail. We have a total of 20 banking centers within the boundaries of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, including branches in both Illinois and Missouri.

Busey Bank has three banking centers in southwest Florida, an area which has experienced strong population growth, job growth, and an expanded housing market, as well as the benefits of a tourism and winter resort economy.

Busey Bank has one banking center in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, which is the most populous city of Indiana with a diverse economy, due in part to it serving as the headquarters of many large corporations.

Busey's Conservative Banking Strategy

Busey’s financial strength is built on a long-term conservative operating approach. The quality of our core deposit franchise is a critical value driver of our institution. Busey remains substantially core deposit1 funded, with robust liquidity and significant market share in the communities we serve. As of March 31, 2024, our loan to deposit ratio was 76.2% and core deposits represented 96.7% of total deposits. Furthermore, we have sufficient on- and off-balance sheet liquidity to manage deposit fluctuations and the liquidity needs of our customers.

Our credit performance reflects our highly diversified, conservatively underwritten loan portfolio, which has been originated predominantly to established customers with tenured relationships with Busey. Our approach to lending and our underwriting standards are designed to emphasize relationship banking rather than transactional banking. In addition, as a matter of both policy and practice, we limit concentration exposures in any particular loan segment. As a result, asset quality remains strong by both Busey’s historical and current industry trends.

1 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

Table of Contents

Busey’s conservative banking strategy is reflected in the strength of our capital base. We strive to consistently maintain capital ratios well in excess of thresholds required to be designated as well capitalized by applicable regulatory guidelines, thereby ensuring financial strength and flexibility across economic and operating cycles. At March 31, 2024, our leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 10.5%, our common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 13.4%, and our total capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 17.9%.

Acquisition

For additional information, see “Note 16. Acquisition.”

Busey executed a two-part balance sheet repositioning strategy

During the first quarter of 2024, Busey sold the mortgage servicing rights on approximately $923.5 million of one- to four-family mortgage loans for an estimated pre-tax gain of $7.5 million, which enabled us to sell available-for-sale investment securities with a book value of approximately $108.2 million for a pre-tax loss of $6.8 million with no resulting impact to tangible capital.

At the time of the sale, the securities sold yielded a weighted average rate of 1.98% and had a weighted-average life of 2.3 years. Proceeds from the repositioning were deposited into an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve yielding 5.40%. Busey anticipates reinvesting the proceeds into higher yielding organic growth opportunities over time.

The increased net interest spread as a result of the two-part repositioning is expected to increase net interest income by approximately $3.3 million on an annualized basis and improve the net interest margin run rate by 3 basis points. In addition, execution of these transactions further bolsters Busey’s liquidity position and balance sheet flexibility, while also strengthening its capital position.

In combination, the gain generated from the sale of mortgage servicing rights and the loss generated from the sale of securities had an immediate positive impact on consolidated stockholders’ equity and book value per share. Risk-based regulatory capital ratios increased modestly as a result of the repositioning proceeds rotating into lower risk-weighted assets. Busey expects the above transactions to be accretive to capital and earnings per share in future periods.

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024

Net Income

Results of our operations are presented below, segregated by operating segment (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net income by operating segment
Banking		$	26,492	$	36,835
Wealth Management		4,998		4,858
FirsTech		86		(38)
Other		(5,351)		(4,869)
Net income		$	26,225	$	36,786

Operating Performance Metrics

Operating performance metrics presented in the table below have been derived from information used by management to monitor and manage Busey’s financial performance (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):


		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024			2023
Reported:	Net income		$	26,225		$	36,786
Adjusted:	Net income1		$	26,531		$	36,786

Reported:	Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.46		$	0.65
Adjusted:	Diluted earnings per common share1		$	0.47		$	0.65

Reported:	Return on average assets2		0.88		%	1.22		%
Adjusted:	Return on average assets1, 2		0.89		%	1.22		%

Reported:	Return on average tangible common equity1, 2		11.43		%	18.48		%
Adjusted:	Return on average tangible common equity1, 2		11.56		%	18.48		%

Reported:	Pre-provision net revenue1		$	46,373		$	47,918
Adjusted:	Pre-provision net revenue1		$	38,638		$	49,504

Reported:	Pre-provision net revenue to average assets1, 2		1.55		%	1.58		%
Adjusted:	Pre-provision net revenue to average assets1, 2		1.29		%	1.64		%

___________________________________________

1.A non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

2.Annualized measure.

Table of Contents

Non-Operating Expenses and Non-GAAP Measures

Busey views certain non-operating items, including acquisition-related and restructuring charges, as adjustments to net income reported under GAAP. Non-operating pretax adjustments were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Non-operating costs
Acquisition related expenses1		$	285	$	—
Restructuring charges2		123		—
Total non-operating costs		$	408	$	—

___________________________________________

1.Acquisition expenses related to the acquisition of M&M, which was completed on April 1, 2024.

2.Restructuring charges related to previously disclosed restructuring and efficiency plans.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, which Busey believes facilitates the assessment of its financial results and peer comparability, is included in tabular form in this Quarterly Report. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income and fees earned on earning assets and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate levels and volume fluctuations within earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impact net interest income. Net interest margin is tax-equivalent net interest income as a percent of average earning assets.

Certain assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. Tax favorable assets generally have lower contractual pre-tax yields than fully taxable assets. A tax-equivalent analysis is performed by adding the tax savings to the earnings on tax favorable assets. After factoring in the tax favorable effects of these assets, the yields may be more appropriately evaluated against alternative earning assets. In addition to yield, various other risks are factored into the evaluation process.

Table of Contents

Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates (Unaudited)

The following tables show our unaudited consolidated average balance sheets (dollars in thousands), detailing the major categories of assets and liabilities, the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, the interest expense paid for interest-bearing liabilities, and the related interest yields for the periods shown. Average information is provided on a daily average basis.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024						2023
	Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate5		Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate5
Assets
Interest-bearing bank deposits and federal funds sold	$	488,610	$	6,471	5.33	%	$	108,051	$	988	3.71	%
Investment securities:
U.S. Government obligations	12,405		62		2.01	%	125,218		195		0.63	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1	165,446		1,147		2.79	%	254,403		1,765		2.81	%
Other securities	2,729,293		18,819		2.77	%	2,980,364		18,579		2.53	%
Loans held for sale	4,833		72		5.98	%	1,650		23		5.65	%
Portfolio loans1, 2	7,599,316		99,611		5.27	%	7,710,876		90,113		4.74	%
Total interest-earning assets1, 3	10,999,903		$	126,182	4.61	%	11,180,562		$	111,663	4.05	%

Cash and due from banks	105,583						115,145
Premises and equipment	122,291						127,094
ACL	(92,137)						(92,693)
Other assets	888,568						933,610
Total assets	$	12,024,208					$	12,263,718

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing transaction deposits	$	2,524,757	$	10,811	1.72	%	$	2,767,507	$	6,938	1.02	%
Savings and money market deposits	3,076,203		16,388		2.14	%	2,911,194		3,952		0.55	%
Time deposits	1,729,145		16,769		3.90	%	958,704		3,850		1.63	%
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements	178,659		1,372		3.09	%	230,351		1,222		2.15	%
Borrowings4	250,882		3,637		5.83	%	675,349		8,373		5.03	%
Junior subordinated debt issued to unconsolidated trusts	72,009		989		5.52	%	71,825		913		5.16	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	7,831,655		$	49,966	2.57	%	7,614,930		$	25,248	1.34	%

Net interest spread1					2.04	%					2.71	%

Noninterest-bearing deposits	2,708,586						3,272,745
Other liabilities	208,243						205,224
Stockholders’ equity	1,275,724						1,170,819
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	12,024,208					$	12,263,718

Interest income / earning assets1, 3	$	10,999,903	$	126,182	4.61	%	$	11,180,562	$	111,663	4.05	%
Interest expense / earning assets	10,999,903		49,966		1.82	%	11,180,562		25,248		0.92	%
Net interest margin1			$	76,216	2.79	%			$	86,415	3.13	%

___________________________________________

1.On a tax-equivalent basis and assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

2.Non-accrual loans have been included in average portfolio loans.

3.Interest income includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

4.Includes short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest expense includes non-usage fees on a revolving loan.

5.Annualized.

Table of Contents

Notable changes in average assets and average liabilities are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023			Change		% Change
Average interest-earning assets	$	10,999,903		$	11,180,562		$	(180,659)	(1.6)	%
Average interest-bearing liabilities	7,831,655			7,614,930			216,725		2.8	%
Average noninterest-bearing deposits	2,708,586			3,272,745			(564,159)		(17.2)	%

Total average deposits	10,038,691			9,910,150			128,541		1.3	%
Total average liabilities	10,748,484			11,092,899			(344,415)		(3.1)	%

Average noninterest-bearing deposits as a percent of total average deposits	27.0		%	33.0		%	(600) bps
Total average deposits as a percent of total average liabilities	93.4		%	89.3		%	410 bps

Changes in net interest income and net interest margin are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023			Change		% Change
Net interest income
Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis1	$	126,182		$	111,663		$	14,519	13.0	%
Interest expense	(49,966)			(25,248)			(24,718)		(97.9)	%
Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis1	$	76,216		$	86,415		$	(10,199)	(11.8)	%

Net interest margin1, 2	2.79		%	3.13		%	(34) bps

___________________________________________

1.Assuming a federal income tax rate of 21.0%. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

2.Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, stated on a tax-equivalent basis.

The FOMC raised rates by a total of 525 basis points since the onset of the current FOMC tightening cycle that began in the first quarter of 2022, with no further increases during the first quarter of 2024. Rising rates initially have a positive impact on net interest margin, as assets, in particular commercial loans, reprice more quickly and to a greater extent than liabilities. As deposit and funding costs increase in response to the tightening rate cycle, some of the net interest margin expansion is reversed. As lower yielding securities and loans have continued to mature or renew at higher current market rates, expansion in asset yields has outpaced any remaining lagged pressure on funding costs. Our deposit cost of funds peaked in the beginning of the first quarter of 2024, and we have been able to reduce interest expense by offering lower CD specials as well as applying rate management on higher priced non-maturity deposit products. We have also begun to benefit from recent actions taken to proactively bolster our net interest margin, including completion of targeted balance sheet repositionings in both the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the reversal of the wealth management sweep accounts, and the pay off of the remaining balance on our Term Loan.

Table of Contents

Net interest spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and is presented in the table below for the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net interest spread1		2.04	%	2.71	%

___________________________________________

1.Calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.

The net interest margin discussion above is based upon the results and average balances for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023. Annualized net interest margins for the quarterly periods indicated were as follows:


	2024		2023
First Quarter	2.79	%	3.13	%
Second Quarter			2.86	%
Third Quarter			2.80	%
Fourth Quarter			2.74	%

Management attempts to mitigate the effects of an unpredictable interest-rate environment through effective portfolio management, prudent loan underwriting and pricing discipline, and operational efficiencies. For a description of accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income and expense, refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Busey’s 2023 Annual Report.

Table of Contents

Noninterest Income

Changes in noninterest income are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023		Change		% Change
Noninterest income
Wealth management and payment technology solutions income:
Wealth management fees	$	15,549	$	14,797	$	752	5.1	%
Payment technology solutions	5,709		5,315		394		7.4	%
Combined, wealth management fees and payment technology solutions	21,258		20,112		1,146		5.7	%

Fees for customer services	7,056		6,819		237		3.5	%
Mortgage revenue	746		288		458		159.0	%
Income on bank owned life insurance	1,419		1,652		(233)		(14.1)	%
Realized gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights	7,465		—		7,465		NM

Securities income:
Realized net gains (losses) on securities	(6,802)		4		(6,806)		NM
Unrealized net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	427		(620)		1,047		168.9	%
Net securities gains (losses)	(6,375)		(616)		(5,759)		NM

Other income	3,431		3,593		(162)		(4.5)	%
Total noninterest income	$	35,000	$	31,848	$	3,152	9.9	%

Assets under care as of period end	$	12,762,786	$	11,208,308	$	1,554,478	13.9	%

Total noninterest income was $35.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of 9.9% from the comparable period in 2023. Total noninterest income represented 31.6% of total revenue2 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 27.1% for the comparable period in 2023.

Combined, revenues from wealth management fees and payment technology solutions represented 60.7% of Busey’s noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, providing a complement to spread-based revenue from traditional banking activities. On a combined basis, revenue from these two critical operating areas was $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 5.7% increase from the comparable period in 2023.

Wealth management fees were $15.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 5.1% increase from the comparable period in 2023. Busey’s Wealth Management division ended the first quarter of 2024 with $12.8 billion in assets under care, an increase of 13.9% from the comparable period in 2023. Our portfolio management team continues to focus on long-term returns and managing risk in the face of volatile markets.

Payment technology solutions revenue relates to our payment processing company, FirsTech. Payment technology solutions revenue was $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 7.4% increase from the comparable period in 2023.

2 Total revenue consists of net interest income plus noninterest income.

Table of Contents

Fees for customer services were $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 3.5% increase from the comparable period in 2023.

Mortgage revenue was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 159.0% increase from the comparable period in 2023, primarily based on sold-loan mortgage volume. General economic conditions and interest rate volatility may impact future fee income. The sale of the mortgage servicing rights completed during the first quarter of 2024 is expected to reduce mortgage revenue by an average of $0.2 million per quarter for the remainder of the year.

Income on bank owned life insurance was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 14.1% decrease from the comparable period in 2023, as a result of a $0.3 million decrease in earnings on death proceeds and a $0.1 million increase in the cash surrender value of the insurance policies.

A realized gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights was recognized in connection with our strategic two-part balance sheet repositioning completed during the first quarter of 2024. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Busey executed a two-part balance sheet repositioning strategy.”

Other income was $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 4.5% decrease from the comparable period in 2023. Fluctuations were primarily attributable to increased income recognized on venture capital investments and higher gains on commercial loan sales, offset by lower income on swap origination fees and reductions in gains on fixed asset disposals.

Table of Contents

Noninterest Expense

Changes in noninterest expense are summarized as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023			Change		% Change
Noninterest expense
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	$	42,090		$	40,331		$	1,759	4.4	%
Data processing	6,550			5,640			910		16.1	%

Premises expenses:
Net occupancy expense of premises	4,720			4,762			(42)		(0.9)	%
Furniture and equipment expenses	1,813			1,746			67		3.8	%
Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expenses	6,533			6,508			25		0.4	%

Professional fees	2,253			2,058			195		9.5	%
Amortization of intangible assets	2,409			2,729			(320)		(11.7)	%
Interchange expense	1,611			1,853			(242)		(13.1)	%
FDIC insurance	1,400			1,502			(102)		(6.8)	%
Other expense	7,923			9,782			(1,859)		(19.0)	%
Total noninterest expense	$	70,769		$	70,403		$	366	0.5	%

Income taxes	$	8,735		$	9,563		$	(828)	(8.7)	%
Effective income tax rate	25.0		%	20.6		%	440 bps

Efficiency ratio1	58.1		%	56.9		%	120 bps
Adjusted efficiency ratio1	61.7		%	56.9		%	480 bps

Full-time equivalent associates as of period-end	1,464			1,473			(9)		(0.6)	%

___________________________________________

1.The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial GAAP measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

Total noninterest expense was $70.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, representing a modest 0.5% increase from the comparable period in 2023. We have effectively managed our noninterest expense during a time of decades-high inflation, and have been purposeful in our efforts to rationalize our expense base given our economic outlook and our view on the future of banking.

Salaries, wages, and employee benefits were $42.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 4.4% increase from the comparable period in 2023. Our total associate base consisted of 1,464 full-time equivalents as of March 31, 2024, compared to 1,473 full-time equivalents at March 31, 2023. Current trends continue to reflect a competitive labor market, maintaining pressure on costs related to attracting and maintaining our skilled workforce.

Data processing expense was $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 16.1% increase from the comparable period in 2023. Increases were primarily attributable to Company-wide investments in technology enhancements, as well as inflation-driven price increases.

Table of Contents

Combined, net occupancy expense of premises and furniture and equipment expense totaled $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an 0.4% increase from the comparable period in 2023. Primary cost drivers in these expense categories include lease costs, repairs and maintenance, depreciation expense, real estate taxes, and utilities.

Professional fees were $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 9.5% increase from the comparable period in 2023. The three months ended March 31, 2024, includes $0.1 of non-operating costs related to the M&M acquisition.

Amortization of intangible assets was $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an 11.7% decrease from the comparable period for 2023, due to the use of an accelerated amortization methodology.

Interchange expense was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 13.1% decrease from the comparable period in 2023. Fluctuations in interchange expense relate to payment and volume activity at FirsTech.

FDIC insurance expense was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 6.8% decrease from the comparable period in 2023.

Other expense was $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a 19.0% decrease from the comparable period in 2023. In connection with Busey’s adoption of ASU 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, Busey began recording amortization of New Markets Tax Credits as income tax expense instead of other expense, which resulted in a $2.2 million decrease in other expense during the first quarter of 2024, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Further changes in other expense are attributable to multiple items, including the provision for unfunded commitments, sales of other real estate owned, marketing, and business development expenses.

Efficiency Ratio

The efficiency ratio3, which is a measure commonly used by management and the banking industry, measures the amount of expense incurred to generate a dollar of revenue. Our efficiency ratio was 58.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 56.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our adjusted efficiency ratio3 was 61.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 56.9% for three months ended March 31, 2023.

Taxes

The effective income tax rate of 25.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 28.0% due to tax exempt interest income, such as municipal bond interest and bank owned life insurance income. The effective tax rate was higher in the first quarter of 2024 compared to previous quarters due to the adoption of ASU 2023-02 in January 2024. We continue to monitor evolving federal and state tax legislation and its potential impact on operations on an ongoing basis. As of March 31, 2024, we were not under income tax examination by any income tax authority.

3 The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

Table of Contents

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet

Changes in significant items included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		Change		% Change
Assets
Debt securities available for sale	$	1,898,072	$	2,087,571	$	(189,499)	(9.1)	%
Debt securities held to maturity	862,218		872,628		(10,410)		(1.2)	%
Portfolio loans, net of ACL	7,496,515		7,559,294		(62,779)		(0.8)	%
Total assets	11,887,458		12,283,415		(395,957)		(3.2)	%

Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	2,784,338		2,834,655		(50,317)		(1.8)	%
Interest-bearing	7,175,853		7,456,501		(280,648)		(3.8)	%
Total deposits	9,960,191		10,291,156		(330,965)		(3.2)	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	147,175		187,396		(40,221)		(21.5)	%



Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs	223,100		222,882		218		0.1	%
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	72,040		71,993		47		0.1	%
Total liabilities	10,604,807		11,011,434		(406,627)		(3.7)	%

Stockholders’ equity	1,282,651		1,271,981		10,670		0.8	%

Portfolio Loans

We believe that making sound and profitable loans is a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment. Busey maintains lending policies and procedures designed to focus lending efforts on the types, locations, and duration of loans most appropriate for its business model and markets. While not specifically limited, we attempt to focus our lending on short to intermediate-term (0-10 years) loans in geographic areas within 125 miles of our lending offices. Loans originated outside of these areas are generally to existing customers of Busey Bank. We attempt to utilize government-assisted lending programs, such as the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture lending programs, when prudent. Generally, loans are collateralized by assets, primarily real estate, and guaranteed by individuals. Loans are expected to be repaid primarily from cash flows of the borrowers or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.

Management reviews and approves Busey Bank’s lending policies and procedures on a regular basis. Management routinely (at least quarterly) reviews the ACL in conjunction with reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing loans, and potential problem loans. Our underwriting standards are designed to encourage relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Relationship banking implies a primary banking relationship with the borrower that includes, at a minimum, an active deposit banking relationship in addition to the lending relationship. Significant underwriting factors, in addition to location, duration, a sound and profitable cash flow basis, and the borrower’s character, include the quality of the borrower’s financial history, the liquidity of the underlying collateral, and the reliability of the valuation of the underlying collateral.

Table of Contents

At no time is a borrower’s total borrowing relationship permitted to exceed Busey Bank’s regulatory lending limit. We generally limit such relationships to amounts substantially less than the regulatory limit. Loans to related parties, including executive officers and directors of First Busey Corporation and its subsidiaries, are reviewed for compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Busey maintains an independent loan review department that reviews loans for compliance with our loan policy on a periodic basis. In addition, the loan review department reviews risk assessments made by our credit department, lenders, and loan committees. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the audit committee at least quarterly.

Busey Bank’s lending activities can be summarized into two primary categories: commercial and retail. Lending is further classified into five primary areas: commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans, retail real estate loans, and retail other loans. A description of each of the five primary areas can be found in“Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Portfolio Loans” of Busey’s 2023 Annual Report.

The composition of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated, as well as changes in portfolio loan balances, were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		Change		% Change
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,828,711	$	1,835,994	$	(7,283)	(0.4)	%
Commercial real estate	3,331,670		3,337,337		(5,667)		(0.2)	%
Real estate construction	445,860		461,717		(15,857)		(3.4)	%
Total commercial loans	5,606,241		5,635,048		(28,807)		(0.5)	%
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,708,663		1,720,455		(11,792)		(0.7)	%
Retail other	273,173		295,531		(22,358)		(7.6)	%
Total retail loans	1,981,836		2,015,986		(34,150)		(1.7)	%
Total portfolio loans	7,588,077		7,651,034		(62,957)		(0.8)	%
ACL	(91,562)		(91,740)		178		0.2	%
Portfolio loans, net of ACL	$	7,496,515	$	7,559,294	$	(62,779)	(0.8)	%

As has been our practice, we remain steadfast in our conservative approach to underwriting and disciplined approach to pricing, particularly given our outlook for the economy in the coming quarters. This posture will continue to impact loan growth, which we expect to remain modest over the next several quarters.

Table of Contents

Concentration of credit risk

As a matter of policy and practice, we limit the level of concentration exposure in any particular loan segment with the goal of maintaining a well-diversified loan portfolio. The following table presents the percentage of total portfolio loans in each loan category and class.


	As of
	March 31 2024		December 31 2023
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	24.1	%	24.0	%
Commercial real estate	43.9	%	43.6	%
Real estate construction	5.9	%	6.0	%
Total commercial loans	73.9	%	73.6	%
Retail loans
Retail real estate	22.5	%	22.5	%
Retail other	3.6	%	3.9	%
Total retail loans	26.1	%	26.4	%
Total portfolio loans	100.0	%	100.0	%

A significant majority of our portfolio lending activity occurs in the Illinois and Missouri markets, with the remainder in the Florida and Indiana markets. Geographic distributions of portfolio loans, based on originations, by loan category and class were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	March 31, 2024
	Illinois		Missouri		Florida		Indiana		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,410,135	$	346,024	$	26,169	$	46,383	$	1,828,711
Commercial real estate	2,302,867		647,938		213,239		167,626		3,331,670
Real estate construction	236,594		77,408		65,615		66,243		445,860
Total commercial loans	3,949,596		1,071,370		305,023		280,252		5,606,241
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,271,298		223,903		133,334		80,128		1,708,663
Retail other	269,978		1,050		1,128		1,017		273,173
Total retail loans	1,541,276		224,953		134,462		81,145		1,981,836
Total portfolio loans	$	5,490,872	$	1,296,323	$	439,485	$	361,397	$	7,588,077
ACL									(91,562)
Portfolio loans, net of ACL									$	7,496,515

Table of Contents


	December 31, 2023
	Illinois		Missouri		Florida		Indiana		Total
Commercial loans
C&I and other commercial	$	1,395,020	$	369,767	$	25,267	$	45,940	$	1,835,994
Commercial real estate	2,278,348		671,762		219,511		167,716		3,337,337
Real estate construction	255,879		74,805		72,121		58,912		461,717
Total commercial loans	3,929,247		1,116,334		316,899		272,568		5,635,048
Retail loans
Retail real estate	1,284,362		225,610		129,454		81,029		1,720,455
Retail other	290,937		2,344		1,111		1,139		295,531
Total retail loans	1,575,299		227,954		130,565		82,168		2,015,986
Total portfolio loans	$	5,504,546	$	1,344,288	$	447,464	$	354,736	$	7,651,034
ACL									(91,740)
Portfolio loans, net of ACL									$	7,559,294

Commercial real estate loans made up 43.9% of our total loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024, and were 27.6% owner occupied. Commercial real estate loans are made across a variety of industries, as depicted in the table below (dollars in thousands). Balances reflected in the table below do not include loan origination fees or costs, purchase accounting adjustments, SBA discounts, or negative escrow amounts.


	As of March 31, 2024
	Investor Owned		Owner Occupied		Total		% Owner Occupied
Commercial Real Estate by Industry
Industrial/Warehouse	$	312,640	$	351,980	$	664,620	53.0	%
Retail	487,213		77,200		564,413		13.7	%
Apartments	530,780		—		530,780		—	%
Traditional Office	251,699		113,708		365,407		31.1	%
Specialty	71,812		238,538		310,350		76.9	%
Medical Office	151,362		88,682		240,044		36.9	%
Student Housing	208,767		—		208,767		—	%
Hotel	186,106		598		186,704		0.3	%
Senior Housing	143,290		—		143,290		—	%
Restaurant	26,623		45,681		72,304		63.2	%
Nursing Homes	23,711		1,388		25,099		5.5	%
Health Care	20,000		683		20,683		3.3	%
Other	533		199		732		27.2	%
Total	$	2,414,536	$	918,657	$	3,333,193	27.6	%

Table of Contents

Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses

The ACL is a significant estimate in our unaudited consolidated financial statements, affecting both earnings and capital. The methodology adopted influences, and is influenced by, Busey Bank’s overall credit risk management processes. The ACL is recorded in accordance with GAAP to provide an adequate reserve for expected credit losses that is reflective of management’s best estimate of what is expected to be collected. Estimates of credit losses are based on a careful consideration of all significant factors affecting collectability as of the evaluation date. The ACL is established through the provision for credit loss expense charged to income. Provision expenses were recorded as follows for each of the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Provision for credit losses		$	5,038	$	953

The ACL and the ratio of ACL to portfolio loan balances is presented below by loan category and class, as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024						As of December 31, 2023
	Portfolio Loans		ACL		Ratio of ACL to Portfolio Loans		Portfolio Loans		ACL		Ratio of ACL to Portfolio Loans
Commercial
C&I and other commercial	$	1,828,711	$	26,207	1.43	%	$	1,835,994	$	21,256	1.16	%
Commercial real estate	3,331,670		33,505		1.01	%	3,337,337		35,465		1.06	%
Real estate construction	445,860		4,713		1.06	%	461,717		5,163		1.12	%
Total commercial	5,606,241		64,425		1.15	%	5,635,048		61,884		1.10	%
Retail
Retail real estate	1,708,663		24,281		1.42	%	1,720,455		26,298		1.53	%
Retail other	273,173		2,856		1.05	%	295,531		3,558		1.20	%
Total retail	1,981,836		27,137		1.37	%	2,015,986		29,856		1.48	%
Total	$	7,588,077	$	91,562	1.21	%	$	7,651,034	$	91,740	1.20	%

As of March 31, 2024, management believed the level of the ACL to be appropriate based upon the information available. However, additional losses may be identified in our loan portfolio as new information is obtained. The ongoing impacts of CECL will be dependent upon changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, prepayment speeds, credit performance trends, portfolio duration, and other factors.

Non-Performing Loans and Non-Performing Assets

Loans are considered past due if the required principal or interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory guidelines. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Typically, loans are secured by collateral. When a loan is classified as non-accrual and determined to be collateral dependent, it is appropriately reserved or charged down through the ACL to the fair value of our interest in the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Our loan portfolio is collateralized primarily by real estate.

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth information concerning non-performing loans and performing restructured loans, as of each of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Change		% Change
Portfolio loans	$	7,588,077		$	7,651,034		$	(62,957)	(0.8)	%
Loans 30 – 89 days past due	7,441			5,779			1,662		28.8	%
Total assets	11,887,458			12,283,415			(395,957)		(3.2)	%

Non-performing assets
Non-performing loans:
Non-accrual loans	$	17,465		$	7,441		$	10,024	134.7	%
Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing	88			375			(287)		(76.5)	%
Total non-performing loans	17,553			7,816			9,737		124.6	%
OREO and other repossessed assets	65			125			(60)		(48.0)	%
Total non-performing assets	17,618			7,941			9,677		121.9	%
Substandard (excludes 90+ days past due)	87,830			64,347			23,483		36.5	%
Classified assets	$	105,448		$	72,288		$	33,160	45.9	%

ACL	$	91,562		$	91,740		$	(178)	(0.2)	%
Bank Tier 1 Capital	1,365,033			1,362,962			2,071		0.2	%

Ratios
ACL to portfolio loans	1.21		%	1.20		%	1 bps
ACL to non-accrual loans	524.26		%	1,232.90		%	NM
ACL to non-performing loans	521.63		%	1,173.75		%	NM
ACL to non-performing assets	519.71		%	1,155.27		%	NM
Non-accrual loans to portfolio loans	0.23		%	0.10		%	13 bps
Non-performing loans to portfolio loans	0.23		%	0.10		%	13 bps
Non-performing assets to total assets	0.15		%	0.06		%	9 bps
Non-performing assets to portfolio loans and OREO and other repossessed assets	0.23		%	0.10		%	13 bps
Classified assets to Bank Tier 1 Capital and ACL	7.24		%	4.97		%	227 bps

Asset quality remains strong by both Busey’s historical and current industry trends, and our operating mandate and focus have been on emphasizing credit quality over asset growth.

Non-performing loan balances increased to $17.6 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $7.8 million as of December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans represented 0.23% of portfolio loans as of March 31, 2024, compared to 0.10% as of December 31, 2023. Our allowance for credit losses provided 521.63% coverage of non-performing loans at March 31, 2024, compared to 1,173.75% at December 31, 2023. The increase in non-performing loans during the first quarter of 2024 can be substantially attributed to a single commercial credit relationship.

Table of Contents

Non-performing assets, which includes non-performing loans, OREO, and other repossessed assets, increased to $17.6 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $7.9 million as of December 31, 2023. Non-performing assets represented 0.15% of total assets as of March 31, 2024, compared to 0.06% as of December 31, 2023. Our allowance for credit losses provided 519.71% coverage of our non-performing assets at March 31, 2024, compared to 1,155.27% at December 31, 2023.

Classified assets, which includes non-performing assets and substandard loans, increased to $105.4 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $72.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Classified assets represented 7.24% of Busey Bank’s Tier 1 capital and ACL at March 31, 2024, compared to 4.97% at December 31, 2023.

Net charge-offs totaled $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in net charge-offs during the first quarter of 2024 was attributable to the single commercial credit relationship mentioned above.

Asset quality metrics remain dependent upon market-specific economic conditions, and specific measures may fluctuate from period to period. If economic conditions were to deteriorate, we would expect the credit quality of our loan portfolio to decline and loan defaults to increase.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans are loans classified as substandard which are not individually evaluated, non-accrual, or 90+ days past due, but where current information indicates that the borrower may not be able to comply with loan repayment terms. Management assesses the potential for loss on such loans and considers the effect of any potential loss in determining its provision for expected credit losses. Potential problem loans increased to $87.8 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $64.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Management continues to monitor these loans and anticipates that restructurings, guarantees, additional collateral, or other planned actions will result in full repayment of the debts. As of March 31, 2024, management identified no other loans that represent or result from trends or uncertainties which would be expected to materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources.

Deposits

Total deposits decreased by 3.2% to $9.96 billion as of March 31, 2024, compared to $10.29 billion as of December 31, 2023. During the first quarter of 2024, we moved $129.7 million of wealth management client funds that had previously been swept into interest-bearing money market accounts at Busey Bank back to money market investments managed by the Wealth Management division. Remaining decreases in total deposits were attributable to normal seasonal flows in our public fund accounts. The quality of our core deposit4 franchise coupled with cash flows from our securities portfolio allows us to fund loan growth while limiting our reliance on higher cost wholesale funding alternatives. We focus on deepening our relationships with customers to maintain and protect our strong core deposit franchise. As of March 31, 2024, our average customer tenure was 16.6 years for retail customers and 12.4 years for commercial customers. Core deposits include non-brokered transaction accounts, money market and savings deposit accounts, and time deposits of $250,000 or less. Core deposits represented 96.7% of total deposits as of March 31, 2024, compared to 96.2% as of December 31, 2023. Our estimated amount of uninsured deposits was $3.63 billion as of March 31, 2024, compared to $3.81 billion as of December 31, 2023.

4 Core deposits is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this Quarterly Report.

Table of Contents

Liquidity

Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of our business. These financial obligations consist of needs for funds to meet commitments to borrowers for extensions of credit, fund capital expenditures, honor withdrawals by customers, pay dividends to stockholders, and pay operating expenses. Our most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank deposits, and federal funds sold. Balances of these assets are dependent on our operating, investing, lending, and financing activities during any given period.

Average liquid assets are summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024			2023
Average liquid assets
Cash and due from banks		$	105,583		$	115,145
Interest-bearing bank deposits		488,610			108,051

Total average liquid assets		$	594,193		$	223,196

Average liquid assets as a percent of average total assets		4.9		%	1.8		%

Cash and unencumbered securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash and unencumbered securities
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	591,071	$	719,581
Debt securities available for sale	1,898,072		2,087,571
Debt securities available for sale pledged as collateral	(596,692)		(649,769)
Cash and unencumbered securities	$	1,892,451	$	2,157,383

Busey’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, investment maturities and sales, loan principal repayments, and capital funds. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and our revolving credit facility, as summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Additional available borrowing capacity
FHLB	$	2,034,762	$	1,898,737
Federal Reserve Bank	608,694		598,878
Federal funds purchased	477,500		482,500
Revolving credit facility	40,000		40,000
Additional borrowing capacity	$	3,160,956	$	3,020,115

Further, the company could utilize brokered deposits as additional sources of liquidity, as needed.

Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2024, management believed that adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations. We seek to achieve a satisfactory degree of liquidity by actively managing both assets and liabilities. Asset management guides the proportion of liquid assets to total assets, while liability management monitors future funding requirements and prices liabilities accordingly.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

Busey Bank routinely enters into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. The balance of commitments to extend credit represents future cash requirements and some of these commitments may expire without being drawn upon.

The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments and reserves for unfunded commitments (dollars in thousands):


	As of
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Outstanding loan commitments and standby letters of credit	$	2,165,588	$	2,176,496
Reserve for unfunded commitments	6,384		7,062

The following table summarizes our provision for unfunded commitments expenses (releases) for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Provision for unfunded commitments expense (release)		$	(678)	$	(635)

We anticipate we will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments, including loan applications received and in process prior to the issuance of firm commitments.

Capital Resources

Our capital ratios are in excess of those required to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to applicable regulatory guidelines. The Federal Reserve Board uses capital adequacy guidelines in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks. Risk-based capital ratios are established by allocating assets and certain off-balance-sheet commitments into risk-weighted categories. These balances are then multiplied by the factor appropriate for that risk-weighted category. In order to refrain from restrictions on dividends, equity repurchases, and discretionary bonus payments, banking institutions must maintain capital in excess of regulatory minimum capital requirements. The table below presents minimum capital ratios that include the capital conservation buffer in comparison to the capital ratios for First Busey and Busey Bank as of March 31, 2024:


	Minimum Capital Requirements with Capital Buffer		As of March 31, 2024
			First Busey		Busey Bank
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets	7.00	%	13.45	%	15.79	%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets	8.50	%	14.30	%	15.79	%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets	10.50	%	17.95	%	16.84	%
Leverage Ratio of Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets	6.50	%	10.46	%	11.53	%

For further discussion of capital resources and requirements, see “Note 7: Regulatory Capital.”

Table of Contents

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in analysis of Busey’s performance and in making business decisions, as well as for comparison to Busey’s peers. We believe the adjusted measures are useful for investors and management to understand the effects of certain non-core and non-recurring noninterest items and provide additional perspective on our performance over time.

Non-GAAP disclosures have inherent limitations and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the results reported in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Tax effected numbers included in these non-GAAP disclosures are based on estimated statutory rates and effective rates as appropriate.

A listing of Busey's non-GAAP financial measures and ratios are shown in the table below, together with the related GAAP financial measures.

Table of Contents

GAAP Financial Measures

Related Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Related Non-GAAP Ratios

Net interest income
Total noninterest income
Net security gains and losses
Total noninterest expense

Pre-provision net revenue

Pre-provision net revenue to average assets

Adjusted pre-provision net revenue

Adjusted pre-provision net revenue to average assets

Net income

Adjusted net income

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Adjusted return on average assets

Adjusted return on average tangible common equity

Average common equity

Average tangible common equity

Return on average tangible common equity

Adjusted return on average tangible common equity

Net interest income

Tax-equivalent net interest income

Net interest margin

Adjusted net interest income

Adjusted net interest margin

Net interest income
Total noninterest income
Net security gains and losses

Tax-equivalent revenue

Efficiency ratio

Adjusted tax-equivalent revenue

Adjusted efficiency ratio

Adjusted core efficiency ratio

Adjusted noninterest income

Total noninterest expense
Amortization of intangible assets

Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets

Efficiency ratio

Adjusted noninterest expense

Adjusted efficiency ratio

Adjusted core expense

Adjusted core efficiency ratio

Total noninterest expense

Noninterest expense, excluding non-operating adjustments

Total assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

Tangible assets

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

Total stockholders’ equity
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

Tangible common equity

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

Tangible book value

Tangible book value per common share

Total deposits

Core deposits

Core deposits to total deposits

Portfolio loans to core deposits

A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to what management believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures appears below.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Pre-Provision Net Revenue, Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue, Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets, and Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets
(dollars in thousands)

		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024			2023
PRE-PROVISION NET REVENUE
Net interest income			$	75,767		$	85,857
Total noninterest income			35,000			31,848
Net security (gains) losses			6,375			616
Total noninterest expense			(70,769)			(70,403)
Pre-provision net revenue			46,373			47,918
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition and other restructuring expenses			408			—
Provision for unfunded commitments			(678)			(635)
Amortization of NMTC			—			2,221
Gain on sale of mortgage service rights			(7,465)			—
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue			$	38,638		$	49,504

Pre-provision net revenue, annualized	[a]		$	186,511		$	194,334
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue, annualized	[b]		155,401			200,766
Average total assets	[c]		12,024,208			12,263,718

Reported: Pre-provision net revenue to average assets1	[a÷c]		1.55		%	1.58		%
Adjusted: Pre-provision net revenue to average assets1	[b÷c]		1.29		%	1.64		%

___________________________________________

1.Annualized measure.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Return on Average Assets, Average Tangible Common Equity, Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024			2023
NET INCOME ADJUSTED FOR NON-OPERATING ITEMS
Net income	[a]		$	26,225		$	36,786
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition expenses:

Data processing			100			—

Professional fees, occupancy, furniture and fixtures, and other			185			—
Other restructuring expenses:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits			123			—




Related tax benefit1			(102)			—

Adjusted net income	[b]		$	26,531		$	36,786

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Diluted average common shares outstanding	[c]		56,406,500			56,179,606

Reported: Diluted earnings per share	[a÷c]		0.46			0.65
Adjusted: Diluted earnings per share	[b÷c]		0.47			0.65

RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS
Net income, annualized	[d]		$	105,476		$	149,188
Adjusted net income, annualized	[e]		106,707			149,188
Average total assets	[f]		12,024,208			12,263,718

Reported: Return on average assets2	[d÷f]		0.88		%	1.22		%
Adjusted: Return on average assets2	[e÷f]		0.89		%	1.22		%

RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY
Average common equity			$	1,275,724		$	1,170,819
Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net			(353,014)			(363,354)
Average tangible common equity	[g]		$	922,710		$	807,465

Reported: Return on average tangible common equity2	[d÷g]		11.43		%	18.48		%
Adjusted: Return on average tangible common equity2	[e÷g]		11.56		%	18.48		%

___________________________________________

1.Tax benefits were calculated by multiplying acquisition expenses and other restructuring expenses by the effective tax rate for each period. The effective tax rate used in this calculation was 25.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

2.Annualized measure.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Adjusted Net Interest Income and Adjusted Net Interest Margin
(dollars in thousands)

		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024			2023
Net interest income			$	75,767		$	85,857
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Tax-equivalent adjustment1			449			558
Tax-equivalent net interest income			76,216			86,415
Purchase accounting accretion related to business combinations			(204)			(403)
Adjusted net interest income			$	76,012		$	86,012

Tax-equivalent net interest income, annualized	[a]		$	306,539		$	350,461
Adjusted net interest income, annualized	[b]		305,719			348,826
Average interest-earning assets	[c]		10,999,903			11,180,562

Reported: Net interest margin2	[a÷c]		2.79		%	3.13		%
Adjusted: Net interest margin2	[b÷c]		2.78		%	3.12		%

___________________________________________

1.Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

2.Annualized measure.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Adjusted Noninterest Income, Noninterest Expense Excluding Amortization of Intangible Assets, Adjusted Noninterest Expense, Adjusted Core Expense, Noninterest Expense Excluding Non-operating Adjustments, Efficiency Ratio, Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, and Adjusted Core Efficiency Ratio
(dollars in thousands)

		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024			2023
Net interest income			$	75,767		$	85,857
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Tax-equivalent adjustment1			449			558
Tax-equivalent net interest income	[a]		76,216			86,415

Total noninterest income			35,000			31,848
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Net security (gains) losses			6,375			616
Noninterest income excluding net securities gains and losses	[b]		41,375			32,464
Further adjustments:
Gain on sale of mortgage servicing rights			(7,465)			—
Adjusted noninterest income	[c]		33,910			32,464

Tax-equivalent revenue	[d = a+b]		$	117,591		$	118,879
Adjusted tax-equivalent revenue	[e = a+c]		$	110,126		$	118,879

Total noninterest expense			$	70,769		$	70,403
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets	[f]		(2,409)			(2,729)
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets	[g]		68,360			67,674
Non-operating adjustments:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits			(123)			—
Data processing			(100)			—

Professional fees, occupancy, furniture and fixtures, and other			(185)			—
Adjusted noninterest expense	[h]		67,952			67,674
Provision for unfunded commitments			678			635
Amortization of NMTC			—			(2,221)
Adjusted core expense	[i]		$	68,630		$	66,088

Noninterest expense, excluding non-operating adjustments	[h-f]		$	70,361		$	70,403

Reported: Efficiency ratio	[g÷d]		58.13		%	56.93		%
Adjusted: Efficiency ratio	[h÷e]		61.70		%	56.93		%
Adjusted: Core efficiency ratio	[i÷e]		62.32		%	55.59		%

___________________________________________

1.The tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using an estimated federal income tax rate of 21%, applied to non-taxable interest income on investments and loans.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value Per Common Share
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

		As of
		March 31 2024		December 31 2023
Total stockholders' equity		$	1,282,651	$	1,271,981
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		(351,455)		(353,864)
Tangible book value	[a]	$	931,196	$	918,117

Ending number of common shares outstanding	[b]	55,300,008		55,244,119

Tangible book value per common share	[a÷b]	$	16.84	$	16.62


Tangible Assets, Tangible Common Equity, and Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets
(dollars in thousands)

		As of
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Total assets		$	11,887,458		$	12,283,415
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		$	(351,455)		$	(353,864)
Tax effect of other intangible assets1		$	6,434		$	6,888
Tangible assets2	[a]	$	11,542,437		$	11,936,439

Total stockholders' equity		$	1,282,651		$	1,271,981
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		(351,455)			(353,864)
Tax effect of other intangible assets1		6,434			6,888
Tangible common equity2	[b]	$	937,630		$	925,005

Tangible common equity to tangible assets2	[b÷a]	8.12		%	7.75		%

___________________________________________

1.Net of estimated deferred tax liability, calculated using the estimated statutory tax rate of 28%.

2.Tax-effected measure.

Table of Contents

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)


Core Deposits, Core Deposits to Total Deposits, and Portfolio Loans to Core Deposits
(dollars in thousands)

		As of
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Portfolio loans	[a]	$	7,588,077		$	7,651,034





Total deposits	[b]	$	9,960,191		$	10,291,156
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Brokered transaction accounts		(6,001)			(6,001)
Time deposits of $250,000 or more		(326,795)			(386,286)

Core deposits	[c]	$	9,627,395		$	9,898,869

RATIOS

Core deposits to total deposits	[c÷b]	96.66		%	96.19		%
Portfolio loans to core deposits	[a÷c]	78.82		%	77.29		%

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this Quarterly Report, other than those concerning historical financial information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Busey’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of Busey’s management, and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this Quarterly Report, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Busey undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of Busey to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (1) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economy (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (2) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict); (3) changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies concerning Busey's general business (including changes in response to the failures of other banks or as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election); (4) changes in accounting policies and practices; (5) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s assets (including the impact of the significant rate increases by the Federal Reserve since 2022) (6) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (7) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (8) the loss of key executives or associates; (9) changes in consumer spending; (10) unexpected results of acquisitions (including the acquisition of M&M); (11) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation, investigations, or inquiries involving Busey (including with respect to Busey’s Illinois franchise taxes); (12) fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s securities portfolio; (13) concentrations within Busey’s loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (14) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (15) the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s balance sheets; (16) interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (17) breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; and (18) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Additional information concerning Busey and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect Busey’s financial results, is included in Busey’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Busey has established various accounting policies that govern the application of GAAP in the preparation of its unaudited consolidated financial statements. Significant accounting policies are described in “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies” of Busey’s 2023 Annual Report.

Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of Busey’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective, or complex. These estimates involve judgments, assumptions, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition or materially different results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. Further, changes in accounting standards could impact our critical accounting estimates. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with our Audit Committee. The following accounting policies could be deemed critical:

Table of Contents

Fair Value of Debt Securities Available for Sale

Fair values of debt securities available for sale are measurements from an independent pricing service and are based on observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. Different fair value estimates could result from the use of different judgments and estimates to determine the fair values of securities.

Realized securities gains or losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

A debt security available for sale is impaired if the fair value of the security declines below its amortized cost basis. To determine the appropriate accounting, we must first determine if we intend to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the fair value increases to at least the amortized cost basis. If either of those selling events is expected, we will write down the amortized cost basis of the security to its fair value. This is achieved by writing off any previously recorded allowance related to the debt security, if applicable, and recognizing any incremental impairment through earnings. If we do not intend to sell the security, nor believe it more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the fair value recovers to the amortized cost basis, we must determine whether any of the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit loss, or if it is entirely the result of noncredit factors.

We consider the following factors in assessing whether the decline is due to a credit loss:

•Extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis;

•adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area (for example, changes in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an asset-backed debt security, in the financial condition of the underlying loan obligors);

•payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future;

•failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments; and

•any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency.

Impairment related to a credit loss must be measured using the discounted cash flow method. Credit loss recognition is limited to the fair value of the security. Impairment is recognized by establishing an allowance for the debt security through the provision for credit losses. Impairment related to noncredit factors is recognized in AOCI, net of applicable taxes.

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. Fair values are determined based on the definition of “fair value” defined in ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement” as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.”

Table of Contents

The fair value of a loan portfolio acquired in a business combination generally requires greater levels of management estimates and judgment than other assets acquired or liabilities assumed. Acquired loans are within the scope of ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses.” However, the offset to record the allowance on acquired loans at the date of acquisition depends on whether or not the loan is classified as PCD. The allowance for PCD loans is recorded through a gross-up effect, while the allowance for acquired non-PCD loans is recorded through provision expense, consistent with originated loans. Thus, the determination of which loans are PCD and non-PCD can have a significant effect on the accounting for these loans.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired using the acquisition method of accounting. Determining the fair value often involves estimates based on third-party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. Goodwill is not amortized. Instead, we assess the potential for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.

Income Taxes

Busey estimates income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to federal and state tax jurisdictions. Estimated income tax expense is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited). Accrued and deferred taxes, as reported in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), represent the net estimated amount due to, or to be received from, taxing jurisdictions, either currently or in the future. Management judgment is involved in estimating accrued and deferred taxes, as it may be necessary to evaluate the risks and merits of the tax treatment of transactions, filing positions, and taxable income calculations after considering tax-related statutes, regulations, and other relevant factors. Because of the complexity of tax laws and interpretations, interpretation is subject to judgment.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Busey calculates the ACL at each reporting date. We recognize an allowance for the lifetime expected credit losses for the amount we do not expect to collect. Measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported book value. The calculation also contemplates that Busey may not be able to make or obtain such forecasts for the entire life of the financial assets and requires a reversion to historical credit loss information.

In determining the ACL, management relies predominantly on a disciplined credit review and approval process that extends to the full range of Busey’s credit exposure. The ACL must be determined on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. On a case-by-case basis, we may conclude that a loan should be evaluated on an individual basis based on disparate risk characteristics.

Loans deemed uncollectible are charged against and reduce the ACL. A provision for credit losses is charged to current expense and acts to replenish the ACL in order to maintain the ACL at a level that management deems adequate. Determining the ACL involves significant judgments and assumptions by management. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results may differ from these judgments and assumptions.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of changes in asset values due to movements in underlying market rates and prices. Interest rate risk is a type of market risk to earnings and capital arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk affecting Busey as other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, have minimal impact or do not arise in the normal course of Busey’s business activities.

Table of Contents

Busey has an asset-liability committee, whose policy is to meet at least quarterly, to review current market conditions and to structure the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) to optimize stability in net interest income in consideration of projected future changes in interest rates.

As interest rate changes do not impact all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously, the asset-liability committee primarily relies on balance sheet and income simulation analysis to determine the potential impact of changes in market interest rates on net interest income. In these standard simulation models, the balance sheet is projected over a one-year and a two-year time horizon and net interest income is calculated under current market rates and assuming permanent instantaneous shifts of +/-100, +/-200, +/-300, and +/-400 basis points. The model assumes immediate and sustained shifts in the federal funds rate and other market rate indices and corresponding shifts in other non-market rate indices based on their historical changes relative to changes in the federal funds rate and other market indices. Assets and liabilities are assumed to remain constant as of the measurement date; variable-rate assets and liabilities are repriced based on repricing frequency; and prepayment speeds on loans are projected for both declining and rising rate environments.

Busey’s interest rate risk resulting from immediate and sustained changes in interest rates, expressed as a change in net interest income as a percentage of the net interest income calculated in the constant base model, was as follows:


	Year-One: Basis Point Changes				Year-Two: Basis Point Changes
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
+400	8.57	%	7.38	%	9.20	%	8.55	%
+300	6.38	%	5.49	%	6.81	%	6.34	%
+200	4.22	%	3.64	%	4.49	%	4.20	%
+100	2.10	%	1.81	%	2.24	%	2.10	%
- 100	(1.90)	%	(1.91)	%	(2.89)	%	(2.98)	%
-200	(3.85)	%	(3.86)	%	(5.94)	%	(6.12)	%
-300	(5.69)	%	(5.60)	%	(9.06)	%	(9.17)	%
-400	(7.21)	%	(6.91)	%	(12.06)	%	(11.36)	%

Interest rate risk is monitored and managed within approved policy limits and any temporary exceptions to policy in periods of rapid rate movement are approved and documented. The calculation of potential effects of hypothetical interest rate changes is based on numerous assumptions and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Actual results would likely differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, was carried out as of March 31, 2024, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and several other members of our senior management. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act was (1) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (2) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Table of Contents

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As part of the ordinary course of business, First Busey Corporation and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation that is incidental to their regular business activities.

There is no material pending litigation, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business, in which First Busey Corporation or any of its subsidiaries is involved or of which any of their property is the subject. Furthermore, there is no pending legal proceeding that is adverse to Busey in which any director, officer, or affiliate of Busey, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party, or has a material interest.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I—Item 1A of Busey’s 2023 Annual Report.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

On February 3, 2015, Busey’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of 666,667 shares of its common stock. The repurchase plan has no expiration date, and has been amended to increase the number of shares available for repurchase as follows:

•On May 22, 2019, Busey’s board of directors approved an amendment to increase the authorized shares under the repurchase plan by 1,000,000 shares.

•On February 5, 2020, Busey’s board of directors approved an amendment to increase the authorized shares under the repurchase plan by an additional 2,000,000 shares.

•On May 24, 2023, Busey’s board of directors approved an amendment to increase the authorized shares under the repurchase plan by an additional 2,000,000 shares.

During the first quarter of 2024, Busey purchased no shares under the repurchase plan. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had 1,919,275 shares that may still be purchased under the plan.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024, none of Busey’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

Filed
Herewith

10.1

Employment Agreement, by and among First Busey Corporation, Busey Bank, and Monica L. Bowe, effective as of January 1, 2020

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Busey’s Chief Executive Officer

32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from First Busey’s Chief Financial Officer

101.INS

iXBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

101.DEF

iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, as of May 7, 2024, thereunto duly authorized.


			FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION (Registrant)

			By:			/s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
						Van A. Dukeman
						Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

			By:			/s/ JEFFREY D. JONES
						Jeffrey D. Jones
						Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

			By:			/s/ SCOTT A. PHILLIPS
						Scott A. Phillips
						Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

Document

EXHIBIT 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is by and among First Busey Corporation (“First Busey”), Busey Bank (the “Bank,” and together with First Busey, “Employer”) and Monica L. Bowe (“Executive,” and together with Employer, the “Parties”).

RECITALS

A.The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Busey.

B.Employer has determined it to be in its best interests to enter into this Agreement pertaining to the employment of Executive as of and following the Effective Date.

C.Executive desires to be employed by Employer as of and following the Effective Date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and agreements of the Parties contained herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENTS

Section 1.Term with Automatic Renewal Provision. The term of Executive's employment hereunder by Employer will commence on January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) and will continue for one (1) year thereafter (the “Initial Term”). Following the Initial Term, the term shall automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods, unless either Party provides written notice of nonrenewal to the other Party not less than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or such one (1) year period (the Initial Period and any subsequent renewal periods, the “Term”).

Section 2.Employment.

(a)Positions and Duties. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Executive shall devote Executive's full business time, energies and talent to serving as the Chief Risk Officer of First Busey and the Bank, at the direction of the Chief Executive Officer of First Busey (the “CEO”). Executive shall perform all duties assigned to Executive faithfully, loyally and efficiently, and shall have such duties, authority and responsibilities as may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the CEO, which duties, authority and responsibilities shall include those customarily held by such officer of comparable companies, subject always to the charter and bylaw provisions and policies of Employer. Executive shall perform the duties required by this Agreement at Employer's principal place of business unless the nature of such duties requires otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term, Executive may devote reasonable time to activities other than those required under this Agreement, including activities of a charitable, educational, religious or similar nature (including professional associations) to the extent such activities do not in any material way inhibit, prohibit, interfere with or conflict with Executive's duties under this Agreement or conflict in any material way with the business of Employer.

SCI:4966251.5

(b)Transfers. The Board of Directors of First Busey (the “Board”) may, in its sole discretion, cause Executive's employment to be transferred from Employer to any wholly owned subsidiary of First Busey, in which case all references in this Agreement to “Employer” shall be deemed to refer to such subsidiary (and First Busey, if applicable).

Section 3.Compensation and Benefits. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Term of this Agreement, Employer shall compensate Executive for Executive's services as follows:

(a)Base Compensation. Executive's annual base salary rate shall be two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) (the “Base Salary”), which shall be payable in accordance with Employer's normal payroll practices as are in effect from time to time. Beginning with the 2020 calendar year and annually thereafter, the Board (or an authorized committee thereof) shall review Executive's Base Salary at such time as it reviews Employer's executive compensation to determine whether Executive's Base Salary should be maintained at its existing level or increased, with any increase being effective as determined by the Board (or an authorized committee thereof). If Executive's Base Salary is increased by Employer, such increased Base Salary will then constitute the Base Salary for all purposes of this Agreement.

(b)Discretionary Performance Bonus. Employer shall consider Executive for a bonus each year during the Term based on performance criteria established by Employer and any other factors deemed by Employer to be appropriate. Bonuses shall be awarded, if at all, in the sole discretion of Employer, and nothing in this Agreement shall require the payment of a bonus in any given year. Payment of any such bonus shall be made as soon as practicable after it is earned, but in no event later than two and one-half (2½) months following the end of the calendar year in which it is earned; provided that bonuses shall not be considered earned until Employer has made all determinations and taken all actions necessary to establish such bonuses. Executive shall be guaranteed an initial minimum discretionary performance bonus of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for 2019 payable in 2020 when such bonuses are paid to similarly situated senior executives of Employer (the “2019 Bonus”). If, prior to payment of the 2019 Bonus, Executive is terminated and becomes eligible for payments under Section 6(b) or 6(c), the amount of the 2019 Bonus shall be “the amount of the most recent performance bonus that Employer actually paid to Executive under Section 3(b)” for purposes of Sections 6(b)(i)(B) and 6(b)(ii) or Sections 6(c)(i)(B) and 6(c)(ii), as applicable.

(c)Long-Term Incentive Program. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive annual grants under Employer's long-term equity incentive program, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board (or an authorized committee thereof). Employer shall recommend to the Board that the Board grant, on or before March 31, 2020, a restricted stock or restricted stock unit award, with a grant date value of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), which shall vest on the third (3rd) anniversary of the grant date. In addition, Employer shall recommend to the Board that the Board grant a restricted stock or restricted stock units when such equity awards are granted to other senior executives of Employer on or around July 1, 2020 with a grant date value of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), which shall vest on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the grant date. For the avoidance of doubt, failure of Employer to grant the equity awards in accordance with this Section 2(c) shall constitute “Good Reason” under Section 4(d)(iv)

if, at the time of the applicable grant, Executive remains employed by Employer in the capacity set forth in Section 2(a).

(d)Profit Sharing Benefit. Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual profit sharing benefit based on the combined amount of Executive's Base Salary and, if applicable, Executive's discretionary performance bonus, after Executive meets the eligibility requirements of the applicable profit sharing plan. The Board shall decide the exact amount of this benefit annually in its sole discretion. Employer shall contribute this benefit for the account of Executive to Employer's tax-qualified retirement plan and/or any nonqualified deferred compensation plan that Employer establishes or maintains. All such profit sharing benefit payments shall be determined and governed by the terms of the applicable plan as may be in effect from time to time. Employer shall have no obligation to continue to maintain any particular benefit plan or arrangement and the profit sharing benefit described in this Section 3(d) may be amended or terminated by Employer at any time for any reason or no reason, provided such amendment or termination applies to all other similarly situated senior executives of Employer.

(e)Reimbursement of Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Executive for all travel, entertainment and other out-of-pocket expenses that Executive reasonably and necessarily incurs in the performance of Executive's duties under this Agreement. Executive shall document these expenses to the extent necessary to comply with all applicable laws and Employer policies. Any reimbursement payments hereunder shall be made as soon as practicable and in no event later than two and one-half (2½) months following the end of the year in which the corresponding expenses are incurred. Employer shall reimburse Executive in an amount not to exceed twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) for relocation expenses within ten (10) business days of Employer's receipt of valid receipts and any other required information to substantiate the reimbursement.

(f)Other Benefits. Executive shall be eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in all Employer retirement plans and health, dental, life insurance and similar plans, as may be in effect from time to time with respect to similarly situated senior executives. In addition to the foregoing benefits, Executive shall be eligible to participate in Employer's key life insurance program on the first entry date following the Effective Date (which entry date is March 1, 2020) with an aggregate death benefit amount of one-million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00), subject to insurability and all other terms of such program.

(g)Vacations. Executive shall be subject to Employer's general vacation policy as may be in effect from time to time, but shall accrue not less than twenty-five (25) days of paid vacation annually.

(h)Withholding. Employer may withhold any applicable federal, state and local withholding and other taxes from payments that become due or allowances that are provided to Executive.

(i)Potential Refund. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by Employer for Cause (as hereinafter defined) or by Employee without Good Reason (as hereinafter defined) prior to April 1, 2021, then within ninety (90) days after the effective date of such

termination Executive shall repay any 2019 Bonus received pursuant to Section 3(b) and any relocation reimbursements received pursuant to Section 3(e).

Section 4.Reasons for Termination of Employment. Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated during the Term under the following circumstances:

(a)Death. Executive's employment hereunder will terminate upon his or her death.

(b)Disability. If, as a result of Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive will have been substantially unable to perform his or her duties hereunder for a continuous period of 180 days, Employer may terminate Executive's employment hereunder for "Disability." During any period that Executive fails to perform his or her duties hereunder as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive will continue to receive his or her full Base Salary set forth in Section 3(a) until his or her employment terminates.

(c)Cause. Employer may terminate Executive's employment for Cause if: (i) Executive engages in one (1) or more unsafe or unsound banking practices or material violations of a law or regulation applicable to Employer or any subsidiary; (ii) Executive engages in any repeated violations of a policy of Employer after being warned in writing by the Board or the CEO not to violate such policy; (iii) Executive engages in any single violation of a policy of Employer if such violation materially and adversely affects the business or affairs of Employer; (iv) Executive fails to timely implement a direction or order of the Board or the CEO, unless such direction or order would violate the law; (v) Executive engages in a breach of fiduciary duty or act of dishonesty involving the affairs of Employer; (vi) Executive is removed or suspended from banking pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or any other applicable state or federal law; (vii) Executive commits a material breach of Executive's obligations under this Agreement that Executive fails to remedy to the reasonable satisfaction of Employer within thirty (30) days after written notice is delivered by Employer to Executive that sets forth in reasonable detail the basis for Employer's determination that Executive materially breached an obligation under this Agreement (provided that notice and opportunity to cure need not be provided to Executive for a repeated and substantially similar material breach more than once in any calendar year); (viii) Executive materially fails to perform Executive's duties to Employer with the degree of skill, care or competence expected by Employer that Executive fails to remedy to the reasonable satisfaction of Employer within thirty (30) days after written notice is delivered by Employer to Executive that sets forth in reasonable detail the basis for Employer's determination that Executive materially failed to perform Executive's duties to Employer (provided that notice and opportunity to cure need not be provided to Executive for a repeated and substantially similar material breach more than once in any calendar year); or (ix) Executive is found guilty of, or pleads nolo contendere to, a felony or an act of dishonesty in connection with the performance of Executive's duties as an officer of Employer, or an act that disqualifies Executive under applicable laws, rules or regulations from serving as an officer or director of Employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the first two (2) years following a Change in Control (as defined below), Executive's termination of employment will not be deemed to be for "Cause" unless and until there will have been delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called

and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to Executive and Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board) finding that, Executive is guilty of the conduct described above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(d)Good Reason. Executive may terminate his or her employment for "Good Reason" within 120 days after Executive has actual knowledge of the occurrence, without the written consent of Executive, of one of the following events that has not been cured within 30 days after written notice thereof has been given by Executive to Employer setting forth in reasonable detail the basis of the event (provided that such notice must be given to Employer within 90 days of Executive becoming aware of such condition). “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one (1) or more of the following, without Executive's prior consent: (i) a material adverse change in the nature, scope or status of Executive's position, authorities or duties from those in effect from time to time; (ii) a reduction in Executive's Base Salary, unless such reduction applies to all similarly situated senior executives of Employer; (iii) Employer changes the primary location of Executive's employment to a place that is more than fifty (50) miles from Executive's primary location of employment as of the Effective Date; (iv) Employer otherwise commits a material breach of its obligations under this Agreement; or (v) during the first two (2) years following a Change in Control, there occurs (A) a change in reporting line such that the individual to whom Executive reports is someone other than the Chief Executive Officer of the Surviving Entity (as defined below), or if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation thereof or (B) a reduction in Executive's performance bonus or long-term incentive opportunities, in each case, as compared to the amount of the most recent performance bonus that Employer actually paid to Executive and the grant date value of the most recent equity awards that Employer actually granted to Executive pursuant to Sections 3(b) and 3(c), respectively, prior to such Change in Control. Executive's continued employment during the 120-day period referred to above in this Section 4(d) will not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.

(e)Without Cause. Employer may terminate Executive's employment hereunder without Cause by providing Executive with a Notice of Termination (as defined below). This means that, notwithstanding this Agreement, Executive's employment with Employer will be “at will.”

(f)Without Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive's employment hereunder without Good Reason by providing Employer with a Notice of Termination.

Section 5.Termination of Employment Procedure.

(a)Notice of Termination. Any termination of Executive's employment by Employer or by Executive during the Term (other than termination pursuant to Section 4(a)) will be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 15(i). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a notice which will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive's employment under the provision so indicated if the termination is based on Sections 4(b), 4(c) or 4(d).

(b)Termination Date. “Termination Date” means (i) if Executive's employment is terminated by his or her death, the date of his or her death; (ii) if Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4(b), the date set forth in the Notice of Termination; and (iii) if Executive's employment is terminated for any other reason, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given or any later date (within 30 days after the giving of such notice) set forth in such Notice of Termination; provided, however, that if such termination is due to a Notice of Termination by Executive, Employer will have the right to accelerate such notice and make the Termination Date the date of the Notice of Termination or such other date prior to Executive's intended Termination Date as Employer deems appropriate, which acceleration will in no event be deemed a termination by Employer without Cause or constitute Good Reason and Executive is paid her Base Salary through Executive's intended Termination Date.

(c)Removal from any Boards and Position. Upon the termination of Executive's employment with Employer for any reason, he or she will be deemed to resign (i) from the board of directors of First Busey, the Bank, any subsidiary thereof and/or any other board to which he or she has been appointed or nominated by or on behalf of Employer (including the Board), and (ii) from any position (including, but not limited to, as an officer or director) with First Busey, the Bank and any subsidiary thereof.

Section 6.Compensation upon Termination of Employment. This Section 6 provides the payments and benefits to be paid or provided to Executive as a result of his or her termination of employment. Except as provided in this Section 6, Executive will not be entitled to any payments or benefits from Employer as a result of the termination of his or her employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.

(a)Termination for Any Reason. Following the termination of Executive's employment, regardless of the reason for such termination and including, without limitation, a termination of his or her employment by Employer for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, upon expiration of the Term, by reason of Executive's death or Disability, Employer will pay or provide to Executive (and upon Executive's death, Executive's heirs, executors and administrators) the following (collectively, the “Accrued Benefits”) as soon as practicable following the Termination Date:

(i)(A) any earned but unpaid Base Salary, (B) any earned but unpaid bonus under Section 3(b) for previously completed performance periods and (C) any accrued and unused vacation and personal time pay through the Termination Date;

(ii)reimbursement for any amounts due to Executive pursuant to Section 3(e), provided that Executive submits the required documentation in accordance with established policies and within thirty (30) days of the Termination Date; and

(iii)any compensation and/or benefits as may be due or payable to Executive in accordance with the terms and provisions of any employee benefit plans or programs of Employer.

Upon any termination of Executive's employment hereunder, except as otherwise provided herein, Executive (or his or her beneficiary, legal representative or estate, as the case may be, in the event

of his or her death) will be entitled to such rights in respect of any awards granted to Executive under Employer's long-term equity incentive program, and to only such rights, as are provided by the plan or the award agreement pursuant to which such awards have been granted to Executive or other written agreement or arrangement between Executive and Employer.

(b)Termination by Employer without Cause or upon Non-Renewal of the Term or by Executive for Good Reason (Non-Change in Control). If Executive's employment is terminated by Employer other than for Cause or a Disability, upon Employer's non-renewal of the Term, or by Executive for Good Reason, Employer (in lieu of any severance pay under any severance pay plans, programs or policies) will pay or provide the Accrued Benefits and, subject to Section 7, will pay to Executive:

(i)an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the sum of (A) Executive's then applicable Base Salary, plus (B) the amount of the most recent performance bonus that Employer actually paid to Executive pursuant to Section 3(b), payable in substantially equal installments over a one (1)-year period in accordance with Employer's regular payroll practices then in effect;

(ii)an amount equal to the annual performance bonus earned pursuant to Section 3(b) in respect of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs based on actual performance, prorated based upon the number of days elapsed in such fiscal year prior to the Termination Date and paid in a lump sum at the time such awards are normally paid; and

(iii)reimbursement for up to twelve (12) months for continuing coverage for Executive and, if applicable, Executive's spouse and eligible dependents under Employer's health insurance pursuant to the health care continuation rules of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), provided that Executive remains eligible for, and elects, such COBRA continuation for such period following the Termination Date. To the extent Executive paid a portion of the premium for such benefits while employed, Executive shall continue to pay such portion during the period of continuation hereunder, and any period of continuation hereunder shall be credited against Executive's continuation rights under COBRA.

(c)Termination by Employer without Cause or upon Non-Renewal of the Term or by Executive for Good Reason (Change in Control Related). If Executive's employment is terminated by Employer other than for Cause or a Disability, upon Employer's non-renewal of the Term, or by Executive for Good Reason, in each case within two (2) years following a Change in Control, or as set forth in Section 6(c)(iv), Employer (in lieu of any severance pay under any severance pay plans, programs or policies) will pay or provide the Accrued Benefits and, subject to Section 7, will pay to Executive:

(i)a lump sum cash payment equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the sum of (A) Executive's then applicable Base Salary, plus (B) the amount of the most recent performance bonus that Employer actually paid to Executive pursuant to Section 3(b);

(ii)a lump sum cash payment equal to the most recent annual performance bonus that Employer actually paid to Executive pursuant to Section 3(b), prorated based upon the number of days elapsed in the fiscal year prior to the Termination Date; and

(iii)a lump sum cash payment in respect of eighteen (18) months of continuing coverage under Employer's health insurance pursuant to COBRA.

(iv)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if during the one hundred eighty (180) day period ending on a Change in Control, Executive experiences a termination of employment under Section 6(b) either (A) at the request of a third party that has taken steps reasonably calculated or intended to effect a Change in Control or (B) otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then Executive shall have the right to the incremental benefits under this Section 6(c), without duplication for any payments or benefits provided under Section 6(b), as if the Change in Control date were the Termination Date.

(d)Applicable Definitions. “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i)During any period of not more than 36 months, individuals who constitute the Board as of the beginning of the period (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board. provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the beginning of such period, whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of First Busey in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) will be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of First Busey as a result of an actual or publicly threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or publicly threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board will be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)Any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto, and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder (the “Exchange Act”) and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), is or becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of First Busey representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of First Busey's then-outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (“Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this Section 6(d)(ii) will not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of the ownership, or acquisition, of Company Voting Securities: (i) by First Busey, (ii) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by First Busey, (iii) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or (iv) pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in Section 6(d)(iii));

(iii)The consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving First Busey that requires the approval of First Busey's stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Business Combination”), unless immediately following such Business Combination: (A) more than 60% of the total voting power of (x) the entity resulting from such Business Combination (the “Surviving Entity”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of at least 95% of the voting power,

is represented by Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination, (B) no person (other than any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Entity or the parent), is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the parent (or, if there is no parent, the Surviving Entity) and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the parent (or, if there is no parent, the Surviving Entity) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board's approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination (any Business Combination which satisfies all of the criteria specified in (A), (B) and (C) of this Section 6(d)(iii)) will be deemed to be a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”);

(iv)The consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of First Busey's assets (other than to an affiliate of First Busey); or

(v)First Busey's stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of First Busey.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to occur solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 30% of the Company Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Company Voting Securities by First Busey which reduces the number of Company Voting Securities outstanding; provided that if after such acquisition by First Busey such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Company Voting Securities that increases the percentage of outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control will then occur.

(e)Termination by Reason of Death or Disability. If Executive's employment terminates on account of death or is terminated by Employer for Disability, Employer (in lieu of any severance pay under any severance pay plans, programs or policies) will pay or provide the Accrued Benefits and, subject to Section 7, will pay to Executive (or Executive's heirs, executors and administrators) an amount equal to the annual performance bonus earned pursuant to Section 3(b) in respect of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs based on actual performance, prorated based upon the number of days elapsed in such fiscal year prior to the Termination Date and paid in a lump sum at the time such awards are normally paid.

Section 7.Release.

(a)As a condition to Employer's obligation to pay any amount under Sections 6(b), 6(c) and 6(e), Executive (or, as applicable, Executive's heirs, executors and administrators) shall execute a general release of, and waiver of claims against, Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A on or before the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, in order for such release to be deemed

effective for purposes of this Agreement, any applicable revocation period with respect to such release and waiver must have expired on or before such sixtieth (60th) day.

(b)The payments and benefits provided in Sections 6(b), 6(c) and 6(e) will, as applicable, begin (or be completed in the case of lump sum payments) within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date, subject to Executive's compliance with the requirements of this Section 7.

Section 8.Section 280G. In the event that any payments or benefits otherwise payable to Executive (a) constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and (b) but for this Section 8, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then such payments and benefits will be either (i) delivered in full, or (ii) delivered as to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of such payments and benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (and any equivalent state or local excise taxes), results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such payments and benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 8 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected jointly by Employer and Executive (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and Employer for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 8, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Parties agree to furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this provision. Employer will bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this provision.

Section 9.Confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that the nature of Executive's employment shall require that Executive produce and have access to records, data, trade secrets and information that are not available to the public regarding Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Confidential Information”). Executive shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose any Confidential Information to third parties unless disclosure becomes reasonably necessary in connection with Executive's performance of Executive's duties hereunder, or the Confidential Information lawfully becomes available to the public from other sources, or Executive is authorized in writing by Employer to disclose it or Executive is required to make disclosure by a law or pursuant to the authority of any administrative agency or judicial body. All Confidential Information and all other records, files, documents and other materials or copies thereof relating to the business of Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates that Executive prepares or uses shall always be the sole property of Employer. Executive's access to and use of Employer's computer systems, networks and equipment, and all Employer information contained therein, shall be restricted to legitimate business purposes on behalf of Employer; any other access to or use of such systems, network and equipment is without authorization and is prohibited. The restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall extend to any personal computers or other electronic

devices of Executive that are used for business purposes relating to Employer. Executive shall not transfer any Employer information to any personal computer or other electronic device that is not otherwise used for any business purpose relating to Employer. Executive shall promptly return all originals and copies of any Confidential Information and other records, files, documents and other materials to Employer if Executive's employment with Employer is terminated for any reason. In addition, Executive shall immediately upon termination for any reason surrender all personal electronic devices ever used to access Confidential Information or conduct business on behalf of Employer for joint (Executive and Employer) inspection and removal of Employer information, including without limitation, Confidential Information.

(a)Notwithstanding the foregoing, an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Accordingly, Executive has the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to Federal, State, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. Executive also has the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to authorize, or limit liability for, an act that is otherwise prohibited by law, such as the unlawful access of material by unauthorized means.

(b)Nothing contained herein shall impede Executive's ability to report possible securities law violations to the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental agencies (i) without Employer's prior approval, and (ii) without having to forfeit or forego any resulting whistleblower awards.

Section 10.Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Covenants. Employer and Executive agree that the primary service area of Employer's business in which Executive will actively participate extends separately to an area that encompasses a fifty (50) mile radius from each banking and other office location of Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the “Restrictive Area”). Therefore, as an essential ingredient of and in consideration of this Agreement and Executive's employment by Employer, Executive hereby agrees that for a period of one (1) year after termination of Executive's employment with Employer for any reason and whether such termination of employment is during the Term or after the termination or expiration of the Term (the “Restrictive Period”), Executive shall not directly or indirectly compete with the business of Employer, including by doing any of the following (the “Restrictive Covenant”):

(a)engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, control, finance, participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, be employed by, associate with or in any manner be connected with, serve as an employee, officer or director of or consultant to, lend Executive's name or any similar name to, lend Executive's credit to, or render services or advice to any person, firm, partnership, corporation, trust or other entity that owns or operates, a bank,

savings and loan association, credit union, wealth management or investment advisory firm, or similar financial institution (a “Financial Institution”) with any office located, or to be located at an address identified in a filing with any regulatory authority, within the Restrictive Area; provided, however, that in the event a successor to First Busey succeeds to or assumes First Busey's rights and obligations under this Agreement in connection with a Change in Control this Section 10(a) shall apply only to the primary service areas of Employer as they existed immediately before the Change in Control;

(b)directly or indirectly, for Executive or any Financial Institution: (i) induce or attempt to induce any officer of Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any employee who previously reported to Executive, to leave the employ of Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship between Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and any such officer or employee; (iii) employ, or otherwise engage as an employee, independent contractor or otherwise, any such officer or employee; or (iv) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or business relation of Employer of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to cease doing business with Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or in any way interfere with the relationship between Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and any of their respective customers, suppliers, licensees or business relations, where Executive had personal contact with, or has accessed Confidential Information in the preceding twelve (12) months with respect to, such customers, suppliers, licensees or business relations; or

(c)directly or indirectly, for Executive or any Financial Institution, solicit the business of any person or entity known to Executive to be a customer of Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, where Executive, or any person reporting to Executive, had personal contact with such person or entity, with respect to products, activities or services that compete in whole or in part with the products, activities or services of Employer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

The foregoing Restrictive Covenant shall not prohibit Executive from owning directly or indirectly capital stock or similar securities that are listed on a securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System that do not represent more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding capital stock of any Financial Institution.

Section 11.Remedies for Breach. Executive has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement with legal counsel, or has been given adequate opportunity to seek such counsel, and Executive acknowledges and expressly agrees that the covenants contained herein are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographical area and scope. Executive further acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of Employer, that they create no undue hardships, that any violation of these restrictions would cause substantial injury to Employer and its interests, that Employer would not have agreed to enter into this Agreement without receiving Executive's agreement to be bound by these restrictions and that such restrictions were a material inducement to Employer to enter into this Agreement. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that during the Restrictive Period, Employer shall have the right to communicate the existence and terms of this Agreement to any third party with whom Executive may seek or obtain future employment or other similar arrangement. In the event Employer determines that Executive has violated any of the

restrictions contained in in Sections 9, 10, or 12, Executive's eligibility for and receipt of any severance payments or benefits under Section 6(b) shall immediately terminate. In addition, in the event of any violation or threatened violation of the restrictions contained in this Agreement, Employer, in addition to and not in limitation of, any other rights, remedies or damages available to Employer under this Agreement or otherwise at law or in equity, shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any such violation by Executive and any and all persons directly or indirectly acting for or with Executive, as the case may be. If Executive violates the Restrictive Covenant and Employer brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, Employer shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of the Restrictive Covenant. Accordingly, the Restrictive Covenant shall be deemed to have the duration specified herein computed from the date the relief is granted but reduced by the time between the period when the Restrictive Period began to run and the date of the first violation of the Restrictive Covenant by Executive.

Section 12.Intellectual Property. At all times from and after the date of this Agreement, Executive agrees to not, directly or indirectly, use, register, or assist others to use or register, any designation (including, without limitation, any service mark, trademark, trade name or other indicia of source) that is the same as or confusingly similar to the legal or operating names of First Busey Corporation or Busey Bank and their affiliates in connection with any banking, wealth management, lending, trust, mortgage, or other financial services or products. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive's obligations under this Section 12 are necessary to protect consumers from confusion as to source, affiliation, association or sponsorship, and that such obligations are reasonable and will not preclude or materially impede Executive from gainful employment.

Section 13.Indemnity; Other Protections.

(a)Indemnification. Employer shall indemnify Executive (and, upon Executive's death, Executive's heirs, executors and administrators) to the fullest extent permitted by law against all expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, court and investigative costs, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (collectively, “Expenses”) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with or arising out of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit or proceeding in which Executive becomes involved by reason of Executive's having been an officer or director of Employer. The indemnification rights provided for herein are not exclusive and shall supplement any rights to indemnification that Executive may have under any applicable bylaw or charter provision of Employer, or any resolution of Employer or any applicable statute.

(b)Advancement of Expenses. In the event that Executive becomes a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any pending, threatened or completed action, suit or proceeding for which Employer is permitted or required to indemnify Executive under this Agreement, any applicable bylaw or charter provision of Employer, any resolution of Employer, or any applicable statute, Employer shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, advance all Expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement, or appeal of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, subject to receipt by Employer of a written undertaking from Executive to reimburse Employer for all Expenses actually paid by Employer to or on behalf of Executive in the event it shall be ultimately

determined that Employer cannot lawfully indemnify Executive for such Expenses, and to assign to Employer all rights of Executive to indemnification under any policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to the extent of the amount of Expenses actually paid by Employer to or on behalf of Executive.

(c)Litigation. Unless precluded by an actual or potential conflict of interest, Employer shall have the right to recommend counsel to Executive to represent Executive in connection with any claim covered by this Section 13. Further, Executive's choice of counsel, Executive's decision to contest or settle any such claim and the terms and amount of the settlement of any such claim shall be subject to Employer's prior written approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed by Employer.

Section 14.Regulatory Conditions. If Employer is not permitted to make any payments that may become due to Executive under Sections 6(b), 6(c) or 6(e) because First Busey or the Bank is not in compliance with any regulatory-mandated minimum capital requirements or if making the payments would cause First Busey' s or the Bank's capital to fall below such minimum capital requirements, then Employer shall delay making such payments until the earliest possible date it could resume making the payments without violating such minimum capital requirements. Further, if Employer is not permitted to make any payments that may become due to Executive under Sections 6(b), 6(c), or 6(e) because of the operation of any other applicable law or regulation, then Employer shall delay making such payments until the earliest possible date it could resume making the payments without violating such applicable law or regulation.

Section 15.General Provisions.

(a)Amendment. Except as set forth explicitly herein, this Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written agreement signed by Executive and Employer.

(b)Successors; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Executive, Employer and their respective personal representatives, successors and assigns. Except as set forth in Section 10(a), for the purposes of this Agreement, any successor or assign of Employer shall be deemed to be “Employer.” Employer shall require any successor or assign of Employer or any direct or indirect purchaser or acquirer of all or substantially all of the business, assets or liabilities of Employer, whether by transfer, purchase, merger, consolidation, stock acquisition or otherwise, to assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement and Employer's obligations hereunder in the same manner and to the same extent as Employer would have been required to perform them if no such transaction had occurred.

(c)Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, undertakings, agreements and arrangements with respect thereto, whether written or oral. The provisions of this Agreement shall be regarded as divisible and separate; if any provision is declared invalid or unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. In the event any provision of this Agreement (including any provision of the Restrictive Covenant) is held to be overbroad as written, such provision shall be deemed to be

amended to narrow the application of such provision to the extent necessary to make such provision enforceable according to applicable law.

(d)Survival. The provisions of Section 9 (Confidentiality), Section 10 (Non- Competition and Non-Solicitation Covenants), Section 11 (Remedies for Breach), Section 12 (Intellectual Property), Section 13 (Indemnity; Other Protections), Section 14 (Regulatory Conditions) and Section 15 (General Provisions) shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.

(e)Governing Law and Enforcement. This Agreement shall be construed and the legal relations of the Parties shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without reference to the law regarding conflicts of law.

(f)Jurisdiction. Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Agreement, shall be brought against either of the parties exclusively in the courts of the State of Illinois, County of Champaign, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District court for the Central District of Illinois, and each of the parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on either party anywhere in the world. EXECUTIVE AND EMPLOYER HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE, AND EXECUTIVE REPRESENTS THAT EXECUTIVE'S WAIVER IS KNOWING, VOLUNTARY AND INTENTIONAL.

(g)Prevailing Party Legal Fees. Should either Party initiate any action or proceeding to enforce this Agreement or any provision hereof, or for damages by reason of any alleged breach of this Agreement or of any provision hereof, or for a declaration of rights hereunder (a “Covered Dispute”), the prevailing Party in any such Covered Dispute shall be entitled to receive from the other Party all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by the prevailing Party in connection with such Covered Dispute. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Covered Dispute arising upon or within three (3) years following a Change in Control, Employer shall advance to Executive all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) which Executive may incur in connection with such Covered Dispute, within ten (10) business days after receipt by Employer of a written request for such advance, provided that Executive shall repay the amount of any such costs and expenses advanced by Employer pursuant to this Section 15(g) if a court issues a final and non-appealable order settling forth the determination that the position taken by Executive was frivolous or advanced by Executive in bad faith.

(h)Waiver. No waiver by either Party at any time of any breach by the other Party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other Party shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same time or any prior or subsequent time.

(i)Notices. Notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when received; and, if mailed, shall be mailed by United States registered or

certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; and if to Employer, addressed to the principal headquarters of First Busey, attention: President and Chief Executive Officer; and if to Executive, to the address for Executive as most currently reflected in the corporate records or to such other address as Executive has most recently provided to Employer.

(j)Section 409A.

(i)This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (together with the applicable regulations thereunder, “Section 409A”), and the Parties agree that it shall be administered accordingly, and interpreted and construed on a basis consistent with such intent. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no termination or other similar payments and benefits hereunder shall be payable on account of Executive's termination of employment unless Executive's termination of employment constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A. To the extent any reimbursements or in-kind benefit payments under this Agreement are subject to Section 409A, such reimbursements and in-kind benefit payments shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation §l.409A-3(i)(l)(iv). This Agreement may be amended to the extent necessary (including retroactively) by Employer to maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of this Agreement while avoiding the application of taxes or interest under Section 409A. The preceding shall not be construed as a guarantee of any particular tax effect for Executive's compensation and benefits and Employer does not guarantee that any compensation or benefits provided under this Agreement will satisfy the provisions of Section 409A.

(ii)If at the time of any payment hereunder Executive is considered to be a Specified Employee and such payment is required to be treated as deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, then, to the extent required by Section 409A, such payments shall be delayed to the date that is six (6) months after the Termination Date. For purposes of Section 409A, each payment made under this Agreement, or pursuant to another plan or arrangement, will be treated as a separate payment. The term “Specified Employee” means any person who holds a position with Employer of senior vice president or higher and has compensation greater than that stated in Section 416(i)(l )(A)(i) of the Code. The determination of whether Executive is a Specified Employee shall be based upon the twelve (12)-month period ending on each December 31st (such twelve (12)-month period is referred to below as the “identification period”). If Executive is determined to be a Specified Employee during the identification period, he or she shall be treated as a Specified Employee for purposes of this Agreement during the twelve (12) month period that begins on the April 1st following the close of such identification period. For purposes of determining whether Executive is a Specified Employee under Section 4l 6(i) of the Code, compensation shall mean Executive's W-2 compensation as reported by Employer for a particular calendar year.

(iii)All payments under this Agreement required to be delayed pursuant to this Section 15(j) shall be accumulated and paid in a lump-sum, catch-up payment as of the first (1st) day of the seventh (7th) month following the Termination Date (or, if earlier, the date of death of Executive), with all such delayed payments being credited with interest (compounded monthly) for such period of delay equal to the prime rate in effect on the first (1st) day of such six (6)-month period. Any portion of the benefits hereunder that were not otherwise due to be paid during the

six (6)-month period following the Termination Date shall be paid to Executive in accordance with the payment schedule established herein.

(k)Clawback. Any amount or benefit received under this Agreement shall be subject to potential cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, or other action in accordance with the terms of any applicable Employer clawback policy (the “Policy”) or any applicable law, as may be in effect from time to time. Executive acknowledges and consents to Employer's application, implementation, and enforcement of (i) the Policy or any similar policy established by Employer that may apply to Executive and (ii) any provision of applicable law relating to cancellation, rescission, payback, or recoupment of compensation, as well as Executive's express agreement that Employer may take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate the Policy, any similar policy, or applicable law, without further consideration or action.

(l)Construction. This Agreement shall be deemed drafted equally by the Parties. Any presumption or principle that the language of this Agreement is to be construed against any Party shall not apply. Whenever used in this Agreement, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (where applicable); the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole (including exhibits); all references to sections, schedules and exhibits are to sections, schedules and exhibits in or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; the words “include,” “includes” and “including” means “include, without limitation,” “includes, without limitation” and “including, without limitation,” respectively; any reference to a document or set of documents, and the rights and obligations of the parties under any such documents, means such document or documents as amended from time to time, and any and all modifications, extensions, renewals, substitutions or replacements thereof; and references to a statute shall refer to the statute and any amendments and any successor statutes, and to all regulations promulgated under or implementing the statute, as amended, or its successors, as in effect at the relevant time. The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only, shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof, and shall not be deemed to limit, characterize or in any way affect the construction or enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of identical counterparts, any of which may contain the signatures of less than all Parties, and all of which together shall constitute a single agreement. All remedies of any Party are cumulative and not alternative, and are in addition to any other remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on November 21, 2019, effective as of the Effective Date.


FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION and BUSEY BANK		EXECUTIVE

By:	/s/ Van A. Dukeman	/s/ Monica L. Bowe
	Van A. Dukeman	Monica L. Bowe
	President and Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Busey Bank

Signature Page to Bowe Employment Agreement

Exhibit A to Employment Agreement

AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This Agreement and Release (this “Release”), is made and entered into by [•] (“Employee”) in favor of First Busey Corporation (“First Busey”), Busey Bank (the “Bank” and together with First Busey, “Employer”) and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, beneficial owners of its stock, its current or former officers, directors, employees, members, attorneys and agents, and their predecessors, successors and assigns, individually and in their official capacities (together, the “Released Parties”).

WHEREAS, Employee has been employed as [•];

WHEREAS, Employee's employment with Employer was terminated, effective as of [•] (the “Termination Date”); and

WHEREAS, Employee is seeking certain payments under Section 6[•] of the employment agreement entered into with Employer dated [•] (the “Employment Agreement”), that are conditioned on the effectiveness of this Release.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

1.General Release. Employee knowingly and voluntarily waives, terminates, cancels, releases and discharges forever the Released Parties from any and all suits, actions, causes of action, claims, allegations, rights, obligations, liabilities, demands, entitlements or charges (collectively, “Claims”) that Employee (or Employee's heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns) has or may have, whether known, unknown or unforeseen, vested or contingent, by reason of any matter, cause or thing occurring at any time before and including the date of this Release, arising under or in connection with Employee's employment or termination of employment with Employer, including, without limitation: Claims under United States federal, state or local law and the national or local law of any foreign country (statutory or decisional), for wrongful, abusive, constructive or unlawful discharge or dismissal, for breach of any contract, or for discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful criterion or circumstance, including, without limitation, rights or Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (“OWBPA”), violations of the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, including all amendments to any of the aforementioned acts; and violations of any other federal, state, or municipal fair employment statutes or laws, including, without limitation, violations of any other law, rule, regulation, or ordinance pertaining to employment, wages, compensation, hours worked, or any other Claims for compensation or bonuses, whether or not paid under any compensation plan or arrangement; breach of contract; tort and other common law Claims; defamation; libel; slander; impairment of economic opportunity defamation; sexual harassment; retaliation; attorneys' fees; emotional distress; intentional infliction of emotional distress; assault; battery, pain and suffering; and punitive or exemplary damages (the “Released Matters”). In addition, in consideration of the provisions of this Release, Employee further agrees

A-1

to waive any and all rights under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States, or any other country, that limit a general release to those Claims that are known or suspected to exist in Employee's favor as of the Effective Date (as defined below).

2.Surviving Claims. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Release shall not:

(i)release any Claims for payment of amounts payable under the Employment Agreement (including under Section 6[•] thereof) or any rights or obligations imposed by the surviving Sections of the Employment Agreement, which include but are not limited to Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15;

(ii)release any Claim for employee benefits under plans covered by ERISA to the extent any such Claim may not lawfully be waived or for any payments or benefits under any Employer plans that have vested according to the terms of those plans;

(iii)release any Claim that may not lawfully be waived;

(iv)release any Claim for indemnification and D&O insurance in accordance with the Employment Agreement and with applicable laws and the corporate governance documents of Employer; or

(v)limit Employee's rights under applicable law to provide truthful information to any governmental entity or to file a charge with or participate in an investigation conducted by any governmental entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee agrees to waive Employee's right to recover monetary damages in connection with any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by Employee or anyone else on Employee's behalf (whether involving a governmental entity or not); provided that Employee is not agreeing to waive, and this Release shall not be read as requiring Employee to waive, any right Employee may have to receive an award for information provided to any governmental entity.

3.Additional Representations. Employee further represents and warrants that Employee has not filed any civil action, suit, arbitration, administrative charge, or legal proceeding against any Released Party, nor has Employee assigned, pledged, or hypothecated as of the Effective Date any Claim to any person and no other person has an interest in the Claims that he is releasing.

4.Acknowledgements by Employee. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee has read this Release in its entirety and that this Release is a general release of all known and unknown Claims. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that:

(i)this Release does not release, waive or discharge any rights or Claims that may arise for actions or omissions after the Effective Date of this Release and Employee acknowledges that he is not releasing, waiving or

A-2

discharging any ADEA Claims that may arise after the Effective Date of this Release;

(ii)Employee is entering into this Release and releasing, waiving and discharging rights or Claims only in exchange for consideration which Employee is not already entitled to receive;

(iii)Employee has been advised, and is being advised by the Release, to consult with an attorney before executing this Release; Employee acknowledges that Employee has consulted with counsel of Employee's choice concerning the terms and conditions of this Release;

(iv)Employee has been advised, and is being advised by this Release, that Employee has been given at least [twenty-one (21)] [forty-five (45)] days within which to consider the Release, but Employee can execute this Release at any time prior to the expiration of such review period; [and]

(v)[Because this Release includes a release of claims under ADEA, Employee is being provided with the information contained in Schedule 1 hereto in accordance with the OWBPA; and]

(vi)Employee is aware that this Release shall become null and void if Employee revokes Employee's agreement to this Release within seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Release. Employee may revoke this Release at any time during such seven-day period by delivering (or causing to be delivered) to Employer written notice of Employee's revocation of this Release no later than 5:00 p.m. Central time on the seventh (7th) full day following the date of execution of this Release (the “Effective Date”). Employee agrees and acknowledges that a letter of revocation that is not received by such date and time will be invalid and will not revoke this Release.

5.Confidentiality. Employee and Employer shall keep the existence and the terms of this Release confidential, except for Executive's immediate family members or their legal or tax advisors in connection with services related hereto and except as may be required by law or in connection with the preparation of tax returns. For purposes of this Section 5, “immediate family members” shall be limited to Employee's spouse or domestic partner and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing Employee's household.

6.Non-Waiver. Employer's waiver of a breach of this Release by Employee shall not be construed or operate as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Employee of the same or of any other provision of this Release.

7.Non-Disparagement. Employer shall instruct in writing each member of the Board of Directors of First Busey and each executive officer of First Busey that at all times following the Termination Date, such individual shall not engage in any vilification of the Employee, and shall refrain from making any false, negative, critical or disparaging statements, implied or expressed, concerning Employee, including Employee's management style, methods of

A-3

doing business, the quality of Employee's work or Employee's role in the community. At all times following the Termination Date, Employee shall not engage in any vilification of the Employer and its and their officers and directors, and Employee shall refrain from making any false, negative, critical or disparaging statements, implied or expressed, concerning Employer and its and their officers and directors, including management style, methods of doing business, the quality of products and services, or role in the community. Employee shall do nothing that would damage Employer's business reputation or good will.

8.Restrictive Covenants. Employee shall abide by the terms set forth in Sections 9 and 10 of the Employment Agreement.

9.Governing Law and Enforcement. This Release shall be construed and the legal relations of Executive and Employer shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without reference to the law regarding conflicts of law.

10.Counterparts. This Release may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Release.

11.Construction. The prov1s10ns of Section 15(1) of the Employment Agreement shall apply to this Release provided that the word "Release" shall take the place of the word "Agreement" in such Section 15(1), where applicable.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

A-4

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Release as of dates set forth below their respective signatures below.

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION and
BUSEY BANK

EXECUTIVE

By:

[Name]

President and Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Busey Bank

Date:

Signature Page to [•] Agreement and Release

Document

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Van A. Dukeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation, certify that:

1)I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Busey Corporation;

2)Based on my knowledge, this Quarterly Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Quarterly Report;

3)Based on my knowledge, the Financial Statements, and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Quarterly Report;

4)The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Quarterly Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this Quarterly Report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5)The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


			/s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
			Van A. Dukeman
			Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 7, 2024

Document

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Jeffrey D. Jones, Chief Financial Officer of First Busey Corporation, certify that:

1)I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Busey Corporation;

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


			/s/ JEFFREY D. JONES
			Jeffrey D. Jones
			Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 7, 2024

Document

EXHIBIT 32.1

The following certification is provided by the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation on the basis of such officer’s knowledge and belief for the sole purpose of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the accompanying Quarterly Report of First Busey Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in such Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of First Busey Corporation as of and for the periods covered by the Quarterly Report.


			/s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
			Van A. Dukeman
			Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 7, 2024

Document

EXHIBIT 32.2

The following certification is provided by the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of First Busey Corporation on the basis of such officer’s knowledge and belief for the sole purpose of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

CERTIFICATION


			/s/ JEFFREY D. JONES
			Jeffrey D. Jones
			Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 7, 2024