FIRST BUSEY CORP NV

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 deposit 1 funded, with robust liquidity and significant market share in the communities we serve. As of September 30, 2024, our loan to deposit ratio was 78.5% and core deposits represented 96.5% 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.

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 September 30, 2024, our leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 11.0%, our common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 13.8%, and our total capital to risk weighted assets ratio was 18.2%.