BauerFinancial 5-Star Rating
5-Star Superior Rating – First United Bank Recognized Among the Nation’s Strongest Banks
First United Bank has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, placing us among the strongest banks in the nation. This prestigious rating reflects excellence in capital strength, loan quality, and overall financial stability—key indicators of a bank built to serve its customers and communities for the long term.
This recognition reinforces what has guided us since our founding: a commitment to sound banking practices, local decision-making, and putting our communities FIRST. Strong financial performance allows us to remain a reliable partner for individuals, families, and businesses—today and well into the future.
“Community banks put their focus on local people and small businesses; they are perfectly positioned to provide the specialized support that is unique to their area,” said Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Community banks, like First United Bank and Trust Company, promote local growth by investing back into the same neighborhoods their deposits come from.”
What This Means for Our Communities
A 5-Star Superior rating is more than a financial distinction—it’s a promise of strength, consistency, and trust. It means our customers can feel confident knowing their bank is well-capitalized, responsibly managed, and committed to long-term stability.
As a true community bank, we reinvest locally, support small businesses, and make decisions with our neighbors’ best interests in mind. From personal banking to business growth, our focus remains on building lasting relationships rooted in integrity and service.
Built on a Strong Foundation
Since our founding in 1996, First United Bank has proudly served Hopkins County and the communities we now call home. While our footprint has grown, our mission has remained the same: to meet our customers’ evolving needs while staying grounded in the values that define community banking.
Thank You
Thank you to our customers for placing your trust in us, and to our employees whose dedication helps make recognitions like this possible. Strong ratings don’t happen by chance—they’re earned through responsible stewardship, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to doing what’s right.
We’re proud of this recognition and remain focused on what matters most: serving our communities with strength, stability, and heart.
Best Banks to Work For 2025
First United Bank has been nationally recognized as one of American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For.
Best Banks to Work For – First United Bank Ranks First in Kentucky
First United Bank has been named one of the 2025 Best Banks to Work For by American Banker for the fourth consecutive year. American Banker partners with Best Companies Group to identify top-performing banks through comprehensive workplace evaluations and anonymous employee surveys. Among the 90 financial institutions nationwide earning this distinction, we ranked #12 nationwide, #9 among banks with assets under $3 billion, and #1 in Kentucky!
This recognition highlights our most important asset: our people. Our employees are the heart of everything we do. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence drive our success, and it shows in every customer interaction and every community connection.
“Earning this recognition for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to the exceptional culture we’ve built together,” said J. Jason Hawkins, President and CEO. “Our team members are the foundation of our success, and their dedication to serving our customers and communities sets us apart.”
What Makes Us Different
As a true community bank, our team feels like family. We’ve built a culture where meaningful work happens every day and banking goes beyond transactions – it’s about building lasting relationships rooted in integrity and trust.
We invest in our employees’ growth while maintaining the work-life balance that makes careers sustainable and fulfilling. Through continuous learning and advancement programs, we help our team thrive professionally while keeping family and community a priority.
Just as we invest in our people, they invest in our communities. Our employees are empowered to volunteer and make tangible differences in the places we call home – and through them, we don’t just operate in communities – we’re an active part of them.
Thank You
Thank you to our team for bringing our culture to life every day. Thank you to our communities for their trust and partnership. We are proud to serve and remain committed to helping our communities prosper.
Four years of national recognition, but rankings don’t build great banks – people do, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.
View the complete 2025 rankings at www.americanbanker.com
