Spotlight On: Tim Abell, CEO & President, Firstrust Bank

October 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Tim Abell, CEO and president of Firstrust Bank, emphasized its unique position as a $5 billion, family-owned institution rooted in Philadelphia. “We pride ourselves on delivering personalized service,” Abell said. “At its core, Firstrust’s mission is about cultivating prosperity for customers, employees, and the community.”

What ongoing shifts in the banking sector have influenced Firstrust’s strategy, and how have you responded?

One of the most significant developments has been consolidation among community banks. The number has dropped — down from around 16,000 when I started to about 4,000 today — that only heightens the importance of our value proposition. At the same time, we face growing competition from fintechs, private credit groups, and even tax-exempt credit unions. These shifts encourage us to stay sharply focused on the strengths that set us apart. 

As the official bank of the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia’s Hometown Bank, we’re uniquely positioned to attract strong talent while continuing to build long-term customer relationships through consistent, personalized service.

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How does Philadelphia’s unique culture, economy, and growth trajectory support Firstrust’s vision and positioning?

Philadelphia is home for us, not just a city where we operate. The bank was founded here, in South Philadelphia, by our owner’s (Richard J. Green) grandfather, Samuel A. Green in 1934, and has been deeply connected to the community ever since. The region has a diverse economy: strong “eds and meds,” vibrant sports culture, and excellent transportation links that make it a great place to live, work, and grow. Major events like next year’s semiquincentennial celebration, the MLB All-Star Game and multiple FIFA World Cup matches, will only showcase the city further. I’m inspired by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s energy and her focus on housing, all of which reinforce our belief that Philadelphia remains a community with immense potential.

How is Firstrust uniquely positioned to navigate today’s complex financial landscape?

Firstrust is over a $5 billion bank, and family-owned. That combination allows us to execute sophisticated financial transactions, like a $1 billion lending facility we syndicated last year for one of our customers, while retaining our unique culture and commitment to long-term relationships. We are driven by personal connection, long-term vision, and a strong culture, qualities that make our bank stand out in a complex and fluctuating financial landscape.

What services and sectors are you prioritizing for small- and mid‑sized businesses, and how are you tailoring your operations to serve them better?

We’re placing a strong emphasis on digital products that make it easier and faster to do business with Firstrust. We’ve invested in tools that offer insights to help entrepreneurs manage their business such as seamlessly integrating customers’ data with their accounting systems. Business owners need a banker who knows the market, understands their needs, and answers the phone. We also connect clients with partners who can help them grow, and nothing satisfies us more than seeing our customers succeed. At its core, Firstrust’s mission is about cultivating prosperity for customers, employees, and the community. We show that by acting quickly, offering insights, and providing service with a human touch even as we build additional digital capabilities.

Are there specific sectors where you’re seeing strong growth or focusing your client development in the region?

Our construction lending team has always been a strength of our organization, and we continue to see robust growth. We handle financing for multifamily conversions, single-family developments and various commercial real estate projects. This real estate sector has tremendous opportunity, and our client base continues to expand. At the same time, our strength in business banking, including SBA and commercial lending, is growing. We’re attracting new talent, focusing on expertise, and investing in services to support these areas. In my first 20 years in banking, I worked at five institutions that later merged. Having now been with Firstrust for 21 years, I’ve seen the value of stable ownership and leadership. At Firstrust, being family-owned means we run the bank with a multi-year vision, which resonates with customers who appreciate our consistency. They know that when they call, they connect with someone who understands their business and the market, which is rare in today’s landscape.

What’s your approach to attracting and developing talent to support your strategic vision?

One clear strength of Firstrust is the stability and consistency of our executive leadership. We’ve been fortunate to retain leaders over the long term while also bringing in new professionals who expand our capabilities. We offer a meaningful career path which is a strong draw for talent, especially for people who are coming from public companies or banks that have merged.. We foster a strong culture, and we’re mindful about protecting it. We hire carefully, invest in our people, and make sure everyone has opportunities to grow, learn and build a strong career in a dynamic industry.

How are you leveraging technology and innovation to enhance efficiency and client service?

Digital transformation and AI are reshaping banking. We’re at the early stages, testing various AI-type initiatives to increase efficiency and improve customer experience. What I think is unique about Firstrust is our ability to blend innovation with personal service. We work with technology vendors to deliver advanced tools, like streamlined online account opening, spending insights, and software integrations that are especially valuable for entrepreneurs and businesses. Our investments let us share insights, speed decision-making, and simplify financial management for clients — all without sacrificing the personal touch that defines us.

In what ways is Firstrust engaging with the broader community, and how does that align with your business goals?

We support several longstanding community organizations. For instance, City Year benefits from our support in education and youth development, which contributes to long-term community strength. We partner with Variety — The Children’s Charity and the Eagles Autism Foundation, reflecting our commitment to broader social impact. Habitat for Humanity holds a special place for me — our partnership supports stable housing, which resonates deeply with our mission. The Green Family Foundation supports initiatives across education, food security, healthcare, safety, and more, reinforcing our focus on foundational community needs. We also engage with organizations like the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Enterprise Center to support entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. By embedding ourselves in the community, we build goodwill and trust that naturally support business opportunities.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years, and what makes you optimistic about the future?

My outlook is optimistic. First, I believe Firstrust has exceptional talent, committed people who genuinely care about our customers and their success. We’re making smart investments in technology that enhance efficiency and client experience while maintaining a personal touch. Second, we’re exploring new geographic and niche market opportunities where we hold expertise. We want to grow these areas thoughtfully. Third, we plan to collaborate with fintechs and other innovators and leverage those partnerships for strategic expansion. All of this ties into our broader strategy, which is grounded in a long-term vision rather than short-term gains. Our culture, adaptability, and financial stability position us well for the years ahead. Being prepared for change is critical. Our industry is always evolving, and our owner, Richard J. Green, has instilled a forward-looking mindset. One of the most important lessons is that when challenges arise, whether in tech or the economy, firms that remain strong are those that are consistently there for their clients, and have strong capital, liquidity, and governance. For us, maintaining that financial conservatism while embracing innovation ensures we can support our customers and community through various economic cycles.

Want more? Read the Invest: Philadelphia report.