First Business Financial Services (FBIZ) Proxy Filing summary

Executive summary

• Achieved 10% revenue growth, 11% core deposit growth, and 8% loan growth in 2025, outpacing industry averages and surpassing strategic plan targets.

• Delivered 14% growth in pre-tax, pre-provision earnings and EPS, with a 15.3% return on average tangible common equity and 14% growth in tangible book value per share.

• Five-year total shareholder return reached 235%, significantly outperforming peers and major indices.

• Leadership transition planned for May 2026, with the President & COO set to become CEO.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Election of three Class I directors to serve until 2029.

• Approval of the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, making 157,000 shares plus unused prior plan shares available for awards.

• Non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation (say-on-pay).

• Ratification of Crowe LLP as independent auditor for 2026.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board consists of eight directors, majority independent, with separate CEO and Board Chair roles.

• Committees include Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Operational Risk, all with independent chairs.

• Annual board and committee evaluations, robust director education, and succession planning processes in place.

• New independent director appointed in 2025 to strengthen financial expertise.