Established in 1977, First Citizens Bank’s 13 employees operate two branches and serve approximately 1,500 customers.

The bank manages $53 million in deposits and $32.8 million loans, according to the First Citizens’ 2025 first quarter FDIC financial filings. At the end of Q1, the bank posted income of $171,000, compared to income of $254,000 during the same period last year.

First Citizens is the only locally owned community bank in Butte, while there are four credit unions headquartered in that city. Five other banks operate branches in Butte

For Frontier CU President/CEO Dan Thurman, a Montana native, the expansion carries personal significance.

"Montana is home for me. I grew up in Dillon, and being able to bring Frontier's mission and values back to my roots is something deeply personal,” Thurman said in a prepared statement. “This move is more than strategic growth for Frontier - it's an opportunity to serve a new community with the same heart, service and commitment that defines who we are as a credit union."

In Idaho, Frontier’s 197 employees operate 13 locations and serve more than 50,000 members.

The credit union’s potential opportunities for growth in Montana coincidentally align with Butte’s population increases.

From 2020 to 2023, Butte’s population jumped by more than 1,200, from 34,396 to 35,701, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In planning for continued population growth, the Butte Local Development Corporation is creating a strategic plan to enhance business growth, workforce development and community partnerships. Meanwhile, city leaders are working to diversify the historically mining-dependent economy by attracting businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, services and technology.

“This transaction brings tremendous opportunities for our customers and employees,” First Citizens Bank CEO Casey Reilly said in a prepared statement. “It’s a natural fit. I’m excited our customers will be in the hands of someone who knows what makes Montana special. They know our community, share our values, and appreciate the uniqueness of Butte.”

This marks the sixth credit union-bank acquisition agreement announced this year.

Peter Strozniak can reached at [email protected]