Our History
As Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Abilene, we started offering wealth management services in 1927.
In 1957, with a more diversified economy, we became First National Bank of Abilene. In 1973, shareholders formed First Abilene Bankshares, Inc., a multi-bank holding company.
In October 1993, to better reflect operations, we changed to First Financial Bankshares and listed on NASDAQ under the symbol FFIN.
A decade later, in October 2003, we consolidated the fiduciary departments of First Financial in Abilene, Sweetwater, San Angelo, and Stephenville into First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company.
In April 2005, we opened the fifth office within First Financial Bank, Southlake branch, relocating in 2007 to a new Fort Worth location.
In June 2009, we opened the sixth fiduciary office in Odessa.
In June 2013, fiduciary operations started in southeast markets - Beaumont, Orange, and the surrounding areas. The seventh state office opened in Beaumont in late 2014.
In November 2018, we opened the eighth fiduciary office in Houston, expanding services to the metro area and its surrounding areas.
In August 2020, we opened the ninth office in Bryan/College Station, reaffirming our commitment across Texas.
Today, we offer fiduciary and wealth management services to our growing First Financial client family throughout Texas.
Discover for yourself how, at First Financial Wealth Management, it’s You First.
Who We Are
With experienced professionals in trust management, estate planning, real estate management, investment management, oil and gas management, and company retirement plans, First Financial Trust has resources across all aspects of asset management to establish and administer individual plans that will help you achieve all of your financial goals.
Contact us today, and let us show you our personal approach to service.
We will work diligently to manage your assets and understand your objectives. We will guide you through a clear investment philosophy that delivers consistent results across changing market environments. We will demonstrate our knowledge, education, and experience to manage both the surface and mineral estate and your land and property as if it were our own.
Our Philosophy
First Financial Trust adheres to the fundamental principles of value investing and adds value through active management and thorough oversight. Our emphasis on quality originates from the decision to structure investment portfolios to withstand market declines, in some cases, significant declines, but also to participate when markets rally. This strategy serves to produce superior long-term results that meet your investment objectives.
We actively manage equity and fixed-income portfolios tailored to your investment return goals, risk tolerance, tax situation, liquidity needs, and time horizon.
Equity Portfolios
Our equity portfolios span value, growth, and market-oriented styles. They manage equity market risks through the quality of the selected securities, the weight each security is permitted to hold in the portfolio, and sector weightings. The investment selection process is based on top-down analysis, in which our portfolio managers take a macro view of the equity universe and combine it with proprietary screens to identify the best stocks poised to outperform the market. Most of our holdings are purchased for the long term, as evidenced by our low portfolio turnover. Some holdings are sold sooner than planned due to stronger-than-anticipated upside.
Fixed-Income Portfolios
Our fixed-income portfolios span taxable and tax-exempt styles. They manage the risks of the bond market through the quality of securities selected, the weight each security is permitted to hold in the portfolio, and the length to maturity. The investment selection process focuses on a clear understanding of the Treasury yield curve, the factors that shape its slope, and the relationships between yields across different maturity periods. We only invest in the highest-credit-quality bonds to eliminate credit risk, whether they are corporate or municipal. The purpose of the bond portfolio is to generate current income and protect principal. We generally purchase bonds with investment-grade credit ratings, excluding the lowest tier.
Our Difference
At First Financial Trust, we are not here to offer a one-size-fits-all product for the largest possible customer base. We are not here to simply manage assets.
Instead, we are here to provide the highest level of client service and client focus:
- Delivering a personal approach to provide targeted solutions for your individual financial goals
- Measuring our success by your success
- Developing and sustaining long-term relationships
- Offering highly competitive fees in the marketplace
- Tailoring your portfolio to meet your individual needs
- Leading within our industry by knowing what we do best and consistently doing it
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your financial management needs. Whether that is for investment management, trust and estate planning, oil & gas management, real estate management, or company retirement plans, First Financial Trust is dedicated to providing one of the best client experiences that is available to you today.
When you're ready to find a trust and wealth management partner, we'll be ready too. We work diligently to provide clear communications, attention to detail, and the highest regard for your future. It would be our privilege to serve you.
