ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:BAFN) ("BayFirst" or the "Company"), parent company of BayFirst National Bank (the "Bank") today announced it has closed its planned loan sale to Banesco USA.

"I am pleased to announce BayFirst has closed on the sale of $94.6 million of loans to Banesco USA. We announced this transaction on September 29, 2025, as part of a comprehensive strategic review aimed at derisking SBA 7(a) balances on the balance sheet and positioning the Company for long-term growth and enhanced shareholder value. On a proforma basis, the Bank's total capital ratio improves to 10.1% and the tier 1 leverage ratio improves to 6.8%," stated Thomas G. Zernick, Chief Executive Officer. "As we previously announced, BayFirst exited the SBA 7(a) lending business early in the fourth quarter and Banesco USA will assume servicing of these loans. Furthermore, we expect to close on the sale of an additional $4.5 million of loan balances to Banesco USA before the end of the year.

"We continue to focus on our community bank mission - serving individuals, families, and small businesses with stable checking and savings products that contribute to a more predictable, low-cost funding base," said Zernick. "This relationship-driven approach continues to strengthen our presence across ...