Firstrust Bank Partners with MortgageCountry for Mortgage Originations

The strategic partnership aims to enhance the bank's mortgage business and customer experience.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firstrust Bank, a leading regional bank in the Philadelphia area, has announced a strategic partnership with MortgageCountry, LLC to manage key mortgage production functions. Through this partnership, MortgageCountry will oversee end-to-end mortgage originations and provide strategic leadership, while Firstrust mortgage loan officers will remain bank employees. The partnership positions Firstrust's mortgage business for long-term sustainability and growth.

Why it matters

The residential mortgage business is a crucial product for Firstrust Bank and its customers. This partnership with MortgageCountry allows Firstrust to leverage the expertise and technology of a specialized mortgage provider, enabling the bank to enhance the customer experience, manage risk more effectively, and position its mortgage operations for long-term success.

The details

Under the new arrangement, all mortgage originations will shift to the MortgageCountry technology platform, while loans will continue to be originated and closed under the Firstrust name. MortgageCountry, led by industry veteran Ira Brownstein, will provide strategic leadership and oversee the end-to-end mortgage production process. This partnership aligns with Firstrust's customer-centric culture and the bank's commitment to fostering home ownership.

  • The target date to begin booking loans under the new operating model is March 1, 2026.

The players

Firstrust Bank

A leading regional bank in the Philadelphia area with over $5 billion in assets, Firstrust Bank is the region's largest family-owned financial institution and one of the most consistently top-performing banks in the nation.

MortgageCountry, LLC

A direct mortgage lender founded in 2020 with a mission to reduce the cost of mortgages through forward-thinking technology and a re-engineered mortgage process. MortgageCountry is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, with a strong local presence and national reach.

Tim Abell

CEO and President of Firstrust Bank.

Ira Brownstein

Founder and President of MortgageCountry, LLC, with over 20 years of industry expertise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Residential mortgages are an important product for our customers and central to our mission of fostering home ownership. Partnering with MortgageCountry positions us to grow thoughtfully, manage risk more effectively in cyclical markets, and enhance the experience we deliver to our customers.”

— Tim Abell, CEO and President of Firstrust Bank (prnewswire.com)

“We are proud and humbled to partner with Firstrust Bank to support its continued commitment to home ownership. Our team understands both the operational demands of mortgage production and the regulatory expectations. Together, we will focus on efficiency, quality, delivering a seamless customer experience, and growth.”

— Ira Brownstein, Founder & President of MortgageCountry (prnewswire.com)

The takeaway

This partnership between Firstrust Bank and MortgageCountry represents a strategic move to strengthen the bank's mortgage operations and enhance the customer experience. By leveraging MortgageCountry's expertise and technology, Firstrust can position its mortgage business for long-term growth and sustainability, while maintaining its commitment to fostering home ownership in the communities it serves.