Industry Outlook

SPONSORED | In this new Q&A, Chief FedNow® Executive Nick Stanescu shares what’s driving instant payment growth and how new advancements give banks fresh ways to strengthen the value they deliver to customers. 

SPONSORED | The strongest banking relationships are built on more than convenience. New research from La Macchia Group reveals what 1,100 consumers value most and how their expectations can help banks make smarter decisions about technology, branches, customer experience and growth.

Understanding competitors big and small can help community banks improve growth, customer retention, operations and more.

Discover how community banks plan to stand out in 2026. Explore strategies for differentiation, deposit growth, fintech partnerships and loan opportunities

Younger generations prefer debit to credit, but consumers’ appetite for card rewards is still strong. Learn how your community bank can integrate rewards as part of its payments strategy.

Amid the difficult economic environment community banks face today, our 2025 CFO Outlook survey shows a shift in priorities and thoughtful insight into changes to come. We talked with four community bank CFO respondents about what they’ve seen this year and what they expect from competition, tariffs and examiners going into 2026.

Certificates of deposit are nothing new, but these products’ reputation for reliability is leading some community banks to reposition and market them more competitively.

I hope the readers of this column will excuse the lack of decorum in the title, but in reading and listening to the words of the Federal Reserve Board’s members over the past month, I hear a lot of hedging.

Floaters could be the answer to a flat curve.