Shaping the Future of Finance: Lessons from 2025, Priorities for 2026

As 2025 comes to an end, the banking industry has undergone a year of rapid innovation and change. From the rise of AI-powered financial services to the ubiquity of digital wallets and mobile banking, this year saw banks and fintech's racing to meet evolving customer expectations. Consumers have increasingly embraced digital channels, while banks have leveraged new technologies to drive efficiency and growth. This year-end review highlights the most impactful developments of 2025 – and looks ahead to the key trends set to shape banking in 2026 – with data-driven insights and sources to back them up.

Most Impactful Banking Innovations of 2025

Several products and technologies made a significant impact on the financial services market in 2025. Globally, these innovations not only changed how customers bank but also created new opportunities for banks to grow. Key highlights include:

• Generative AI and Automation in Banking: 2025 was the year AI moved from hype to real-world deployment in finance. Banks large and small rolled out AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative AI tools to enhance customer service and streamline operations. For example, JPMorgan began investing heavily in generative AI and even reported that an AI tool nudging customers to complete applications boosted completion rates by 10–20% (Deloitte). Many institutions shifted from mere experimentation to enterprise-scale AI implementation in 2025 (Deloitte). According to a Citigroup analysis, AI could increase global banking profits by 9% (to ~$2 trillion) by 2028 (Deloitte), underscoring AI’s long-term impact on bank growth. Early consumer uptake of AI in banking is modest. About 62% of Americans hadn’t tried AI-powered finance tools yet in 2025 (DriveResearch), but younger generations are much more engaged. Nearly 64% of Millennials have tried an AI money tool, and 70% of those early adopters reported being satisfied with the experience (DriveResearch). This suggests a strong foundation for growth as banks refine AI offerings.
• Digital Payments and Wallets Go Mainstream: This year cemented digital payments as a default mode of transaction for consumers worldwide. Nearly 90% of North Americans now use digital payment methods, and over half of Gen Z and Millennials rely on mobile digital wallets for everyday transactions (WorldLine). Contactless and in-app payments surged in popularity during 2025. Real-time account-to-account payments also gained traction, challenging the dominance of traditional card networks (WorldLine). The rise of “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services continued, with more banks introducing BNPL options to compete with fintech's. Digital wallet adoption is a global phenomenon. In fact, the world’s leading wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, etc.) boast hundreds of millions of users. This ubiquity of digital payments has reduced cash and check usage to all-time lows (over one-third of U.S. adults did not write a single check in the last year, a figure that rises to 46% for Gen Z (DriveResearch)). Banks that integrated with popular wallets and payment apps have stayed at the center of this cashless economy.
• Embedded Finance and Fintech Partnerships: The line between banks and non-bank tech companies continued to blur in 2025. Embedded finance, where banking services are integrated into non-bank platforms, became more prevalent globally. Traditional banks increasingly partnered with fintechs and Big Tech to offer banking products beyond their own apps. For instance, banking-as-a-service platforms enabled retail brands and apps to offer branded financial products (payments, lending, insurance) seamlessly to users. Accenture notes that non-banks are reshaping the financial landscape so much that “by 2030, the largest banks may not even be banks”, as tech giants and fintechs capture more of the market (Accenture). In response, banks in 2025 pursued bold partnerships and API-driven strategies to stay relevant (Posh.ai). Open APIs and banking-as-a-service arrangements have allowed banks to distribute products through fintech channels, reaching customers wherever they are digitally active.
• Open Banking and API Ecosystems: 2025 saw open banking initiatives mature and expand across the globe. Open banking, which enables consumers to securely share their banking data with third-party apps, grew rapidly, with an estimated market size around $17–25 billion and ~27% annual growth (TheFinancialBrand). In Europe, the next phase of open banking regulation (PSD3 and a new Open Finance framework) was under development to broaden data-sharing beyond payments (TheFinancialBrand). The UK, having essentially completed its initial Open Banking roadmap, is now moving toward an Open Finance model in 2025 (TheFinancialBrand). Meanwhile, the U.S. took steps toward formalizing open banking via a proposed “Open Banking Rule” to standardize data portability (TheFinancialBrand). These moves are laying the groundwork for 2026 and beyond. For banks, this trend opens opportunities to build ecosystems – for example, connecting customer accounts with fintech apps to offer budgeting, investing, or payment services in one place. It also drives competition, as customers can switch services more easily or use multiple providers. In 2025, we already saw increased customer openness to multi-bank usage; while 83% of U.S. consumers still use a traditional bank, over 40% now use fintech providers alongside or instead of banks (DriveResearch). Banks embracing open APIs can both retain users (by offering aggregated services) and reach new users (by plugging into third-party channels) (Posh.ai).
• Hyperautomation and Efficiency Drives: Internally, banks in 2025 made major strides in automation to cut costs and improve agility. Hyperautomation – the use of AI, robotic process automation (RPA), and analytics to automate end-to-end processes – is becoming a defining strategy. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 30% of enterprises will have automated more than half of their processes, up from less than 10% in 2023 (TheFinancialBrand). Banks applied automation in areas like compliance (e.g. automated fraud detection and KYC checks), credit underwriting, and customer support. A prominent example is the use of AI for document processing and loan decisions, which significantly speeds up lending workflows (nCino). The payoff is significant: generative AI and automation can reduce certain operational costs by up to 60% within 2–3 years (Accenture). By automating routine tasks (for instance, compliance testing or report generation), banks free up employees for higher-value work – improving customer satisfaction and sales effectiveness in the process (Accenture). This “waste out, value in” approach in 2025 has not only trimmed expenses but is starting to drive new revenue. In fact, analysts note that AI’s greatest contribution to bank performance will be to drive revenue and growth (Accenture), by enabling more personalized products and proactive customer engagement at scale.

Each of these innovations made 2025 a pivotal year for banking. Technologies that were once buzzwords – AI, open APIs, real-time payments – are now concrete products or capabilities influencing millions of customers worldwide. Banks that led or quickly adopted these trends have strengthened their competitive position, while those that lagged face growing pressure moving into 2026.

Digital Consumer Trends in 2025

Consumers continue to migrate to digital banking. A significant majority, 77% of customers (including 80% of Millennials), now prefer managing their accounts via online or mobile channels instead of visiting a branch (Bankrate). Satisfaction with these digital services is very high: 96% of users rate their bank’s online/mobile experience as “good” or better (Bankrate). Moreover, 83% say that recent innovations (like new apps and features) have made banking more accessible for everyone (Bankrate).

Traditional branch banking has correspondingly declined. Between 2017 and 2021, roughly 9% of all U.S. bank branches closed (around 7,500 locations) amid falling in-person traffic (Bankrate). Even many remaining branches see less use, as a growing share of customers handle their banking without ever walking into a branch.

Digital tools are becoming part of consumers’ daily routines. About 34% of people report using a mobile banking app every day (DriveResearch). Younger generations are also far more likely to use nontraditional financial services. For example, 65% of Millennials use fintech platforms (vs. 22% of Baby Boomers), meaning Millennials are roughly three times more likely than Boomers to have an account with a fintech provider (DriveResearch). This digital-first mindset translates into an openness to switch providers: nearly 1 in 5 consumers (17%) considered switching their primary bank in 2025 (DriveResearch).

The habits of Gen Z highlight how financial behaviors are changing. Many Gen Z consumers now turn to social media platforms (e.g. TikTok or YouTube) for financial advice rather than consulting bank representatives (DriveResearch). They also favor cashless payments. Over half of young adults use mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on a regular (weekly) basis (NCHStats). And traditional paper transactions are fading: 46% of Gen Z did not write a single check in the past year (DriveResearch).

Peer-to-peer payment app usage is rising globally as well. By the end of 2024, 55% of consumers worldwide had made a person-to-person payment using a mobile device, up from 52% in 2022 (PYMNTS). In countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan, roughly 70% of all P2P money transfers now occur via digital wallet apps such as Venmo or PayPal, overtaking traditional bank transfers (PYMNTS). Another fast-growing trend is “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing. BNPL adoption is highest among younger shoppers: nearly half of Gen Z (around 50%) and 47% of Millennials have used a BNPL service in the last 12 months (Latinia).

Despite rapid tech innovation, not everyone has embraced the newest tools. About 62% of consumers say they have never used any AI-driven banking assistant or money management tool (DriveResearch). Nonetheless, younger cohorts are leading the early adoption of AI in personal finance: roughly 29% of Millennials and about one-quarter of Gen Z have used AI-based solutions for budgeting, financial planning or advice (DriveResearch). Cryptocurrency remains a niche part of personal finance as well, around 11% of consumers report owning some form of cryptocurrency in 2025 (DriveResearch). And while central banks have expanded their digital currency pilots, usage remains limited. China’s digital yuan (e-CNY), the world’s largest CBDC pilot, has reached tens of millions of users (IMF), yet overall CBDC adoption is still minimal and confined to pilot programs in a few countries (IMF).

How 2025’s Innovations Helped Banks Grow

For banks, the advancements in 2025 were not just about flashy tech. They are proving critical to growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. With margin pressures persisting in many markets (e.g. falling interest rates in late 2024 into 2025 squeezed traditional lending profits (Deloitte)), banks leaned on innovation to drive new revenue and contain costs. Here are some ways 2025’s key developments have bolstered banks’ growth:

• Boosting Customer Acquisition and Retention: Digital innovations allowed banks to attract new customers beyond their physical footprint and keep existing ones happier. For instance, digital-only products and fintech partnerships expanded banks’ reach globally, a bank could onboard users entirely online, or offer its accounts through a partner’s app to tap new markets. The more seamless and feature-rich a bank’s digital platform, the more likely customers are to stay; industry research finds that personalization and convenience directly impact retention (77% of banking leaders say personalization boosts retention) (nCino). In 2025, banks that offered tools like personal finance management, AI advisors, or integrated third-party services in their apps likely saw higher engagement and lower customer churn. Additionally, open banking has given banks an opening to win customers from competitors by providing a one-stop view of finances. Some banks aggregated accounts from other institutions, becoming the “hub” app for users. Customer advocacy and satisfaction became growth engines, as happy digital customers are more inclined to use additional services and recommend their bank (Accenture).
• New Revenue Streams (Beyond Interest): Many banks in 2025 grew their fee-based and non-interest income through innovative services. With interest margins under pressure, noninterest income was a bright spot for top-line growth in 2025 (Deloitte). This came from sources like interchange fees on higher payment volumes (thanks to digital wallets and cards), subscription fees for premium digital services, and commissions from referrals/marketplaces. For example, some banks rolled out “banking-as-a-platform” models, providing APIs to fintechs or embedding their products in other ecosystems, which created new revenue-sharing arrangements. The surge in digital payments volume (nearly nine in ten Americans using digital payments (WorldLine)), translated to more interchange and transaction fees for banks. Banks also monetized value-added services: selling personalized financial insights, wealth management robo-advisors, or insurance products through their apps. Another growth area was data-driven services; a few banks began leveraging anonymized customer data to partner with fintechs on new offerings (with customer consent), hinting at future data monetization opportunities in a privacy-compliant way. All these avenues helped diversify bank income in 2025, reducing reliance on traditional lending spreads.
• Efficiency and Cost Savings: On the cost side, 2025’s tech allowed banks to operate leaner. Automation and AI reduced manual workloads in operations, enabling banks to handle growing transaction volumes without proportional increases in staff. As noted, some compliance and back-office processes saw up to 60% cost reduction via AI automation (Accenture), directly improving the bottom line. Branch optimization (closing or repurposing under-used branches) also cut costs – resources were redirected to digital channels, which can serve customers at a fraction of the cost of face-to-face interactions. Cloud computing and modern core systems, increasingly adopted in 2025, lowered IT infrastructure costs and increased scalability. Deloitte’s outlook highlights that banks focusing on tech modernization and AI are positioning to manage costs more sustainably in the long run (Deloitte). Importantly, efficiency gains aren’t just about cutting expenses. They enable faster innovation cycles. A bank that saves money through automation can reinvest those savings into developing new products or acquiring users, fueling a virtuous cycle of growth.
• Improved Risk Management and Trust: Innovation in 2025 also helped banks protect and grow their business by managing risks better. AI and advanced analytics have markedly improved fraud detection and credit risk modeling. Real-time pattern analysis by AI can catch anomalies far faster than traditional methods (nCino). This reduces losses and builds customer trust (fraud prevention is a key driver of whether customers stick with digital channels). Likewise, stronger cybersecurity investments shielded banks from costly breaches, while regtech solutions streamlined compliance with less error, avoiding regulatory fines. By investing in trustworthy AI and data privacy measures, banks aimed to increase customer confidence in digital services. For example, ensuring AI decisions are explainable and fair has become a focus, since ethical lapses could erode customer trust. Banks know that trust is fundamental to growth, especially as services digitalize, so 2025’s behind-the-scenes improvements in risk and compliance support a stable platform for expansion.
• Enabling Future Growth Opportunities: Perhaps most importantly, the innovations of 2025 set the stage for growth in 2026 and beyond. Banks that embraced platforms, APIs, and data analytics have greater agility to launch new offerings quickly. The value of this became clear by year’s end: for example, some banks were able to roll out new AI-driven features in months (like AI-powered budgeting tools or personalized loan offers) whereas in the past such product development might take years. This adaptability means banks can capitalize on emerging trends (like a new payment method or a surge in demand for sustainable finance products) faster than competitors. Moreover, by partnering with fintechs in 2025, banks created networks that funnel future growth opportunities their way. A fintech partner might drive more of its users toward the bank’s lending product, for instance. Accenture’s analysis of tech trends emphasizes that banks willing to shift from a “why we can’t” mindset to a “how might we do it” approach, leveraging the best of new tech and their traditional strengths, are the ones building the foundation for future success (Accenture). In short, 2025’s progress isn’t just a one-year benefit; it is compounding into greater innovative capacity, which is the ultimate competitive advantage in a fast-evolving financial landscape.

All told, 2025’s transformative products and trends have helped banks become more innovative, efficient, and customer-centric organizations. These changes translated into real gains, whether through higher profits, lower cost-to-income ratios, or improved customer acquisition. Banks that strategically invested in these areas are emerging from 2025 in a stronger position to grow. Next, we look at how these trends are expected to evolve in 2026 and what else lies on the horizon.

Outlook for 2026: Key Trends to Watch

With the banking industry’s digital transformation well underway, 2026 is poised to bring further evolution. Analysts predict that many of 2025’s trends will accelerate, and new themes will emerge, all against a backdrop of intense competition and high customer expectations. Based on current trajectories, here are several key trends likely to shape banking in 2026, globally:

• Conversational AI as a Core Service: Banks will go all-in on conversational AI for customer engagement. By 2026, AI chatbots and voice assistants are expected to handle a large share of customer inquiries across mobile, web, and call centers. These AI agents will grow more human-like and context-aware, capable of managing everything from routine transactions to complex queries with empathy. In fact, conversational AI is set to anchor customer service strategies, seamlessly integrating with live support (Posh.ai). We can expect 24/7 AI-driven help that feels more natural, with banks using advanced natural language processing to understand customer intent and sentiment. The result: faster service, reduced call center loads, and customers who get immediate answers. Importantly, the AI will be deeply integrated into core banking systems so it can perform actions (not just FAQs), e.g. initiating a wire transfer or approving a loan on the fly. In 2026, having a strong, reliable AI assistant will likely be as crucial for a bank as having a functional mobile app was a few years ago.
• Embedded Finance Everywhere: The banking ecosystem will become even more interconnected. Embedded banking, financial services offered within non-bank platforms, is forecast to expand dramatically in 2026. More retailers, tech companies, and even car manufacturers or telcos will partner with banks or operate under banking-as-a-service models to provide financial products to their customers. This means consumers might get a loan from within a car dealer’s app, or manage payments for a vacation rental without leaving the rental platform’s site, all powered by banks in the background. API-driven ecosystems will enable this seamless integration (Posh.ai). Banks that have invested in open APIs and modular banking capabilities will capitalize on new distribution channels, reaching customers at the point of need. We may also see Big Tech making bolder moves in finance (beyond the Apple Cards and Google Pays of the world), potentially offering fully integrated accounts or investment services through their ubiquitous platforms, backed by traditional banks’ infrastructure. For banks, 2026 will be about striking the right partnerships and ensuring their services can plug-and-play into any environment. This also ties in with open banking/finance regulations maturing: as data-sharing becomes standard, it’s easier for apps to connect and offer composite services. Overall, banking will be less of a destination and more an invisible layer within other digital experiences.
• Hyper-Personalized and “Emotionally Intelligent” Banking: Winning customer loyalty in 2026 will require going beyond generic services to truly personalized, insight-driven experiences. Banks are expected to leverage the massive amounts of real-time data they have to tailor offerings to the individual. This includes real-time personalization, products and recommendations that adjust instantly based on a customer’s behavior and financial situation (Posh.ai). For example, if a customer’s spending spikes or their savings dip, the bank might proactively advise or offer a tailored product in that moment. Another aspect is developing emotionally intelligent banking assistants: AI that can detect customer sentiment (from tone of voice or word choice) and respond with appropriate empathy (Posh.ai). If a customer sounds frustrated or anxious (say, about fraud or fees), the AI or human agent augmented by AI will adapt, perhaps escalating sensitive cases to a human or offering a consoling tone. This human-centric approach is a response to the impersonal feel that digital banking once had. By 2026, banks aim to make digital interactions feel “high-touch” and supportive, much like a friendly in-branch manager used to be. The banks that excel here will likely see improved customer satisfaction and advocacy.
• Core Systems Modernization and Cloud Adoption: An important but behind-the-scenes trend for 2026 is the continued modernization of aging core banking systems. Many banks began or ramped up core replacements in recent years, and by 2026 a significant number will be operating on cloud-native, modular core platforms (Posh.ai). This transition allows for far greater agility, new features can be deployed rapidly, and real-time processing becomes standard (no more end-of-day batch limits). A modern core also plays nicely with open banking and AI, enabling easier data sharing and faster analytics. We will likely hear about more banks completing “digital core” projects in 2026, especially mid-sized banks catching up to early adopters. Cloud adoption will reach new heights: over half of banks had mature cloud programs by mid-decade, and more will join such that cloud-first becomes the norm. This will reduce IT costs further and let banks scale on demand, which is crucial as digital transaction volumes grow. Moreover, cloud-based cores support multi-country operations, useful for banks expanding globally. In short, the banking IT backbone is being reforged, and 2026 should mark a tipping point where a large portion of customers are served by banks on next-gen tech stacks (many without even realizing it, except that their services are faster and more reliable).
• Regulatory Evolution and Stronger Governance: As technology embeds deeper into banking, regulators worldwide are sharpening their focus on emerging risks. In 2026, we can anticipate new regulations or guidelines, particularly around AI in finance, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Financial authorities want to ensure AI algorithms are transparent and fair, so banks might be required to adhere to algorithmic transparency and risk assessment frameworks for their AI models (nCino). Europe’s AI Act (expected to be enacted around this timeframe) could impose specific rules on AI use in credit decisions or customer interactions. Similarly, open banking and data portability rules (like the EU’s PSD3 or US’s data access rule) will likely come into effect, giving customers even more control and protection when sharing data. Cybersecurity standards will also tighten as threats grow. Regulators may mandate advanced authentication (like biometrics) and faster incident reporting. Banks in 2026 will have to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape by investing in compliance tech (regtech) and ensuring they have robust governance for things like AI model management. While compliance can be seen as a burden, it’s also an opportunity: banks that build trust through strong security and ethical AI can differentiate themselves. Expect to hear more about banks advertising their trustworthiness (e.g., “We never sell your data” or “Our AI is audited for fairness”) as a competitive feature. Overall, 2026 will likely strike a balance between innovation and regulation, finding ways to encourage fintech innovation while safeguarding consumers and the financial system.
• Rise of Super Apps and Ecosystem Play: Inspired by the success of super apps in Asia (like WeChat or Grab), 2026 could be the year we see super-app ambitions materialize in Western markets and beyond. A super app is a platform that offers a multitude of services (messaging, payments, shopping, booking, etc.) in one place. Banks and fintechs in 2025 have hinted at this by integrating more non-banking services into their apps (for example, some banking apps now incorporate travel booking, loyalty rewards, or gig work income tracking). Going into 2026, more banks or fintech platforms will attempt to broaden into financial “lifestyle” apps, aiming to become the primary app through which users manage not just money but daily life needs. Open banking is a key enabler here. It allows a super app to pull in data from various financial accounts and provide an integrated experience (TheFinancialBrand). We might see big fintechs (PayPal, Revolut, Cash App, etc.) expand features to challenge traditional banks, while some large banks might partner with other industries (retail, travel, health) to embed banking in those ecosystems. The end goal for all players is increased customer “stickiness” – if a customer can do everything in one app, they’re less likely to leave. 2026 might not produce a dominant super app in Western markets yet, but we will see significant steps in that direction, with financial apps adding more and more functionalities. At the same time, this could spur convergence and M&A. Banks acquiring fintechs (or vice versa) to quickly add capabilities. Regardless of who leads it, consumers stand to benefit from more convenience, though it will be crucial to ensure clarity and security as apps become multi-purpose.
• Continued Push for Financial Inclusion: Around the world, 2026 will likely see further progress in bringing banking to the unbanked and underbanked populations. The foundation has been laid: as of 2025, 79% of adults globally have some form of financial account (WorldBank), a number that has risen sharply thanks to digital finance and mobile money. With 84% of adults in developing economies owning a mobile phone (3 billion with smartphones) (WorldBank), digital banking can reach corners traditional banks never could. In 2026, we expect more innovations targeted at inclusion, such as multilingual AI assistants and voice-based banking for populations with low literacy or where internet is primarily through voice interfaces (Posh.ai). Fintech startups and telecoms will partner with banks or microfinance institutions to offer mobile wallets, micro-loans, and insurance to rural and low-income customers. Governments and central banks will likely support this via enabling regulations or even introducing CBDCs that work offline to reach people without internet. The continued expansion of financial inclusion is not just socially important but also represents a growth market for banks: billions of new customers who can be served sustainably via digital means. By 2026, we might see success stories like more women gaining access to finance via mobile, or small businesses in Africa and South Asia flourishing thanks to digital lending platforms. Banks in those regions, often with tech partners, will keep innovating on ultra-low-cost banking services. The global banking industry’s narrative in 2026 will thus also be about democratization of finance, with technology as the great leveler.
• Focus on Sustainability and ESG in Banking: Finally, a trend that may gain momentum in 2026 is the integration of sustainability into banking products and strategy. While not as headline-grabbing as AI or fintech, climate change and social responsibility are increasingly influencing finance. We anticipate more “green finance” products, such as green bonds, sustainable investing funds, and eco-friendly loans (with rate perks for sustainable projects or mortgages for energy-efficient homes). Banks could introduce features for customers to track the carbon impact of their spending or to invest in communities, catering to the values of younger customers. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics might become further embedded in lending decisions and regulatory expectations. In 2025, many banks announced net-zero targets and started steering their portfolios towards lower-carbon industries. By 2026, this could translate into tangible changes like reduced financing for fossil fuel projects and increased financing for renewables and social enterprises. Additionally, regulators are nudging banks to account for climate risks in their balance sheets, so we’ll see advances in climate risk modeling and disclosures. From a consumer angle, banks that visibly support sustainability may attract customers who prioritize ethical business. So, while digital tech was the big story of 2025, in 2026 we might also see “sustainable tech” narratives, with fintech solutions that promote financial health and environmental health simultaneously (for example, apps rounding up purchases to fund tree planting, etc.). The convergence of digital innovation and sustainability could become a key theme moving forward.

Of course, the future is hard to predict with certainty. Unforeseen factors, from economic shifts to new regulations or technological breakthroughs, could influence the 2026 landscape. However, the above trends are grounded in the momentum built in 2025. Banks entering 2026 are doing so with more digital firepower than ever, and those that continue to innovate while keeping customer needs front-and-center are likely to thrive.

Final Insights

2025 has been a transformative year for banking, marked by sweeping digitalization, innovative products, and changing consumer behaviors. Banks have embraced technologies like AI, open APIs, and automation not just as experimental tools, but as core parts of their strategy to drive growth and efficiency. Customers, in turn, have shown that they value convenience and personalization, flocking to digital channels in record numbers while expecting services to remain trustworthy and human-centric. As we look toward 2026, the financial industry stands on the cusp of even greater change – from AI becoming an everyday banking companion to the expansion of banking into every app and facet of life.

The data and trends from 2025 paint a clear picture: the future of banking will be digital-first, ecosystem-oriented, and customer-obsessed. Banks that build on this year’s progress – leveraging data, forging partnerships, and focusing on the customer experience – are likely to lead the pack in 2026. Those that do not will find themselves playing catch-up in an era where change is the only constant.

The stage is set for 2026 to be another exciting year in banking, one where the foundations laid in 2025 begin to deliver even more impactful results. The institutions that combine the best of technology with the trust and insight that come from centuries of banking experience will be the ones writing the next chapter of financial services in the year ahead.