Bank Valuations Rise as Faster Merger Reviews Reshape Deal Landscape

U.S. bank stocks posted broad gains in June, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, with the S&P US BMI Banks Index returning 9.3% and median price-to-adjusted tangible book value climbing to 159.5% as stronger market sentiment lifted sector valuations.

Another S&P article discussed how bank merger approvals have accelerated under the current administration, with the median time to close falling to 94 days in 2026, 40 fewer days than the adjusted full-year median for 2025. The shorter approval timelines are giving acquirers more certainty while requiring management teams to complete integration planning on tighter schedules.