“The Account Is Open, But the Banking Relationship Is Leaving”
Even when customers keep their bank accounts open, banks are increasingly losing deposits, transactions, and revenue to credit card companies, investment firms, payment apps, and other financial providers. This article offers practical ideas for retaining deposits and customer relationships.
“Fintech Revenues Hit Record $504B in 2025: Study”
Global fintech revenue reached a record $504 billion in 2025, according to a new industry report, growing four times as fast as banking revenue. The strongest gains came in deposits, investments, payments, and some lending segments, underscoring the continued competitive pressure on traditional institutions.
“Who Really Controls the Fed Board?”
An American Banker article looks at whether Jerome Powell’s decision to remain at the Fed after stepping down as chair could complicate decision-making under Chair Kevin Warsh. Most analysts expect the two to work together, but the Fed’s rules leave some uncertainty about how major disagreements would be resolved.
“Why Better Banking Depends More on Better Timing Than Better Data”
More than three billion Erica interactions at Bank of America suggest that delivering customers the right information at the right time is typically more valuable than generating more AI-driven insights. Equally important is knowing when to route customers from a chatbot to a human. The broader takeaway: success with AI requires workflow redesign, not just new technology—an advantage for community banks whose systems are often less complex than those of their larger peers.
“Capital Proposal Could Help Banks Reclaim Home Loan Market Share”
Regulators say the Basel III endgame proposal could give community and regional banks more room to lend and may lead some institutions to take a fresh look at whether they want to originate or service mortgages. The proposal would also preserve simpler capital rules for most community and regional banks and exempt them from more complex risk frameworks.
“A Bank CEO Talks About His Biggest Deal”
After completing nearly a dozen acquisitions, Nicolet Bank CEO Mike Daniels says the key question isn't whether a deal makes a bank bigger, but whether it makes it better. He discusses M&A strategy, integration, and the decision to cross the $10 billion asset mark through the acquisition of MidWestOne.
“FDIC Bans, Fines Ex-Bank CEO Involved in Supreme Court Case”
The FDIC upheld a lifetime banking ban and civil penalty against a former Michigan bank CEO after reviewing the case under standards set by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case is a reminder that regulators remain focused on weak governance, too much exposure to a single borrower, and a lack of transparency with examiners.
In Other News
The WSJ took a peek behind the curtain of the turmoil engulfing “60 Minutes,” Costco revealed the main product consumers are panic-buying now, and President Trump tapped FHFA Director Bill Pulte to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence.
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