SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—Despite a fragile economy, unpredictable interest rates, and a burdensome regulatory environment, a new study by Cornerstone Advisors reveals 80% of bankers are optimistic about 2025.
“While it might be a stretch to claim that happy days are here again, at least we can say that happier days are here,” Cornerstone Chief Research Officer Ron Shevlin stated in the report. “This year, financial institutions look to set sail on much calmer seas to explore ways they and their technology providers can plan for the changes and challenges ahead.”
Report highlights:
- Cost of funds top bank execs’ list of concerns for 2025. New member growth is the greatest concern for credit unions
- 45% of banks and 38% of credit unions offer real-time payments—although roughly 8 in 10 only receive payments
- Big fintech is considered the greatest competitive threat by bank and credit union executives
- In 2025, nearly 30% of banks and credit unions plan to implement generative AI tools for the first time
- Bank executives are less than 50% satisfied with their core system providers’
- Redefining small business offerings may be needed to save community banking.
What’s Going On In Banking 2025 is the tenth in a series of surveys conducted annually by Cornerstone Advisors. Download it here.