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M&A in 2026 may put more distance between big, small banks
The number of bank M&A announcements in 2025 hit a new high since 2021. Analysts believe that, driven by factors such as faster regulatory approvals, expectations of interest rate cuts, and technology cost pressures, M&A activity is likely to increase further in 2026, potentially leading to a 'barbell-shaped' industry landscape—mid-sized banks expand while small banks face pressure.
Banking sector girds for M&A uptick in 2025
Trump's return to the White House is expected to drive a broad easing of banking regulation, but the specific impact on the M&A sector remains unclear. The $35.3 billion merger between Capital One and Discover serves as the first major test, with a shareholder meeting scheduled for February 18. Analysts predict that bank M&A activity will increase in 2025 regardless of deal size, but regulatory easing is not without constraints.
Ousting the CFPB’s Chopra wasn’t a ‘day one’ priority
In the first week of Trump's second term, CFPB Director Chopra and Acting OCC Comptroller Hsu were not immediately removed as expected. Analysts suggest this does not mean their tenures are no longer urgent, as the FDIC board seat, Treasury Secretary nomination confirmation, and discussions on merging regulatory agencies all influence the situation.
PayPal CEO pushes beyond payments
PayPal CEO Alex Chriss believes the payments business has become a red ocean and is leading the company toward a commerce platform transformation, leveraging massive account data to connect merchants and consumers, launching services such as Fastlane, and gaining recognition from analysts.
4 things banks are doing to grease the M&A wheels
The prolonged approval cycle for bank mergers and acquisitions has prompted more banks to adopt strategies such as capital supplements, charter changes, and early communication with regulators to increase the likelihood of deal approval. Based on observations from multiple investment bankers and lawyers, this article summarizes four common practices.
A year after SVB, what’s improved and what needs work?
One year after Silicon Valley Bank's collapse, the banking industry has made some progress in regulatory reform, modernization of the discount window, and exposure to commercial real estate risks, but challenges such as an increase in problem banks and rising costs of the deposit insurance fund persist. This article reviews the current status and controversies across six key areas.
9 capital-requirements comments to watch
The Federal Reserve-led proposal to reform capital requirements has sparked widespread controversy, drawing diverse opinions from within the Fed to the banking industry, academia, and even civil rights organizations. This article reviews nine key comments, revealing the complex dynamics at play in rulemaking.
Barr hints at looming changes for emergency fund, capital requirements
Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr hinted on Tuesday that the Bank Term Funding Program may not be extended, while regulators are seeking public comment on data regarding the impact of new capital rules.
Making the case for women-owned banks
Women entrepreneurs have long faced gender bias in accessing business loans, such as requirements for male co-signers. In response, several women-founded banks have emerged in recent years, including First Women's Bank, Agility Bank, and Fortuna Bank, aiming to fill the capital access gap. The article cites industry leaders' perspectives, analyzes the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on self-employed women, and points out that serving women-owned businesses is not only a matter of fairness but also sound business strategy.
Can JPMorgan Chase fill the startup banking void?
JPMorgan is expanding its team serving startups to fill the void left by the collapse of several regional banks in the spring. The bank has added nearly 200 bankers this year and says its client portfolio has nearly doubled. But facing cultural and service challenges, whether it can truly win over startups remains to be seen.