Top Issues on Leaders’ Minds
We asked respondents to pinpoint the issue they expect to matter most in 2026. Their answers shed light on the pressures they anticipate.
Artificial Intelligence
AI has the potential to influence nearly every facet of banking, so it’s not surprising that it leads as the top issue for 27% of respondents. Leaders increasingly view AI through a dual lens: to drive efficiency, speed and scale across operations, and as a force that accelerates fraud, scams and other forms of disruption. As institutions explore use cases, strong governance frameworks and clear policies are essential to guide responsible and effective adoption.
Cybersecurity/Data Privacy
Although cyber threats and data privacy fell from last year’s top spot, they remain a critical concern. As technology and AI advance, cybercriminals continue to develop more sophisticated techniques, increasing the need for investment in prevention and incident response capabilities.
Macroeconomic Pressures
2025 saw rising tariffs and trade policy uncertainty drive up consumer prices and caused many businesses to pause investments and imports. The ripple effects could create new credit risks for community banks and credit unions in 2026.
Interest Rates
About one-tenth of respondents are most concerned about how lower interest rates and a flatter yield curve will affect margins and their growth plans.
“Banks need to stay on top of security, and the landscape is changing on a daily basis. Security needs to be highly prioritized by the bank and consumers.”
Source: Survey Participant
Four categories each scored 8% of the vote.
Political Climate
The 43-day federal government shutdown at the end of 2025 highlights how political uncertainty can stall programs, raise credit stress and slow loan growth.
Payments Disruption
Respondents worry that the rapid growth of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), digital wallets and other emerging payment methods will chip away at deposit balances, interchange revenue and account holder loyalty, as faster and more automated payment experiences make it easier for customers to move money outside their current primary banking relationship.
Non-Traditional Competition (e.g., Fintechs)
Fintechs are moving faster, increasing engagement and eroding traditional bank and credit union market share, across both retail and commercial segments. Their agility and digital strengths present a formidable competitive challenge not only among younger consumers but also as new players target business relationships with streamlined, digital-first offerings.
Rounding out the list were Regulatory Change (3%), Recruiting/Retaining Employees (1%) and Mergers & Acquisitions (1%).