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Navigating the Future of Banking: Insights for 2026

Explore how banks and credit unions are preparing for the evolving financial landscape characterized by emerging technologies and increased competition.

Overview

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cornerstone Advisors has released its annual report, What’s Going On in Banking for 2026, revealing how community banks and credit unions are strategically adapting to rapid technological advancements, escalating fraud threats, and intensified competition from fintechs and crypto-native firms.

Key Insights from the Research Report

Survey Methodology

The findings of this report are based on a comprehensive survey conducted among 416 senior executives at various banks and credit unions across the United States. The report, titled What’s Going On in Banking 2026: AI, Crypto, and Fraud: Oh My!, reflects a general optimism within the financial sector while also acknowledging the significant challenges posed by operational execution, fraud-related losses, and the ability to leverage emergent technologies effectively.

Shifting Dynamics in the Banking Sector

As noted by Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, "AI, crypto, and fraud are no longer futuristic concepts; they are actively reshaping the landscape of banking today." The ability to operationalize these technologies with discipline and determination will set apart the leaders from the laggards in 2026.

Key Findings Include:

1. Generative AI Deployment:

   • Rapid Adoption: Approximately 49% of banks and 59% of credit unions have already introduced generative AI into their operations. Many are keen to invest further in 2026. Discussions regarding agentic AI are increasingly happening at the executive or board level in over half of the institutions surveyed.

2. Fraud as a Critical Issue:

   • Financial Impacts: Around 40% of banks and 50% of credit unions reported increased fraud-related losses in 2025. The forecast suggests that these losses may further escalate in 2026, with first-party fraud constituting more than 40% of total fraud losses. In response, 75% of institutions have heightened their fraud prevention budgets.

3. Crypto and Tokenization Initiatives:

   • Boardroom Discussions: Although immediate implementations remain limited, over 70% of banks have engaged in discussions about stablecoins at the board level. More than half have also contemplated tokenized deposits or blockchain strategies in response to competitive pressures from fintechs and crypto firms.

4. Persistent Optimism Amid Execution Challenges:

   • Strategic Priorities: Despite 80% of executives expressing optimism about the banking sector in 2026, crucial concerns surrounding deposit growth, efficiency, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention remain at the forefront of strategic planning.

5. Increasing Technology Investments with Gaps in Execution:

   • Budget Allocations: More than 80% of banks and credit unions indicate plans to ramp up their technology spending in 2026. Yet, several institutions still struggle to align their strategies with effective implementation, leading to execution gaps.

Now in its 11th year, the What’s Going On in Banking report stands among the most referenced studies regarding U.S. banks and credit unions with asset sizes ranging from $250 million to $50 billion. The complete 2026 study paves the way for two additional reports focusing on commercial lending and fraud.

Upcoming Presentation

Shevlin and Cornerstone CEO & Founding Partner, Steve Williams, will be unveiling insights from the report in a webinar on February 25 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In light of evolving regulatory landscapes and the imperative to efficiently interpret legal jargon in banking, the AI legalese decoder emerges as an invaluable tool. This platform helps financial institutions demystify complex legal documents, ensuring compliance while saving time. By streamlining understanding, it allows banking professionals to focus on operationalizing new technologies and strategies more effectively.

The Advantages of Using AI legalese decoder:

• Enhanced Compliance: Reduces the risk of legal misinterpretations, aiding adherence to ever-changing financial regulations.

• Time Efficiency: Automates the translation of intricate legal texts into layman’s terms, enabling teams to swiftly implement innovative strategies.

• Strategic Agility: Frees up resources that can be redirected towards managing fraud risks and enhancing technology adoption.

Banking institutions striving to keep pace with the ongoing changes in their industry can leverage AI solutions, like the legalese decoder, to better navigate complexities while positioning themselves advantageously in the competitive landscape.

About Cornerstone Advisors

For more than 20 years, Cornerstone Advisors has been committed to providing actionable insights, bold strategies, and data-driven solutions aimed at empowering banks, credit unions, and fintech companies to thrive in today’s challenging environment. From selecting and implementing technology systems to contract negotiations and strategic planning, Cornerstone combines deep industry expertise with proprietary research to foster growth.

Media Contact

Cate Pitts, Editorial Director
Cornerstone Advisors
Phone: (480) 425-5203
Email: [Contact Email]

SOURCE: Cornerstone Advisors

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