Bank leaders expect competition for deposits and customer relationships to remain strong as emerging technologies continue to influence the banking sector, according to IntraFi’s Q2 2026 Bank Executive Business Outlook Survey.

Nearly all respondents—99%—believe competition for deposits will either remain high or become even more intense over the next year. At the same time, 63% said their banks could be somewhat or very likely to lose a significant share of operating deposits within the next two years if stablecoin issuers or associated platforms are permitted to provide rewards comparable to interest earned on traditional deposits. Another 52% believe AI-driven financial advice could eventually threaten banks’ relationships with customers around deposits and payments.

“Bankers are reporting a tough competitive environment right now and don’t see that changing anytime soon,” said Mark Jacobsen, CEO and cofounder of IntraFi.

Bank executives also foresee continued pressure on funding. Only 9% expect funding costs to ease over the next 12 months, while 38% anticipate stronger demand for loans. Meanwhile, 95% expect access to capital to either remain stable or improve.

Additional Survey Highlights

IntraFi conducted its Q2 2026 Bank Executive Business Outlook Survey online between June 30 and July 15, 2026. The survey gathered responses from 402 bank CEOs, presidents, CFOs and COOs across the United States.

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC has announced the appointment of Nathan Stovall as Managing Director and Head of Industry Insights within its Financial Institutions Group. In this leadership role, Stovall will spearhead the firm's industry research and thought leadership initiatives focused on community financial institutions.

Prior to joining Performance Trust, Stovall spent more than two decades at S&P Global Market Intelligence, where he led the Financial Institutions Research team as Director. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his extensive coverage of the U.S. banking sector and for creating and hosting Street Talk, a highly regarded banking industry blog and podcast. His expertise has been featured in prominent publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times, while his commentary has appeared on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, and NPR's Planet Money.

"Nathan is widely respected across the banking sector for his expertise and insight," said Steve Roth, Head of the Financial Institutions Group at Performance Trust. "As financial institutions face an increasingly complex operating landscape, his ability to translate data into meaningful strategic guidance will be invaluable. We are delighted to have him join our team."
For more than three decades, Performance Trust has worked alongside community banks and other depository institutions, helping them make strategic capital allocation decisions. Through its disciplined frameworks, processes, and advisory expertise, the firm supports clients in pursuing long-term growth and achieving their strategic objectives with greater confidence.

Reflecting on his new position, Stovall emphasized the critical role community banks play in the U.S. economy. He noted that much of his career has been devoted to examining the opportunities and challenges these institutions encounter, with the goal of helping them make informed decisions. According to Stovall, Performance Trust shares this mission and has invested heavily in talent, technology, and resources designed to strengthen the independence and success of community banks. He added that he looks forward to collaborating with the firm's experienced professionals to help clients transform insights into meaningful action.

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC is an employee-owned investment banking firm that combines the capabilities of a large financial institution with the flexibility of an independent organization. The company partners with financial institutions to identify hidden opportunities, navigate complex challenges, and make informed decisions rooted in analysis, trust, and long-term performance.

Media Contact: Pamela Shanahan | (312) 521-1690 | pshanahan@performancetrust.com