Posted by Ryan Bakke

Credit risk and asset quality remain central to financial institution performance, especially as economic conditions continue to shift. While many institutions have maintained strong capital positions in recent years, emerging pressures are prompting a closer review of loan portfolios, underwriting standards, and risk monitoring practices. For leadership tea

Supervisory exams may follow a familiar cycle, but they are rarely routine. Each review reflects evolving regulatory priorities, shifting risk expectations, and closer scrutiny of how financial institutions manage compliance, operations, cybersecurity, and consumer protection. Preparation today is not a short-term project. It is embedded in daily governance and

Mergers and acquisitions remain a practical growth strategy for financial institutions seeking to expand capabilities, improve operational efficiency, or strengthen their competitive position. Increasing regulatory demands, rising technology costs, and ongoing talent pressures have led many financial institutions to reconsider whether organic growth alone is su

On January 22, 2026, the FDIC Board approved a final rule amending its official sign and advertising requirements. The updates reflect how customers interact with financial institutions today. Digital banking, mobile applications, and evolving marketing practices prompted the agency to clarify how insured status must be communicated across platforms. For financ

As financial crimes grow more sophisticated, financial institutions are entering 2026 under heightened scrutiny around Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance. Examiners expect stronger oversight, reliable data, and a clearly defined risk-based approach to identifying unusual activity. For many financial institutions, th

The National Credit Union Administration has released its 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter, giving federally insured credit unions an early look at where examiner attention is likely to focus in the year ahead. For boards, executives, and risk leaders, this annual guidance is less about compliance checklists and more about understanding how supervisory expect

Sustainability is shaping financial decision-making in new ways, and financial institutions across the country are taking note. As 2026 begins, demand for environmentally focused financing continues to grow, driven by customer expectations, evolving regulatory attention, and long-term economic opportunity. Green finance has moved beyond a niche initiative and i