The credit union industry, like the banking industry, is shrinking in number. U.S. credit unions are generally growing, profitable, and financially stronger, with fewer troubled institutions. Although, isolated failures do still occur, and when they do, lower-income communities can be…
Texas: America’s New Financial Capital
Texas is emerging as a major financial hub, with a new Texas Stock Exchange launching in Dallas and additional expansions from NYSE and Nasdaq. Backed by major financial firms and supported by business-friendly policies and no state income tax, Texas…
The Case of the Missing Bank Rating
People sometimes can’t find a bank’s rating on Bauer’s website due to naming, location, or search errors, but occasionally the bank truly isn’t listed. This is because certain foreign bank branches—allowed under laws like the International Banking Act of 1978…
New Bank Ratings Now Out, Based on March 31, 2026 Data
The banking sector is generally strengthening, with higher earnings, stable asset quality, and fewer problem banks, though some risks remain. For example, asset quality remained stable overall, with a slight improvement in total past-due and nonaccrual loans, though some loan…
Growing Stress in Single-Family Mortgage Portfolios
Rising mortgage stress was evident at the close of 2025, with nonperforming single-family home loans increasing to 2.02%. The Dallas region shows the highest risk, but Bauer has identified 52 banks nationwide with elevated residential real estate exposure. While most…
When Ambitious Lending Meets Credit Stress
In this week’s article, Bauer examines banks that entered 2026 with both high loan-to-deposit ratios and loan quality that is less than stellar, a combination that can heighten credit and liquidity risk. Using nonperforming assets, the Texas Ratio, and Bauer’s…
Deregulation is Not a 4-Letter Word, Neither is Regulation
The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA) of 2018 initially imposed broad regulatory burdens on all large and community banks, even though many community banks do not engage in the risky lending that caused the 2008 financial…
Rate Risk Worries Returning to the Picture
A timely confirmation is expected for Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve Chair, with Jay Powell remaining on the Fed’s board until his term ends in January 2028 (awkward). While we don’t know exactly what will happen with…
Easy to Swipe, Harder to Pay
The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meets April 29 to decide on interest rates, likely the last meeting chaired by Jay Powell before his term ends May 16. Credit card debt, one area greatly affected by interest rates, continues to…
When Does 31 + 36 = 23?
In banking, rankings—not math—make 31 + 36 equal 23. Banco Santander (the 31st largest U.S. bank) plans to acquire Webster Financial (the 36th largest). Combined, they would form the 23rd largest U.S. bank, with about $188 billion in assets, The…









