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New Community Banks Reinforce the Value of Local Banking

During the first three quarters of 2026, nine new banks were launched, including eight community banks. It is important to understand that while some fintech companies operate as FDIC-insured banks, others simply provide banking services through technology platforms. Consumers should…

It’s Technically a Home Buyers’ Market, But…

The average 30-year mortgage rate has climbed to 7.40%, hovering near recent highs and making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many buyers. As a result, homebuyer demand has weakened to the point where sellers now outnumber buyers by 63%, the largest…

Preparing the Next Generation for Financial Success

K–12 financial literacy requirements are finally gaining momentum across the United States, but it is up to each state to keep that progress moving forward. Schools and parents must also work together to ensure younger generations develop the money-management skills…

Community Banks Lead the Charge in Deposit Growth

U.S. bank deposits increased 5.4% year-over-year through June 30, 2026, with more than 200 banks reported deposit growth exceeding 20%. While the nation’s four largest banks hold 35% of all domestic deposits and generated 39% of total industry deposit growth,…

Community Banks acquiring other community banks

Average U.S. Bank Size More than Doubled Over Decade

Over the past decade (2016-2026), total bank assets grew 60% while the number of banks declined 30%. The result: a 129% increase in average bank size. Mergers and acquisitions remain the primary driver of this consolidation as evidenced by nearly…

All Credit Union Star-Ratings Newly Updated

Blurred Lines, Red Flags and a Stalking Horse

Chime plans to acquire Stride Bank, signaling a shift from fintech partner to bank owner, with expected synergies of over $100M by 2027. Green Dot is taking the opposite approach: CommerceOne Bank will acquire Green Dot Bank, while Green Dot’s…

Fintech bank scrabble game with a baby superman to help with deifinitions

Is it a Bank? Is it a FinTech? Is it Superman?

Many fintechs look like banks to the user but are not actually banks and are therefore not themselves FDIC-insured. Instead, they typically partner with chartered banks that hold deposits, issue cards, and provide regulated banking services, while the fintech provides…

Person sinking in debt with a life raft in the water

Household Debt Climbs 40% Since 2018

U.S. household debt has risen more than 40% since 2018, driven largely by mortgage and home equity borrowing, while credit card and auto loan balances continue to climb. While the banking industry asset quality remains relatively stable, the recent failure…

All New Bank Star Ratings Released Today

All bank star-rating have now been updated based on June 30, 2026 financial data; we expect credit union star ratings will be available sometime after Labor Day. In the meantime, we encourage you to check the ratings of any banks…

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