The dreaded “R” word – Recession – has been making its way into more conversations lately. We are not prepared to say that a recession is imminent, or is even coming, but we like to be ready for any circumstance…
Credit Unions Acquiring Banks
All 2024/25 completed transactions, as well as those that have been announced, can be found inside this issue. The average asset size of the “announced” (not yet completed) is $469 million. As the assets moving from the bank industry to the…
Credit Unions on a Shopping Spree
In 2024, federally-insured credit unions registered their smallest 4-quarter asset increase (just 2.3%) in quite some time. Those looking to grow, however, have found ways to do so. In this week’s issue we look at 50 credit unions that grew…
There’s More than 1 Way to Grow a Bank
This week’s focus is on well-rated banks that are growing their deposits organically, like those listed in Jumbo Rate News. We concede that JRN does have its limits, though, as we only list rates of banks that will take corporate…
Financial Literacy and YOU
There is no age limit when it comes to financial education; it is never too early to start learning, and no matter how far along you are on life’s journey, you can always learn something new. Bauer has compiled the following…
Bank Acquisitions Increasingly Involve Out-of-State Buyers
Twenty-five bank mergers were completed, and many more were penned, during the first quarter of 2025. However, nothing dampens a buyer’s appetite more than uncertainty, which we have in abundance right now. In addition to highlighting completed transactions, this week’s…
Underserved Does Not Mean Undeserved
During 2023 and 2024, 57 Community Credit Unions were granted permission to expand into a total of 89 areas that are/were underserved by other financial institutions. These expansions have the potential to increase membership at these credit unions by nearly…
When a Bank’s Interest Margin is Too Big
The aggregate net interest margin (or NIM, the difference between interest income generated and interest paid out) at our nation’s banks was 3.22% at year-end 2024. This number can vary a lot depending on how big the bank is and…
Community Banks are Open for Deposits
During calendar 2024, aggregate domestic deposits at our nation’s banks increased 2.3%, but some banks, community banks in particular, stand out with deposit growth exceeding 100%. All community banks rated at least 3½-Stars with deposit growth that exceeded 45% can…
Will 2025 Be the Year for a De Novo Comeback?
During the period from 2000-2008, there were 1,243 de novo banks; there have only been 95 in the years since then. We are excited to see Kyle Hauptman, NCUA Chairman and Travis Hill, FDIC Acting Chairman, both eager to support…