State of the banking industry 2025 research report

Financial institutions project confidence, despite rising cybersecurity threats and an uncertain regulatory future

Financial institutions have plenty to worry about heading into 2025 — but most are confident they can manage new challenges and grow.

Wipfli surveyed nearly 350 C-level executives at financial institutions across the United States to inform our fourth annual “State of the banking industry” report. In this year’s research, banking leaders shared their top growth strategies, priorities and concerns. Cybersecurity and fraud, digital transformation and artificial intelligence were key themes.

Of the financial institution executives we surveyed, we learned:

• 97% expect their organizations to grow in 2025.
• 58% of respondents projected asset growth of 5% or more.
• Cybersecurity (including fraud) was the top concern for the fourth year in a row.
• 61% said fraud is increasing in their institutions.
• 79% detected unauthorized access to their networks or data last year.
• 59% said improving digital customer engagement is a top strategy.
• 83% use AI-based tools or plan to adopt them in the next 12 months.
• 46% are increasing wages to address labor issues.

Download the full report for more insights, stats and strategies.