Banking Forward: Themes and Trends That Define 2026
From Believe in Banking by Powered by Adrenaline
January 21, 2026 · 25 min
About this episode
Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio discuss the defining forces for banking in 2026, including M&A momentum, customer expectations, and the importance of brand strategy.
In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore defining forces for banking in 2026: focus, precision, and execution. Drawing on Adrenaline’s industry research, client conversations, and market activity, they discuss how banks and credit unions are navigating increased M&A momentum, rising customer expectations, and growing pressure to deliver ROI across brand, branch, and customer experience. Their conversation explores why branches provide value for digitally native generations like Gen Z, how brand strategy provides the foundation for success, and the risk in M&A of treating integration as an afterthought. From consolidation and branch optimization to personalization and AI, Gina and Juliet share practical insights on essential strategies and investments to build relevance, resilience, and long-term value for banking and credit unions in 2026. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
People in this episode
Hosts: Gina Bleedorn, Juliet D’Ambrosio
Topics covered
- banking
- M&A
- customer experience
- brand strategy
- AI
- Gen Z
Keywords
- focus
- precision
- execution
- consolidation
- branch optimization
- personalization
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Banking Forward, Believe in Banking
More episodes of Believe in Banking
- Winning Gen Z in a Relationship Economy · April 13, 2026 · 30 min
- Telling the Credit Union Story, With Tansley Stearns, Backbone Coalition & orsa credit union · March 18, 2026 · 32 min
- Inside a Purpose-Driven Rebrand With Bill Crane, Beginnings Credit Union · February 18, 2026 · 36 min
- Conversations Shaping the Next Chapter of Banking · December 17, 2025 · 30 min
- Branch Building for the Future: Featuring Civic FCU’s Sherry Bear · November 19, 2025 · 32 min
- Fixing Friction in the Branch Banking Experience · October 15, 2025 · 27 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Believe in Banking podcast page.