Bank merger and acquisition activity rebounded this year, led by Fifth Third's $10.9 billion proposed purchase of Comerica. Huntington, PNC and Columbia were involved in some of the other biggest deals announced in 2025.

Fears of widespread credit losses have largely subsided, but demand for new commercial real estate loans remains lackluster because many companies are sitting on so much cash they don’t need to borrow. Meanwhile, competition from private equity groups and other nonbank lenders is escalating.

Many business customers are putting off expansion because they can’t find enough workers to fill available jobs.

While they won’t be in position to enact legislation, House Democrats could use their newfound power to spotlight issues that Republicans have largely ignored, including the exploding levels of corporate debt.

The New York-based online lender plans to spend an additional $15 million next year, largely on bank partnerships and international expansion.

Bank of America’s consumer loans grew a lot. But its rivals? Not so much. The mixed results raise questions about whether BofA’s performance is a leading or trailing indicator, and if credit quality is going to be more of a problem industrywide.

Commercial real estate is their bread and butter, but many banks are scaling back in this vital loan category. Here’s why.