We’re here to help. Reach out today! Juliene Wynn, Director of Lending & Compliance (303) 861-4100 juliene@preferredlendingpartners.com preferredlendingpartners.com COLORADO'S BOUTIQUE SBA 504 LENDER SINCE 1984! Preferred Lending Partners is your creative financing connection — helping small businesses to become fixtures in the communities they serve. with established solutions see opportunities to streamline onboarding and back-office processes, with open banking increasingly serving as an enabling layer that accelerates integration. BANKERS’ TOP OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2026 Bankers are strategically engaging with consumers and embracing transformative trends that promise to redefine banking operations and customer service in the years to come. Greatest Opportunity in 2026: Harnessing the Power of AI AI is increasingly top of mind for executives as they explore ways to transform operations, drive efficiency, fight fraud and sharpen decision-making. AI-powered tools present a unique opportunity to level the playing field against big banks by offering assistance and smart automation. Generative AI applications, in particular, hold the promise of hyper-personalized, around-the-clock service, allowing banks to leapfrog their capabilities and retain a competitive edge. From virtual assistants to content creation tools, the applications of generative AI are vast, offering financial institutions newfound agility and efficiency in meeting customer needs. Secondary Opportunity in 2026: Digital Assets 20% of bankers surveyed named digital assets (including stablecoins, tokenized deposits and cryptocurrencies) as one of their top opportunities, signaling growing curiosity about how these technologies could fit into future banking models. While most institutions remain in the early stages of exploration, interest is being driven by potential use cases around payments, efficiency and new revenue streams as the market continues to evolve. While interest in these assets grows, the regulatory landscape for stablecoins and tokenization is still evolving. At the end of 2025, the FDIC released its first rule for the recently passed Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act. Most near-term applications remain limited, primarily in cross-border transactions, and any strategic engagement will require careful analysis and strong compliance frameworks. NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD FOR COMMUNITY BANKING As community banks move through 2026, strategic focus and adaptability will be essential. While challenges remain, 86% of bankers report optimism about the future, signaling confidence in the industry’s direction. By strengthening foundational capabilities and embracing emerging technologies, institutions can position themselves not just to adapt, but to compete. This article only scratches the surface. For a more complete picture, scan the QR code to read the 2026 Banking Priorities Executive Report. https://www.csiweb.com/ docs/banking-priorities-2026/ INDEPENDENT REPORT | 21
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