As we step into 2026, it is a good time to reflect on what 2025 revealed about community banking and what the year ahead will bring.
In 2025, community banks proved their resilience. Deposits stabilized in many markets, loan activity remained steady, and institutions leaned into their greatest strength; trusted local relationships.
At the same time, competition for core deposits never slowed, and pressure from larger banks and fintechs continued to intensify.
That reality is showing up clearly in how bank leaders are thinking about the year ahead. According to a recent Independent Banker outlook, when community bank CEOs were asked about their greatest business challenges in 2026, the top answer was growing deposits.
Deposit growth is not just a goal this year. It is the foundation for margin stability, lending capacity, and long-term relevance. And in 2026, deposit growth will be won not by casting wider nets, but by being more intentional and more precise.
In fact, of those surveyed, 50% said they would be spending more on marketing in 2026.
Leaders realize that marketing will be critical to increase core deposits and that is exactly where T3 comes in.
T3 was built to help community banks grow deposits smarter. Our turnkey, targeted, and tailored approach uses compliant first-party data to identify high-potential households, deliver the right next best product, and activate growth without requiring large teams or budgets. The result is measurable core deposit growth that fits the realities of community institutions.
As banks reset priorities for the year ahead, the institutions that win in 2026 will be the ones that treat deposit growth as a strategy, not just a campaign.
If growing deposits is at the top of your list this year, I would welcome a conversation. Even a brief discussion can help identify where opportunity exists in your market.
Wishing you a strong and successful start to 2026!
Lori Donaldson
CEO, Current Marketing Solutions
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