1、RESEARCHTHE FUTURE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES2026 OutlookExecutive Summary .3THE TRENDSDigital platforms redefine the banking model .4Tech lag becomes a liability in M&A .7Alternative lending becomes the growth engine banks cant ignore .10AI pressure and profit squeeze ignite the race to modernize bank d

2、ata .13Tech-enabled compliance becomes a catalyst for trust and growth .16Your Watch List&Contributors .19About West Monroe .20 2025 West Monroe Partners|Reproduction and/or distribution without West Monroe Partners prior consent is prohibited.2WHATS INSIDEThe banking sector enters 2026 amid acceler

3、ating change.Economic headwinds,regulatory shifts,and rising fintech competition are testing the limits of traditional models.But opportunity to reinvent is everywhere.The banks that thrive will be those bold enough to reimagine themselves as technology platforms,not just financial institutions.This

4、 isnt another cycle of incremental upgrades.Its a reset:building modern architectures,intelligent workflows,and a workforce fluent in both risk and innovation.The institutions that act boldly and quickly will define the next era of banking.Brett Mastalli,Senior PartnerThe Year Banks Cant Ignore Rein

5、ventionEXECUTIVE SUMMARYDigital platforms are redefining bankingBanks face rising competition from fintechs and tech giants,demanding a shift from digitizing legacy systems to becoming adaptive,AI-driven platforms.Success now depends on API-first architectures,real-time data,and ecosystem partnershi

6、ps that enable personalized,connected experiences and redefine growth through platform thinking.Tech lag becomes a liability in M&AMarket demand for digital experiences,the need for scale,and regulatory pressures are splitting banking into acquirers and targets.Tech-enabled banks consolidate institu