"2025 was anything but ordinary. AI evolved from tools to agentic decision-makers. Crypto roared back and shrugged off skepticism to reclaim a seat at the table. And regional banks, long content to play it safe and lurk in the shadows, began experimenting, innovating, and proving they can move differently yet fast. As the year wraps up, we zoom in on the standout trends across publicly traded companies I covered this year - and what they signal for 2026."
"Trend 1: AI - How AI found its place in banking, from a back-office helper to a decision-making partner 2025 began with a mix of fascination and unease around AI in the financial sector. There was a cloud of uncertainty: could AI take over jobs, reshape banking as we know it, or disrupt entire business models? At industry gatherings like the World Economic Forum 2025 at Davos, AI wasn't just a topic - it was the topic."
AI progressed from back-office support to agentic decision-makers influencing core banking choices. Cryptocurrency experienced a strong comeback that reduced prior skepticism and reclaimed industry relevance. Regional banks adopted experimentation and innovation, demonstrating the ability to move differently and more quickly than before. Publicly traded companies reflected these shifts, signaling broader structural change across finance. Industry forums, including Davos 2025, placed AI at the center of debate amid concerns about job displacement and business-model disruption. Conversations framed AI as potential villain, tool, or teammate, underscoring uncertainty about its long-term role as finance enters 2026.
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