It’s that time of year. Yes, the holiday season. But it’s also top ten list, “best of” compilation and Spotify Wrapped season. Of course, all these lists tend to look back over the year. And while there’s value in reflecting on 2025, there’s also value in using those reflections to peek ahead at 2026.
Let’s take a look at three notable pieces of industry news from the past year to discuss how it might factor into your financial industry strategy next year and beyond.
1. Cryptocurrency Commotion
Before this year, digital assets were a consideration for financial organizations…but still primarily a risky, speculative consideration. The passage of the GENIUS Act changed everything and brought this issue to the forefront.
Randy Ralston mentions that New Hampshire established a strategic bitcoin reserve and will authorize municipal bonds backed by bitcoin. The state of Wyoming became the first state in the country to issue its own stablecoin – the Frontier Stable Token.
This kind of cryptocurrency proliferation makes it more likely consumers will engage with digital assets or at the very least ask about them. To fully participate may be beyond your current core abilities or budget. However, you can still educate yourself. You can still plan.
In 2026, become a trusted resource for curious consumers. Create a long-term vision surrounding payments disruptions.
2. Demographic Dilemmas
There are a few obvious demographic changes, the main one being an aging consumer base for traditional financial organizations. But there are others as well. For example, women will inherit much of the wealth over the next 25 years. Are you ready to appeal to these decision makers?
And what about your workplace? U.S. News and World Report notes many Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age. A “Silver Tsunami” could take great swaths of leadership experience out of organizations that haven’t done good leadership training.
Acquiring new consumers and new hires in 2026 and beyond revolves around your answers to demographic questions in your financial industry strategy. Some possibilities to consider:
- Examine your marketing. Check that it targets the audience you’re trying to reach (not only the one you already have).
- Examine your operations. Ease, digital prowess and speed matter. Risk profile matters…sometimes they are too strict for younger crowds finding their footing.
- Examine your workplace. Make sure people have leadership development opportunities and reasons to stick around.
3. Back to Basics
Many of 2025’s problems involved straying from the fundamentals. For instance, the Financial Brand highlights how many consumer experiences suffered because employees stopped greeting branch visitors. Another article notes that seasonal marketing often misses the point by neglecting brand principles.
For 2026, remember the basics:
- Double check that service is friendly and informative.
- Make sure your brand is clear, consistent and constantly presented to people.
- Center your marketing on pain points, benefits and your consumers’ needs.
Bank of Oklahoma shows a “back to basics” success story. It built a financial content site called “The Statement” in 2019 and still uses it to pursue a powerful content marketing strategy. Are you missing out on returns from consistent content marketing?
No matter how you tackle 2026’s challenges…don’t do it alone! Book a free consultation today to start preparing for next year’s financial industry strategy, branding, marketing and training.
