The trend: Of the more than 400 Banking Innovation Briefing articles we published in 2025, readers were most interested in themes including how Gen Zers discover and use banking products, the rise of genAI and agentic AI, and the impact of macroeconomic risks:
- Fintechs are outpacing banks in new checking account openings, but it may not matter: Fintech account openings often supplement a primary bank relationship rather than replace it. Read more
- Financial institutions (FIs) must optimize their content for generative engines: As generative engine optimization (GEO) becomes the new SEO, failure to adjust strategies threatens FIs’ discoverability and relevance. Read more
- Social media dictates how Gen Zers save and spend: It’s now their top source of financial information, and 68% of Gen Zers have changed their behavior based on social content. Read more
- Agentic AI will shake up retail banking: By understanding full customer context, assembling solutions, and managing complex interactions end to end, agentic AI will raise the bar for personalization, efficiency, and customer service. Read more
- What banks can do to optimize their cost per acquisition: Treat it as a strategic lever—not just a reporting metric—and account for drivers including product type, brand strength, and marketing channels. Read more
- 84% of customers would switch their bank if it didn’t deliver timely, relevant advice: A global survey shows that consumers want actionable guidance to improve their financial health. Read more
- Tariffs will indirectly threaten the banking industry: Potential fallout includes a recession, weak loan demand, high defaults, and depressed M&A activity. Read more
- Gen Zers are pivoting toward banking websites and away from beauty, gaming, and news websites: Fintechs and mobile banking apps offer a sense of clarity and control over their finances. Read more
- Can banks undo Gen Z’s distrust of FIs?: Gen Zers question banks’ motives, demand ethical business practices, and seek transparency. Read more
- GenAI will enable next-level personalization in 2025: As banks move genAI from back-office pilots into customer-facing use cases, the competitive edge will go to those that deliver accurate, compliant, and humanized experiences. Read more