magazine
1st Quarter

1st Quarter 2026

The 1st Quarter issue of Bank Director magazine is now available! To view, scroll down, select from the articles below and use your login credentials to access.

In this issue, we cover the current M&A environment and determining institutional appetite, the rise of stablecoin and key findings from our 2026 Bank M&A Survey.

Featured ARTICLES

Is This the Perfect Time for M&A?

Stock prices have improved. The regulatory environment is friendly. 
As the M&A pieces come together, Huntington Bancshares and other 
regional banks are seizing the moment.

Article ON – 01/07/2026
Author
Naomi Snyder
Editor-in-Chief
Earning Your Independence

Merger and acquisition activity is beginning to pick up, so that means more banks could get calls from interested buyers. Boards must be ready to handle these inquiries.

Article ON – 01/07/2026
Author
Jackie Stewart
Executive Editor
Stablecoin Is Coming.  Is Your Bank Ready?

The 2025 GENIUS Act creates a new government-sanctioned form of cryptocurrency to power a new payments rail. Some bankers love it; others aren’t so sure.

Article ON – 01/07/2026
Author
John Engen
Contributing Writer
Tariffs, Labor Shortage Squeeze Farmers’ Already-Tight Margins

In 2025, some farmers faced a one-two punch of immigration raids and tariffs — disrupting the normal ebb-and-flow of agricultural economics. As profitability continues to wane, can they rebound?

Article ON – 01/07/2026
Author
Emily McCormick
Vice President of Editorial & Research
Eager Buyers Find Fewer Targets for Deals

Bank Director’s 2026 Bank M&A Survey finds bank leaders are open to making 
deals in the year ahead — if they can find the right merger partner.

Article ON – 01/07/2026
Author
Laura Alix
Director of Research

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

Point of View Emily McCormick
Vice President of Editorial & Research
For Your Review Laura Alix
Director of Research
Market Intelligence John Engen
Contributing Writer
Last Word John Engen
Contributing Writer