The Top Trends Shaping Business and Commercial Banking in 2026

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Commercial Banking Has Hit a Turning Point. Are You Ready to Lead?

In 2026, commercial banking will undergo a seismic shift. Businesses expect more, neobanks and megabanks are moving fast, and the status quo is officially broken.

The consumerization of technology has changed the game, making traditional business banking solutions feel antiquated. Marking the moment as pivotal with two clear paths: evolve the commercial banking platform or risk falling behind.

As regional and community financial institutions strive to compete and protect important channels for deposits, how can banking leaders develop a strategy that makes them indispensable to the businesses they serve?

This report from Alkami breaks down the top 10 trends redefining commercial banking solutions — from digital onboarding to AI-powered relationship management and financial insights for clients — and shows how forward-thinking institutions can leverage a best-of-suite treasury tech stack to lead their peers.

Highlights of the Top 10 Trends

Based on proprietary research with digital banking decision-makers across banks and credit unions, the report details the trends banking leaders believe will make the biggest impact on commercial banking in 2026.

Trend 1
Digital Onboarding & Self-Service Will Accelerate Commercial Growth
Trend 2
Fraud Protection Moves from Cost Center to Competitive Advantage
Trend 3
AI-Powered Relationship Management Becomes the Commercial Differentiator
Trend 4
Real-Time Treasury and Payments Power Instant Cash Decisions
Trend 5
Consumer-Grade Banking Experiences Meet Businesses Where Digital Life Already Is
Trend 6
API-Driven Connectivity Brings Banking Directly Into the Fold
Trend 7
Data Democratization for SMBs Puts Financial Insights into Fingertips
Trend 8
Mobile-First Treasury Access Enables Commercial Control from Anywhere
Trend 9
Best-of-Breed Treasury Stacks Built for Unique Needs
Trend 10
Adaptive, Role-Based Treasury Platforms Tailor Experiences to Each User

This research is a blueprint informed by commercial leaders.

It’s clear, regional and community institutions are no longer content to play catch-up.

They’re moving decisively to compete against megabanks, drive revenue, and retain the businesses that power their communities.

When technology and strategy come together, commercial banking excels.

2026 Trends: Business & Commercial Banking

Ready to take the next step in your digital journey?

J.D. Power 2025 Mobile App Platform Certification ProgramSM recognition is based on successful completion of an audit and exceeding a customer experience benchmark through a survey of recent servicing interactions. For more information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

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