Five Trends to Watch in 2024

Balance sheets and technology initiatives could take center stage in the new year, and M&A could get back on track now that everyone has had time to recalculate deals

We made it to the end of 2023, Bank Slaters!

What a topsy-turvy year, with the liquidity panic in the spring and a bevy of proposed regulations over the second half of the year. I for one am glad to flip the calendar.

I ended the year with an American Banker interview about Genesis Bank lining up $500 million for acquisitions (which landed CEO Stephen Gordon on our 2024 watch list). I noted that challenges at small banks could provide opportunities for Genesis to infuse capital, address balance sheet issues and expand along the West Coast.

On my appearance on the Travillian Next podcast with Keith Daly, we discussed the year’s twists and turns and made some 2024 predictions. I also recorded my next Convo with Jeff Plagge, who is retiring as Iowa’s superintendent of banking (it should go live early next year).

Let’s talk about expectations for 2024.