Q2 Holdings Releases 2026 Retail Banking Trends Report

Core Insights - Q2 Holdings released the 2026 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities report, indicating a shift in focus for banks and credit unions from external disruption to execution, data, and internal modernization [1] Group 1: Key Findings - Advanced technology has become a top priority for retail banks, increasing from 29% in 2025 to 49% in 2026, while the focus on innovation rose from 28% to 40% [2] - Fewer than 10% of banks have fully achieved their digital transformation goals, highlighting execution as the industry's biggest gap [3] - Collaboration is now standard, with 67% of institutions partnering with fintechs and solution providers, and an additional 11% planning to do so in 2026 [4] Group 2: Industry Perspective - The industry recognizes where value can be created but is still in the early stages of realizing it, with competitive advantage in 2026 expected to favor institutions that effectively execute their digital and data strategies [5] - Institutions balancing growth, trust, and efficiency are increasingly aware that quick and scalable execution is often the constraint, rather than strategy [5]