Last year, the National Bankers Association (NBA) published a member survey of priorities which explored key trends in the minority depository institutions (MDI) sector and provided insight into challenges and opportunities for our members. In our new 2025 survey, we ask our members about economic conditions, growth strategies, technology, talent, and more. In addition to sharing our findings in this report, we also share quotes from our members to provide additional context and insight.
Description
​
Last year, the National Bankers Association (NBA) published a member survey of priorities which explored key trends in the minority depository institutions (MDI) sector and provided insight into challenges and opportunities for our members. In our new 2025 survey, we ask our members about economic conditions, growth strategies, technology, talent, and more. In addition to sharing our findings in this report, we also share quotes from our members to provide additional context and insight.
Some of the key findings from the survey:
-
At the start of 2025, 89% of NBA member banks are confident in current economic conditions, and 78% of member banks aspire to grow into the next asset band. Our members are emphasizing managed growth and sustainability over speed.
-
Our members are prioritizing investment in customer facing technology (89%), expanding branch networks (37%), and training and development for staff (37%).
-
The main pain points for our members include deposits/liquidity (63%), technology (58%), and talent (37%).
-
Investing in technology remains a core focus, though the main barriers continue to be cost (76%), difficulty integrating with existing systems (58%), and lack of technical expertise (53%.) Our member banks are still in the early stages of determining how best to leverage AI but see potential use cases in customer service (44%), marketing (25%), and workforce training (19%.)
-
To address departmental silos and skill/knowledge gaps, NBA banks are developing new ways of creating “whole bankers,” including by launching Management Development Programs that combine leadership skills with technical knowledge.
-
NBA member banks are driving social impact through their lending, but also through community engagement, partnerships, and services offered to local community members.
This article is divided into five parts, corresponding to the five sections of the survey. Part 1 captures sentiments around economic conditions; Part 2 explores topics around growth prospects as well as key barriers; Part 3 focuses on talent as a key hurdle; Part 4 explores the role of technology; and finally, Part 5 documents trends around how MDIs are deepening their social impact.
​
Download the 2025 MDI Bank Leader Priorities
​
Published February 12, 2025
.png)
