2025 CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks Findings

The document is a report detailing the findings from the 2025 CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks, presented at the 13th Annual Community Banking Research Conference. The survey, conducted by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, aimed to capture the challenges, risks, and opportunities faced by community banks amidst economic uncertainty and technological transformation. Key findings indicate that net interest margins and core deposit growth are the most significant external risks, while cybersecurity remains the top internal risk. The report discusses the evolving regulatory landscape, with bankers expressing cautious optimism about regulatory conditions. It highlights the impact of inflation on operating expenses and the increasing competition from nonbank entities in payment services. Additionally, the report notes the importance of compliance costs and the potential implications of the GENIUS Act on the community banking sector. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into the current state and future outlook of community banks.