A new regulatory cycle
After years of digital disruption, U.S. financial services are entering a consolidation phase. Regional banks face margin compression, while fintech startups pivot toward profitability and compliance alignment.
Table 1. U.S. Banking and Fintech Metrics
| Metric | 2019 | 2023 | 2025 (f) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Net Interest Margin (%) | 3.25 | 3.05 | 3.12 |
| Fintech Lending Volume ($ B) | 72 | 183 | 210 |
| Bank Failures (annual) | 4 | 7 | 5 |
Sources: FDIC, CB Insights.
Table 2. U.S. Financial Sector Employment
| Segment | Employment (M) | Wage Growth 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Banking | 1.87 | 4.0 |
| Securities & Investments | 1.12 | 5.5 |
| Fintech & Payments | 0.46 | 8.1 |
Sources: BLS; Deloitte Fintech Monitor.
Policy drivers
Basel III endgame rules and the Fed’s enhanced liquidity requirements are reshaping balance-sheet structures. The shift from “growth at any cost” to sustainable yield is redefining fintech valuation models.
Strategic takeaway
Executives must pursue data integration between legacy systems and digital apps. Expect rising collaboration between banks and regulated fintechs through shared infrastructure, tokenization pilots, and embedded finance models.