Methodology
Industry-leading research firm, Plant-A Insights Group, conducted an extensive study to create a database of 4,000 U.S. regional banks and credit unions. The study looks at various factors, ensuring a comprehensive landscape view.
Our goal is to provide valuable insights that help banks and credit unions assess their performance and identify areas for improvement, ultimately supporting better decision-making and boosting competitor positioning.
Collected financial data of 4,000 institutions
Analyzed key financial ratios to assess the institution's health
Surveyed over 140,000 customers across the nation
Analyzed survey data to understand industry insights for various demographics
Suggest strategies to enhance institution performance and customer satisfaction based on findings
Trusted Foundation
- Analyzed financial data from trusted sources: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for banks and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for Credit unions
- Calculated and examined key financial ratios that indicate an institution’s health, profitability, liquidity, asset quality, and risk management
Client-Centered View
- Conducted a nationwide survey of over 140,000 customers collecting over 700,000 reviews of regional banks and credit unions
- To ensure a thorough study, we collected more than 100 overall reviews and interviewed more than 30 direct customers for each institution, diving deep into every customer touchpoint for a comprehensive understanding
- Ensured comprehensive state representation and demographic alignment with U.S. Census Data
- Data collection occurred between November-December 2023, October-December 2024 and October-November 2025

Data-Driven Insights
- Analyzed patterns and shifts in the industry to understand emerging trends
- Pinpointed areas where institutions excel and areas requiring improvement
- Discovered overlooked areas with potential for growth and innovation
- Explored the broader landscape to provide actionable insights for the entire sector
- Used findings to suggest strategies for enhancing institutional performance and customer satisfaction
Comprehensive Benchmarking
- Combined financial data with customer insights for a complete view
- Created a powerful tool for performance comparison with category leaders and competitors over more than 50 parameters
- Helps institutions identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
- Provided a deeper understanding of evolving customer needs and expectations

