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. ​ ​

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

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