Wipfli’s “State of the banking industry” report for 2025 shows that leaders of financial institutions are cautiously optimistic, driven by stabilizing interest rates, easing liquidity concerns and a resurgence in growth projections.

The new data was gathered by Wipfli from nearly 350 C-level executives at financial institutions across the United States to take the pulse of executives to see what they are investing in and what they are excited and worried about.

Following major market disruptions fueled by pandemic irregularities, staffing shortages, rising inflation and more, wealth management firms are facing future operations with cautious optimism.

Wipfli surveyed more than 100 wealth management firms in 28 states to learn about current challenges facing the industry — and the ways firms are working to solve them. Explore how firms are addressing employee retention and recruitment, client cultivation, technology integration, and mergers and acquisitions.

Asset management firms are facing increased pressure to leverage digital tools. At the same time, they must attract and retain employees skilled at both the analytic and human-facing components of investment.

Wipfli surveyed 99 asset management firms in 31 states to learn more about these challenges facing the industry. Discover how firms are addressing talent management, technology integration, employee development, client service enhancement, and workflow optimization.