5 Banking Trends to Watch in 2022 -

"Some of the narratives Banking Dive sees taking shape for 2022 — crypto, for example — are carryovers from last year, reaching a logical conclusion or forward motion. Others, such as the office-return debate, may be at a pivot point."

Why this is important: Banking Dive lists the five banking trends it believes will be most important in 2022. They are: i) returning to the office; ii) regulatory changes, in general, and measuring "climate risk" (and possibly other ESG issues) in particular; iii) digital assets and cryptocurrencies (See here for a discussion of 300 community banks dipping into this arena); iv) M&A -- bank mergers seem to be increasing slowly; and v) the possible approval of SAFE, the Safe Banking Act, under Democratic leadership and as opinions about lending for marijuana businesses in states where marijuana use now is legal. It is an interesting list and discussion.