Banks aren’t investing in technology solely to modernize operations. They’re also looking for growth.
York Public Relations’ 2026 State of Fintech survey found that 26% of bank executives identify increasing deposits and account holder acquisition as their primary objective for fintech partnerships over the next 12 to 18 months. That makes growth the second-most-cited objective, behind operational efficiency at 31%.
Technology Has to Connect to The Balance Sheet
This creates an important distinction for fintech companies selling customer-facing technology. Engagement alone may not be enough.
Banks increasingly want evidence that better digital experiences ultimately translate into business results. For a technology provider, that can mean demonstrating increases in account openings, improvements in digital engagement, higher conversion rates or actual deposit growth.
Growth and Efficiency Are Converging
The two leading partnership objectives—efficiency and growth—shouldn’t necessarily be viewed independently.
Banks increasingly need to grow while maintaining cost discipline. Technology that helps an institution acquire more customers but requires substantial additional staffing may solve one problem while creating another.
The strongest fintech value propositions may therefore be those capable of connecting the two priorities: help us grow, and help us grow efficiently.
Products that improve acquisition, onboarding, engagement or deposit gathering should connect those capabilities directly to measurable financial outcomes.
In 2026, the technology conversation isn’t stopping at experience. It’s increasingly reaching the balance sheet.