Annual Survey of Community Banks
The CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks provides community bankers with a unique opportunity to share your perspectives with state and federal policymakers. Now in its 13th year, the Annual Survey results offer valuable information on the community bank ecosystem and have been featured in Congressional hearings, industry publications, and academic papers. The 2026 survey results will be presented at the Community Banking Research Conference, co-sponsored by CSBS, the Federal Reserve System, and the FDIC, in October.
2026 Key Findings
- For the second consecutive year, respondents identified net interest margins and core deposit growth as the top two external risks.
- Cybersecurity was identified as the top internal risk for the ninth year in a row, followed by technology implementation and costs.
- Banking market competition remained the primary challenge to retaining core deposits, followed by economic uncertainty.
- When asked about their current use of AI, about 53% of respondents indicated that they were piloting AI technology or engaging in limited use across specific functions.
Additional Research
Research, Data & Tools
Annual Survey of Community Banks
The CSBS Annual Survey of Community Banks gauges internal and external risks, competition, safety and soundness, and deposit insurance policy. The survey, conducted annually since 2014, provides valuable insights into the evolving community banking ecosystem.
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Research, Data & Tools
The Community Bank Sentiment Index (CBSI)
The Community Bank Sentiment Index is an index derived from quarterly polling of community bankers across the nation. Their responses are analyzed and compiled into a single number.
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Research, Data & Tools
CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition
The Community Bank Case Study Competition, facilitated by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), is a nationwide academic competition for undergraduate students in all fields of study to gain valuable, first-hand knowledge of the banking industry.
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Research, Data & Tools
CSBS Economic Research and Policy Scholars Program
The Economic Research and Policy Scholars Program is designed to advance research on critical issues related to the nation's dual-banking system, community banking, financial services innovation, and economic growth.
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Research, Data & Tools
CSBS Working Paper 2501 - Compliance Costs
Bank regulatory compliance has long been viewed as a fixed cost disproportionately affecting smaller banks, yet few studies have quantitatively tested the magnitude of this burden using robust empirical methods.
Read the Working Paper