#United States #digital banking #Alkami Technology #Plano, Texas #Cornerstone Advisors

Overview of the 2026 Digital Banking Performance Metrics Report

On May 7, 2026, Alkami Technology, Inc., a prominent provider of digital sales and service platforms for U.S. financial institutions, together with Cornerstone Advisors, launched a groundbreaking report titled 2026 Digital Banking Performance Metrics Report. This year marks a pivotal shift as the report expands its scope beyond retail banking, introducing new benchmarks specifically tailored for business digital banking. This seventh annual report offers comprehensive insights into digital banking adoption, user engagement, and performance trends, making it a vital resource for financial institutions seeking to enhance their services.

Key Findings in Retail Banking

The report indicates that digital banking has firmly established itself as the primary interaction channel for retail account holders. Key findings include:

• - 87% of checking accounts now have active digital banking users, demonstrating significant growth in digital adoption.
• - 82% of mobile banking users actively engage with their accounts, underscoring mobile channels as essential for customer interactions.
• - A notable milestone was reached as 51% of loan applications were submitted via digital platforms for the first time.
• - On average, financial institutions report 1.56 new products per digital banking user, highlighting the correlation between high engagement levels and growth in product offerings.

Despite these positive trends, the report also identifies areas where friction persists. For instance, the abandonment of account openings remains an issue even with collective efforts to enhance user experience. Additionally, changing usage patterns for tools such as person-to-person payments indicate increasing competition from third-party financial service providers.

Insights into Business Digital Banking

In a groundbreaking addition, the report delves into the performance of business digital banking, revealing critical findings:

• - 78% of business accounts engage actively with digital banking services, showcasing a strong presence in the digital domain.
• - 75% of those active business accounts utilize mobile banking applications regularly.
• - Only 17% of financial institutions currently offer digital account openings for businesses, but those that do have achieved nearly 25% of business accounts opened online.
• - 20% of institutions provide online business loan origination, leading to 37% of loan dollar volume being executed online.

While digital usage among business accounts is encouraging, there are significant gaps in areas such as account opening processes and digital loan origination services, which are increasingly demanded by growing businesses. Many businesses expect comprehensive features such as real-time payments and integrated payables and receivables, reflecting the dynamic needs of contemporary clients.

The Need for Enhanced Digital Banking Metrics

Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, emphasized the necessity for a refined digital banking metrics framework which focuses not merely on activity but on tangible outcomes. His advocacy promotes a connection between digital performance metrics and overarching business goals while distinguishing between metrics that warrant monitoring versus those that require proactive management.

Marla Pieton, Vice President of Brand, Public Relations, and Influencer Marketing at Alkami, further underscored the significance of establishing clear performance benchmarks. She noted that understanding where financial institutions currently stand can guide them in evolving their digital strategies to better cater to the needs of both consumers and businesses alike.

Upcoming Webinar

To discuss these findings in detail and provide insights into how financial institutions can turn digital performance metrics into actionable growth, Alkami will host a webinar on June 10, 2026, titled “From Metrics to Momentum: Turning Digital Banking Data into Measurable Growth.” Interested participants can register to explore how they can optimize their digital strategies effectively.

Conclusion

As the financial world increasingly moves toward digital, insights from the 2026 Digital Banking Performance Metrics Report offer a comprehensive look at current trends, user engagement levels, and performance metrics that are reshaping the industry landscape. For banks and credit unions aiming to thrive in an evolving marketplace, this report is an essential tool for navigating the future of digital banking successfully.

To access the complete report or learn more about the findings, visit the Alkami website.