Bank M&A Activity Surges in March, Lifting Q1 2025 Deal Value to $1.61B In the first quarter of 2025, 34 U.S. bank deals totaling $1.61 billion were announced, the highest first-quarter aggregate deal value since 2021, per S&P Global Market Intelligence data., Technology-driven efficiencies and sustainability initiatives are reshaping the M&A landscape. The integration of AI, IoT, automation, and blockchain is enhancing due diligence, post-merger integration, and overall operational performance., Understand the M&A trends affecting banks, and their response to technological changes, bank failures, post-pandemic pressures and regulatory action., Our M&A outlook for 2025 suggests the potential for a banner year. Numerous variables could hinder deal activity, but improving economic conditions coupled with enhanced net interest margins (NIMs) from lower short term interest rates and possible tax cuts should improve fundamentals., Key measures include the automatic approval of bank deal applications unless denied by federal regulators within 120 days and allowing regional Federal Reserve banks to quickly approve mergers of small and midsize banks if they meet certain regulatory criteria., Using a data-driven acquisition strategy will be central to accelerating the entire acquisition lifecycle and ultimately achieving growth. 43% of bank leaders say their organization is very or somewhat likely to buy another bank by the end of 2025..