After a period of record M&A activity over the past decade, the banking industry is now facing unprecedented disruption. M&A activity was down by approximately 21 percent (in terms of deal volume) in the Q1-20 (January- March) compared with that of the previous year. In terms of deal activity:

  • Some acquisitions and divestitures have still been completed, particularly those near to signing and/or closing, and some others have accelerated to overcome additional disruption from COVID-19.
  • Some deals have been put on hold due to the high volatility in the financial market, as well as uncertainty over business resilience, while a few others have been canceled.

Within this context, we expect banking M&A activities to increase in the second half of the year, primarily driven by domestic consolidation aimed at improving bank efficiency and at creating larger scale in order to compete with international peers. To read our complete analysis and commentary, see our full report on banking M&A trends for H2 2020.

In addition, acquisition of fintech and digital solutions capabilities will have a key role in the M&A landscape to help banks re-design their business models in order to survive in the long run in a low interest environment.

1. Acceleration in global domestic consolidation


Domestic consolidation is likely to pick up pace with the objective of increased operating efficiency at the national level in order to compete worldwide.

2. Rescue and restructuring deals to soar


Troubled banks may face rescue, restructurings and nationalizations deals as governments/central banks inject liquidity.

3. NPL growth may overtake loan growth


Banks with high exposure to stressed industries (hotels, restaurants, travel, oil & gas, etc.) are likely to face an increase in NPLs and a worsening of the asset quality. This could serve as potential opportunity for asset management companies and PE investors.

4. PE firms to reassess their investment plans


Distressed valuation in the banking space may represent a good entry point for some PE firms that are currently evaluating areas to invest their liquidity.

5. Fintech acquisition by traditional players


As funding sources dry up, struggling fintech firms with limited market experience (especially online lenders) may be forced to seek collaboration or acquisition by traditional financial institutions and PE funds.

6. Revival of distressed M&A


There could be several opportunities for distressed investors given the deep discount that financial institutions are facing in the stock market. Moreover, buyers having surplus funds could take advantage of low prices in the current scenario.

7. Specialty finance and challenger-banks


Specialty finance and challenger-banks are the new business model with a strong potential for superior profitability; this new banking model is likely to get the opportunity to acquire market shares in the lending space and could be involved in potential M&A transactions.

8. Boost for digital solutions


COVID-19 represents an opportunity to foster greater use of digital capabilities. Fintech and digital solution players, such as payments solutions and instant lending companies, are likely to get involved in M&A transactions with traditional banks to increase their operational efficiency.

Standing firm on shifting sands

Global banking M&A outlook H2 2020

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Banking category
COVID-19: Impact on the banking sector
COVID-19: Impact on the banking sector
COVID-19: Impact on the banking sector

Global banking M&A outlook H2 2020

Global banking M&A outlook H2 2020

Global banking M&A outlook H2 2020