What loan growth strategies should community banks be thinking about?

Lending for community banks started off good in 2026 despite higher interest rates, geopolitical headwinds, and tariff uncertainty. Now banks must consider the current interest rate environment, further rate cuts are unlikely in 2026, and economic caution, the Iran conflict, oil prices, and inflation. Community banks should focus on staying disciplined with credit underwriting and focus on relationship banking. There is some potential good news on the horizon as changes to Basel III capital rules could help increase residential mortgage lending. What lending products should community banks focus on? SBA lending, CRE, C&I, farm lending, and residential mortgage lending. This episode examined an article from Independent Banker Magazine titled “The lending outlook and loan growth trends for community banks in 2026.” A link to the article is included below.    Link: The Lending Outlook and Loan Growth Trends for Community Banks in 2026 - Independent Banker - ICBA.org P.S. BND was named to FeedSpot Podcasts Top 80 Best Banking Podcasts for 2026. A link to the list is included below. Link: 80 Best Banking Podcasts to Listen to in 2026