RankingBanking 24 Digital (1) - Flipbook - Page 24
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Why Small
Banks Dominate
the Ranking
By Emily McCormick
I
n 2025, Chris McComish expects his
including stress testing and compliance with the
bank — $9.6 billion S&T Bancorp, head-
Durbin Amendment, which limits interchange in-
quartered outside Pittsburgh in Indiana,
come and impacts profitability. “You lose revenue,
Pennsylvania — to cross over the $10
and you have additional regulatory costs,” says
billion threshold. It’s an event McComish,
Kara Baldwin, a partner who leads the financial
S&T’s CEO, has been preparing for since
services audit group at Crowe LLP. Banks ap-
taking the reins three years ago. “We run
proaching the $10 billion line start preparing well
the company today like we’re a much big-
in advance, beefing up operations, along with com-
ger company,” he says. “I’m not doing my job if
I’m not recognizing what the future looks like”
and preparing for it.
pliance staff and systems.
That means there are advantages to being a
small, public bank, around $1 billion to $10 billion
Once that threshold is crossed, S&T will gain the
in assets. “There’s a small niche in the community
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a regu-
banking space where you can optimize your asset
lator. Several regulatory requirements will kick in,
size, where you’re getting the most bang for your
