February 25, 2025 – Smaller U.S. banks are back—at least when it comes to small businesses.

In 2023, the collapse of several small, regional banks prompted businesses to shift banking relationships and deposits to national banks and even some “super-regionals, which were perceived as being safer and more stable.

During that period, satisfaction levels for smaller banks among small business clients declined sharply, particularly for categories like “ease of doing business” and “values long-term relationships,” and the key area of “trust.” 

Real Resilience 
In 2024, regional banks have seen client experience stabilize and outperform those of larger, national providers. With more than 60% of customers citing excellent satisfaction on factors like "values long-term relationships" or “ease of doing business”, these banks have solidified their position as preferred partners for small businesses. These scores not only surpass those of their national counterparts but also reflect the appeal of regional and super-regional banks to these businesses.

Every year, Crisil Coalition Greenwich analyzes client satisfaction scores to see which banks stand out from their peers. Banks that top rivals in satisfaction scores by a statistically significant margin are named Best Banks and this year 38 regional and super-regional banks achieved that distinction. 

“Regional banks are demonstrating real resilience,” says Chris McDonnell, Head of Commercial and Digital Banking Analytics at Crisil Coalition Greenwich. “By devoting resources to targeted outreach from relationship managers and other initiatives that deliver enhanced, personalized client service, regional banks are showing their commitment to small businesses and winning back the trust of executives.”

The 2025 Coalition Greenwich Best Bank and Share winners in U.S. Small Business Banking stand out for their ability to combine deliver high-quality day-to-day service and digital banking tools. 

The complete list of the 2025 Best Bank and Share award winners in U.S. Small Business Banking.