📈 Following a strong 2025, global markets and investment banking revenues approached historic highs, with most leading banks delivering both revenue growth and improved cost efficiency. Cost-to-income ratios and returns strengthened in parallel, raising the performance baseline across the industry.

🌍 Yet beneath the headline numbers, market structure, competitive dynamics, and capital flows continue to evolve. New sources of capital, rapidly scaling technologies, and an unsettled geopolitical backdrop are reshaping how value is created across corporate and investment banking.

“AI is moving from pilots to CEO-backed efficiency and growth programmes,” Amrit Shahani highlights, delivering 25–35% efficiency gains for institutions that act decisively.

As banks plan for 2026, sustained outperformance will depend on how effectively they translate momentum into action — aligning operating models, capital allocation, and technology strategies for what comes next.

Want to learn more?
If you would like to learn how BCG Expand can support your organisation in converting AI-driven efficiency and growth initiatives into sustained advantage across corporate and investment banking, please reach out to Amrit Shahani.