Liberty Lake-based Spokane Teachers Credit Union is rolling out the new year with the opening of a new branch and an announcement about two future branches across Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

As financial institutions look ahead to 2026, Inland Northwest banking leaders say the industry enters the new year with cautious optimism, steady deposit growth, and persistent affordability challenges that continue to shape the behavior of members and customers.

Congratulations to the Spokane Journal of Business on 40 years of exceptional business reporting. While I’m not necessarily thrilled to admit I have worked through the evolution of the financial industry in the region for the last 40 years, it’s been exciting to be a part of and see our industry grow and evolve. Many of the areas the industry has changed in the last four decades will continue, albeit in different ways.