In a year marked by margin pressure and rising costs, a select group of community banks managed to outperform by doing what others couldn’t—growing core deposits and holding the line on expenses.

American Banker’s 2025 ranking of top-performing public banks under $2 billion in assets—powered by Capital Performance Group’s analysis of three-year average return on average equity (ROAE)—reveals how disciplined funding strategies, cost control, and smart tech investments helped top banks maintain profitability in a challenging 2024 environment.

From expanding net interest margin to outperforming on efficiency, these institutions set themselves apart by preserving margin and embracing operational agility when it mattered most.

Read the full article and see the Top Performers on American Banker.