Consolidation in the banking industry is nothing new. Financial institutions of all sizes – from smaller credit unions to even the largest players – are looking for opportunities to band together to find efficiencies, adopt new technologies, remain competitive and, above all else, grow. Amplifying this drive to consolidate is pressure from innovative neo-banks, lifestyle brands and fintechs that have been quick to capitalize on consumer appetite for turnkey, digital experiences, leaving more established institutions scrambling to play catch-up. In other words, two of the main drivers of M&A in today's banking sector are the disruptive influence of technology and the critical need to meet the needs of today's digital-first customer.