-

KBRA Releases Research – KBRA’s Perspective on Bank M&A: Trends and Ratings Implications

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA releases research evaluating the current landscape of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and the potential implications for credit ratings.

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a more bank-friendly regulatory environment has spurred renewed M&A activity across the sector, though deal flow to date has been more of a swell than a tsunami. Shortened approval timelines and recent Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) changes to M&A accounting, which potentially reduce one-time acquisition charges, have provided added support for transactions. However, scarcity of attractive targets, and higher interest rates, which have caused sizable unrealized securities losses that result in elevated negative accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) positions continue to weigh on activity, leaving many institutions cautious. Looking ahead, KBRA expects bank M&A to remain measured in the near term, but activity could potentially accelerate as balance sheet pressures ease and the regulatory landscape evolves.

Click here to view the report.

Related Publication

About KBRA

KBRA, one of the major credit rating agencies, is registered in the U.S., EU, and the UK. KBRA is recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency in Taiwan, and is also a Designated Rating Organization for structured finance ratings in Canada. As a full-service credit rating agency, investors can use KBRA ratings for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

Doc ID: 1011241

Contacts

John Rempe, Senior Director
+1 301-969-3045
john.rempe@kbra.com

Bain Rumohr, Managing Director
+1 312-680-4166
bain.rumohr@kbra.com

Ian Jaffe, Senior Managing Director
+1 646-731-3302
ian.jaffe@kbra.com

Business Development Contact

Justin Fuller, Managing Director
+1 312-680-4163
justin.fuller@kbra.com

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

Details
Headquarters: New York City, New York
CEO: Jim Nadler
Employees: 400+
Organization: PRI

Release Versions

Contacts

John Rempe, Senior Director
+1 301-969-3045
john.rempe@kbra.com

Bain Rumohr, Managing Director
+1 312-680-4166
bain.rumohr@kbra.com

Ian Jaffe, Senior Managing Director
+1 646-731-3302
ian.jaffe@kbra.com

Business Development Contact

Justin Fuller, Managing Director
+1 312-680-4163
justin.fuller@kbra.com

Social Media Profiles
More News From Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

KBRA Releases Research – Private Credit: Deep Dive on AI and Software

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA releases research examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on software and private credit portfolios. In KBRA’s view, AI poses diffuse and manageable credit risks to software companies held by direct lenders. While some sponsor-backed borrowers with near-term maturities and structural exposure to AI disruption may face significant pressure—contributing to a modest increase in overall default rates—we find that most software-adjacent borrowers have bus...

KBRA Assigns AAA Rating to Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 2026A (Green Bonds); Affirms Rating for Parity Bonds

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AAA to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 2026A (Green Bonds). KBRA additionally affirms the long-term rating of AAA for outstanding Sales Tax Revenue Bonds. The rating Outlook is Stable. Key Credit Considerations The rating action reflects the following key credit considerations: Credit Positives Pledged revenues provide ample coverage of Sales Tax Revenue Bond maximum annual d...

KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to PMT Loan Trust 2026-INV4 (PMTLT 2026-INV4)

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to 72 classes of mortgage-backed notes from PMT Loan Trust 2026-INV4 (PMTLT 2026-INV4), a prime RMBS transaction sponsored by PennyMac Corp. (PennyMac), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT). PMTLT 2026-INV4 comprises 1,093 fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) with an aggregate principal balance of $412.3 million as of the April 1, 2026 cut-off date. The underlying pool consists of agency-eligible loan...
Back to Newsroom