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Why bank mergers require a different class of transformation

Written by Randal Van Vliet | Dec 19, 2025 9:55:04 AM

The pace of M&A activity in banking is accelerating but most integrations still struggle to deliver the expected value. In fact, many fail to meet strategic goals due to one simple reason: they treat bank-on-bank integrations like any other transformation.

The reality is different. Bank mergers are uniquely complex. They combine real-time operational risk, strict regulatory scrutiny, customer trust sensitivity, and deep technology dependencies; all happening at once, under pressure.

At FiSer Consulting, we’ve worked with leading European banks to deliver post-merger integrations where failure is not an option. In our experience, traditional M&A often fall short in this context.

What makes bank M&A integration different?

  • Banks operate 24/7 - systems can't be paused

  • Customer trust must be preserved at all times

  • Regulators require early, structured engagement

  • Legacy IT and data complexity creates risk

  • Culture, governance and decision-making must align quickly

What’s inside the whitepaper?

Our latest whitepaper, Beyond Integration, outlines a practical framework for delivering high-stakes bank mergers. It covers:

  • What sets bank-on-bank integrations apart

  • How to design programmes that balance resilience, regulation, and trust

  • The execution levers that matter most: TOM alignment, customer continuity, and synergy capture

  • How leading banks approach integration and how success is measured

Whether you're preparing a transaction, managing an integration, or recovering momentum, this guide offers a clear roadmap built on experience.