What’s Reshaping Deposit Strategies in 2026? CD Valet Flags Stablecoin Pressure, AI-Driven Investing and Rising Competition

As we enter the second half of the year, banks and credit unions are navigating a rapidly evolving deposit landscape shaped by shifting rate expectations, intensifying competition and emerging external pressures, from stablecoins to AI-driven financial decision-making. 

CD Valet is a CD marketplace that connects consumers with the best verified, high-yield CD rates nationwide, helping community financial institutions effectively attract new deposits. The company today outlined key trends related to deposit strategies banks and credit unions should watch for the remainder of the year. 

Stablecoins emerge as a competitive threat for deposits. The pace of change around stablecoins is quickly moving from theoretical to tangible, driven in large part by accelerating regulatory momentum. Recent legislative efforts, including the advancement of the GENIUS Act and proposals like the Clarity Act, signal a rapidly evolving framework that could legitimize stablecoins and allow them to function more like interest-bearing instruments.  

This shift comes at a critical moment for funding strategies. Approximately $2.37 trillion in CDs will mature and reprice over the next few months, creating a significant inflection point for banks and credit unions as they work to retain and attract deposits. At the same time, stablecoins are emerging as an alternative for holding liquidity. The potential for stablecoins to attract liquidity, particularly in a more favorable regulatory environment, underscores the need for institutions to strengthen their deposit value proposition and remain competitive in an evolving landscape. 

Rate uncertainty prompts FIs to rethink deposit pricing strategy. The shift from an expected rate-cut environment to one where additional hikes are back on the table is forcing institutions to rethink how aggressively and quickly they price deposits. 

CD Valet data shows a clear reversal in momentum, with approximately 71% of CD rate changes over the past 30 days reflecting increases, compared to 29% cuts. While significant rate swings remain unlikely, many institutions are making targeted adjustments to stay competitive, particularly in short-term products like 6-month CDs, which are leading in rate increases. At the same time, CDs offering yields at or above 4% – which declined earlier in the year – have been steadily rebounding since March. Together, these signals point to a more stable but competitive rate environment. 

AI is reshaping how consumers invest, making visibility and positioning more critical than ever. As CD rates stabilize and competition intensifies, the next shift in deposit strategy may come not just from pricing, but from digital discoverability. The growing role of AI in investing and personal financial management (PFMs) may fundamentally change how deposits move across institutions. AI tools are increasingly capable of alerting savers when CDs are nearing maturity, recommending higher-yield alternatives and even automating reinvestment decisions in real time.  

This shift is increasing the importance of transparency, real-time rate data and digital distribution channels that ensure banks’ and credit union’s deposit products are accurately surfaced and compared. 

“As the market shifts, visibility and access to competitive rates has never been more critical,” said Mary Grace Roske, Head of Marketing & Communications at CD Valet. “It’s no longer just about offering the highest rate, but about product structure, digital visibility and how new forces like AI and stablecoins are influencing where and how consumers move their money. The institutions that take note of these trends and adapt quickly will be best positioned to capture deposits in the second half of the year.” 

About CD Valet  

CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified CD rates from federally insured banks and credit unions. With tens of thousands of CD offers tracked across the country, CD Valet gives savers a clear view of top rates and helps them explore high-yield CD options with reliable returns. For financial institutions looking to raise deposits and attract new customers, CD Valet is a reliable and cost-effective channel that helps boost the visibility of their brand and CD offerings to high-intent CD customers. Visit www.cdvalet.com for more information and check out CD Valet's Best CD Rates by State Map to maximize earnings on savings.