Global M&A trends in financial services: 2024 outlook
Published 12 Dec 2025 ยท pwc
Global financial services M&A activity continues facing significant headwinds in 2024, with cross-border deals down 40% from 2021 peak levels. Key challenges include elevated interest rates increasing funding costs, heightened regulatory scrutiny particularly for large bank mergers, and persistent valuation gaps between buyers and sellers. Despite subdued volumes, strategic consolidation opportunities remain in wealth management, fintech integration, and regional banking sectors.
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