Vertice AI, a leading provider of AI-powered growth solutions for community financial institutions, today released a new industry report, “From Branches to Apps: Gen Z on Money and Banking.” This report provides community financial institutions (CFIs) with a firsthand look into how Gen Z consumers are navigating financial decisions, digital tools, and relationships with institutions that challenge many long-standing assumptions across the banking industry.The report draws from a live panel discussion held during the 2026 Southeast Credit Union Innovation Day at the Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Institute of Technology. The session featured a panel of Gen Z students spanning high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies, discussing topics ranging from financial apps and peer-to-peer payments to expectations for modern banking experiences, and the factors that most influence their financial decision-making.Rather than relying on broad generational narratives, From Branches to Apps captures direct commentary from next-generation consumers about how they manage money today. Among the report’s emerging themes:The growing use of multiple financial app “stacks” rather than a single primary institution;Declining reliance on physical branches and ATMs in daily financial life; andRising demand for more proactive, personalized financial guidance tools instead of reactive reporting.“Too much of the industry conversation about Gen Z happens without hearing directly from Gen Z,” said Mitch Rutledge, CEO of Vertice AI. “This discussion offered something more valuable than trend speculation: an unfiltered view into how young consumers are approaching money, financial decisions, and digital financial tools. Community FIs need a clearer understanding of Gen Z’s priorities and expectations if they want to meaningfully compete with fintechs and neobanks.”Vertice AI helps financial institutions use predictive AI and behavioral data to identify growth opportunities and execute targeted campaigns that significantly improve engagement and product adoption. The company has helped financial institutions increase adoption rates for targeted products and services through data-driven customer engagement strategies.The full analysis includes direct participant commentary, visualized findings, and insights designed to help community FIs and fintech leaders better understand the evolving financial mindset of Gen Z consumers.The free report is now available for download: “From Branches to Apps: Gen Z on Money and Banking”NoYesBanking15 May, 2026