Every cycle of economic uncertainty brings the same instinct in banking: freeze headcount until things clear up. The data suggests most institutions aren’t actually doing that.  

Over half plan to maintain current staffing levels this year, while roughly 40% still expect modest headcount growth even amid macro uncertainty, according to BalancedComp’s2026 banking and credit union compensation trends survey. 

Waiting Has a Real Cost 

Institutions that pause hiring entirely during uncertain periods often scramble to catch up once conditions stabilize, competing for the same shrinking pool of available talent as every other bank that made the same call. The institutions that keep hiring selectively during the slow period tend to be the ones best positioned when the market turns. 

Deliberate hiring isn’t the same thing as slow hiring though. Banks are being more selective about where compensation dollars go, prioritizing growth oriented and risk sensitiveroles rather than expanding broadly, according to the same BalancedComp survey. That’s a smarter approach than either extreme, freezing everything or hiring indiscriminately, but it requires real clarity about which roles actually move the needle. 

Uncertainty Also Changes Candidate Priorities   

Top candidates increasingly want clear expectations and a sense of stability before making a move, especially when the broader picture feels unsettled. Institutions that can offer that clarity, a defined role, a clear reporting line, an actual onboarding plan, have an edge over ones asking candidates to take a leap into ambiguity. 

There’s an opening here for regional and community banks specifically. While larger institutions make headlines with layoffs during uncertain periods, community and regional banks that keep hiring steadily and predictably often become the safer feeling choice for experienced bankers wary of instability at bigger shops. 

The takeaway for banks is straightforward. Uncertainty is a reason to hire more precisely, not to stop. Knowing exactly which roles are mission critical, and moving decisively once you’ve identified them, beats both extremes. 

The Anderson Search Group works with commercial banking and private wealth institutions to identify where hiring dollars will have the most impact, even in an uncertain market. If you’re trying to figure out where to focus next, we’d welcome the conversation.