Stephens’ Top Financial Services Picks Set to Make Waves in 2026
Investing.com – Financial Markets Worldwide
Published: January 7, 2026, 12:22 am (Updated: 12:30 am)
Stephens Inc., a respected investment firm, has unveiled its top financial services stock picks poised to significantly impact the market in 2026. The selections, featured in Stephens’ recent "Best Ideas 2026" report, highlight six standout companies chosen from its banking and specialty finance sectors.
These choices cover a geographical and operational diversity across the United States, including regional banks and a specialty finance company. The stock prices and market capitalizations referenced in the report are as of December 31, 2025. ### Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Banking: NBT Bancorp Inc. (FITB)
Headquartered in Norwich, New York, NBT Bancorp Inc. is Stephens’ pick representing the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast banking markets. NBT Bancorp operates approximately 140 branches serving upstate New York, northeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New England. As of the end of 2025, the company’s shares closed at $41.52, with a market capitalization near $2.17 billion.
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Banking: First Bancorp (FBNC)
Covering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast region, First Bancorp is based in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The bank manages 113 branches throughout North and South Carolina. The stock price stood at $50.79 on December 31, 2025, equating to a market value of about $2.11 billion.
Midwest Super-Regional Banking: Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)
For Midwest super-regional banks, Stephens selected Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bancorp, which operates across commercial banking, branch banking, consumer lending, and investment advisory services. The shares closed at $46.81 at the close of 2025, boasting the largest market capitalization among these picks at approximately $30.94 billion.
Southern Banks: Simmons First National Corporation (SFNC)
Simmons First National Corporation, founded in 1903 and headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is chosen as the Southern banks’ representative. It operates in several states across the Southern and Midwestern U.S., including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma. Its stock closed at $18.85 on December 31, 2025, with a market cap of about $2.73 billion.
West Coast Banking: FinWise Bancorp (FINW)
Representing the West Coast banking sector, FinWise Bancorp, located in Murray, Utah, employs a fintech-focused banking model emphasizing partnerships with non-bank lenders and small business lending. Its shares were priced at $17.94 at the end of 2025, with a market capitalization of approximately $243.75 million.
Specialty Finance: Upbound Group Inc. (UPBD)
Rounding out Stephens’ financial services selections is Upbound Group Inc., a specialty finance company headquartered in Plano, Texas. The company runs an omni-channel alternative lending business, including well-known brands such as Rent-A-Center, Acima, and Brigit. The stock closed at $17.56 as of December 31, 2025, with an estimated market value of $1.02 billion.
Outlook
Stephens Inc.’s carefully curated financial services stock picks for 2026 illustrate promising opportunities in both traditional regional banks and innovative specialty finance firms. Their selections provide investors with exposure to diverse markets and operational focuses, reflecting confidence in these companies’ growth and resilience in the evolving financial landscape.
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