SEATTLE, WA — September 10, 2026 — Cannabis businesses are increasingly looking to their financial institutions for more than basic banking services, with strong demand for credit, payments, and other traditional financial products, according to new findings from Shield Compliance’s 2026 Cannabis Industry Banking Satisfaction Survey, released today at the PBC Conference in Washington, D.C. The findings come as licensed operators prepare for significant changes in federal cannabis and hemp policy, including potential rescheduling and the closure of the federal intoxicating hemp loophole.

Key Findings

Rescheduling is expected to have a significant financial impact. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents said federal rescheduling is “very likely” or “likely” to affect their business or financial operations. Survey respondents want guidance on potential changes to banking requirements and taxes, as well as greater access to lines of credit, lending, and payment services. Others called for lower fees and advance notice of changes to banking policies.

Hemp policy changes will affect some businesses substantially, but not all. Nearly 40% said closing the intoxicating hemp loophole would affect their business a moderate amount or more, while 48% said it would have no impact. Some anticipate reformulating products or changing product lines, while others expect reduced competition from unregulated products and a stronger licensed cannabis market.

Access to credit remains a significant challenge. Only about 5% of respondents said commercial credit is readily available, while 45% said it is somewhat available, and 38% said it is not available. Demand for traditional lending products is strong:

74% are interested in an operating line of credit.
57% are interested in equipment financing.
55% are interested in real estate loans.

Businesses want more than basic banking services. Respondents expressed demand for services that businesses in other industries often take for granted, including business credit cards, lending, equipment financing, lines of credit, and expanded payment options.

46% are interested in B2B payments.
49% are interested in money market or savings accounts.
43% are interested in retail payments.
40% are interested in payroll services.

Banking relationships continue to mature and improve. Among licensed operators surveyed, favorable satisfaction increased to 91.5%, up from 84.0% in 2025, while the percentage of respondents who said they were likely to change financial institutions in the next 12 months fell from 23.0% to 12.0%. We also saw modest improvements in operators' perceptions of their financial institution's industry knowledge and the predictability of compliance requirements. Taken together, the results suggest stronger customer loyalty and greater confidence in banking partners than we observed a year ago.

“One of the clearest themes from this year’s survey is that personal service continues to drive customer loyalty,” said Tony Repanich, President and CEO of Shield Compliance. “Operators frequently cited responsive relationship managers and industry expertise as the primary reasons they stay with their financial institutions. While product expansion and credit access remain important opportunities, strong relationships and knowledgeable support are still the foundation of successful cannabis banking.”

Financial Pressures Remain Top of Mind

Despite growing optimism about the industry's future, survey respondents continue to face significant financial pressures. When asked to rank their biggest concerns, cash flow and profitability ranked highest, followed closely by access to credit and regulatory compliance.

At the same time, the outlook for the industry's profitability is relatively positive. More than half of respondents (51%) expect cannabis industry profitability to be better or much better over the next two to three years, while about one-third (30%) expect it to remain about the same. A smaller share (15%) anticipates declining profitability.

That combination – optimism about the industry's future alongside continued concerns about cash flow and access to capital – underscores the opportunity for financial institutions to deepen relationships with cannabis businesses as the regulatory environment evolves.

Underwriting Support from Emerald Intel

The 2026 Cannabis Industry Banking Satisfaction Survey includes underwriting support from Emerald Intel, the trusted source for verified, real-time business intelligence on the cannabis and hemp industry. Covering licensed operators, ancillary businesses, and consumer brands, Emerald Intel provides insights into over 51,000 companies and more than 200,000 decision-makers. Its mission is simple: deliver the reliable data businesses need to navigate a fast-changing market and drive growth with confidence. Learn more at www.emeraldintel.ai.

About Shield Compliance

Shield Compliance empowers financial institutions and financial service providers to deliver high-risk business banking and financial services with confidence, precision, and trust, combining its advanced technology with deep regulatory and industry expertise. When it comes to high-risk business banking, Shield is “In it. With you.” For more information, visit shieldbanking.com or contact info@shieldbanking.com.

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