The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House may trigger a surge in bank mergers and acquisitions, as financial executives anticipate a shift towards more favorable regulatory conditions. With Republican regulators likely to ease capital rules, larger regional banks could pursue significant deals, enhancing competition against major banking giants. Tom Michaud, CEO of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, noted a strong demand for such transactions, emphasizing that without action, the banking landscape may see a consolidation into just a few dominant players.