Cannabis Businesses Seek Expanded Financial Services as Federal Policy Shifts
As the cannabis industry prepares for significant changes in federal policy, businesses are looking to their financial institutions for more than just basic banking services. According to a recent survey by Shield Compliance, cannabis operators are seeking credit, payments, and other traditional financial products to support their growth.
The survey found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe that federal rescheduling will have a significant impact on their business, with many seeking guidance on changes to banking requirements and taxes. Additionally, nearly 40% of respondents expect changes to hemp policy to affect their business, with some anticipating reformulating products or changing product lines, and others expecting reduced competition from unregulated products.
Access to credit remains a challenge for many cannabis businesses, with only about 5% of respondents reporting that commercial credit is readily available. However, demand for operating lines of credit, equipment financing, and real estate loans remains strong.
The survey also found that cannabis businesses want more banking services, including B2B payments, money market or savings accounts, retail payments, and payroll services. Favorable satisfaction with banking relationships has increased, with 92% of respondents reporting a positive experience, up from 84% in 2025.
Despite the challenges, cannabis operators remain optimistic about the industry’s future, with 51% expecting profitability to improve over the next two to three years. However, cash flow and profitability remain top concerns, followed by access to credit and regulatory compliance.
The survey’s findings suggest that personal service and industry expertise are key factors in building strong relationships with financial institutions. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, businesses will need to prioritize these factors to drive loyalty and growth.
