Wendy Stewart Named to Banking Power List
American Banker recognized the Bank of America executive for her leadership in commercial banking.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Banking
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American Banker has named Wendy Stewart, president of Bank of America's Global Commercial Banking unit, to its most powerful women in banking list. Stewart manages 2,000 employees and oversees commercial services across 135 international and North American cities.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights Stewart's role in guiding a division that serves middle-market firms through complex economic and geopolitical environments. Her leadership approach integrates diverse client perspectives with advancements in artificial intelligence tools.
The division reported $215 billion in deposit balances in 2025, representing an 11% growth. Additionally, average middle-market loans increased by 6% during the same period.
The players
Wendy Stewart
She is the president of Bank of America's Global Commercial Banking unit and a long-time executive with 23 years at the firm.
American Banker
This is a professional trade publication that tracks the financial services industry and publishes annual rankings of influential executives.
Bank of America
This is a multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in the United States.
Grove Park Foundation
This is a nonprofit organization focused on community revitalization in the Atlanta area.
The details
Stewart has spent 23 years at Bank of America and currently chairs the Grove Park Foundation capital campaign, which successfully raised $75 million for the Atlanta neighborhood. Her unit is currently preparing for its AI tools to integrate data from 55 distinct sources by Q1 2026.
Timeline
In 2025, Global Commercial Banking generated $8.8 billion in revenue.
A health, wellness, and longevity initiative began in 2024.
AI tools are planned to access 55 data sources by Q1 2026.
Market Dynamics
The push to integrate AI across 55 data sources reflects a broader shift in the financial sector toward data-driven, automated advisory services for middle-market clients. This technological arms race positions major banks to capture market share by providing faster, more nuanced economic insights than smaller regional competitors.
For retail investors and stakeholders, the growth in deposit balances and loan volume signals robust health for the bank's commercial arm. Continued reliance on AI integration suggests a potential for long-term operational efficiency gains that could influence shareholder value.
The takeaway
Stewart’s career longevity at a major financial institution underscores the value of blending traditional relationship banking with emerging digital tools. Her success demonstrates how localized community involvement, such as the Grove Park campaign, can complement a high-level executive role.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry trends by visiting the Banking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Banker.
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