There’s no shortage of financial institutions seeking an acquisition in 2015, but fewer banks plan to sell than last year, according to a new survey by Bank Director.

Nearly 47% of the bank CEOs, senior officers and board members who completed Bank Director’s 2015 Bank M&A Survey said that they plan to purchase a healthy bank within the next 12 months, compared to a mere 3% who plan to sell their bank.

Two-thirds of the respondent said they believe that today’s environment, with its improved credit quality and stock valuations, could yield more bank mergers and acquisition activity.

And despite the challenges of a highly competitive growth environment and costly regulations, 64% the respondents said they expect their bank to thrive as an independent entity.

When asked about barriers to selling the bank, more than two-thirds said that the board and/or management want the organization to remain independent.

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