M&A is about more than strategy and scale — it’s also about execution. This client panel dives into how institutions can unlock value through operational efficiencies, technology integration, and cultural alignment, while managing the risks that often derail deals.  

Learning Outcomes:  

• Identify key value creation levers in bank mergers, including cost synergies and tech integration 
• Recognize common pitfalls in post-merger integration and how to avoid them 
• Align M&A strategy with long-term operational and customer experience goals 

This session will challenge institutions to shift their focus from predicting the Fed to actively managing their balance sheet exposures. Drawing on current market conditions, regulatory developments, and real-world M&A and capital markets case studies, Scott will highlight how institutions are rethinking their playbooks to build earnings resilience, mitigate risk, and position for greater strategic flexibility. Attendees will gain actionable insights for evaluating their institution's balance sheet positioning and a practical framework for communicating key decisions effectively to boards and management teams. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Identify current balance sheet risks and opportunities and distinguish between yield curve risk and interest rate risk to more accurately manage their institution's exposures 
• Evaluate recent regulatory developments and their implications for balance sheet strategy and business model positioning 
• Apply actionable strategies — from hedges and structured alternatives to investment portfolio and whole loan solutions — to protect margin and build earnings resilience 
• Apply practical communication frameworks for presenting balance sheet decisions effectively to boards and management teams 

Curated specifically for financial institutions, we will unpack the latest developments in tax legislation in the wake of the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. This session will equip you and your institution with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding recent tax legislative developments and identify potential strategic opportunities.  

Learning Outcomes: 

• Discuss the passing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and specific provisions directly impacting financial institutions   
• Uncover potential strategic tax opportunities for financial institutions to consider   
• Learn about the predicted future implications of the current tax landscape 

A well-managed compliance program does more than satisfy regulatory requirements; it helps financial institutions mitigate risk, strengthen stakeholder trust and support long-term growth. This session will discuss how financial institutions leadership teams can foster a proactive compliance culture while addressing evolving regulatory expectations.
 
Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the critical role leadership plays in establishing an effective compliance culture
• Identify emerging compliance risks and their potential impact on institutional operations
• Apply leading practices for aligning compliance, risk management and business objectives

Technology risk in community banking has rapidly evolved beyond IT, now directly impacting financial performance, regulatory compliance, and customer trust—often with AI already embedded across operations without adequate oversight. Limited resources and outdated governance frameworks leave many institutions struggling to manage cybersecurity, data, and third-party risks at the level regulators expect. This session provides practical, scalable approaches to strengthen oversight, align governance with emerging risks, and enable more informed, resilient decision-making. 

Learning Outcomes:  

• Identify where artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital risk exist within financial institutions 
• Understand regulatory expectations for governance and oversight of AI, cyber, and digital risk, as they apply to institutions of varying sizes and complexities 
• Evaluate how traditional risk management frameworks extend to AI‑enabled tools, digital risks, and identify where enhancements are needed  
• Recognize the role of data governance as a foundational risk management discipline

Join us for an engaging fireside chat with a retired Vice President of Bank Supervision & Regulation from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Drawing on decades of experience overseeing large financial institutions, our guest will share perspectives on regulatory expectations, emerging risks, evolving supervisory practices, and the lessons every bank and credit union leader should understand in today's environment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into how regulators assess risk, governance, and institutional performance
• Understand evolving supervisory priorities and emerging areas of regulatory focus
• Explore practical lessons leaders can apply to strengthen resilience and regulatory readiness