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