Highlights
8:00am - 8:10am CDT
Welcome Comments
8:10am - 9:10am CDT
Discovering Opportunities Amid Uncertainty: An Economic Discussion
KC Mathews | Commerce Trust
This session will unravel the threads of potential that weave through the current economic climate, offering a roadmap for businesses and individuals seeking to capitalize on emerging trends. Uncertainty casts a formidable shadow of doubt across the economic landscape. Will we experience an economic slowdown or enter a recession? What’s next from the Federal Reserve in its fight to curb inflation? Can the stock market maintain this current run? Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or simply interested in understanding the forces shaping our economic and financial environment, this session offers insight into the dynamic landscape of economic opportunities ripe for exploration and growth.
9:20am - 10:15am CDT (Breakout Sessions)
Partnering with FinTech
Erik Sorensen | Community Choice Credit Union
In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, traditional institutions face the dual challenge of meeting customer demands for seamless digital experiences while maintaining the trust and stability they've long been known for. This session will explore collaboration with fintech partners that are shaping and reshaping the future of financial institutions. Gain firsthand insights into strategic partnerships with fintech companies, exploring how collaborations can strengthen offerings that allow financial institutions to remain relevant in the crowded landscape. Through real-world examples and success stories, discover how alliances can enhance customer experience, drive operational efficiency, increase revenue, ensure regulatory standards, all while fostering a culture of continued innovation.
Understanding the Current Climate of ESG
Brandon Koeser | RSM
Regardless of a financial institutions location or if it is public or private, ESG continues to be a topic of conversation among industry leaders and stakeholders. Gain insights into the basics behind ESG, how strategies are being formed around ESG within the industry, the risks with ESG strategies and how the evolving regulatory and political environment are impacting the discussions around ESG.
10:25am - 11:20am CDT
Moving Technology Strategy to Execution
Aaron Donaldson | RSM, Kevin Larkin | FHLB, Julie Starnes | RSM, Jerry Warrick | RSM, and Corey Weeklund | RSM
This session dives into the foundation of IT and the hottest tech trends shaping the landscape like, automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making. Most of these innovations are in their early adopted forms and are driving bigger conversations in financial institution strategies. Our panel of industry insiders with firsthand experience, will share insights on successful implementations, anticipate hurdles, and provide actionable strategies to bring these trends to life. Engage with experts from the banking industry, armed with answers to position your financial institution towards success in leveraging these transformative topics.
12:05pm - 1:05pm CDT
Managing Your Balance Sheet Through a Not Your Average Recession: Soft Landing or Is the Perfect Storm on the Horizon?
Frank Farone | Darling Consulting Group
In the face of rapid Fed tightening, an inverted yield curve, and increasing credit risks, banks are entering a new era of balance sheet management. This session will equip community banks with strategies to navigate this volatile period. Learn how to make clear, fear-free decisions and seize overlooked opportunities in challenging market conditions. Discover insights from past rate cycles and common pitfalls to avoid. Topics will cover lending, investments, deposits, wholesale funding, derivatives for hedging, and driving loan growth. Effective ALCO discussions are more crucial than ever as we ride the interest rate roller-coaster. Learn how to navigate uncertainty, identify opportunities in challenging markets, glean lessons from past rate cycles, and explore key financial strategies like lending and investments.
1:15pm - 2:10pm CDT
2024 Tax Update for Financial Institutions
Paul Cain, CPA; Rachel Scheve, CPA; Kimberly Wernimont, CPA | RSM US LLP
This session will discuss the latest tax laws and regulations impacting the financial sector. Learn key insights and best practices for compliance, risk management and tax planning. Discover practical takeaways to stay informed to navigate the complex tax landscape facing financial institutions today.
2:20pm - 3:15pm CDT (Breakout Sessions)
Ethics, Integrity and Accountability 2024: How Are We Doing?
Tom Westbrook, Ph.D | Drake University
It has been over twenty years since we witnessed the largest financial scandals in the history of the United States. Since that time, countless ethical policies, programs, and trainings have been implemented to elevate our awareness and mitigation of behaviors that can result in a significant loss of public trust. So, how are we doing regarding observed misconduct, pressure to bend rules, reporting of harmful behavior, and retaliation for those reporting misconduct? This interactive session will review the ethical state of the industry and show the good, the bad, and the ugly or our efforts to heighten ethics, integrity, and accountability. It will include an overview of the top 10 elements leaders use to create and maintain a high ethical culture. Be prepared for some surprising results and insights!
Interest Rate Derivatives: How Banks Use Customer Swap Programs to Win More Deals, Boost Loan Yield and Grow Fee Income
Ramon Rodriguez | Derivative Path
This session will provide an overview of interest rate derivatives for financial institutions. Learn the mechanics of an interest rate swap, why banks offer them to customers, and how banks service the ongoing payments, accounting, and operational support associated with customer swap programs. Walk away with a strong foundation of concepts related to interest rate derivatives and exposure to current trade strategies.
3:25pm - 4:25pm CDT
Navigating the Future of Banking: Industry Leader Perspectives
James Johnson | PCSB Bank and Iowa Superintendent of Banking, Heather Miller | Freedom Financial Bank, Mitch Van Kley, CPA | Iowa Bankers Insurance and Services, and Carmen Wooley | Affinity CU
Join industry leaders as they share key insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions today. The discussion will cover a variety of topics, including navigating rising interest rate lending challenges, risk management, customer engagement, streamlining operations, company culture and employee retainment, driving innovation and more.