2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Early Registration
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Women in Leadership Reception
Before the conference gets underway, female executives and board members are invited to gather for an evening of conversation and connection. With top bank leaders traveling from across the United States to attend AOBA, this reception creates the perfect setting to meet peers, forge new relationships and start the conference on a strong note. *NOTE: A separate registration is not required to attend this reception, as it is included with the conference registration.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
First-Time Attendee Reception
Welcome to the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. If this is your first time joining us, this reception is your starting point. Meet the Bank Director leadership team, connect with other first-time attendees and get a feel for what the next few days have in store. Held concurrently with the Women in Leadership Reception, this is your opportunity to get connected, get comfortable and get the most out of your time at the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. *NOTE: A separate registration is not required to attend this reception, as it is included with the conference registration.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Welcoming Reception & Registration
Arizona in February has a way of reminding you why you made the trip. As the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference gets underway, join fellow bank leaders for an evening of great conversation, warm weather and the kind of connections that make this conference unlike any other. With old friends, new faces and three remarkable days ahead, it all starts here!
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcome Day One
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Bank Director welcomes you to the most important gathering in banking! For more than three decades, Acquire or Be Acquired has brought together the industry’s most influential CEOs, board members, and senior leaders for conversations that shape strategy, drive growth, and define the future of financial institutions across the country.
8:10 AM – 9:05 AM
General Session: The State of the Industry
Thomas Michaud, President & CEO, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
Where does the banking industry stand, and what forces are shaping where it goes next? This signature session provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, competitive dynamics, macroeconomic conditions, and regulatory developments that define banking today. This session sets the tone for everything that follows and ensures every attendee is working from the same foundation as the conversations unfold over the next three days.
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM
General Session: The Economic & Regulatory Forces Reshaping Banking
In today’s environment, the decisions being made in Washington are having a direct and material impact on how banks operate, compete and grow, and staying ahead of those forces requires more than awareness. In this panel discussion, industry experts cut through the noise to deliver a clear-eyed look at the economic and regulatory dynamics that matter most for bank leaders right now, what they mean for the road ahead and how institutions of every size can position themselves to navigate what is coming with confidence.
FinXTech Session: How to Evaluate & Prioritize Your Technology Investment
Approving technology investments is increasingly complex and consequential. With limited resources and endless options promising transformation, knowing where to allocate capital is a critical leadership discipline. This session provides a practical framework to evaluate technology through a strategic lens. Learn to separate genuine opportunity from hype, establish clear success metrics, and build an investment strategy that drives measurable growth rather than simply keeping pace with change.
9:45 AM – 10:25 AM
General Session: Navigating the Next Era of Banking
As the financial landscape accelerates toward 2030, this forward-looking session explores the transformative forces reshaping our industry, from advanced AI integration and open banking to evolving regulatory frameworks. Discover actionable strategies to modernize legacy systems, attract next-generation talent, and position your institution for sustainable growth. Join us to learn how proactive bank leaders turn tomorrow’s technological disruptions into today’s ultimate competitive advantage.
FinXTech Session: Turning Customer Data into Strategic Growth
Every bank is sitting on an extraordinary amount of data, but few are using it to its full potential. In this session, industry leaders examine how banks are transforming raw data into strategic insight, from identifying growth opportunities and improving credit decisioning to deepening customer relationships and personalizing the banking experience. Panelists discuss what it takes to build a true data culture at the board and executive levels, how to evaluate your institution’s current data capabilities and what banks that are winning with data are doing differently than those still catching up.
10:25 AM – 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break
10:45 AM – 11:25 AM
Breakout Sessions
Participants can choose one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
FinXTech Session: Digital Currency: Threat, Opportunity or Both?
As digital currency reshapes how money moves, banks cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. With the GENIUS Act now law and set to take full effect in January 2027, the regulatory framework is now set. This session examines the true risks and opportunities of digital assets – from disrupting deposits to opening new revenue streams. This industry-led panel provides executives with a practical framework for their institution’s digital currency strategy before the window to lead closes.
FinXTech Session: From Hype to Execution: How Banks Are Putting AI to Work
AI holds tremendous promise for improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing the customer experience, but turning that promise into practice requires a clear-eyed view of both the opportunities and the risks. In this tactical session, hear how bankers are deploying AI today, what is working, where the pitfalls lie and how your institution can move forward with confidence.
11:40 AM – 12:20 PM
General Session: The Competitive Landscape of the Future
Banks are up against a myriad of non-bank competitors: big tech companies, fintech companies, private lenders, neobanks, payments companies, crypto firms and more. This competition could intensify as the current Trump administration embraces granting industrial loan charters – thus encouraging more non-banks to enter financial services – and innovations like stablecoins become more mainstream. We take a deep dive into these non-bank competitors, what it means for banks’ bottom lines, and what the industry might look like in the next decade.
12:10 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Lunch
12:40 PM – 1:20 PM
Lunch & Learn Sessions
Lunch & Learn sessions allow participants to learn about a shared topic of interest over lunch. Six sessions run concurrently; attendees may select one.
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
General Session: Maximizing Your Bank’s Value
Understanding what your bank is worth — and what it could be worth — is one of the most important things a board and leadership team can do, regardless of where you are in your strategic journey. In this session, we break down how banks are being valued in today’s market, what factors are driving premiums and where institutions have the greatest opportunity to move the needle before a transaction.
FinXTech Session: The Wealth Opportunity: Why Now Is the Time to Get Serious
Trillions of dollars are set to change hands in the greatest wealth transfer in history — and banks that are not positioned to capture a share of it will watch that business go elsewhere. This session makes the case for investing in a true wealth management and trust offering, with a practical look at how banks of all sizes are building the capabilities, talent and client experience needed to compete effectively and grow.
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
General Session: Bank Director’s 2027 Technology Update
Bank Director’s Technology Survey cuts through the noise to reveal how financial institutions are actually investing in technology, using data and approaching artificial intelligence today. In this session, key survey findings come to life as industry experts explore what the data reveal about where banks are gaining ground, where gaps remain, and what the most forward-thinking institutions are doing differently.
FinXTech Session: Winning the Battle for Small Business Relationships
Small businesses are the engine of community growth and a critical driver of core deposits, yet banks face fierce competition from agile fintechs to win their primary operating accounts. This session explores proven strategies to capture and expand your SMB market share. Discover how combining frictionless digital cash-flow solutions with high-touch advisory banking can drive deposit growth, streamline lending, and secure long-term loyalty from your most valuable commercial clients.
2:45 PM – 3:25 PM
Breakout Sessions
Participants may select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions. Sessions to be announced.
FinXTech Session: Managing Cyber Risks in Modern Banking
This session moves beyond technical jargon to give bank leaders a clear, practical understanding of the cyber risks that matter most, how to evaluate whether your institution’s defenses are truly adequate and what questions every board should be asking of management. Panelists also address how cybersecurity posture is increasingly influencing M&A due diligence and deal valuation – making it not just a risk management issue but a strategic one.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Refreshment Break
3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions, in which participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities. Sessions to be announced.
FinXTech Session: Building the Infrastructure for Long-Term Competitiveness
Few decisions have more long-term strategic implications for a bank than the infrastructure choices it makes today, and yet core technology modernization remains one of the most deferred and misunderstood investments in the industry. This session gives attendees a clear-eyed view of the technology infrastructure decisions that define their institution’s agility, scalability and competitiveness in the years ahead.
4:40 PM – 5:20 PM
General Session: Strategies for Driving Growth
Whether a transaction is in the near future, years away or simply not part of the plan, this session is for banks that are serious about growing on their own terms. Experts share what is working, where banks are finding untapped opportunity and how institutions of all sizes can compete effectively in a market where the largest banks and most agile fintechs are constantly raising the bar.
5:20 PM – 6:20 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day Two Opening Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Day One set the stage — today is where the work deepens. The sessions ahead are designed to do more than inform — they are designed to challenge your thinking, sharpen your strategy and give you the tools to lead with greater clarity and conviction.
8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
General Session: The Best of RankingBanking
What does it take to become a top-performing bank? For years, Bank Director has studied that question. In response, Bank Director created an annual report, RankingBanking, to dive into the performance of the largest publicly traded banks in the U.S. During this panel discussion, hear from three banks that topped the most recent Bank Director’s RankingBanking study.
8:50 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session: The Deal Market Is Moving — Is Your Bank Ready?
After years of hesitation driven by macro uncertainty and regulatory headwinds, the bank M&A market has shifted decisively, and the pace is only accelerating. Improved earnings, stabilized credit, rate clarity and a reshaped regulatory environment have brought buyers of all sizes back to the table, and conversations across the industry have moved from “if” to “when.” This session brings together experienced dealmakers and bankers to examine what is driving the momentum, how valuations are being set in today’s market and what banks on both sides of a transaction need to do to be positioned for success.
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
General Session: To Be Announced
FinXTech Session: Faster Payments, Bigger Opportunities
The payments landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, and the banks that understand and capitalize on faster payments infrastructure will have a meaningful advantage in attracting and retaining both consumer and commercial clients. This session examines the current state of real-time payments, the growing role of FedNow and RTP and how stablecoin and blockchain-based payments fit into the picture. Experts offer a clear framework for bank leaders to evaluate their institution’s payment strategy and the growth opportunities that come with getting it right.
9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
General Session: Insights from Bank Director’s 2027 Bank M&A Survey
Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President, Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Every year, Bank Director’s Bank M&A Survey captures a detailed picture of how the industry is thinking about deals, and this year’s results arrive at one of the most consequential moments in recent banking history. Bank Director’s Editor-in-Chief joins a senior leader from Crowe to walk through the survey’s most compelling findings, offering context, analysis, and the lessons learned that help bank leaders make sense of where the market stands and where it is headed.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
M&A Simulation
In today’s market, winning a prized acquisition target demands both competitive instinct and disciplined strategy. Buyers must craft bids that drive growth without eroding value; sellers must navigate the process with precision to deliver the best possible outcome for shareholders. This exclusive, hands-on simulation puts participants in the middle of a live, competitive auction for a highly sought-after seller — working through the final rounds of bidding, managing real-world complexity, and adapting as unexpected wrinkles emerge. NOTE: The simulation is exclusive to 45 bank attendees only, allowing one banker per institution; no capital markets titles (this session is NOT for investment bankers of any kind); and runs concurrently with the breakout sessions below.
FinXTech Session: Assessing Technology Risk & Value in Bank M&A
In today’s deal environment, a target bank’s technology infrastructure, data capabilities, and digital maturity are just as important as its financials, yet technology due diligence remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in bank M&A. This session examines what acquirers should look for when evaluating a target’s technology stack, how legacy systems and deferred investment can affect deal value and integration timelines, and what the most sophisticated buyers are doing to assess technology risk and opportunity before a deal closes. For boards and executives leading or overseeing M&A activity, this session fills a critical gap in the due diligence conversation.
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
Breakout Sessions
Participants can choose one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
FinXTech Session: The New Regulatory Reality & Bank Competitiveness
Following the administration’s recent directives and the CFPB’s April 2025 pivot, regulatory enforcement has shifted heavily toward depository institutions over fintechs. With sixty-two percent of industry leaders citing this as a severe competitive disadvantage in Bank Director’s 2025 Technology Survey, banks must adapt to an increasingly uneven playing field. This session explores the strategic impact of this mandate, offering bank leaders actionable ways to navigate heightened scrutiny while defending market share against less-regulated nonbank competitors.
11:25 AM – 12:05 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conversations continue with a second round of morning breakout sessions, in which participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities to engage with industry leaders. Sessions to be announced.
11:50 AM – 1:05 PM
Networking Lunch
11:50 AM – 1:05 PM
Women in Leadership Luncheon
What began at Saturday’s Women in Leadership Reception carries forward here. This luncheon brings attendees together to connect, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations. Open to all conference attendees, men and women alike.
1:05 PM – 1:35 PM
General Session: Keynote Speaker
1:35 PM – 2:10 PM
General Session: The Regulator’s View: A Conversation with the 32nd Comptroller of the Currency
Jonathan V. Gould, 32nd Comptroller, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Few voices carry more weight in shaping the future of banking than the Comptroller of the Currency. In this exclusive interview, the 32nd Comptroller sits down for a candid conversation about the priorities driving the OCC today, including efforts to strengthen and modernize the national banking system, reduce regulatory burdens that have long constrained bank growth and strategy, and create an environment where responsible innovation can thrive. For bank leaders navigating an unprecedented period of change, this is a rare and invaluable opportunity to hear directly from one of Washington’s most influential banking regulators.
2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
Breakout Sessions
Participants may select from one of six breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
FinXTech Session: Preparing Your Bank for the Quantum Computing Era
Quantum computing is set to completely transform the financial sector. While advanced processing capabilities promise unprecedented speed in analyzing markets, evaluating asset vulnerabilities, and stopping sophisticated cybercriminals, they also bring immense structural threats to traditional data protection. This session guides banking leaders through the technological leap ahead. Discover how to capitalize on future computational breakthroughs while proactively shielding your institution.
3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
Refreshment Break
FinXTech Session: Creating Your AI Playbook
Artificial intelligence offers immense potential for operational efficiency and revenue growth, yet many banks struggle to move from pilot programs to strategic implementation. This session provides executives with a practical framework to build a comprehensive AI playbook. Discover how to identify high-return use cases, establish critical governance and risk guardrails, and foster a culture of innovation. Leave with a clear roadmap to safely deploy AI and secure a lasting competitive advantage.
3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
Breakout Sessions
Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions. Participants select one of six concurrent learning opportunities. Sessions to be announced.
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
General Session: Ask Me Anything!
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
The best conversations at Acquire or Be Acquired do not always happen on stage — until now. In this interactive live polling and Q&A session, attendees set the agenda, surfacing what is top of mind and directing questions straight to our panel of industry experts. Expect a candid, fast-moving discussion on the issues, opportunities and challenges that matter most to bank leaders right now.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day Three Opening Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Entering the final day of the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference, the conversations on Day Three are less about establishing what is happening in the industry and more about what your response to it should be. The sessions that follow are oriented toward one outcome – sending you home with a clear sense of priorities, a stronger strategic footing, and the confidence to lead decisively in one of the most dynamic environments banking has ever seen.
8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
General Session: Why Good Deals Go Bad
Not every announced merger makes it to the finish line, and even fewer achieve their promised synergies. This session dissects the anatomy of failed bank deals to uncover where things go wrong. From culture clashes and hidden technology debt to regulatory roadblocks and integration missteps, experts analyze real-world examples. Learn how to identify deal-killers early, navigate unforeseen diligence hurdles and ensure your next acquisition delivers true strategic value.
8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
General Session: Putting Your Capital to Work
A growing number of banks find themselves in an enviable yet consequential position: sitting on excess capital, with a range of strategic options before them and mounting pressure to act. This session examines the full spectrum of choices available to well-capitalized institutions, from M&A and organic growth investment to share buybacks, dividend strategies and new business line development. Panelists offer a disciplined framework for evaluating each path, weighing shareholder expectations against long-term value creation and determining which strategic moves make the most sense given today’s market conditions.
9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
General Session: Who Leads Next? Succession Planning as a Strategic Imperative
Banking continues to face a historic leadership transition as many senior executives approach retirement. A strong succession pipeline is a strategic imperative that directly impacts institutional value and deal readiness. This session addresses pressing board-level questions about CEO succession, talent development, and cultivating a culture that attracts next-generation leaders. Whether planning an immediate transition or building for the future, gain a clear framework to ensure seamless leadership continuity.
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
Refreshment Break
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Breakout Sessions
Conversations conclude with a final round of breakout sessions, during which participants select one of six concurrent learning opportunities. Sessions to be announced.
10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
General Session: To Be Announced
11:25 AM – 11:30 AM
Parting Thoughts
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
William Seidman Annual Acquire or Be Acquired Golf Tournament
Sponsored by: FHLBank Atlanta
Enjoy the afternoon playing golf with your peers during Bank Director’s annual L. William Seidman Golf Tournament. The tournament is available to registered conference attendees and is limited to 144 players. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: Additional registration is required and additional fees apply. Reserve your spot today!
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Let’s Play Pickleball!
Whether you have never played before or you are a seasoned player, this activity is for you. All participants are grouped by experience level for the tournament, and those new to the sport enjoy a beginner’s clinic. This afternoon’s activity is available to registered attendees and is limited to 136 players. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: Additional registration is required and fees apply. Reserve your spot today!
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
Closing Peer & Guest Reception
Sponsored by: FHLBank Atlanta
As we close out the conference together, attendees and their guests join in the fun to see who the winners of the L. William Seidman Golf Tournament and the Pickleball Tournament are!