Bank Audit & Risk Peer Exchanges
Small groups of experienced audit and risk committee members, as well as senior bank executives — along with outside advisors — meet in closed-door, off-the-record peer groups for candid discussions about various issues and challenges facing officers and directors. View Agenda
Bank Compensation Peer Exchanges
The Bank Compensation Peer Exchange is for small groups of compensation committee members and human resource officers to meet in closed-door, off-the-record peer groups for candid discussions about various issues and challenges facing officers and directors. View Agenda
Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I
The Corporate Governance Workshop is a comprehensive training program designed for those new to a bank’s board or individuals wanting to serve on a bank’s board. View Agenda
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Bank Board Forum Welcoming Reception & Registration
Join us to kick off the Forum and network with industry peers and thought leaders.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration
Sponsored by: Navanta
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day One Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Bank Director kicks off day one of the Bank Board Forum by welcoming attendees to Austin, Texas.
8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Setting the Stage: Key Governance Imperatives for Today’s Bank Director
Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Greg Neumann, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
Before attendees dive into specialized topics, this essential opening session synthesizes the most critical governance challenges and opportunities facing bank boards today. Led by the experts at Bank Director, we cut through the noise to deliver the significant “need-to-knows” that shape discussions in every committee room — audit, risk, compensation, technology and beyond. Walk away with a clear strategic framework to apply throughout the Forum, enabling you to ask more thoughtful questions and drive more meaningful conversations.
9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
The State of Our Industry
Brian Leibfried, Head of Client Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
Join us as we dissect the evolving banking landscape. We dive into emerging trends, economic forecasts and strategic approaches to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on opportunities.
9:35 AM – 10:05 AM
M&A Revival & Capital Raising
Michael Corso, Principal & Head of Depositories, Hovde Group, LLC
Michael Reed, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Deal activity is surging as banks chase deposits and scale. Whether you’re an acquirer or potential seller, understanding the trends shaping today’s banking M&A landscape is imperative. This session examines rising valuation multiples, buyer motivations and capital-raising strategies.
10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break
Attendees are encouraged to network with fellow attendees and enjoy light refreshments and coffee.
10:30 AM – 11:05 AM
General Sessions (select one)
Audit & Risk: Things I Wish I Knew: Lessons Learned from Audit Committee Members
Lisa Young, Audit Committee Member, Sutton Bank
Moderated by: Dawnella Johnson, Partner, New York Metro Market Leader, Crowe LLP
Audit committee members share candid insights, hard-earned lessons and practical advice from years of board and committee service in this moderated panel discussion. Through real-world experiences and engaging discussion, panelists explore what they wish they had known earlier about oversight responsibilities, risk governance, regulatory expectations, management relationships and navigating today’s rapidly evolving banking environment.
Lisa Young, Audit Committee Member, Sutton Bank
Moderated by: Dawnella Johnson, Partner, New York Metro Market Leader, Crowe LLP
Audit committee members share candid insights, hard-earned lessons and practical advice from years of board and committee service in this moderated panel discussion. Through real-world experiences and engaging discussion, panelists explore what they wish they had known earlier about oversight responsibilities, risk governance, regulatory expectations, management relationships and navigating today’s rapidly evolving banking environment.
Compensation & Talent: The Evolving Role of the Compensation Committee
Shaun Bisman, Partner, Compensation Advisory Partners
Michael Bonner, Partner, Compensation Advisory Partners
The responsibilities of compensation committees are growing as banks navigate regulatory scrutiny, competitive pressures and strategic complexity. This session equips directors to go beyond compliance to effectively oversee all aspects of pay and talent strategy – including director and executive compensation, incentive programs, benefits and governance practices – while balancing regulatory scrutiny, risk, shareholder expectations and the need to attract and retain top leadership.
Shaun Bisman, Partner, Compensation Advisory Partners
Michael Bonner, Partner, Compensation Advisory Partners
The responsibilities of compensation committees are growing as banks navigate regulatory scrutiny, competitive pressures and strategic complexity. This session equips directors to go beyond compliance to effectively oversee all aspects of pay and talent strategy – including director and executive compensation, incentive programs, benefits and governance practices – while balancing regulatory scrutiny, risk, shareholder expectations and the need to attract and retain top leadership.
Governance & Strategy: The Board’s Role in CEO Succession
Alan Kaplan, Founder & CEO, Kaplan Partners
CEO succession is a bank board’s most important responsibility. While most directors are keenly aware of this, many institutions struggle to navigate the challenges of this critical transition. Hear best practices from experienced board leadership on how their bank managed the complexities and relationship dynamics of this impactful decision
Alan Kaplan, Founder & CEO, Kaplan Partners
CEO succession is a bank board’s most important responsibility. While most directors are keenly aware of this, many institutions struggle to navigate the challenges of this critical transition. Hear best practices from experienced board leadership on how their bank managed the complexities and relationship dynamics of this impactful decision
11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
General Sessions (select one)
Audit & Risk: On the Audit Committee Radar: Preparing for Year‑End 2026 and the Road to 2027
Gordon Dobner, Audit Partner & Southwest Financial Services Regional Sector Leader, Forvis Mazars
As 2026 comes to a close, audit committees must navigate an expanding set of accounting, regulatory, and legal considerations. This forward‑looking session features accounting and legal perspectives on the issues that deserve audit committee attention now and into 2027. Panelists discuss emerging regulatory focus areas, audit and financial reporting implications, governance and documentation expectations and legal considerations that may impact board oversight. Designed for bank directors, the session helps audit committees sharpen Q4 priorities and anticipate the challenges ahead.
Gordon Dobner, Audit Partner & Southwest Financial Services Regional Sector Leader, Forvis Mazars
As 2026 comes to a close, audit committees must navigate an expanding set of accounting, regulatory, and legal considerations. This forward‑looking session features accounting and legal perspectives on the issues that deserve audit committee attention now and into 2027. Panelists discuss emerging regulatory focus areas, audit and financial reporting implications, governance and documentation expectations and legal considerations that may impact board oversight. Designed for bank directors, the session helps audit committees sharpen Q4 priorities and anticipate the challenges ahead.
Compensation & Talent: Retention, Retirement and Reality: Building Benefits for a Moving Target
Todd Carpenter, SVP, Business Development, NFP Corp.
Joe Schafer, VP, Business Development, NFP Corp.
Quantify the impact if a key leader leaves early, delays retirement or the succession plan changes. Learn how to be proactive before these issues surface and to design executive benefits levers that create flexibility for a rapidly changing workforce.
Todd Carpenter, SVP, Business Development, NFP Corp.
Joe Schafer, VP, Business Development, NFP Corp.
Quantify the impact if a key leader leaves early, delays retirement or the succession plan changes. Learn how to be proactive before these issues surface and to design executive benefits levers that create flexibility for a rapidly changing workforce.
Governance & Strategy: Bank Strategies in a Stablecoin World
Dan McGonegle, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
David Portilla, Partner & Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Moderated by: Greg Neumann, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
Explore how banks can navigate the opportunities and risks of stablecoins, from regulatory challenges to technology integration. This session explores the strategic approaches to position your institution for success in the evolving digital asset landscape.
Dan McGonegle, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
David Portilla, Partner & Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Moderated by: Greg Neumann, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
Explore how banks can navigate the opportunities and risks of stablecoins, from regulatory challenges to technology integration. This session explores the strategic approaches to position your institution for success in the evolving digital asset landscape.
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM
Networking Lunch
12:50 PM – 1:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
During this time, participants can choose to attend one of five breakout sessions.
Breakout 1: Bank Director 101: Serving on the Audit Committee
This Bank Director 101 session focuses on the basics that all Audit Committee members must know as they participate in board meetings. This session centers on audit, specifically the role of the Audit Committee, internal and external audit responsibilities and adding value as a board member.
Answers to the following questions are discussed during this session:
- What are the duties of the audit committee? Who should serve on the committee?
- What are the regulatory expectations for bank audit committees and the board generally?
- What relationship and/or responsibility should the board and its audit committee have with and/or for the internal audit function?
- If the board has a separate risk committee, what (if any) role should the audit committee have in risk governance?
- How frequently should the audit committee meet?
Breakout 2: Partnering in Payments and Deposits
James Stevens, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
This session covers key considerations for banks partnering with payments and
deposit providers, including fintech and digital asset firms, with a focus on market trends, partner selection, due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
Breakout 3: Charting the Future: A Blueprint for Successful Board and Management Succession
Scott Petty, Managing Partner, Chartwell Partners
Succession planning isn’t just about filling roles – it’s about securing the future. Join us for a strategic, forward-looking conversation on building a sustainable pipeline for your bank’s board and C-Suite leadership. In this session, we explore how to proactively prepare for executive transitions, minimize disruption and maintain continuity at the top. Attendees walk away with a practical, actionable blueprint designed to ensure a seamless leadership handoff and long-term organizational resilience.
1:40 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions
During this time, participants can choose to attend one of five breakout sessions.
Breakout 1: Bank Director 101: Serving on the Compensation Committee
Chris Brindisi, Partner, Pay Governance LLC
Bryce Gerboc, Senior Consultant, Pay Governance LLC
This Bank Director 101 session focuses on the basics that directors serving on the Compensation Committee must know. This session centers on compensation and includes effective pay, incentive plans, risk management oversight and CEO evaluations.
Answers to the following questions and topics are discussed during this session:
- What are the regulatory expectations for boards in determining the compensation of the senior management team and the rest of the bank?
- What are the duties of the compensation committee? Who should serve on the committee?
- The importance of CEO evaluations.
- The role of outside compensation advisors.
- How frequently should the compensation committee meet?
Breakout 2: Responsible Optimization: Aligning Strategy and Risk Appetite in a Shifting Regulatory and Technological Environment
Chad Kellar, Managing Director, Crowe LLP
As regulatory expectations, technology, and competitive pressures evolve, bank boards face growing challenges in balancing efficiency, growth and resilience. This session explores how institutions can pursue “responsible optimization” by aligning strategy, operating models and risk appetite to drive sustainable performance improvement. Attendees examine practical approaches to modernization, governance, AI enablement and operational efficiency while maintaining sound risk management, regulatory credibility and stakeholder trust in a rapidly shifting banking environment.
Breakout 3: Managing Loan Portfolio Concentration Risk in Today’s Market
Jon Winick, CEO, Clark Street Capital
As economic and regulatory pressures evolve, managing portfolio concentration risk has become increasingly critical for financial institutions. This session explores current market trends, concentration challenges across asset classes and practical strategies banks can use to evaluate, mitigate and actively manage portfolio exposure while maintaining liquidity and balance sheet flexibility.
Breakout 4: Gearing Up for Growth Under Trump 2.0 and Beyond – What Boards Should Be Doing Now
Mark Chorazak, Partner, Co-head Financial Institutions Regulatory Group, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
This session examines key regulatory and supervisory trends affecting growth-minded banks, whether pursuing M&A, charter conversions or new banking activities. In particular, the session focuses on practical questions directors should ask of management when evaluating expansionary or innovative business proposals. In addition, the session explores how boards can “future proof” decisions made now from being second-guessed later by examiners should the regulatory climate become more restrictive.
Breakout 5: A New Approach: How Banks Can Take Advantage of the Agencies’ New Supervisory Standards
Brendan Clegg, Partner, Luse Gorman, PC
This session covers the federal banking agencies’ recently-proposed supervisory standards and the downstream impacts these changed standards will have on future investigations and enforcement actions. Among other things, this session covers the proposed new thresholds for finding unsafe and unsound practices, issuing MRAs and citing AML/CFT deficiencies, the new framework for lodging appeals of examiner determinations, and the interplay of divergent approaches at the state level. Attendees hear practical advice for how banks can take advantage of these supervisory standards, and some insights into what the future of supervision and enforcement may look like at the federal level.
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Refreshment Break
2:30 PM – 3:10 PM
Breakout Sessions
During this time, participants can choose to attend one of five breakout sessions.
Breakout 1: Bank Director 101: Financial Metrics
Sally Tonini, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
This Bank Director 101 session reviews the key financial metrics relating to capitalization, credit quality, liquidity and profitability that directors need to understand.
Answers to the following questions are discussed during this session:
- What is the Tier 1 Capital Ratio, and what minimum threshold should a bank maintain to be considered “well-capitalized” by regulators?
- How is the Nonperforming Asset (NPA) ratio calculated, and what does a rising NPA ratio signal about the health of a bank’s loan portfolio?
- What key liquidity metrics should directors monitor to ensure the bank can meet its short-term obligations, and what warning signs indicate a potential liquidity problem?
- How is Return on Equity (ROE) calculated, and how should directors use it to benchmark their bank’s performance against peers?
- What does the Efficiency Ratio measure, and why does a lower efficiency ratio generally indicate better bank management performance?
Breakout 2: Beyond the Desktop Transaction: Practical Liquidity Solutions for Bank Shareholders
Kara Kennedy, President, ClearTrust, LLC
Community bank shareholders want liquidity, but the landscape is nuanced and the regulatory stakes are real. Drawing on real-world experience managing bank shareholder bases, this session cuts through the noise with a practical framework for evaluating your options. Attendees leave with a clear understanding of available solutions, compliance considerations and a decision framework for matching the right approach to their institution.
Breakout 3: Checklists Are Dead: Why Bank Boards Must Prove AML Effectiveness in 2026
Jon Glass, Partner, SolomonEdwardsGroup, LLC
Meredith Rousseau, SVP, Banking and Financial Services, SolomonEdwardsGroup, LLC
This session equips bank boards with a clear understanding of the shift from checklist BSA/AML compliance to effectiveness‑based governance. We explore FinCEN’s proposed AML effectiveness rule, evolving regulatory expectations, and how boards should oversee AML risk assessments, technology, resources and measurable program effectiveness in 2026 and beyond.
3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
During this time, participants can choose to attend one of five breakout sessions.
4:10 PM – 4:50 PM
Insights from Bank Director’s Research
Robert Maddox, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Sean O’Neal, Partner, Chartwell Partners
Additional Speaker to be Announced
Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Hear from top industry leaders as they discuss the most pressing issues facing banks today. This panel provides practical advice and actionable strategies to help you adapt to the changing dynamics of the banking industry.
4:50 PM – 5:50 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Sponsored by: FHLBank Atlanta
Join us for an evening of networking and insightful conversations with your peers, industry experts and thought leaders.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Main Stage: Day Two Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
The Regulatory Radar: What’s Coming in Bank Supervision
Shaun Harms, Principal, Forvis Mazars
Meg Tahyar, Partner & Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
This session offers a comprehensive update on current examination trends, emerging compliance requirements and enforcement priorities, along with actionable strategies for staying ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining operational agility.
9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
Beyond the Balance Sheet: Mastering Modern Risk Oversight
Jerad Comarda, Managing Director, Brean Capital, LLC
Additional Speaker To Be Announced
Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
Bank failures have exposed critical gaps in risk oversight. This session addresses how boards can enhance their supervision of interest rate risk, liquidity management and unrealized loss positions. Discover specific questions directors should ask management, along with frameworks for more effective risk governance.
9:45 AM – 10:20 AM
General Sessions (select one)
Audit & Risk: Fighting Fraud on All Fronts
As technology advances, so does the sophistication of fraud schemes and threats. In 2025, 69% of respondents to Bank Director’s Risk Survey identified fraud among their top five concerns, and while 86% of respondents have implemented staff education, it’s not enough. To effectively fight fraud, institutions must prioritize ongoing, adaptive training for both staff and customers.
As technology advances, so does the sophistication of fraud schemes and threats. In 2025, 69% of respondents to Bank Director’s Risk Survey identified fraud among their top five concerns, and while 86% of respondents have implemented staff education, it’s not enough. To effectively fight fraud, institutions must prioritize ongoing, adaptive training for both staff and customers.
Compensation & Talent: Strategies for Shoring Your Leadership Pipeline
Investing in your workforce is no longer just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a measurable driver of business results. This session explores how boards and senior leaders can evaluate the impact of training, mentoring and career development programs on retention, productivity and long-term performance. Learn practical approaches for linking talent investment to strategic outcomes and ensuring your bank’s human capital strategy supports sustainable growth.
Investing in your workforce is no longer just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a measurable driver of business results. This session explores how boards and senior leaders can evaluate the impact of training, mentoring and career development programs on retention, productivity and long-term performance. Learn practical approaches for linking talent investment to strategic outcomes and ensuring your bank’s human capital strategy supports sustainable growth.
Governance & Strategy: Developing a Transformative Strategy in the Era of AI: Opportunities to Comprehensively Redefine How Your Bank Operates
Christopher Bender, President, Northcross Group Corporation
AI’s greatest value in banking goes beyond vendor tools and efficiency gains – it lies in transforming how banks fundamentally operate. Banks seeing the highest returns are building comprehensive AI strategies that span their entire organization, not just targeted use cases. This session explores practical steps for developing a transformative AI strategy that elevates team performance, drives customer value, and meets risk and compliance requirements.
Christopher Bender, President, Northcross Group Corporation
AI’s greatest value in banking goes beyond vendor tools and efficiency gains – it lies in transforming how banks fundamentally operate. Banks seeing the highest returns are building comprehensive AI strategies that span their entire organization, not just targeted use cases. This session explores practical steps for developing a transformative AI strategy that elevates team performance, drives customer value, and meets risk and compliance requirements.
10:30 AM – 11:05 AM
General Sessions (select one)
Audit & Risk: What the New OCC Regulation Means for Community Banks
Starting January 1, 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will roll out more flexible, risk-based examination frameworks for community banks, tailoring supervision to each institution’s individual risk profile. This session breaks down what community bank leaders need to know to remain exam-ready while taking advantage of the increased flexibility.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will roll out more flexible, risk-based examination frameworks for community banks, tailoring supervision to each institution’s individual risk profile. This session breaks down what community bank leaders need to know to remain exam-ready while taking advantage of the increased flexibility.
Compensation & Talent: Assessing Pay for the Board
Matt Brei, President, Blanchard Consulting Group
Jeff Fairchild, SVP, Lead Consultant, Blanchard Consulting Group
The constant challenge in board compensation is creating a package that is both attractive and fair as well as aligned with shareholder interests. In this session, we explore the components of a well balanced and comprehensive board pay structure that supports the long-term strategy of the bank.
Matt Brei, President, Blanchard Consulting Group
Jeff Fairchild, SVP, Lead Consultant, Blanchard Consulting Group
The constant challenge in board compensation is creating a package that is both attractive and fair as well as aligned with shareholder interests. In this session, we explore the components of a well balanced and comprehensive board pay structure that supports the long-term strategy of the bank.
Governance & Strategy: Mergers & Acquisitions: It is the Preparation that Matters
For would be buyers as well as sellers, bank boards and management need to prepare. There are numerous steps to succeed at M&A and this session will cover all of them. Moreover, banks are not the only available class of targets to consider. This session discusses branch purchases, wealth management, p&c agency acquisitions, and mortgage companies as well as bank mergers. This session addresses the critical steps leading up to the first draft of the letter of intent.
For would be buyers as well as sellers, bank boards and management need to prepare. There are numerous steps to succeed at M&A and this session will cover all of them. Moreover, banks are not the only available class of targets to consider. This session discusses branch purchases, wealth management, p&c agency acquisitions, and mortgage companies as well as bank mergers. This session addresses the critical steps leading up to the first draft of the letter of intent.
11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
General Sessions (select one)
Audit & Risk: The Case for AI in Risk Mitigation
John Huyette, Principal, Risk Consulting, RSM US LLP
Greg Varnell, Chief Product Officer, Hapax
AI continues to dominate conversations about banking technology, and with countless use cases, the most effective implementations often fill gaps and weaknesses in bank staff. Using AI to mitigate risk can help spot vulnerabilities sooner and guide better decisions.
John Huyette, Principal, Risk Consulting, RSM US LLP
Greg Varnell, Chief Product Officer, Hapax
AI continues to dominate conversations about banking technology, and with countless use cases, the most effective implementations often fill gaps and weaknesses in bank staff. Using AI to mitigate risk can help spot vulnerabilities sooner and guide better decisions.
Compensation & Talent: Building a New Compensation Playbook
From changes to non-compete agreements, overtime rules and retirement policies to the M&A and tax implications of the current regulatory environment, compensation committees must navigate a rapidly shifting legal and legislative landscape. This session helps directors sharpen their response to these specific regulatory changes while protecting their institution from reputational and litigation risk.
From changes to non-compete agreements, overtime rules and retirement policies to the M&A and tax implications of the current regulatory environment, compensation committees must navigate a rapidly shifting legal and legislative landscape. This session helps directors sharpen their response to these specific regulatory changes while protecting their institution from reputational and litigation risk.
Governance & Strategy: Revised Capital Standards and Raising Capital
Evolving capital standards are increasing board scrutiny over capital adequacy, liquidity and balance sheet strategy. This session focuses on governance considerations in a capital raise, including assessing capital need, managing dilution, evaluating recapitalization options and navigating revised regulatory expectations. Directors gain a practical framework for overseeing capital decisions and for asking the right questions of management in today’s market environment.
Evolving capital standards are increasing board scrutiny over capital adequacy, liquidity and balance sheet strategy. This session focuses on governance considerations in a capital raise, including assessing capital need, managing dilution, evaluating recapitalization options and navigating revised regulatory expectations. Directors gain a practical framework for overseeing capital decisions and for asking the right questions of management in today’s market environment.
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM
Networking Lunch
12:50 PM – 1:20
AI Governance
Corey Minard, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
Seth Winter, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Additional Speaker To Be Announced
Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming banking operations, from loan underwriting to customer service, but it also introduces new risks related to bias, regulatory compliance, and third-party vendor management. This session uncovers a practical framework for overseeing AI implementation, understanding emerging regulatory guidance and asking the right questions to balance innovation with responsible governance.
1:20 PM – 1:50 PM
Rates, Rules and Global Growth
Jody Bhagat, President, North America, Engine By Starling Services US LLC
Additional Speaker To Be Announced
Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Bankers considering growth should be aware of the convergence of a stabilizing global economy with the finalized, capital-neutral Basel III framework. A panel of industry experts discusses how to align your bank’s strategy with international market shifts, and the rise in stablecoin, while capitalizing on domestic regulatory relief.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
M&A Simulation
Amanda Allexon, Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Tim Gaffney, Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Sven Mickisch, Managing Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Speakers to be Announced, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
The process of striking a deal for a prized target has never been more competitive than it is today. For buyers, careful discipline is required to ensure that bids are designed to accomplish acquisition growth without damaging the company’s value. For sellers, a competitive bid process must be navigated skillfully to secure the best deal for shareholders. In this session, designed for outside board members, participants work through the final rounds of a competitive auction involving a prized seller to see which bank emerges as the successful acquirer. Of course, as in real deals, some wrinkles will appear. The simulation is exclusive to 40 outside bank directors only, allows two directors per institution, excludes capital markets titles (this session is NOT for investment bankers of any kind) and runs concurrently with the peer collaboration sessions. Registration is required.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Peer Collaboration Session 1
During this session, the audience is divided into discussion groups based on title. For the directors in the audience, join a collaborative discussion with your peers to explore the latest trends and challenges in audit, risk and governance. For the CEOs and Chairs of the Board, discussions focus on governance and strategy.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Refreshment Break
3:15 PM – 4:05 PM
Peer Collaboration Session 2
During this session, directors in the audience share best practices, discuss emerging risks and develop strategies to enhance a board’s oversight. CEOs and Chairs of the Board participate in a collaborative discussion with your peers to explore the latest trends and challenges in risk and technology topics.
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Blueprints for a High-Performing Bank
Bruce Beach, Chair of the Board, Western Alliance Bank
David Porteous, Lead Director, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated
Moderated by: Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
During this popular session, Bank Director sits down with bank leaders to discuss their innovative decision strategies and how they have built the bank they lead today.
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Three Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Kick off the final day of the conference with a recap of key insights and a look ahead to the future of banking.
8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Practical Strategies for Succession Planning
Scott Petty, Managing Partner, Chartwell Partners
Additional Speakers To Be Announced
Moderated by: Laura Alix, Director of Research, Bank Director
While hiring externally can bring in new skills, the most successful banks cultivate their next leaders from within. This session focuses on proven methods for identifying high-potential employees, implementing effective mentorship programs and administering strategic rotational assignments and special projects that prepare your future executives for the challenges ahead, ensuring they have the right skills and “followership” to lead effectively.
9:15 AM – 9:55 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
During this time, participants can choose to attend one of four breakout sessions.
9:55 AM – 10:10 AM
Refreshment Break
10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Point/Counterpoint: AI, Digital and Strategy Debate
Kirk Coleman, Chief Business Officer, Q2
Speaker To Be Announced, Cornerstone Advisors
Additional Speaker To Be Announced
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
The banking industry stands at a pivotal inflection point where technology decisions made today will determine competitive positioning for the next decade. In this attendee favorite session, industry leaders debate candidly over the most contentious technology topics facing bank CEOs and boards in 2026.
10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
Evolving the Banking Strategy: Creating Change
Erik Beguin, CEO & Founder, Austin Capital Bank
Andrew Sagliocca, President & CEO, Esquire Bank
Additional Speaker To Be Announced
Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
With generational shifts in customer behavior, maturing AI capabilities and unprecedented competitive forces, the traditional banking model is being rewritten. This panel discussion brings together industry experts who share their experiences on how institutions can develop strategies to thrive amid technological changes, regulatory evolution and shifting economic realities.
11:10 AM – 11:15 AM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director