2026 BANK M&A SURVEY: IMPROVED PRICING BRINGS SELLERS TO THE TABLE

Deposits are a motivating factor behind acquisitions in this year’s Bank M&A Survey, and prospective buyers are willing to pay up for ideal targets.

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About Our Research

Throughout the year, Bank Director asks officers and directors of financial institutions to share their thoughts on board-specific issues like mergers & acquisitions, compensation, managing risk, growth and strategic planning. Our reputation for qualified, independent research studies and data analysis provides a bank’s board members with unparalleled insight and information. We invite you to explore the work we have done in conjunction with various business partners.

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Events

Choosing Your Battles: Insights From the 2026 R…

Choosing Your Battles: Insights From the 2026 Risk Survey

Learn More
April 21-21, 2026

Banks today must balance rising adoption of new technologies with attentiveness to both new and long-established risks facing the industry. In this webinar, we’ll unpack findings from Bank Director’s 2026 Risk Survey and hear from senior bank executives about how they’re managing risks and opportunities in this environment.

Bank C-Suite Summit

Bank C-Suite Summit

Learn More
April 27-28, 2026 Nashville, TN

The Bank C-Suite Summit is an exclusive conference designed for senior bank executives seeking comprehensive insights into bank operations and new growth strategies. During the event, attendees gain valuable knowledge and strategic tools to navigate the dynamic banking industry landscape.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Learn More
April 27-28, 2026 Nashville, TN

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

Beyond the Hype: Operationalizing Safe AI in Ba…

Beyond the Hype: Operationalizing Safe AI in Banking

Learn More
May 7-7, 2026

Most financial institutions are experimenting with generative AI but struggling to deploy it safely at scale. We’ll show you how to get to production: building auditable systems, creating risk frameworks that pass compliance review, and establishing a grounded foundation for internal tools and customer-facing capabilities that drive measurable business outcomes.

How Enforcement Actions Are Reshaping Bank Comp…

How Enforcement Actions Are Reshaping Bank Compliance

Learn More
May 12-12, 2026

High-profile enforcement actions have permanently raised compliance standards for banks ‒ and it’s not shifting back. Expectations shaped by large bank responses to post scandal consent decrees now influence institutions of every size. Learn how leading banks are modernizing compliance practices and control mapping, what examiners expect in horizontal reviews, and practical steps to strengthen controls and remain audit ready.

What Directors Should Know: Deal Structure &amp…

What Directors Should Know: Deal Structure & M&A

Learn More
May 19-19, 2026

Increased acquisition activity means M&A is a conversation that should be happening in all boardrooms — whether your bank could be a buyer, seller or wanting to take advantage of disruption in the market. But many directors are new to the M&A game. In this webinar, learn the keys to crafting a successful deal. You’ll also uncover the drivers of balancing economic and cultural considerations — and how to avoid the traps that result in a bad transaction.

What Directors Should Know: Overseeing Bank Cul…

What Directors Should Know: Overseeing Bank Culture

Learn More
June 23-23, 2026

A strong corporate culture is critical to the performance of an institution — making it a vital part of the board’s oversight responsibility. But how can boards understand what’s going on in the organization when they’re not managing the day-to-day operations of the bank? Gain insights from three board members as they share their perspectives on the practices that help strengthen bank culture — and how to spot the warning signs of a culture headed in the wrong direction.

What Directors Should Know: Strategic Planning

What Directors Should Know: Strategic Planning

Learn More
July 28-28, 2026

A well-crafted strategic plan should serve as a road map for the bank — and the board can play an important role in setting that direction. Join Bank Director’s Bill Herrell and Emily McCormick as they discuss how boards can craft productive discussions, identify key success factors and monitor progress so their institution stays on the right path.

Bank Board Forum

Bank Board Forum

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

Bank Board Forum, now including both the Bank Compensation & Talent Conference and the Bank Audit & Risk Conference, is the meeting ground for bank leaders to connect and develop emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. This year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

Bank Director’s Bank Audit & Risk Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Offering practical industry solutions regarding pressing audit and risk issues facing bank leaders today, these topical sessions are part of a new comprehensive event. From cybersecurity threats to regulatory scrutiny, the Bank Board Forum provides the tools and insights you need to protect your institution and drive growth.

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

The Bank Compensation & Talent Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Dive into the latest strategies for recruiting, developing and compensating top talent. Gain firsthand insights into the innovative approaches and best practices being used by successful banks to build and maintain high-performing teams at this year’s Forum.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Learn More
September 20-21, 2026 Austin, TX

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Learn More
September 27-29, 2026 Multiple Locations

Each of Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchanges is designed to bring together a small group of bank CEOs from across the country to discuss strategic matters most pressing to banks today in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

Mutual Board Summit

Mutual Board Summit

Learn More
November 8-10, 2026 Boston, MA

Bank Director and Mutuals Matter host the Mutual Board Summit, a day-and-a-half event which provides members of mutual bank boards with the education and insights needed to address the issues and challenges facing them in today’s ever-competitive, highly regulated and rapidly evolving banking and financial services industry.

Acquire or Be Acquired

Acquire or Be Acquired

Learn More
February 7-9, 2027 Phoenix, AZ

Bank Directors’ Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is the financial industry’s premier growth and strategy conference for bank CEOs, senior executives and board members, providing senior leadership teams with numerous opportunities to meet and network with peers who are interested in exploring growth opportunities, strategic initiatives and business partnerships.

Choosing Your Battles: Insights From the 2026 Risk Survey

Banks today must balance rising adoption of new technologies with attentiveness to both new and long-established risks facing the industry. In this webinar, we’ll unpack findings from Bank Director’s 2026 Risk Survey and hear from senior bank executives about how they’re managing risks and opportunities in this environment.

April 21-21, 2026
Learn More

Bank C-Suite Summit

Nashville, TN

The Bank C-Suite Summit is an exclusive conference designed for senior bank executives seeking comprehensive insights into bank operations and new growth strategies. During the event, attendees gain valuable knowledge and strategic tools to navigate the dynamic banking industry landscape.

April 27-28, 2026
Learn More

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Nashville, TN

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

April 27-28, 2026
Learn More

Beyond the Hype: Operationalizing Safe AI in Banking

Most financial institutions are experimenting with generative AI but struggling to deploy it safely at scale. We’ll show you how to get to production: building auditable systems, creating risk frameworks that pass compliance review, and establishing a grounded foundation for internal tools and customer-facing capabilities that drive measurable business outcomes.

May 7-7, 2026
Learn More

How Enforcement Actions Are Reshaping Bank Compliance

High-profile enforcement actions have permanently raised compliance standards for banks ‒ and it’s not shifting back. Expectations shaped by large bank responses to post scandal consent decrees now influence institutions of every size. Learn how leading banks are modernizing compliance practices and control mapping, what examiners expect in horizontal reviews, and practical steps to strengthen controls and remain audit ready.

May 12-12, 2026
Learn More

What Directors Should Know: Deal Structure & M&A

Increased acquisition activity means M&A is a conversation that should be happening in all boardrooms — whether your bank could be a buyer, seller or wanting to take advantage of disruption in the market. But many directors are new to the M&A game. In this webinar, learn the keys to crafting a successful deal. You’ll also uncover the drivers of balancing economic and cultural considerations — and how to avoid the traps that result in a bad transaction.

May 19-19, 2026
Learn More

What Directors Should Know: Overseeing Bank Culture

A strong corporate culture is critical to the performance of an institution — making it a vital part of the board’s oversight responsibility. But how can boards understand what’s going on in the organization when they’re not managing the day-to-day operations of the bank? Gain insights from three board members as they share their perspectives on the practices that help strengthen bank culture — and how to spot the warning signs of a culture headed in the wrong direction.

June 23-23, 2026
Learn More

What Directors Should Know: Strategic Planning

A well-crafted strategic plan should serve as a road map for the bank — and the board can play an important role in setting that direction. Join Bank Director’s Bill Herrell and Emily McCormick as they discuss how boards can craft productive discussions, identify key success factors and monitor progress so their institution stays on the right path.

July 28-28, 2026
Learn More

Bank Board Forum

Austin, TX

Bank Board Forum, now including both the Bank Compensation & Talent Conference and the Bank Audit & Risk Conference, is the meeting ground for bank leaders to connect and develop emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. This year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

Austin, TX

Bank Director’s Bank Audit & Risk Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Offering practical industry solutions regarding pressing audit and risk issues facing bank leaders today, these topical sessions are part of a new comprehensive event. From cybersecurity threats to regulatory scrutiny, the Bank Board Forum provides the tools and insights you need to protect your institution and drive growth.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

Austin, TX

The Bank Compensation & Talent Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Dive into the latest strategies for recruiting, developing and compensating top talent. Gain firsthand insights into the innovative approaches and best practices being used by successful banks to build and maintain high-performing teams at this year’s Forum.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Austin, TX

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

September 20-21, 2026
Learn More

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Multiple Locations

Each of Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchanges is designed to bring together a small group of bank CEOs from across the country to discuss strategic matters most pressing to banks today in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

September 27-29, 2026
Learn More

Mutual Board Summit

Boston, MA

Bank Director and Mutuals Matter host the Mutual Board Summit, a day-and-a-half event which provides members of mutual bank boards with the education and insights needed to address the issues and challenges facing them in today’s ever-competitive, highly regulated and rapidly evolving banking and financial services industry.

November 8-10, 2026
Learn More

Acquire or Be Acquired

Phoenix, AZ

Bank Directors’ Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is the financial industry’s premier growth and strategy conference for bank CEOs, senior executives and board members, providing senior leadership teams with numerous opportunities to meet and network with peers who are interested in exploring growth opportunities, strategic initiatives and business partnerships.

February 7-9, 2027
Learn More

Bank C-Suite Summit

Bank C-Suite Summit

Learn More
April 27-28, 2026 Nashville, TN

The Bank C-Suite Summit is an exclusive conference designed for senior bank executives seeking comprehensive insights into bank operations and new growth strategies. During the event, attendees gain valuable knowledge and strategic tools to navigate the dynamic banking industry landscape.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Learn More
April 27-28, 2026 Nashville, TN

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

Bank Board Forum

Bank Board Forum

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

Bank Board Forum, now including both the Bank Compensation & Talent Conference and the Bank Audit & Risk Conference, is the meeting ground for bank leaders to connect and develop emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. This year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

Bank Director’s Bank Audit & Risk Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Offering practical industry solutions regarding pressing audit and risk issues facing bank leaders today, these topical sessions are part of a new comprehensive event. From cybersecurity threats to regulatory scrutiny, the Bank Board Forum provides the tools and insights you need to protect your institution and drive growth.

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

Learn More
September 20-23, 2026 Austin, TX

The Bank Compensation & Talent Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Dive into the latest strategies for recruiting, developing and compensating top talent. Gain firsthand insights into the innovative approaches and best practices being used by successful banks to build and maintain high-performing teams at this year’s Forum.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Learn More
September 20-21, 2026 Austin, TX

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Learn More
September 27-29, 2026 Multiple Locations

Each of Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchanges is designed to bring together a small group of bank CEOs from across the country to discuss strategic matters most pressing to banks today in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

Mutual Board Summit

Mutual Board Summit

Learn More
November 8-10, 2026 Boston, MA

Bank Director and Mutuals Matter host the Mutual Board Summit, a day-and-a-half event which provides members of mutual bank boards with the education and insights needed to address the issues and challenges facing them in today’s ever-competitive, highly regulated and rapidly evolving banking and financial services industry.

Acquire or Be Acquired

Acquire or Be Acquired

Learn More
February 7-9, 2027 Phoenix, AZ

Bank Directors’ Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is the financial industry’s premier growth and strategy conference for bank CEOs, senior executives and board members, providing senior leadership teams with numerous opportunities to meet and network with peers who are interested in exploring growth opportunities, strategic initiatives and business partnerships.

Bank C-Suite Summit

Nashville, TN

The Bank C-Suite Summit is an exclusive conference designed for senior bank executives seeking comprehensive insights into bank operations and new growth strategies. During the event, attendees gain valuable knowledge and strategic tools to navigate the dynamic banking industry landscape.

April 27-28, 2026
Learn More

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Nashville, TN

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

April 27-28, 2026
Learn More

Bank Board Forum

Austin, TX

Bank Board Forum, now including both the Bank Compensation & Talent Conference and the Bank Audit & Risk Conference, is the meeting ground for bank leaders to connect and develop emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. This year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE

Austin, TX

Bank Director’s Bank Audit & Risk Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Offering practical industry solutions regarding pressing audit and risk issues facing bank leaders today, these topical sessions are part of a new comprehensive event. From cybersecurity threats to regulatory scrutiny, the Bank Board Forum provides the tools and insights you need to protect your institution and drive growth.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

BANK COMPENSATION & TALENT CONFERENCE

Austin, TX

The Bank Compensation & Talent Conference is now part of the Bank Board Forum 2026! Dive into the latest strategies for recruiting, developing and compensating top talent. Gain firsthand insights into the innovative approaches and best practices being used by successful banks to build and maintain high-performing teams at this year’s Forum.

September 20-23, 2026
Learn More

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP: COURSE I

Austin, TX

The Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I is part of Bank Director’s Certification Program. Throughout the workshop, attendees are provided with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors.

September 20-21, 2026
Learn More

Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange

Multiple Locations

Each of Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchanges is designed to bring together a small group of bank CEOs from across the country to discuss strategic matters most pressing to banks today in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

September 27-29, 2026
Learn More

Mutual Board Summit

Boston, MA

Bank Director and Mutuals Matter host the Mutual Board Summit, a day-and-a-half event which provides members of mutual bank boards with the education and insights needed to address the issues and challenges facing them in today’s ever-competitive, highly regulated and rapidly evolving banking and financial services industry.

November 8-10, 2026
Learn More

Acquire or Be Acquired

Phoenix, AZ

Bank Directors’ Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is the financial industry’s premier growth and strategy conference for bank CEOs, senior executives and board members, providing senior leadership teams with numerous opportunities to meet and network with peers who are interested in exploring growth opportunities, strategic initiatives and business partnerships.

February 7-9, 2027
Learn More