The Slant

The Slant is Bank Director’s e-newsletter distributed to over 24,000 senior bank executives, directors and thought leaders each week. Each newsletter provides inspirational ideas, new insights and challenging perspectives on the banking industry from experts featured on BankDirector.com.

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The CEO Clone

Half an hour into the earnings call for Customers Bancorp on April 24, CEO Sam Sidhu revealed that his prepared remarks had been read by a clone created through artificial intelligence.

Slant
05/09/2026

Creating Friction

For years, the financial world has been trying to reduce friction for customers. Services such as Zelle, Venmo or FedNow mean customers don’t have to write a check, stuff it in an envelope and mail it. They don’t have to use a wire service to send money abroad. Instead, they can use stablecoin on the blockchain.

Slant
05/02/2026

Time To Take Risks

The U.S. is at war with Iran, and Israel has been bombing Lebanon. Oil and gas prices have surged, which could lead to inflation and reduced spending for businesses and consumers.

Slant
04/25/2026

Financial Ghosting

For months now, J.D. Power has been tracking a behavioral phenomenon that the research firm has termed “soft switching.”

Slant
04/18/2026

Bridge Collapse

The Trump administration wants to slash more than $700 million from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) — and some worry this could leave community banks with fewer resources to fight bad actors.

Slant
04/11/2026

The Power of Truth

Every decade or so, there’s usually a banking crisis. The cadence of such events creates a whole class of seasoned leaders in the banking industry who have seen the worst and survived — and they have stories to tell.

Slant
04/04/2026

Gold-Plated Capital

The fight over how much capital is enough, or too much, is as endless as banking regulation itself. To oversimply, the more capital you have, the more strength you have against losses. The less capital you have, the more you can lend out.

Slant
03/28/2026

The New Economy

When we talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and banking, we tend to do so tactically. How could AI streamline lending processes, for example, or help banks serve customers more effectively and efficiently? But as AI is increasingly intertwined with the mechanics of the U.S. economy, bank boards and C-suite executives will need to think bigger.

Slant
03/21/2026

Scam Likely

I get four or five calls per day that T-Mobile US identifies as “scam likely.” Additionally, I get text messages that I think are probably scams. I’ve been offered health insurance that covers a new class of weight loss drugs and a high paying job that lets me work from home, and I’ve been threatened with a final DMV enforcement notice.

Slant
03/14/2026
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Events

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.

Hot Topics in Supervisory and Regulatory Trends

Hot Topics in Supervisory and Regulatory Trends

Learn More
June 2-2, 2026

Covington attorneys will cover hot topics and developments in bank regulation and supervision, including changes to supervision and examinations, anti-money laundering compliance, and safety and soundness expectations.

Wealth Management’s Impact on Shareholder Value

Wealth Management’s Impact on Shareholder Value

Learn More
June 16-16, 2026

Banks looking to improve profitability and franchise value are increasingly investing in wealth management capabilities. But what separates programs that drive meaningful returns from those that fall short? In this session, we’ll break down how wealth management contributes to shareholder value through fee income, client retention and balance sheet growth, and highlight practical strategies banks are using to scale and measure success.

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.

Navigating the Next Stage of the Banking Cycle

Navigating the Next Stage of the Banking Cycle

Learn More
July 14-14, 2026

As banks navigate a shifting credit landscape, questions about earnings sustainability and capital resilience are taking center stage. In this webinar, KBRA will examine how the benign credit environment has led to a period of banks “over-earning” on credit. As capital requirements ease and macro headwinds build, this webinar assesses how earnings durability and loss-absorbing capacity could be tested if the cycle turns.

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.

Bank C-Suite Summit

Bank C-Suite Summit

Learn More
April 25-27, 2027 Chicago, IL

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.

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

Hot Topics in Supervisory and Regulatory Trends

Covington attorneys will cover hot topics and developments in bank regulation and supervision, including changes to supervision and examinations, anti-money laundering compliance, and safety and soundness expectations.

June 2-2, 2026
Learn More

Wealth Management’s Impact on Shareholder Value

Banks looking to improve profitability and franchise value are increasingly investing in wealth management capabilities. But what separates programs that drive meaningful returns from those that fall short? In this session, we’ll break down how wealth management contributes to shareholder value through fee income, client retention and balance sheet growth, and highlight practical strategies banks are using to scale and measure success.

June 16-16, 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

Navigating the Next Stage of the Banking Cycle

As banks navigate a shifting credit landscape, questions about earnings sustainability and capital resilience are taking center stage. In this webinar, KBRA will examine how the benign credit environment has led to a period of banks “over-earning” on credit. As capital requirements ease and macro headwinds build, this webinar assesses how earnings durability and loss-absorbing capacity could be tested if the cycle turns.

July 14-14, 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

Chicago, IL

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 25-27, 2027
Learn More

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

Bank C-Suite Summit

Learn More
April 25-27, 2027 Chicago, IL

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.

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

Chicago, IL

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 25-27, 2027
Learn More