A Risky Buildup
It’s tempting for a bank to lend to the vast expanse of private credit, a variety of nonbanks that can include mortgage warehouse intermediaries or even private equity funds. Those loans can help diversify a bank’s assets.
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 Square Advantage
Small Business Saturday — sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday — should be a gift for many small businesses this holiday season, generating 20% of the average annual revenue for small businesses in retail, hospitality, recreational and personal services, according to American Express Co.
“Burn It to the Ground”
It’s hard to know what’s happening with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It appears the agency under President Donald Trump is being dismantled. A U.S. Court of Appeals sided with Acting Director Russell Vought in a lawsuit brought by the CFPB’s union when he tried to eliminate 90% of the staff.
Personality Problems
David Findlay, chairman and CEO of $6.9 billion Lakeland Financial Corp., in Warsaw, Indiana, doesn’t give his executive team personality tests. On a recent Bank Director webinar, he said he wouldn’t be the CEO if someone had given him a personality test earlier in his career. That skepticism about personality tests is common in the banking industry.
Trouble on Main Street
The federal government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday, surpassing the prior record of 35 days in 2018-19. Americans are feeling the pain. Government food assistance stalled this week for more than 40 million, straining food banks. Roughly 1.4 million federal workers have been furloughed or worked without pay since early October, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Novice Examiners
Banks, it seems, are training their examiners. One respondent to Bank Director’s 2025 Risk Survey said: “Our bank seems to get green regulators, and we are their training ground.” At conferences, we continue to hear community bankers complain of novices in the federal agencies asking weird questions or needing basic banking concepts explained.
Pinching Pennies
There’s a trend on social media called the “Coinstar Challenge,” a test to see how many coins the self-service kiosks will accept in exchange for larger-denomination bills. In one video, a man hauled 120,000 pennies to a machine in a red wheelbarrow. He’ll soon find it harder to replicate the stunt. In February, President Trump directed the U.S. Treasury to stop producing the penny due to its production costs.
The Stablecoin Choice
The passage this year of the GENIUS Act raised the stakes for banks by creating a regulatory framework for potential competition — a fast and cheaper way to move money using stablecoin backed by the U.S. dollar.
Emboldened Activists
On Monday, Dallas-based Comerica announced it would sell to Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Bancorp, a deal that’s expected to create a roughly $288 billion institution in the first quarter.
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Events
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All
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In Person Events
The Power of Strategic Planning
December 16-16, 2025
Discover the critical role of strategic planning in driving organizational success. In this webinar, learn why boards should play a strong role in the strategic planning process, and how they can shape a clear, actionable vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and objectives.
Scaling Fraud Defenses: Strengthening Trust and…
January 20-20, 2026
As AI-driven fraud accelerates, financial institutions are rethinking how identity, automation and risk decisioning support both protection and growth. In this session, Alloy shares how banks are confronting AI-enabled attacks and building fraud strategies that reduce losses while improving customer trust and operational efficiency. Walk away with practical steps to scale your fraud defenses for 2026.
Acquire or Be Acquired
February 1-3, 2026
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
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
April 27-28, 2026
Nashville, TN
The Corporate Governance Workshop is Course I in 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
September 20-23, 2026
Austin, TX
Bank Board Forum is the meeting ground for bank leaders to acquire and discuss emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. From successful board training and compensation best practices to audit and risk insights, this year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.
BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE
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
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.
Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange
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.
The Power of Strategic Planning
Discover the critical role of strategic planning in driving organizational success. In this webinar, learn why boards should play a strong role in the strategic planning process, and how they can shape a clear, actionable vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and objectives.
December 16-16, 2025
Scaling Fraud Defenses: Strengthening Trust and Growth in the Age of AI-Driven Fraud
As AI-driven fraud accelerates, financial institutions are rethinking how identity, automation and risk decisioning support both protection and growth. In this session, Alloy shares how banks are confronting AI-enabled attacks and building fraud strategies that reduce losses while improving customer trust and operational efficiency. Walk away with practical steps to scale your fraud defenses for 2026.
January 20-20, 2026
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 1-3, 2026
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
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP
Nashville, TN
Bank Board Forum
Austin, TX
Bank Board Forum is the meeting ground for bank leaders to acquire and discuss emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. From successful board training and compensation best practices to audit and risk insights, this year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.
September 20-23, 2026
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
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
Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange
Multiple Locations
Acquire or Be Acquired
February 1-3, 2026
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
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
April 27-28, 2026
Nashville, TN
The Corporate Governance Workshop is Course I in 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
September 20-23, 2026
Austin, TX
Bank Board Forum is the meeting ground for bank leaders to acquire and discuss emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. From successful board training and compensation best practices to audit and risk insights, this year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.
BANK AUDIT & RISK CONFERENCE
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
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.
Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange
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.
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 1-3, 2026
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
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP
Nashville, TN Bank Board Forum
Austin, TX Bank Board Forum is the meeting ground for bank leaders to acquire and discuss emerging strategies and solutions for today’s evolving landscape. From successful board training and compensation best practices to audit and risk insights, this year’s Bank Board Forum explores topics related to all areas of a bank’s board and committees.
September 20-23, 2026
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
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
Bank Director’s Chief Executive Exchange
Multiple Locations