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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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.

Slant
11/08/2025

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.

Slant
11/01/2025

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.

Slant
10/25/2025

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.

Slant
10/18/2025

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.

Slant
10/11/2025

A Hiring Mistake

At Bank Director, we often put job candidates through a grueling process. It’s not uncommon to go through four or more rounds of interviews. That might be overkill, but when it comes to hiring good candidates, it takes time to find someone who has not just the skill sets but the qualities we’re looking for in a colleague.

Slant
10/04/2025

Your CEO Needs Support

Who does your CEO go to for advice? In a survey of 90 current and former CEOs by the Corporate Governance Research Initiative at Stanford Graduate School of Business, 82% said they relied on a network of friends, acquaintances and former colleagues for feedback, according to its 2025 CEO Coaching and Kitchen Cabinet Survey.

Slant
09/27/2025

Mergers Gone Wrong

Mergers of equals are famously hard to get right. But they can work in certain circumstances.

Slant
09/20/2025

Politicized Debanking

Many banks are enthusiastic about the new administration’s deregulatory moves after years of burdensome regulations that ramped up under President Joe Biden.

Slant
09/13/2025

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Events

Acquire or Be Acquired

Acquire or Be Acquired

Learn More
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.

Reinventing the Commercial Client Experience

Reinventing the Commercial Client Experience

Learn More
February 17-17, 2026

Commercial clients expect seamless, efficient digital experiences, challenging banks to evolve without compromising relationship banking. In this webinar, ZSuite Tech CEO, Jill Feiler examines where experience gaps emerge and how banks can modernize commercial and treasury processes to better support relationship managers, improve visibility, and reduce friction through practical, incremental change.

The State of Ag Lending: Opportunities and Head…

The State of Ag Lending: Opportunities and Headwinds in 2026

Learn More
February 24-24, 2026

In today’s agricultural economy, lenders face a unique blend of rising credit demand, shifting interest rate pressures, and a need for innovative liquidity solutions. This session—hosted in partnership with Bank Director—explores the current state of ag lending, the factors shaping farm credit demand in 2026, and how banks can position themselves for stability and growth in a changing market.

Bank M&A: Navigating Growth, Risks, and Str…

Bank M&A: Navigating Growth, Risks, and Strategic Success

Learn More
March 24-24, 2026

As banks face rising costs, margin pressures, and economic uncertainty, M&A has re-emerged as a key growth strategy heading into 2026. Join us for an insightful webinar where we explore the latest trends, benefits and challenges in bank mergers and acquisitions. Attendees gain actionable strategies for successful deal execution, from due diligence to post-merger planning. Whether considering an acquisition or preparing for a merger, this webinar equips you with key tools to enhance shareholder value in modern banking M&A.

By registering for the webinar, I consent to receiving marketing communications from FIS by email. I understand I will be able to withdraw my consent or unsubscribe at any time by clicking here. Please read FIS’ privacy notice to learn more how FIS will process your personal data.

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

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Learn More
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

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.

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.

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
Learn More

Reinventing the Commercial Client Experience

Commercial clients expect seamless, efficient digital experiences, challenging banks to evolve without compromising relationship banking. In this webinar, ZSuite Tech CEO, Jill Feiler examines where experience gaps emerge and how banks can modernize commercial and treasury processes to better support relationship managers, improve visibility, and reduce friction through practical, incremental change.

February 17-17, 2026
Learn More

The State of Ag Lending: Opportunities and Headwinds in 2026

In today’s agricultural economy, lenders face a unique blend of rising credit demand, shifting interest rate pressures, and a need for innovative liquidity solutions. This session—hosted in partnership with Bank Director—explores the current state of ag lending, the factors shaping farm credit demand in 2026, and how banks can position themselves for stability and growth in a changing market.

February 24-24, 2026
Learn More

Bank M&A: Navigating Growth, Risks, and Strategic Success

As banks face rising costs, margin pressures, and economic uncertainty, M&A has re-emerged as a key growth strategy heading into 2026. Join us for an insightful webinar where we explore the latest trends, benefits and challenges in bank mergers and acquisitions. Attendees gain actionable strategies for successful deal execution, from due diligence to post-merger planning. Whether considering an acquisition or preparing for a merger, this webinar equips you with key tools to enhance shareholder value in modern banking M&A.

By registering for the webinar, I consent to receiving marketing communications from FIS by email. I understand I will be able to withdraw my consent or unsubscribe at any time by clicking here. Please read FIS’ privacy notice to learn more how FIS will process your personal data.

March 24-24, 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

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.

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

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

Acquire or Be Acquired

Acquire or Be Acquired

Learn More
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

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

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Learn More
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

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.

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.

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
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

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.

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

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