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 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

More Than a Logo

The Lebanon, Tennessee-based restaurant chain Cracker Barrel Old Country Store recently reversed course on plans to simplify its logo that would have dropped its “Old Timer” image and barrel.

Slant
09/06/2025

AI Setbacks

Adoption is high. Disruption is low. That’s one of the conclusions of a headline-grabbing report about businesses’ use of artificial intelligence from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology last month.

Slant
08/30/2025

Regulatory Whiplash

Pity the banker feeling a strained neck from whiplash lately. They should be forgiven. After years of heightened regulatory scrutiny, more intense examinations and new rules under President Joe Biden, banks came into 2025 anticipating a relaxed regulatory environment.

Slant
08/23/2025
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Events

Capturing the Next Generation of High Net Worth…

Capturing the Next Generation of High Net Worth Customers

Learn More
October 28-28, 2025

Millennials are projected to inherit an estimated $68 trillion of wealth by 2030, so how can community-based financial institutions better appeal to this generation? This webinar explores the evolving needs and preferences of younger investors and provides actionable strategies to build lasting relationships and future-proof your business.

Modernizing the Core: Real-World Lessons for Co…

Modernizing the Core: Real-World Lessons for Community Banks

Learn More
November 6-6, 2025

Whether through a full conversion or sidecar, modernizing the core gives community banks the foundation to rethink digital strategy and forge stronger fintech partnerships. This webinar features real-world insights from a banker and their core provider, covering benefits, challenges and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical guidance to modernize successfully, drive growth and enhance customer engagement.

M&A Is Back! What About My Privately-Held B…

M&A Is Back! What About My Privately-Held Bank?

Learn More
December 4-4, 2025

Hear from practitioners how private bank M&A may differ from the headline deals you read about. What’s different this cycle? How have deal dynamics changed? What about the impact of CECL, AOCI, etc?

The Battle of Good v. Evil: Protecting Your Ban…

The Battle of Good v. Evil: Protecting Your Bank From Fraud

Learn More
December 9-9, 2025

Fraud is a rising threat as criminals get smarter and leverage technology to trick customers and their institutions. We’ll dive into fraud trends and what banks are doing to mitigate the threat, with a webinar moderated by Bank Director’s Executive Editor Jackie Stewart.

The Power of Strategic Planning

The Power of Strategic Planning

Learn More
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.

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 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

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.

Capturing the Next Generation of High Net Worth Customers

Millennials are projected to inherit an estimated $68 trillion of wealth by 2030, so how can community-based financial institutions better appeal to this generation? This webinar explores the evolving needs and preferences of younger investors and provides actionable strategies to build lasting relationships and future-proof your business.

October 28-28, 2025
Learn More

Modernizing the Core: Real-World Lessons for Community Banks

Whether through a full conversion or sidecar, modernizing the core gives community banks the foundation to rethink digital strategy and forge stronger fintech partnerships. This webinar features real-world insights from a banker and their core provider, covering benefits, challenges and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical guidance to modernize successfully, drive growth and enhance customer engagement.

November 6-6, 2025
Learn More

M&A Is Back! What About My Privately-Held Bank?

Hear from practitioners how private bank M&A may differ from the headline deals you read about. What’s different this cycle? How have deal dynamics changed? What about the impact of CECL, AOCI, etc?

December 4-4, 2025
Learn More

The Battle of Good v. Evil: Protecting Your Bank From Fraud

Fraud is a rising threat as criminals get smarter and leverage technology to trick customers and their institutions. We’ll dive into fraud trends and what banks are doing to mitigate the threat, with a webinar moderated by Bank Director’s Executive Editor Jackie Stewart.

December 9-9, 2025
Learn More

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
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 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 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
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 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

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 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
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