EXECUTIVE BRIEFING ON CURRENT ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Robert M. Fleetwood, Partner, Group Co-Chair; and John M. Geiringer, Partner,
Regulatory Section Leader, Barack Ferrazzano Financial Institutions Group
Every administration brings new perspectives, but it’s hard to overstate the ongoing revolution
in banking supervision, and how it continues to impact the industry. Couple those changes with
economic uncertainty and global instability, and bankers are constantly challenged to stay current
and evaluate how these developments could impact their customers and their banks. This session
features an executive briefing on current legal and regulatory issues and trends affecting financial
institutions. The focus will be on practical suggestions and best practices taken from long-time
experience in representing a large and diverse banking practice. At the end of this session, participants
should understand the key legal and compliance challenges they are likely to face in the coming year.
ILLINOIS BANKING LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL UPDATE
Ben Jackson, Executive Vice President and Carolyn Settanni Executive
Vice President & General Counsel, Illinois Bankers Association
Join us for an insightful discussion on the latest developments in banking laws and regulations
with the IBA’s chief lobbyist, Ben Jackson, and general counsel, Carolyn Settanni. This session
will highlight critical topics, such as our battle against the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition
Act, the latest new laws from the recently-concluded Illinois legislative session, nonstop federal
banking agency shifts, and more. Attendees will gain valuable insights into regulatory changes,
compliance challenges, and advocacy efforts shaping the future of banking in Illinois.
Breakout Sessions
COMPENSATION TRENDS IN TODAY’S BANKING ENVIRONMENT
Matt Brei, Blanchard Consulting Group
In this session, Blanchard Consulting Group shares current trends information from their surveys and
databases to cover the topic of total compensation for bank directors, executives, officers, and staff.
Current “hot topics” within the compensation landscape will be discussed and recent trends will be reviewed.
The session will cover such topics as executive compensation, director compensation, cash and equity-based
incentives, benefits, and perquisites. Participants will walk away with current knowledge and data
surrounding compensation related topics at all levels of community and regional banks.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: ALIGNING PEOPLE, PRODUCTIVITY,
AND PURPOSE FOR LASTING SUCCESS
Brooke Lively, Cathcap
Performance management is a delicate balance of hiring individuals who align with company culture,
possess the necessary skills, understand their roles, and consistently deliver results. However, it’s not solely
the employee’s responsibility. Effective performance management is a partnership between employer
and employee, requiring a balance where staff feel autonomous yet supported, managers can objectively
evaluate performance, and goals are both achievable and motivating. Brooke Lively, Founder and President
of Cathcap, has combined insights from HR and financial data to develop systems that foster happier, more
productive teams across hundreds of companies.
HANDICAPPING YOUR BALANCE SHEET: MAXIMIZE NET INTEREST MARGIN IN 2025
Todd Taylor & Will Craycraft, HUB | Taylor Advisors
Handicapping a balance sheet parallels handicapping a horse race, requiring analysis of diverse data to
make informed decisions. In banking, this involves evaluating models, capital reports, and portfolio analyses
to optimize risk and reward. Like in racing, favorites don’t always win, emphasizing the importance of refining
balance sheet management for long-term success. Top-performing institutions share the goal of balancing
profitability with risk in a competitive market.
This presentation will utilize peer data to compare your institution’s performance metrics, such as net
interest margin and investment yield, against state and national benchmarks. We’ll explore opportunities
for improvement and assess your liquidity position relative to competitors. Through interactive polling,
participants will gain insights into various balance sheet management approaches, from regulatory compliance
to profit optimization, and discuss how these philosophies impact strategies and profitability.
STRATEGIC LOAN GROWTH
Dan Marks, Infusion Marketing Group
As rates decline off a historically fast rise, how far and how fast will rates decline? Where are the best places
to develop and deliver quality asset growth? Now more than ever, a commitment to data analytics that drive
proven growth strategies is needed. How do we continue to grow loans in dynamic pricing environments with
elevated concerns about credit quality? This presentation will answer that question with real, actionable data.
EXAMINING THE INDUSTRY’S PERSISTENT, PERVASIVE, AND POWERFUL PROBLEM
Matthew Reader Forgotson, Performance Trust Capital Partners
Since 1990, 65%+ of FDIC-insured depositories have disappeared. Many of these institutions lost their
independence because they accidentally misallocated capital to poor risk/rewards on both sides of the
balance sheet. During this session, Matt Forgotson, an award-winning equity research analyst and industry
thought leader, will argue that many of these institutions may have been victims of the problem that has
long plagued the banking industry, namely a reliance on faulty frameworks and single scenario snapshot
metrics. Against this backdrop, the most recent banking crisis and years of constrained NIMs, ROAs, and
ROEs that followed in its wake, are simply the most recent manifestation of this persistent, pervasive,
and powerful problem. Once the problem is defined, Matt will then propose a remedy: a comprehensive,
objective process and framework that empowers managers to make prospective capital allocation
decisions with clarity and confidence. Those willing to embrace a more complete analytical view can help
protect and potentially even accelerate their missions.
AI 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AI AND BANKING TODAY
Cody Delzer, SBS CyberSecurity
Explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the banking sector in this cutting-edge
session. Learn to demystify AI, distinguishing fact from fiction, and demonstrate why financial institutions
should embrace this technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. Delve into various AI types, their
associated risks, and compelling use cases specific to banking. Learn about AI’s strategic advantages,
potential threats, and effective risk mitigation strategies. Gain insights into AI vendor management and
practical steps to implement AI in your organization. This session is essential for forward-thinking financial
professionals seeking to harness AI’s power and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025 AND BEYOND FOR BANK M&A AND BANK
INNOVATION/PAYMENT MATTERS
Jim Morrissey & Mark Svalina, Vedder Price P.C.
This session will explore key developments shaping the banking industry in light of recent administrative
changes and regulatory shifts. We will begin by examining emerging trends in bank mergers and
acquisitions (M&A), focusing on how the new regulatory environment is influencing deal-making strategies
and integration approaches. We will also discuss how banks are tailoring payment services and innovative
products to align with evolving regulatory expectations while balancing innovation and compliance.
Additionally, we will address confidentiality and privacy challenges associated with bank innovation,
including compliance with new open banking rules and related guidance. This session offers actionable
insights for navigating the rapidly changing banking landscape of 2025.
PARTNERING WITH FINTECH
Stephanie Jennings, Wipfli LLP
As competition for customers increases and interest rate margins shrink in a rising rate environment,
institutions may seek to expand beyond their traditional branch network and reach customers online by
partnering with fintech that offer a variety of services. Regulators have issued guidance on managing third
party risk when products and services are offered through outside businesses. In addition to consumer
compliance risks, these partnerships can present BSA and OFAC risks. In this session we will discuss the
various risks that fintech partnerships pose and compliance considerations for managing the relationships.