Agenda

Bank Audit & Risk Peer Exchanges
Bank Director hosts its popular peer exchanges the day prior to our annual Bank Audit & Risk Conference. Small groups of experienced audit and risk committee members, senior bank executives and outside advisors meet in meet in closed-door, off-the-record peer groups for candid discussions about various issues and challenges facing officers and directors.

Corporate Governance Workshop
Bank Director’s Editor-at-Large developed the curriculum for the Bank Director Certification Program and the Bank Director Workshop. Participants receive training materials and a syllabus to support the onsite learning activities during this in-person course.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
To cap off the day, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

Today’s sessions touch on governance, enterprise risk management, accounting issues, regulation,
cybersecurity, tax planning, cannabis banking, ESG issues, strategic planning and more. Day One of the Bank Audit & Risk Conference covers a great deal of ground in a short time to help participants understand the complexities of the financial sector regarding audit and risk.

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Michelle King, President, Bank Director

8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
Banking in the Current Environment
Brandon Koeser, Director, Audit Services, RSM US LLP
In this opening session, hear what factors currently affect the banking industry and how bankers should respond and plan for the future.

8:50 AM – 9:30 AM
The Regulatory Landscape
James Bergin, Partner, Arnold & Porter
Amber Hay, Partner, Arnold & Porter
Moderated by: Rob Azarow, Partner, Arnold & Porter
This session focuses on the regulatory, examination and enforcement issues that bank audit and risk committees must manage.

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Refreshment Break

9:45 AM – 10:25 AM
What’s New on the Horizon
Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Shannon Moskal, Principal, Consulting, Crowe LLP
David Ruffin, Principal, IntelliCredit, A Division of QwickRate
Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Banking is a risk-mitigation business. Learn about the new risks facing banks and their boards today and how financial institutions can best manage them.

10:25 AM – 11:05 AM
A New Look at Your Balance Sheet
Matthew Forgotson, Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
Given the state of the industry, actively managing both sides of the balance sheet has become even more important to boards and executive teams to avoid missteps. Even more crucial is what questions directors should be asking when it comes to balance sheet review. During this session we discuss what conversations should be happening in the boardroom.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three breakout sessions to attend, all of which are high-level in focus.

Breakout 1: How Captive Insurance Can Empower Banks During Turbulent Times
Christopher Gallo, Managing Director, CIC Services LLC
Delve into the innovative strategy of utilizing captive insurance companies to reduce costs for banks in health and other insurance lines. Exploring the benefits and intricacies of this approach, we uncover how banks can leverage captives to enhance risk management, control premiums and achieve long-term financial savings. Learn how to navigate this powerful tool effectively in the insurance landscape. 

Breakout 2: Maximizing Audit Committee Effectiveness 
Stephanie Ballard, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
Mary-Margaret Henke, Audit Committee Chair, InBank
The role of the audit committee is changing from both internal and external forces. In order for the audit committee to maximize their effectiveness, they need to remain nimble and able to change as quickly as those internal and external forces are changing.  Participants in this session should be able to: (1) describe the qualities and characteristics that make highly effective audit committees, and (2) describe changes that would cause a good audit committee to become great.

Breakout 3: Model Validation & the Rising Expectations From Examiners
Erica Carlson, Principal, Financial Services, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Dustin Morris, Manager, Credit, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Given the current interest rate environment, more attention is being placed on models being used by banks for a variety of reasons such as CECL, asset liability management, etc. Model validations and third-party risk assessments are critical to ensure models are behaving as management and the board expects and provide useful information for decision making.  This session covers the critical elements of a model validation and third-party risk assessment, to provide management and boards with the tools necessary to effectively evaluate the models in use within their institution.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three breakout sessions to attend, all of which are high-level in focus.

Breakout 1: The Board of Directors’ Role in Breaking Risk Management Silos
Asaad Faquir, Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
In this multifaceted environment, managing risk is a daunting task. Yet, many financial institutions inadvertently create additional complexities in their risk management program by establishing ‘organizational silos.’  These silos, which can form along departmental lines, technological boundaries, or even through inconsistent data governance practices, create risk blind spots that can hinder effective risk management.  However, there is a solution. The board of directors can play a crucial role in identifying these silos, dismantling them and thereby improving the overall efficiency of the risk management program. Join us as we delve into these challenges and explore strategies to enhance your organization’s risk management practices, providing a more streamlined and integrated approach to risk management.

Breakout 2: Strategies for Performing Loan Portfolio Due Diligence
Trang Sumpter, Director, Moss Adams LLP
It is critical in today’s environment to understand the underlying credit quality and the emerging credit risks related to these transactions.  This session discusses various factors and strategies to consider to assist in minimizing overall credit risk and avoiding the integration pitfalls when acquiring a commercial loan portfolio.

Breakout 3: Compensation, Regulation and Best Practices — Where Are We 18 Months After SVB?
Bryan Lemke, Associate Partner, McLagan
Chris Richter, Associate Partner, Human Capital Solutions, McLagan
On March 12, 2023 Signature Bank failed; this was followed by Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic over the next two months.  These three bank failures would define fiscal year 2023 from higher deposit costs, focus on liquidity and, as a result, overall capital levels.  Coming off a strong 2022, all of a sudden, memories of the Great Recession came flooding back.  As of this writing, we are on the cusp of a major reproposal on regulations addressing incentive compensation. This session provides a concise summary of where we are today, how this will impact banks of various asset levels and what your bank should have in place now.

1:55 PM – 2:40 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three breakout sessions to attend, all of which are high-level in focus.

Breakout 1: Top Three IT Risks for Bank Boards
Justin Cady, IT Assurance Senior Manager, Crowe LLP
This session dives into some of the top IT risks for bank boards, including cybersecurity threats, technological disruptions and regulatory compliance.  We discuss how these areas impact the banking industry, enhancements that can be made to mitigate this risk and how to build these items into your strategic plans for the future.

Breakout 2: M&A: “It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over” – Threats and Opportunities
Duane Brobst, Senior Consultant, Ardmore Banking Advisors, Inc.
John Reber, EVP, Chief Risk Management Officer, Citizens & Northern Bank
Todd Sardich, SVP of Risk Management & Senior Director of Consulting, Ardmore Banking Advisors, Inc.
Moderated by:  Steve Peck, COO & Senior Director of Development, Ardmore Banking Advisors, Inc.
Join C-level bankers and Ardmore’s experienced former C-level credit risk bankers for a discussion about the often-overlooked critical steps after the deal is announced.  Establishing an accurate loan portfolio credit mark and transaction price doesn’t complete the process.  There are threats to avoid and opportunities to benefit from.

Breakout 3: Generative AI: Risk and Opportunities – What Bankers Should Know
Sarah Grooms, Senior Vice President, Wintrust Financial Corporation
Canh Tran, Co-founder & CEO, Rippleshot
Generative AI, when combined with predictive AI, has the potential to rapidly transform banking operations at scale through enhanced customer service and superior fraud and risk detection.  But there are ethical and regulatory compliance considerations that can’t be overlooked.  To start, bank leaders must determine how equipped their organization is to harness AI and machine learning to deliver better, more secure, compliant digital banking experiences that drive revenue and growth.

2:40 PM – 2:55 PM
Refreshment Break

2:55 PM – 3:10 PM
What Your Peers Think
Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
In this interactive session, we dive into how governance intersects with risk — and how boards can stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

3:10 PM – 3:50 PM
Highlights From Our 2024 Risk Survey
Craig Sanders, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
Kristina Schaefer, EVP, Chief Risk & Administrative Officer, General Counsel, First Bank & Trust
Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Industry experts dig into key findings from Bank Director’s 2024 Risk Survey, including banks’ response to a continued high interest rate environment, regulatory scrutiny and emerging issues.

3:50 PM – 4:30 PM
Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Risks
Yueyu Fu, Co-founder & CTO, Rippleshot
Ben LeClaire, Cybersecurity Principal, Plante Moran
Himanshu Sharma, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly US, LLP
Moderated by: Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence continue to be the most challenging risks a bank faces. Learn what to do and how to protect your bank.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day Two Welcoming Remarks
Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director

8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
A Banker’s Guide to Embracing Volatility
Robert Lipstein, Director & Audit Committee Chair, Seacoast Banking Corporation
Jason Stockton, Partner, Crowe LLP
It has been over a decade since the banking industry encountered prolonged, adverse economic conditions. During this session, battle-tested, industry veterans share strategies and tactics for building resilient organizations that thrive in a variety of scenarios. This session is appropriate for both seasoned bankers seeking a “recession refresher” or less-tenured industry professionals needing an introduction to banking during downturns.

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three breakout sessions to attend, all of which are high-level in focus.

Breakout 1:  Bank Against Emerging Cyber and Fraud Risks
Justin Corey, SVP, Head of Business Development, NFP
Lauren Kim, Managing Director, NFP
Cyber and fraud risk mitigation are chief and critical concerns for banks and rightly so.  Criminals are evolving their attacks and methodologies and banks stand at the forefront of these risks.  This session reviews the latest emerging cyber and fraud risks, from recent deep fake evolutions to old-school fraud not seen in years.  We review these trends and risks – and importantly, also analyze where the insurance coverage lies for them.  There are critical insurance coverages all banks should be sure they have in their insurance program.  We also review the triggers for coverage to ensure that in the event of a loss, your bank is covered.

Breakout 2:  M&A Diligence for Directors – Do You Know What to Ask?
Gary Svec, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
In this time of significant change, stress and volatility in our industry, M&A can be a big opportunity…but also a big risk.  In this session, we discuss how a board should analyze any deal, whether buying, selling or merging.  Today, more than ever, there are critical assumptions being made to project the results of any M&A transaction and these assumptions, if wrong, could dramatically change the results of a deal.  Also, do you know what happens to your deal if (when) rates change and how it may change your risk profile?  This session identifies the key questions any director should ask to understand the risk-reward of any deal.

Breakout 3:  Navigating CRE Market Shifts:  From Credit Stress to Lending Solutions
Jon Winick, CEO, Clark Street Capital
Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
With the 10-Year Treasury in the mid-4’s and the Fed keeping rates elevated for longer, commercial real estate is experiencing stress, but the gloom and doom narrative from the financial press has not materialized.  Q1 bank earnings showed increased stress in CRE portfolios, but delinquencies are still low by any measure and the US economy continues to outperform.  What happens next – is this the tip of the iceberg or can we thread the needle?

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by: CIC Services LLC

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three breakout sessions to attend, all of which are high-level in focus.

Breakout 1:  From Risk-Averse to Risk-Smart: Strategies for Cultivating a Culture of Risk
Niki White, Chief Growth Officer, SRA Watchtower
This session provides insight into maturing risk culture, prioritizing and funding strategic risks, enhancing efficiency, aligning risk management with strategic goals and the outcome of risk on shareholder value. Learn how to cultivate a proactive, risk-smart culture that drives sustainable growth and organizational success.

Breakout 2:  Your Bank’s AI Technology Strategy:  What Directors Should Know & Ask
Charlie Wright, Chief Risk Officer, Jack Henry
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your oversight capabilities and confidently navigate the AI-driven future of financial services.  With the ever-evolving changing technology landscape board members more than ever need to be aware of the opportunities and the risks.  During this session, Charlie Wright, Chief Risk Officer at Jack Henry, provides invaluable insights into key areas including regulatory scrutiny, strategy development, use case management, data governance, ethics, and talent acquisition.  Learn how to ask the right questions, identify opportunities, and build trust with management, regulators and institution account holders.

Breakout 3:  The Importance of Board Evaluations
Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Jackie Wall, Vice President of Bank Services, Bank Director
Board evaluations can play a prominent role in improving corporate governance practices, but too many bank boards don’t assess their performance regularly or leverage the results to truly enhance their oversight capabilities. In this session, gain a real-world perspective on the board evaluation process, and how the results can be used to create positive change at the board and committee levels.

10:55 AM – 11:35 AM
Tying It All Together
Ronald Cofield, Audit Committee Chair, SouthState Bank
Sari Greene, Risk Committee Chair, Bangor Savings Bank
Maureen Rude, Director & Audit Committee Chair, Opportunity Bank of Montana
Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
We discuss how audit and risk committee chairs are handling a risk-on environment, managing oversight of critical IT or commercial real estate risks and best practices to take home to your banks.

11:35 AM – 11:40 AM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King, President, Bank Director
Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director