Program

 

Wednesday, April 22

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
Mainline

 

Thursday, April 23

7:30 a.m.

Registration

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Breakfast

8:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ABA Business Session

8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Welcome from the ABA
Chris Gosnell | ABA Chairman
Lorrie Trogden | ABA President/CEO

8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Washington, D.C. Update: A Conversation
Blake Earley | SVP, Congressional Relations
American Bankers Association

This session will cover the latest developments in Washington shaping the banking landscape. Insider perspectives will be shared on recent legislative wins, emerging challenges, and what lies ahead for banks of all sizes. Attendees will gain a candid look at the shifting political environment and learn how bankers can stay informed, engaged, and proactive.

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Regulatory Update: The Pendulum Swings Again!
Tom Wiley
T-Wiley Advisors, LLC

Bank regulatory changes occur in cycles over decades, often following major economic disruptions, resulting in a swinging pendulum. The past year brought changes and many proposals that will impact banks in 2026, and the pendulum swings again! What’s the impact for your bank? Board members and senior bank managers must stay current to better set strategic plans, maintain risk management standards, and communicate with regulators. Longtime, former regulator Tom Wiley, who can relate this history of changes, will let you know what can be expected, and how changes may impact your bank. He will plainly translate the jargon into practical terms and what it means for you.

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Preparing for Artificial Intelligence: Gaining a Perspective
Trent Fleming
Trent Fleming Consulting

AI and other advanced technologies like Machine Learning and Large Language Models are in the news. Successfully implementing these technologies requires a plan of preparation and oversight. Matters such as documenting workflow, eliminating unnecessary practices, and cleansing data must be addressed prior to implementation. A successful financial institution will be one that develops a strategy and appropriate governance to guide its investigation and potential implementation of these technologies. Especially in the short run, significant work with computer learning will involve improving existing systems. This will include exception processing, transaction processing, and data analytics. This session will explore the basics of advanced technologies and offer practical suggestions for how your institution might approach it.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Let’s Talk About Stablecoin! A Panel Discussion
Shaun Harms, CRCM, CAFP | Principal / Consulting - Financial Service Risk and Regulatory
FORVIS MAZARS

Shawn Main | EVP/Chief Business Architect Officer
Vantage Bank

Rich Perez | VP/Bank Innovation
Texas Bankers Association

Robert Smith | Attorney
Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP

12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Lunch
FORVIS MAZARS Milestones in Banking Awards Luncheon

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. ABA Business Session
  • Treasurer’s Report | Jay Wisener | ABA Treasurer
  • Ascending Bankers Section Update | Amber Murphy | Chairman
  • Officer Nominations | Jason Tennant | ABA Chairman-Elect
  • Chairman Installation

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Chairman's Reception
Pop's Lounge

Friday, April 24

7:15 a.m.

Registration

7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Simmons Bank Strawberry Breakfast

8:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Day with the Commissioner

Susannah Marshall | Bank Commissioner 
Arkansas State Bank Department

Travis Hill | Chairman
FDIC

Chris Low | Chief Economist
FHN Financial 

Etay Maor | Senior Director of Security Strategy 
Cato Networks

12:00 p.m.

Adjournment