Key Issues Shaping Banking in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, banking leaders face a convergence of transformational forces that will define competitive advantage for years to come. From the mainstreaming of AI agents and stablecoins to evolving regulatory landscapes and the persistent challenges of commercial real estate and ag credit exposure, this webinar delivers actionable intelligence on the critical issues reshaping community and regional banking. This is not a theoretical discussion. Drawing from the latest industry research, regulatory developments, and real-world implementation strategies, you'll gain concrete insights to position your institution ahead of disruption rather than reacting to it. The banking industry stands at an inflection point. Economic headwinds are intensifying as unemployment edges higher and inflation proves stickier than hoped. Meanwhile, the convergence of AI, blockchain, and quantum technologies is fundamentally rewriting the rules of finance, and traditional challenges like CRE exposure and deposit competition show no signs of abating.

 2026 appears to be shaping up as a defining year for U.S. banks, with multiple scenarios ranging from economic headwinds to unexpected growth. The Federal Reserve's more hawkish stance—versus market expectations—creates margin compression challenges just as unemployment climbs and inflation remains persistently above target.

Topics covered in this session

• Economic Fundamentals: Navigating the New Normal
• The Stablecoin Revolution: Opportunity or Existential Threat?
• AI Beyond the Hype: From Pilots to Production
• Commercial Real Estate and Agricultural Credit: Navigating the Credit Challenges
• Regulatory Landscape: Complexity Amid Deregulation
• The Deposit Wars Continue: Protecting Your Funding Base
• Technology Investment Priorities That Actually Matter
• Strategic Positioning for Long-Term Success Amid M&A All Around Us

Who Should Attend

• CEOs and Presidents seeking strategic clarity on 2026's defining issues
• CFOs and ALCOs managing balance sheet risk and capital allocation decisions
• Chief Risk Officers and CCOs navigating evolving regulatory and operational risks
• Chief Lending Officers addressing CRE and Ag concentration and competitive pressures
• Retail Banking and Deposit Leaders defending and growing deposit franchises
• Chief Technology and Innovation Officers prioritizing technology investments
• Board Members providing oversight in a period of rapid transformation
• Compliance Officers preparing for new regulatory requirements

Learning Objectives

After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Identify key ways generative AI is transforming banking operations and decision-making
• Recognize major economic and financial trends shaping the banking environment
• Recognize how changes in customer behavior, technology, and non-bank competitors are influencing deposit competition and liquidity strategies in modern banking
• Distinguish strategic priorities banks must address to remain competitive