Top-tier education for the nation's community bankers.

In today's fast-paced business world, quickly analyzing large data sets is essential, especially in banking. With vast amounts of data at our fingertips, we can generate insights to guide decision-making. Best of all, effective data analytics can often be achieved using tools like Microsoft Excel that you likely already have. In addition, we will discuss how to begin using Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI within banking institutions.

We’ll launch your data analytics journey, starting with foundational concepts and data strategy building on those basics. Then, we’ll move into more in-depth analysis, including ways to build routines for automated data analysis. We will work through real-life examples, which will include items such as evaluating loan information, general ledger detail, employee expense reimbursements, and more.

The course will focus heavily on using Excel for data analysis, including functions like pivot tables, Power Query, and Power Pivot. Excel familiarity is recommended but no advanced Excel skills are required. We will begin with the basics and build up your proficiency throughout the 2.5 days. We will also walkthrough examples of use of Microsoft CoPilot, Claude, and ChatGPT.

Participants should come equipped with a laptop (preferrable a Windows based laptop) for hands-on exercises. We recommend having Excel’s Get & Transform tools (Power Query and Power Pivot) enabled.

To earn the Certified Community Bank Data & AI Specialist (CCBDAS) certification, you will be required to attend this program in its entirety, complete all assignments, and achieve a passing score on the certification exam. If you decide to enroll in the certification testing after you register for the class, please contact an ICBA Education representative at 800-422-7285.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the components of a data strategy and how to identify useful data. 
• Execute data analysis effectively within your bank. 
• Utilize the functionalities available in the Microsoft suite of products for comprehensive data analysis. 
• Utilize generative AI to analyze data for unusual trends and outliers.

After years of navigating a challenging interest rate landscape—with shrinking margins and rising funding costs—2025 brought a welcome turning point: expanding margins and stronger earnings. Yet as we move through this easing cycle, one pressing question looms: What comes next?

With the Federal Reserve having delivered 175 basis points of rate cuts from late 2024 through 2025, senior management and ALCOs continue to face the dual challenges of uncertainty and volatility. Will the Fed achieve a soft landing, or could the US economy tip into recession in 2026? While the path forward remains unclear, policymakers have signaled the potential for additional rate cuts—making strategic planning more crucial than ever.

This seminar is designed for CEOs, CFOs, and investment officers ready to take control of the next rate cycle. Learn how to protect your balance sheet, optimize margins, and strengthen your investment portfolio amidst uncertainty. Join us for an engaging, forward-looking discussion on:

• Economic and Market Update
• The Fed’s Next Moves
• Industry Trends
• Regulatory Hot Topics and Focus Items
• Interest Rate Risk Management Best Practices
• Liquidity Risk Management Best Practices
• Investment Portfolio Strategies for Today’s Environment

Accurate documentation is the backbone of a successful CRA program. This in-depth class focuses on how to properly capture and report community development activities —including loans, investments and services, so you receive full credit during CRA evaluations.

Through practical examples and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn best practices for organizing data, aligning activities with regulatory requirements, and building documentation that tells a compelling story of your institution’s impact.