The 2026 version of the now famous “Ultimate Q&A” with Philip and Jeff takes a slightly new approach by addressing “Is It True?” Bring all the questions you always wanted the answers to but were afraid to ask, and make sure you frame them as “Is It True?”

For example: Is it true that a bank’s organizational structure could hurt its performance? Is it true that I don’t always have to do what the regulators say? Is it true that listing my stock on an exchange could be detrimental? Is it true that I don’t have to accept an offer from a credit union, even if it is a good deal? 

Presented by: Gerrish Smith Tuck

Whether they’re driving user engagement, improving operational efficiency, or unlocking new revenue streams, payments are a strategic asset. Join this lively panel discussion to gain practical insights into how modernizing your bank’s payment services can help you better compete for consumers and small businesses. 

Presented by: Jack Henry

A moderated panel of federal regulators will answer audience questions regarding consumer protection rules and other compliance centered topics. This session is an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the regulators on what they deem are hot topics, areas to focus on, and what to expect over the next year.

Additionally, hear about the latest enforcement actions and the primary issues that the agencies are finding in compliance examinations. 

Presented by: ICBA

Community banks face mounting challenges: rising fraud risks, evolving customer expectations, and increasing regulatory pressures. This session explores how community banks can use AI automation and work intelligence to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and deepen customer relationships — without losing the human touch.

Attendees will gain actionable strategies, real-world use cases, and a forward-looking view of how banks of all sizes can responsibly embrace AI to thrive in the digital era. 

Presented by: HuLoop Automation 

Behind every credit or operations team is a set of often overlooked metrics telling a powerful story. Drawing on real-world trends across community and regional banks, this session will examine how indicators like exception percentages, collateral and policy exceptions, risk rating distributions, and loan maintenance activity reveal deeper insights into operational discipline and credit health.

Whether you're preparing for acquisition or planning to scale independently, this session will equip you with a sharper understanding of the KPIs that drive sustained success and how to benchmark your institution accordingly. 

Presented by: Teslar Software

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how banks operate and how consumers think, learn, and decide about their financial lives. Yet while institutions pour resources into AI-driven efficiency and personalization, the consumer mindset isn’t evolving at the same pace.

This disconnect is now influencing trust, loyalty, and long-term growth potential. In this exclusive session, new data gathered from thousands of consumers and small businesses nationwide, will reveal how people perceive, understand, and respond to AI in their everyday banking interactions. 

You’ll see where curiosity turns into confidence, and where confusion creates risk for your brand. By connecting these findings to real marketing and leadership decisions, participants will leave with data-driven direction to strengthen brand perception, deepen loyalty, and align their AI narrative with what customers value today. 

Presented by: Rivel Banking Research 

This session explores the foundational principles and strategic approaches that drive profitability in banking, regardless of asset size. From community banks, we’ll examine how financial performance is shaped by core banking functions, risk management, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.

Attendees will gain insights into scalable business models and innovative practices that support sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive financial landscape.

Presented by: CLA

In community banking, leadership isn’t just about WHAT you build, it’s about WHO you build. This workshop will help bank leaders embrace a “successional mindset,” equipping them to multiply leadership at every level. With more than a decade of experience training 30,000+ leaders, we provide a clear, 5-step framework (Learn → Execute → Own → Develop → Reproduce) that moves leaders from personal growth to intentional succession planning.

Participants will learn to identify roadblocks like fear or tunnel vision, align leadership style with team growth, and create actionable succession plans that prepare the next generation of leaders. Through interactive discussion and practical tools, attendees leave ready to identify, equip, and empower future leaders—ensuring long-term stability and impact for their bank and the communities they serve. Because the future of community banks depends on the leaders we raise today. 

Presented by: Wildsparq

Strategic thinking isn’t just a C-suite skill — it’s a core competency needed at every level of an organization. Yet, research shows that one in three employees lacks the strategic literacy to do their job effectively, and two in five employers believe this gap is widespread across their teams. When leaders — from rising managers to seasoned executives — struggle to think and act strategically, it limits an organization’s capacity for innovation, agility, and long-term success. This interactive session goes beyond theory to explore the practical practices that foster strategic acumen across your organization, while also tying in the critical role of succession planning in sustaining that growth. 

Presented by: DDJ Myers

In an increasingly competitive and regulated banking environment, community banks are under significant pressure to grow through innovation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and market or product expansion. However, pursuing growth without a clear legal and compliance framework can expose banks to significant risks, including regulatory enforcement, contractual disputes, and reputational harm. 

Presented by: Winthrop & Weinstine 

Hear directly from the heads of supervision at the prudential bank regulators about the latest regulatory priorities and supervisory trends in safety and soundness. From Executive Orders to agency staffing and regulatory changes, learn how the current administration is approaching bank supervision, capital and liquidity requirements, risk management frameworks, and enforcement.

This session is designed for community bankers to engage with the panelists, ask questions, and hear directly from agency staff. 

Presented by: ICBA

The ACH system has been rolling out fraud rules for the past few years, with major compliance deadlines in 2026. These rules are focused on the receiving institutions and should change your ACH procedures. Join this session to ensure that you are prepared for the fraud ACH monitoring. This session will discuss false pretenses, name matching, behavior tolerances & pattern recognition, and dollar tolerances for your bank and the posting of ACH credits. 

Presented by: Nacha 

Learn five key strategies Farmer Mac is using to help ag banks navigate the current ag economy and withstand stiff competition. Find out about new tools the farm bill allows for ag bankers and their customers via Farmer Mac’s updated authorities including an analysis of ACRE. This session will also discuss land value trends. 

Presented by: Farmer Mac 

Key farm bill policy changes and better export markets could improve the farm safety net, including price supports, crop insurance enhancements, and guaranteed farm loan changes. Producers utilizing these tools, combined with sound crop marketing strategies, will have an important toolbox in the years ahead. This session will discuss strategies, policy outlook, and trade/tariffs. 

Presented by: Ag & Food Policy Center, Texas A&M 

Join ICBA’s leading experts on digital assets legislation and regulation for a discussion about what recent developments will mean for community banks.

ICBA’s Brian Laverdure, Senior Vice President, Digital Assets & Innovation, Amy Ledig, Vice President, Capital, Accounting & Finance Policy and Susan Sullivan, SVP Congressional Relations, will lead a conversation about the implementation of GENIUS for payment stablecoins and answer your questions about the opportunities and risks associated with this growing sector of payments. 

Presented by: ICBA 

Artificial intelligence. Bitcoin. Blockchain. Stablecoins. Crypto. Decentralized finance. Disintermediation. These are foundational components of the modern financial services system. These new technologies and concepts differ from traditional community banking. They are impacting community banks today and will continue to do so in the future.

Many community bankers do not have an elementary or working knowledge of these modern and evolving financial products and services. Given their growth and expectations for continued prevalence, and impact on community banking, every community banker should have at least a fundamental understanding of these items and what it may mean for the community banking industry. This session will give a straightforward and simple explanation of modern financial services and how they are currently and may continue to impact community banks. 

Presented by: Gerrish Smith Tuck 

As community banks face increased scrutiny over their model risk governance frameworks, many compliance and risk professionals are finding themselves responsible for model risk management (MRM) for the first time.

This session offers a foundational overview of MRM, explaining key concepts, roles, regulatory expectations, and the lifecycle of a model - from implementation through validation and retirement. 

Presented by: Darling Consulting Group

As deposit competition intensifies, having a continuous flow of low-cost local deposits and a constant, reliable non-brokered source of ready deposits is essential for a strong, cost-effective funding profile. This session explores practical strategies for consistent organic deposit growth through targeted digital outreach informed by peer benchmarking insights. Attendees will also learn how to integrate a strategic wholesale funding source that provides flexibility when organic growth alone cannot meet funding needs. 

Presented by: QwickRate 

Capital remains an important element for banks, whether the bank intends to grow organically or acquire other institutions. Many banks are seeking alternative forms of capital to fund growth opportunities and enhance enterprise to take advantage of the anticipated economic environment in 2026.

This presentation will discuss keys to capital plans and planning, as well as describe a number of creative ways community banks can raise both offensive and defensive capital in the current market. 

Presented by: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

This educational program is designed to help community banks enhance their competitive edge and relevance in the market. By offering a comprehensive suite of Treasury Management (TM) services, banks can attract new core deposits, increase non-interest fee income, and retain existing business customers.

To support this level of growth, your bank needs a strong infrastructure to sell, implement the right services, and support your business customers. The Learning Lab emphasizes the importance of leadership support, the right dedicated staff, and effective systems, processes, and providers. It outlines a strategic vision for TM starting with the implementation of a strong infrastructure. 

The program also covers the ideal process to develop or enhance your TM department, from obtaining Board and leadership support to implementing the plan and training the entire team. By understanding key systems, partnering with the right TM service providers, and understanding the risks involved, banks can achieve measurable results and effectively support their TM business customers.

Presented by: Malzahn Strategic, LLC 

Community banks today face the same sophisticated fraud and cyber threats as the largest global institutions—yet often with fewer resources to defend themselves. Fraudsters are increasingly organizing in hidden online communities, from encrypted messaging apps to dark-web forums, where they trade stolen cards, credentials, and attack methods designed to exploit smaller financial institutions. 

This session will pull back the curtain on how criminals target community banks, share real-world examples of the most common and effective schemes, and outline how banks can flip the script in the cat-and-mouse game of cybersecurity. 

Presented by: Overwatch Data 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agricultural lending by offering more accurate risk assessments, automating loan processes, and providing tailored financing to a historically unpredictable sector.

AI goes beyond traditional financing markers by using extensive datasets to offer a comprehensive picture of farm operations. This panel of Ag Bankers will discuss the risks and opportunities for rural banks. 

Presented by: Panel Discussion 

Community banks are navigating an era where digital transformation is not optional but essential. In this interactive Learning Lab, participants will explore how generative and agentic AI can reshape customer experience, accelerate employee development, and unlock new levels of operational efficiency.

Generative AI delivers personalized, real-time service, while agentic AI introduces systems capable of managing multi-step tasks with governance and oversight. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees will learn how these technologies are already being applied in community banking, and how to prepare their institutions for the next wave of AI-driven innovation. 

Presented by: Posh 

Most senior level leadership at community banks don’t have a background in information security, technology management, and vendor management, creating a unique challenge of oversight and governance.  

With the sunset of the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT), raising expectations for vendor management, and staffing challenges across the industry, the boardroom must adapt. This session equips senior leadership and directors with practical strategies to simplify oversight, fulfill fiduciary responsibilities, and reduce risk.

Attendees will learn why the sunset of the CAT is a unique challenge and opportunity, key steps to simplify governance even for the non-technical leader, and best practices to apply for your community bank. 

Presented by: Finosec 

Artificial intelligence can feel overwhelming, but at its best it isn’t about replacing people—it’s about helping bankers become more human. This session explores how AI can take on the busy work, giving community bankers more time and headspace to build trust, deepen relationships, and focus on meaningful conversations with customers.

Instead of drowning in routine tasks, attendees will see how AI can boost productivity and make them sharper, more attentive, and more valuable to their communities. You’ll leave with ideas you can put into action immediately—no computer science degree required. 

Presented by: WSI & TheLinkedBanker

Card issuing is a cornerstone of customer engagement and non-interest income — but how a community bank chooses to process those cards can make all the difference. Should you keep full control and liability, or rely on an agent bank model?

This session will explore the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of both approaches, helping community bankers make informed decisions that align with their strategy, resources, and risk appetite. 

Presented by: ICBA Payments 

This presentation will explore the evolving fraud landscape facing community banks and how community banks can leverage existing data to detect fraud.  We will highlight emerging fraud trends, examine real-world case studies, demonstrate how data analytics can uncover hidden patterns and introduce some advanced tools. 

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to leverage data to strengthen fraud defenses, reduce risk exposure, and build resilience in their banking operations. 

Presented by: Forvis Mazars, LLP 

In today's competitive environment, delivering an exceptional customer experience isn't optional-it's a leadership priority. This session will guide senior managers on how to lead a culture that intentionally designs, manages, and evaluates the customer experience across every touchpoint, interaction, and channel.

Customer expectations have evolved. It's no longer just about quality interactions at branches or over the phone. Your institution must seamlessly manage the entire customer journey from initial awareness to post-purchase service. Banks that excel in this will successfully capture relationships with key generations and market segments. 

Presented by: Cross Financial 

Exclusively at ICBA LIVE discover the latest findings from ICBA and Avannis' comprehensive studies on employee climate, onboarding, exit trends, internal service, manager effectiveness and compensation.

Drawing insights from the "Best Community Bank to Work For" study, custom employee research collected for community banks, and ICBA's Compensation and Benefit study, this session delivers timely, actionable, and data-driven insights to bolster your bank's workplace culture. Learn what keeps employees loyal, engaged, and eager to refer. 

Presented by: Avannis

Community banks often rely on spreadsheets and manual reports to demonstrate compliance with BSA/AML, fraud, and risk requirements. Examiners, however, expect consistent, well-documented evidence of SARs, CTRs, due diligence, and board reporting. 

This session explores where banks typically struggle, and how data, automation, AI, and cybersecurity can streamline compliance processes. Attendees will learn how to transform manual tasks into examiner-ready evidence, reduce burden on staff, and strengthen controls through practical, low-cost solutions. 

Presented by: CLA

Remaining independent is not an idea but the residual of planning. Community banks do not have the resources of publicly traded competitors. Accordingly, closely held banks must lay out a multi-year roadmap to address the liquidity needs of shareholders, estate and income taxation, funding sources, succession, compensation and growth. 

Presented by: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Explore how and where AI is helping (and impacting) community bank marketing in this interactive, no-judgement session. Hear real stories from fellow bankers, ask your questions, and walk away with more confidence and practical ideas for using AI in your bank’s marketing. 

Presented by: ICBA  

Farm income should be higher in 2026 due to high livestock prices and government payments. However, high input costs and low crop prices are jeopardizing the future of many producers. Learn what the outlook is for commodity prices and how producers can keep afloat moving forward. 

Presented by: Ag & Food Policy Center, Texas A&M 

Bank fraud has become a paradise for fraudsters simply because there are so many options ranging from old school check fraud to digital fraud. As a retail branch, you are at the forefront of being taken advantage of by these fraudsters and have the responsibility to be the first line of defense to stop the fraud.

This session explores current fraud trends and dives into how to mitigate fraud. Fraud topics include checks, online banking, instant payments, and wires. Join us in having an open discussion about what you are experiencing in your financial institution, so together, we can fight fraud!

This session will serve as a reminder of all the fraud opportunities available to the bad guys and how, as a financial institution, you can mitigate these losses. 

Presented by: ePayResources 

How are your peers dealing with declining deposits? Is there a solution for competitive rate pressure? Join us to find out what’s working now to strengthen deposit growth and generate higher campaign ROI. We’ll review the “top 7” winning deposit campaigns that are currently delivering results—highlighting the key components, the data analysis incorporated, and the outcomes achieved. 

Presented by: Infusion