2026 IBA Bank Management and Policy Conference

9:45 am Refreshment Break

10:00 am Overcoming Strategic Contradictions in The Banking C-Suite
Sponsored by Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Sean Payant, Haberfeld 
From account opening policies to fee structures, many financial institutions rely on common — but critically flawed — misconceptions that stifle their growth. This session looks at the strategic risks of “conventional wisdom,” and where financial institutions’ longstanding beliefs collide with their data. You’ll see how banking providers can overcome the inertia of familiar frameworks with data-powered strategies that more effectively inform decision-making at every level.

11:00 am Break

11:15 am ABA Chairman’s Update and Deposit Insurance Reform Panel
Kenneth Kelly, ABA Chairman; Abe Tubbs, IBA Chair; and Adam Gregg, IBA President and CEO
Hear about the recommendations, ask questions, and provide feedback on proposed updates to deposit insurance and resolutions framework to make the system more equitable, transparent and stronger during times of stress. The ABA Chairman Kenneth Kelly, Chairman and CEO of First Independence Corp and First Independence Bank, a minority depository institution based in Detroit, Michigan will also provide an update on federal issues. 

12:15 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Update from the Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird
Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird will provide an update on recent work her office is doing, including combatting fraud. Iowa’s Attorney General (AG) Brenna Bird and the IBA are actively combating financial fraud, particularly crypto scams and social media impersonations, through consumer warnings, lawsuits against scammers, new state crypto laws, and joint awareness campaigns like “Money Cents” to educate Iowans on protecting personal info and recognizing threats like fake refunds or government imposter scams.

2:00 pm Break

2:20 p.m. Survive or Thrive
Sean Collins, Performance Trust
Community Banking is changing quickly. The fastest rate rise in over two centuries, rapid inflation, and antiquated tools for measuring risk have created a turbulent banking environment, making each capital allocation decision more critical. This session will share ideas to make disciplined, long-term-minded finance decisions efficiently with the goal of growing your institution’s value and strategic flexibility.

3:20 pm Break

3:40 p.m. Legislative Update

5:00 p.m. Legislative Reception at the Des Moines Heritage Center
Sponsored by SHAZAM
Des Moines Heritage Center
Engage with Iowa legislators at this casual event following the conference. This event aims to foster meaningful conversations between bankers and policy makers who shape the regulatory landscape.

6:30 p.m. Reception ends

Wednesday, February 11

7:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by Cronin Legal Group, PLC

8:30 am Economic Outlook from Esther George
Sponsored by MIB
Esther George, Kansas City
As former president and CEO of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Esther George will share her perspective on the economy based on more than four decades of experience at the Fed. As an expert in monetary policymaking and global economic trends, she is an advocate for policies that promote long-term economic growth and financial resilience, while being mindful of the risks associated with excessive monetary accommodation.

9:45 am Break

10:00 am Superintendent of Banking Update
James Johnson, Iowa Division of Banking
Listen to Iowa Superintendent of Banking share current banking issues and trends affecting Iowa banks. Johnson will share current stats and issues to be aware of for your bank’s safety and soundness.

10:30 am Break

10:45 am AI in Action: Real Banking Applications That Deliver Value Today
Ben Udell, Marquis
Generative AI is no longer optional; your team is already using it whether you know it or not. The question isn’t if banks should adopt it, but how to do it responsibly, securely, and effectively. We’ll explore the current regulatory landscape and risks surrounding generative AI platforms. You’ll learn how to approach these tools with the right mindset, guardrails, and use cases to safely unlock next-level productivity and creativity across your team and bank. You’ll see practical, banking-specific use cases in action. This session will give you the confidence and clarity to take the next step without falling behind.

Noon Conference adjourns