Insights from S&P Global's 2023 Community Bankers Conference

The 2023 Community Bankers Conference, hosted by S&P Global, brings together influential executives, board members, investors, technology providers, and advisors to discuss strategic issues and actions for success in the community banking industry. SRA Watchtower actively participated in the event, with our representatives playing a crucial role in the conference as a Gold Level sponsor and panel speaker at this year's event.

The Community Bankers Conference is a prominent platform for community banks to share their visions, address strategic challenges, and explore avenues for future success for the past 12 years. This year's theme was “Excelling through volatility, Innovating to Thrive” offering panel discussions, networking events, and one-on-one conversations that aim to equip participants with both immediate solutions and input to a long-term vision. The conference also celebrated the achievements of top-performing community banks and provided valuable learning opportunities.

SRA Watchtower's Presence and Representation

SRA Watchtower made a strong presence at the Community Bankers Conference 2023, demonstrating their commitment to supporting community banks in navigating the evolving landscape. SRA Watchtower's representatives, Ed Vincent, Shawn Ryan, and Chris Harper attended the event and actively contributed to the discussions and knowledge sharing. Notably, Shawn Ryan, our CFO and community bank and risk management expert, sat on a panel titled: “Third-Party Risk Management: A New Spin on an Old Story.”. His insights shed light on the challenges and best practices associated with managing risks arising from relationships with external vendors and partners, specifically FinTechs. With the increasing reliance of community banks on technology and fintech solutions, understanding and effectively mitigating third-party risks has become paramount from a safety and soundness and strategic success perspective.

The Community Bankers Conference 2023 serves as an important platform for community banks to navigate strategic issues and explore future prospects. SRA Watchtower's expertise in areas such as, risk intelligence, third-party risk management and strategic planning are instruments that  help community banks position themselves for success in an ever-changing industry. Through our active involvement, SRA Watchtower reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community banks and fostering their growth and resilience in the face of turbulent times within the industry.

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