In This Episode This week host Jason Henrichs hears about all that he unfortunately missed at Bank Director's annual AOBA (Acquire Or Be Acquired) conference for bank senior leadership from Bank Director rock stars and conference session and track leaders, Emily McCormick, VP of Editorial & Research and Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor. They cover it all from banking sector challenges, innovations, and market outlook to enthusiasm for balance sheets (yes!), deposits, and necessity of tech adoption for growth and the future. Read the entire transcript here. Podcast Content: Chapter 1: [00:00] Welcome and Overview The hosts introduce the episode, highlighting its focus on the Acquire or Be Acquired (AOBA) conference and trends shaping the banking industry. Chapter 2: [05:15] Vibes from AOBA 2024 Discussion with Emily McCormick and Kia Haslett about the optimistic yet cautious atmosphere at the conference and key insights from industry leaders. Chapter 3: [15:30] The Quest for Deposits An exploration of the challenges banks face in attracting and retaining deposits, including the evolving importance of balance sheet strategies. Chapter 4: [25:50] Technology Adoption as Mandatory How digital transformation has shifted from optional to essential for banks, with practical strategies for prioritizing tech investments. Chapter 5: [35:40] Talent and Leadership in Banking The ongoing challenges of succession planning, talent retention, and the skillsets needed for leadership in a tech-driven banking environment. Chapter 6: [45:15] The State of Bank M&A Insights into why M&A activity has slowed, including the impact of balance sheet considerations, unrealized losses, and pricing challenges. Chapter 7: [55:00] The Role of AI in Banking’s Future How artificial intelligence is addressing efficiency and operational challenges, and its practical applications for modern banks. Chapter 8: [01:05:30] Closing Reflections on AOBA 2024 The hosts reflect on the conference's themes, including the necessity of proactive decision-making and the importance of aligning leadership with industry trends. Related Content: Episode 476: Bank Mergers in the Garden of Good and Evil Episode 496: Leaders and Leadership Innovations in Lending at LendIt2017 FinTech: XFinance and Self-Driving Cars Payments Conference 2014! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBBVrehJ3Yg