BankChat 2025: Saltmarsh Financial Institutions Takes NashvilleCommunity Bank Risk Professionals Training Event Highlights

5/2/2025 - By Nancy Patton

Our annual banking event, BankChat, in Nashville, brought together community bank risk professionals and subject matter experts to explore the latest industry challenges and opportunities. From navigating regulatory changes to embracing technology and innovation, this year's BankChat was a must-attend event! If you couldn’t join us, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with the highlights!

Day 1 - Innovation, Regulation & Technology

Day 1 kicked off with Chris Black (CEO, Thread Bank) and Scott Gupton (EVP/COO, INSBANK) to discuss "Blue Oceans Strategy" and how customer-centric transformation can create new demand rather than compete for market share. Kevin Tran (Partner, Nelson Mullins) provided insights into potential legislative and regulatory changes in crypto, DeFi, and CBDCs. Colin Barrett (President/CEO, Tennessee Bankers Association) highlighted upcoming regulatory changes. Nick Schuster (National Sales Director, Cash Transactions LLC) enlightened the group on low-cost AI tools to enhance bank compliance needs, and Jeremy Hopwood (President/CEO, 5ironCyber) explored how misplaced focus can create vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of redefining priorities for digital asset protection.

Our industry friends, Jen Saylor (Senior Director, Credit Karma), Joe Webb (Managing Partner, The SERO Group), and Rob Ruff (Vice President, Strongpay), shared their thoughts on the evolving dynamics of third-party relationships from the fintech perspective. Ginger Devine (EVP/Chief Risk Officer, Citizens First Bank) and Regina Philips (Compliance Director, Raymond James Bank) offered strategies for developing comprehensive risk management frameworks. The Saltmarsh team of Jake Thurman, Michael Finley, Julie Longabach, and Josh Strickland, CPA, wrapped up Day 1 with a session on managing interest rate risk strategy, followed by a discussion on economic conditions and administrative policies with Paul Allen, CPA, CGMA.

Day 2 - Compliance, Leadership & Strategy

Day 2 began with breakout sessions hosted by Lorraine Faust, CRCM, and Brian Waters (President/COO, findCRA) on strategies for identifying and reporting community development activities. Jason Keith, CIA, CISA, reflected on lessons learned from the regulatory cycles of the last few administrations. Susann Goar, CAFP, Sallie O'Brien, AAP, APRP, and Michael Maricelli, CIA, CISA, AAP, CIA, AAP, took the stage to discuss best practices for mitigating risks in checks, wires, cards, ACH, and P2P transactions, emphasizing security and compliance. Saltmarsh Shareholder, Kristen Stogniew, Esq., CFE, led a panel discussion on strengthening teams, creating career paths, and ensuring continuity within the industry. Jonathan Turner, ACFE Regents (Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, Avanos Medical), closed out BankChat with a session on fraud psychology, exploring the motivations behind deception and the tactics used to exploit organizations.

Thank you to those who joined us for another successful event! We always enjoy the time learning and connecting with our friends in the industry. View the gallery above to see the fun!

Special thank you to our friends in the industry who helped make this event possible!

5ironCyber | Ncontracts | Cash Transactions | Nelson Mullins

Join Us Next Time!

Join us for our 20th annual community banking event, BankTalk! BankTalk will be held in Tampa, Florida, in September. Click here to join our email list to know when early bird registration opens.