Amid the past year’s shifting political environment, replete with the prospect of financial deregulation (or, at least, changing regulation), this may be the most crucial season to get out, network, and see what business and partnership possibilities the banking sector is talking about and making happen.
Gatherings like the ones listed below can be idea generators. Or they can act like gauges or mirrors as executives and banks measure where their thinking is, in comparison to innovators and competitors.
They can also serve as a chance to check in on the status of burgeoning technology, such as artificial intelligence, as well as the evolving offerings of fintechs and the ever-changing expectations of compliance.
Top banking conferences in 2025
These are some of the most talked-about gatherings in the banking space.
America’s Credit Unions Strategic Growth Conference
Aug. 18-20
Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Austin, Texas
Promises a window into innovation, including information on embracing generative AI technologies, the advantages of open banking, the future of predictive analytics, and partnerships and fintechs.
Sept. 8-10
Marriott Marquis Times Square, New York City
Covers themes such as small-business banking, embedded finance, AI, open banking, anti-fraud measures, cryptocurrency and stablecoins. Executives from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citi, U.S. Bank, Truist and Grasshopper are slated to speak.
America’s Credit Unions Large Credit Union Summit
Sept. 9-10
Hyatt Regency, Washington, D.C.
Features meetings with the National Credit Union Association’s top examination and supervision office, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Supervision, Enforcement & Fair Lending. There’s also a roundtable for chief risk and chief compliance officers and general counsel from credit unions with more that $1 billion in assets.
Sept. 15-16
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Expect a focus on open banking, customer experience and engagement, API-driven partnerships and AI. Truist’s Dontá Wilson and Santander’s Swati Bhatia are expected to speak, along with executives from Citizens Bank, Fifth Third, Old National, TD and more.
American Bankers Association Annual Convention
Oct. 19-21
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Focuses on responding to regulatory shifts, harnessing digital transformation, increasing growth and profitability, developing the workforce and navigating M&A. First Citizens CEO Frank Holding is among this year’s keynote speakers.
The Most Powerful Women in Banking
Oct. 21-22
The Glasshouse, New York City
American Banker’s marquee event to celebrate achievement, innovation and paths forward for women executives. Last year’s speakers included representatives from JPMorgan Chase, Citi, BNY, Huntington and others.
Oct. 26-29
The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
Among the premier gathering spots for firms at the crossroads of fintech and banking. Apart from dozens of discussions on any number of topics, companies occasionally break news of their innovations here. Keynote speakers include U.S. Bank CEO Gunjan Kedia, BNY CEO Robin Vince, Navy Federal CEO Dietrich Kuhlmann and NCUA Chair Kyle Hauptman.
The Clearing House Annual Conference
Nov. 4-5
Convene Brookfield Place, New York City
This event carries a distinct regulatory bent, with discussions on current market trends, shifting technology, drivers of the competitive landscape and M&A activity. Last year’s keynote speakers included Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller and JPMorgan Chase’s chief data officer, Teresa Heitsenrether.
Dec. 2-4
Convene, Sancroft, St Paul’s, London
Hosted by Financial Times, this event promises an international perspective on innovation and particularly complex issues. Speakers include the CEOs of HSBC, Barclays, Ally and, in what may provide insight on how to resist a hostile takeover attempt, Commerzbank.
Conferences marked with an asterisk are owned by Informa, the parent company of Industry Dive.
