CBA’s Johnson and Acting Comptroller of the Currency Hsu Kick Off CBA LIVE 2024
Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) President and CEO Lindsey Johnson and Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu today kicked off CBA’s annual conference, CBA LIVE 2024, before nearly 1,700 industry leaders, over 650 of which are senior-level bankers.
In her opening remarks, CBA’s Johnson touted the positive impact America’s leading retail banks have on communities across the nation to finance the American dream for small business owners, first time homebuyers, and more:
“Across the country, across time zones, across different cultures and socioeconomic status, CBA member banks are there – For the People. Through wars, through pandemics, from recessions to booms, America’s leading banks have remained a constant presence in communities across this nation.”
On the retail banking industry operating in a heightened regulatory environment:
“We also face real threats from regulatory overreach—with at least a dozen significant policy issues and a regulatory environment that stands to reshape banking. The cumulative pressure of these proposals today will directly impact how you do your work tomorrow. While CBA supports regulations that make our banks and financial system more safe and sound, these proposals come at a cost. And the costs of many of these proposals today now outweigh their benefits. More importantly, these higher costs are ultimately borne by consumers, who also bear the brunt of less access and less choice.”
In prepared remarks to CBA LIVE 2024 attendees and in a subsequent fireside chat with Johnson, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu spoke about ensuring public trust in banking:
“Today, there's broad recognition by bank leaders that persistent inequality breeds mistrust, and that supporting financial inclusion is table stakes for those engaged in consumer banking. In short, successfully balancing innovation growth with safety and soundness and fairness is getting harder. Consumer banking and compliance are more inextricably linked than ever before, and this presents a challenge and an opportunity for banks and how they approach compliance.”
CBA’s Johnson, CBA Board Chair Quincy Miller of Eastern Bank, and two other board members – Berkshire Bank’s CEO Nitin Mhatre and BMO’s Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking Ernie Johannson – held a panel discussion on the regulatory landscape, and the vital role that banks, particularly regional banks, will play in the communities they serve.
Mhatre on the shifting banking landscape:
"Large regulations used to be once every ten years [...] now we are dealing with a dozen at the same time [...] As a result, innovation takes the back seat."
Miller echoed those sentiments, stating:
"This is the new norm, its not going away anytime soon [...] It is reshaping how we operate as bankers, and ultimately, how we deliver for consumers."
Johannson reiterated America’s leading banks’ purpose:
"We have to remain focused on the customer throughout all this [...] We have to stay true to our purpose as bankers – to help Americans make real financial progress."
Looking Ahead
Highlights for tomorrow, March 26, include:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra will speak at 12:55 p.m. EDT
- Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi and U.S. Bank’s Executive Vice President, Consumer Segments Arijit Roy will have a fireside chat at 1:35 p.m. EDT
- The Center for Generational Kinetics President Jason Dorsey and Citizens Financial Vice Chair, Head of Consumer Banking Brendan Coughlin will have a fireside chat 1:55 p.m. EDT
To view the full detailed schedule, click HERE. To view the livestream, click HERE.
Background
Entering its 15th year, CBA LIVE attracts the top leaders and influencers from across the country who gather to discuss the most pressing issues facing the retail banking industry. With more than 60 hours of dynamic programming and 16 forum sessions tailored to different bank segments, CBA LIVE offers key insights for professionals motivated to learn new trends and share ideas with the most influential decision makers in the business.
