When you imagine banking 10, 15 or 25 years ago, you quickly realize the breathtaking pace of change affecting the industry. Consolidation, competition and convenience have redefined relationships and profit margins. And as banking becomes ever more digital, new threats and opportunities continuously battle for attention.

Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference has been helping bankers adapt to a rapidly evolving marketplace since 1993. The conference draws bankers and financial services professionals from across the country because it delivers information vital to survival in a hyper-competitive industry. 

Bob Monroe, a longtime banking attorney at Stinson Leonard Street LLP, has presented at the Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference for 24 of the conference’s 25 years. He has witnessed the industry’s transformation through the eyes of his clients—more than 150 banks and financial services companies both big and small.

“This conference is an accurate forecaster of what may come in the next 12 to 24 months,” Monroe said. “I decided early on that it was key to attend annually.”

Monroe first got involved with the conference to grow his practice and build nationwide connections. As the conference grew and Monroe continued to present, Stinson sent more of its attorneys to the event and began sponsoring dinners and breakfasts, enabling those attending the conference to gather and talk about emerging trends and solutions to industry-wide problems.

Today, Monroe says, cybersecurity is the primary issue facing the financial services industry. “Cyberattacks are a serious threat to everybody, and that means all banks and all consumers.”

Monroe acknowledges that cybersecurity is a more serious threat at bigger banks with multiple locations, as that business model realizes an economy of scale with its investments in online services and banking apps. Smaller banks don’t have the resources to develop the same breadth of digital services. However, that doesn’t mean that smaller banks are immune to cyber threats or, for that matter, other issues that could be even more threatening.

For example, Monroe notes that thorough succession planning is an absolute necessity for family owned banks. If a succession plan isn’t in place, transfer of ownership will likely be more costly and cumbersome.

Monroe’s conference presentations often include other bankers and professional advisors as well as case studies that illuminate the pros and cons of deals, decisions and digital operations.

“I have found that the Acquire or Be Acquired audience appreciates real-life examples,” Monroe said, “because they show actual results, not simply process or theory.”

This year’s conference focuses on mergers and acquisitions as well as sessions aimed at growing and expanding banks and tackling topics such as fintech and branch transformation.

“Offering a dynamic range of programming, Acquire or Be Acquired helps those in the banking industry plan ahead and see what others are doing to be successful,” Monroe said.

Whether you’re a first-time conference-goer or a longtime participant, Monroe offers this advice: “Be sure you stick around and network. That’s when the good stuff happens.”

Please note, the choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. Past results do not guarantee future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.