Michael Beird

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, but meeting their unique banking needs requires tailored strategies and innovative solutions. This panel will explore how banks and credit unions can strengthen their small business banking offerings to drive growth, deepen relationships, and create long-term value for both the institution and the businesses they serve. Industry leaders will share insights into designing specialized products, streamlining loan processes, and leveraging technology to provide personalized support for small business owners. The discussion will also address challenges such as building in the processes and features that can small business clients, balancing risk management with accessibility, and delivering seamless service across channels. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to position their institutions as indispensable partners to small businesses in their communities. 

• Building products and services tailored to small business needs 
• Streamlining approvals and improving access to credit for small businesses 
• Leveraging data and technology to deliver personalized support and advice 

As the cannabis industry continues to expand, banking leaders must stay ahead of shifting regulations, evolving risks, and emerging opportunities. This session will provide a comprehensive update on the current state of cannabis banking in the U.S., including the latest federal and state guidelines, compliance considerations, and risk management strategies. Whether you’re actively serving CRBs or evaluating the opportunity, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this rapidly changing space with confidence. Attendees will gain insights into: 

• Researching whether the Cannabis market is right for your institution 
• Understanding the legal complexities surrounding cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) 
• Building rails for identifying and onboarding cannabis customers to remain in compliance in case of audits 

Digital lending platforms are transforming access to credit—but overcoming risks, streamlining processes without losing personalization, and addressing customer skepticism remain key challenges today! Our panel will be bringing their passion for lending to the table alongside forward-thinking approaches to online lending to give you a view into how to make the most out of your loan lines. Join this panel to hear actionable solutions for:

• Integrating digital lending partners, platforms, automation and AI for underwriting, and more

• Simplifying loan application processes without sacrificing personalization

• Overcoming customer skepticism about digital lending services

• Transforming digital lending to serve more customers quicker, and responsibly