Arkansas Community Bankers
2023 CFO-Financial Officers Conference 

9:45 – 10:00 Welcome and Registration - Chris Padgett CEO, Arkansas Community Bankers

10:00 – 10:50 Amy Peirce, Bank Strategic Solutions - Mergers and Acquisitions Risks
In this presentation, we will explore both the benefits and potential pitfalls of a community bank merger and acquisition, using a case study analysis. We will examine how a well-executed merger and acquisition can lead to increased profitability, economies of scale, and enhanced customer service. However, we will also discuss the potential challenges, such as cultural clashes, integration difficulties, and regulatory hurdles, that may arise during the merger and acquisition
process.

10:50 – 12:00 Dan Stimpson, ICBA Securities - CPA, Managing Director
Managing through lower liquidity, rising cost of funds, and margin pressures Aggressive Fed rate hikes and restrictive monetary policies have resulted in a significant swing in liquid positions for many banks.  The inversion in the yield curve and rise in short-term rates have contributed to rising cost of funds and net interest margin pressures. Loan demand funded by security sales, higher cost and typically short maturity CDs, borrowings and other wholesale funding sources is impacting interest rate risk profiles, wholesale funding concentrations and capital ratios.  During this session, we will review current strategies banks are utilizing to manage these pressure points for community banks.

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:50 Michael Wallace, Michael Wallace Consulting - Overview of Fair Lending Changes and Enforcement Update
This presentation provides an overview of the recent changes in fair lending regulations and enforcement updates. Attendees will learn about the new policies, guidelines, and procedures that financial institutions need to follow to comply with the fair lending laws. The session will also cover the recent enforcement actions, settlements, and penalties related to fair lending violations, and provide practical tips on how to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

1:50 – 2:40 Rochelle Jenkins, Forvis - C Corp vs S Corp
In this presentation, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of organizing a community bank as a C
Corporation versus an S Corporation. We will discuss the tax implications, ownership restrictions, and governance requirements for each type of corporation, and how they may impact the bank's ability to raise capital and attract investors. Attendees will gain insight into the various tax strategies available to community banks and the potential effects of soon-to-sunset tax provisions.

2:40 – 3:30 ICBAS, Jim Reber - The Long and the Short of It
For most of the last year, community banks have had to deal with an inverted yield curve. While inverted curves
normally correct in a few months, this cycle has been more durable, not to mention the deepest, in many years. What does this mean for your bank? We'll look across the balance sheet to find some pockets of value, and make some suggestions for when (or if) the curve steepens.

Delivery Method: Group Live/Virtual
Program Level: Overview
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
CPE Credits Available:  5

Course Policies: For more information on refunds, concerns and program cancellation policies, please contact our offices at 501-246-4975 or at chris@arcommunitybankers.com.

Arkansas Community Bankers is a member of the Arkansas Roster of CPE Sponsors, #139323. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org