Information technology solutions continue to evolve creating opportunities for community banks to increase efficiency, improve service capabilities, and better safeguard customers.  Your ability to understand how these solutions can be applied to your bank's current technology platform can mean all the difference in today's competitive environment. Developed for community bank IT managers and officers, the IT Institute provides solutions to strengthen existing IT security capabilities, develop operational efficiencies, create business continuity solutions, enhance social marketing capabilities, and more. To earn the Certified Community Bank Technology Officer (CCBTO) certification, you will be required to attend this program in its entirety, complete all assignments, and achieve a passing score on the certification exam(s). If you decide to enroll in the certification testing after you register for the class, please contact an ICBA Education representative at 800-422-7285 Learning Objectives Understand IT budgeting and systems selection. Learn cloud trends. Be familiar with asset management. Gain knowledge of cybersecurity tactics.

The Board’s Responsibility in Managing the Credit Portfolio The largest asset your bank has is the credit portfolio. Mismanagement of this aspect is all too easy and carries with it dire outcomes. Growth in higher risk loans outside your established parameters can lead to losses, declining earnings, stressed ratios, and possible regulatory actions such as Matters Requiring Attention, Memorandum of Understanding or worse, a Consent Decree. It is imperative that the board have a strong hand in the credit process. This includes setting the core credit priorities, approving the credit policy, approving larger deals but also monitoring the credit portfolio to assure it aligns with the bank’s risk appetite and strategic goals. This session explores how boards can build a strong credit foundation through the right culture, governance, and oversight practices. Participants will gain practical insights into evaluating credit processes, monitoring portfolio health, and addressing emerging risks in commercial real estate and agricultural lending before they become larger challenges.  Learning Objectives Understand the board's role in establishing credit priorities, overseeing the credit process, and maintaining a strong credit culture. Learn the governance structures and oversight practices that support effective portfolio development and alignment with the bank's risk appetite. Gain a foundational understanding of credit analysis to assess whether proposed loans meet bank standards. Learn how to effectively monitor portfolio performance through key reports and director actions. Examine risks associated with commercial investment real estate and agricultural lending and identify actions to address emerging credit concerns before they affect the bank. Register for all four Bank Director Forums and save $200!

The best way to solve your client’s cash shortfall is to have proper credit structure in the financing you provide. The right structure will allow your borrower to repay the line of credit with a cushion and avoid troubled credit later. This session examines the eight key credit structure requirements, defining and discussing the best use of each. Instruction will help to determine the right line of credit amount to match your borrower’s request by providing a scientific approach you can use to choose the best line of credit suited for the specific borrower.   Learning Objectives: Identify and define the eight key credit structure requirements and describe how each contributes to a sound financing solution. Explain the role of proper credit structure in addressing borrower cash shortfalls and reducing the risk of future credit problems. Assess borrower working capital and cash flow requirements to determine an appropriate line of credit structure. Recognize common credit structuring mistakes that can lead to troubled loans and increased portfolio risk. Duration: 60-minutes Presented live and recorded on 09/03/26.

Assessing creditworthiness of a borrower is about information. This course focuses on the critical issues arising through preparation of financial statements by the borrower, the role of accountants, the calculation of key ratios, and the use of financial statements in the credit decision process. Through practical applications for the community bank, learn how you can make a positive impact on your bank's bottom line and improve loan decision making. Learning Objectives: Review accounting principles and financial statement construction. Discuss necessary reclassification of income on financial statements. Become familiar with the Financial Analysis Process. Review key financial ratios used to assess borrower performance. Use the discount code MULTI_CFSA and receive $100 off when you register for both the Financial Statement Analysis and Cash Flow Analysis sessions!