Event Summary

Amid slowing loan growth, increased competition, and customers’ preference for a digital experience, regional banks need to rethink their business model to remain competitive. The hunt for good-quality earning assets is a challenge, as rising interest rates tend to make businesses postpone their capital expenditure decisions. The problem is compounded by the presence of alternate lenders like fintech firms, lending clubs, credit hedge funds, and private equities, which are attracting customers by offering lower interest rates and promising a digital experience.

The event focused on ways regional banks can reimagine their business model to remain resilient in this challenging environment.

James Gulka, Corporate Credit Officer at Key Equipment Finance (KeyBank),, presented current challenges and unique ways to counter such headwinds.

Rajul Sood, Head of Commercial Lending at Acuity Knowledge Partners presented different scenarios on how banks are transforming their lending operations to remain efficient.