Amid the past year’s shifting political environment, replete with rapidly changing regulation, the coming year will be among the most crucial to get out, network, and see what business and partnership possibilities the banking sector is talking about and making happen.
Gatherings like the ones listed below can be idea generators. Or they can act like gauges or mirrors as executives and banks measure where their thinking is, in comparison to innovators and competitors.
They can also serve as a chance to check in on the status of burgeoning technology, such as artificial intelligence, as well as the evolving offerings of fintechs and the ever-changing expectations of compliance.
Top banking conferences in 2026
Feb. 10-11
InterContinental, O2, London, U.K.
This jaunt overseas boasts a higher quotient of senior banking officers and investors than other conferences in the fintech space. You can expect the British banks to show, sure: Executives from HSBC and Lloyds are slated to speak. Increasingly, U.S. banks — including JPMorgan Chase and Citi this year — are making appearances, too. Challengers such as Starling and Bunq are also sending representatives.
ABA Conference for Community Bankers
Feb. 15-17
JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
Tailored toward smaller banks that think big, this executive management conference offers strategies, contacts and insights into profitability, human capital, technology, innovation, payments and commercial real estate lending. Speakers this year come from banks of varying sizes, from Bank of Utah and Chesapeake Bank, to Wintrust and Dime, to global institutions like BNY.
March 2-3
Westin, Denver, Colorado
This is for bankers responsible for bringing AI from the experimental phase to strategic deployment. The program touches on predictive risk modeling, AI-driven payments, compliance automation and ethical governance. Beyond that, several participating banks — such as Fifth Third, Huntington and PNC — are growing through acquisition. Another participant, GM Financial, was recently approved for a charter. And challengers such as Varo and Grasshopper are onboard, too.
March 6-9
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California
Couched as the largest annual gathering of community bankers, the Independent Community Bankers of America’s annual event boasts sessions on workforce development, digital innovation, lending, risk, growth and strategy.
March 9-11
Marriott Marquis Washington D.C.
Promises insight from lawmakers and policy innovators. Last year’s event featured remarks from FDIC Acting Chair Travis Hill, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott and Democratic Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Warner.
March 30-April 1
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, California
A retail-banking mecca, last year’s event by the Consumer Bankers Association drew more than 1,700 attendees. Featured speakers this year include PNC Head of Retail Banking Alex Overstrom, City National CEO Howard Hammond, SoFi CEO Anthony Noto and Circle President (and former CFTC chief) Heath Tarbert.
April 13-15
Aria, Las Vegas, Nevada
A gathering centered on strategy sessions. But its features include “Forum X,” a series of short keynotes in the style of TEDx talks. It also features “CMO Masterminds,” with conversations tailored toward the marketing side of banking. It typically draws talent from outside the finance sphere. Speakers this year include Liquid Death CEO Mike Cessario and Vernice Armour, a Marine veteran credited as America’s first Black female combat pilot.
May 5-7
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California
One entrepreneur allegedly called this event a “fintech petting zoo.” But beyond fintech, it draws established names, including attendees from each of the top 10 banks in the U.S. by assets under management.
June 2-4, the RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Money20/20’s marquee annual blowout may be stateside in the fall, but those looking for a primer (or a good excuse to cross the pond) could gather here. This year’s headliners include ABN Amro CEO Marguerite Bérard and Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi.
Sept. 14-15
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Expect a focus on open banking, customer experience and engagement, API-driven partnerships and AI. Among 2025’s speakers were Truist’s Dontá Wilson and Santander’s Swati Bhatia, along with executives from Citizens Bank, Fifth Third, Old National, TD and more.
Conferences marked with an asterisk are owned by Informa TechTarget, the parent company of Industry Dive.
