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
Sept. 9-11
Marriott Marquis Times Square, New York City
Covers themes such as AI and innovation, customer experience and trust, as well as a debate on women in fintech. Current and former executives from Wells Fargo, Truist, U.S. Bank and KeyBank are slated to speak.
Sept. 14-15
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Promises to discuss the reinvention of digital-first banking with AI. Speakers include C-suite execs from M&T Bank, BMO and Varo Bank, as well as former FDIC chief-turned-Plaid executive Jelena McWilliams.
Sept. 20-23
JW Marriott, Austin, Texas
Offers insight on risk, governance, compensation trends, talent retention, cybersecurity strategy, growth opportunities, competitive threats and the impact of technology. Speakers include executives from Huntington, Western Alliance and Columbia Bank.
Sept. 28 - Oct. 1
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida
Centered on digital finance for AI-driven economies, this year’s offering is set to feature exhibits from hundreds of banks, fintechs and adjacent companies.
Oct. 18-21
The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
An annual highlight for firms at the crossroads of fintech and banking. Focuses on cross-border finance, AI, partnerships and regulatory challenges. Keynote speakers include PNC CEO Bill Demchak, Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour and Early Warning CEO Cameron Fowler. Plus, Banking Dive Senior Editor Caitlin Mullen will moderate the panel discussion “What If Customers Designed the Bank?”
The Most Powerful Women in Banking
Oct. 20-21
The Altman Building, New York City
American Banker’s marquee event to celebrate achievement, innovation and paths forward for women executives. Expect a keynote from Deutsche Bank U.S. CEO LIsa McGeough and appearances by key women from U.S. Bank, Ally, Citi, Pinnacle and KeyBanc Capital Markets.
American Bankers Association Annual Convention
Oct. 25-27
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendees can explore how to harness new technology to stay competitive, grow core deposits, manage interest rate risk, fight fraud and acquire new customers. Of particular note, a panel on how to integrate culture during and after a merger. It features executives from Old National and Atlantic Union who have recently navigated the process.
The Clearing House Annual Conference
Nov. 17-18
Convene Brookfield Place, New York City
This event is set to analyze whether the regulatory framework is ready for AI, as well as discussions on the pace of change, the intersection of traditional banking and decentralized finance, and the charter boom. Last year’s sessions included Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf, BNY CEO Robin Vince, U.S. Bank CEO Gunjan Kedia and Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould.
Conferences marked with an asterisk are owned by Informa TechTarget, the parent company of Industry Dive.
