Utah Banker 16 UBA Bank Executive Winter Conference Utah Bank Leaders Chart a Shared Strategy and Vision for 2026 Utah’s banking leaders convened at the Hilton in downtown Salt Lake City on Dec. 5 for the UBA’s Bank Executive Winter Conference, a day of insights spanning economic trends, innovation and public policy. While each session offered its own perspective, the overarching message was unmistakable: 2026 will be a year defined by agility, strategic investment and a united industry voice. The morning began with an economic outlook from Zions Bank’s Robert Spendlove, followed by an in-depth discussion of digital assets between Stablecore’s Alex Treece and Bank of Utah President Branden Hansen. Derek White from CiDR led a forward-thinking discussion on agentic banking, highlighting how AI-driven systems are poised to drive opportunity and responsibility for banks of all sizes. Congressman Blake Moore delivered a timely Washington update, and UBA President Howard Headlee spoke on the critical importance of proactive advocacy in the year ahead to ensure that our efforts can meet a constantly shifting political environment. Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games CEO Brad Wilson delivered a rousing keynote address after lunch, reflecting on Utah’s unique position as it prepares to welcome the world and the economic and cultural ripple effects that the games will have. After lunch, the UBA’s Executive Development Program Class of 2025 was honored — see page 18 for more. As the conference concluded, one theme emerged consistently across all sessions: Utah’s banking industry is preparing for 2026 with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. With new technologies emerging, policy landscapes shifting and customer expectations rising, banks are embracing partnerships, sharing insights and adopting forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead.
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