Program | MDI Partnership Summit

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM

Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM

Welcome Remarks

• Nicole Elam, President and CEO, National Bankers Association
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

9:20 AM – 10:00 AM

The MDI Roadmap to Real-Time Payments: Modernization for Community Impact

Real-Time Payments are reshaping consumer expectations and business operations, presenting both opportunities and challenges for MDIs. This session will outline a practical roadmap for adopting Real-Time Payments, including required infrastructure, vendor coordination, fraud mitigation strategies and internal readiness planning. Presenters will explore how Real-Time Payments can advance financial inclusion, improve customer experience, and support small businesses in underserved markets. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of implementation pathways and the strategic benefits RTP systems can deliver to mission-driven institutions seeking to modernize and expand their impact.

• Abhijit Bhattacharya, Head of Integrated Solutions Products, BNY
• Suchitra Padmanabhan, CEO, CBW Bank
• Moderator: Stephen Kenneally, SVP, Payments, American Bankers Association

10:00 AM – 11:05 AM

(Matchmaking Session) Networking for Impact: Fostering Mission-Driven Partnerships

11:05 AM – 11:15 AM

Networking Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Working Lunch – MDIs and the Future of Stablecoin: Navigating Risks, Readiness and Opportunity

Stablecoin, tokenized deposits and digital asset innovation continue to evolve rapidly, bringing both promise and uncertainty for community-focused institutions. This session will examine what MDIs must understand now to prepare for emerging regulatory frameworks, evaluate potential use cases, and determine whether and how to engage with digital currency ecosystems. Experts will address supervisory expectations, operational risk considerations, customer protections, and pathways for responsible innovation. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how tokenized money developments could shape the future financial landscape and how MDIs can position themselves to participate safely and strategically.

• Moderator: Brooke Ybarra, SVP, Innovation and Strategy, American Bankers Association

12:00 PM – 1:25 PM

Interactive Learning Session: Amplifying the MDI Story | Strategic Marketing for Mission-Driven Banks

1:25 PM – 1:45 PM

Lightning Round: Exploring Technical Assistance Opportunities

Technical assistance continues to be a cornerstone of capacity-building for MDIs seeking to expand services, modernize operations and strengthen regulatory readiness. In this fireside chat, leaders from government agencies, philanthropic partners and industry organizations will provide an inside look at current and upcoming TA programs available to MDIs. Topics will include digital modernization support, compliance and risk management assistance, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives tailored to mission-driven banks. This interactive conversation will highlight practical steps for identifying, applying for, and maximizing technical assistance resources to support long-term institutional growth.

1:45 PM – 1:50 PM

Break

1:50 PM – 2:30 PM

Building Resilient Partnerships: Third-Party Risk Strategies for MDIs

As MDIs increasingly rely on third-party partners to deliver innovative products and modern banking services, effective risk management becomes critical. This session will offer practical guidance on establishing strong third-party risk frameworks that align with regulatory expectations and the operational realities of mission-driven banks. Panelists will discuss best practices for vendor due diligence, contract negotiation, ongoing monitoring and documentation. Special attention will be given to common challenges faced by smaller institutions — including negotiating leverage, resource constraints, and ensuring vendor alignment with community-focused missions. Participants will gain actionable strategies to strengthen resilience and enhance partnership success.

2:30 PM – 2:40 PM

Closing Remarks