AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

Recorded at a location near AOBA 2026, this Fintech Hustle episode brings guests Aleda DeMaria (EVP & Chief Operating Officer, PeoplesBank), Mac Thompson (Founder & CEO, White Clay) & Christina Miller (VP, Alkami) for an unscripted hallway conversation on what’s changing right now.

Key topics include:

• Deposit retention after massive outflows and why “acquisition” is not the finish line
• AI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AI
• Vendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacks
• Data strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance tool
• Why the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experience
• The talent challenge for community banks trying to innovate
• A clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and execution

Let us know what theme you’re hearing most in your institution right now.

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