De-Risking the Deal: How a Complete ERM Program Powers Smarter M&A

De-Risking the Deal: How a Complete ERM Program Powers Smarter M&A shows community bank board members and executives how a complete, enterprise-wide risk management program turns risk from a compliance burden into a strategic advantage – especially when evaluating a merger or acquisition. Drawing on real-world banking experience, this session walks through the building blocks of a complete ERM program, the specific risks that surface during M&A, and the practical steps boards and leadership teams can take to merge with confidence and protect value.

Key Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define enterprise-wide ERM and explain how it integrates with strategic planning and drives value rather than just satisfying regulators.
• Identify the specific risks that arise in M&A—including synergy risk and business disruption risk – and how to assess and prepare for them.
• Recognize the top risks facing financial institutions in 2026 and connect them to their own institution’s risk profile.
• Build a Risk Appetite and Tolerance Statement that sets both the “what” (appetite) and the “how much” (tolerance) for each risk category.
• Clarify board and leadership responsibilities for risk oversight, including the governance steps that should precede any significant M&A decision.
• Apply a practical roadmap to implement or strengthen a complete ERM program using the three ongoing phases – identify and assess, mitigate and eliminate, and monitor and report on risks.

Who should attend:
Board of Directors, bank CEOs and Presidents, and C level executive leadership.

For more information and to register, click here.