Day 1 of ALM First Financial Institute Kicks Off with Economic Overview, Education & Timely Insights

Jason Haley

The first day of ALM First’s Financial Institute kicked off yesterday at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas with an Economic Overview tailored specifically to financial institutions. ALM First’s Chief Investment Officer, Jason Haley, discussed current market themes impacting financial institutions in 2024.

From interest rate volatility driven by market speculation on when the Fed may pivot to the erosion of excess household liquidity via consumption and inflation, challenges remain for depositories this year and disciplined asset pricing will be critical to combat ongoing profitability headwinds.

“We’re not off the roller coaster yet as markets price for rate cuts that may or may not materialize in June, July, or even in 2024 at all,” says Haley. Regardless of the unknowable future direction of rates, Haley updated attendees on key industry trends including increasing credit costs, declining profitability, the overall rising cost of funds, changing funding dynamics, and increased hedging activity.

Other general sessions included Depository Trends & Regulatory Priorities in 2024 and Merger & Acquisition Trends and Opportunities before attendees broke off into their chosen learning tracks. The learning tracks, Board, Fundamental, and Funds Management, are customized to meet the knowledge level of attendees and best serve their role within the institution.

This year, a record-setting 210 financial professionals are attending the in-person event, which provides continuing education, financial analyst training, the latest market trends and industry updates to ensure everyone involved in managing or monitoring the balance sheet remains current with timely insights designed to have a direct impact on the success of their financial institution.

More information about ALM First’s Financial Institute, the upcoming 2024 Financial Forum in September and other educational events may be found at www.almfirst.com.

---