Pub. 10 2022 Issue 3

Learning & Development Trends for 2023: What You Should Know
eLearning is the future of training and development. The pandemic paved the way for the creation of technologies that continually refine and redefine how we learn. The digitization of learning not only brings convenience but also offers ways for organizations to harvest crucial insights that inform learning strategy. eLearning can provide equal access and learner customization that addresses the need of every learner.

Community banks play an important role in serving residents and businesses across Utah, while the state’s industrial banks also serve their unique niche clients. As of the second quarter of 2022, Banking Strategist reports 4,612 community bank charters in the U.S., and nearly half are headquartered in smaller, rural counties with populations less than 50,000.

For more than a decade, large financial institutions like U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, joined by Fortune 500 giants like Apple and Google, have been the dominant players in solar investment tax credits (ITCs). Driven by federal incentives, these companies have provided funding for the largest solar projects in the country, collecting healthy returns while raising their corporate profiles as environmental/social/governance (ESG) leaders.

In today’s financial regulatory environment, two of the hottest topics are cryptocurrency and cybersecurity. Within the past year, multiple agencies have released various regulations and guidance regarding cryptocurrency, banking, and cybersecurity, both individually and collectively.

More than 100 bankers and business partners teed off at Old Mill Golf Course in Salt Lake City Sept. 9, 2022,
a glorious day of golf to support Utah’s banking industry. Mother Nature cooperated by dialing back the sweltering summer temperatures, making for a gorgeous day on the links
with perfect opportunities to connect with colleagues and tournament sponsors.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the creation of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Established at the height of the Great Depression through the Federal Home Loan Bank Act of 1932, the system is composed of 11 regional FHLBanks and serves 6,500 members, including many financial institutions in Utah. Today, nine decades later, FHLBanks across the U.S. continue to champion community-focused lenders, such as Bank of Utah, by providing affordable liquidity. This means we can bring homes and financial stability to our communities and give back in meaningful ways.

As I traveled the country this summer speaking at various state bankers association conventions, I’d always ask this question of my audience: How many of you have clients and customers asking you about cryptocurrencies and digital assets? And nearly everywhere I went, nearly every hand would go up.

I recently attended the American Bankers Association Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. It was an excellent event, loaded with critical information and insights on the latest issues. Scott Anderson delivered a stirring farewell as Chairman of the ABA, recognizing the exceptional leadership of ABA President Rob Nichols, the ABA’s leadership in assisting its member banks in becoming more diverse and inclusive, the commitment of bankers across the country in advocating for our industry, and the dedication of those same bankers to serving their communities. Scott’s enthusiasm energized the room. He repeated his pride in being a banker, and I was proud of how he represented the industry and, more specifically, bankers in Utah!