AI, Stablecoins, and M&A Take Center Stage at Ole Miss Banking and Finance Symposium

AI, tech, and M&A headline Ole Miss's 24th Banking Symposium on Nov 14 at Oxford Conf. Center. Expect sessions on AI, bank regs, stablecoins, record sponsors, and $95 registration.

Categorized in: AI News Finance
Published on: Oct 27, 2025
AI, Stablecoins, and M&A Take Center Stage at Ole Miss Banking and Finance Symposium
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AI, Technology, and M&A: The Core of the Upcoming Banking & Finance Symposium

Artificial intelligence and new technologies are changing the banking industry. To address this, the University of Mississippi's School of Business Administration is hosting its 24th annual Banking and Financial Symposium.

The event is scheduled for November 14th at the Oxford Conference Center. It will bring together professionals and students for a day focused on the practical effects of technology and trends in mergers and acquisitions.

Key Speakers and Industry Leaders

The keynote will be delivered by Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America. She is a prominent advocate for the community banking sector.

"This year's symposium promises to continue the tradition of high-quality content that has made this one-day conference one of the best in the nation," said Ken Cyree, dean of the business school. "The attendance will be incredible and the record sponsor support is another indicator of the value that is added."

The day starts with the annual Women in Finance breakfast, featuring Kathy Kraninger, CEO of the Florida Bankers Association, and Chris Malloy, Ole Miss men's golf coach. Other speakers include Brian Gardner and Charles White from Stifel, Rodney Hood, a former OCC and FDIC board member, and Jill Castilla, CEO of the Bank of Edmond.

Focused Sessions on Critical Topics

The symposium is structured around sessions that provide direct, applicable knowledge.

AI in Banking

This session will cover the real-world application of artificial intelligence in finance. As AI becomes more integrated, understanding the tools available is essential. For those looking to get ahead, exploring specialized AI tools for finance can provide a significant advantage.

  • Larry Pruss, Strategic Resource Management
  • Loren Bushkar, Federal Reserve Board
  • Mike de Vere, Zest AI
  • Matt Mayo, Community Bank of Mississippi
  • Prakash Natarajan, Strategic Resource Management

Navigating the U.S. Bank Regulatory Landscape

  • Naomi Snyder, Bank Director
  • Greg Gonzales, Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions
  • Charles Koontz, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Stablecoins and Community Banks

  • Wayner Miller, Independent Community Bankers of America
  • Wade Peery, FirstBank
  • Erica Pilon, Jack Henry
  • Alex Treece, Stablecore

Innovation, Scale and Returns

  • Paul Davis, Bankslate
  • Ken Hale, Bank of Montgomery
  • K. Lee, Interbank
  • Christopher Olsen, Olsen Palmer

A Gathering of Industry Support

The event has attracted a record number of over 65 sponsors. "They include banks, industry banking associations, consulting firms and fintechs from all over the U.S. and Europe," said Stan Viner, president of the school's banking and finance board. This broad support shows the event's standing in the industry.

At a previous symposium, Ken Cyree, dean of the School of Business Administration, and Stan Viner, president of the banking and finance board, greeted Michelle 'Miki' Bowman, a member of the Federal Reserve System's board of governors.

Registration Information

Registration is $95 and is open to all banking and finance professionals, students, and alumni. Scholarships are available for employed professionals aged 35 or younger. For scholarship details, contact Kathy Mikell at kathyr@olemiss.com.

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