Michelle Kile

As financial institutions focus on emerging generations, Washington Trust Bank has chosen a different path: doubling down on serving an often-overlooked segment—older adults and their caregivers. In this keynote, Michelle Kile shares how the Age with Wisdom program provides guidance, tools, and resources for banking, lending, and wealth management while supporting life and estate planning. This holistic approach helps customers navigate life changes, plan for the future, and feel confident in their financial and personal decisions, positioning the bank as a trusted partner across all stages of life.

Join this keynote to discover how to:

• Understand the unique financial and life planning needs of aging customers and their caregivers.
• Explore strategies to provide holistic guidance that goes beyond traditional banking products.
• Integrate resources and advice into estate and life planning to enhance customer trust and loyalty.
• Create programs that differentiate the institution by focusing on meaningful, long-term relationships.
• Learn how serving older adults strategically can complement broader market and generational initiatives

Mergers and acquisitions are more than financial transactions—they are opportunities to thoughtfully bring together cultures, operations, technology, and customer experiences to create a stronger organization. In this fireside chat, Michelle Kile, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Washington Trust, will share insights from navigating integration efforts while maintaining focus on employees, customers, and long-term growth. From aligning branch operations and service models to preserving the strengths of each institution, this conversation will explore how retail banking leaders can approach M&A strategically and collaboratively. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on using M&A as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and stronger customer relationships while minimizing disruption across the organization. Hear real-world examples of how to:

• Identify strategies for harmonizing disparate technology platforms and operational processes
• Preserve and leverage the strongest practices from each organization to enhance customer and employee experiences
• Use M&A as a growth engine while maintaining service quality and operational continuity
• Align product, technology, and operational decisions to support seamless integration
• Anticipate challenges and plan proactively to ensure a smooth post-merger transition for both staff and members