Michelle Kile

Mergers and acquisitions are more than financial transactions—they’re opportunities to reimagine how technology, operations, and products come together to create a stronger, more seamless experience for both customers and employees. This panel explores strategies for harmonizing systems, integrating processes, and preserving the best practices from each organization to maximize value. Panelists will share lessons on leveraging M&A as a growth engine while ensuring that technology, branch operations, and service offerings work in concert to deliver superior outcomes. 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

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