Description

We are pleased to announce that Connecticut Bankers Association is co-sponsoring the upcoming virtual Understanding Bank Performance program, presented by Washington Bankers Association. Designed to help bankers of all levels understand bank performance, students will learn to assess and analyze a bank’s financial performance using real data. The program is divided into eight sessions, held virtually on the following dates, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.:

• Session 1 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Session 2 - Friday, October 23, 2026
• Session 3 - Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Session 4 - Friday, October 30, 2026
• Session 5 - Thursday, November 5, 2026
• Session 6 - Friday, November 6, 2026
• Session 7 - Thursday, November 12, 2026
• Session 8 - Friday, November 13, 2026

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Understanding Bank Performance program is a comprehensive training program designed to help bankers like you better understand financial performance analysis. Over the course of this program, participants will learn how to analyze their bank's financial statements, understand the key drivers of performance, and make informed decisions that will drive growth and profitability. Using financial statements from one sample financial institution along with statements from their own banks, participants will become familiar with the ins and outs of balance sheets and income statements and learn how to apply key performance metrics to the data presented in these documents. Having learned how to interpret and analyze a bank’s financial statements, participants will gain deeper insight into the factors affecting bank performance. Later sessions in this course will address ways in which performance may be hindered or improved by funding strategies and risk management. Ultimately, participants will be able to review a bank’s financial statements to identify strengths and weaknesses and be able to recommend changes that will lead to improved performance. In the final session of this course, participants will put what they have learned into practice. Participants will analyze a new data set, rate the bank’s performance and suggest strategic adjustments that might benefit the bank. CLICK HERE to read the program brochure for further details.

REGISTRATION – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! 

The Understanding Bank Performance program sessions will be held virtually every Thursday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST throughout October and November 2026. The fee is $1,000 for all state banking association members. Register early to secure your place!

SESSION 1 - Fundamentals of Financial Statements Part 1

• Develop a clear understanding of the relationship of how assets, liabilities, and capital interrelate.
• Describe the different asset classes held by the bank.
• Identify primary funding sources.
• Understand risk-based capital.

SESSION 2- Fundamentals of Financial Statements Part 2

• Identify components of a bank’s income statement.
• Identify how a bank generates revenue and earnings.
• Discuss the major cost drivers.
• Connect the balance sheet with the income statement.
• Identify how risk management strategies impact overall performance.

SESSION 3 - Credit Metrics & Credit Quality

• Understand the ratios that define how a loan portfolio is performing.
• Discuss the pros and cons of different portfolio types.
• Identify how risk is quantified and measured.
• Explain regulatory limits on portfolio concentrations.

SESSION 4 – Funding & Liquidity

• Develop a clear understanding of liquidity in banks.
• Describe how banks manage liquidity.
• Discuss funding strategies.
• Analyze capital position and the impact it may have on financial performance.

SESSION 5 – Capital & Bank Investments

• Develop a clear understanding of capital through analysis of the balance sheet.
• Discuss capital instruments, retained earnings, dividends, share repurchase.
• Identify and discuss the importance of capital ratios, regulatory requirements, and valuation.
• Identify shareholder risk in bank investment.

SESSION 6 – Risk & Return

• Discuss risk management expectations.
• Understand various risks to your bank and mitigation strategies.
• Apply risk and return examples using scenario-based opportunities.

SESSION 7 – Capstone Overview

• Discuss key performance indicators.
• Describe the different asset classes held by the bank.
• Describe the bank’s general funding strategy.
• Analyze capital position and the impact it may have on growth.

SESSION 8 – Proforma Capstone

• Participants will work through an analysis of three financial institutions with recommendations for action, intended benefits and potential risks.

Take your banking skills to the next level with the Understanding Bank Performance program. This is a great opportunity for newer employees to get up to speed on how the banking industry works or help experienced individuals further their careers.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Association office.