Community banks — the financial backbone of neighborhoods and towns — took center stage at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's "Forward Together: Navigating Regulatory Changes" Banking Outlook Summit on April 9, 2026. The event brought together bank supervisors and industry leaders from the Third District, which covers Delaware, southern New Jersey, and eastern and central Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Fed Assistant Vice President Jonathan Brown (center) spoke on a panel covering supervisory updates with two of his colleagues: Assistant Vice Presidents James Corkery (right) and Lorraine Lopez (far left).
William Spaniel, Executive Vice President for Supervision at the Philadelphia Fed, gave opening remarks.

The program explored issues facing banks today — from evolving supervisory approaches to fraud threats to stablecoin legislation. A panel of banking leaders shared their perspectives with peers from District institutions ranging from large regional banks to small savings banks.

A summit highlight was the fireside chat between Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman and Philadelphia Fed President and CEO Anna Paulson, who discussed the evolving environment for community banks, the benefits of the newly proposed U.S. capital framework, and recent supervisory reforms.

The event provided an opportunity for Federal Reserve and community bank leaders to connect. Left to right: Ginger Kunkel, Executive Vice President of Tompkins Community Bank; Philadelphia Fed President and CEO Anna Paulson; Lori Maley, President and CEO of Bank of Bird-in-Hand; and Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman.

For William Spaniel, executive vice president for bank supervision at the Philadelphia Fed, events like this help supervisors better understand the landscape banks in the region are experiencing. This ongoing dialogue between bankers and supervisors informs the Philadelphia Fed’s supervision of financial institutions.

Joseph Firschein, Associate Director at the Federal Reserve Board, discussed upcoming developments in consumer compliance in a session moderated by Philadelphia Fed Assistant Vice President Anjanette Kichline.

“Our outreach and supervision are relationship focused,” said Spaniel. “Community bankers know the unique dynamics of the local market, and our goal is to be a resource to them so they can operate safely and effectively while meeting their customers’ needs.”

A panel of regional banking leaders shared their reflections on regulatory topics, how recent regulatory changes are impacting their institutions, and their use of artificial intelligence. Left to right: Joe Budash, Philadelphia Fed Senior Director, Engagement and Operations; Brian W. Jones, President and CEO of the First National Bank of Elmer and Philadelphia Fed Board Member; Lauren Ranalli, President and CEO of First Resource Bank and Philadelphia Fed Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council Member; and Jeane Vidoni, CEO of Penn Community Bank.

Throughout the event, a key theme was the importance of direct engagement with and understanding of local banking environments. “Connecting with bankers gives us a chance to hear about banking trends and conditions and to learn how the economy is impacting people’s lives, which informs how I view monetary policy,” said President Paulson. “We want community bankers to know: You are important, we are here in your District, and we are listening."