BerryDunn’s 15th Annual Banking Summit Delivered Critical Industry Updates

The EVOLVE summit, co-hosted by Stifel, focused on the future of finance, AI integration, and tax and regulatory changes.

PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BerryDunn, a full-service accounting, tax, and consulting firm, held its annual New England Banking Summit, EVOLVE, on May 28 and 29 at the Omni Mount Washington Resort and Spa in Bretton Woods, NH. The 15^th annual summit, presented with longtime partner Stifel, a global wealth management and investment banking firm, brought together banking leaders for forward-looking insights on industry trends, policy changes, and performance strategies.

First launched in 2011 as a one-day workshop, the summit has grown into a premier multi-day regional conference and reflects BerryDunn’s continued commitment to supporting financial institutions through meaningful, real-world engagement. Designed to help banking leaders navigate rapid industry shifts, this year addressed pressing issues such as federal policy and regulatory changes, the evolving tax landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and the future of finance.

“EVOLVE offered banking leaders from across the Northeast an unmatched opportunity to learn from experts in the field,” said BerryDunn Principal Rob Smalley, CPA, leader of the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. “Participants heard from and connected with BerryDunn’s banking industry specialists who have a deep understanding of today’s challenges and the strategies leaders need in order to adapt and grow their organizations.”

EVOLVE opened with an “Economic Outlook” presented by Stifel Chief Economist Dr. Lindsey Piegza, who examined the changing global and political environment and discussed what it means for overall growth, interest rates, and monetary policy going forward.

Following Piegza’s remarks, BerryDunn Senior Manager David Stone, Senior Manager Ryan King, and Manager Rashon Edgerton provided insights on navigating the increasingly complex tax and financial reporting landscape in a session titled, “Accounting and Tax Update: Financial Institution Edition.” Another session, presented by Ryan Henley, Head of Financial Institution Strategy at Stifel, covered emerging strategies for improving performance in 2026 in “Balance Sheets: Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks for Financial Institutions.”

BerryDunn Principal Tucker Cutter and Senior Consultant Philip Pitcock provided an executive lens on value, risk, and readiness related to technology modernization in their session on “Technology Modernization and AI as a Balance Sheet Strategy.”

The summit concluded with a panel discussion on the “Future of Finance: How AI and Tech Can Transform Finance.” BerryDunn Senior Manager Leah Clair, Principal Tucker Cutter, Risk Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel Clare Lizotte, and Senior Manager David Stone provided best practices and a forward-looking vision for creating a more efficient, transparent, and impactful finance function.

Susan Weber, a Senior Manager in BerryDunn’s Financial Services Practice Group, said, “Summit attendees gained a wealth of actionable insights, best practices, and strategic guidance designed to help their organizations thrive in a tech-driven landscape.”

Banking institutions across the country depend on BerryDunn’s trusted advisors to help navigate complex operational and finance challenges. With deep experience supporting banks with accounting, tax, risk management, and consulting services, the firm’s financial institutions team delivers high-quality and personalized attention to clients as well as exceptional learning opportunities through industry events like the EVOLVE Banking Summit.

About BerryDunn

BerryDunn is the brand name under which Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC and BDMP Assurance, LLP, independently owned entities, provide services. Since 1974, BerryDunn has helped businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies throughout the US and its territories solve their greatest challenges. The firm’s tax, advisory, and consulting services are provided by Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC, and its attest services are provided by BDMP Assurance, LLP, a licensed CPA firm. BerryDunn is a client-centered, people-first professional services firm with a mission to empower the meaningful growth of our people, clients, and communities. Led by CEO Sarah Belliveau, the firm has been recognized for its efforts in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and for its focus on learning, development, and well-being. Learn more at berrydunn.com.