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Keri Crooks
Managing Director
Darling Consulting Group
Keri joined the DCG team in 2002. She presently consults directly with ALCO groups and boards of directors at banks and credit unions in the area of asset liability management with the goal of enhancing high performing institutions. She takes a hands-on approach at developing strategies to best fit the risk profile for each bank’s balance sheet, while also balancing trends and pressures alive in the current industry.
Additionally, Keri remains actively involved in advancing Liquidity360°®, DCG’s proprietary liquidity risk management software, and is a frequent author on balance sheet management topics.
Keri received a B.S. in business administration/finance from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and currently resides in southern New Hampshire with her family.
Ryan Gilles
Managing Director
Darling Consulting Group
Ryan is a Managing Director at Darling Consulting Group where he assists community financial institutions throughout the U.S. to solidify and enhance balance sheet management. In this role, he works collaboratively with executive teams and ALCO committees to help develop and implement tailor-made strategies related to interest rate risk, liquidity, and capital while prudently managing risk to optimize earnings and satisfy regulatory compliance.
Ryan began his career at DCG in 2013 as a financial analyst after graduating from Assumption University with a B.A. in Accounting. He currently lives in South Boston with his wife and young son.
2025 was a transitional year for lending across banks and credit unions. The first half of the year was defined by uncertainty and volatility, driving caution among both borrowers and lenders. As the year progressed, volatility began to stabilize, longer-term rates settled a bit lower, and the Federal Reserve cut rates by 75bp, lending activity began to reaccelerate, fueling optimism heading into 2026.
However, as 2026 has unfolded, meaningful challenges persist with new uncertainties emerging and volatility returning. Competitive loan pricing has intensified despite the recent bond market sell off, credit quality continues to warrant close attention, housing affordability remains a constraint, and the conflict with Iran pushing energy prices higher has reignited inflation concerns – leaving the Fed on hold with the potential that their next rate decision could be a hike. Without the cover of Fed rate cuts, deposit pricing is likely to continue to be a challenge – placing greater emphasis on disciplined loan growth and pricing to sustain margin and earnings.
In this session, Keri and Ryan will examine the key market dynamics shaping lending today and outline the strategic priorities institutions must address to compete effectively in today’s rate environment. Attendees will gain practical insights on positioning their lending portfolios to drive sustainable growth, manage risk, and protect margins as the cycle continues to evolve.