Uncertainty, Volatility, Opportunities and Hidden Risks in Balance Sheet Management Today - with FHLB Des Moines

Brad Spears

Member Relationships Director

Brad Spears is, Member Relationships Director for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Mr. Spears is responsible for supervising a field staff of 10 relationship managers covering 13 states and over 1,300 members and has been at the bank since 2005.

Brad came to the FHLB of Des Moines from his position as a VP/Senior Portfolio Strategist at CNBS, LLC, a regional broker dealer located in Overland Park, Ks. He had worked at CNBS since February 1997. While at CNBS, he was directly responsible for managing client fixed income portfolios on a non-discretionary basis. He developed investment policies, formulated strategies, determined appropriate asset allocation and monitored client portfolios. Brad also conducted both economic and market research and presented the results to clients through original articles for publication and presentation to various audiences.

Brad earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Ks. Mr. Spears also previously held NASD series 7 and 66 registrations, which have since expired.

Frank Farone

Managing Director

Darling Consulting Group

Frank consults nationwide with CEOs and CFOs of financial institutions to increase earnings through the proactive management of capital, liquidity/funding risk, and interest rate risk. He is a frequent speaker and author on topics such as industry issues and trends, funding solutions, regulatory issues, interest rate risk management, capital management, and derivatives hedging techniques.

Frank was designated a “top-rated” speaker by FMS and is well known for his popular seminar “Turbo Charging Your ALCO Process” having helped thousands of bankers across the country.

The winds of change in the banking industry should be nirvana for many but problematic for others. With a steeper yield curve, higher long-term rates, notable cash flow and repricing legacy loan production and investment cash flows, yields are rising faster than funding costs. 2027 should be a record year for the industry, but not so fast. Today’s back up in long-term yields and slope of the curve might change drastically. There are also many hidden risks lurking in the wings, learning what these risks are and how to effectively turn risks into rewards can be a game changer for 2027 and beyond.

Managing through the current rate cycle starts with getting your risk position right, listening to your balance sheet and being proactive at ALCO. As the saying goes, “We cannot direct the winds, but we can adjust our sails.” This session will focus on pointed strategies to consider today, regardless of your risk profile or what direction the winds blow.