Financial institutions that are looking to generate business outcomes with artificial intelligence (AI) must identify use cases that drive adoption by creating a strategic framework that aligns business value, data readiness and risk management. The goal is to achieve production-grade deployment that delivers a return on investment. The challenges that institutions face: data ecosystems are often fragmented and unprepared for AI scale, and risks—bias, privacy, security and regulatory compliance—can derail adoption if not addressed early. Among the points to be discussed by panelists:

The worlds of traditional payments and stablecoins, the latter of which combine the price stability of fiat currencies with the speed, availability and programmability of blockchain, are poised for convergence within financial services. If things take off as market observers expect, it could mark the start of the radical remaking of the industry, and traditional financial (TradFi) companies stand to benefit from and be greatly challenged by the rise of stablecoins. With the recent passages of the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, the financial industry is preparing for both, working to take a leading position in stablecoin cross-border payments, real-time settlement of business-to-business payments, integration with payment service providers, fintechs and card networks, merchant adoption in e-commerce, and the introduction of bank-issued stablecoins.

Protiviti is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future.
Our consulting solutions span critical business problems in technology, business process, analytics, risk, compliance, transactions and internal audit.

Cristin Reid has served as Chairman and CEO of Capitol National Bank since 2019. With more than 25 years in the banking industry, her focus has been in community banking and small business finance. In her current role, Ms. Reid has driven strategic growth, strengthened the bank’s community impact, and advanced leadership diversity by expanding female board representation from 10% to 46% and developing a senior leadership team that is 85% women. Additionally, she is planning for the next 10 years by recruiting young directors and implementing a development plan for young employees to grow within the company. 

She also serves as Managing Director of Access BIDCO, a regulated financial institution focused on turnaround and management consulting for small businesses. Her prior experience includes executive leadership at a public bank holding company, where she held several roles including General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, and President. 

Ms. Reid is the founder and CEO of Capitol Foundation, which provides emergency funding to local small businesses and individuals. She is actively engaged in promoting women’s leadership and entrepreneurship through her board service at Michigan Bankers Association, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, and multiple startup and nonprofit boards, including a boat-building school.

Her leadership has earned national and statewide recognition. She was named to American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking Women to Watch” list in 2006, 2024 and 2025, received the “Impact and Influence” award at the Lansing 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year event, and was honored as a Notable Leader in Finance by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2025. Under her direction, Capitol National Bank has been recognized by S&P Global as a Top 100 Community Bank for two consecutive years, by the SBA as Michigan Export Lender of the Year, and by Independent Banker as a Top Lender.

Ms. Reid holds a BA in Biology from Kalamazoo College, a JD from the University of Toledo College of Law, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Maria Tedesco’s first foray into banking was in a marketing role at BayBank in Boston. Although she held a B.S. in finance and accounting from Ithaca College, she didn’t know much about the banking industry but wanted to help people with their finances. The CEO of the bank took a chance on the young Tedesco, and she was soon promoted to  regional manager in charge of branches. 

Since starting at BayBank in 1992, Tedesco worked at several banks in a broad range of roles across retail, consumer and business banking. Her experience includes more than seven years at Citizens National Bank and a two-year stint as chief operating officer at BMO Harris Bank before joining Atlantic Union Bank in 2018.