Yellen, Hsu, Top Lawmakers to Address Bank Leaders at ABA Washington Summit

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu, and leaders of the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees are among the top policymakers who will address bank leaders from across the country at the American Bankers Association’s annual Washington Summit, held March 21– 22 virtually and at the Marriott Marquis Washington.

“America’s banks are strong even as our economy and financial system continue to navigate challenges,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. “The timing of our Washington Summit, as well as the strong list of speakers, will allow us to explore a wide range of banking policy issues while also giving us the chance to highlight the resiliency of America's banks. We look forward to a robust conversation with administration officials, top regulators and Congressional leaders next week.”

Over the course of two days, attendees will hear from a speaker lineup that includes:

Tuesday, March 21*

• ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols – 9:00 a.m.

• Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen – 10 a.m.

Secretary Yellen, the 78th Secretary of the Treasury, will deliver a keynote address and then join Nichols in a conversation about the economy and the health of the banking system.

• Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) – 10:30 a.m.

Sen. Daines, a member of the Senate Banking Committee and co-sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, shares his outlook for the legislation that would finally end the legal limbo between state and federal law when it comes to banking cannabis. Sen. Daines will also share his perspective on current issues facing the banking sector and policymakers.

Wednesday, March 22*

• Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu – 8:30 a.m.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu has led the OCC since May 2021, overseeing more than 1,000 institutions that comprise the national banking system. He also serves on the FDIC Board and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Acting Comptroller Hsu will deliver remarks, then take part in a conversation on OCC priorities and policy issues facing the banking industry.

• Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) – 9:00 a.m.

Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown, now in his third term in the U.S. Senate, will outline the committee’s priorities in the year ahead and the prospects for legislative action in a divided Congress.

• Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) – 9:40 a.m.

Rep. Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, is now serving in her 17th term representing California’s 43rd District. As a longtime member of the committee, Rep. Waters has played a key role in setting banking policy in Congress. She will discuss the outlook for bipartisan cooperation and her top policy priorities in this session.

• Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) – 10:15 a.m.

The new ranking Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, Sen. Tim Scott offers his early take on the 118th Congress, legislative goals and current issues in banking.

• Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) – 11:00 a.m.

Rep. McHenry, the new chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will share his priorities for the committee, the outlook legislation affecting America’s banks and his perspective on the start of the 118th Congress.

*All times are Eastern, approximate and subject to change. Additional speakers could still be added.

The full Summit program can be found here.

Press Registration

Note to editors: Complimentary registration is offered to news media for the general sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Press credentials and pre-registration are required, including for access to the virtual program. To pre-register, please contact Ava Castelli at [email protected] and indicate whether you’re interested in attending the event virtually or in-person. Only the general sessions on Tuesday morning, March 21 (beginning at 9 a.m.), and Wednesday morning, March 22 (beginning at 8:30 a.m.), are open press; all other sessions and Summit events are closed press.