M&T Bank (MTB) Barclays 24th Annual Global Financial Services Conference summary

Culture and operating philosophy

• Long-term decision-making and patience are emphasized, rooted in a history of significant insider ownership and community focus.

• Talent development is central, with expanded programs teaching banking fundamentals to diverse recruits.

• Countercyclical strategies, such as investing in talent during downturns, help maintain resilience.

• Preserving culture relies on proliferating talent programs and maintaining core banking fundamentals.

Technology and innovation

• Tech transformation began with talent programs and hiring engineers, making technology a strategic core.

• Simpler legacy systems have become assets, enabling nimble adoption of new payment and deposit technologies.

• Operational excellence is pursued to enable tokenized deposits and integration with partners.

• AI is used in cybersecurity, fraud, and credit, with a focus on internal efficiency and risk management.

Financial performance and business model

• Fee income has grown due to investments in capital markets and real estate capabilities, shifting the business model.

• Loan growth has rebounded, with 6% year-over-year growth and broad-based demand across segments.

• Deposit growth is strong, especially in commercial accounts, with higher pricing offset by disciplined relationship management.

• High margins are maintained through value-added services and ongoing tech investment.