Truist Financial (TFC) Bernstein 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference summary

Economic and client sentiment

• Commercial clients are moving forward with strategic investments despite ongoing uncertainty, showing strong activity across sectors.

• Consumer activity remains positive, with upper-income clients maintaining spending patterns and lower-income clients showing more discretion.

Earnings trajectory and growth drivers

• Confidence in maintaining earnings trajectory is supported by multiple levers, including fee-based businesses and asset repricing opportunities.

• Fee-based businesses like investment banking, wealth, and payments are expected to offset net interest income (NII) pressure.

• Loan growth is targeted at 3%-4% for the year, with a focus on higher-return, relationship-driven business.

• New client acquisition and deeper relationships are driving growth, especially in commercial and consumer finance segments.

Deposit and balance sheet strategy

• Deposit growth is improving, particularly in quality operating deposits on the wholesale side and strong generation on the consumer side.

• Focus remains on expanding relationships and enhancing product capabilities to drive deposit quality.

• Over time, a shift toward more non-interest-bearing deposits is expected as relationships deepen.