We’re at a wake-up moment. In ten years, banking has changed more than it did in the century before.

So, Al and Steve pose a question: If you created a bank from scratch in 2026, how would you build it? Their answer: cleaner data models, AI agents embedded from day one and a workforce already fluent in the tools.

Plus, Al and Steve highlight what established banks can embrace right now to stay competitive at a time of turbulent change.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
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Chapters
[00:00] Intro: Building a Bank From Scratch
[02:00] AI Is Changing Everything
[03:30] If We Started a Bank Today…
[05:30] Data as the Foundation
[07:00] The “Tiger Team” Approach
[09:20] Tech vs Banks: Who’s Learning Faster?
[11:30] Why Small, Fast Teams Win
[13:00] AI Experiments & Real-World Examples
[14:30] Rethinking Bank Performance Metrics
[16:00] Service as Software
[17:30] AI, Stablecoins & Cost of Funds
[19:30] Advice for Existing Banks
[21:30] The Future Bank Leadership Team
[23:00] Why Curiosity Matters Now
[24:30] Final Thoughts: Adapting to What’s Next

Banking keeps getting easier and faster. But according to Stock Yards Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Ja Hillebrand, none of these technology upgrades can replace relationships. As he says: “You still have to wear out the shoe leather.”

On the show, Ja joins Al and Steve to discuss why the fundamentals of banking haven’t changed and how his bank continues to deliver consistent earnings growth. Plus, Ja shares pro tips for attending the Kentucky Derby and talks about his favorite bourbons.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
https://qrco.de/bgfV5g

Chapters
[00:00] Bourbon, Banking & the Origin Story
[02:55] Playing the Long Game in Banking
[03:35] Bourbon Picks & Personality Break
[05:49] Strategy vs. Execution Gap
[06:38] Winning = Thinking 20 Years Ahead
[07:38] Why Relationships Still Win
[10:44] Service That Never Goes Out of Style
[13:09] M&A, Growth & Staying Independent
[16:04] Focus vs. Over-Diversification
[20:10] AI, Competition & the Future
[23:16] Kentucky Derby Tips & Wrap-Up

They’re back. Al and Steve kick off the year by discussing the biggest forces shaping banking right now, including something particularly challenging: growth.

From how banks are allocating capital to how leaders ought to measure results, they unpack what’s working, what isn’t, and preview themes from Ron Shevlin’s upcoming 2026 What’s Going On In Banking report.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/plugged-in


Chapters:
[00:00] Welcome to 2026 & “I’m Still Standing”
[01:15] Why Bank Size Doesn’t Equal Ambition
[02:30] Growth Is Harder Than It Looks
[03:35] “Grow or Go” Is Too Simple
[04:40] Capital Allocation is more important than Asset Growth
[06:05] Discipline Beats Scale
[07:40] Making Technology Pay for Itself
[09:45] When to Kill a Tech Investment
[11:05] “Running Up That Hill” & Tech Roadmaps
[15:55] What Banks Must Get Right Next