The 2021 KBA Trust Conference was held in person October 20-21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lawrence. Susie Roberts, KBA Trust Division President, welcomed all attendees with announcements and introduced the first speaker of the conference, John Tousley from Goldman Sachs, with “Market and Economic Perspectives.”

Tousley’s presentation addressed the prevailing macroeconomic conditions, including global growth, monetary policy, Fed outlook and geopolitical policy. Following the macro review, he addressed the implications for capital markets with a review of equity, rates, credit, FX and commodities. Risks to these views from Goldman Sachs were then addressed, including political landscape, re-opening of global economies, inflation expectations, and COVID-19.

Following lunch and the trade show, the first keynote speaker of the afternoon was Paul Long from FUNDAMISM with his presentation, “What’s Good?” The question was asked, “How do today’s best companies accelerate business results?” Long presented how engaging employees, celebrating all that’s GOOD, and creating a culture of experience empowers a workforce to create joy, FUN and fulfillment. Following Long’s presentation, attendees broke for refreshments and the introduction of business partners.

Steve Stasiukonis, Secure Network Technologies, was up next with “Cryptocurrency and the Blockchain: Digital Dollars or Counterfeit Currency.” In this session, cryptocurrency and its management vehicle – known as the Blockchain – were explained. He also explained how cryptocurrency is used to purchase anything like cars and homes, as well as drugs and other illegal items. It was an eye-opener for anyone interested in digital currency, the technologies of Blockchain and what they needed to know working in a financial institution.

After another refreshment break, Mary Green from Federated Hermes shared “Responsibility Works: Generating Long-Term Wealth Through Sustained Investing.” With institutional and investor interest in ESG investing continuing to intensify, getting to the heart of the emerging investment trend presents an unparalleled opportunity for advisers. Attendees were able to cultivate a deeper understanding of ESG investing to be well-positioned to align their clients’ portfolios with their goals and ultimately strengthen their client relationships.

At the end of the day, attendees adjourned for the reception – sponsored by Federated Hermes – to network.

On day two of the conference, the first speaker was Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence, with “What a Ride: Where Are We at the End of 2021?” Kuehl discussed how, in just over a year, we have gone from the depths to a growth we haven’t seen in decades. Massive levels of unemployment to labor shortages, depressed pricing and rampant inflation. He answered the questions: “What do we look like now, and what does 2022 have in store?”

Next was Stewart Weaver, of Foulston Siefkin, LLP, with “Ethics and the Impaired Lawyer.” He examined the ethical considerations of impairment regarding the attorney suffering the affliction and other attorneys with whom the impaired lawyer may practice and/or come in contact.

After a refreshment break, Cannon Financial subject matter expert Larry Divers shared his presentation, “Retirement Planning in 2021.” This session focused on the SECURE Act’s effect on Qualified Retirement Plans and IRA Distributions and their impact on estate planning techniques. He also discussed how individuals who took hardship withdrawals and loans under the CARES Act may contribute to IRAs and 401(k)s in the following three years.

Divers wrapped up the conference with the 2021 Washington Update. This session was a legislative refresh focusing on Personal Trust, Investment Management, and Lifetime Income Planning. It addressed various topics, including Cybersecurity, ESG Investing, and the SECURE Acts 1.0 and 2.0.