DBA Digest for September 19, 2025

Brought to you this week by...

Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Can’t decipher ‘em?

I’ll bet all of us in the corporate world have, from time to time, shouted (out loud or with our inside voices), “We need a @#$%^& glossary!” following a particularly opaque and frustrating meeting, call, or assignment that felt like it needed subtitles to interpret – the committees (GLT for Global Leadership Team, MRC for Market Risk Committee, LCRWG for Legal Compliance Risk Working Group, to posit just a few), the business segments (EMEA for Europe Middle East Africa, GWM for Global Wealth Management), the accounting terms (GAAP for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or my favorite, EBITDA for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization).

How about FIBO? Have you ever heard of it? Do you use it? You wanna know, don’t you? Well, despite decades in financial services, I would have answered “no” to the first two of those three questions (aside from the opener), so once I came across it, I had to say “yes” to the latter one.

Apparently, FIBO, or Financial Industry Business Ontology, is (self-described) “the global standard ontology for efficient and unambiguous financial services.” Efficient and unambiguous? That’s quite a claim – and certainly one I’m not equipped to validate or refute. More plainly, it is used to help financial institutions develop products and related software, so that data points can speak to each other across platforms.

Now I need to know: is this acronym one that’s within your professional lexicon? Is it something you were aware of, something you use or have seen used? Please reach out and let me know! (And thanks for reading past that maddening first paragraph of alphabet soup.)

News Flash: Acting State Bank Commissioner

Lisa W. Collison has been named Acting State Bank Commissioner/Senior Deputy Bank Commissioner at the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner, following the retirement of former Commissioner Robert Glen at the end of June. No public announcement of his departure or her promotion has been made.

The DBA, with the assistance of a small advisory group of members consisting of a cross-section of institutions and law firm representatives, has compiled a summary perspective on the importance of our industry to the state, the skill sets and competencies we believe are essential to a well-functioning OSBC, and the operational areas that would benefit from greater focus as the office transitions to new leadership. We intend to share these thoughts verbally with those who have authority and influence over the office if we are given the opportunity. 

Please reach out to DBA President Karyn Polak if you wish to discuss the summary and your perspectives.

CAFE Fintech & DBA SHOWCASE!

Tuesday, September 30th

All DBA members are invited to the Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE) to meet the fintech companies in the fourth cohort of the flagship CAFE Fintech Accelerator Program, Tuesday, September 30th, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fintech Innovation Hub, STAR Campus, University of Delaware. The morning opens with welcome remarks from Karyn Polak (DBA President) and Kristen Castell (CAFE Managing Director), followed by pitches from six CAFE cohort companies (listed above). Following the pitches and a short networking session, the event continues with a moderated panel featuring fintech leaders and Delaware bankers, reflecting on challenges, opportunities, and what the future of collaboration looks like for the industry. A networking lunch will close out the program, offering space for deeper discussion and further relationship-building.

The CAFE Accelerator is rooted in a bank–fintech collaboration philosophy: participating companies are designed to partner with and support banks, not compete with them. CAFE’s cohort of companies have extraordinary financial technology products that help financial institutions to advance financial health & wellness for low- to moderate-income communities.

See These Great Wealth Management Speakers at the 2025 Delaware Trust Conference!

Don't miss the stellar lineup of speakers at the 20th annual edition of the Delaware Trust Conference. The conference is renowned for presenting the top names in trust management to enlighten attendees on the unique advantages of Delaware trusts, and how to best implement those products. The 2025 Delaware Trust Conference will be live at The Chase Center on the Riverfront, AND live-streaming, on October 28 & 29, AND on-demand through November for credit. Earn up to 17.0 CLE, including 2.0 Ethics Credits. Register today.

Delaware Trust Conference Kickoff Reception - Delaware Contemporary Art Museum - October 27

The 2025 Delaware Trust Conference will kick off with a reception Monday night, October 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Delaware Contemporary Art Museum in Wilmington, DE. Tickets to this exclusive reception event are just $150 — please join us!

Note the reception is open to speakers and panelists to attend at no cost. Platinum and Diamond Sponsors receive two complimentary registrations to the reception with their sponsorships. Register today; space is limited.

Meet American Banker’s

2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking

American Banker is proud to unveil the 2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking, Most Powerful Women in Banking’s Top Teams, and Most Powerful Women in Banking’s Women to Watch, honoring standout groups and individuals that exemplify the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership. The DBA is proud to note that many of our member banks and their leaders are among the honorees in these categories.

Click the link below to learn more about the honorees and the criteria for recognition in each of these categories.  

UD Seeks Instructor for Trust Management Minor

Have you ever thought about sharing your trust knowledge through teaching? The University of Delaware is seeking a full-time Continuing-track Instructor of Trust Management and Business Law to lead their Trust Management Minor program. The program, created through a joint initiative between the University of Delaware, trust practitioners, trust companies, and the Delaware Bankers Association, is a unique program offering undergraduate students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for a career in the trust industry through a combination of classroom work, case competitions, mentorships, and internships. 

Click the link below for more information and to apply. Please share this opportunity with your networks too — you never know who might be interested!

Lerner College Launches Co-Op Program

Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware is offering the Lerner Co-op Program, an exclusive 9-12 month paid internship/co-op opportunity. The program bridges the gap between academic learning and practical work experience, while providing Delaware employers with access to talented Lerner business students. Students will bring expertise in areas such as financial analysis, data-driven decision making, global business strategy, consumer behavior, brand management, customer experience, event planning, hospitality, professional selling and more. Interested employers can fill out an employer interest form or email program coordinator, Brandon White.

Alex Lyden Appointed to the American Bar Association and the Delaware State Bar Association

Alex Lyden, Chief Fiduciary Officer of Evercore Trust Company, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Investment Entities Committee for the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section for the 2025-2026 term. The committee is dedicated to advancing best practices in estate planning for owners of investment entities, including family investment entities and private investment funds such as hedge, private equity, and venture capital funds.

He also starts his tenure as Chair of the Estates & Trusts Section of the Delaware State Bar Association. Please join us in congratulating Alex on these two appointments.

Morris James Expands Wilmington Footprint

Morris James has opened its new headquarters at Avenue North and executed a strategic lease at Courthouse Square in downtown Wilmington, reinforcing its commitment to providing the Delaware community with forward-thinking legal services. More than a real estate decision, this expansion will enhance the firm’s flexibility, collaboration, and client service across all practice areas. From Delaware’s corporate entities to statewide businesses to individuals with complex legal needs, Morris James designed its dual-location strategy to serve a broad and evolving client base seamlessly, purposefully, and with room for continued growth.

David Queroli Selected for the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges Next Generation Program

Richards, Layton & Finger associate David T. Queroli has been selected to participate in the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) 2025 Next Generation (NEXTGen) Program, held during the NCBJ Conference in Chicago on September 17-20. Hundreds of nominations are submitted annually by law firms, government agencies, and bankruptcy judges across the country for admission to this prestigious program. No more than 40 practitioners are selected—up-and-coming bankruptcy attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of bankruptcy law; a commitment to civility, ethics, and professionalism; and a commitment to the continued development of bankruptcy professionals and professional activities that will benefit the public, members of the bar, and the courts.

Santora CPA Group Announces Two Additions to Its Team

Santora CPA Group, a Newark-based Certified Public Accounting and Consulting firm, announced that:

Vito L. Genovesio (above left) has joined SCG’s Trust Services Team as a Trust Associate. He is a 2025 graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Financial Planning & Wealth Management with a minor in Trust Management.  He started his career at SCG as a Summer Intern in 2024. Vito provides much needed support to the Trust Services Team.

Bryce A. Franklin (above right) has joined SCG as a Staff Accountant in its Tax & A&A Departments. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Analytics and Information Management. He started his career at SCG as a Summer Intern in 2024. He will be providing auditing, accounting, and a variety of tax preparation services to the firm's clients. Bryce is currently studying for the CPA exam, and he is a member of the American Institute and the Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants.

September 2025 Market Insights and Market View Weekly

Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.03 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.95 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 1.18 percent.

Stocks rose to start the week on renewed AI enthusiasm, with the Nasdaq hitting a new record intraday high. Stocks continued to push ahead on Tuesday despite fresh data showing large downward revisions to job creation for the 12 months through March.

The rally continued midweek after an unexpected drop in wholesale inflation appeared to boost investors' hopes for Fed rate moves before the year's end.

The Importance of Home Equity in Wealth Building - Sept. 25th

Homeownership is an important tool for building wealth. As a home’s value appreciates, the equity that accrues can serve as a valuable resource for emergency expenses, essential home repairs, or income-enhancing investments like education or job training. While homeownership continues to represent the largest share of household wealth for many Americans, research reveals that wealth-building pathways through homeownership vary significantly by household and neighborhood.

Join us to examine the role of home equity in promoting financial stability and building wealth in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities on Thursday, September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Ten Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

ABA Fraud Prevention Programs Launch October 1st

ABA’s scam prevention campaign, #BanksNeverAskThat, and our check fraud campaign, #PracticeSafeChecks are returning this fall — with new materials including social media posts and videos, check safety tips and resources for small business customers, digital graphics and more. Registration is free for all banks regardless of ABA membership status. All of the assets for both campaigns will be available in one toolkit. Registration is restricted to banks and state association members only and is free for all banks regardless of ABA membership status. You do not have to be an ABA member to participate, but you must have an aba.com account to register for #BanksNeverAskThat and #PracticesSafeChecks campaigns. 

J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge -

October 9th - Philadelphia Museum of Art

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is the world’s largest corporate running event. Powered by fitness, friendly competition and fun, teams of all speeds and abilities complete a 3.5-mile race while spending quality time together outside of work. Join us for the 4^th running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Philadelphia on Thursday, October 9, 6:45 p.m.

An extra train will operate from Churchman’s Crossing Station to Suburban Station, and will depart Churchman’s Crossing at 4:35 p.m., Wilmington at 4:50 p.m., and Claymont at 5 p.m. The train will arrive at Suburban Station at 5:27 p.m.

Developing Delaware: Conversation, Collaboration, Innovation, October 9th

Delaware is small but diverse. As you travel around our three counties, you discover there is a lot to be learned from the success of our neighbors. We all benefit in the end if we engage in conversation and collaboration to generate job creation and economic growth. The innovations created from these partnerships will help businesses thrive in Delaware.

Developing Delaware is an opportunity to share the good things that are happening, compare Delaware to the successes around the region, hear innovative ideas, and create new business partnerships. And it is our hope that we walk away with inspiration and ideas—maybe even a to do list—on how to continue moving the First State forward. Join us Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, at Delaware Technical Community College- Terry Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE 19904

Meet Our Heroes - Wednesday, November 5

Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids (HFHK) invites you to our second “Meet Our Heroes” event this fall, celebrating the transformative power of garden education in Delaware’s schools and communities. Join us Wednesday, November 5, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Food Bank of Delaware, 102 Delaware Veterans Blvd in Milford. Guests will have the opportunity to meet HFHK staff, board members, garden coordinators,educators, and like-minded corporate partners—all united in promoting healthier eating habits, hands-on science learning, and sustainability for future generations. The event will highlight how school garden education creates lasting benefits for families and communities across Delaware. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

NCC Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Conference - November 20th

The Women's Leadership Conference is back! RISE to meet the moment, to support one another, and to build a better future for all. This conference is for women ready to climb higher. It's an unparalleled opportunity to connect with over 500 accomplished women from all levels of the business world. Learn more and register at the link below.