They say that the only constant in life is change, but in the world of high-stakes banking and executive leadership, the only constant is the relentless need for top-tier talent. Without the right people in the right seats, even the most storied financial institutions are just buildings with impressive vaults.
We’ve all felt the shift. The landscape of executive benefits is evolving faster than a New Orleans jazz solo. Tax codes shift, regulatory scrutiny tightens, and the “Great Reshuffle” has turned the hunt for executive retention into a strategic arms race.
If you are an advisor to the banking industry’s elite, or a leader responsible for the long-term health of your institution, you know that standing still is the same as moving backward. That is why we are thrilled to announce that registration is officially live for the 2026 Independent Bank Corporate (IBC) Owned Life Insurance Study Group.
From November 1–3, 2026, we are returning to our spiritual home at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. This isn’t just another industry conference where you sit in a windowless ballroom and trade business cards over lukewarm coffee. This is an exclusive gathering designed for top-tier advisors who are serious about Restoring Alignment and Retention.
Why New Orleans? Why Now?
There is a reason we keep coming back to the French Quarter. Beyond the history and the atmosphere, New Orleans represents a blend of tradition and innovation: much like the strategies we discuss.
What keeps you up at night? For many of our attendees, it’s the “What Ifs” that haunt the boardroom.
- What if your top talent leaves for a competitor tomorrow?
- What if a senior executive retires and the replacement cost exceeds your projections?
- What if a sudden tragedy leaves the business dealing with a widow or a complex succession crisis?
These aren’t just hypothetical anxieties; they are the fault lines that can crack a bank’s foundation. At the 2026 IBC Study Group, we don’t just identify these problems; we build the solutions. We focus on the mechanics of Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) and Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) not as mere products, but as the engine for The Perfect Plan®.
The Technical Heart: BOLI and Beyond
While the surroundings are legendary, the core of this study group is deeply technical. We dive into the weeds of cost-recovery strategies and the nuances of Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI).
In today’s volatile market, banks are looking for ways to offset the rising costs of employee benefits without taking on undue risk. BOLI remains one of the most effective tools for institutional capital management, offering tax-deferred growth and tax-free death benefits that can be used to fund non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans or supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs).
Our sessions will cover:
- Advanced Cost-Recovery Models: How to structure BOLI to ensure that the bank is made whole for the costs of executive benefits.
- Executive Retention Strategies: Moving beyond standard bonuses to create “Golden Handcuffs” that actually work.
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the latest updates to ensuring your plans remain “Gospel-compliant” with current tax and banking laws.
- Succession Planning: Solving the “Business with a Widow” scenario through structured buy-sell arrangements and key-person coverage.
We understand that you are navigating an unstable financial environment. You need a guide who has been through the cycles. Our team at Schiff Executive Benefits acts as that guide, helping you realize your institution’s dream value while protecting your most valuable assets: your people.
Food, Fun, and Friendship: The Monday Night Highlight
We have always believed that the best business happens when the formal ties are loosened. The IBC Study Group has built a reputation on the “Three Fs”: Food, Fun, and Friendship. This year, we are taking that to a new level.
On Monday night, we are hosting a Mardi Gras Theme Jazz Reception and Dinner in the brand-new Courtyard at the Hotel Monteleone. Imagine the sound of a brass band echoing off the brick walls, the scent of authentic Creole cuisine in the air, and the chance to network with the brightest minds in the industry in a setting that is uniquely New Orleans.
This isn’t just a dinner; it’s an experience designed to foster the kind of deep professional relationships that last decades. It’s where the real “Study Group” happens: sharing stories of what worked, what didn’t, and how we are all navigating the complexities of the modern financial world.
Is This Group Right for You?
The IBC Study Group is an exclusive circle. We intentionally keep the numbers focused to ensure that every participant can engage in the high-level dialogue that makes this meeting so valuable.
If you are an advisor who deals with:
- Institutional BOLI portfolios.
- Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) for non-bank entities.
- Executive benefit plan design and 409A compliance.
- ESOPs and partnership buy-outs.
…then you belong in the room. This is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day grind and look at the big picture. Are you building a legacy, or just managing a spreadsheet? Are you offering your clients The Perfect Plan®, or just a standard off-the-shelf solution?
Secure Your Spot
The 2025 Study Group was a complete sell-out, and we expect 2026 to follow suit. The combination of the Monteleone’s charm, the technical depth of our sessions, and the new Monday night Jazz Reception makes this a “must-attend” event on the calendar.
Don’t let the “What Ifs” stay unanswered.
- What if you miss out on the specific tax-efficiency strategies that could save your client millions?
- What if your competitors are in New Orleans while you’re at your desk?
Registration is now live for the meeting, and hotel reservations are now available through the Hotel Monteleone room block. Important: meeting registration does not cover your hotel booking. They are separate, and you will need to complete both.
Meeting Registration: Register for the 2026 IBC Study Group Here
Hotel Reservation Link: Book your room at Hotel Monteleone
Block Code: IBC30J
If you prefer to call in your reservation, contact 504-523-3341 or 800-535-9595 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CDT and reference the block code IBC30J.
Sit back, grab your coffee, and mark your calendar. We are heading back to the Big Easy to restore alignment, ensure retention, and celebrate the profession we love.
We can’t wait to see you in the Courtyard.
Schiff Executive Benefits is dedicated to helping businesses and banks navigate the complexities of executive retention and cost recovery. Through The Perfect Plan®, we provide the security and guarantees needed in an uncertain world.
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