What regional bank CFOs should prioritize in data

Regional bank CFOs should prioritize consistent definitions for the figures that reach the board and regulators, a repeatable process for reconciling data after acquisitions, and readiness for the reporting that comes with the next asset threshold. AI adoption depends on all three, because AI tools are only as consistent as the definitions they read. Starting with the twenty or so most scrutinized figures focuses effort where scrutiny is highest.

Regional bank finance teams carry a heavy load: more regulatory reporting as they grow, deals that add new systems, and pressure to show progress on AI. Much of the friction traces back to numbers that mean different things in different places.

Four priorities

1. Board and regulatory figures. Define each one once, with an owner, and trace it to source. These are the figures examiners and directors scrutinize most.
2. M&A readiness. Acquisitions bring a second set of definitions. A repeatable reconciliation process makes each deal more routine.
3. Threshold readiness. Crossing asset thresholds such as $10B (CFPB supervision) or $100B (enhanced prudential standards) brings new requirements that need repeatable, traceable data. Building that during a deal is harder.
4. AI on governed definitions. AI assistants are arriving in most banks' everyday tools. Give them approved definitions before people start relying on their answers.

Where to start

1. List the twenty or so figures most often in board decks and regulatory reports.
2. Write the definition and owner for each.
3. Trace each figure to its source systems.
4. Replace manual spreadsheet steps in those chains with governed, documented logic.
5. Use the same definitions for any AI pilot.

How Preql helps

Preql helps finance teams map key definitions across their existing systems. Business owners validate definitions, and every change is versioned and auditable, so the same approved logic can feed reports and AI tools.

FAQ

How long does it take to define the top twenty figures?

It depends mostly on agreement, not writing. Naming owners up front is what keeps it short.

Should we wait for a core conversion to fix definitions?

No. A conversion is easier when definitions are already written down.