With recent rating downgrades of banks heavily exposed to commercial real estate (CRE)—and office space in particular—concerns about the US banking sector are resurfacing. The unprecedented shift to flexible work has not only prompted many companies to seek a smaller footprint but also spaces with greater energy efficiency for sustainability and modern amenities to lure workers back to the office.
In this episode, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist in the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what this shift and plummeting CRE values may mean for banking, lending, and economy in general.
Tune in to find out:
· How have business conditions changed in the wake of hybrid work arrangements?
· Small and mid-size banks hold the most CRE assets; what could this mean for their future or for M&A activity?
· What is the Fed doing to prevent bank failures?
· What are the potential ripple effects throughout the economy—and the urban landscape?
For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®:
· Read: 2023 Banking Crisis: US By the Numbers, 6-Month Update
C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.
C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.
C-Suite Perspectives / 21 Aug 2025
How can multinational companies operating in China evaluate the risks and opportunities—including gray swans and even black swans?
C-Suite Perspectives / 18 Aug 2025
Find out how Synchrony is improving financial literacy, uses machine learning, AI, and reset its culture through active listening and transparency.
C-Suite Perspectives / 11 Aug 2025
Find out how FIS is staying on the cutting edge of technology while serving clients and communities.
C-Suite Perspectives / 04 Aug 2025
More C-Suite leaders view their boards as effective in 2025, but numerous challenges remain, including keeping up with AI.
C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Jul 2025
We break down the latest data from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, released today.
C-Suite Perspectives / 28 Jul 2025
Learn how Clorox invested in technological innovation so it could continue delivering superior consumer experiences.