Jack Henry Connect 2025 wasn’t just a conference – it was a catalyst.
From the first keynote to the final sendoff, attendees walked away with more than insights. They left with a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer path forward, and a few surprises that sparked real conversations.
The opening keynote set the tone: financial institutions aren’t just surviving – they’re shaping the future. You heard it in the voices of your peers, saw it in the energy of the Main Stage, and felt it in the packed breakout rooms. Whether it was the buzz around Tap2Local™ or the spotlight on the Jack Henry Cobalt Award™ winners, the message was clear: our work matters, and it’s driving change.
Innovation That Resonated
Ben Metz, Chief Technology Officer at Jack Henry, delivered one of the most memorable moments of the week during his Tap2Local demo. It was a moment that reframed what local engagement can look like.
“We want community financial institutions to compete and win,” Metz said. “We don’t have a Plan B. It’s either community financial institutions in the U.S. are able to compete and win – and we help you do that – or we lose.”
Greg Adelson, Jack Henry’s President and Chief Executive Officer, helped sharpen the focus: “I’m excited about our SMB strategy and what we’re going to be able to show you on the merchant acquiring side and the ability to move funds between external bank accounts … I think this is going to be a way for you to win more daily deposits – to be able to pull those deposits back out of the Stripes and the Squares and others that are now infiltrating and taking those deposits away from you.”
Then, evening events gave space for reflection and connection: Attendees heard stories from peers who’ve faced the same challenges, asked the same questions, and found new ways to move forward.
One attendee said, “I didn’t expect to be this inspired – it’s like I remembered why I got into this work in the first place.” That kind of sentiment echoed throughout the week.
Ideas That Stuck
While the content was rich, it was the conversations that stuck.
The most debated idea? How financial institutions can stay human while scaling digitally. The biggest surprise? Just how aligned everyone felt on the need to simplify, personalize, and act fast.
Tech Humanist and visionary Kate O’Neill captured the spirit of the week: “It’s not really about the future being so much uncertain, as it is undecided … we can actually change the future as we know it.”
The Cobalt Award winners reminded everyone what innovation looks like in action. From a credit union who saw a 3,451% increase in share certificate balances to a bank who added $6.29 million in deposits through CreditPlus enhancements, these financial institutions proved that bold moves lead to real results. Fintech winners also showed how smarter dispute processing and modernized overdraft practices are improving accountholder experiences across the board.
A Finale to Remember
The final day brought even more energy.
From sessions on stablecoins and human-centric AI to a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11, the day was filled with meaning and momentum.
And the closing celebration aboard the USS Midway? Unforgettable.
As the sun dipped behind the San Diego skyline, attendees gathered on the flight deck beneath the towering aircraft, sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose. More than a party, this event was a tribute to the legacy of service and the future of our Jack Henry community.
Looking Ahead
This year’s turnout surged past last year’s by nearly 500 attendees, making our largest crowd to date. The CEO Forum drew more than 200 participants – another record – while the Tech Hall buzzed with activity across 266 vendor booths. Consultant attendance also climbed, reflecting deeper engagement across the board.
And next year, we’re taking it even further.
Jack Henry Connect 2026 marks our 50th anniversary, and it’s already shaping up to be something extraordinary. From new innovations to unforgettable moments, you’ll be part of a celebration that honors where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Save the date: October 19 – 21 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Because when you show up, you don’t just learn – you lead.
See the recap video below; revisit the blog posts from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4; and keep the momentum going.
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