For over 25 years, with more than 10,000 registrations across the past three years, the Grant Thornton Bankers' Boot Camp has been one of Australia's most respected forums for banking professionals.
As a trusted adviser to the industry, we have brought together leading experts, industry pioneers, technical specialists and decision makers to explore the issues shaping the environment your customers operate in.
This year's series continues that tradition, connecting Grant Thornton specialists and guest speakers to examine the trends, challenges and emerging opportunities shifting the banking landscape.
Join the conversation, gain valuable insights, and stay ahead of the curve.
Day 1 Agenda – 18 November 2026
Economic and market update: What will shape the economic outlook in the year ahead?
Wednesday, 18 November 2026
10am – 11am AEDT | 9am – 10am AEST
We're pleased to welcome Stephen Koukoulas, one of Australia's most respected economists and commentators, to open Bankers' Boot Camp 2026-27. Drawing on decades of experience across government, banking and financial markets, Stephen is renowned for his ability to translate complex economic issues into clear, practical insights.
In this keynote session, Stephen will provide his outlook on the Australian and global economy, exploring the trends shaping interest rates, inflation, business confidence and market conditions. Stephen will examine what these developments mean for the banking sector and provide bankers with valuable context to support customer conversations throughout the year ahead.
Facilitator:
- Matt Byrnes, Partner & National Head of Restructuring Advisory at Grant Thornton Australia
Speaker:
- Stephen Koukoulas, Australian Economist and Managing Director of Market Economics
Governing AI adoption: Balancing value, risk and trust in your customer's business
Wednesday, 18 November 2026
11am – 12pm AEDT | 10am – 11am AEST
AI adoption is accelerating across Australian businesses, bringing new opportunities for productivity, growth and customer experience, alongside emerging risks.
This webinar brings together a panel of Grant Thornton experts to explore the current and emerging risks associated with AI adoption, alongside practical insights into how bank customers and their businesses are responding.
Drawing on real-world examples, the discussion will examine the key risks at different stages of the AI journey and the governance approaches successful businesses are taking to deliver value and increase efficiencies while also managing risk and maintaining trust. Understanding how AI adoption may influence business performance and risk profiles will help bankers identify emerging opportunities and red flags, deepen their understanding of customer challenges, and have more informed conversations about the effective and responsible use of AI.
Facilitator:
- Tianne Nagy-Jones, Partner – Financial Advisory, Restructuring Advisory at Grant Thornton Australia
Speakers:
- Claire Scott, Partner – Audit & Assurance and National Head of Financial Services at Grant Thornton Australia
- Daniel Farthing, Partner – Technology Risk & Cyber Resilience at Grant Thornton Australia
- Jemma Hirst, Head of Digital Capability & Enablement at Grant Thornton Australia
- Kate Monckton, Partner – Risk Consulting and National Head of Cyber Resilience at Grant Thornton Australia
*Attendance certificates are provided for Bankers’ Boot Camp sessions and can be used to support your CPD/CPE record.**
**Members of professional associations can claim as CPD/CPE hours if personally satisfied it is professionally relevant and meets the CPD/CPE characteristics set out in the organisation’s regulations.
Series facilitator
Matt Byrnes
Partner & National Head of Restructuring Advisory
Grant Thornton Australia
Matt joined Grant Thornton over 25 years ago and has held a number of leadership roles including National Head of Restructuring Advisory, National Head of the firm’s manufacturing industry group, and forming and leading Grant Thornton’s Asia practice. He is a passionate champion of the firm, its clients and people.
Series facilitator
Tianne Nagy-Jones
Partner - Financial Advisory
Restructuring Advisory
Grant Thornton Australia
Tianne has over 15 years’ experience in restructuring advisory and insolvency, managing companies in a formal insolvency process through the appropriate sale, restructure or wind down strategy. Tianne is also well established leading informal advisory engagements, including conducting Independent Business Reviews on behalf of lenders and providing practical company side advice to distressed businesses.
Keynote speaker
Stephen Koukoulas
Australian Economist and Managing Director of Market Economics
Stephen is the go-to economist for many businesses, investors, fund managers and the media. He is a regular contributor to Yahoo Finance and appears on television including the ABC, The Project and Sky and is regularly called upon to contribute to radio interviews across the country.
Featured speakers - Day 1
Claire Scott
Partner – Audit & Assurance
National Head of Financial Services
Grant Thornton Australia
Kate Monckton
Partner - Risk Consulting
National Head of Cyber Resilience
Grant Thornton Australia