Banking on Connections

FHLBank Chicago

Banking and the financial industry are complex. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we’re here to help bridge gaps and drive conversations that showcase how banking connects all of us. On this podcast, you’ll meet FHLBank Chicago employees and other financial and housing industry thought leaders, discover products and programs that help create thriving communities, gain the latest market insights, and feel more connected to a vital part of the U.S. financial system.

  1. 09/22/2025

    The Fed’s September Rate Cut: What It Means for Markets, Jobs, and Housing

    This episode of Banking on Connections features James Hotchkiss discussing the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut and its impact on the economy. The conversation centers on the Fed’s decision to lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, signaling a shift in monetary policy as inflation cools and the labor market slows. Key points include: The Fed’s move reduces recession risks and reflects growing concern about the jobs market, with hiring slowing but layoffs remaining low. Uncertainty around tariffs and rates continues to affect business investment and consumer sentiment, especially for small businesses. The housing market shows regional differences: inventory is high in the South but remains tight in the Midwest and Northeast, with Chicago seeing strong price appreciation. The Fed is now prioritizing employment over inflation, willing to let inflation run hotter to support job growth. The episode closes with a look at how these changes may affect long-term rates, housing affordability, and consumer confidence as we move through 2025.

    30 min

  2. 07/24/2025

    MPF® Program's Evolving Role in Housing: Insights From Patrick Sullivan

    On this episode of Banking on Connections, host Stephen Schumacher dives into one of the podcast’s most essential themes—housing—with Patrick Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Group Head of the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program. As supply and affordability challenges persist across Illinois and Wisconsin, Patrick shares his unique 360-degree perspective on the housing industry, how the MPF Program has evolved to support housing affordability, and why collaboration among financial institutions, community partners, and housing leaders is key to tackling the challenging housing market. Tune in and be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing finance.

    31 min

  3. 06/20/2025

    The Economy in Limbo - A Mid-Year Outlook

    Markets are volatile, inflation is steady, and recession fears linger—but where do we really stand halfway through 2025? FHLBank Chicago's in-house Economist James Hotchkiss joins host Stephen Schumacher to break down the data, unpack consumer spending behavior, and explore what it all means for financial institutions.  Tune in to hear:  Why the economy feels stuck in “wait and see” mode  What recent retail and labor data suggest about consumer confidence  How housing trends differ dramatically across regions  What opportunities exist for financial institutions amid economic ambiguity

    18 min

  4. 05/21/2025

    Skill Development - A Continuous Journey and Investment

    Every organization is experiencing how quickly technology, customer preferences, and the economic landscape is changing and advancing how we work. That’s no different in the banking and finance sectors. While many teams want to find new and more efficient ways to complete work and grow the careers of its employees – how do you find time for that skill development? How does an organization embrace change and adapt strategically to drive that value to its employees and customers?   On this episode, guest Chelsi Gallegos, Assistant Director, Organizational Development at FHLBank Chicago, shares insight into how organizations can start a skill development journey for its employees, what that investment looks like, and how FHLBank Chicago’s multi-year skill development journey is helping us grow and evolve how we serve our member financial institutions.

    16 min

  5. 04/16/2025

    Opening Doors: How Downpayment Plus® Programs Support Homebuyers

    As homebuyers navigate a challenging housing market, one common financial hurdle they face is having enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. On this episode, we explore how our Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Programs expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois and Wisconsin and how FHLBank Chicago members can participate. Representatives from our Community Investment team—Angie Ashlaw, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist, and Jamie Lutton, Manager, Community Outreach—discuss an overview of the program, its positive impact on individuals and communities, and steps for financial institutions to leverage DPP funding effectively.

    13 min

  6. 03/21/2025

    A Certainly Uncertain Economic Outlook

    James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, is back to share his insights into the layers of uncertainty in the United States economy and markets. We break down the potential impacts of tariffs, job market news, consumer spending trends, and direction of interest rates. What does all this mean for consumers? What should FHLBank Chicago members and the financial sector pay attention to? Tune in as we navigate all the economic twists and turns.

    20 min

  7. 01/14/2025

    Where Is the Economy Headed in 2025?

    James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, joins the show to share what he’s seeing in the market and economy in the early part of 2025 and what lies ahead in the coming months. Is there an expected path forward for interest rate cuts? Is the worst of inflation behind us? Will the housing market improve? Hear all this and more on our new episode!

    15 min

  8. 12/20/2024

    Why Organizational Culture Matters

    Cedric Thurman, Executive Vice President, Group Head, Community Investment at FHLBank Chicago, sits down with two of his colleagues—Toi Fields, Sr. Managing Director, Head of IT Business Management, and Sam Reindl, Director, Bank Operations—to talk about the importance of organizational culture and leveraging employee engagement. How do you build stronger connections on your team with different working styles? What can you do to prepare your team for change? Why is transparency so important to success? Hear their insights on our new episode!

    22 min
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Trailer

About

Banking and the financial industry are complex. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we’re here to help bridge gaps and drive conversations that showcase how banking connects all of us. On this podcast, you’ll meet FHLBank Chicago employees and other financial and housing industry thought leaders, discover products and programs that help create thriving communities, gain the latest market insights, and feel more connected to a vital part of the U.S. financial system.

Information

  • Creator
    FHLBank Chicago
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Banking on Connections