Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) NBF’s 24th Annual Financial Services Conference summary

Strategic integration and business connectivity

• Commercial Banking and Wealth are unified to enhance client solutions and drive enterprise-wide offerings, with over 32% of commercial clients also holding private wealth relationships.

• Co-location and cross-training of bankers support deeper client engagement and solution delivery.

• 95% of lending clients also maintain deposit relationships, supporting a balanced and stable business model.

• Focus is shifting to expanding deposit relationships into broader cash management and payment services.

Growth outlook and sector performance

• Commercial Banking posted high single-digit loan and deposit growth in fiscal 2025 and Q1, with expectations for continued mid- to high single-digit growth, especially in the year's second half.

• Growth is strongest in diversified C&I segments, with regional highlights in BC hospitality, Alberta infrastructure, Ontario M&A, and Quebec manufacturing.

• Limited exposure to sectors hit by tariffs, such as auto, steel, and lumber.

• Atlantic Canada is poised to benefit from increased federal defense spending.

Commercial real estate and portfolio management

• Commercial real estate (CRE) comprises about 40% of the commercial mortgage book, with slow growth expected until economic conditions improve.

• Multifamily condo development in Toronto and Vancouver faces challenges, but risk is managed through strong loan-to-value and centralized expertise.

• Opportunities exist in industrials, student housing, and grocery-anchored retail.