BRIAN WALTER

Executive Vice President and Regional President

M&T Bank

Brian Walter is executive vice president and regional president for M&T Bank, overseeing 1,200 employees across the Greater Baltimore and Chesapeake markets. Walter joined M&T in 1990 after earning his MBA from Penn State and has built a career in banking spanning more than three decades. His leadership journey included roles as commercial relationship manager, group manager and market president.

A graduate of M&T’s Leadership Development Program through Columbia University, Walter served as a mentor for the bank’s Senior Leadership Development Program and was a member of M&T’s Diversity Council. He is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Howard County, a 2013 graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and a 2014 graduate of Leadership Maryland. The National Pike District of the Boy Scouts honored him with the Good Scout Award in 2010.

Walter currently serves the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the BWI Business Partnership, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

What advice would you offer someone interested in banking and finance as a career?

Stay curious, build strong relationships, and never stop learning. This industry rewards people who listen well and lead with integrity. If you show up consistently and focus on helping others succeed, you’ll go far.

What are the biggest challenges facing your industry?

The pace of change, especially around technology and customer expectations, is faster than ever. Our challenge is adapting quickly while staying true to the community-focused values that define us. Finding that balance is essential for long-term trust and growth.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?

I’d probably still be working in a role that brings people together and strengthens communities. Civic leadership and service have always been a big part of who I am. Whatever the path, it would involve making a positive impact close to home.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honorees. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.

This profile is part of The Daily Record’s Banking & Financial Services Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at origintdrdev.wpengine.com.