Conference Registration

Welcome Reception (GP)

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, PARC Street Financial, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. Please take a moment to say hello to one of their representatives.

Breakfast (GP)

Opening Remarks

Leveraging Technology and Data Analytics for Fraud Detection

Leora Ruzin, CMB, AMP
Founder
Ruzin Creative

Discover how credit unions can harness cutting-edge technology and advanced data analytics to identify, prevent, and mitigate fraudulent activities. This session will explore actionable strategies for leveraging real-time data insights, machine learning algorithms, and innovative tools to enhance fraud detection and safeguard member trust.

Networking/Refreshment Break

Navigating the Fraud Frontier: Scams, and Security Challenges Facing Credit Unions

Zach Douglas
Director, Bond and Risk Management
Allied Solutions

As credit unions continue to grow and innovate, so too do the fraud risks and scams targeting their members and operations. 

In this session, we will dive into the latest trends in financial fraud, from phishing and identity theft to sophisticated scams impacting both members and the institution itself. 

Leave the session with actionable insights on how credit unions can strengthen their security posture, mitigate risks, and protect their assets from evolving threats. 

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the fraud landscape and practical tools to safeguard their credit union and its members from emerging risks.

Anatomy of a Breach: Real Stories, Real Lessons

Sundeep Kapur
Founder
Digital Credence

In an era where cybercrime grows increasingly sophisticated, even the "prepared" are vulnerable. This presentation examines real-world case studies of how hackers and scammers exploited weaknesses in financial institutions, manipulated "trained" employees, and deceived unsuspecting consumers. 

From brute force attacks to cunning social engineering tactics, these stories reveal the strategies used by bad actors to wreak havoc. By dissecting these breaches, we’ll uncover common pitfalls and extract actionable insights to bolster defenses against fraud. 

Learn how proactive strategies, critical thinking, and continuous vigilance can help you and your organization mitigate risks. Real stories, real lessons—empowering you to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Sit-Down Luncheon (GP)

Managing Disputes, Circumventing Fraud, Enhancing Recovery & Driving Engagement

Sundeep Kapur
Founder
Digital Credence

First-party fraud is a growing issue in the financial industry, where consumers knowingly or unknowingly dispute legitimate transactions. Examples include denying transactions due to dissatisfaction with a product, forgetting to cancel a subscription, or exploiting financial institutions (FIs) as an easier route to resolve disputes. This problem impacts consumers, merchants, and FIs alike, creating inefficiencies and financial losses across the board.

Despite the availability of software and service solutions, most platforms fail to address the entire dispute lifecycle effectively. Instead, they often introduce additional complexities, such as requiring excessive paperwork or creating errors, like over-crediting accounts. For instance, resolving a simple billing error might involve multiple forms and result in further mistakes, frustrating all parties involved.

Addressing this challenge requires end-to-end dispute resolution systems, improved fraud detection tools, consumer education, and better collaboration among FIs, merchants, and technology providers. By focusing on streamlined processes and innovative solutions, the industry can mitigate first-party fraud and improve the efficiency and fairness of dispute resolution. Join us for a vibrant discussion that will provide solutions on how to address this big challenge.

Zen and the Art of Holistic Risk Management

Mark Haberland
Managing Director
DCG

Emerging from unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, significant rate increases and bank failures, our view of “normal” has changed. While we can’t change the past, we can change our approach to managing risk going forward.

We rely on model results to make the most critical decisions for our organization, but how confident are you in these models to provide your stakeholders with reliable information at the most essential times?

A steady hand is required to guide your organization in these times, so join DCG Managing Director, Mark Haberland, as he highlights the most common challenges facing risk managers given today’s unprecedented economic environment. Addressing them successfully will inspire ongoing confidence in your key risk assessments (IRR, liquidity, credit) and improve strategy decisions for your organization. 

Attendees of this timely session will gain strategic perspective on:

• Understanding the importance of data, model assumptions and stress testing and how wrong information can impact decision-making

• Maintaining flexibility to be ready for rapidly changing environments

• Getting the right people involved at ALCO

• The importance of the right validation approach

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast (GP)

Opening Remarks

Cryptocurrency and Credit Unions

Tim Quinn
President
Success From the Inside Out

There are a lot of questions about participating in the digital currency space. This session discusses the basics of crypto along with the risks, rewards and regulations. Currently there are over 23,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation, with a total market capitalization of $1.1 trillion and growing. That’s a substantial market considering that Bitcoin only launched in 2009. Over 40% of the US population own crypto currency and surveys show that they are willing to leave their current financial services institution if they do not provide crypto services. The National Credit Union Association (NCUA) and Fin Cen have opened the door for credit unions to service this segment of the financial market. We will review real options for becoming involved with this market. Let’s take a look.

Networking/Refreshment Break

Risk vs Reward in Indirect Lending

Leora Ruzin, CMB, AMP
Founder
Ruzin Creative

Explore the delicate balance between risk and opportunity in indirect lending. This session will provide insights into evaluating potential pitfalls, maximizing profitability, and managing exposure while expanding member services through indirect lending programs. Learn strategies to navigate this dynamic lending space effectively.

AI and RPA Intro – How They Affect Risk and Controls, and Fraud

Deron Rossi
President
DJR Consulting

AI,AI, AI, that is the rage everywhere. In this presentation, we will explore the transformative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) on the control posture of credit unions, with a specific focus on their implications for risk assessment, control procedures, and fraud detection. As AI and RPA technologies continue to gain prominence in the credit union landscape, it is crucial for the board and management to understand how these innovations can both revolutionize and enhance their practices.

We will introduce these concepts which are gaining traction in the credit union industry. Some vendors have released products infused with AI, while most vendors are working on AI strategies beyond just talking about them. By the end of this presentation, participants will have a basic understanding of how AI and RPA are revolutionizing the risk, control and fraud prevention practices.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast (GP)

Opening Remarks

Speaking From the Inside Out

Tim Quinn
President
Success From the Inside Out

Being in a board position demands that you communicate clearly, concisely and consistently. Our ability to communicate effectively is one of our greatest gifts giving us the ability to express our views, share an idea and to influence others. If your thoughts, words and actions are not congruent, you will dramatically decrease the power of your communication. In this presentation, we will cover the power of the thought process, attitude, intuition, visualization, body language, beliefs, perceptions, how we disarm ourselves and how to re-energize. At the end of this interactive session you will have some tools to be a better listener, thinker and speaker.

Networking/Refreshment Break

What If We Discover Fraud, Now What?

Deron Rossi
President
DJR Consulting

Discovering internal fraud at your credit union is an unsettling experience. Fraud risks abound, and we have all read about some large frauds.

But what if we discover it at our credit union, what do WE do now? Unfortunately, this can happen, and has happened at some credit unions, and sometimes involving very senior and respected people at the credit union.

Deron will share some latest fraud statistics to arm you with what, who, how of the fraudsters. We will discuss what to do if we discover fraud, focusing on how to go about the investigation process. We will discuss best practices of how to go about an investigation, as well go over some real investigations and learn some things NOT to do. 

Daily Wrap-Up

*Optional Riverboat Cruise ($75 Additional)

Take a short walk from the Hyatt and join fellow conference attendees and the “Ones in Red” for an afternoon of cruising and dining aboard the Savannah Riverboat. The 1½ hour excursion includes a southern buffet with all the trimmings and a narrated tour along the Savannah River.

*Tickets Must Be Purchased PRIOR to the conference.