Conference Registration

Opening Remarks

The Governance Role of the Board in Risk Management

James This, President/CEO, James L. This and Associates

As credit unions grow and expand access channels, the exposure to fraud, identity theft and system disruption increase. This environment is forcing credit union boards to take a more active role in establishing policies and processes to support the organization’s risk management initiatives. In this session, Dr. This will help attendees understand the board’s role in the risk management governance process and share best practices to improve practices in their credit unions.

Networking/Refreshment Break

To Protect and Serve

Sundeep Kapur, Founder, Digital Credence

The vulnerabilities at credit unions are increasing for a number of reasons, including targeted attempts by hackers, emerging cloud infrastructures, a high volume of consumer transactions, staff errors, internal and friendly fraud, and a dramatic increase in the number of devices that can access information. We have to find a balance between good service, dynamic personalization, and a high level of security.

This session will share multiple case studies of crime that take advantage of financial institution vulnerabilities. We will also cover current legislation, emerging legislation, and how crypto-currency is helping ransomware. Additionally, we will discuss strategies to protect core data, systems, apps, processes, and our cloud infrastructure.

Day in Review

Welcome Reception: Co-Sponsored by OM Financial

Enjoy cocktails, light dining & great conversation with other credit union leaders from across the nation, their guests and “The Ones in Red” before enjoying your first evening in Savannah.

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, OM Financial, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. Learn more about OM Financial.

Sit-Down Breakfast (GP)

Opening Remarks

Fraud Update: What the Board Needs to Watch Out For

Deron Rossi, President, DJR Consulting

Fraud risks are constantly present, and this was amplified with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in a strong economy, fraud was prevalent. It is easy to get complacent, or worse, to assume that someone else is watching out for fraud risks. The board has a responsibility, along with the supervisory committee, to keep their eye on the ball. In the financial services industry, fraud can be more prevalent, and it can be crippling to a financial institution’s reputation.

Deron will update you on the latest fraud trends and share some of the key findings in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) 2020 Report to the Nations. You will hear an update of some recent frauds in the financial services. The goal will be to augment everyone’s understanding of what to be watching for in order to stay out of the headlines for fraud at your credit union.

Networking/Refreshment Break

Reducing the Incidence of Employee Dishonesty and Fraud

James This, President/CEO, James L. This and Associates

Internal fraud continues to be a serious threat to credit unions. Often times warning signals and basic internal control processes have been ignored. In this session, we will look at recent incidents of employee dishonesty, how they could have been detected earlier and what you can do to decrease your credit union’s vulnerability.

Emerging Risks for Credit Unions

Rob Smith, Advisor Manager, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc./CUNA Mutual Group

The world we live in is changing fast! The risks that credit unions face on a daily basis are also changing. Join Rob for an examination of some of those risks and the impact they are having with credit unions.

Sit-Down Luncheon (GP)

Not Creepy, Just Being Helpful

Sundeep Kapur, Founder, Digital Credence

“I want it all, I want it now.” In a world of instant access empowered by a digital foundation, consumers expect personalized, secure, and useful experiences. To deliver on these ideal experiences, financial institutions need to collect information to track and monitor the consumers they serve.

How do we protect the information we collect? How should we mentor our member without appearing intrusive? How do we enlighten the community we serve?

This session will focus on practical information to allow your staff to become member mentors and empower them with the knowledge of protecting sensitive information. We will share ideal practices that you can apply back at your credit unions.

Internal Audits: Risks, Controls and Compliance

Cynthia Daly, CPA, CUCE, Director of Internal Audit, ALCO, ERM, and CUNA Advisory Board, People’s Trust Federal Credit Union

Internal audits are very important in preparing an organization for successful audit engagements and examinations. They assist in identifying and mitigating the areas of risks within any organization. The internal audit plan should be comprehensive to assess risks, test internal controls, and validate regulatory compliance. Cynthia will lead a discussion on how to leverage internal audits and its key elements in your credit union to avoid potential pitfalls. You will gain an understanding of:

■ How to identify key audit areas and perform risk assessments

■ How to test, strengthen, and leverage internal controls

■ How to develop a risk-based internal audit plan and discuss the audit cycle

■ How regulatory compliance is an important part of managing risks

■ What is the most effective way to follow up on audit deficiencies to avoid pitfalls

Daily Wrap-Up

Sit-Down Breakfast (GP)

Opening Remarks

Economic Update - Risks and Rewards

Rob Smith, Advisor Manager, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc./CUNA Mutual Group

We have recently seen a booming economy in the U.S. Markets have rallied and credit unions have thrived. Do all good things come to an end? Join Rob for a look at the current economic indicators and determine if your credit union is prepared for the risks and rewards of possible changes in our economy in the future.

Networking/Refreshment Break

What If We Discover Fraud, Now What?

Deron Rossi, President, DJR Consulting

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 CUs, and sometimes involving very senior & respected people at the credit union.

Deron 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.

Roundtable Discussion

Exchange ideas with fellow participants during a lively discussion. The first part of the roundtable will allow time for discussion on key topics. The second part will consist of representatives from each table sharing thoughts and ideas discussed at their particular table.

Conference Wrap-Up