13 NOVEMBER 2025 [DAY 1]

​

08:30-09:00

 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE

Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee

​

09:00-09:05

 WELCOME ADDRESS

Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events 

​

09:05-09:10

 CHAIRMEN OPENING ADDRESS

Insights into the day's agenda and objectives

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

​

09:10-09:35

 KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Digital Transformation in the Financial Services Sector

– What’s Up Ahead?​

Fariba Akrami, SVP. Fintech & Digital Payments AML Compliance Risk Management at Citi

 

09:35-10:05

FIRESIDE CHAT + Q&A

Fireside Chat on Innovation in US Instant Payments​

Moderator: Mark Majeske, SVP Faster Payments at Alacriti

James Dillard, Director, Sales & Business Development at The Clearing House (TCH)

Ian Schweid, VP, Client Relations - Head of FedNow Client Specialist Group at The Federal Reserve Financial Services

 

​10:05-10:35

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Beyond the Checklist: Leveraging Technology for a Proactive Compliance Approach​​​

The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, is transforming compliance practices by enabling more effective fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and risk management.

• How AI and machine learning improve the accuracy and efficiency of compliance processes

• Real-world case studies showcasing successful technology implementation in compliance

• The future of blockchain and its role in enhancing transparency and traceability in financial transactions

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Michael Heller, Head of Financial Crime Compliance Proposition at Dow Jones

Juvin George, Director Product at USAA

Lisa Lechner, Chief Compliance Officer and AML/BSA Officer at SpotOn

 

10:35-11:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

The Next Wave of the Consumer Payment Experience​​​

• Focusing on purpose-driven and predictive customer experiences in payments

• Analysing changes in consumer expectations and behaviour within the USA context 

• Modernising the consumer payment experience - real-world examples

​Moderator: Trisha Asgeirsson, Independent ExpertFintech and Payments Executive, Ex MasterCard and JPMorgan Chase

Ali Ahmed, Account Executive at FreedomPay

Emily Stein, Senior Director, Financial Institutions & Fintechs at Onbe

Mieka Jackson, VP Enterprise Sales | Adyen for Platforms at Adyen

Douglas Price, Payments Product Leader & Consultant

​​​

11:00-11:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

Sponsored by UMCA

​

11:30-12:00

 PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Agentic AI in Regtech: Trends, Challenges, and Real-Life Examples​​​​

Moderator: Chastity Murphy, Former U.S. Treasury - Visiting Research Fellow
at University of Manchester

Ekaterina Neustroeva, COO at Vivox.AI

Jelena Hoffart, Director of Identity Value Chain Expansion at Mastercard

Julie Fergerson, Co-Founder and CEO at MRC

​

12:00-12:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

The Advancement of the Payments Landscape: The Surge of Instant Payments, Integration with A2A Transactions, and their Impact on Industry Dynamics​​

• Instant Payments Standardisation: By now, instant payments should almost be the norm, enhancing real-time transactions and transforming consumer experiences

• A2A Payments Integration: Growing synergy with Account-to-Account payments streamlines transfers, reduces costs, and cuts out intermediaries

• Shifting Industry Dynamics: The rise of instant and A2A payments drives innovation and collaboration among financial institutions and fintechs

Moderator: Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

Steve Kenneally, Senior Vice President – Payments at American Bankers Association

Jairo Riveros, President, Americas & Global Head of Strategy at Paysend

Kristóf Litavecz, Global Head of Business Operations at Wise

Ivy Gupta, Lead Product Counsel, Payments at Plaid

​

12:30-13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A​​

Navigating Regulatory Changes in the USA

Overview of the latest USA regulations affecting the payments landscape

Moderator: Angelena Bradfield, Head of Policy at the Financial Technology Association (FTA) 
Deana Rich, Co-Founder at Infinicept

Freddie Frith, Head of Americas at Corlytics

Madison Amador, Operations Generalist at 8am

Lakshman Kannan, Financial Services Risk Technology & Analytics Leader (Partner) at PWC

 

13:00-14:00

 NETWORKING LUNCH​

Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions

Sponsored by Hummingbird

 

14:00-14:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

 Cryptocurrency and Payments: Navigating the Evolving Landscape​

• Regulatory Frameworks in the USA: Exploring the varying regulatory approaches regarding cryptocurrency usage, focusing on compliance, taxation, and consumer protection

• Impact of CBDCs on Traditional Payments: Analysing how the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is reshaping existing payment systems, potentially improving efficiency and security in transactions

• Integration of Crypto Payments: Discussing the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment methods and the challenges and opportunities this poses for merchants and financial institutions in adapting to consumer preferences

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Silvio Canto, Executive Director, Head of Fintech Banking at Texas Capital

Anthony Vassallo, Senior Vice President, Crypto at Silicon Valley Bank
Jordan Baltazor, Founder & CEO at Strategic CX

Ben Grout, VP of Global Payments Sales at zerohash

​

14:30-15:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Evolving Threats and Innovations in Financial Crime Prevention

• Highlighting how AI and machine learning are reshaping the approach to fraud detection in USA

• Addressing emerging threats such as cybercrime and ransomware within the USA financial landscape

Moderator: Moderator: Chastity Murphy, Former U.S. Treasury - Visiting Research Fellowat University of Manchester

Matt Van Buskirk, Co-Founder & CEO, Regulatory at Hummingbird

Christian Crisan, Managing Director – Financial Services Strategy and Advisory at Splunk

Joseph Saahene, Vice President and General Counsel at Usio Inc.

​

15:00-15:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights

Sponsored by VIVOX

​​

 

15:30-16:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Successful Payment Strategies in 2025​

• Highlighting successful case studies of fintechs leading payment innovations in USA

• Best practices for aligning payment strategies with evolving USA regulations

Moderator: Trisha Asgeirsson, Fintech and Payments Executive, Ex MasterCard and JPMorgan Chase

Jason Honeycutt, Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President of Compliance at Ouro (fka NetSpend)
Matthew Nutting, Head of Digital Sales, Americas at Verifone

Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union

Elena Teodorovich, Director of Payments at Neumo

​​

16:00-16:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Fintech Ecosystem​

• Exploring the role of fintech in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for underserved populations

• Discussing strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration within the fintech ecosystem

Moderator: Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

Chastity Murphy, Former U.S. Treasury, Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Manchester

Nicole Jimenez, Account Executive at Xplor Pay

Linda Mahy, CEO and Founder at Connective IQ Inc. | Associate Partner at The Fintech & Payments Advisory Network (TFPA)

Adrian Rizo, Director of Product, Data, Analytics & AI at Kestra Financial

Ashley Jacobson, Head of Banking Operations & Partnerships at Cleo AI

Marc Keller, Global Head of Growth and Partnerships at Payall Payment Systems

​

​

16:30-16:40

CHAIRMAN CLOSING COMMENTS DAY 1

Summarising the key takeaways from DAY 1 of the conference and addressing final questions from attendees

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

​

16:40-18:30

NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION

A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees and speakers,

featuring local drinks & snacks

Sponsored by Dow Jones

​

19:30-22:00

NETWORKING DINNER EXPERIENCE

Join us for an exclusive networking dinner experience, where industry leaders and innovators connect over exceptional cuisine, drinks and insightful conversations

Sponsored by Splunk

​

​

14 NOVEMBER 2025 [DAY 2]

​​​​

08:30-09:00

 WELCOME COFFEE DAY 2

Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee​

​

09:00-09:10

 CHAIRMAN INTRO TO DAY 2

Insights into the day's agenda and objectives

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

​

09:10-09:35

 KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Crisis Moment or Turning Point?

Reinventing AML for the Age of Efficiency

It's the compliance moment of reckoning as compliance leaders find themselves stuck between the ultimate rock and a hard place. On the one hand, new technologies have created an unrelenting expectation that teams “do more with less” while on the other, Washington D.C.  continues to make a strong armed push to deregulate. For CCOs in charge of complex compliance programs, it’s a nightmare scenario. CEOs are asking “Do we still need this?” and many AML programs leader aren’t making a compelling case to say yes.
But what if, rather than view the current moment as a time of reduced scope, scaled back initiatives, and…doing less, we saw it as the turning point for a new way of fighting financial crime? 
In his keynote address, Hummingbird cofounder Matt Van Buskirk will examine each of the key compliance areas – internal practices, technology and operations, and regulatory policy – through the lens of a modern, future-looking, AI-enabled compliance program. Using a stop, start, continue framework, Matt will bring his experience both as a former regulator and technologist to bear on the question, “What really matters?” Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable understanding of what compliance practices need changing, where the first steps towards lasting change can be found, and how confidently answer the question, “is my program delivering value?
Matt Van Buskirk, Co-Founder & CEO, Regulatory at Hummingbird

​

09:35-10:05

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

AI Use Cases In Financial Services and Payments​

Moderator: Allan Rayson, Global Head of Sales at Tailwind

Aaron Kwan, CRO at Hapax (Ex-Q2, NCR)
Robert Cole, CXO at Velocity CU (Ex-Q2)
Richard Munassi, Managing Director at Tampa Bay Wave
Balazs Barna, Head of U.S. Engineering at Wise

 

​10:05-10:35

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Fostering Collaboration Across Stakeholders​​​

Effective combatting of financial crime requires enhanced collaboration and information sharing between financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies to create a united front.

• Understanding the benefits of public-private partnerships in preventing financial crime

• Case studies of successful collaborations that have led to improved outcomes

• Strategies for encouraging information sharing while maintaining confidentiality and data security

Moderator: Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

Michael Galdo, Counsel at King & Spalding

​Jo Davenport, SVP, Fraud Director at Third Coast Bank

Anuradha Gupta Ray, Senior Change Delivery Lead Consultant, Payments at Comercia Bank

 

10:35-11:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

2025 Updates on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Trends and Considerations​​​

• Widespread BNPL Adoption: The use of Buy Now, Pay Later options has surged, becoming a mainstream financial solution for consumers seeking flexible payment methods

• Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny: There’s a growing demand for regulatory measures aimed at enhancing consumer protection and promoting responsible usage of BNPL services

• Strategic Partnerships: Businesses are forming effective partnerships with BNPL providers to enhance customer experiences and drive sales while ensuring responsible lending practices

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Angelena Bradfield, Head of Policy at the Financial Technology Association (FTA)

Prateek Khamesra, Director at Visa

John Reyes, CEO and Founder at LoxFX

Holly Paulus, Corporate Counsel, Payments at Expedia Group

Xhelil "Jay" Vukel, President at BackdPayments

​​​

11:00-11:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

Sponsored by Payall Payments System

​

11:30-12:00

 PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Driving  Innovation in Cross-Border Payments: Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Compliance​​​​

• Exploring new technologies and partnerships that streamline cross-border payment processes while maintaining security and compliance, fostering a more efficient global payment infrastructure

• Emergence of Blockchain Solutions: Leveraging blockchain technology to facilitate faster, more secure cross-border transactions while reducing costs associated with intermediaries.

• Collaboration with Fintech Startups: Forming strategic partnerships with innovative fintech companies to develop agile payment solutions that can swiftly adapt to regulatory changes and consumer demands

• Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Utilising AI-driven analytics to improve fraud detection, streamline compliance processes, and enhance the overall security of cross-border payment systems

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
Melissa Pottenger, VP, Payment Ops at Reach

Mark Majeske, SVP Faster Payments at Alacriti

David Maw, Head of Bank Operations at Santander

Finn Veje, Director of Business Development at Thunes

​

12:00-12:25

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

What’s Next for Open Banking in North America?​​​

• A status update on the Personal Financial Data Rights rule, known as Section 1033

• The story of what Section 1033 has been through since its introduction last October

• A look at the Canadian equivalent, the Consumer-Driven Banking Act, and its statu

• Projecting into the future of open banking in North America over the short and long term

Eyal Sivan, GM of North America at Ozone API

​

12:25-12:40

 CHAIRMAN CLOSING COMMENTS​

Summarising the key takeaways from the conference and addressing final questions from attendees

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Steve Mott, Principal at BetterBuyDesign

 

12:40-14:00

 CLOSING NETWORKING LUNCH​

Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions

Sponsored by Corylitics

​

​