Wednesday, December 3

10:30 am – 10:35 am – Opening Remarks

10:35 am – 11:35 am – Understanding the Basics of Payments Law
Understanding the fundamentals of payment laws and regulations is crucial to understanding how payments work. So is having a clear comprehension of how the laws and regulations interact with one another, particularly when there may be overlap. Which law applies to a payment transaction depends on who the end users are, what kind of institution acts as intermediary, and what form of transaction is used to move the money. The introduction of new kinds of payments service providers and completely new forms of currencies and payments is raising questions about what laws apply to fintech. With so many agencies overseeing overlapping aspects of the payments industry, sometimes different agencies might be taking contradictory views about emerging issues. This session delves into these issues and provides an overview of the most significant laws and regulations governing payments, including Uniform Commercial Code Articles 3, 4, and 4A, the Expedited Funds Availability Act and Regulation CC, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, the CFPB’s authority to act against unfair deceptive, and abusive acts or practices, and recent updates to Regulation J in relation to FedNow. The session touches on the rules that structure the Federal Reserve’s payments services, including Regulation J and the Fed’s Operating Circulars. The speaker will also describe the OFAC/Bank Secrecy Act compliance regime that applies to all payments in the U.S.

Aaron Kouhoupt, Attorney at Law, McGlinchey

11:40 am – 12:40 – Assessing Current Regulatory Payments Legislation  
This session focuses on the latest legislative developments in the payments industry. Speakers review significant laws such as the Payment Modernization Act, which mandates the adoption of real-time payments by all financial institutions, and the Consumer Financial Protection Act, which enhances consumer rights and protections in digital transactions. Additionally, we will explore the implications of the Financial Inclusion Act, aimed at expanding access to banking services for underserved communities. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of these critical legislative changes, their impact on compliance requirements, and the strategies needed to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape. 

Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein, Senior Counsel: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP
 

Aisha Hall, Attorney: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP

12:40pm – 1:00 pm – Break

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – The Legal & Compliance Landscape of Instant Payments: What You Need to Know
Instant payments have transformed the way we transfer funds, making transactions faster and more efficient, but this innovation has also brought new legal considerations that must be taken into account. During this session, speakers discuss the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to instant payments, including Regulation E & UCC4A, as well as dive into the liability and risk management concerns associated with instant payments, including fraud, chargebacks, and data breaches. Speakers will also discuss strategies for mitigating these risks, such as implementing robust security protocols and complying with industry standards.

Scott R. Fryzel, Member, Dykema Gossett, PLLC

Lauren Quigley, Senior Counsel, Dykema Gossett, PLLC

2:05 pm – 3:05 pm – Exploring Recent Executive Orders and the Impact to the Payments Industry 
Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has signed numerous executive orders impacting the banking sector. This session will cover key directives, including the promotion of digital assets and blockchain technology, the elimination of advisory committees for community banks and credit unions, and the modernization of federal payment systems. Speakers explore the implications of these orders on regulatory compliance, operational strategies, and the broader financial landscape. Attendees come away with a comprehensive understanding of how these changes may affect their organizations and the steps needed to ensure compliance and strategic alignment.

Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein, Senior Counsel: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP
 

Aisha Hall, Attorney: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP

3:10 pm – 4:10 pm – Examining the Regulatory Outlook for Stablecoin and CBDC
Explore the evolving regulatory landscape for stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in this essential session for payments legal and compliance professionals. Speakers examine the latest legislative efforts, including the U.S.'s GENIUS and STABLE Acts, which define stringent requirements for stablecoin issuers, and the SEC's stance on yield-bearing stablecoins. Additionally, we will discuss the global divergence in regulatory approaches, with the U.S. favoring private, dollar-backed stablecoins and Europe prioritizing CBDCs. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the current and future regulatory environment, highlighting the implications for compliance, operational strategies, and the broader financial ecosystem. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these regulatory developments may shape the future of digital currencies and their impact on the payments industry.

Matt Luzadder, Managing Partner, Kelley Drye

Adrian Wall, CEO, Digital Sovereignty Alliance

Thursday, December 4

9:30 am – 9:35 am – Welcome Back and Day One Recap

9:35 am – 10:35 am – Legal & Compliance Concepts in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries, understanding the legal and compliance landscape is crucial for businesses and practitioners alike. This session will explore the multifaceted legal challenges and regulatory frameworks surrounding AI technologies. Participants will gain insights into key topics, including data privacy and protection, intellectual property, accountability and liability, and emerging regulations. 

Ellen T. Berge, Esq.. Partner, Venable LLP 

10:40 am – 11:40 pm – Navigating Risk: Understanding (and Managing) High-Risk Originators
Financial institutions make business decisions to originate ACH transactions for clients, and it is incumbent on them to conduct appropriate due diligence and related risk management. With what could be considered high-risk activity, it is imperative that the FI implement a robust and holistic risk management program throughout the life cycle that has active involvement and commitment across the organization. Online gaming, ACH debit at online purchases without card network purchase protection, and other transactions are examples of industries where financial institutions have proceeded with caution. These industries could represent potential threats to payment systems so, as a result, various payment systems rules have been defined, all with the goal of protecting the integrity of the system as well as limiting possible risk. Speakers in this session discuss what constitutes “high-risk” payments and the types and magnitude of transactions that give rise to such risks. Understand who needs to be involved and why, what process elements need to be considered.

Ellen T. Berge, Esq.. Partner, Venable LLP

11:45 am – 12:45 pm – Legal & Compliance Considerations in Fighting Fraud
This session, led by law enforcement and legal experts, focuses on the latest strategies and regulatory requirements in combating payments fraud. Speakers explore the increasing sophistication of fraud tactics, including synthetic identity fraud and account takeovers, and the regulatory measures aimed at mitigating these risks. Attendees will gain insights into the legal implications of fraud prevention efforts, the importance of maintaining robust security protocols, and the impact of recent legislative changes on compliance strategies. This comprehensive overview will equip professionals with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of payments fraud and ensure their organizations remain secure and compliant.

Jennifer Aguilar, Counsel, Alston & Bird

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – What’s REALLY Going to Happen with the CFPB?
Focusing on the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under the Trump administration, this session provides an in-depth examination of the new regulatory approach under the new leadership of Scott Bessent as Acting Director. This session will explore the potential restructuring and refocusing of the CFPB, emphasizing guidance and education over penalties. Speakers discuss the implications of these changes on consumer protections, regulatory compliance, and the broader financial landscape. This comprehensive overview will equip professionals with the knowledge required to adapt to the new direction of the CFPB and ensure continued compliance and strategic alignment.

Speaker TBA

2:05 pm – 3:05 pm – Embracing the Role of Digital Identity in Open Banking
This engaging session explores how digital identity verification enhances security, reduces fraud, and streamlines customer onboarding processes. Speakers delve into the regulatory requirements surrounding digital identity, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. Attendees gain insights into the integration of digital identity solutions with open banking APIs, enabling secure and efficient data sharing between financial institutions and third-party providers. By understanding the implications and opportunities of digital identity in open banking, professionals will be better equipped to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and leverage these technologies to enhance their compliance strategies and customer experiences.

Adam Maarec, Attorney at Law, McGlinchey

3:10 pm – 4:10 pm – Cash, Clean, and Cover-Up: Spotting Money Laundering in Action

Ever wonder how dirty money gets "cleaned"? In this session, you'll learn the tricks of the money-laundering trade—without the risk! We’ll take a journey through the stages of money laundering, from placement to layering and integration, uncovering common tactics used by criminals to keep their funds under the radar. The speaker shares methods to detect suspicious transactions, recognize red flags, and identify trends that scream “laundered cash!” Hearing about real-world case studies, attendees come away from this session with strategies to learn how to keep your hands clean. 

Matt Luzadder, Managing Partner, Kelley Drye

Al Taher, Senior Associate, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

4:10 pm - 4:15 pm Closing Comments