The F.O.R.C.E.

In this episode, David Schwartz, President & CEO of FIBA, is joined by Kenneth A. Blanco, former Director of FinCEN and Managing Partner at Arktouros PLLC, to examine a financial regulatory landscape undergoing significant change. Executive orders, notices of proposed rulemaking and new guidance intended to relieve regulatory burdens have been met with evolving interpretations and court rulings—from lower courts to the Supreme Court—creating new questions for financial institutions. Against this backdrop, the episode examines what these changes really mean, where regulation may be headed, and how financial institutions should approach compliance during a period of uncertainty. Drawing on Blanco’s extensive experience in financial crime enforcement and compliance—including serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, where his responsibilities encompassed nationwide and international extraterritorial matters, as well as Director of FinCEN and a bank compliance and financial crimes executive—the episode explores the shift that began with the January 2025 “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” executive order and its emphasis on reducing regulatory burden, encouraging economic growth and innovation, strengthening U.S. competitiveness, and protecting national security. Key Topics Include: The impact of deregulation efforts on financial institutions and the broader compliance landscape Balancing reduced regulatory burden with national security and financial-crime prevention Proposed changes to AML/CFT programs and the need for greater regulatory clarity and consistency The evolving role of FinCEN and concerns surrounding resources and implementation Drug trafficking, cartels and Foreign Terrorist Organization designations as financial-crime priorities Why fraud is becoming an increasingly important component of financial-crime programs Correspondent banking and the growing importance of understanding the controls of foreign financial institution partners Board and senior management accountability for AML/BSA programs Cryptocurrency, digital banking and balancing innovation with effective risk management Stay tuned for more insights from FIBA’s FORCE – FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence podcast as regulatory developments continue to reshape the financial services industry.

In this episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.), David Schwartz, President & CEO of FIBA, leads a timely conversation on how compliance professionals can prepare for the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. As artificial intelligence, regulatory change, and business transformation continue to reshape financial services, the discussion explores the skills professionals need now to remain relevant and effective by 2030.   Joining the episode are Janiell Gonzalez, Associate at Greenberg Traurig and Chair of FIBA’s NextGen Committee, and Michael Laffont, Manager of Risk Advisory Services at Kaufman Rossin and Chair of FIBA’s NextGen Advisory Board. Together, they share practical perspectives on the importance of adaptability, regulatory fluency, communication, technical literacy, and the responsible use of AI. The conversation highlights that while AI can enhance efficiency and support decision-making, it is not a substitute for judgment, subject-matter knowledge, or human oversight. The guests also stress the value of continuous learning, networking, and developing the confidence to communicate risk clearly to senior management, boards, and regulators. Key Topics Include: Why the compliance professional of the future must start building new skills today How adaptability and cross-functional experience strengthen long-term career growth The growing role of AI in compliance, legal, and advisory work Why “trust but verify” is essential when using AI tools The importance of understanding regulations, technology, and business operations together Why communication and executive presence are critical for career advancement How continuing education, peer learning, and curiosity help professionals stay ahead Advice young professionals can apply now to prepare for 2030 and beyond  

A Rare Front-Row Seat to Financial Crime Today, we feature White Collars, Dirty Hands: Inside a Global Money Laundering Scheme In this compelling episode, host David Schwartz welcomes investigative journalists Laura Weffer and Nathan Jaccard to discuss Cuellos Blancos, Manos Sucias (“White Collars, Dirty Hands”), a groundbreaking investigative podcast produced by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and La No Ficción. The OCCRP is globally recognized for exposing complex cases involving corruption, money laundering, sanctions evasion, and transnational financial crime. In this series, their team unpacks a sophisticated Venezuelan corruption scheme tied to PDVSA, the country’s state-run oil company and long-standing target of U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC. A Rare Front-Row Seat to Financial Crime At the heart of the investigation is an extraordinary audio recording obtained from Spanish prosecutors. The recording captures, in real time, a private meeting in Madrid where individuals openly discuss how to launder millions of dollars connected to a broader billion-dollar scheme involving PDVSA. Miami and Madrid: Global Hubs in the Story The episode also highlights the geographic and cultural ties that make cities like Miami and Madrid central to Latin American financial activity—both legitimate and illicit. Beyond the Scheme: Patterns and Red Flags For compliance professionals and law enforcement, the series reinforces the importance of robust due diligence, cross-border cooperation, and understanding beneficial ownership structures across jurisdictions. Corruption Has Human Victims One of the most powerful dimensions of the podcast is its human focus. The series interviews Venezuelan families who lost children during protests against corruption. Their testimonies serve as a reminder that white-collar crime is not victimless. The diversion of billions in public funds directly impacts infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social stability. This FORCE episode offers not just a discussion—but a rare window into the anatomy of corruption, the global architecture of money laundering, and the real-world consequences that follow.  

In this episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.), David Schwartz, President & CEO of FIBA, leads a compelling conversation on the global crisis of human trafficking and the critical role financial institutions can play in addressing it. Joining him are two powerful voices: Rani Hong, survivor of child labor trafficking, global advocate, and co-founder of Social Detective, a new AI-driven platform designed to detect trafficking and fraud. John Tobon, former Assistant Director for Homeland Security Investigations and expert in financial crimes, who brings decades of frontline law enforcement experience. Together, they examine the human and financial dimensions of trafficking—one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises worldwide. Key Topics Include: Beyond the headlines: Why forced labor represents the majority of trafficking cases—often hidden from public view. The financial footprint of crime: How illicit proceeds move through global financial systems, and the urgent need for vigilance by banks. Technology as a tool: How Social Detective uses AI to identify suspicious transactions, patterns, and red flags in real time. Challenges in enforcement: From secrecy and control by traffickers to limited prosecutorial support, and how collaboration can close the gap. Role of financial institutions: Why “every payment tells a story” and how banks can help prevent exploitation by strengthening KYC, breaking down silos, and acting on red flags. Looking ahead: How major global events like the World Cup and Olympics heighten risks, and why businesses and individuals alike must stay alert.  

In this episode, David Schwartz, President & CEO of FIBA, leads a timely discussion on the rise of “fair access” laws and their implications for banks, regulators, and consumers. He is joined by Marina Olman-Pal, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, and Carl Fornaris, Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, both leaders in financial regulatory law. Together, they unpack the legislative trend fueled by political polarization, state activism, and public pressure—including recent developments in Florida, the Agriculture Bill, and proposed federal legislation. Key Topics Include: What Florida’s fair access laws really mean—and why they’ve become a national reference point Complaint mechanisms and OFR’s investigative process: What banks need to document and disclose Why regulators are advising banks to tread carefully with ESG language in policies The risk of litigation in the absence of regulatory clarity Federal vs. state tensions: Can federal preemption apply? The growing importance of lobbying, legal review, and internal governance Podcast Recap: Florida leads the country in enforcing fair access statutes, requiring financial institutions to justify service denials New legislation includes complaint processes, private rights of action, and increased transparency obligations Federal efforts (like the Fair Access to Banking Act) remain in bill form, but could override state laws if passed Banks must reassess their customer policies, document risk decisions clearly, and prepare for legal exposure The industry is urged to engage in advocacy and compliance planning—not just wait and see Stay tuned for more regulatory insights in upcoming episodes.

Podcast Crypto Crossroads: The DOJ's New Direction   In this episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.), we explore the U.S. Department of Justice’s surprising pivot in cryptocurrency enforcement—and what it means for financial institutions, digital asset companies, and regulators. Hosted by David Schwartz, President and CEO of FIBA, this episode features Richard Weber, Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP and former Chief of IRS Criminal Investigation, as they unpack the DOJ’s decision to disband its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and narrow its focus to criminal abuse of digital assets. Key Topics Include: What the DOJ’s memo really says—and why its language has left even legal experts unsure Why prosecutions tied to fraud, terrorism financing, and organized crime remain active The enduring risk for institutions despite “less enforcement” messaging How state regulators are stepping up as federal agencies scale back Why companies must prioritize compliance regardless of shifting political winds The vital role of public-private partnerships in reducing regulatory confusion Podcast Recap: DOJ will no longer pursue enforcement that mimics regulation, but fraud and criminal misuse of crypto remain key targets The disbanding of the DOJ crypto task force may signal deprioritization—but not decriminalization State regulators like NY DFS and CA AG continue active enforcement Financial institutions must maintain strong AML/BSA frameworks, as risks persist even if crypto isn’t named Reducing compliance based on temporary policy shifts exposes firms to long-term legal and reputational risk Open dialogue between regulators, law enforcement, and the private sector is critical to address ongoing uncertainty in digital asset oversight 🎧 Thank you for joining us! Stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

The Evolution of Trade Tools: Navigating Sanctions, Tariffs, and Domestic Content Strategies In this episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.), we explore the evolving landscape of trade regulations, economic sanctions, and tariffs under the new U.S. administration. Hosted by David Schwartz, President and CEO of FIBA, this episode features the Chair of FIBA’s Trade and Working Capital Solutions Committee, Shalako Wiener. Join them as they discuss how trade policies impact businesses and global markets. Key Topics Include: The effectiveness of sanctions and why they often fail to achieve policy goals. The role of tariffs in addressing unfair trade practices and their unintended consequences. The potential of domestic content requirements as a sustainable trade strategy. The importance of fair competition and protecting U.S. intellectual property. How businesses can adapt to shifting trade policies and economic challenges. Podcast Recap: Sanctions have historically had limited success in bringing about political change. Tariffs can level the playing field but may trigger trade wars and price increases. Domestic content requirements offer a long-term solution to protect local industries. The U.S. must balance free trade with economic security and fair competition. Thank you for joining us! Stay tuned for more expert insights at the 25th Annual FIBA AML Compliance Conference in Miami, March 24-27, 2025.

This episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.) explores the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly discussions surrounding deregulation, regulatory consolidation, and fintech oversight. Hosted by David Schwartz, the conversation features Jera Bradshaw, from Greenberg Traurig, a regulatory expert and former senior attorney at the FDIC. Key topics include: The uncertainty surrounding financial regulations under the new administration. The potential impacts of eliminating or restructuring agencies like FDIC and FinCEN. The challenges of fintech regulation and how agencies struggle to keep up with innovation. The importance of education and training for regulators to maintain industry oversight. The critical role of FDIC and why eliminating it is unrealistic. Podcast Recap: Regulatory reform is likely but will be slow-moving. FDIC elimination is highly unlikely due to its critical role in financial stability. Fintech regulation is evolving, but clarity is still needed. Regulators must improve education and training to keep up with industry shifts. Thank you for joining us! You can hear more from Jera and other industry experts at the 25th Annual FIBA AML Compliance Conference, taking place in Miami, March 24-27, 2025.   

#Podcast | EP. 11| Innovaciones en Compliance y Negocios Internacionales conversación con David Schwartz, de FIBA    En el capítulo 11 de "El Lado B del Compliance", exploramos la evolución y el impacto del cumplimiento global con David Schwartz, Presidente y CEO de FIBA. Este episodio, grabado en Panamá y conducido por Luis Ramiro Díaz Briceño, Co-Director Ejecutivo en Risk Consulting Global Group, ofrece una perspectiva integral sobre cómo FIBA ha transformado su enfoque desde su fundación. Discutimos la expansión de FIBA más allá del sector bancario hacia una membresía diversa que incluye proveedores de servicios, consultores y empresas tecnológicas. Además, abordamos los desafíos y beneficios del cumplimiento en un entorno global y las implicaciones de la legislación extraterritorial, así como la influencia de la inteligencia artificial en las prácticas de cumplimiento.

In this episode, Yamil Haidar from US Century and the Co Chair of the NextGen Committee, interview Pamela Clegg, the Vice President of Financial Investigations in CipherTrace.  Hoping you enjoy it!