2025 Conference Agenda (2026 Agenda coming soon!)

7:00 AM - 5:15 PM

Registration Open 

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Refreshment Break

8:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Pre-Conference Workshops (for a complete listing of Pre-Conference Workshops, click here.)

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Exhibitor Set-up

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Lunch and Exhibit Hall Opens

Welcoming Remarks, Vendor Fast Pitch
(Lunch Continues)

Moderators: Jimmy Sawyers, Chairman, Co-Founder, Sawyers & Jacobs, LLC

Kevin Olsen, AAP, NCP, APRP, CHPC, The Payments Professor & SVP Innovation & Strategy, Pidgin 

Keynote Session - Today's Top Tech Trends and Cybersecurity Threats

Picking one's battles has never been more important, especially in the areas of technology and cybersecurity. Learn which technological innovations are worth your time and attention and which are simply fads driven by hyperbole.

Jimmy Sawyers, Chairman, Co-Founder, Sawyers & Jacobs, LLC

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Refreshment Break & Exhibit Hall Open 

Concurrent Sessions 

Fraud Track

Defending the Digital Frontier: Confronting Payments Fraud in the Modern Era (Synthetic IDs)

Join this session to hear how you can fortify your defenses against payments fraud, scams and check fraud as well as hear how the Federal Reserve is working with Industry stakeholders to mitigate these threats.

Risk & Compliance Track

Receiving Funds: A Review of Recent Cases and Changes to Rules

This session will review the evolving rights and obligations of RDFIs.

Scott Jones, Partner-in-Charge, Adams and Reese, LLP

The Organization is not Innovating Enough and IT May or May Not Be Your Fault

This session we will highlight the challenges you may face in bringing innovation forward and learn helpful tips in overcoming objections from people.

Sean Carter, AAP, APRP, NCP, President & CEO, NEACH

AI as a Tool for Risk Management in Banking

Learn how to utilize AI to optimize risk management and operations within your financial institution.

Angela Murphy, Ph.D.; Vice President of Marketing and Solutions, Pidgin

Peter Tapling, Managing Director, PTap Advisory, LLC

Kevin Miyamoto, COO and Co-Founder, Identifee

Decoding Reg E and Debit Card Disputes

Regulation E is a straightforward concept, yet the language can be complicated. Applying the regulation to each situation many times falls in a gray area. We’ll cut to the chase and discuss best practices for resolving errors and simplify the ways to determine liability. This session will cover what actions you might take to investigate, why “unauthorized” is more complicated than ever, how to manage claims outside of the reg’s stated timeframe and when it’s okay to question the consumer’s claim.

Secure, Fast, and Easy: The Rise of Pay by Bank Payments

Join us for an enlightening session on "Pay by Bank," where we examine the transformative power of direct bank payments in the evolving landscape of digital transactions.

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

Registration Open

Networking Continental Breakfast & Exhibit Hall Open

Opening Remarks 

Kevin Olsen, AAP, NCP, APRP, CHPC, The Payments Professor & SVP Innovation & Strategy, Pidgin

General Session: Instant Payments: Big Benefits & Big Questions, Panel

Hear experts discuss strategies to accelerate adoption of sending instant payments, unlocking the full potential of this ecosystem.

Debbie Smart, CTP, Senior Product Marketer, Q2 - Moderator

Monique Canty, Manager, RTP® Network Administration, The Clearing House

Nell Campbell-Drake, VP Industry Relations, Federal Reserve Financial Services

Tim Mills, Regions Digital - EVP, Emerging and Digital Payments Group Manager

Bradley Wilkes, CEO and Co-Founder of Open Payment Network, Inc.

Refreshment Break & Exhibit Hall Open 

Concurrent Sessions

Funds Transfer Case Update: An Overview of Recent Cases Related to Funds Transfers Fraud and Other Funds Transfer Issues

This Session provides an annual update on recent fraud statistics published by the FBI, an overview of Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and reviews recent cases analyzing funds transfer issues and fraud.

Scott Jones, Partner-in-Charge, Adams and Reese LLC

Have You Really Started Preparing for the 2026 ACH Rule Changes?  Be Honest!

Next year, ACH Rule changes go into effect regarding mandatory fraud monitoring by ODFIs and Third-Party originations.  Perhaps more importantly, for the first time RDFIs will have a mandatory obligation to monitor received ACH credits.  This session will help you formulate your plans by providing insights into what you might encounter implementing such a material change, and prompt discussion into where the monitoring requirement may present more subtle but far-reaching challenges (think large third-party credit receivers). Representatives from a large regional bank, an SFE auditor, and Nacha will provide their perspective and insights on how all parties can meet implementation dates.   

Jordan Bennett, AAP, APRP, Senior Director, Network Risk Management, Nacha

Tim Thorson, AAP, CTP, Senior Vice President – Payments Risk, Regions Bank

Dominic Plumeri, AAP, APRP, VP - Member Services, Southern Financial Exchange

Generations Driving Change in Payments – You Are Included!

Join this interactive session on how generational preferences and the many payment options are shaping the market to meet the needs of the diverse end users.

Nell Campbell-Drake, VP, Industry Relations, Federal Reserve Financial Services

Refreshment Break & Exhibit Hall Open 

Concurrent Sessions 

The Understated, Under -Utilized Fraud Enemy - Positive Pay and How to Relaunch this Powerful Solution

Join this powerful session to learn how you can increase adoption rates, educate your business customers and maybe, just maybe make a little bit of extra non-interest income doing it.

Jordan Brockman, Q2, Solutions Consultant

Jennifer Dupre, Business Solutions Manager, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company 

RTP Rules

Join this session for an overview of the RTP Network Rules.

Monique Canty, Manager, RTP® Network Administration, The Clearing House

The Financial Institution is the Digital Conductor

With the FI acting as a “Digital Conductor”, it can now address client’s needs with cutting edge cross-border payment and routing solutions via API integrations to maintain a competitive edge and grow deposits.

Moderator: Jeffrey Lewis, MBA, RR, CTP, CCM, AAP, CEO, The Azimuth Group 

John Min, Chief Economist, Monex USA

Stephen Kuhl, CFA, Managing Director: Financial Institutions, StoneX

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch Buffet (Open during General Session)

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

General Session - Ripped from the Headlines

This session will explore the latest developments in the payments industry. We'll cover trending topics from the news preceding the event, engaging in discussions, and debates, and possibly even refuting some points in a lively, game show-like format.

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Concurrent Sessions 

Fraud Track

U.S. Postal Inspector Collaboration and Crime Trends

Get ready for an exciting and informative session co-presented by Michael Maxey, U.S. Postal Inspector, and John McCullough from FRPA. We'll dive into the ins and outs of the Postal Inspection Service, highlighting recent investigations, and provide a detailed review of $30-million-dollar cases just prosecuted by the US Attorney's office. We'll also cover crucial information that financial institutions need to know and discuss preventive measures they should adopt. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies!

John McCullough, CPP, CFE, President of the Financial and Retailers Protection Association (FRPA)

Michael Maxey, United States Postal Inspection Service

Navigating Third-Party Relationships: Insights on Interagency Risk Management Guidance

This discussion will explore what banking organizations need to know about managing third-party risks effectively, including compliance requirements, oversight best practices, and the critical components of a robust risk management program. 

Nanci McKenzie JM, AAP, APRP, Payments Expert, Research Division, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Payments Strategy Track

Innovation Showdown: Future-Proofing Banking!

Through a series of fun and thought-provoking games, in this session you'll discover strategies to enhance security, streamline operations, and meet the demands of a tech-savvy customer base.

Reed Luhtanen, Executive Director, U.S. Faster Payments Council

Laura Sullivan, Senior Product Manager, Form3

Concurrent Sessions  

How Online Fraud Fuels Elder Financial Exploitation

Older adults grew up in an era where trust was more common, making them more susceptible to believing a scammer’s story. Many seniors also lack familiarity with online scams, phishing emails, and fraudulent calls, increasing their vulnerability. Additionally, those who live alone may experience loneliness, making them more inclined to engage in conversations and trust individuals who appear friendly or caring. 

The New Regs and What to Do About Them

Please join us for this fireside chat as Gary Stein, former senior policy lead at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SFE's own David Payne,  AAP, CIA, SFSA, break down the CFPB’s open banking, overdraft, and other payments-related rules and activities and discusses what it means for financial institutions, how to get ready, and what the future might bring now with the new administration.

Gary Stein, Managing Director North American Payments, Accenture

Winning and Serving SMB Clients: Best Practices for Success

In this session, you will learn best practices for creating stronger, more profitable SMB relationships and come away with real strategies you can use to win in your markets, too.

Debbie Smart, CTP, Senior Product Marketer, Q2

Jennifer Dupre, Business Solutions Manager, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company 

Daniel Diaz, Director of Digital Transformation and Digital Marketing, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company

Michael Luke, Director of Digital Marketing, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company

Breakfast Buffet 

General Session - Back to the Future (Of Banking) 

 Join us as we gaze into the past and use it as a springboard for a peek into banking’s future.

Kevin Moland, Senior Advisory Payments Strategist, Jack Henry

General Session - The Heart of Fraud: Fighting Human Crimes with Data, Unity, and Purpose

In today’s rapidly evolving fraud landscape, it’s easy to become numb to the numbers and trends. But behind every fraud case is a human story—often one of exploitation, trauma, and loss. Drawing on 25 years of frontline experience in global fraud prevention and his leadership at The Knoble and Mission Omega, Ian Mitchell will share a compelling vision for how financial institutions can unite to defend the vulnerable and restore trust in the system.

This keynote builds on Ian’s Banking With Heart series, a movement that inspires financial professionals to lead with purpose, courage, and compassion. Whether you’re new to Banking With Heart or have followed Ian’s journey, this talk will challenge you to think differently—about data, collaboration, and what it truly means to fight “Human Crime.”

Blending expert insight with heartfelt storytelling, Ian will also perform one or two original songs, offering a rare and resonant keynote experience that connects head and heart.

Ian Mitchell, Founder, The Knoble | Mission Omega

Refreshment Break 

General Session - The Future of Payments: Are you Seeing What's Happening?

The Payments Professor is back to drop the final beat of the conference—and test whether you’ve really been listening! Last year, he warned you about Elon—what will he predict this time? In this high-energy closing session, we’ll rewind the biggest hits from the conference, remix key industry trends, possibly revisit the reception dance floor,  and tune into the future of electronic payments. From real-time payments and “Stable”/unstable regulatory shifts and financial innovation, we’ll challenge you to hear what’s really happening and what’s next. Are you in sync with the future, or are you missing the beat? Let’s find out!

Prize Drawings and Conference Wrap-Up 

Southern Financial Exchange Team