The F.O.R.C.E.

Talent Evolution: Skills the Compliance Professional of 2030 Needs Today

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

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.

 

Human Trafficking: Financial Institutions on the Frontline

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.

 

Fair Access Laws: Between Regulation and Rights

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.

Crypto Crossroads: The DOJ's New Direction

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.