The Ncast

Compliance is often viewed as a gatekeeper instead of a collaborator. How can a compliance officer change that perception and actually become valued as a strategic business partner? In this episode of the Ncast podcast, Rafael DeLeon interviews Michelle Prohaska, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Nymbus, as she shares how she laid the groundwork to ensure compliance is welcomed into strategic conversations and partnerships.

In this episode of the Industry Insights podcast, Rafael is joined by CEO and Founder of Ncontracts Michael Berman to talk about the evolution of contract management at financial institutions. It's a timely topic as Michael's company celebrates its 15th anniversary and he unveils Ncontracts' newest innovation - the Ntelligent Contracts Assistant.    Contracts are single most effective control a financial institution has when working with third-party vendors. An oversight when drafting or managing contracts can lead to expensive mistakes. It's not just about pricing. Inadequate analysis of terms and conditions, failure to monitor vendor performance, and deficiencies in handling data security during transitions can all spell trouble. Contract management includes every aspect of the TPRM lifecycle, including vendor onboarding, ongoing oversight, and termination. Meanwhile regulatory scrutiny of contracts continues to increase, with over 100 references in recent guidance impacting banks. Over the years, Michael has watched contract management best practices evolve along with features that can mitigate insider threats that lead to data breaches, like vendor employee background checks, security training, and cyber insurance.  Now AI is transforming contract management again by uncovering risks and driving efficiency. Michael's company, Ncontracts is leading the way with Ntelligent Contracts Assistant leading the way. It's an exciting development for financial institutions that want to maximize their understanding of contract while minimizing the staff hours to get it done.

In a recent podcast episode, Rafael engaged in a captivating conversation with Dave Coffaro, an authority in strategy, change leadership, and organizational growth. Dave stressed the importance of agility in leadership and the need for organizations to adapt swiftly in today's dynamic business landscape. His insights are a valuable resource for navigating change successfully. I had an amazing conversation with Dave Coffaro for our podcast, and I'm excited to share the incredible insights he provided. Dave, an expert in strategy, change leadership, and organizational growth, delivered valuable wisdom during our chat. Dave serves as a Principal of the Strategic Advisory Consulting Group. Dave works with service businesses, financial services, academic insurance professional service firms, and nonprofits in refining and redesigning their future state to achieve accelerating growth, more favorable economics, or both. His work also includes serving as interim CEO for organizations in transition. Dave is also published and has a number of articles and blogs that are published in SmartBrief on leadership, the American Management Association Journal, Board Leadership, and the ABA banking journal, to name a few. Dave is also an author and his latest book is Leading from Zero: Seven Essential Elements of Earning Relevance. Dave begins by highlighting that leadership extends beyond the C-suite; it's a quality that can be exhibited by individuals at all levels within an organization. It involves making choices, bringing innovative ideas to the forefront, and positively influencing the organization. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging competencies, recognizing your organization's strengths, and seeking partnerships that complement those strengths. The goal is to adapt and evolve while remaining true to your core competencies. Dave introduces the concept of organizational agility, a vital attribute in today's rapidly changing business landscape. This agility involves continuously monitoring both internal and external changes, interpreting their implications, and swiftly adapting. Change leadership isn't a side project; it's integral to the core business. He presents McKinsey's definition of organizational agility, which underscores the ability to reconfigure strategy, structure, processes, people, and technology to seize value-creating and value-protecting opportunities. Our discussion delves into how the pandemic accelerated the need for agility in financial institutions. Legacy systems are now challenged by agile fintech startups, and regulatory agencies are embracing innovation. This adaptability is essential to staying competitive. Dave underscores the significance of adopting a holistic perspective within organizations. Breaking down silos and viewing the organization as a living entity rather than a rigid machine allows for quicker responses to change and optimal resource allocation. In summary, Dave Coffaro's insights on leadership, agility, and organizational growth are invaluable in today's dynamic business environment. The conversation serves as a reminder that agility and adaptability are core competencies that organizations and individuals should cultivate. Listen to the full podcast episode to delve deeper into these transformative ideas.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by experts Robert Brosh and Nicole Upshur to discuss regulatory changes that took place in the month of May 2022, and what these changes mean for your financial institution.

A company intranet can help activate and engage your corporate culture, as well be used as a tool for training, onboarding new employees, and increasing productivity. In this episode of The Ncast, Rafael DeLeon speaks with Cathy Guthrie, Ncontracts' Executive Vice President of Human Resources, about how the right technology can be used to help employees achieve their full potential. Cathy was recently named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in SaaS and featured as one of the 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022 in Insights Success magazine.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by experts Shelby Montgomery and Katie Ferrell to discuss regulatory changes that took place in the month of April 2022, and what these changes mean for your financial institution.

How do fintechs figure in the future of community banks? In this episode, Rafael DeLeon talks with Christopher Williston, President and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas about Bankers helping Bankers, a platform that brings together financial institution professionals to share information and solutions to their everyday challenges. Chris talks about getting the data needed to evaluate core providers, especially fintech; diversifying offerings; and building a technology roadmap that can help community banks take advantage of opportunities to innovate. What does this data mean for banks? Listen and find out!

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Robert Brosh and Cheryl Grizzard to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of March 2022 and what they mean for your financial institution.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance, is more than just a buzzword for banks. It should be embedded in the culture of our financial institutions. But where do you start? In this episode, Rafael DeLeon talks with Dorothy Savarese, chair and CEO of Cape Cod Five, about how financial institutions can exercise environmental stewardship in every aspect of their strategy -- from developing business offerings, adjusting business continuity plans, to building an HQ. Listen and learn the steps your FI can take to incorporate ESG in your culture.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Katie Ferrell and Nicole Upshur to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of February 2022 and what they mean for your financial institution.

How are customer expectations changing? How will that affect operating models in banking? In this episode, Rafael DeLeon talks with Dave Coffaro, author, consultant, and founder of Atticus, a fintech firm that develops tools for fiduciary-based activities, about how banks can respond to the accelerated pace of change that impacts every aspect of business, from service offerings to leadership to talent acquisition and development. Listen and learn how your FI can differentiate itself to sustain relevance and success now and in the future.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Robert Brosh and Shelby Montgomery to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of January 2022 and what they mean for your financial institution.

What story does your HMDA data tell? In this episode, Rafael DeLeon talks with Bobbie Kennedy, a former Technical Expert in CRA & Fair Lending for the OCC. Their conversation takes a deep dive into HMDA systems and processes, including a focus on where your FI's board of directors should direct their attention, and what controls, policies, and procedures need to be in place for HMDA data integrity.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Katie Ferrell and Cheryl Grizzard to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of December 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Nicole Upshur and Robert Brosh to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of November 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

What is accountability? What role does ethics play in business? In this episode, we talked with Bruce Weinstein, The Ethics Guy®, an author and speaker, about how to make sure that leaders and institutions value character as highly as competence. Learn the four key steps that financial institutions can take to commit to operating ethically, with accountability that promotes success and enhances your business.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Katie Ferrell and Shelby Montgomery to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of October 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Cheryl Grizzard and Robert Brosh to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of September 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Are you curious about high-risk banking, but worried about having the right tools and supports in place? In this episode, we talked with Ryan McInerny and Kristin Parker from RiskScout, a provider of scalable, technologically efficient compliance solutions, about how financial institutions can explore high-risk banking opportunities through the lens of safety and strategy.

Happy National Compliance Officer Day! Recently, Ncontracts partnered with CBANC to co-publish a survey on the future of compliance. This survey garnered interesting insights about what's happening now and what's on the horizon for the compliance industry. In this episode, we discussed the results of this survey with two compliance professionals, Denise Guira SVPI/Integrated Risk, Vendor Enterprise Risk Management at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and Esmeralda Rivas, VP/Compliance Officer, to get their reactions. Curious about what the future holds for the regulatory compliance industry? Listen and find out!

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Shelby Montgomery and Katie Ferrell to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of August 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Nicole Upshur and Robert Brosh to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of July 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

How did COVID affect our economy? Are we headed for another Great Depression? What will be the effects on the stock market, labor market, interest rates, and inflation in the short and long term? Our SVP of Industry Engagement, Rafael DeLeon, spoke with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, an internationally acclaimed economist and public speaker who specializes in making economics relevant, educational, and fun. Have a listen to this upbeat, engaging conversation about economic trends in a post-COVID world, and find out which changes are here to stay.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide an overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by compliance experts Katie Ferrell and Cheryl Grizzard to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of June 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Technology is a powerful tool. Innovations in RegTech (such as AI) have put critical information at our fingertips. How can financial institutions enjoy the benefits of this knowledge, while using it responsibly? We spoke with Mary Kopczynski, CEO & Founder of 8of9 and RegAlytics. We touched on the potential impact of the Biden administration's increased focus on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Listen and learn how FIs can use RegTech to not only manage regulatory change, but also spot compliance trends and analyze risks and to make business decisions that benefit everyone.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provide overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by Shelby Montgomery, regulatory compliance attorney, and Robert Brosh, compliance specialist, to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of May 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

Community banks must walk a fine line, espousing a ‘Main Street USA' model while adapting to changes in the market, technological innovation, and customer demand. What can community banks do from a strategic perspective to enhance shareholder value while maintaining good risk management and compliance practices? Will increased regulation for fintechs level the playing field? How will communities be defined going forward, if geography is less of a factor? We spoke with Greyson Tuck, a lawyer and consultant whose professional practice is focused on the community banking industry, about these topics and many other issues facing community banks. Listen and learn about the potential paradigm shifts community banks will be navigating in the next few years.

Every month, Ncontracts compliance experts provides overview and analysis of the latest regulatory updates to help you keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. In this episode, Stephanie Lyon, VP of Compliance, is joined by Katie Ferrell, senior compliance expert, and Shelby Montgomery, regulatory compliance attorney, to discuss regulatory changes that occurred in the month of April 2021 and what they mean for your financial institution.

As your financial institution works to maintain the balance between operational responsibilities and continuous risk assessment, how can you find the sweet spot between risk and opportunity? Find out as we talk with Theresa Mann, Chief Risk Officer of NASA Federal Credit Union, about using communication and collaboration to implement the 3 lines model to build a consultative risk management business unit. Make sure you're in the driver's seat when the “risk bus” hurtles along!

What does the future hold for compliance? How can today's compliance officers stay ahead of the curve? We spoke with Scott Daugherty, President & General Counsel at Bankers Alliance, the holding company of Compliance Alliance and Review Alliance, about the challenges financial institutions face as they work to maintain expertise in the complex, ever-changing world of compliance, especially as the next generation of compliance professionals enters the scene. Scott talked about how banks can ensure that their compliance departments have the information, training, and resources they need to succeed.

More than ever, risk and compliance management are inextricably linked. How can risk and compliance managers work together to effect an integrated approach that keeps your organization protected while facilitating the business of your financial institution? We spoke with Denise Guira, SVP of Integrated Risk at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, about leveraging the resources within (and outside) your organization to engage in fruitful conversations about risk and compliance, so your second line of defense can do its job effectively. Denise also discussed the role of internal committees in driving an agenda of ERM programming that ensures compliance is involved in building a roadmap to the best path forward: an integrated approach to risk and compliance management.

Information security impacts financial institutions of every size—from large national institutions to small community banks and credit unions. Is your FI staying on top of cybersecurity, including due diligence for third- and fourth-party risk? In this episode, Tara Swart, Director of Compliance Services, Financial Division at All Covered consulting firm, discusses different frameworks for information security and the impacts of the recent Solar Winds breach. This will not be the last cyberattack of this nature we will see. How will it affect your risk management going forward?

What does financial inclusion look like? How do you measure it? How do you ensure it every level? In this episode, we hear from Lynn English, Senior Vice President of Risk Management at Lafayette Federal Credit Union, about how financial institutions can create intentional, effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to promote inclusion for customers, staff, and leadership.

The Risk Management Association (RMA) promotes sound risk principles in the financial services industry. Sylwia Czajkowska, Associate Director of Operational Risk at the RMA, discussed the results of a recent survey focusing on COVID-19's impact on third-party risk management practices for FIs. This survey produced an ongoing dialogue that yielded key insights into the rapid deployment and evolution of vendor risk management practices and what that might mean for the future. What was the overall effect on operations for FIs? Listen and find out!

Commissioner Gonzales serves as the Commission of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. He also serves as Chairman of the State Liaison Committee that incorporates the state supervisory perspective into the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). This role gives him a unique vantage point of how regulatory matters are addressed at the state level as well as with the consortium of all the nation's federal regulatory agencies. We spoke with Commissioner Gonzales about the role of risk management and board oversight, specifically with regard to tailored regulations, the “math of things”, risk appetite and the June 2020 FFIEC guidance, and how boards should interpret exam findings.

Mary York, the founder of York Public Relations and raised in the banking industry, recently released some key insights in a survey https://www.yorkpublicrelations.com/press-room/the_financial_institution_crisis_study_2020/ on what crises would lead Americans to leave a financial institution as well as how this would vary across different demographics. Mary's insights on reputational risk and the measures to consider for compliance and operational risk will serve as useful tools to those financial institutions looking to avoid crises in the coming months and years.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be as simple or as complex as a financial institution wishes to harness it. But informed decisions are difficult to be made if you don't have the right data and/or the means to sort and interpret it. Dr. Gary Shiffman, Adjunct Professor - Center for Security Studies (CSS) at Georgetown University and also Founder and CEO, Giant Oak, demystifies this conundrum as he addresses how AI can help FIs mature the profession of risk management as well as how to get risk managers and senior management aware of the benefits of AI as it relates to strategic planning.

What happens when someone moves from the vendor management team to spearhead and expand an FI's business continuity management program? We found out first-hand from Ronnie Emmanoulakis, CRVPM II, Manager, Data Operation and Business Continuity Management who shared what it was like to step into the new role, how he approached the comprehensive strategy from management oversight to training, and how challenges were addressed along the way.

A survey was recently published on “Banking After COVID-19” https://www.greenwich.com/commercial-banking/banking-after-covid-19 and the findings are compelling. Greenwich Associates survey co-author Ron Balmer joins us on this podcast to talk about the adaptations required for operational risk and organizational agility as well as how the human factor does and will remain a key asset to any financial institution.

Change is the only constant in the fair lending and CRA circles. In our conversation with Elizabeth M Ortloff, CRCM, Vice President/Senior Compliance Officer at MidWest One Bank, many timely and relevant topics are addressed including changes in policy as a result of the pandemic, redlining risk, complaint management and waivers, and best practices for data analysis.

Mike Lawson, founder and host of CU Broadcast (www.cubroadcast.com), has done interviews for over 4,000 videocasts and has amassed an extensive viewership so we thought we'd turn the tables and have him on this podcast to hear about how things have changed over the past ten years, what interests viewers, and what trends he sees by talking with both credit union leaders and industry experts.

This week we're pleased to host Tim Rademaker, Vice President ERM for CBC Federal Credit Union. As an early adopter in cannabis banking, Tim will share his breadth of experience in what to consider at the strategic level, best practices in building out the business line, navigating the regulatory guidance, and the risks of banking cannabis – or not doing it.

Welcome to the first episode of The Ncast! Join us this week with ABA's Paul Benda, SVP of Risk and Cybersecurity Policy. Learn how the remote work environment has influenced exams, data breach issues & phishing attempts, and the downstream risks of 3rd and 4th party vendors.

The Ncast is a weekly podcast, brought to you by Ncontracts, that is dedicated to the professionals, topics, and news in the world of compliance. You will get to hear from some amazing practitioners from the government, banks, FinTech companies, and more! If you have a great idea for a guest or show, you can reach the show at ncast@ncontracts.com