
Payments Conference
2025

EPCOR's Paymentspalooza
This isn’t just any conference, it’s Paymentspalooza – the ultimate fusion of payments professionals, industry experts and innovative solution providers! Get ready to dive into a mosh pit of groundbreaking ideas as industry leaders take the stage to share insights on important topics impacting the payments industry. This is the event to engage in back-stage-level networking and jam out with multiple education tracks headlining recent and upcoming advancements in payments.
Earn up to 14.7 AAP/APRP credits and 2.4 NCP credit are available to conference attendees. Gain an additional 3.3 AAP/APRP credits by attending the preconference workshop.
April 14 – 16
Spring 2025
EventSpeakers
EventSessions
Days ofLearning
Can’t make it in person? Check out Virtual Paymentspalooza.
Payments Extravaganza
Connect with industry experts, your peers and fresh ideas - all in Columbus!
Featured
Experts
Industry leaders take the stage to share insights on payments industry challenges and initiatives.
Mike Burke
SHAZAM
David Croft
Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis
Ashley Cvrkel
The Clearing House
Chuck Diulus
Finovifi
Michael Herd
Nacha
Joni Hopkins, AAP
Federal Reserve Financial Services
Robert Johnson
Visa
Scott Jones
Adams and Reese LLP
Diana Kern, AAP
SHAZAM
Christine Mayes
Corporate One Federal Credit Union
Ian Mitchell
The Knoble
Mark Majeske
Alacriti
Kevin Miyamoto
Identifee
Jeff Rendel
Rising Above Enterprises
Mike Schenk
Credit Union National Association
Tristan Thompson
Central Bank
Michael Timoney
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Event Line-up
Jam out with platinum key-notes, information-packed education tracks and back-stage-level networking. Enhance your experience by adding our pre-conference workshop 'opener'.

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9:00 AM
Preconference Workshop A
Preparing for New ACH Origination Fraud Monitoring and Mitigation Rules
Trevor Witchey, AAP, APRP, NCP, EPCOR
Through June 2026, new ACH Rules will be fully implemented that require ODFIs, non-consumer Originators, Third-Party Senders and Third-Party Service Providers to establish and implement “risk-based processes and procedures” intended to identify fraudulent ACH transactions. Join us for this pre-conference workshop where we’ll take a deep dive into the ACH Origination process, the new 2026 rules and best practices. Together, we’ll work through various scenarios to help you prepare for the new rules and develop risk-based processes and procedures to push back on ACH fraud.
*Separate registration is required and space is limited. Register early as session will likely sell out.
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9:00 AM
Preconference Workshop B
Navigating Reg E
Sharon Hallmark, AAP, APRP, EPCOR
Understanding Regulation E and how to apply it within the different payment systems can be challenging. Join us to discuss how Regulation E affects ACH and debit card payment systems and evaluate some best practices. Together, we will walk through scenarios to test your knowledge in applying Regulation E to different situations that arise in your day-to-day operations.
*Separate registration is required and space is limited. Register early as session will likely sell out.
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1:00 PM
Opening Comments
Brandie Thacker, AAP CAE, President & CEO, EPCOR; EPCOR Board Chairperson - Paula Barrington, Bank of Oklahoma
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1:15 PM
General Session
Fighting Fraud: A Panel Discussion
Benefit from the firsthand wisdom of our panel of payments industry experts share their unique insights surrounding evolving fraud challenges impacting financial institutions businesses, and account holders. We’ll home in on the effect of scams and frauds on financial institutions and their clients and ways institutions can help. Learn more about mitigation tools and techniques available to financial institutions to bolster your fraud-fighting toolbox. We’ll also delve into the importance of information sharing in the fight against fraud.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Have Financial Institutions Done Enough to Curb Check Fraud?
Chuck Diulus, Finovifi
Check fraud is now reportedly 2-4X higher than pre-pandemic levels, with certain institutions seeing a 10X spike when their institution is targeted. Not only are charge-offs an issue, but SARS are spiking, postal theft is surging, and claims recovery is challenging due to the rules of counterfeits, forgeries and alterations. New solutions are available in 2025 to assist financial institutions in identifying more check fraud attempts and mitigating losses. But, have financial institutions done enough to make a difference?
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Understanding the Visa Rules
Robert Johnson, Visa Rules Management NA
This informative session will provide an overview of various aspects of the Visa Rules including the publication cycle, finding changes in new publications, navigating the book, locating and reading specific rules, Merchant Category Code (MCC) assignment and other best practices.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Immediate Payments: Elevating Your Financial Institution with Send and Request for Payment
Christine Mayes, Corporate One Federal Credit Union
Expand beyond receive-only capabilities on the RTP® network and FedNow® Service to unlock the full potential of immediate payments with Send and Request for Payment (RfP). This session will guide you through the transformation from Receive-only to Send and, eventually, RfP, demonstrating how adopting these profiles can enhance your financial institution’s competitiveness, streamline operations and boost customer/member satisfaction. We will cover the key benefits, trending use cases/examples, strategic implementation insights, and actionable steps to seamlessly integrate these advanced payment options into your financial institution’s operations. Join us and learn how to take your payment services to the next level.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Developing and Executing a Payments Strategy
Tristan Thompson, Central Bank; Nicole Payne, AAP, APRP, CPA, CRCM, CIA, EPCOR
As financial institutions face increased competition, regulatory complexity and shifting consumer expectations, developing a robust payments strategy is critical for remaining competitive and ensuring long-term success. This session will provide attendees with some tools and insights necessary to build, refine and execute a payments strategy that aligns with both market demands and organizational goals.
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3:45 PM
General Session
Banking With Heart: Protecting the Human Being Behind Our Transactions
Ian Mitchell, The Knoble
The financial services industry has the opportunity to do even more good for society than ever believed. Human crime is the exploitation of human beings for financial gain: human trafficking, scams, elder financial exploitation and child exploitation. In this session, you will learn about some of the top financially-motivated human crimes and how inherent gaps in the financial services ecosystem are being exploited to support these crimes. More importantly you will hear stories on how hundreds in the financial services community are joining the law enforcement community around specific initiatives to advance their financial programs to protect the most vulnerable. Be prepared to be challenged, inspired and encouraged.
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4:45 PM
Gala Reception
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8:00 AM
General Session
What's Next with the Economy and the Effect on Your Financial Institution
Mike Schenk, America’s Credit Unions
Join one of the industry’s leading economists to gain insight on the latest economic trends and gain insight on what’s ahead for 2025. Learn about how the recent changes may affect financial institutions’ operations. Gain additional understanding of the latest spending behavior and payment trends of customers and members. We’ll talk about implications of these developments, explore responses and discuss challenges and opportunities for future success.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
The Latest in Check Fraud Schemes, Responses, and Mitigation Strategies
Trevor Witchey, AAP, NCP, APRP, EPCOR
With online platforms being locked down, fraudsters have moved back to physical item fraud through altering, forging or counterfeiting checks. Paper checks are being stolen from the mail, used improperly with Remote Deposit Capture services, and easily replicated with check stock and printers available from retailers. Within this session, we’ll discuss how financial institutions could respond to different types of fraud and several real-time solutions to help reduce the incidence of fraud.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
ACH Rules Violation and Arbitration Processes
Sharon Hallmark, AAP, APRP, EPCOR
You sent an NOC—not once, but ten times! And… no one cares. You called the ODFI and still nothing. So, what do you do when you can’t get no satisfaction? Join us to learn about the ACH Rules enforcement process, including the National System of Fines and arbitration. We’ll work through real-life case studies related to both.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
What’s New at Nacha in 2025
Michael Herd, Nacha
As the backbone of the payments system, the ACH Network has experienced unprecedented growth and evolution in recent years, driven by innovation and industry demand. With record-breaking payments volume and value last year, the ACH Network continues to work and grow. Same Day ACH is stronger than ever, as the $1 million per-payment limit makes it an even more attractive option. Join us to learn about the most common and the fastest-growing ACH use cases. We’ll also look at Nacha’s new Risk Management Framework and what your institution can do to reduce the incidence of successful fraud and improve the recovery of funds within the ACH Network.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
RTP® Network and Rules Update
Did you know that 90% of financial institutions (FIs) that are on the RTP® network are community banks and credit unions? Coming off a record year with 343 million transactions valued at $246 billion, the RTP® network continues to attract more businesses and consumers. To meet rising customer demand for real-time payments, many financial institutions are working with third-party service providers (TPSPs) to integrate instant capabilities into their offerings. Find out how financial institutions are leveraging the network to increase customer satisfaction and reclaim payment flows by allowing customers to use instant payments for a variety of use cases, including wallet defunding, payroll, auto lending and title insurance. Learn how the latest rules and changes to the network can transform your operations and customer retention strategies when you join the network.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
ACH Rules Update
Sharon Hallmark, AAP, APRP, EPCOR
Ensure your organization is current on new ACH Rules amendments. We'll review rules that were implemented in late 2024 and look at future ACH Rules updates in 2025 and beyond. These new rules are aimed at mitigating credit-push fraud through strengthening ACH Origination controls and improving the recovery of funds. Learn what you need to know to prioritize your organization’s plan of action and ensure compliance with these amendments.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Understanding Treasury Management
Will Grace, DeNovo Treasury
Unlock the fundamentals of treasury management to enhance your institution's financial health and competitive positioning. Discover how tailored treasury management solutions can empower your institution to better serve clients and drive growth. Learn strategies to maximize cash flow and strengthen your financial institution's stability in an ever-changing market. Ensure compliance, minimize risk, and build stronger client relationships with best practices and insights tailored to your institution.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Pay by Bank: Opportunities for Open Banking and ACH Payments
Michael Herd, Nacha
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Instant Payments: Lessons Learned from the Field
Mark Majeske, Alacri
Insights gained from successful real-time payment deployments, including best practices and common challenges.
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11:35 AM
Vendor Showcases
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12:00 PM
Lunch
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1:25 PM
Breakout Session
The Perfect Storm for Fraudsters
Michael Burke, Shazam
The pandemic created the perfect storm for fraudsters and criminal activity affecting financial institutions. From isolated individuals that become victims of fraud to the resurgence of old fraud vectors, institutions are still dealing with lingering issues created during the worldwide pandemic. We’ll outline ongoing threats from social engineering, how ATM skimming activity is still evolving and enhanced security procedures that can prevent fraud.
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1:25 PM
Breakout Session
An Update on Cryptocurrency Regulation and Enforcement
David Croft, Myers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis
Join David for a high-level overview of the technical definition and components of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Current and possible uses, federal cryptocurrency regulations, state cryptocurrency regulations, global governance institutions, international cryptocurrency regulations and what might be next for cryptocurrency will all be covered.
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1:25 PM
Breakout Session
Remote Authentication Fraud
Michael Timoney CFE, CTP, Federal Reserve Financial Services
There has been a radical shift in mobile and digital payments and fraudsters have adjusted their attack vectors accordingly. The increase in remote payments, with authentication practices struggling to keep pace, leads to significant fraud losses. Join us to examine the dynamic remote authentication fraud landscape and how we must band together to demonstrate agility in our response. The inconsistencies of current authentication methods adding to the continued fraud rise will also be covered.
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1:25 PM
Breakout Session
Outlook On Payments: How the Landscape Is Evolving Since the Launch of FedNow®
Joni Hopkins, AAP, Federal Reserve Financial Services
The FedNow® Service enables financial institutions to offer innovative instant payments solutions that support a broad range of transaction types and use cases for your clients. Join a Federal Reserve executive to learn about FedNow® functionality, current use case opportunities and current adoption trends. Before we part ways, we’ll also talk about the latest developments affecting the future of the service. And for those of you that were early instant payments adopters receiving instant payments, we will spend some time discussing how to enter the world of sending instant payments. Expect to learn how, with a little advance planning, you can work to productize and monetize instant payments.
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2:35 PM
Breakout Session
ACH Rules Update
Sharon Hallmark, AAP, APRP, EPCOR
Ensure your organization is current on new ACH Rules amendments. We'll review rules that were implemented in late 2024 and look at future ACH Rules updates in 2025 and beyond. These new rules are aimed at mitigating credit-push fraud through strengthening ACH Origination controls and improving the recovery of funds. Learn what you need to know to prioritize your organization’s plan of action and ensure compliance with these amendments.
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2:35 PM
Breakout Session
Confronting Payments Fraud in the Modern Era
Michael Timoney, Federal Reserve Financial Services
Hear how you can fortify your defenses against payments fraud and scams, as well how the Federal Reserve is working with industry stakeholders to mitigate these threats.
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2:35 PM
Breakout Session
Debit Card Error Resolution: What Does Reg E Say, or Not Say, About Investigations?
Diana Kern, Shazam
Only your organization can make the final call on whether an error occurred. Regulation E is a straightforward concept, yet the language can be complicated. And applying the regulation to each situation is often not a black-or-white matter. Add to that the fact that much of the language was written decades ago. Join Diana and your peers to identify the stated requirements, compare investigative techniques and craft some best practices you can implement immediately.
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2:35 PM
Breakout Session
The Latest in Check Fraud Schemes, Responses, and Mitigation Strategies
Trevor Witchey, AAP, NCP, APRP, EPCOR
With online platforms being locked down, fraudsters have moved back to physical item fraud through altering, forging or counterfeiting checks. Paper checks are being stolen from the mail, used improperly with Remote Deposit Capture services, and easily replicated with check stock and printers available from retailers. Within this session, we’ll discuss how financial institutions could respond to different types of fraud and several real-time solutions to help reduce the incidence of fraud.
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4:00 PM
General Session
Hone It Until You Own It
Robyn Hatcher
From invisible to invaluable. Stop faking it till you make it! (Nobody likes a fake.) Own it while you hone it! We all have what it takes to shine bright and Robyn is an expert at inspiring you to excavate your hidden gold. There’s significant research proving the way we think affects our reality. But many of us have a hard time imagining how things could be different. Sharing brain science insights and lessons learned through her own journey, Robyn will motivate you to strip off roles that have been constricting growth, re-envision your story and embrace a new reality so you become a top performers and valuable contributor.
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8:00 AM
General Session
The Morning Payments Show
Joni Hopkins AAP, Federal Reserve Financial Services; Michael Herd, Nacha
Get your coffee ready and start your day with all the news and information you need to successfully navigate the ever-changing world of payments. Join Jeff Rendel as he engages in candid conversation with payments industry experts, diving into the many nuances of the payments world, exploring everything from fraud and compliance to trends and new developments.
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9:45 AM
Breakout Session
Receiving Funds: A Review of Recent Cases and Rules Changes
Scott Jones, Adams and Reese LLP
What are the unique rights, responsibilities and risks for financial institutions receiving funds? This session looks at this evolving issue and reviews recent cases and changes in the ACH Rules.
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9:45 AM
Breakout Session
The Changing Landscape of Debit Card Fraud and Error Claim Compliance
Diana Kern, Shazam
Debit cards are a staple payment method – their convenience and ease of use make them an attractive option despite an ever-changing payments environment. But, like all payment methods, there are risk and fraud elements to understand. This session covers processes for handling errors, including unauthorized claims, while ensuring compliance with Regulation E and the card networks. We’ll examine requirements for processing cardholder claims, following the global networks’ chargeback rules and managing the time frames for merchants and card issuers.
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9:45 AM
Breakout Session
Utilizing AI to Improve Operations and Risk Management
Kevin Miyamoto, Identifee
Join this session to discover the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the banking sector. Discover how credit unions and banks can effectively deploy AI technologies to optimize operations and reduce risk. Explore the latest trends, best practices and real-world applications of AI in financial services.
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9:45 AM
Breakout Session
The Perfect Storm for Fraudsters
Michael Burke, Shazam
The pandemic created the perfect storm for fraudsters and criminal activity affecting financial institutions. From isolated individuals that become victims of fraud to the resurgence of old fraud vectors, institutions are still dealing with lingering issues created during the worldwide pandemic. We’ll outline ongoing threats from social engineering, how ATM skimming activity is still evolving and enhanced security procedures that can prevent fraud.
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11:00 AM
General Session
What’s Next in Payments? A Look into the Future
Kevin Miyamoto, Identifee; Scott Jones, Adams & Reese LLP; Diana Kern, SHAZAM
There are plenty of topics that come up when the future of payments is discussed. Technology, digital, data, AI, security, open banking and regulations are common buzz words throughout the industry. This panel of payments experts that will provide their insights and predictions on these topics and more as we explore what’s in store for payments in 2025 and beyond.
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11:45 AM
Prize Drawing/Conference Adjourns
Paymentspalooza Registration
Unleash your learning experience with an extraordinary lineup. Get ready for an extravaganza that will captivate your curiosity.
Event
Tips
There’s plenty do in Columbus, Ohio!
Visit Experience Columbus for area information including dining and entertainment options.
For an even broader experience, visit Discover Ohio.
- Reserve your hotel as soon as possible to ensure you receive the negotiated discounted room rates. Make other travel arrangements as appropriate. Visitor bureau and hotel information is available in the links above so that you can plan your stay.
- Plan your Conference experience ahead of time by reviewing the event agenda. Plan to arrive early to your desired sessions to ensure that you get first choice seating.
- Watch your inbox for a reminder email prior to the Conference which will include a link to session handouts. Paper handouts will not be provided at the Conference. If you have not received this email two business days prior to the Conference kick off contact Member Support for assistance.
- Meals and the Reception will take place in the exhibit hall. Refreshment breaks will be served in the exhibit hall or in the hallway directly outside the exhibit hall. If you have dietary restrictions or special requests please notify us prior to your arrival.
- Bring extra business cards. Connect with session speakers and fellow attendees during the sessions. EPCOR Payments Conference offers vast networking opportunities. Make plans to attend the networking reception.
- Business casual attire is appropriate, so please make yourself comfortable. Remember that the room temperatures may be difficult to regulate; we recommend that you bring a sweater or jacket for ideal comfort.
- Arrive with plenty of time on the first day to pick up your Conference badge.
- Familiarize yourself with the hotel and the meeting layout.
- Explore the vibrant exhibit hall before the conference and during breaks. Be sure to stop by the EPCOR booth to say hello and learn more about the benefits of EPCOR membership.
- To stay on top of all the latest Conference news, be sure to follow EPCORPYMNTSNEWS on Twitter and use #EPCORPayments2024 when tweeting about the Conference.
- Follow up with your new contacts. Send an email or private message via the EPCOR Knowledge Community to those you’ve networked to say "It was nice meeting you."
- Utilize the EPCOR Knowledge Community to keep the discussion going and with to follow up on any questions, ideas or topics that spiked your interest during the Conference.
- Please complete the post-conference survey. Just a few minutes goes a long way in improving EPCOR Payments Conferences for yourself and other future attendees.
- Submit a proposal to speak at the next year’s EPCOR Payments Conference.
- Watch your inbox with a follow up email and print your Certificate of Attendance to keep for your record. Calculate and record your total credits toward AAP/APRP, CTP/CCM or NCP continuing education.
