THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING 2025'S
BANK SECURITY CONFERENCE
STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUCEMENT OF NEXT YEAR’S CONFERENCE!
The 31st Annual Bank Security Conference
As threats to financial institutions continue to evolve—both physically and digitally—meeting your annual security training requirements is more critical than ever. To help your team stay ahead, we’re brought together a top-tier lineup of experts and professional speakers for the 31st Annual Bank Security Conference, which was held virtually in October 2025.
The program was our most comprehensive yet, featuring:
Fresh insights from new expert presenters
A panel discussion with seasoned bank security and risk professionals
Interactive live Q&A sessions with direct access to session leaders
Actionable content covering physical security, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and risk management strategies
If you weren’t able to join us live, you can still benefit from 2025’s event!
Whether you’re just starting in bank security or have years of experience, this conference was designed to strengthen your institution’s defenses and ensure compliance with your annual training requirements.
All three days of the event were approved for 11.5 total CAFP credits, 9.75 total CRCM credits, and 8.75 total CERP credits!
14 Information Packed Sessions | Nationally Recognized Speakers | Zero Travel Required
*Paid registrations include on-demand access to all conference content for 90-days following the event.
CAN'T MISS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
TOP REASONS TO ATTEND
ENHANCED RISK MANAGEMENT
- Gain insights into comprehensive risk assessment practices tailored for small financial institutions.
- Learn strategies to identify and mitigate internal and external threats effectively.
- Understand emerging fraud schemes and tactics, including AI-driven fraud and phishing attacks.
- Explore real-world case studies and practical approaches to fraud prevention and detection.
Cutting Edge Insights
- Stay updated on the latest trends in identity theft and effective customer education strategies.
- Discover innovative scam education tactics proven to engage and educate community members.
- Learn to recognize and respond to Sovereign Citizen challenges effectively.
Resilience & Preparedness
- Prepare your institution to handle encounters with First Amendment Auditors professionally and legally.
- Gain essential knowledge on post-violence aftermath preparedness and recovery strategies.
- Enhance board reporting practices to communicate security program effectiveness clearly and confidently.
All three days of the event were approved for 11.5 total CAFP credits, 9.75 total CRCM credits, and 8.75 total CERP credits!
2025'S CONFERENCE AGENDA
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP:
OCTOBER 21, 2025
Introduction
10:00 -10:05 am ET | Barry Thompson
Introduction 10:00 -10:05 am ET | Barry Thompson
This year’s conference coordinator, Barry Thompson, welcomes you to the pre-conference workshop.
Robbery Prevention & Response: Beyond The Basics
10:05 - 11:45 am ET | Carol Dodgen
Robbery Prevention & Response: Beyond The Basics 10:05 - 11:45 am ET | Carol Dodgen
In today’s increasingly unpredictable and sometimes violent world, financial institutions must be proactive in protecting employees and customers. Robbery remains one of the most feared crimes among bank staff, yet too often, training is insufficient, outdated, or uninspiring.
This engaging and practical session goes beyond the basics, equipping participants with strategies to reduce risk, recognize vulnerabilities, and respond effectively before, during, and after a robbery. Attendees will gain actionable insights, updated best practices, and confidence to handle high-stress situations while prioritizing safety.
Evaluating Branch Security: CPTED Tools & Tactics
11:55 - 1:30 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
Evaluating Branch Security: CPTED Tools & Tactics 11:55 - 1:30 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
Maintaining a secure branch environment requires more than just routine checks—it demands informed, proactive assessments.
This session provides practical, step-by-step guidance on using CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles to evaluate your institution’s physical security. Learn how to identify potential vulnerabilities, strengthen deterrence measures, and create safer spaces for employees and customers alike. Participants will leave with actionable tools and tactics to enhance branch security on an ongoing basis.
LUNCH BREAK
1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
Enjoy! The program resumes at 2:30 pm.
Workplace Violence: Prevention Strategies & Survival Tactics
2:30 - 4:55 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
Workplace Violence: Prevention Strategies & Survival Tactics 2:30 - 4:55 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
The threat of workplace violence is a growing concern for financial institutions and service organizations alike.
This session explores the factors that can lead to aggressive or violent behavior, providing practical strategies to recognize warning signs, defuse tense situations, and reduce risk. Participants will also learn survival tactics and response best practices to help protect employees and customers should an incident occur, creating a safer and more prepared workplace environment.
Q & A Session
5:00 - 5:30 pm ET | Barry Thompson
Q & A Session 5:00 - 5:30 pm ET | Barry Thompson
We close out the pre-conference workshop day with an interactive question & answer session with Carol Dodgen, moderated by Barry Thompson.
DAY ONE:
OCTOBER 22, 2025
Internal Fraud: The Warning Signs
10:00 - 10:50 am ET | Barry Thompson
Internal Fraud: The Warning Signs 10:00 - 10:50 am ET | Barry Thompson
How prepared is your institution for internal theft and fraud? Embezzlements were the one of the most reported SAR events filed by financial institutions. This riveting session identifies the behavioral changes that can identify internal frauds in the making!
We’ll review the warning signs that every staff member should look for or be able to identify to help stop an internal embezzlement. Discover where the thief will spend the stolen funds and how they keep their stealing from being found. Know whether you should do the investigation or hire a Certified Fraud Investigator. This insightful program provides you the tools needed to understand the workings of an internal fraud.
Beyond the Vault: Proactive Risk Assessments for Internal and External Threats
11:00 - 12:45 am ET | Debra Geister
Beyond the Vault: Proactive Risk Assessments for Internal and External Threats11:00 - 12:45 am ET | Debra Geister
Small financial institutions are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, fraudsters, and sophisticated threat actors, but many lack the resources or frameworks to fully assess and mitigate their risk landscape. This session will guide attendees through building a comprehensive risk assessment approach that considers both internal and external threats. Participants will learn how to evaluate risks across people, processes, technology, and third-party exposure, and how to align identified risks with practical, scalable controls.
Objectives:
- Identify blind spots in their current risk assessment practices
- Understand how internal operations can inadvertently expose institutions to greater external risk
- Prioritize control enhancements based on risk impact and likelihood
- Build a stronger foundation for threat detection and incident response
LUNCH BREAK
12:45 - 1:50 pm ET
12:45 - 1:50 pm ET
Enjoy! The program resumes at 1:50 pm.
ID Theft Update: Educating Your Customers & Community
1:50 - 3:00 pm ET | J. Branch Walton
ID Theft Update: Educating Your Customers & Community 1:50 - 3:00 pm ET | J. Branch Walton
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. Taking steps to protect your customers’ personal information can help them recognize identity theft efforts.
This fast moving, updated session follows Federal Trade Commission recommendations to identify the many types of scams and identity theft and what you can do to educate others in order to reduce their chances of becoming victims of these crimes. Stories are discussed to illustrate how easy it is to be scammed by these criminals.
Staying a Step Ahead: Real Scam Education Tactics from Real Financial Institutions
3:10 - 4:10 pm ET | Quentin McConkey and Anna Marie Gualtier, Brian Dumond
Staying a Step Ahead: Real Scam Education Tactics from Real Financial Institutions 3:10 - 4:10 pm ET | Quentin McConkey and Anna Marie Gualtier, Brian Dumond
Too often, financial institutions make a single attempt to educate seniors or community groups about scams—and when that first effort falls flat, the initiative is dropped with the familiar refrain: “We tried that, and it didn’t work.” But successful scam education takes more than one try; it takes persistence, creativity, and commitment.
In this session, hear how one large institution and one smaller bank each built effective, sustainable programs to help account holders recognize and avoid fraud. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can adapt to fit your institution—no matter the size.
Mapping the Threatscape: External Attack Vectors, Scams, and Emerging Threats
4:20 - 5:20 pm ET | Debra Geister
Mapping the Threatscape: External Attack Vectors, Scams, and Emerging Threats 4:20 - 5:20 pm ET | Debra Geister
In this session, we will shift focus to specific external threats putting pressure on small institutions today.
Objectives:
- Common fraud schemes and social engineering tactics targeting customers and staff
- The rise of generative AI in defeating onboarding and identity verification controls
- Real-world examples of phishing, vendor compromise, and business email compromise (BEC) attacks
- Tactics used by threat actors to exploit weak links in digital banking infrastructure
- A preview of emerging threats – such as deepfake-driven fraud, synthetic identity misuse, and zero-day exploitation – that institutions must begin preparing for now
- Participants will gain insights into how their risk assessments can be sharpened to anticipate these evolving attack vectors, and how a layered control strategy can reduce exposure even in resource-constrained environments.
Q & A Session
5:30 - 6:00 pm ET | Barry Thompson
Q & A Session 5:30 - 6:00 pm ET | Barry Thompson
We close out the first day of the conference with an interactive question & answer session with each of day’s speakers, moderated by Barry Thompson.
DAY TWO:
OCTOBER 23, 2025
Sovereign Citizens
10:00 -10:50 am ET | Chris Hersey, Treasury Agent, Office of the Inspector General
Sovereign Citizens 10:00 -10:50 am ET | Chris Hersey, Treasury Agent, Office of the Inspector General
The banking industry is often the target of the Sovereign Citizen movement. The FBI defines the Sovereign Citizen movement as “anti-government extremists who believe that even though they physically reside in this country, they are separate or “sovereign” from the United States. As a result, they believe they don’t have to answer to any government authority, including courts, taxing entities, motor vehicle departments, or law enforcement.” In this program, we will learn to recognize verbiage in correspondence from Sovereign Citizens to raise awareness in how to respond to such filings.
Objectives:
- Familiarize yourself with Sovereign Citizen ideology.
- Recognize signs and symbology of Sovereign Citizens to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
- Consider developing protocol and policies in dealing with Sovereign Citizens.
First Amendment Auditors
11:00 - 11:55 am ET | J. Branch Walton
First Amendment Auditors 11:00 - 11:55 am ET | J. Branch Walton
First Amendment Auditors are individuals who attempt to enter and remain on city or public property to record your employees, officials, and operations, or to engage in other expressive conduct. They claim to be testing your knowledge of First Amendment rights and are well known for directly confronting and recording law enforcement officers on duty. Their goal is to record how your employees respond to their recording and to see if you violate their first amendment rights. They often engage in verbal tactics to “rattle,” “bait,” “anger,” or “surprise” your employee or official to illicit a “recordable response.” They record from areas that are publicly accessible and any action taken by your employee to challenge or prevent them from recording may become grounds for a lawsuit and/or the video may be placed on YouTube for public viewing. They have challenged employees at banks, restaurants, city halls, and government facilities among other locations.
This session provides common sense guidelines on how to properly respond to these frustrating and potentially volatile confrontations.
Preparing For The Aftermath of Violence
12:05 - 1:30 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
Preparing For The Aftermath of Violence 12:05 - 1:30 pm ET | Carol Dodgen
We see it in the headlines every day. Violence is on the rise, and homicides in America have reached unprecedented levels. The chance of a violent event affecting your workplace is no longer unthinkable. It is a real risk that must be addressed with preparation and purpose.
While prevention and response training are essential, many organizations overlook a critical phase—the aftermath. What happens after the violence ends? Emotionally, operationally, and legally, the effects can be long-lasting. Is your team truly prepared to handle what comes next?
In this powerful session, Carol Dodgen shares insights from over 27 years of experience. She has studied thousands of violent incidents and conducted in-depth interviews with survivors, offenders, investigators, and counselors. You’ll gain a unique, multi-perspective understanding of the aftermath and learn what steps you can take now to ensure your team is ready. The goal is not only to survive the event, but also to recover from it with strength and purpose.
Session Highlights:
- Moving beyond robbery: preparing for all forms of workplace violence
- What to expect in the hours, days, and weeks after an incident
- Insights from recent case studies and emerging trends
- The importance of continuous assessment and reassessment
- Understanding when compliance is not the safest option
- How to effectively assist law enforcement post-incident
- Survivor testimonies and what they reveal about trauma and resilience
- Best practices for debriefing, counseling, and emotional support
- Providing “emotional first aid” to affected staff
- The high cost of organizational complacency
- Understanding the stages of grief and trauma recovery
- Common post-incident mistakes—and how to avoid them
LUNCH BREAK
1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
Enjoy! The program resumes at 2:30 pm.
Drive It, Flip It, Steal It: Modern Loan Fraud Cases
2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Brad Stevens
Drive It, Flip It, Steal It: Modern Loan Fraud Cases 2:30 - 3:30 pm ET | Brad Stevens
According to the FDIC, banks are most commonly defrauded through two avenues: cash theft and loan fraud. In this eye-opening session, we’ll interview a seasoned credit analyst and consultant with firsthand experience investigating loan fraud involving auto loans, mortgages, and even trusted bank employees. From falsified applications to insider manipulation, you’ll hear real-world cases of how fraud happens—and how it can be stopped.
Fast paced and packed with insights, this session will leave a lasting impression on anyone responsible for protecting their institution.
Board Reporting
3:40 - 4:40 pm ET | Barry Thompson
Board Reporting 3:40 - 4:40 pm ET | Barry Thompson
While regulations require that the Security Officer report to the board at least annually—covering the implementation, administration, and effectiveness of the institution’s security program—they offer little guidance on exactly what should be reported. This session will explore best practices for board reporting, including what to share regarding training, security inspections, and foreseeable threats.
As we’ve seen over the years, risk reporting often involves discussing difficult topics. How you deliver that information—both good and bad—can make all the difference. Learn strategies to communicate clearly, confidently, and constructively with your board.
Continuing the Journey: Resources for Ongoing Learning
4:50 - 5:20 pm ET | J. Branch Walton
Continuing the Journey: Resources for Ongoing Learning 4:50 - 5:20 pm ET | J. Branch Walton
This session will highlight a variety of trusted organizations, agencies, websites, and other resources that offer ongoing education and professional development opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical tools to continue building their investigative and security-related skills long after the conference ends.
Q & A Session
5:30 - 6:00 pm ET | Barry Thompson
Q & A Session 5:30 - 6:00 pm ET | Barry Thompson
The second conference day ends with a question and answer session featuring each of day’s speakers, moderated by Barry Thompson.
2025 SPEAKING FACULTY

Barry Thompson
Managing Partner | Thompson Consulting Group

Carol Dodgen
Owner | Dodgen Consulting Group

Chris Hersey
Senior Special Agent | U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General

J. Branch Walton
Retired U.S. Secret Sevice Agent

Debra Geister
CEO | Section 2, Inc.

Brad Stevens, MBA
President | Stevens Risk Management, LLC

Quentin McConkey
Security Officer | BTC Bank

Brian DuMond
President & CEO | Geddes Federal Savings and Loan Association

Anna Marie Gualtieri
Program Director | Geddes Federal Savings and Loan Association
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!
CHECK OUT ON-DEMAND REGISTRATION RATES BELOW
REGISTRATION RATES
SINGLE TICKET - 2 for 1
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Conference Only
Early Bird Special - Two Tickets for the price of one
Pre-Conference Workshop
+ Full Conference
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Full 2-Day Conference + Pre-Conference Security Workshop
Early Bird 2 for 1 applies