In today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the fight against corruption and financial crime faces new and complex challenges. As traditional power structures shift and digital technologies advance, authoritarian regimes, corrupt actors, and criminal networks are exploiting regulatory gaps, fragmented international cooperation, and emerging technologies to obscure illicit financial flows. These developments necessitate innovative and coordinated responses from governments, financial institutions, multilateral organizations, civil society, as well as auditors, assurance and antifraud professionals.

The conference will delve into how geopolitical fragmentation creates opportunities for regulatory arbitrage, allowing criminal networks to exploit complex cross-border transactions. Participants will explore the dual impact of digital transformation, including cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance, which present both new vulnerabilities for money laundering and potential technological solutions to combat these threats. The role of civil society organizations as crucial watchdogs in exposing corruption, advocating for transparency, and holding powerful actors accountable will be a key focus.

Moreover, the session will emphasize the importance of public-private-civil society partnerships and information-sharing mechanisms in developing agile and effective anti-corruption frameworks. By fostering collaboration among these sectors, we can enhance our collective ability to detect, prevent, and respond to corruption and financial crime.

Key Takeaways

• Geopolitical Fragmentation: Understand how geopolitical fragmentation creates regulatory arbitrage opportunities that criminal networks exploit through complex cross-border transactions.
• Digital Transformation: Learn about the dual impact of digital transformation, including cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance, on money laundering vulnerabilities and technological solutions.
• Role of Civil Society: Recognize the crucial watchdog role of civil society organizations in exposing corruption, advocating for transparency, and holding powerful actors accountable.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Discover the importance of public-private-civil society partnerships and information-sharing mechanisms in developing effective anti-corruption frameworks.
• Emerging Technologies: Explore the capabilities of emerging technologies like AI in detecting suspicious patterns, while considering the ethical and privacy implications of their use.

In today's digital age, fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, requiring advanced methods for detection, investigation, and prevention. This conference will explore the crucial role of digital forensics in combating fraudulent activities and will give attendees a comprehensive understanding of how cutting-edge forensic techniques and technologies can significantly enhance antifraud and corruption efforts.

The session will start by covering the fundamentals of digital forensics, providing a solid foundation for its application in fraud investigations. Participants will learn about various technologies and methodologies, including data collection, data analysis, open-source intelligence (OSINT), expert witness presentation, and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools are essential for detecting and preventing fraud, enabling professionals to uncover hidden patterns and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent or corrupt behavior.

A key focus will be on developing a proactive approach to fraud deterrence: continuous monitoring and collaboration between digital forensics, legal teams, internal control, IT departments, and Management are crucial for creating a robust fraud prevention strategy. By fostering synergy among these disciplines, organizations can enhance their ability to detect and respond to fraud in real-time, minimizing potential losses and reputational damage.

The session will feature case studies and real-world examples of successful fraud deterrence through digital forensics synergies. These examples will provide practical insights and strategies that attendees can apply within their own organizations. By examining these case studies, participants will gain valuable knowledge on implementing effective fraud deterrence measures and improving their overall fraud prevention capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Fundamentals of Digital Forensics: Gain a thorough understanding of digital forensics and its application in corruption & fraud investigations.
• Advanced Technologies: Learn about the latest digital forensics technologies used to detect and prevent incidents, including data collection, data analysis, OSINT, expert witness presentation, and AI.
• Proactive Fraud & Corruption Deterrence: Develop strategies for continuous monitoring and collaboration between digital forensics, legal, internal control, IT, and management to create a comprehensive approach.
• Real-World Case Studies: Analyze successful examples of fraud deterrence through digital forensics, providing practical insights and strategies for implementation.

This conference will equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively combat fraud and corruption in the digital age, ensuring your organization remains secure and resilient.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone for achieving competitive advantage, reducing risk, and boosting profitability in enterprises. However, with these benefits come significant regulatory, legal, and risk management challenges that must be prioritized. This presentation by Paul will delve into the AI ecosystem, covering its inception, development, and deployment phases.

Paul will explore how AI implementations can be compromised, whether through inadvertent errors or malicious actions. The risks associated with AI span the entire ecosystem and require a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to address them effectively. Attendees will gain insights into the various ways AI systems can be vulnerable to internal attacks, external threats, and unintentional mistakes.

The session will then focus on mitigation strategies to reduce risks across the AI technology spectrum. This will provide auditors and fraud examiners with valuable insights into appropriate controls and risk management techniques. Understanding these strategies is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of AI systems.

Finally, the presentation will cover AI forensics, emphasizing the importance of gathering information in a forensically sound and defensible manner. This aspect is particularly relevant for supporting audits and incident response roles, ensuring that evidence is collected and analyzed correctly to support investigations and compliance efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Real-World Threats: Auditors and Antifraud experts will gain a deeper understanding of the real-world threats to AI technologies and deployments.
• Conceptual Framework for Audits: Attendees will leave with a coherent and organized conceptual basis for conducting AI-related audits and investigations.
• Evidence Gathering Techniques: Participants will learn how to gather evidence effectively for audits or post-incident examinations.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Insights into practical strategies for mitigating risks across the AI technology spectrum.
• Holistic Approach to AI Security: Emphasis and practical lessons on the importance of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to securing AI systems and preventing compromises.

This conference will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of AI security and forensics, ensuring robust and resilient AI implementations.

Compliance is essential for preventing fraud and corruption, safeguarding against legal repercussions, financial losses, and reputational damage. During President Trump's second term, the enforcement of compliance regulations, particularly the FCPA, holds significant implications for businesses operating in Mexico and abroad. This session will provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help professionals navigate these complexities and enhance their compliance programs.

The session will explore the challenges of navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring continuous compliance amidst changing regulations. Attendees will learn how to address cultural differences in compliance practices and manage compliance efforts with limited resources and budget.

There will be a discussion on how the definition of bribery may be evolving in the United States, including recent legal interpretations and implications for compliance programs globally. The session will evaluate whether to adjust compliance programs and internal audit plans based on current US enforcement priorities, and provide guidance on how to respond to audit findings or allegations that suggest potential FCPA violations during the FCPA pause.

Key Takeaways

• Adapting to Regulatory Changes: Attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of an evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring continuous compliance amidst changing laws and regulations.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Compliance: Gain insights into addressing cultural differences in compliance practices to ensure consistent and effective compliance across diverse regions.
• Resource Management: Discover strategies for managing compliance efforts effectively, even with limited resources and budget constraints, ensuring that compliance programs remain robust and efficient.
• Responding to FCPA Violations: Receive practical guidance on how to respond to audit findings or allegations that suggest potential FCPA violations during the FCPA enforcement pause, including adjustments to compliance programs and internal audit plans based on current US enforcement priorities.

The session will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their compliance programs, navigate regulatory challenges, and effectively prevent and investigate fraud and corruption in their organizations through a sound Compliance program.

In today's organizational environment, maintaining a strong ethical culture is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring long-term organizational success. Ethical lapses can lead to significant financial losses, legal penalties, and reputational damage both in private and public sector scenarios.

In this conference, designed for seasoned internal audit professionals, anti-fraud experts, and assurance specialists, Mr. John Gill, ACFE´s President, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of ethical culture audits in preventing fraud and corruption within organizations, while navigating the common associated challenges, such as cultural resistance and measurement difficulties

Through Mr. Gill´s long expertise, attendees will analyze case studies and learn best practices to assess and strengthen the organization´s Ethical Climate; Integrity Policies and Procedures; Training and Awareness Programs; Leadership and Tone at the Top, as well as Reporting Mechanisms.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations, organizations must prioritize ethical culture audits & assessments as part of their overall risk management strategy. The integration of technology and data analytics in auditing processes is also enhancing the effectiveness of these audits.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Understanding of Ethical Culture Audits: Gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices involved in auditing an organization's ethical culture.
• Practical Tools and Techniques: Learn about the latest tools and techniques for conducting effective ethical culture audits.
• Real-World Insights: Benefit from case studies and examples that illustrate the practical application of ethical culture audits in fraud prevention.
• Strategies for Overcoming Challenges: Acquire strategies to address common challenges and obstacles in auditing ethical culture.
• Future-Proofing Your Organization: Stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in ethical culture auditing to enhance your organization's fraud prevention efforts.

This conference will equip attendees with valuable knowledge and skills to strengthen their organization's ethical culture and enhance their fraud prevention strategies.

This fireside chat will explore the critical role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening integrity systems globally and in Mexico. The panel experts will discuss the evolution of private sector integrity initiatives, the challenges and opportunities for Mexican MSMEs to participate, and strategies for incorporating MSMEs into broader anti-corruption efforts. The discussion will highlight the economic importance of MSMEs, particularly in Mexico, and how their involvement in integrity initiatives can positively influence their growth and competitiveness.

MSME represents nearly 90% of businesses globally and 95% in Mexico and are vital to the country’s economy. However, MSMEs often face barriers to engaging in integrity and anti corruption initiatives. The panel experts will examine the history of private sector integrity efforts globally and in Mexico, the role of MSMEs in participating in ethical private sector initiatives, and practical steps for engaging MSMEs. Panel experts will also share experiences which highlight the benefits ethics and integrity have for MSMEs. Finally, panelists will share examples of successful MSME integrity initiatives in collective action programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Context: an overview of international and Mexican private sector integrity initiatives.
• MSMEs as Integrity Champions: understanding the role of MSMEs in promoting ethical business practices and reducing corruption risks and how they can play an essential role in creating ethical supply chains.
• Overcoming Barriers: Strategies to support MSMEs in adopting integrity best practices (eg. capacity building, incentives and policy recommendations).
• Future of Integrity in Mexico: Practical steps for MNCs, policymakers, and international organizations which can enhance MSME participation in integrity and anti-corruption initiatives.
• The Role of Regulatory Frameworks in Supporting MSMEs: Discussing the importance of government policies and regulatory frameworks that can empower MSMEs to implement integrity systems, particularly in countries like Mexico where compliance challenges can be significant.
• The Business Case for Integrity: Emphasizing the long-term financial and reputational benefits of adopting integrity systems, such as improved access to markets, better relationships with customers, and enhanced brand value.

In the fight against fraud and misconduct, forensic accountants, auditors and antifraud professionals play a pivotal role in managing whistleblower hotline programs (WB Hotlines) and investigating allegations. This presentation delves into the best practices for designing, implementing, managing, monitoring, and auditing an effective ethics and compliance reporting system. With advancements in AI and other technologies, modern intake and case management systems have evolved far beyond the traditional operator-assisted complaint processes.

Organizations with hotlines are nearly twice as likely to detect fraud through tips compared to those without, underscoring the importance of a confidential and reliable reporting system. This session will highlight how internal assurance professionals can foster fraud detection, compliance oversight and risk assessment procedures, ensuring that investigations are thorough, impartial, and well-documented.

Through Juliette’s vast experience and thousands of cases investigated, attendees will learn practical lessons to implement clear reporting mechanisms, proper triage and escalation procedures, and comprehensive monitoring to track trends and improve prevention efforts. The presentation will address the challenges of overcoming trust issues, cultural resistance, and legal/privacy concerns, emphasizing the importance of leveraging forensic and audit expertise to strengthen credibility and foster a speak-up culture.

By implementing a well-structured ethics hotline and a case management system, organizations can proactively detect and mitigate fraud, protect whistleblowers, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Fraud Detection: Understand the key features that make hotlines significantly improve fraud detection through tips.
• Vital Role of Professionals: Learn about the critical role of internal auditors, forensic accountants and antifraud professionals in managing and investigating WB Hotlines.
• Overcoming Challenges: Discover strategies to address trust issues, cultural resistance, and legal/privacy concerns in hotline management.
• Continuous Improvement: Learn the importance of tracking metrics, updating leadership, and refining policies to maintain an effective ethics and compliance program.

This conference is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to build and maintain a first-class whistleblower and case management program, enhancing their organization's ability to detect and prevent fraud and corruption.

In today's digital age, preserving digital evidence is paramount due to the increasing reliance on technology for communication, transactions, and data storage. However, digital evidence is inherently fragile and can be easily altered, deleted, or corrupted if not properly preserved.

Ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital evidence through meticulous preservation techniques is essential to maintain its admissibility in court and to uphold the credibility of the investigative process.

In this presentation, Doug White, Ph.D., CCE, CCNA, CISSP, PI (RI), reviews techniques for preserving various types of digital evidence and considerations for acquiring digital evidence in both traditional and cloud environments. The session covers the physical acquisition (imaging) of digital devices, acquisition of folders, acquisition of cloud-based materials, and the preservation of digital evidence in multiple formats.

Additionally, the session discusses virtual machines and other methods where evidence may be concealed and ways to acquire and preserve that type of evidence. Both NIST Special Publication 800-861 and NIST Special Publication 800-101r12 serve as foundational resources for auditors and antifraud professionals seeking to develop organizational policies.

By adhering to best practices in digital evidence preservation, auditors, CFEs and assurance professionals can safeguard the integrity of their engagements and investigations while contributing to the broader goal of maintaining trust and transparency in the digital landscape, attaining effective risk management and legal compliance, and ensuring that digital data remains reliable and credible.

Key Takeaways:

• Hashing evidence to preserve the chain of custody
• Forensic duplication of evidence to maintain integrity
• Protecting acquired evidence
• Risks and benefits of air-gapping
• Snapshotting virtual machines
• Capturing Docker and Kubernetes-based evidence
• Considerations for cloud-based evidence and its recovery

Embezzlement is the crime that every business owner, government agency, PTA, and youth sports league worries about. Protecting assets is a top priority. The loss of money is devastating. However, what is worse is the loss of time which is unrecoverable and the loss of trust which takes the biggest toll. When embezzlement happens it is often committed by a long-term, trusted employee. They have worked side by side with you for potentially years or even decades.

Often, they are part of the family. These embezzlers live amongst us. This crime is the relatable crime because most everyone knows some business or person who has been affected by embezzlement.

Join renowned Pink Collar Crime expert Kelly Paxton to understand this growing demographic. This topic is Kelly’s most widely requested due to the recent increase in embezzlement and fraud. Kelly will show you what to look for in your business to make sure your most trusted employee is not a Pink Collar Criminal.

Key Takeaways

Attend Catch Me If You Can and learn:

• What is the difference between White Collar Crime and Pink Collar Crime?
• Why is Pink Collar Crime growing?
• Who is the “typical” Pink Collar Criminal?
• How to identify “pink flags”
• Tips and tricks for investigating and interviewing a Pink Collar Criminal
• And more...

Kelly Paxton has investigated hundreds of cases ranging from money laundering to conflict of interest to embezzlement. Her hands-on investigative experience for the government and private sector along with research into criminal behavior and investigating for both the prosecution and defense provides real-life, practical information.

In the contemporary digital landscape, the immense volume of data generated presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations. By leveraging data analytics, organizations can more effectively detect and prevent fraudulent activities through the identification of patterns and anomalies indicative of misconduct. This conference emphasizes the necessity of integrating data analytics into anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations, and delivers practical examples and case studies to better attain this objective.

Mr. Prabhat Kumar will delve into the utilization of both structured and unstructured data in fraud examinations. While structured data, such as spreadsheets and databases, is commonly employed, unstructured data, including emails and social media, offers significant untapped potential. Advanced techniques such as predictive coding and text mining will be explored, providing deeper insights into fraudulent activities. Participants will learn how to harness these tools to improve their investigative processes and outcomes.

The conference will also discuss the latest trends and technologies in data analytics, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to implement these tools effectively and insights into real-world applications, showcasing the impact of data analytics on fraud prevention and investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the distinction between structured and unstructured data and their applications in fraud detection.
• Learning advanced data analytics techniques such as predictive coding and text mining.
• Gaining insights into the integration of digital forensics and data analytics in investigations.
• Exploring real-world case studies and applications of data analytics in fraud prevention.
• Developing the skills to implement effective anti-fraud and anti-corruption programs using data analytics.

This conference aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement robust anti-fraud and anti-corruption programs, ultimately fostering a culture of integrity and accountability within their organizations, with Data Analytics at its root.

Through the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), a comprehensive approach is promoted to prevent, punish, and eradicate corruption, strengthening institutional integrity and international cooperation. On its part, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) complements this framework by providing legal tools to confront criminal networks that operate globally. Both Conventions are interconnected, as corruption allows organized crime to infiltrate institutions, evade controls, and operate with impunity.

This presentation will address various strategies to combat corruption and economic crimes, based on the premise that the joint and coordinated implementation of the UNCAC and UNTOC can strengthen institutional capacities, close spaces of impunity, and promote a culture of legality, cooperation, and accountability.

Among these strategies are the promotion of transparency and access to information through independent institutions; the strengthening of oversight and anti-corruption bodies; adequate protection for whistleblowers; the use of advanced technology as means of prevention and detection; and the promotion of a culture of integrity from basic education to professional training.

In this way, the implementation of the Conventions and the strengthening of key institutional initiatives and capacities can generate positive effects in the short term, especially concerning institutions that play a crucial role in the fight against corruption in Mexico, such as the Secretariat of the Civil Service (SFP), the Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF), the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Combating Corruption, and the National Anti-Corruption System (SNA), among others.

The above requires a technical vision for confronting corruption, including the implementation of legal reforms, the strengthening of internal controls, the promotion of citizen participation, and international cooperation, as well as the political will at the highest level to close the door to impunity.

5 key learning points for attendees:

• Identify the main mechanisms of the UNCAC and UNTOC to address these phenomena.
• Analyze the need to implement both conventions in a coordinated manner, in conjunction with institutional strengthening.
• Explore good practices and comprehensive approaches based on integrity, cooperation, and legality, in accordance with the lessons learned and successful cases in the international order.
• Analyze the role of Mexican institutions that are crucial for combating corruption, and the possible key actions they can take to generate synergies and achieve a positive impact.

In a business environment increasingly exposed to ethical, regulatory, and reputational risks, having a robust organizational defense system is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity.

This session presents an integrated vision of Corporate Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), in synergy with an effective whistleblowing channel, as the equivalent of an organization’s immune system: a living, preventive, and reactive network that protects its integrity from within.

Through a practical and strategic approach, the session will explore how to design, implement, and properly support these tools in an interconnected way, in order to create synergies that enhance their effectiveness. Key elements will be addressed for building a solid GRC ecosystem, where the whistleblowing channel is not just a passive inbox, but an active pathway for participation, trust, and continuous improvement.

Real-world cases, key performance indicators (KPIs), and technological automation strategies will be presented, demonstrating how these mechanisms can be transformed into strategic assets aligned with business objectives and organizational sustainability.

This session is aimed at compliance leaders, internal auditors, risk managers, executives, and anti-fraud professionals interested in strengthening ethical culture, assurance, and governance within their organizations.

Key Learning Takeaways:

• How to structure a GRC system aligned with business objectives, enabling risk anticipation and stronger decision-making.
• Design and implementation of reliable and effective whistleblowing channels that encourage safe and active employee participation.
• Key indicators to measure the effectiveness of GRC and whistleblowing systems, and how to interpret them for continuous improvement.
• The role of organizational culture and ethical leadership as catalysts for success in preventing fraud and corruption.
• Use of technology to automate monitoring, analysis, and response processes, reducing reaction times and increasing responsiveness.

Corruption in Mexico continues to be one of the main obstacles to institutional development, citizen trust, and economic competitiveness.

This conference offers a deep and strategic look at the phenomenon of corruption in Mexico. Mr. Sergio Huacuja, a recognized jurist and one of the leading experts on administrative responsibilities and corruption crimes in the country, will present a thorough and up-to-date analysis of the structural, legal, and operational dynamics impacting corruption in the country.

The presentation will address the structural challenges faced in the fight against corruption and will analyze the emerging risks in the digital and global environment, such as transnational corruption, money laundering, and the misuse of technologies in public administration.

From a propositional perspective, Mr. Huacuja will propose courses of action to strengthen public integrity, improve accountability, and consolidate a culture of legality. International experiences, pending reforms, and prevention mechanisms that can be adapted to the Mexican context to strengthen institutional solidity, intergovernmental coordination, and transparency in public contracting will be highlighted.

This conference is aimed at professionals in assurance, auditing, and the safeguarding of resources across all sectors and organizations; decision-makers, internal control bodies, auditors, academics, and civil society actors committed to building a more transparent, efficient, and just state.

Key learning points:

• Updated diagnosis of the National Anticorruption System, of other key interinstitutional initiatives, and their real effectiveness.
• Analysis of the legal frameworks regarding administrative responsibilities and corruption offenses.
• Identification of institutional gaps and operational challenges in the fight against corruption, oversight, and government control.
• New threats: digital corruption, transnational issues, and risks in public procurement.
• Strategic proposals to strengthen public ethics, institutional integrity, and accountability.