This 2-day conference, focused on Puerto Rico as an International Insurance Center and an International Banking Center, will join top industry leaders and government officials, who will share insights on latest trends and regulations, compliance, AI, AML, cybersecurity, and much more.
Hon. Sebastián
Negrón-Reichard
Secretary
Department of
Economic Development
and Commerce
Mónica Rodríguez Villa
Commissioner of
Financial Institutions
Eduardo Colón
President
PRIBA
Sebastián Negrón Reichard serves as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico. His career spans leadership roles across government, finance, law, and technology. Prior to his current position, he was Chief of Staff at the Fiscal Oversight Board for Puerto Rico, a strategy consultant at Accenture in New York, an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, and part of the leadership team at fintech startup Minu in Mexico City. He also served as an advisor to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, focusing on economic development, permitting reform, and fostering public-private coalitions to drive systemic change.
Negrón Reichard is a board member of the Harvard/MIT Cooperative Society and has published work in outlets such as the Harvard Latin American Law Review, Harvard Business School, and the Miami Herald. His writing covers a broad range of topics, including economic development, public policy innovation, federal bankruptcy law, government contracting reform, the CHIPS Act, Puerto Rico’s energy modernization, maritime boundary management, and equity in federal programs.
Beyond his professional roles, he has been deeply engaged in civic initiatives. He co-founded Students with Puerto Rico and was a member of the Society Council of the Americas in New York. His leadership and contributions have been featured in major publications, including Forbes, CNN, and HBS Magazine.
Negrón Reichard holds dual bachelor’s degrees from the prestigious Huntsman Program at the University of Pennsylvania—a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. He also earned a Juris Doctor and a joint MBA from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School.
Mónica Rodrı́guez Villa was appointed Commissioner of the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF) on July 1, 2025, by Governor Jenniffer González, and following more than four years of distinguished service as Deputy Commissioner. As Commissioner, Ms. Rodrı́guez Villa leads the OCIF in the development and execution of Puerto Rico’s public policy for its banking and financial sector. She is charged with ensuring the safety, soundness, and integrity of the Island’s financial system through modern, transparent, and rigorous regulatory and supervisory practices that promote a culture of compliance, safeguard consumers, and support robust and sustainable economic growth while maintaining a resilient financial system.
Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Ms. Rodrı́guez Villa served as Deputy Commissioner since March 2021, during which time she played a central role in shaping regulatory strategy and oversight for depository, non-depository institutions and securities. Ms. Rodrı́guez Villa also held the title of Auxiliary Commissioner of Non-Depository Exams, overseeing the supervision of approximately 700 licensed non-depository financial entities operating in Puerto Rico.
Ms. Rodrı́guez Villa brings more than two decades of legal, compliance, and regulatory experience in the financial services sector. Before joining OCIF, she held key leadership roles in several financial institutions including Springleaf Financial (f/k/a CommoLoCo, Inc.), Banco Santander Puerto Rico, and FirstBank, where she served in capacities such as in-house counsel, corporate compliance, legal and regulatory counsel, operational risk officer, and third-party risk manager.
Her extensive experience includes legal counsel on a broad range of financial and corporate matters, with special focus on contract, licensing, compliance, governance and risk management, collections, foreclosures, bankruptcy, and administrative proceedings. She also practiced for over four years as a corporate and bankruptcy litigation attorney in San Juan-based law firms.
Ms. Rodrı́guez Villa earned her bachelor’s degree in justice systems, magna cum laude, from Sacred Heart University, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. She also holds an associate degree from the University of Maryland in Government and Politics. She is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Colón is the President of Advantage International Bank Corp. (AIBC), established in 2016 to cater to specialty insurance companies and their clientele. Having over three decades of expertise in the financial sector, Eduardo's illustrious career includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer at Citi International Financial Services and First Vice President of Corporate Banking at SunTrust Bank.
His journey also saw leadership stints at Scotiabank Puerto Rico, BBVA Securities Puerto Rico, Santander Securities, and Chase Securities Puerto Rico. Currently, Eduardo presides over the Puerto Rico International Banks Association. He earned his BBA, graduating cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico, and later completed his MBA at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
David Schwartz
President & CEO
FIBA
Victoria Cunningham
Executive Director
Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies
Esperanza Borja Mead
Founder & Principal
Actuarial Factor LLC
David Schwartz is President and CEO of the Financial & International Business Association (FIBA), the leading voice for international banking in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. FIBA’s core mission is to provide high-level educational and advocacy support to its membership which includes community banks as well as the largest banks in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean that are active in international trade and finance.
Prior to joining FIBA, David held executive positions at various financial institutions in the U.S., Europe and Latin America in the areas of Risk Management and Compliance, Wealth Management, Correspondent Banking, Credit and Treasury.
David received his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School and also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. He has completed foreign studies and training in Hong Kong and Paris, France and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian.
Victoria Cunningham is an experienced (re)insurance professional and committed advocate for talent development in Bermuda. She has spent over 20 years in international business, including senior treaty underwriting roles at Allied World Re and Tokio Millennium Re, and broking experience at Kirkway International.
Now serving as the Executive Director of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS), Victoria leads strategic initiatives to connect Bermudian students with opportunities in the (re)insurance industry. She also serves as an Opposition Senator in the Bermuda Government, with a focus on education, health, and innovation.
Victoria holds the CPCU, ARe, and ASLI designations, lectures on insurance at Bermuda College, and remains active in industry education through Women in Reinsurance (WiRe), ILS Bermuda, and the Bermuda CPCU Society. She is also a former Chair of the Bermuda Under 40s (Re)Insurance Group and led international industry tours for emerging professionals to (re)insurance markets in London and New York City.
Victoria's career reflects a blend of technical excellence, community commitment, and a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders in Bermuda. She is passionate about building bridges between business and community to create lasting impact.
Esperanza (“Espy”) Borja Mead is Actuarial Factor’s Founder and President and has 30 years of actuarial experience. She is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a Distinguished Toastmaster. She has extensive experience in property and casualty, personal and business, accident and health, and life insurance in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Just prior to founding Actuarial Factor located in Coral Gables, Florida, Espy worked as Vice President, Chief Actuary of Latin America at Chubb.
Her actuarial work includes pricing, reserving, feasibility studies, peer reviews, expert testimony, and mergers and acquisitions.
Wilmer Guerrero
SVP BSA/AML & Compliance
Banesco USA
Barr Blanton
CEO
Crosslake Technologies
Marilú Jiménez
Founder & President
FINCAdvisors
Wilmer Guerrero, CAMS, is a seasoned BSA/AML and OFAC compliance professional with more than twenty years of experience in the banking industry and over fifteen years in specialized anti-money laundering work. Mr. Guerrero currently serves as SVP Head of BSA and Consumer Compliance at Banesco USA, having taken this position in April 2023 after previously serving as SVP BSA/AML/OFAC Officer and Deputy BSA Officer for the same institution. Prior to Banesco USA, he led global sanctions, risk management, and AML model validation projects, implementing program frameworks for major financial institutions.
Barr has created an unparalleled community of "been there, done that" technologists at Crosslake — setting the standard for technology leadership and guidance at the intersection of investment and private equity. He came to Crosslake from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where he was Managing Partner of the firm's Charlotte, North Carolina office and served as a partner in the Transformation and Private Equity practices. Barr has extensive experience advising private equity firms, portfolio companies and Fortune 500 clients on strategic and transformational initiatives.
With over 30 years in financial services, Ms. Jiménez is a revered attorney and certified BSA/AML expert. She's made significant strides as the Chief Compliance Officer for a top U.S. Hispanic bank, mastering BSA/AML, the USA Patriot Act, and OFAC compliance. Her prowess extends to guiding executives and boards in robust governance, risk assessments, and compliance strategies, with a notable role as a Senior Advisor to global firms like McKinsey & Company.
A luminary in her field, Ms. Jiménez contributes profoundly to ACAMS, influencing certifications and chairing its Spanish Editorial Board. Her industry leadership is further highlighted by her active roles with the ABA and ACAMS, leading anti-financial crime initiatives. Her expertise garners recognition, including the ACAMS Professional of the Year Award in 2017.
A seasoned speaker and trainer, she's instrumental in U.S.-Latin American financial dialogues and trains Latin American regulators. Her past leadership at Popular, Inc. involved pioneering compliance functions and anti-money laundering programs, with prior impactful roles at Citibank and Banco Santander.
Beyond finance, she's dedicated to community upliftment of the most underserved populations, including the Puerto Rico Bay Estuary, and is the Chairwoman of Espacios Abiertos, an organization created to bring long-term systemic change and socio-economic justice in Puerto Rico.
Ernesto Mayoral
Capital Member
McConnell Valdés
Brenda Torres
Executive Director
San Juan Bay Estuary
Gabriel Caballero
Partner
Holland & Knight
Mr. Mayoral is a distinguished attorney with a vast expertise in banking, securities, and insurance acquisitions, as well as in regulatory matters for financial institutions and insurance entities in Puerto Rico. He has also acted as lead counsel in in a wide range of corporate transactions, including real estate and securities offerings.
Before joining his current firm in 1994, he was the Director of Legal Division at Popular, Inc. and had previously served as Legal Counsel to Banco de Ponce until 1990. Additionally, from 1990-1994, he contributed to the Puerto Rico Bar Examination Board and lectured on Banking Law at the Interamerican University School of Law. Internationally recognized, Mr. Mayoral has been lauded by Chambers & Partners as one of Puerto Rico’s top Corporate/Commercial attorneys and features in The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico guide for Corporate and M&A.
Brenda Torres Barreto is the Executive Director of the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuario), the only National Estuary Program (NEP) located outside the continental United States. She has more than two decades of experience in environmental governance, watershed restoration, and climate resilience, advancing collaborative solutions at the interface of science, policy, and community action.
Brenda has served in advisory roles to governors in Puerto Rico and New York State, providing expertise on environmental policy, natural resource management, and sustainable development strategies. Her work in these positions focused on shaping cross-sector initiatives that integrate ecological restoration with social and economic resilience, bringing science-based recommendations into the highest levels of decision-making.
At Estuario, Brenda has led landmark initiatives such as the Juan Méndez Creek ecological restoration, the 10-year Condado Lagoon recovery plan, and the development of the first-ever multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan for the San Juan metropolitan region of Puerto Rico. She has secured and managed multi-million-dollar federal and philanthropic investments while forging partnerships with agencies such as EPA, USACE, PRASA, and DNER, as well as with municipalities, universities, and the private sector.
Brenda is also pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, where her research examines resilience in water governance for tropical island territories. She earned her Master’s degree at the Yale School of the Environment, specializing in environmental policy and governance.
Her career reflects a consistent commitment to bridging science, policy, and community voices, both through her leadership in Puerto Rico and her contributions to regional and international resilience dialogues. Beyond her professional work, she is an avid marathon runner, cultural advocate, and mother, combining discipline, creativity, and vision in all aspects of her life.
Gabriel Caballero, a partner at Holland & Knight's Miami office, is an expert in the Financial Services sector. He specializes in assisting domestic and global entities, such as banks, financial institutions, investment companies, and private equity groups, with business, licensing, regulatory, and compliance matters.
Before joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Caballero was an Associate General Counsel for the U.S. private banking subsidiary of one of the world's leading banks by market capitalization. He offers guidance on the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering, financial privacy, consumer protection, digital currencies like Bitcoin, and enforcement actions from key regulators like the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, and SEC. Additionally, he advises on commercial lending, private banking, and creditors' rights.
Alejandro Solorzano
Associate Partner
Augment Risk
Alexander Fortich
Chief Risk Officer
Stern Bank
Ana María de Alba
Founder & CEO
CSMB & Riskrator
Alejandro Solorzano is a recognized leader in the parametric insurance and reinsurance brokerage space, with over a decade of experience driving innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean. With a strong foundation built at Marsh—where he served as Managing Director and Head of Sales and Global Analytics for the region—he played a pivotal role in launching risk analytics capabilities and parametric risk solutions. Today, Alejandro is an Associate Partner at Augment Risk, a top-tier reinsurance brokerage managing over $2.5 billion in annual premiums. At Augment, he leads the development of custom parametric solutions across key Latin American markets, helping clients strengthen financial resilience against catastrophic events.
Mr. Fortich brings 28 years of experience in banking and finance and currently serves as Chief Risk Officer at Stern Bank in Puerto Rico. His role also includes serving as the Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer and BSA/OFAC Officer. He has led compliance efforts across a range of institutions in South Florida, focusing on maintaining strong BSA, AML, OFAC, and Consumer Compliance programs.
His background includes working with the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation, where he investigated white collar crimes and worked closely with bank examiners. He later served as Chief Compliance Officer for a publicly traded bank, overseeing regulatory matters and maintaining key relationships with Foreign Correspondent Banks across the Caribbean and Latin America. He has also evaluated compliance risks tied to new business lines and product expansion.
Mr. Fortich holds a Juris Master in Banking Compliance from Florida State University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. He earned his BA in Business from St. Thomas University and an AS in Criminal Justice from Miami Dade College. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. He completed the Corporate Governance program at The Wharton School and teaches as an adjunct professor at the FIU College of Law. He is also a former Chair of FIBA’s AML Committee.
Ana María H. de Alba is the founder and CEO of the consulting firm CSMB, which she founded in 1997, specializing in risk management, financial research, and corporate strategy. She is also the founder of RiskRator®, the first technology software in the industry that has been created to quantify and assess the AML/CFT risk at the institutional level. Ana Maria is also an instructor and academic advisor to FIBA and is associated as a subject matter consultant with several international intelligence, research, and security firms. Ana María has more than 30 years of experience and professional training in the banking and consulting services industry. As a banking executive she held managerial positions in domestic and international banking at institutions such as SunTrust, Banco Atlántico, International Finance Bank and BICSA (Banco Internacional de Costa Rica.)
As a consultant, she has led multiple projects in financial research, risk management and assessments, due diligence in support of mergers and acquisitions, and evaluation of internal controls primarily related to the prevention of money laundering, and compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, OFAC, and FCPA laws. Ms. de Alba is a recognized and frequent international speaker, exhibiting at international congresses on issues related to the prevention of money laundering and against the financing of terrorism, anti-corruption and bribery, and prevention of fraud and embezzlement of public funds. In addition, as a speaker, he has presented her knowledge in multiple international congresses in the USA, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain – among other countries.
Ms. de Alba holds a Bachelors' Degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Miami, as well as an MBA in Banking and Finance from Nova Southeastern University. In turn, in the field of AML/CFT she is certified by FATF as an expert country evaluator in "Mutual Evaluation Methodology" and maintains multiple designations and accreditations such as the AMLCA and CPAML certifications of FIBA in partnership with Florida International University (FIU), and CCRS certification (Crypto Currency Risk Specialist) issued by CypherTrace®.
Wayne Shah
Head of Caribbean Banks
FIBA
Damian Schwartz
Risk Advisory Services
Kaufman Rossin
Mariah Rodríguez
Forensics Managing Director
BDO
Wayne has extensive experience in global banking and financial technology, with expertise in business growth, capital markets, risk oversight, and payment innovations across several continents. His career includes integrating technological developments with traditional banking practices, contributing to both established financial institutions and fintech startups. He is frequently consulted on regulatory issues, business strategy, and industry challenges.
He has worked at institutions such as Wells Fargo Bank, Wachovia Bank, Bladex, ABN AMRO Bank, and Citicorp/Citibank, engaging with markets in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Middle East Africa.
Currently, Wayne manages the International Banking business for the Caribbean region at Wells Fargo Bank N.A., overseeing business development, capital markets, risk and relationship management.
Wayne joined Wells Fargo through Wachovia Bank in 2007, where he led Global Payments Services (GPS) for the Americas, focusing on payments, products, and treasury management. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer of Clavex LLC, a fintech subsidiary of BLADEX, and co-founded Miami-based fintech M-Frontier Inc., specializing in both financial and risk solutions.
He has provided expert testimony before the US House Financial Services Committee on topics including de-risking, international payments, and correspondent banking. He shares his knowledge and perspectives and many conferences and events globally.
Wayne holds a Juris Masters in Banking Law and Compliance from Florida International University School of Law and a BA in Environmental Studies with a concentration on sustainable development. He possesses securities licenses from FINRA, as well as various certifications and diplomas in AML, Risk, and Business Management.
Wayne serves as a board member of the Miami Dade International Trade Commission and the Financial & International Business Association (FIBA), where he provides board training, AML certifications and leads the Education and Professional Development committee.
Damian Schwartz is a director in the Risk Advisory Services practice, where he brings over two decades of experience to clients. His focus includes cybersecurity strategy, investigation, response, compliance and training.
Prior to joining the firm, Damian served as a Senior Special Agent in the United States Secret Service New York Field Office's Electronic Crime's Task Force. In that role, he managed a highly technical team of Federal Agents on a multi-agency task force investigating large-scale cyber investigations including phishing and spear phishing schemes, identity theft, bank fraud, and data breaches of financial institutions and private sector organizations.
Most recently, Damian served as Director of Global Security and Investigations for a multi-national online mortgage lender. In his role, Damian planned, implemented and managed security, response and protection programs designed to mitigate risk to the company's facilities, personnel and information. Additionally, he held top level responsibility for the firm's Insider Threat Program which conducted internal investigations for the organization's legal and compliance groups.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from National Louis University. He is a certified Fire Life Safety Director through the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Mariah Rodriguez is a seasoned financial crimes and compliance expert with over 17 years of experience specializing in anti-money laundering (AML), litigation support, and regulatory compliance programs. She has led complex program transformations, large-scale remediations, and in-depth investigations into financial fraud and regulatory breaches. Her expertise includes consent order mitigations, AML remediations, asset tracing, and board-mandated internal investigations.
Mariah’s industry knowledge spans banking, fintech, cryptocurrency exchanges, professional services, and high-risk financial institutions. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in high-profile cases across the United States and multiple Latin American jurisdictions, where she has successfully navigated intricate regulatory landscapes and risk management challenges. Mariah is fluent in Spanish.
Mariel Arraiza
Founder
Market Rises
Raymond Villanueva
Director, Risk Advisory Services
Kaufman Rossin
Heidy Duarte
Principal Risk Advisory Services
Kaufman Rossin
Mariel Arraiza is a prominent leader in the financial industry with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, strategy, and business growth.
She studied Accounting at Boston College and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles at Banco Central Hispano, Banco Santander, and Banco Popular, where she led the Marketing division and several groundbreaking initiatives.
These include the launch of Eloan, Banco Popular’s FinTech platform in the United States, as well as strategic projects such as Mi Banco Popular, ATH Móvil, Finanzas en Tus Manos, and Startup Popular.
In 2021, she co-organized Nave Bank, helping secure one of the few banking licenses granted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the FDIC in 2023. Her leadership and strategic insight have earned her honors such as 2023 Woman of the Year by El Nuevo Día, Top 25 Most Innovative Bankers by FinTech Americas, and the Top Management Award from SME.
She is the founder of Market Rises LLC, a consulting firm focused on digital transformation and financial strategy.
Mariel is married and a mother of three. She balances her professional work with her commitment to developing young talent and fostering innovation in the financial sector.
Raymond Villanueva, with 28 years in law enforcement, serves as a director at Kaufman Rossin’s risk advisory services. Specializing in the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering, and sanctions, he's adept in risk mitigation and leading extensive financial investigations.
His prior roles are notable: a U.S. Senior Executive Service member and the Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in D.C. As Director of HSI’s International Operations, he managed global investigative efforts in over 53 countries. His expertise extended to the U.S. Delegation to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Ray’s congressional testimonies on national security issues, along with his insights at industry events, underline his stature in the field. He’s contributed to national and international financial reports, including FATF-adopted ones.
A member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Ray also serves on the ACAMS U.S. Capital Chapter board. A native of Puerto Rico and fluent in Spanish and English, his cultural background enriches his professional acumen.
Heidy M. Duarte, a Principal at Kaufman Rossin's Risk Advisory Services, brings over 16 years of expertise in the Financial Services sector, mastering forensic accounting, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Her proficiency encompasses BSA/AML/OFAC, IFRS, and more, catering to a variety of financial entities. Before Kaufman Rossin, Heidy directed the National Forensics Practice of a major global accounting firm, pioneering AML practices across Puerto Rico, LATAM, and the Caribbean. Previously, as the BSA/AML/OFAC Officer at a national bank, she formulated robust compliance standards and Anti-Money Laundering initiatives.
Her leadership extends to serving as an Executive Board Member of “Women United” and as an instructor for Anti-money laundering programs, including the FIBA Foreign Correspondent Bank Certificate. Recognized for her excellence, the South Florida Hispanic Miami Chamber of Commerce honored her with the 2021 “Women of Leadership Award” in Business/Accounting.
With a Master's from Florida International University and a Risk Management certification from Harvard, Heidy's bilingual prowess in English and Spanish further distinguishes her in the financial landscape.
Milton Méndez, Esq.
Anti Money Laundering & Certified Fraud Examiner
Milton Méndez Law
Andrés Fernández
Partner
Holland & Knight
Bhavya Kashyap
Vice President
Apexon
Milton Méndez, Esq., a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico's School of Law, is a seasoned attorney, notary, and Certified Fraud Examiner. He began his career investigating complex corruption cases and expanded his expertise to fraud within financial institutions and businesses. Known for his profound insights on money laundering, corporate ethics, and fraud, he's lectured internationally, from Puerto Rico to Uruguay.
Méndez has enriched minds as a university professor in forensic accounting and fraud investigation. He's conducted bank compliance due diligence across the Americas, and his courses on money laundering prevention and legal ethics are a cornerstone at the Institute of Practical Education of the Bar Association. Notably, he's trained Puerto Rican prosecutors and judges on money laundering.
His experience includes seven years as Compliance Manager at BNC International Banking and a pivotal role as Global Sanctions Officer at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. His work with the ACAMS Task Force, creating the Risk Management exam, highlights his industry impact.
Now an independent consultant, he specializes in anti-money laundering, OFAC, and fraud prevention, safeguarding financial integrity across borders.
Andrés "Andy" Fernández, is a distinguished partner at Holland & Knight's Miami office and holds dual leadership roles as the co-leader of the Financial Services Regulatory Team and the head of the firm's Cuba Action Team. Specializing in banking law and financial services, his expertise spans licensing, regulatory, and compliance matters. He offers invaluable counsel on pivotal issues related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), including nuances of the Magnitsky Act. Serving a diverse clientele, from domestic community banks to foreign institutions and digital currency businesses, his fluency in Spanish amplifies his reach across the Americas.
Throughout his career, Mr. Fernández has adeptly handled a myriad of financial institution matters, ranging from establishing U.S. branches for foreign banks to navigating regulatory enforcement resolutions. He's represented institutions before major U.S. regulators and the Department of Justice.
Starting as a public defender in Miami-Dade County, Florida, where he extensively exercised his litigation skills, Mr. Fernández transitioned into commercial litigation and eventually co-chaired a banking and financial services practice at another Florida law firm. His illustrious profile also includes being a sought-after speaker at banking conferences and seminars globally. Additionally, he imparts knowledge as an adjunct professor at Florida International University College of Law, teaching courses on BSA, AML, and OFAC.
Bhavya Kashyap is a financial services leader with over 17 years of global experience in investment banking, regulatory strategy, and AI-enabled transformation. As Global Head of Apexon’s RegTech practice, she designs and delivers innovative, AI-driven compliance and risk management solutions that help banks modernize platforms, strengthen controls, and achieve measurable business outcomes.
Prior to Apexon, Bhavya spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs in New York and London, serving as a Vice President in the Securities Division and holding leadership roles across capital markets, operations, and structured products origination. She has been at the forefront of regulatory reform initiatives—including Dodd-Frank—and is recognized for bridging business strategy and technology to deliver practical, high-impact solutions for complex financial and regulatory challenges.
Bhavya holds an Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering degree from Rutgers University.
Collin Connors
Senior Cyber & Crypto Security Consultant
ERM Protect
Jason Hernández
Head of Strategic Solutions
Aon
Alcides Ávila
Founding Partner
Ávila Law
Collin Connors is a senior Cybersecurity Consultant and leads the AI Risk Management Consulting practice at ERMProtect. He has published cutting edge research on using AI to detect malware and speaks regulatory at national conferences on topics including managing AI risks and AI implementation strategies. He has developed AI models for detecting malware, finding malicious Bitcoin transactions, and identifying phishing emails. He helps clients implement AI while managing risk and aligning with best practices, so that their AI systems are better protected from misuse and attacks. Additionally, he helps develop AI-enhanced cybersecurity and compliance practices at ERMProtect. He holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and a PhD in Computer Science, with research focused on AI and blockchain.
Jason Hernández leads Aon's Business Development and Solutions initiative in Latin America where the emphasis consists of helping partners make better decisions through differentiated reasoning. He strives to inspire his clients about innovation and strategic thinking so they can have a long-lasting impact on their corporate goals including personal objectives, and societies.
Jason has influenced the strategic blueprint and traditional/parametric reinsurance placements of many catastrophes prone books, short and long tailed lines such as property, financial lines, worker's comp, and medical malpractice throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (including U.S., global and regional accounts) for well over 15 years.
Prior to Aon, Jason led the Global Strategic Advisory Latam segment at Guy Carpenter. He also functioned as a consultant and pricing actuary at Towers Perrin and Kemper Insurance respectively before that.
Of Costa Rican origin, a soccer enthusiastic, and fond of the outdoors, Jason embraces the “Pura Vida” life, as Costa Ricans like to say.
Alcides I. Ávila is the esteemed founding partner of AVILA, specializing in Corporate and Financial Services. Before spearheading AVILA in 2007, he shined as a partner at a prestigious AmLaw 20 national law firm in Miami, heading their Financial Services Practice Group. With over 40 years under his belt, Mr. Avila's expertise covers a wide spectrum: from bank regulation and lending to mergers & acquisitions. He's routinely entrusted to represent clients before significant financial institutions, including the Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Internationally, he has assisted numerous foreign banks in navigating the U.S. market. Beyond banking, he's adept in cross-border mergers, financings, and has provided counsel to bank boards on compliance issues. His remarkable contributions have earned him the title of 'Best Lawyer' in banking multiple times. He has also held the esteemed position of general counsel for the Florida International Bankers’ Association and is a sought-after speaker in the banking and finance arenas.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami, Mr. Avila furthered his education with a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Notre Dame Law School. Since his admission to the Florida Bar in 1980, he's proven his bilingual prowess, fluently communicating in both English and Spanish.
Alan Rodríguez
Multinational Client Executive
AIG
Marimar Pérez-Riera, Esq.
Executive Director
PRIIA & PRIBA
Henry Flefel
Manager I, Risk Advisory Services
Kaufman Rossin
Alan Rodriguez is based in Miami Florida and is the Regional Multinational Client Executive & Global Fronting Underwriter for Latin America & Caribbean at American International Group (AIG), with over 19 years of experience in the insurance industry.
Named one of the "10 ones to watch" within the Captive Power 50 2025 edition. With a Degree in Business Administration and Certified CPCU 500, AINS 101 & Change Management 3G Practitioner.
As the dynamic Executive Director of PRIIA and PRIBA, she stands at the forefront of advocating for Puerto Rico's international insurance and banking industries. Her strategic acumen ensures legislative efforts fortify these sectors. Additionally, as Founder and President of the Asociación de Titulares de Condominios, Inc., she fiercely protects condominium owners' rights, influencing pivotal legal reforms and setting significant precedents in Puerto Rico's highest courts against the backdrop of gentrification challenges.
Her impressive legal and leadership journey includes trailblazing roles as the only female President of the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Treasurer of the central bank. Pérez-Riera's expertise isn't limited to legal advocacy; she's made impactful strides in investment banking and real estate development, showcasing her versatility.
A respected voice in her community, she's a regular contributor to opinion columns and an educator on condominium law, extending her influence and expertise. Pérez-Riera's educational background is equally commendable, with a Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Puerto Rico, an M.B.A. from Harvard, and a Bachelor's in Economics from Yale, underscoring her multifaceted prowess.
Henry Flefel is a Manager in the Risk Advisory Services (RAS) department at Kaufman Rossin, where he has worked since 2018. As an Ethical Hacker, he is responsible for conducting advanced penetration tests and security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen clients' and the Firm’s defenses.
With more than a decade of experience in both virtual and physical security, Henry has shared his expertise widely through trainings and talks in English and Spanish for audiences ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals, including at events such as CELAES in Panama and The Florida Bar in the United States. His professional journey began with certifications like Security+, eventually leading to co-authoring the Official CompTIA Pentest+ Study Guide.
Beyond his professional role, Henry is an active member of the information security community in Florida and serves as a “Goon” with the C&E Department at DEF CON, the world’s premier hacker conference.
Rubén A. Gely, Jr.
President & CEO
International Insurer's Consulting Group
Ángel Torres
CEO
AIG
Pedro Nieves
Capital Member
Vidal, Nieves & Bauza
Renowned as a visionary in the insurance industry, Ruben A. Gely-Ortiz has distinguished himself as a strong advocate of Puerto Rico's International Insurance Center. His innovative work in captive insurance structures has revolutionized the approach for Puerto Rican businesses. This expertise also extends to creating reinsurance structures that support enterprises in volatile Latin American countries.
A master of Act 399, Ruben possesses unparalleled expertise in the formation and operation of international insurance entities in Puerto Rico. His knowledge in establishing privately-owned insurance structures stands out, encapsulating unique business needs, risk management tactics, and stringent compliance protocols.
In the niche area of reinsurance, Ruben's expertise is significant. He adeptly bridges primary insurers and reinsurers, ensuring efficient risk transfer and distribution. Through strategic insight and unwavering dedication, Ruben not only bolsters the Puerto Rican insurance sector, but also crafts avenues for meaningful community impact.
Angel L. Torres Zequeira is the President/CEO of AIG Insurance Co. Puerto Rico and Caribbean.
Angel earned a B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico and a Juris Doctor from the Interamerican University of PR Law School. He was sworn as an admitted lawyer by the Supreme Court of PR in 2003.
Angel has over 19 years of industry expertise and a track record for leading multiple and diverse business units across various regional footprints, from underwriting to distribution, to General Management roles, and ultimately within Multinational insurance programs.
Angel joined AIG in August 2005 in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a Financial Lines underwriter. After a couple of years, he was promoted to lead the Financial Lines team in PR and the Caribbean, which then led to his promotion to become Commercial Lines Mgr. for PR and the Caribbean.
In 2012, Angel was promoted to Head of Distribution for PR and the Caribbean, where he assumed the management and oversight of the multiple channels and producers supporting the operation.
In 2015, he was promoted to Regional Head of Multinational for LAC and transferred to Miami. In this role, Angel managed the Regional Multinational and the Global Fronting portfolio network across 39 countries and more than 40 Network Partners across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 2018, Angel was appointed interim General Manager at AIG Metropolitana in Ecuador, which provided a great experience leading an insurance operation and engaging with key stakeholders and broad range of executive responsibilities.
In September 2023, Angel was appointed President/CEO of AIG Insurance Co. Puerto Rico and Caribbean relocating back to San Juan to lead the general management tasks for the operation.
Bio coming soon.
David Stier
Litigation Partner
DLA Piper
Glen Mulready
Comissioner of Insurance
Oklahoma Insurance Department
Christian Ford
Partner
DLA Piper
David is a partner in the White-Collar Criminal Defense, Government Enforcement and Global Investigations practice group of DLA Piper LLP and co-leads the firm’s dynamic Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Countering Terrorist Financing (CTF) team. David brings more than 20 years of government and private practice experience leading cross-border compliance and advisory matters and high-stakes government and internal investigations primarily involving AML, CTF, economic sanctions, export controls, anti-fraud, and anti-corruption and focused on Latin America and Asia. Drawing on his experiences as an investigator, senior compliance team member, and Assistant Chief Investigative Counsel within the U.S. Treasury Department following the 2008 financial crisis and as a prosecutor for both the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bank Integrity Unit and the DOJ’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, David develops and helps implement thoughtful, risk-based compliance programs for global financial services and other clients designed to proactively detect issues and minimize the likelihood of costly investigations or litigation.
Glen Mulready serves as Oklahoma’s 13th insurance commissioner. He was recently unopposed in his bid for reelection. He began his second term as insurance commissioner in 2023. A former state legislator and longtime insurance professional, Glen was first elected to the state-wide position in 2019.
His background includes eight years as a state representative, where he quickly became the point person for the House of Representatives on insurance issues. Glen passed legislation that expanded insurance options and resulted in more insurance companies offering services in the state. Seeking to improve the Oklahoma business climate, Glen sponsored the Insurance Business Transfer (IBT) Act, now law and is recognized as one of the most innovative pieces of insurance legislation nationally.
As Commissioner, Glen has brought a business-like, bottom-line approach to budgeting and management of the Insurance Department. He continues to focus on providing a strong and competitive market to give Oklahomans choices when shopping for products to meet their family’s needs.
Glen, his wife Sally, and their three grown sons reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Christian Ford is recognized as a formidable advocate for companies facing government investigations and for delivering practical strategies to clients navigating the toughest regulatory challenges. With a sharp focus on high-stakes enforcement, he defends U.S. and global companies in matters involving economic sanctions, export controls, environmental regulations, and anti-money laundering, among others.
Christian’s practice focuses on helping clients in heavily regulated sectors—including financial services, energy, technology, and international trade—navigate the complexities of U.S. and global sanctions regimes and AML requirements. He regularly counsels clients on compliance with the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and regulations administered by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as on the development and implementation of risk-based sanctions and AML programs.
Prior to joining DLA Piper, Christian served as a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice's National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, overseeing investigations and prosecutions focused on export controls, sanctions, money laundering, fraud, and matters affecting national security and foreign relations. This background gives him a nuanced understanding of how enforcement agencies prioritize cases, build investigations, and interpret regulatory requirements. While at the Department of Justice, Christian worked closely with key regulatory and enforcement bodies such as OFAC, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of Homeland Security, United States Attorneys’ Offices, and international law enforcement agencies and ministries. Christian’s background and experience with the interplay between civil, administrative, and criminal investigations and enforcement uniquely situates Christian to provide keen insights and counsel to his clients.
Christian later served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where he advised the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy on critical national security regulatory and law enforcement matters, shaping high-level strategies and policies in these areas.
Christian is a veteran and former Navy SEAL. He maintains an active pro bono practice advocating on behalf of military veterans.