CEO Blog

Carrie Bekker Presents: Issue 2 of Flashback Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 01:05:00 +0000

Carrie Bekker Presents:

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

Our Second Issue

June 17, 2016

BEKKER COMPLIANCE CONSULTING PARTNERS, LLC

Born on June 12, 2006

(Above: My very first CEO photo taken for our inaugural website)

CARRIE F. BEKKER

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Member

& Proud Mom!

What a long, strange trip it's been . . .

- Grateful Dead

Hello, Everyone!

And welcome to our Second Issue of:

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

To commemorate my firm’s official 10th birthday last Sunday, June 12, 2016, I launched this Flashback series to share with you the story of how my company came to be, the challenges we've faced, and how we have adapted and evolved over the past 10 years to stay ahead of the curve in today's uncertain times.

Each Flashback Friday features:

The Year in Pictures, beginning with 2006

A Retrospective about BCCP - Then and Now

. . . plus other goodies and surprises!

YEAR ONE, PART DEUX:

2006

BIRTH OF A COMPANY

BIRTH OF A BRAND

During the first half of 2006, I began performing my own due diligence and feasibility study to determine whether or not there was an unmet need for compliance consulting services on the West Coast. BCCP’s initial target market included banking institutions and the financial services industry. At that time, many new SEC and FINRA regulations were going into effect — with more on the way. I certainly couldn’t have rolled out and implemented AIG's annual audit program without the help of Rick and Will.

My research paid off! It turned out there were very few compliance consulting firms with a West Coast presence. So my first idea was to contact some of these companies to see if I could get onboard as a consultant with one of those firms. Well, none of them was interested. The firms told me they’d contact me if they needed a consultant on the West Coast. That was also back in the day when many consulting firms hired their consultants as employees rather than as independent contractors on an as-needed basis.

It was around this time that BISYS, a consulting firm and public company, folded. BISYS was one of the few firms with a West Coast presence. That was certainly a boon for me. So I decided to start my own company to fill that gap. I already had tons of contacts on the West Coast, so I had a professional network to help me get the word out about my firm once I was ready to unveil BCCP.

So I began to map BCCP's proposed infrastructure as to our business philosphy and branding would look like:

Business model: Rather than do the consulting work myself, I decided that I could run and expand my business much more efficiently if I hired independent contractors, on an as-needed basis, to handle the actual engagements. My primary role would be to market and promote BCCP and the niche services we would be providing to our clients. Once we began landing clients, my role would then shift to that of administrator — contracts, billing, collection, etc. — as well as troubleshooting when conflicts arose.

After researching choice of entity type and which one would work best for my business model, I decided on a Nevada LLC. Why Nevada instead of California? Because a Nevada LLC was cheaper to form and maintain with less regulation; whereas California was very expensive and highly regulated. Besides, if I ever moved away from California, I didn’t want to be saddled with high annual maintenance costs.

Legal: I also planned to retain legal counsel to create master agreements for use with my clients and consultants. I wanted to ensure that my contracts were drafted properly, rather than just draft them myself, which would be foolhardy as I’m not a lawyer.

Branding: I needed to come up with a company name that was descriptive enough for anyone to know exactly what my firm was about based on the name alone. I wanted the name Bekker to be part of my brand (like Branson’s Virgin and the AIG moniker). The phrase Compliance Consulting made perfect sense because that’s exactly what we’d be doing. The word Partners also made sense because my business model would entail partnering with consultants and developing strategic alliances with other service providers.

Next, I needed to come up with a logo and a slogan which alluded to the types of services we would provide: Compliance Consulting. That’s when I came up with the “Got Compliance?” slogan, which became part of the logo. Given the popularity of the “Got Milk?” TV ads, people would instantly recognize the playful vibe of the slogan, yet it still pinpointed what we did: Compliance.

As for the look and feel of the logo, my favorite colors are yellow and blue — shades of the sun, sky, and water. I spent most of my life in Florida, California, and the Caribbean, so those colors were an accurate representation of the Bekker brand.

In early 2006, my Graphic Artist husband Bobby and I lived in Agoura Hills, a mere 15-minute miles to Malibu, so we decided to take up surfing, beginning with taking lessons from a pro, which we did. My husband surfs much better that I do, but for me, even just swimming in the ocean waves was joyful.

One of our favorite local hangouts was Islands, a Southern California chain with a beachy surf vibe. We’d sip on rum drinks, nibble on fish tacos, and watch surf videos on the huge TV screens strewn throughout the restaurant.

There was a particular surf print by the restrooms which I just loved: A gigantic, knarly turquoise wave. Gorgeous!

I’ve always had a deep love and personal connection with the ocean. Images of waves invoke the fury of the sea, yet can also give a vibe of adventure and fun in the sun.

In addition to Islands' wild wave photo, my other favorite image has always been the Japanese woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai.

I wanted our BCCP logo to become so iconic and timeless that anyone who ever saw it would remember the image -- much like legendary trademarks such as Transamerica, General Electric, and Coca Cola.

So by now, I knew exactly what I wanted our logo to look like: An oval shape with a large wave, the BCCP acronym to the left of the wave, and underneath the slogan “Got Compliance?” The wave image that my husband created for our logo was a composite of the Islands' wave picture and Hokusai's woodblock print.

I drew a rough sketch of how I wanted the logo to look (I still have the drawing somewhere in my files), and my husband created our firm's unique, beautiful logo.

NEXT ISSUE: TAKING THE PLUNGE . . .

MORE!

Carrie Bekker Presents: FLASHBACK FRIDAY! Please check out the inaugural issue dated June 10, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 22:56:00 +0000

Carrie Bekker Presents:

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

Our Inaugural Issue

June 10, 2016

BEKKER COMPLIANCE CONSULTING PARTNERS, LLC

Born on June 12, 2006

CARRIE F. BEKKER

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Member

& Proud Mom!

What a long, strange trip it's been . . .

- Grateful Dead

Hello, everyone! And welcome to our first issue of:

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

To commemorate my firm’s official 10th birthday this Sunday, June 12, 2016, I launched this Flashback series to share with you the story of how my company came to be, the challenges we've faced, and how we have adapted and evolved over the past 10 years to stay ahead of the curve in today's uncertain times.

Each Flashback Friday will feature:

The Year in Pictures, beginning with 2006

A Retrospective about my Company - Then and Now

. . . plus other goodies and surprises!

Please click on Flashback Friday to read more about:

YEAR ONE:

2006

Also, please be sure to subscribe today to receive future Flashback Friday issues and other news!

Many thanks,

Carrie

BCCP and Pinnacle Present: Cybercrime/Cybersecurity Workshop at Dusit Thani Manila on April 14-15, 2016 Featuring BCCP Cyber-Expert May Ladd

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 23:42:00 +0000

As many of us are already painfully aware, cyber-attacks are now so common that these crimes dominate the international news headlines daily. In this month alone, we've read reports about cyber-attacks and security breaches of Lithuanian Parliament, Philippines Commission on Elections, law firms Cravath Swaine and Weil Gotshal, and the now infamous Mossack Fonseca Panama Papers -- just to name just a few.

No government, financial institution, law firm, business large or small, or individual is immune. Cyber-criminals are indiscriminate in targeting their victims.

As a result -- now more than ever -- it is imperative that we regard potential cyber-attacks as a "when" and no longer as a "what if."

And, to top it all off, governmental initiatives and industry regulations worldwide continue to proliferate -- especially for regulated industries such as banking institutions and financial services firms, for example.

By way of illustration, the continuous evolving web of international cyber-laws requires regulated (as well as many lightly or unregulated) entities to:

Evaluate cyber-risk
Create internal controls to mitigate such risk
Implement and monitor risk-based written policies and procedures designed to detect, prevent, mitigate, report, remediate and resolve potential cyber-security attacks and breaches
Continue to fine tune an entity's cyber-security program to help ensure that the firm's program is adapted as necessary to remediate or prevent further attacks or breaches on such firm's confidential information and that of its clients.

among other things . . .

What to do?

Are you cyber-ready?

In May Ladd's April course in Manila, he will share practical, how-to insights and tools to help IT, compliance, audit and risk managements professionals -- primarily from the banking industry -- to:

Implement effective strategies, techniques, systems, and polices and procedures to establish stronger cyber-security controls.
Identify and mitigate high-risk areas whilst complying with international best practices and applicable ISO standards, compliance, audit, and industry regulations.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to receive May Ladd's latest white paper:

DEMYSTIFYING CYBER: MYTHS VS. FACTS

. . . or if you'd like to retain Mr. Ladd to deliver an in-house training workshop to your financial institution or organization.

About Mr. Ladd, our Cyber-Trainer:

May Ladd, MSc is a Consultant and Trainer affiliated with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP), a global consulting and training firm that provides practical “how-to” solutions to training institutes, financial institutions, financial services firms, law firms, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide.

Mr. Ladd has over 20 years’ experience as a subject matter expert, senior consultant and international trainer in Information Security, Records Management, Information & Data Compliance, Big Data, Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud Computing. He has worked across an impressive portfolio of public and private organizations such as the British Ministry of Defence, the UK Foreign Office, Bank of England and Credit Suisse. In 2002 he founded the information management consulting firm, RookMay.

Mr. Ladd has delivered hundreds of cyber-related training seminars in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia and is a leading expert in the field of Information Security and Compliance. Mr. Ladd is a sought-after lecturer and has spoken at seminars and prestigious events including The Records Management Society and The British Computer Society (BCS).

Mr. Ladd lives and works in London (UK). He holds a Masters in Computer Science (MSc) from Aston University, and a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics with Computer Science from City University, London. Mr. Ladd also has a valid Security Clearance (SC level) held by the Bank of England.

From Carrie Bekker: Seats still available! Please join us on June 3-4 in NYC for FMW Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Course Featuring BCCP's AML Guru Burke Files

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 01:05:00 +0000

Attention Compliance Professionals! Are you:

relatively new to the financial services industry and want to learn more about AML?
seeking to enhance your AML knowledge and skills to take your career in a fresh, new direction?
transitioning into a professional role which requires you to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of money laundering and how to detect, prevent, and deter such activities taking place within your financial institution?

If your answer is Yes, then look no further! You are cordially invited to join us in NYC on June 3-4 for:

Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Taught by L. Burke Files
Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Fraud
Anti-Corruption & Due Diligence Expert

This AML training course will provide an overview of the money laundering basics, from the economic perspective that incentivizes fraudsters, criminals and terrorists to both steal and launder funds. This course will focus on the types of suspicious activity that a broker, trader, financial institution, or regulator may uncover which may signify that money laundering may be taking place during one or more stages of the money laundering process.

We will be providing concrete examples of how fraudsters, criminals, and terrorists function to manage their ill-gotten gains. We will also be discussing several examples of how financial institutions and stock exchanges are used to launder money, as well as "red flags" to detect, prevent, and report suspicious activity. Together, we will take a look at the latest AML regulatory initiatives and money laundering typologies and trends that may radically alter what we, as professionals, need to know to protect our institutions from these nefarious activities. Finally, as a group, we will finish up the day discussing a few basic case studies to help you with the most important aspect of AML: Learning to ask the right questions, take immediate action, and back it up with documentation.

This AML training course is specially designed to be part-lecture, part-workshop, and part-roundtable discussion, to maximize knowledge sharing among the students and the Instructor.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Define money laundering and explain how it works
Recognize and discuss flagged transactions
Identify the “Who, What and How” in money laundering transactions
Discuss emerging technologies and the future of regulation (time permitting)

Please click the link below for details about this AML Compliance Seminar:
Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Basic Level, 14 CPE Credits
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Registration/Breakfast begins at 8:30 am
Location: Club Quarters Hotel, 52 William Street, NYC (Wall Street Area) Directions
Registration Fee: US$1695.00* Register
*Special discounts are available by calling FMW directly at 973-615-8967 before you register.

This class is almost sold out! Please register ASAP to reserve your seat.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

L. Burke Files

Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Fraud

Anti-Corruption & Due Diligence Expert

Burke Files is an Executive Consultant with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP), a global consulting firm catering to the financial services industry. He is also a Faculty Member & Instructor with Bekker Compliance Consulting (BCI), the education and training arm of BCCP.

Mr. Files is an international expert on due diligence and is regularly sought out for those cases that bedevil the desktop practitioner. He is the Practice Section leader on due diligence and asset location investigations as well as for intellectual property and critical information investigations, and has been the case manager on fraud investigations ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to over 800 million dollars. As a fraud recovery expert, one of crimes that is always present in fraud is the laundering of the money gathered from the fraud.

Using a wide array of conventional and unconventional techniques, Mr. Files unravels the money trail to find the assets for recovery. Burke has conducted investigations in the United States, China, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and throughout the Caribbean.

With his impressive history in the financial investigations and asset location arena, Mr. Files founded Financial Examinations & Evaluations, Inc. (FF&E), an independent investigative and consulting practice, located in Phoenix, AZ. The firm offers domestic financial investigative services to a wide range of clients, including financial institutions, financial services firms, money service businesses, and tax and legal counsel.

Before founding FF&E, Mr. Files was a partner in a regional consulting firm specializing in business, financial and securities consulting. Burke has also served as the Director of Corporate Finance for an investment banking company and as the Principal of a business and venture capital consulting firm, specializing in reorganizations and municipal financing for medium sized power plants.

Prior to his consulting roles listed above, Mr. Files was employed by Oppenheimer/Rouse as a commodities specialist. In this capacity he was responsible for managing and trading customer accounts and 24-hour gold, silver, and foreign currency trading.

Mr. Files is active in many civic organizations. He is a past Chairman of the American SouthWest Foundation, a non-profit political and economic think-tank. In the past Mr. Files has served as an advisor to the Governor's Board on Economic Planning and Development and a former Commissioner of the City of Tempe Transportation Commission. Mr. Files has also received a Commission and a Medal of Merit from the President of the United States.

Burke has a B.S. in English, and is a licensed Private Investigator, specializing in financial investigations. Additionally, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of EuroResources, Ltd., an international financial services company and as a Board Member of Tarsus Trust Company, Ltd. an international trust company.

Almost Sold Out: IFRS 9 Workshops in SE Asia Featuring Cliff Beacham!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 06:41:00 +0000

Attention Accounting Professionals! It's still not too late to sign up for Cliff Beacham's IFRS 9 Financial Instruments Masterclass to be held on:

15-16 June at Park Royal, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

18-19 June 2015 at Dusit Thani, Manila, Philippines

Cliff Beacham, CPA, MBA, CA(SA), CGMA, MCDBA is the Chairman of IFRS USA and an Executive Consultant and Instructor affiliated with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC.

Mr. Beacham's specialty areas include IFRS, US GAAP and other reporting standards. He has delivered numerous IFRS seminars since 2011, which include detailed comparisons of IFRS with US GAAP, covering all Standards and Exposure Drafts. Mr. Beacham earned his MBA degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was also a Senior Lecturer in Auditing and Accounting at the University of Natal, South Africa. Mr. Beacham is both a British and American citizen who resides in Los Angeles, California, USA

Last-minute discounts are still available! Please contact:

Eric Khoo eric.khoo@pinnaclegroup.global (Kuala Lumpur) or Ed Gallinero evg@pcm-mnl.com (Manila) at The Pinnacle Group International to reserve your seat today. Please tell them that Carrie Bekker sent you!

Please feel free to share these event details with your network!

Also please check out Mr. Beacham's IFRSUSA.ORG Welcome video:

We look forward to your joining us for our comprehensive IFRS 9 Masterclass.

Many thanks,

Carrie F. Bekker, CEO

Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC

www.bccp-llc.com

In cooperation with

The Pinnacle Group International

http://www.pinnaclegroup.global/

From Carrie Bekker: Please join us in NYC on December 8-12 NYC for Three SEC/FINRA Compliance Workshops Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 03:12:00 +0000

ATTENTION: COMPLIANCE OFFICERS!
BROKER/DEALERS ♦ INVESTMENT ADVISORS
♦ HEDGE FUNDS

Are you a Compliance Professional who:

is relatively new to the financial services industry?
is transitioning into a new financial sector?
needs a refresher course to brush up on the latest regulatory developments?
needs an advanced course in your area of expertise but can't find one?

If your answer is Yes to any of the foregoing, then look no further! We have just the right training workshop to fit your specific needs.

Financial Markets World, in cooperation with Global Financial Markets Institute, is pleased to offer this brand-new suite of Regulatory Compliance seminars specifically geared to the needs of Junior, Transitional, and Seasoned Financial Services Industry Professionals. These interactive workshops will be taught by Kim Estrada, our core SEC/FINRA Executive Compliance Consultant and Instructor.

You are cordially invited to join us the week of December 8 at Club Quarters in NYC to attend one or more of the following Compliance Workshops:

(Please click on the links below for details about this unique suite of Compliance Seminars and how to register)

To maximize knowledge sharing among the students and the Instructor, each training course is specially designed to be a combination of lecture, workshop, and roundtable discussion,

CPE Credits are available for these Workshops. Please click on the above links for details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Fee: The price for each Workshop is $995 for the one-day course and $1,695 for the two-day courses. Special discounts are available by contacting FMW directly at 973-615-8967 before you register.

Please click here for directions to Club Quarters. Also please click here to view the list of area hotels within walking distance of Club Quarters.

These unique workshops sell out very quickly! Please register at least one week in advance to reserve your seat.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

Lisa Kim Estrada, JD, MBA, CAMS

Demystifying Compliance^TM
Course Instructor

Kim Estrada is an Executive Consultant with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP), a global consulting firm catering to the needs of the financial services industry. As a Faculty Member and Instructor with Bekker Compliance Institute (BCI), the education and training arm of BCCP, Kim is well versed in both domestic and international rules, laws and regulations for financial institutions.

Kim has over 13 years of experience in the financial markets. Kim’s areas of expertise include SEC and FINRA regulatory compliance in the following areas: SEC Investment Company Act of 1940 (IC Act), Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (IA Act), Securities Exchange act of 1934, and Securities Act of 1933, as well as FINRA’s regulations governing broker/dealers. Kim’s extensive 1940 IC Act and IA Act expertise is focused primarily on mutual funds and variable insurance products. Kim also specializes in Dodd-Frank implementation, the Volcker Rule, anti-money laundering, anti-fraud, commodities, futures, and foreign exchange.

Please feel free to contact us or email us at info@bccp-llc.com if you would like to book Kim for a customized in-house training workshop at your financial institution.

From Carrie Bekker: Please Tune In to our Radio Broadcast on Wednesday, July 30 @ 2pm ET "US/EU Sanctions v Russia: Global Impact on the Financial Services Industry"

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 20:45:00 +0000

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

From Carrie Bekker: Please join us on September 27-28 in NYC with Judi Germano for Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Information and Data Compliance Session

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 21 May 2014 19:45:00 +0000

Attention Cybersecurity Professionals! Are you:

relatively new to the Cyber services industry and want to learn more?
seeking to enhance your Cybersecurity knowledge and skills to take your career in a fresh, new direction?
transitioning into a professional role which requires you to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of how Cyber-Crime works and how to detect, prevent, and deter such activities taking place within your financial institution?

If your answer is Yes, then look no further! You are cordially invited to join us in NYC on September 27-28 for:

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Information and Data Compliance

Taught by Judi H. Germano

EXPERT CONSULTANT & TRAINER

CYBERSECURITY, CYBERCRIME, GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL CRIME, FINANCIAL FRAUD & PRIVACY

In today’s world and more in the digital online future, all organisations – small and large and especially regulated industries – face an ever-increasing number of information-related security challenges and risks against a backdrop of increasing national and global compliance and audit standards and legislation.

Cybersecurity is the protection of data from theft and damage, business information, people’s identities, and how all businesses can be better equipped to work more safely in an increasingly online world where sensitive and personal information is stored, shared, and communicated.

In addition, Cybercrime are offenses that are committed against individuals or groups with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm or loss using modern telecommunication networks such as Internet (chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones (sms).

Confidence in the digital future is essential to the growth of all organisations. It means being aware of cybersecurity risks, and understanding industry standards and compliance requirements while embracing opportunities for growth; and being able to assess which threats could affect your business goals and having the agility to deal with them as they arise.

For the Financial and Banking sector alone, there are a raft of Government initiatives and industry regulations focused on preparing for cybercrime and help put in place controls and risk measures for cybersecurity.

In addition, to support working securely online, there is an ever-growing list of national and international compliance and audit standards, legislation and regulations facing all industries across the globe, including Finance and Oil/Gas. Standards such as ISO27001 information security, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), European Data Protection, and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), all of which include measures for cyber and information security.

This course covers effective strategies, techniques, systems, polices, and procedures to establish stronger cybersecurity and cybercrime controls, reduce operational risk, and improve online working whilst covering international best practices, ISO standards, compliance, audit, and industry regulations.

In this course you will learn how to:

Review and understand how the banking sector can take into account national Government and industry body cybersecurity/cybercrime initiatives and how personnel including legal and compliance, risk managers, internal auditors, IT can monitor, protect and manage internal controls
Understand today’s and tomorrow’s cybersecurity and cybercrime threats, issues, and risks; how to set up policies, train users, create strategies, and implement systems and tools to help protect data, information and people’s identities – making online working more secure
Manage the growing volume of confidential, sensitive and business information and data to protect, keep safe, and communicate securely against a backdrop of increasing cyber threats, as well as privacy, legal, and compliance regulations

Who will benefit from attending this Training?

This course will prove to be useful and productive for all those who are interested in understanding document and records management, information compliance, enterprise content management, and how all of these can be implemented successfully.

This course will be of benefit to:

IT Management
Risk Managers
Technical Staff
Security Staff
Information Compliance
Legal and HR teams
Suppliers, Solution Providers, and Vendors
CIOs and Executives
Users of IT Systems
Personnel seeking to enhance their skills

Organisational Impact: Why should your company invest in you?

Organisational results:

Develop strategies and ways of working to improve detection of cyber security treats and improve information compliance
Understand the security-related international information compliance and regulations, including industry specific standards
Expand the expertise of personnel involved in developing skills and knowledge in the latest techniques, processes, and systems on cyber security, which will enable teams to become more effective
Align cybersecurity, cybercrime and information compliance within the organisation with related initiatives, including HR training and legal departments
Help managers gain more confidence in cyber security awareness and understand information compliance in their industries
Improve the overall process for secure working and reducing risk when dealing with different kinds of information such as confidential and sensitive data

Personal Impact: How will you benefit from your Invested time?

Personal results:

Learn the latest knowledge and global best practices for managing risks and threats related to cybersecurity, cybercrime and understand the industry regulations and compliance
Gain an opportunity to review the latest polices and procedures for cyber security and information compliance and understand their importance to the business
Obtain the ability to get a broad view of the importance of cyber security and your role in organisational management
Understand how to communicate security awareness courses and the different roles and training requirements
Have the opportunity to practice procedure creation, review tools, and discuss security-related risks in a non-threatening and confidential environment
Improve your strategic thinking on how to develop cyber security strategies and action plans
Learn practical techniques for drafting procedures for cyber security
Identify where things can go wrong, and learn how to avoid problems – or mitigate their effects—through well-drafted procedures and good management using policies and systems
Improve your working knowledge of information and cyber security standards such as ISO

Course Schedule

Day 1

Introduction to cyber security
Data and information compliance
Security threats, risks, and solutions
ISO 27001 information security
ISO 15489 data and records compliance
Developing policies, procedures, and guidance – Banking Sector Focus
Cyber security tools and systems review

Day 2

Firewalls, network security, authentication, and access control
Endpoint and application security
Intranet, email, web, and network security
PKI, encryption, and cryptology
Business continuity, risk, and issue management – Banking Sector Focus
Communications, awareness, and training
Best Practices and Case studies

Training Methodology:

The training process is based on a carefully planned mix of succinct tutor input – with practical illustration of tools and concepts, group work on case studies (all video based – and lively), feedback, and selective work on individual issues in pairs. Team involvement and working enable a strategy to be created from start to finish. The Training is based on the 4 mat systems to enable complete learning. There will also be some opportunity for role play.

Please click the link below for additional details about the program:

http://www.fintraining.com/cybersecurity-compliance/

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Judith H. Germano is an Expert Consultant and Trainer affiliated with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC. She is a nationally recognized thought leader on cybersecurity governance and privacy issues. She is an attorney, entrepreneur, senior fellow and adjunct professor at a top 10 U.S. law school, and a former federal prosecutor. Ms. Germano is recognized as a “Cybersecurity Pioneer” by New York University, and a “Cybersecurity Expert” by Directors & Boards magazine. The founder of GermanoLaw LLC, Ms. Germano advises public and privately-held companies on cybersecurity and privacy matters, and represents companies and individuals on issues relating to fraud and other financial crimes, and regulatory-compliance. Ms. Germano also serves as a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center for Cybersecurity and Center on Law & Security, and is an Adjunct Professor at NYU School of Law. Ms. Germano leads NYU’s cybersecurity task force of corporate executives and senior government officials, spearheads NYU’s Women Cyber Leaders Series, and developed NYU Law School’s first Cybercrime seminar. Ms. Germano is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and presenter. Ms. Germano previously was Chief of Economic Crimes at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. A federal prosecutor for 11 years, Ms. Germano supervised and prosecuted complex criminal cases of national and international impact, involving cybercrime, securities and other financial fraud, identity theft, corruption, export enforcement and national security. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Germano worked at the global law firm Shearman & Sterling, and served as a law clerk to federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Ms. Germano’s publications include:

 Cybersecurity Partnerships: A New Era of Collaboration

 Third-Party Cyber Risk & Corporate Responsibility

 After the Breach: Cybersecurity Liability Risk available at www.lawandsecurity.org/Publications/CLS-Originals

 Proposed NY Cybersecurity Regulation: A Giant Leap Backward?” published in Forbes, at https://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2016/12/02/proposed-ny- cybersecurity-regulation- a-giant-leapbackward/ - 6203645320cb.

Ms. Germano has presented at numerous events and programs, including:

 The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)’s Global Board Leaders Summit

 NACD’s Cybersecurity Summit

 The Washington Post Cybersecurity Summit

 The CISO Executive Summit; the Counsel on Foreign Relations (NYC)

 The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Washington, DC)

 National meetings and internal training programs for the FBI, SEC, FTC and FDA

 Lectures at NYU, Columbia, Yale, and Georgetown University

Ms. Germano has appeared on HuffPost Live and has been quoted in Forbes, the Washington Post

and elsewhere. Ms. Germano has successfully completed two IronMan (140.6 mile) triathlons, and

several marathons.

Ms. Germano has a B.S. Degree from Cornell University, where she specialized in public and

organizational communications and business marketing. She also has a J.D. Degree from St. John's

University School of Law.

Special Announcement from Carrie Bekker: Our New Caribbean Satellite Office is Now Open and Ready to Serve You!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:45:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the opening of our very first Global Satellite Office, based in St. Thomas VI, to serve the Caribbean and Latin American markets!

Our Global Headquarters remain in Porter Ranch, California, headed up by our fab Director of Operations & Managing Member Andy Bua.

We can help you by providing consulting and training services, specifically tailored to meet your firm's unique needs. Please check out our website at www.bccp-llc.com or contact us
for further details about the specialized solutions we provide to our Esteemed Global Clientele. Also please see below for our VI Satellite Office information.

At BCCP/BCI, each and every one of our clients is a Precious Gem in the Crown that is our Global Clientele, with Gold-Standard Service and 24/7 Support to match.

Our Mantra is: With Us It's All About You -- and we MEAN it.

Many thanks, and we look forward to serving you soon!

All the best,

Carrie F. Bekker, Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member
Robert J. Bekker, Director of Marketing and Creative Services & Managing Member
Andrew W. Bua, Director of Operations & Managing Member
&
Our Global Consortium of Executive Consultants, Instructors & Subject Matter Experts!

Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP)
Bekker Compliance Institute (BCI)
2369 Kronsprisdens Gade Suite #8, PMB 110
St. Thomas, 00802 Virgin Islands (U.S.)
skype: bccp-llc
+1.340.677.0360
+1.818.836.1291
cbekker@bccp-llc.com

From Carrie Bekker: Join us on May 14 in NYC for FMW Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Course Featuring BCI Executive Trainer Burke Files

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Attention Financial Professionals! Are you:

relatively new to the financial services industry and want to learn more about AML?
seeking to enhance your AML knowledge and skills to take your career in a fresh, new direction?
transitioning into a professional role which requires you to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of money laundering and how to detect, prevent, and deter such activities taking place within your financial institution?

If your answer is Yes, then look no further! You are cordially invited to join us in NYC on May 14 for:

Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Taught by L. Burke Files
Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Fraud
Anti-Corruption & Due Diligence Expert

Define money laundering and explain how it works
Recognize and discuss flagged transactions
Identify the “Who, What and How” in money laundering transactions
Discuss emerging technologies and the future of regulation (time permitting)

Please click the link below for details about this AML Compliance Seminar:
Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Basic Level, 7 CPE Credits
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Registration/Breakfast begins at 8:30 am
Location: New York City, Bayard's, One Hanover Square
Registration Fee: US$895.00* Register Location
*Special discounts are available by calling FMW directly at 973-615-8967 before you register.

Many classes sell out. We suggest registering at least one week in advance to ensure your seat.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

L. Burke Files

Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Fraud

Anti-Corruption & Due Diligence Expert

From Carrie Bekker: April in NYC - BD/IA/HF Basic and Advanced Training Workshops Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:03:00 +0000

BROKER/DEALERS♦ INVESTMENT ADVISORS♦ HEDGE FUNDS

Are you a Compliance Professional who:

is relatively new to the financial services industry
is transitioning into a new financial sector
needs a refresher course to brush up on the latest regulatory developments
needs an advanced course in your area of expertise but can't find one

If your answer is Yes to any of the foregoing, then look no further! We have just the right training program to meet your specific needs.

You are cordially invited to join us this April at Bayards in NYC to attend one or more of the following Compliance Workshops:

Broker/Dealer Compliance - Tier 1
Hedge Fund Compliance - Tier 1
Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 1
Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 2

Back by popular demand, Financial Markets World is pleased to offer this unique suite of one and two-day Regulatory Compliance seminars specifically geared to meet the needs of Junior, Transitional, and Seasoned Financial Services Industry Professionals. These interactive workshops will be taught by Kim Estrada, our core SEC/FINRA Executive Compliance Consultant & Trainer.

Each training course is specially designed to be part-lecture, part-workshop, and part-roundtable discussion, to maximize knowledge sharing among the students and the Instructor.

Lisa Kim Estrada, JD, MBA, CAMS

Demystifying Compliance^TM
Course Instructor

Kim Estrada is an Executive Consultant with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP), a global consulting firm catering to the financial services industry. She is also a Faculty Member & Instructor with Bekker Compliance Consulting (BCI), the training division of BCCP.

Kim has over 12 years of experience in the financial markets. Kim’s areas of expertise include SEC and FINRA regulatory compliance in the following areas: SEC Investment Company Act of 1940 (IC Act), Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (IA Act), Securities Exchange act of 1934, and Securities Act of 1933, as well as FINRA’s regulations governing broker/dealers. Kim’s extensive 1940 IC Act expertise is focused primarily on mutual funds and variable insurance products. Kim also specializes in anti-money laundering, anti-fraud, commodities futures, and foreign exchange.

Please click the links below for details about this unique suite of Compliance Seminars:

Broker-Dealer Compliance - Tier 1 April 15-16, 2013, New York City - 14 CPE Credits
Hedge Fund Compliance - Tier 1 April 17, 2013, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 1 April 18, 2013, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 2 April 19, 2013, New York City - 7 CPE Credits

Please click here and scroll to the end of the page to view the list of area hotels within walking distance of Bayards.

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Registration Fee: The price for each seminar is $895 for a one-day course and $1,595 for the two-day course.

Special discounts are available by contacting us or by calling FMW directly at 973-615-8967 before you register.

From Carrie Bekker: Please save these dates! Best Practices Compliance Workshops on March 19-22, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:09:00 +0000

ATTENTION: INVESTMENT ADVISER, HEDGE FUND

& ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROFESSIONALS

Are you a Compliance Officer who:

is relatively new to the financial services industry
is transitioning into a new financial sector
needs a refresher course to brush up on the latest regulatory developments
needs an advanced course in your area of expertise but can't find a good one

If your answer is Yes to any of the foregoing, then look no further! We have just the right training course to fit your specific needs.

Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP) and Bekker Compliance Institute (BCI) is pleased to offer this brand-new suite of Best Practices Compliance seminars specifically geared to the needs of Junior, Transitional, and Seasoned Financial Services Industry Professionals.

These roundtable-style workshops will be taught by Kim Estrada & Laurie Prindle, Faculty Members and Instructors with BCI, the education and training arm of BCCP.

You are cordially invited to join us on March 19-22, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia to attend one or more of the following Compliance Workshops:

March 19: Hedge Fund Compliance - Tier 1
March 20: Anti-Money Laundering Compliance - Tier 1
March 21: Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 1
March 22: Investment Advisor Compliance - Tier 2

Each training course is specially designed to be part-lecture, part-workshop, and part-roundtable discussion, to maximize knowledge sharing among the Compliance Professionals and the Instructors.

Please stay tuned for updates, which will include location and cost-effective pricing, as well as special multi-day passes, early-bird, and group discounts. In the meantime, please contact us if you'd like for us to add you to our mailing list -- or please email me at events@bccp-llc.com.

Many thanks,

Carrie

Carrie F. Bekker, Founder & CEO

From Carrie Bekker: December in NYC - BD/IA/HF Basic and Advanced Training Courses Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:38:00 +0000

BROKER/DEALERS♦ INVESTMENT ADVISORS♦ HEDGE FUNDS

Are you a Compliance Professional who:

is relatively new to the financial services industry
is transitioning into a new financial sector
needs a refresher course to brush up on the latest regulatory developments
needs an advanced course in your area of expertise but can't find one

If your answer is Yes to any of the foregoing, then look no further! We have just the right training course to fit your specific needs.

You are cordially invited to join us this December in NYC to attend one or more of the following Compliance Workshops:

Broker/Dealer Compliance - Basic
Hedge Fund Compliance - Basic
Investment Advisor Compliance - Basic
Investment Advisor Compliance - Advanced

Financial Markets World is pleased to offer this brand-new suite of Regulatory Compliance seminars specifically geared to the needs of Junior, Transitional, and Seasoned Financial Services Industry Professionals. These interactive workshops will be taught by Kim Estrada, our core SEC/FINRA Executive Compliance Consultant & Trainer.

Each training course is specially designed to be part-lecture, part-workshop, and part-roundtable discussion, to maximize knowledge sharing among the students and the Instructor.

Lisa Kim Estrada, JD, MBA, CAMS

Demystifying Compliance^TM
Course Instructor

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Fee: The price for each seminar is $895 for a one-day course and $1,785 for the two-day course.

Special discounts are available by contacting us or by calling FMW directly at 888-870-1975 Ext. 82, before you register.

From Carrie Bekker: SEC Market Technology Roundtable on October 2

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:33:00 +0000

SEC Announces Panelists for Market Technology Roundtable on October 2

SEC Market Technology Roundtable on October 2

Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the panelists who will participate in the agency’s October 2 market technology roundtable that will discuss the relationship between the operational stability and integrity of the securities markets and the ways that market participants design, implement, and manage complex and interconnected trading technologies.

The morning portion of the event will focus on the prevention of errors, including discussion about current best practices and the practical constraints for creating, deploying, and operating systems used to automatically generate and route orders, match trades, confirm transactions, and disseminate data. The afternoon panel discussion will focus on error response, with experts discussing how the market might employ independent filters, objective tests, and other real-time processes or crisis-management procedures to detect, limit, and stop erroneous market activities when they occur.

The roundtable will begin at 10 a.m. in the multi-purpose room at the SEC’s Washington D.C. headquarters located at 100 F Street N.E. Public is invited to attend and observe the discussion with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event also will be webcast live on the SEC website and archived for later viewing.

Agenda and Panelists for Market Technology Roundtable

10 a.m. — Opening Statements

10:15 a.m. — Panel 1: Preventing Errors through Robust System Design, Deployment, and Operation

Sudhanshu Arya, Managing Director, ITG
Chris Isaacson, Chief Operating Officer, BATS Exchange (statement)
Dave Lauer, Market Structure and HFT Consultant, Better Markets, Inc.
Dr. Nancy Leveson, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems, MIT
Jamil Nazarali, Head of Citadel Execution Services, Citadel (statement)
Lou Pastina, Executive Vice President — NYSE Operations, NYSE (statement)
Christopher Rigg, Partner — Financial Services Industry, IBM
Jonathan Ross, Chief Technology Officer, GETCO LLC (statement)

12:15 p.m. — Break

2 p.m. — Panel 2: Responding to Errors and Malfunctions and Managing Crises in Real-Time

David Bloom, Head of UBS Group Technology, UBS
Chad Cook, Chief Technology Officer, Lime Brokerage LLC
Anna Ewing, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, NASDAQ OMX
Albert Gambale, Managing Director and Chief Development Officer, Depository Trust and Clearing Corp.
Saro Jahani, Chief Information Officer, Direct Edge
Dr. M. Lynne Markus, Professor of Information and Process Management, Bentley University
Lou Steinberg, Chief Technology Officer, TD Ameritrade

4 p.m. — Roundtable Concludes

From Carrie Bekker: Martin Rosenburgh to attend MCC Event at the 2012 UN General Assembly on Thursday September 27, 2012 - "A Head of State Roundtable on Governance and Sustainable Economic Growth"

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Martin Rosenburgh, one of our A-List Executive Consultants, has been invited to attend the following MCC event on Thursday, September 27, 2012, which is being held on the margins of the UN General Assembly meetings in NYC:

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

A Head of State Roundtable on Governance and Sustainable Economic Growth

Thursday, September 27, 2012
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Featuring a plenary session with
H.E. President Boni Yayi of Benin,
H.E. President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, and
H.E. President Macky Sall of Senegal

Moderated by
Dr. Richard Haass
President, Council on Foreign Relations

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel
John Astor Salon (Third Floor)
301 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Good governance and true country ownership are critical to ensuring the sustainability of donor investments in Africa. Building upon the theme of the 2012 UN General Assembly, this event brings together MCC partner country heads of state to discuss challenges and opportunities in promoting good governance and sound policy for sustainable economic growth in Africa.

From Carrie Bekker: Aileen Doherty to attend MCC Event at the 2012 UN General Assembly on September 24, 2012 "Holding Ourselves Accountable for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment"

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Aileen Doherty, one of our A-List Executive Consultants, has been invited to attend the following MCC event on Monday, September 24, 2012, which is being held on the margins of the UN General Assembly meetings in NYC:

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

Holding Ourselves Accountable for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment:
Views from Government, Donors and the Private Sector

Monday, September 24, 2012
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Featuring a plenary session with
H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and
H.E. President Joyce Banda of Malawi

Moderated by
Ms. Kathy Calvin, Chief Executive Officer, United Nations Foundation

And a panel discussion with

Ms. Cassandra Butts, Senior Advisor, MCC
Dr. Virginia Seitz, Senior Director for Social and Gender Assessment, MCC
Dr. Teresa Cooper, Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Ms. Elizabeth Drew, Director for Human Rights and Gender, National Security Council

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Vanderbilt Room
301 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

It is widely recognized that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are critical for sustainable political, economic and social development. Most governments and development institutions, as well as the private sector, acknowledge this in commitments, policies and programming. However, practical challenges to implementation still exist.

This event will include discussion of how governments, donors and the private sector are working to be accountable for gender equality and the empowerment of women. Participants will offer examples of challenges, successes and ways in which various sectors and institutions can work together to achieve these benchmarks of human progress.

From Carrie Bekker: September 3-4, 2012, Kuala Lumpur -- Trainer Rob McDonough is Teaching Derivatives Masterclass

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Please click here

Derivatives Masterclass:
Products, Strategies & Operations

Instructor: Robert J. McDonough

MELIÁ KUALA LUMPUR

September 3-4, 2012

Derivatives allow the risks of certain financial exposures to be transferred from one party to another. These instruments have unique risks that must be well understood before they are traded. If not, significant losses can be experienced – and there are plenty of recent examples of institutions that have been destroyed by inappropriate derivatives transactions. However, in today’s complex financial markets it is just as risky to ignore the benefits to be gained by effectively trading derivatives – whether for hedging and risk reduction purposes or for yield enhancement using highly structured trading strategies. Derivatives are here to stay – don’t allow your firm to remain uninformed about both the risks and the potential benefits of these powerful tools.

In order to effectively utilize derivatives it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of the various types of derivatives being traded, the benefits associated with these products and strategies, and the controls that are necessary to ensure that the risks associated with trading derivates are properly managed. Without appropriate measurement, monitoring, and management processes, organizations that trade derivatives are exposed to a large number of risks: market, credit, operational, legal, and reputational, among others.

This course will investigate some of the debacles experienced in the past at firms that were brought to financial ruin by their derivatives positions in spite of having a relatively sophisticated understanding of traditional capital markets transactions. These case study examples have led to the development of industry best practices in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The recent examples of Société Générale, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and others clearly demonstrate that some organizations still have not embraced these leading practices. The cross-border nature of many OTC derivatives trades in Asia and the nationalistic approach of regulators in the region towards OTC derivatives have caused problems for traders and end users. This course will explore some of the issues that the lack of a central regulatory body for derivatives trades causes for Asian market participants considering derivatives as a source of revenue or as a risk management strategy.

Who Should Attend:

Traders
Portfolio managers
Risk Management Personnel
Treasury Personnel
Operations and Settlements Personnel
Finance Personnel
Internal and External Auditors
Financial institution and securities markets examiners/inspectors

Please click here to download the full brochure

REGISTER NOW! Please contact Kenny Lim at:

kennylim@ipowerevents.sg

Tel : +65 6521 6858

Fax : +65 6489 5813

To ensure you get our specially discounted rate, please be sure to tell Kenny that Carrie Bekker referred you.

ROBERT J. McDONOUGH

BCI FACULTY MEMBER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Rob McDonough is an Executive Consultant affiliated with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP) and a Faculty Member and Lead Instructor with Bekker Compliance Institute (BCI). Mr. McDonough specializes primarily in risk management consulting, training and seminar delivery for institutions managing market, credit, operational, and other risks. He is also a subject matter expert in the areas of Basel II/III, ICAAP, Stress testing, audit, risk management, treasury and investment portfolio management, derivatives and structured finance, securitization, and risk model validations.

In addition to the numerous training programs he delivers for BCI, Mr. McDonough is also an instructor for other organizations and industry groups, including the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the Bank Administration Institute, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. Rob is also a Co-Regional Director of the Atlanta Chapter of PRMIA.

Mr. McDonough has delivered capital markets and risk management seminars and consulting services to financial institutions, trading organizations, central banks, and regulatory agencies across the U.S. as well as in Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bermuda, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, the Republic of Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.K., and Zimbabwe.

Mr. McDonough was with the Federal Reserve System for 12 years as an economic analyst and capital markets examiner and also chaired a Federal Reserve System-wide committee to design, develop and deliver training for selected capital markets examiners across the country.

Mr. McDonough has an MBA in Finance and Economics from Georgia State University and a BBA from Emory University. He is a Federal Reserve Board of Governors Commissioned Examiner, a Certified Investments and Derivatives Auditor and a Certified Risk Professional.

REGISTER NOW! Please contact Kenny Lim at:

kennylim@ipowerevents.sg

Tel : +65 6521 6858

Fax : +65 6489 5813

To ensure you get our specially discounted rate, please be sure to tell Kenny that Carrie Bekker referred you.

SEC to Host Market Technology Roundtable on September 14, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:12:00 +0000

FROM SEC WEBSITE:
(please refer to URL at the bottom of this post)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-153

Washington, D.C., Aug. 8, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it will host a technology roundtable next month to discuss ways to promote stability in markets that rely on highly automated systems.

The roundtable entitled “Technology and Trading: Promoting Stability in Today’s Markets” will take place on September 14 and convene experts on designing, operating, and controlling the systems that form the core of our market’s infrastructure.

Nearly all trading in the equity and options markets depends on the reliable performance of highly automated systems used by investors, broker-dealers, and exchanges and other trading systems.

“Reliance on technology has enabled the markets to achieve extraordinary levels of speed and efficiency,” said SEC Chairman Mary L. Schapiro. “But with technology comes a responsibility for getting it right, minimizing errors and protecting the interests of investors.”

Recent events have highlighted some of the risks of increasingly complex and interconnected trading systems, setting aside the larger public debate regarding high frequency trading. The roundtable discussions will be focused on the design and control of all types of automated market systems. When these systems do not work as intended, the failures can directly harm not only the operator of the system but in some cases a range of other innocent parties.

“The roundtable is part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to keep pace with the rapid changes in market structure and technology over the last several years,” said Chairman Schapiro. “I look forward to hearing the views of experienced technologists on how we can strengthen the stability of our market structure while still preserving the many benefits of electronic trading.”

# # #

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2012/2012-153.htm

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Dean & Instructor Carrie Bekker in Russia Teaching Pro Bono AML/CTF Typologies Workshops for FSVC

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 22:34:00 +0000

CARRIE F. BEKKER

Pro Bono Instructor for

Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC)

Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing Typologies:

How to strengthen and fine tune your organization’s risk-based AML/CTF program

Novosibirsk & Yekaterinburg, Russia

May 2012

The AML/CTF Typologies workshops we delivered in Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg on behalf of FSVC were very rewarding for me, both personally and professionally. This was my very first visit to Russia, which was very exciting because I love to travel, meet new people, and learn more about the culture of the countries that I visit. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of the compliance officers who attended the workshops, and their questions and interactivity during these events made the training very special and meaningful. I of course also learned a lot from the students themselves. Everyone was delightful – the FSVC directors and staff, the Russian interpreters, our Country Hosts, our students, and all of the other the people we met along the way during our travels. I certainly look forward to working with FSVC again in the future.

Our Workshops:

This pro bono training project was designed to support the program funded by the U.S. Department of State on strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance in Russia. The goals of this program included combating financial corruption and criminal activity in the Russian banking sector, specifically improving regulatory and supervisory skills, in addition to AML compliance skills within Russian commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions. Program activities included training in international norms and standards and providing technical advice on AML/CFT techniques to strengthen the integrity and stability of Russia’s financial system.

FSVC provided two Volunteer experts -- of which I was one of them -- to conduct two, two-day training seminars for commercial bank AML compliance officers and risk managers on best international practices in risk-based AML compliance. The seminars presented trends, common typologies, and techniques used to identify money laundering and terrorist financing. The seminars also explored how to use suspicious activities reports (SARs) to develop red flags to help improve transaction monitoring. Other topics presented included the AML risks posed by mobile banking, electronic payments, and other emerging technologies. This seminar also covered key strategies for improving risk-based AML/CTF programs and the latest developments from the updated Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 40+9 recommendations.

Below is an overview of our two-day workshops:

DAY 1

Session 1: Identify and discuss risk-based typologies referenced in the RIA Novosti article: Over $30 Bln Left Russia in 2011 in Money Laundering Schemes

Session 2: Risk-Based Approach to AML/CTF

Session 3: Money laundering and terrorist finance trends and typologies

DAY 2

Session 4: Updates to the FATF 40 and how they apply to banking institutions

Session 5: The Internet is your friend – how to use it as a tool to perform customer due diligence and other research

Session 6: Analysis of STRs

Session 7: Latest Internet-based developments and trends in cybercrime, cyberattacks, digital currencies, virtual worlds, and future crimes (anticipating tomorrow’s crimes today)

PIX!

Novosibirsk (left to right):

Co-presenter Benay. translator Ivan, Tim @ FSVC, Yours Truly & our Local Host Natalia

Yekaterinburg (left to right):

Yours Truly, co-presenter Benay, Tim @ FSVC & our Local Host Svetlana

Our graduate class in Novosibirsk:

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Instructor Bill Cavalier in Kuwait teaching a Syndication course for IBS

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Bill Cavalier, BCI Instructor and Faculty Member, was recently in Kuwait teaching a four-day Syndication course to students at our Esteemed Client Institute of Banking Studies (IBS).

Please check out the photo below of Bill and his students. Bill is the guy in the tie in the center.

Waaay to go, Bill! Great job!

Many thanks,
Carrie

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Instructor Rob Morris is in Kuwait teaching a Basel/ICAAP/Stress Testing course for IBS

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Rob Morris, BCI Instructor and Faculty Member, is in Kuwait this week teaching a four-day course to our client Institute of Banking Studies (IBS) students on How to Audit the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) and Stress Testing pertaining to Basel II/III.

Message from Rob earlier today:
I had a good flight and a relaxing day yesterday. Just returned to the hotel after Day 1 which went well. The participants are very enthusiastic! I will definitely be getting some photos with the participants; I took a few today during the breakout work session.

Please check out the pix below of Rob and his students. Rob is the guy in the tie in the first pic below.

Waaay to go, Rob! Please send us more pix when you can!

Many thanks,
Carrie

Rob Morris -- Audit of ICAAP process / Stress Tests Basel II And Basel III

April in NYC: Demystifying Compliance Series Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:19:00 +0000

ARE YOU A FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE PROFESSIONAL WHO NEEDS A REFRESHER OR ADVANCED INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP TO BRUSH UP ON THE LATEST REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SECTORS?

BROKER/DEALER♦ INVESTMENT ADVISER♦ HEDGE FUND♦ INSURANCE

If your answer is Yes, then look no further! You are cordially invited to join us this April in NYC to attend one or more of the Compliance Workshops listed below.

Financial Markets World is now featuring a brand-new suite of Regulatory Compliance seminars specifically geared to both transitional and seasoned Financial Services Industry Professionals. These interactive workshops will be taught by Kim Estrada, our core Executive Compliance Consultant & Trainer.

Lisa Kim Estrada, JD, MBA, CAMS

Demystifying Compliance^TM Course Instructor

Kim Estrada is an Executive Consultant with Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP), a global consulting firm catering to the financial services industry. She is also a Faculty Member & Instructor with Bekker Compliance Consulting (BCI), the education and training arm of BCCP.

Kim has over 11 years of experience in the financial markets. Kim’s areas of expertise include SEC and FINRA regulatory compliance in the following areas: SEC Investment Company Act of 1940 (IC Act), Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (IA Act), Securities Exchange act of 1934, and Securities Act of 1933, as well as FINRA’s regulations governing broker/dealers. Kim’s extensive 1940 IC Act expertise is focused primarily on mutual funds and variable insurance products. Kim also specializes in anti-money laundering, anti-fraud, commodities futures, and foreign exchange.

Please click the links below for details about this unique suite of Compliance Seminars:
Broker-Dealer Compliance, Tier 1, Basic April 16 - 17, 2012, New York City - 14 CPE Credits
Broker-Dealer Compliance, Tier 2, Advanced April 18, 2012, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Hedge Fund Compliance April 19, 2012, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Insurance Compliance April 24, 2012, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Investment Advisor Compliance, Tier 1, Basic April 25, 2012, New York City - 7 CPE Credits
Investment Advisor Compliance, Tier 2, Advanced April 26, 2012, New York City - 7 CPE Credits

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Registration Fee: The price for each one-day training seminar is $995 and $1,895 for the two-day seminar. Special discounts are available by contacting us or by calling FMW directly at 888-870-1975, Ext. 82 before you register for one of these events.

To Register: Please click on any of the above seminar links to register for one or more of our interactive workshops.

Breaking News: FinCEN Seeks Comments on Strengthening and Clarifying Customer Due Diligence Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:11:00 +0000

What are some of the comments you would raise with FinCEN as they pertain to this proposed rulemaking?

Please join our conversation! We'd like hear your views on this hot topic.
(To share your thoughts with your peers, please scroll down to the end of this news article to add your comments. Also please feel free to click Like if you felt this article was helpful.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 29, 2012

http://www.fincen.gov/news_room/nr/html/20120229.html

FinCEN Seeks Comments on Strengthening and Clarifying Customer Due Diligence Requirements

VIENNA, Va. – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit public comment on a wide range of questions pertaining to the possible application of an explicit customer due diligence (CDD) obligation on financial institutions, including a requirement for financial institutions to identify beneficial ownership of their accountholders.

"The explicit requirement that a financial institution know its customers, and the risks presented by its customers, is basic and fundamental to both serving those customers and implementing a program that protects a financial institution from abuse by illicit actors," said FinCEN Director James H. Freis, Jr. “The comments we receive will help us balance the information needs of law enforcement with the responsibilities placed on the financial industry.”

Over the past ten years, FinCEN and the broader Treasury Department have continued to engage the federal financial regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and Congress to combat various risks associated with the criminal abuse of legal entities, such as shell companies, and the associated exploitation of the financial system to facilitate financial crime, including money laundering, financing of terrorism and proliferation, and tax evasion. Despite efforts to highlight and clarify CDD and beneficial ownership expectations over this time, FinCEN is concerned that there is a lack of uniformity and consistency in the way financial institutions address these implicit CDD obligations and collect beneficial ownership information within and across industries.

An express CDD program rule is one key element of a broader U.S. Department of the Treasury strategy to enhance financial transparency in order to strengthen efforts to combat financial crime. Enhancing financial transparency to address such ongoing abuse of legal entities requires a broad approach. Other key elements of this strategy include: (i) improving the availability of beneficial ownership information of legal entities created in the United States; and (ii) facilitating global implementation of international standards regarding CDD and beneficial ownership of legal entities.

"Broad public input through this ANPRM will assist FinCEN in considering a CDD obligation that would bring consistency and uniformity both within and across financial institution sectors," noted Freis. "With this consistency, FinCEN seeks to disrupt the ability of criminals to hide their assets behind the shroud of anonymity."

This ANPRM considers codifying, clarifying, consolidating, and strengthening existing CDD regulatory requirements and supervisory expectations, and establishing a categorical requirement for financial institutions to identify beneficial ownership of their accountholders. Comments on the ANPRM will be accepted for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

BCCP A-Teamer Tom Nollner in the News: U.S. Department of Treasury Hosts AML Training Sessions in Guyana

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A-Teamer Tom Noller, BCCP Executive Consultant & BCI Faculty Member, was mentioned in the Guyana Observer News in connection with his participation in the Department of Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) hosting of AML training sessions that took place in Georgetown, Guyana in February 2012. Tom's OTA colleagues Howard Allen and Gerard Dupczak also participated in the AML training and were also mentioned in the article below.

Way to go, guyz! Great job!

Please click on this link for further information and photos:
http://www.guyanaobservernews.org/content/view/6745/1/

GUYANA OBSERVER NEWS

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

U.S. Department of Treasury Hosts Training

in Anti-Money Laundering Operations

GEORGETOWN – As part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) program, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) hosted training sessions on implementing effective anti-money laundering programs from February 13 to 16 in Georgetown. OTA’s Economic Crimes Senior Advisor Howard Allen and Economic Crimes Latin America and Caribbean Regional Advisors Gerard Dupczak and Thomas Nollner met with Guyanese authorities to discuss best practices in further implementing Guyana’s 2009 Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorism Act.

Governmental and non-governmental officials focused on how best to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders to ensure efficient investigation and prosecution of persons involved in financial crimes. The training is meant to strengthen capacity for prosecuting illegal money laundering operations and to put in place a framework of U.S. – Guyanese cooperation on matters of training, technical assistance, and communication.

Training participants included representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the Bank of Guyana, the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Guyana Revenue Authority, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, and the Institute of Internal Auditors Guyana Chapter. After the sessions, the OTA team had an outbrief session with U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt and Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Pierce to discuss the week’s developments.

CBSI is the latest pillar of a U.S. security strategy focused on citizen safety throughout the hemisphere. CBSI seeks to bring all members of CARICOM and the Dominican Republic together to jointly collaborate on regional security with the United States as a partner.

Hot off the Press: SEC Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:19:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! THIS JUST IN:
SEC Charges Illinois-Based Adviser in Social Media Scam
Please check out the SEC Press Release below and the hyperlinks to Additional Materials. Of particular importance to investment advisers is the following SEC Alert:

Agency Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

One of the alerts issued today – a National Examination Risk Alert titled “Investment Adviser Use of Social Media” – provides staff observations based on a review of investment advisers of varying sizes and strategies that use social media. In growing numbers, registered investment adviser firms are using social media to communicate with existing and potential clients, promote services, educate investors, and recruit new employees.

Below is the full text of the Press Release:

SEC Charges Illinois-Based Adviser in Social Media Scam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-3

Washington, D.C., Jan. 4, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged an Illinois-based investment adviser with offering to sell fictitious securities on LinkedIn and issued two alerts in an agency-wide effort to highlight the risks investors and advisory firms face when using social media.

Additional Materials

The SEC’s Division of Enforcement alleges that Anthony Fields of Lyons, Ill. offered more than $500 billion in fictitious securities through various social media websites. For example, he used LinkedIn discussions to promote fictitious “bank guarantees” and “medium-term notes.” The postings resulted in interest from multiple purported potential buyers.

“Fraudsters are quick to adapt to new technologies to exploit them for unlawful purposes,” said Robert B. Kaplan, Co-Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Asset Management Unit. “Social media is no exception, and today’s enforcement action reflects our determination to pursue fraudulent activity on new and evolving platforms.”

According to the SEC’s order instituting administrative proceedings against Fields, he made multiple fraudulent offers through his two sole proprietorships – Anthony Fields & Associates (AFA) and Platinum Securities Brokers. Fields provided false and misleading information concerning AFA’s assets under management, clients, and operational history to the public through its website and in SEC filings. Fields also failed to maintain required books and records, did not implement adequate compliance policies and procedures, and held himself out to be a broker-dealer while he was not registered with the SEC.

“As investment advisers increasingly utilize social media to communicate with clients and potential clients, firms need to be mindful of the applicable standards governing those communications,” said Carlo di Florio, Director of the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE).
The alert reviews concerns that may arise from use of social media by firms and their associated persons, and offers suggestions for complying with the antifraud, compliance, and recordkeeping provisions of the federal securities laws. The alert notes that firms should consider how to implement new compliance programs or revisit their existing programs in the face of rapidly changing technology.

The SEC also issued an Investor Alert titled “Social Media and Investing: Avoiding Fraud” prepared by the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. The alert aims to help investors be better aware of fraudulent investment schemes that use social media, and provides tips for checking the backgrounds of advisers and brokers. A new Investor Bulletin titled “Social Media and Investing: Understanding Your Accounts” contains best practices including privacy settings, security tips, and password selection aimed to help social media users protect their personal information and avoid fraud.
“More and more, investors are using social media to help them with investment decisions. While social media can provide many benefits for investors, it also makes an attractive target for fraudsters. The Investor Alert provides some useful tips to help investors look out for securities fraud online,” said Lori J. Schock, Director of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.

For additional information on avoiding securities fraud, visit the SEC’s website for individual investors: www.investor.gov.

The SEC’s investigation of Anthony Fields was conducted by Donna K. Norman and Julie M. Riewe. The SEC’s litigation effort will be led by Duane K. Thompson. The National Examination Risk Alert was prepared by Mavis Kelly and George Kramer of OCIE in consultation with other Commission staff, notably Catherine A. Courtney and Natasha Vij Greiner. The Investor Alert was prepared by M. Owen Donley III and Rahman Harrison.

# # #

For more information about the enforcement action, contact:
Robert B. Kaplan (202) 551-4969 and Bruce Karpati (212) 336-0104
Co-Chiefs of the SEC’s Asset Management Unit
Julie M. Riewe
Assistant Director, Asset Management Unit
(202) 551-4546

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2012/2012-3.htm

CEO Blog

Carrie Bekker Presents: Issue 2 of Flashback Friday!

Carrie Bekker Presents: FLASHBACK FRIDAY! Please check out the inaugural issue dated June 10, 2016

BCCP and Pinnacle Present: Cybercrime/Cybersecurity Workshop at Dusit Thani Manila on April 14-15, 2016 Featuring BCCP Cyber-Expert May Ladd

From Carrie Bekker: Seats still available! Please join us on June 3-4 in NYC for FMW Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Course Featuring BCCP's AML Guru Burke Files

Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Almost Sold Out: IFRS 9 Workshops in SE Asia Featuring Cliff Beacham!

From Carrie Bekker: Please join us in NYC on December 8-12 NYC for Three SEC/FINRA Compliance Workshops Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada!

From Carrie Bekker: Please Tune In to our Radio Broadcast on Wednesday, July 30 @ 2pm ET "US/EU Sanctions v Russia: Global Impact on the Financial Services Industry"

From Carrie Bekker: Please join us on September 27-28 in NYC with Judi Germano for Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Information and Data Compliance Session

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Information and Data Compliance

Special Announcement from Carrie Bekker: Our New Caribbean Satellite Office is Now Open and Ready to Serve You!

From Carrie Bekker: Join us on May 14 in NYC for FMW Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Course Featuring BCI Executive Trainer Burke Files

Money Laundering and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

From Carrie Bekker: April in NYC - BD/IA/HF Basic and Advanced Training Workshops Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada

From Carrie Bekker: Please save these dates! Best Practices Compliance Workshops on March 19-22, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia

From Carrie Bekker: December in NYC - BD/IA/HF Basic and Advanced Training Courses Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada

From Carrie Bekker: SEC Market Technology Roundtable on October 2

SEC Announces Panelists for Market Technology Roundtable on October 2

Agenda and Panelists for Market Technology Roundtable

From Carrie Bekker: Martin Rosenburgh to attend MCC Event at the 2012 UN General Assembly on Thursday September 27, 2012 - "A Head of State Roundtable on Governance and Sustainable Economic Growth"

From Carrie Bekker: Aileen Doherty to attend MCC Event at the 2012 UN General Assembly on September 24, 2012 "Holding Ourselves Accountable for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment"

From Carrie Bekker: September 3-4, 2012, Kuala Lumpur -- Trainer Rob McDonough is Teaching Derivatives Masterclass

Instructor: Robert J. McDonough

MELIÁ KUALA LUMPUR

September 3-4, 2012

ROBERT J. McDONOUGH

BCI FACULTY MEMBER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR

SEC to Host Market Technology Roundtable on September 14, 2012

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Dean & Instructor Carrie Bekker in Russia Teaching Pro Bono AML/CTF Typologies Workshops for FSVC

Pro Bono Instructor for

Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC)

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Instructor Bill Cavalier in Kuwait teaching a Syndication course for IBS

BCCP News in Pix this Week: BCI Instructor Rob Morris is in Kuwait teaching a Basel/ICAAP/Stress Testing course for IBS

April in NYC: Demystifying Compliance Series Featuring BCI Instructor Kim Estrada!

Breaking News: FinCEN Seeks Comments on Strengthening and Clarifying Customer Due Diligence Requirements

BCCP A-Teamer Tom Nollner in the News: U.S. Department of Treasury Hosts AML Training Sessions in Guyana

Hot off the Press: SEC Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2012-3

Additional Materials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-3