Join experts from CryptoFi, Strategic Resource Management, DaLand CUSO, and Visions FCU as they discuss how to get started implementing a strategy for digital assets at your institution. Find out about educational resources, risks and opportunities the technology presents, and more so that you can confidently take the next step.
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Discussion Outline
Understanding the opportunity
Shift surrounding interest in cryptocurrency at financial institutions
Why and how banks and credit unions should start their cryptocurrency journey
Scoping the implementation needs
Understanding the risk and opportunity behind coin and partner selection, regulation, and more
About the Speakers
Host:
Cynthia Schroeder — SVP/Digital Assets - Visions FCU
Cynthia started her career as a teller of a small credit union, moving into data processing and management early in her career. She continued to gain valuable experience as she moved through many areas of the four credit unions she has worked for, and eventually transitioned into executive management, always with a focus and involvement in technology. Due to Cynthia’s education, experience, and active involvement in so many areas, she has had the opportunity to gain valuable experience in technology, cybersecurity and crisis management, implementing information solutions to address business opportunities, teaching students on cybersecurity and the NIST Framework, and most recently digital assets and related technologies. Cynthia received her associate degree from Miami University in Systems Analysis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and her MBA. In addition, she has had the opportunity to attend Wharton’s Emerging Technologies Program and a three-year Executive Leadership in Excellence program which provided her a wealth of knowledge through one-on-one executive coaching. She also completed Cardwell’s 306 two-year leadership program and earned a Certified Innovation Executive certification.
Panelists:
Kian Sarreshteh — Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President - CryptoFi
Kian entered the crypto space professionally in 2015. He has consulted with numerous Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and FinTech focused companies across the U.S., giving him unique insight and perspective into the space. In 2015, Kian founded an IT recruiting and consulting company focused on fintech/crypto and transformed the company into a multi-million-dollar operation. Also in 2015, he acquired a 35-year-old background check company that focused on regulated industries including financial services. He led new product development, including the development of a blockchain database to store background check records. Prior to his departure, Kian was instrumental in the company’s growth with a 50% increase in revenue. In 2020, Kian founded CryptoFi, Inc. - a Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) company enabling financial institutions and credit unions to offer a choice of all leading digital currencies to their member base, compliantly and seamlessly via existing platforms. Kian holds dual Bachelor’s in Marketing and International Studies, University of Missouri.
Patti Wubbels — SVP Client Development and Digital Assets (Crypto) Advisory Services - Strategic Resource Management
At Strategic Resource Management (SRM), Patti is passionate about helping clients with strategies around cost savings, revenue opportunities, and process efficiencies. More recently, she helped to launch SRM’s crypto advisory, delivering education and strategic planning services for financial institutions integrating digital assets (cryptocurrency) and DLT/blockchain technologies. She holds multiple certifications in cryptocurrency, including the prestigious CCE designation from the MIT Media Lab and The Blockchain Council. Patti has over 20 years of business development experience, with 16+ years in the banking industry. Prior to joining SRM in 2018, she spent years helping financial institutions across the U.S. in various areas such as vendor management and commercial lending. She understands the needs of customers and members, having worked as a bank Branch Manager and VP of Cash Management, as well as a credit union Sales/Services Training Manager. Patti served in the United States Navy, with a tour in the Gulf War and holds both an MBA in Management and a BA in Business from Doane College.
Jon Ungerland — CIO Information/Innovation - DaLand CUSO
Jon believes local financial institutions can contribute to the flourishing of democracy and quality of community life through ensuring fair and affordable access to capital and modern banking services. At DaLand, Jon is focused on integration and innovation of products ahead of industry and extra-industry developments, while driving value to company partners and the communities they serve. He’s committed to creation of messaging and dissemination of information essential to relevance-generation and innovation in the community financial services sector and adjacent community-connected service institutions. As a technologist, Jon is driven by perpetual intellectual curiosity, working in the technologies and trends which impact financial institutions and the communities they serve. He enjoys educating leaders in the use of data and technology to promote relevance as the financial core within their community. Jon possesses degrees in philosophy and religion from University of Colorado and Yale.