Maximizing Profitability & Managing Risk in Financial Services
The regulatory landscape shaping financial technology, digital assets, and payment systems.
Profitability levers, risk management frameworks, and payment optimization strategies for financial institutions in 2025.
Featured Speakers & Panelists
Featuring 3 practitioners whose combined expertise spans the critical dimensions of this topic.
Daniel Garedew
Founder
Merchant Services United
Partners with banks, credit unions, and small businesses to reduce payment processing costs, optimize POS and ATM setups, and boost fee-based income. Known for hands-on support and trusted relationships with FIs and community partners across the DMV region.
Michael Drobnis
CEO
OptfinITy
Thirty-plus years of tech leadership with deep expertise in cybersecurity, regulatory compliance (FFIEC, PCI), and managed IT services for financial institutions. Under his leadership OptfinITy has been nationally recognized for helping FIs modernize infrastructure while staying secure.
Former financial regulator and longtime BSA Officer with nearly a decade of experience building one of the most successful cannabis and hemp banking programs in the U.S. Advises credit unions and banks on launching compliant, revenue-generating programs tailored to their regulatory environments.
Key Takeaways
- How to identify and close profitability gaps.
- Real risks to watch in today's regulatory and tech environment.
- Strategies for building compliant, revenue-positive CRB programs.
- Tools and services that drive operational efficiency.
- Mini case studies from financial institutions that have made the leap.
Designed For
- Credit union and community bank executives.
- Compliance, risk, and legal teams.
- IT, operations, and security leaders.
- Teams exploring cannabis or high-risk banking strategies.
Event Description
A must-attend webinar for financial institutions, credit unions, and banks navigating the challenges of 2025. Learn how combining legal strategy, IT infrastructure, and modern payment systems can drive profitability while minimizing compliance and cyber risks. Three industry experts share a tactical discussion on what is working — and what is not — across risk and compliance management, IT modernization, revenue-generating tools for FIs, and cannabis and hemp banking strategy.
Topics Covered
- How to identify and close profitability gaps inside a modern FI.
- Real risks to watch in today's regulatory and technology environment.
- Strategies for building compliant, revenue-positive CRB programs.
- Tools and services that drive operational efficiency across the institution.
- Mini case studies from financial institutions that have made the leap.
Who Should Watch
- Credit union and community bank executives.
- Compliance, risk, and legal teams.
- IT, operations, and security leaders.
- Teams exploring cannabis or high-risk banking strategies.
Have questions about compliance, cannabis and hemp banking, or risk strategy? Contact Cogent Law Group to discuss compliance strategy, cannabis and hemp banking programs, or risk-mitigating legal frameworks tailored to your institution. You can also request the full recording to explore the on-demand discussion in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All Cogent Law webinars are complimentary and open to qualified professionals.
Yes. Registrants receive a link to the recording after the session. Past recordings can also be requested through our site.
Executives, compliance officers, general counsel, and operators in regulated industries — particularly cannabis, banking, and fintech.
Absolutely. You may submit questions during registration or reach us directly at contact@cogentlaw.com.
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Request the Recording
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Explore Our ServicesKey Takeaways
Attendees will gain actionable insights on the following:
- How to identify and close profitability gaps.
- Real risks to watch in today's regulatory and tech environment.
- Strategies for building compliant, revenue-positive CRB programs.
- Tools and services that drive operational efficiency.
- Mini case studies from financial institutions that have made the leap.
Designed For
This session is structured for professionals who need to stay ahead of regulatory and strategic developments:
Featured Speakers
This session brings together 3 distinguished practitioners whose combined expertise spans the critical dimensions of this topic.
Daniel Garedew
Founder
Merchant Services United
Partners with banks, credit unions, and small businesses to reduce payment processing costs, optimize POS and ATM setups, and boost fee-based income. Known for hands-on support and trusted relationships with FIs and community partners across the DMV region.
Michael Drobnis
CEO
OptfinITy
Thirty-plus years of tech leadership with deep expertise in cybersecurity, regulatory compliance (FFIEC, PCI), and managed IT services for financial institutions. Under his leadership OptfinITy has been nationally recognized for helping FIs modernize infrastructure while staying secure.
Former financial regulator and longtime BSA Officer with nearly a decade of experience building one of the most successful cannabis and hemp banking programs in the U.S. Advises credit unions and banks on launching compliant, revenue-generating programs tailored to their regulatory environments.
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