Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

Macdonald ABC (Plenary)
[Keynote]
Disruption is no longer the exception — it’s the norm. In this keynote, transformation strategist and author Joe Jackman shares a playbook for navigating change. Drawing on decades of experience reinventing global brands, he shows how financial services leaders can embrace curiosity, collaboration and bold choices to build organizations that thrive amid shifting markets and rising customer expectations.
Key learnings:
- Why mindset underpins lasting transformation
- How to create conditions for change that stick
- Frameworks for making bold, purposeful choices
- How adaptability fuels both relevance and growth
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

Uncertainty in growth, inflation and interest rates continues to shape the economic outlook across North America. In this session, Jason Daw, Head of North American Rates Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, provides a forward-looking view on Canadian and US markets. He’ll highlight the forces shaping rates, trade and investment, and what you should watch for as you plan for the year ahead.
Key learnings:
- Factors influencing Canada and US growth outlooks
- What shifting interest rate paths could mean for markets
- How financial institutions can prepare
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 1]
Session details coming soon.
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 2]
Credit unions face declining market share, uneven tech adoption and mounting regulatory pressure. Is today’s cooperative model built for what’s ahead? In this session, BCFSA’s CEO and superintendent shares insights from province-wide engagement on two possible paths: consolidation for scale and federated models that preserve autonomy while leveraging shared platforms.
Learn how these choices shape:
- System resilience
- Regulator–credit union collaboration
- Long-term stability
Macdonald D

[Keynote]
AI is transforming the fraud landscape, powering scams that are faster, more personalized and harder to detect. But it can also be a powerful line of defense. In this keynote, digital vigilance expert Ritesk Kotak explores the shifting foles of privacy, AI and cybersecurity in fraud. From hyper-personalized attacks to high-profile failures, he unpacks what could have been done better and how emerging strategies can tip the balance.
Key themes include:
- Privacy, AI and cybersecurity in modern fraud
- Lessons from real-world failures
- Ethics, bias and responsible AI use
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 1]
As retail continues its rapid digital transformation, consumers demand payment experiences that are secure, seamless, and available anytime, anywhere. In this session, Kris Zanuldin, Head of KONEK, will talk about the future of digital payment with KONEK, and how your financial services organization can leverage it to create seamless, secure customer payment experiences.
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 2]
Fraud is evolving and credit unions are on the front line. In this session, Ron Kaine, Central 1’s AVP of Fraud and Compliance, and Idan Istkovich, Strategic Intelligence Analyst with NC3’s BC Financial Crimes Division, share the latest statistics and patterns. You’ll hear real examples of fraud stops and leave with practical steps to strengthen defenses.
Key learnings:
- Key fraud patterns shaping the Canadian market
- Real-world stops from NC3 and Central 1
- Immediate actions to improve protection
Macdonald D


[Breakout 3]
Corporate treasurers want faster, more efficient and lower-cost ways to manage liquidity. Yet banks and treasurers have been slow to modernize their services for corporate and commercial clients, or haven't seen rapid adoption. In this session, treasury management and payments expert J.D. Penner explores how real-time payments and ISO 20022 messaging are finally reshaping cash management practices and what barriers remain.
Key learnings:
- Why treasury modernization has been slow
- The impact of real-time payments and ISO 20022 on cash management
- What organizations must address to prepare for adoption
Macdonald EF

[Breakout 1]
The RTR will transform payments in Canada, but what does it mean for your institution? This session covers the essentials: background and benefits, clearing and settlement, centralized fraud services, compliance obligations and participation options. You’ll leave with a clear view of what the RTR means for your institution today and tomorrow.
Key learnings:
- How the RTR will reshape payments for institutions and their customers
- What the centralized fraud services mean in practice
- Key compliance obligations to prepare for now
- Participation options and how to plan long term
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)




[Breakout 2]
Canada's AML/ATF framework is evolving, with new regulatory expectations on the horizon. In this session, Ron Kaine, Central 1's AVP of Fraud and Compliance, introduces our partnership with Alessa and how we are jointly developing technology to help you meet PCMLTFA and FINTRAC obligations. Alessa CEO, Holly Phillippi, will share insights on enforcement trends, emerging typologies, and their implications for your institution.
Key learnings:
- How Central 1's partnership with Alessa is shaping new AML technology and services
- What the evolving AML/ATF framework means for financial institutions
Macdonald D


[Breakout 3]
Choosing the right treasury solution can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. In this speed-dating–style session, you’ll meet members of Central 1’s Treasury team as they take the stage for a series of quick, focused spotlights. Each expert will highlight a product area, giving you the insights you need to see which solutions best align with your institution’s goals.
Macdonald EF
Participation from: Central 1's Treasury team
[Breakout 1]
The financial services sector is evolving fast! In this panel, Canadian credit union and fintech leaders share how fintech leaders share how they are adapting to remain relevant and successful in an environment where change and evolution are a constant.
Key learnings:
- Why continual digital transformation is essential
- How a disruptor mindset shapes customer experience
- Partnerships that accelerate innovation without eroding trust
- How to lead for the future and influence what it becomes
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)
[Breakout 1]
Heightened risk management has been top of mind this year for both Treasury finance management and Risk teams. According to our expert speakers, a dynamic partnership between these two areas is the best way to identify and understand risks from both directions. Out of that can emerge robust policies, controls, and processes that effectively manage these risks and find opportunities, with significant benefits across all layers of your financial institution. Our panel will share stories and experiences from this intersection, giving you strategies to support your organization's growth with stability in mind.
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)



[Breakout 2]
As credit unions move off Forge, shared experience is invaluable. In this session, Mainstreet Credit Union and First West Credit Union outline their transition approach – from planning through execution – and the best practices they discovered along the way. You’ll gain practical insights to streamline your journey and ensure it aligns to your institution’s goals.
Key learnings:
- Practical steps to guide a smooth Forge transition
- Lessons learned directly from peer experience
- Best practices to align transition with institutional goals
Macdonald D


[Breakout 3]
Canada’s payments system is entering a period of generational change, and 2026 will be a critical milestone. In this session, Central 1 experts walk through our Payments Planning Guide, outlining what’s changing, your earliest opportunities to deliver new capabilities and the timelines you must meet. Gain clarity on priorities, hear what’s top of mind across the ecosystem and leave with a roadmap to guide your institution.
Key learnings:
- Which priorities to focus on for 2026
- What we’re hearing across the industry
- How to use the guide to support your business needs
Macdonald EF



[Breakout 1]
Session details coming soon.
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 2]
As financial services grow more complex, choice and connectivity matter more than ever. In this session, Central 1 experts introduce the modular platform powering stable, reliable payments across diverse digital banking and banking host providers. Learn how the platform model delivers flexibility, supports new member experiences and provides a foundation for future innovation in Canada’s evolving payments ecosystem.
Key learnings:
- Why the platform model enables flexibility and choice
- How Central 1 ensures reliability across systems
- Opportunities it opens for future financial experiences
Macdonald D


Exhibit Hall
[Breakout 1]
Today’s financial customer is redefining expectations, from purchase behaviors to trust in providers. In this session, Rob Grein, CEO of PMG Intelligence, shares data-driven insights on how demographics, technology and values alignment are reshaping financial relationships. Learn how providers can meet the needs of younger generations, consolidate data for stronger connections, and turn behavioral shifts into opportunities for growth.
Key learnings:
- How demographics and behaviors are reshaping financial relationships
- Why data consolidation and technology matter more than ever
- How to engage younger generations and build lasting trust
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

[Breakout 2]
This session builds on What You Need to Know About Real Time Rail (RTR) from the day before, giving you the chance to ask Central 1 experts clarifying questions. From fraud safeguards and compliance obligations to participation options, our team will help you deepen your understanding. Payments Canada representatives will also be available to clarify rule-related questions where needed.
Key learnings:
- Clearer understanding of RTR rules and obligations
- Practical guidance on fraud safeguards and compliance
- How participation options affect your institution’s planning
Macdonald D



[Breakout 1]
Collabration is reshaping financial services, giving credit unions new ways to innovate and grow. In this breakout, you'll hear how fintech partnerships are transforming core functions, from lending to compliance. Learn how these alliances can streamline operations, elevate the customer experience and help financial institutions compete more effectively in a digital-first world.
Key learnings:
- How automation frees staff from manual tasks
- Why fintech partnerships accelerate innovation and customer focus
- How compliance can become a growth driver
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)
[Breakout 2]
Fraud is evolving quickly and so are the strategies to fight it. In this session, Vancity shares how they use Enterprise Fraud Management (EFM) to strengthen prevention. From real-time detection and consortium intelligence to new services like after-hours alert management and customized fraud strategies, discover how they’re reducing false positives, improving efficiency and safeguarding customer trust.
Key learnings:
- How real-time detection and shared intelligence stop fraud early
- How new EFM services improve efficiency and outcomes
Macdonald D


Exhibit Hall
Learn from a panel of industry experts about what you need to be thinking about to ensure your organization’s payments strategies are ready for the future.
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)
Macdonald ABC (Plenary)

Exhibit Hall