The 2026 BSA/AML 2‑Day School provides comprehensive training to meet annual BSA requirements while equipping professionals with practical, real‑world compliance skills. The program explores evolving risks, foundational BSA/AML requirements, examiner hot buttons, and regulatory updates. Attendees will learn how to detect emerging fraud, manage higher‑risk relationships, and strengthen their institutions’ BSA/AML programs in today’s changing regulatory environment.

Seminar Information & Session Topics*

This two-day program is designed to encompass the broad range of topics included in the realm of the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering.​

*Note: Topics are subject to change based on new guidance or regulation that is published.

agenda

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

9:00 – 10:00 am – BSA/AML & OFAC Updates

In this session we will recap recent FinCEN advisories, guidance, and hot topics. We will also cover recent enforcement actions to analyze what went wrong and where we can expect examiners to focus in the upcoming exam cycle. This will be a great opportunity to catch up on what you should be considering in your Program and how AML/CFT continues to evolve.

10:00 – 10:45 am – Drug Trafficking/Fentanyl Red Flags

The current administration has made it a priority to address the flow of illegal drugs from the southwest border. While the physical drugs may be focused on a particular geography, the flow of money to finance the drug trade can come from anywhere. In this session we will review recent FinCEN guidance on suspicious activity red flags and how the drug trade is financed.

10:45 – 11:00 am – BREAK

11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Suspicious Activity Monitoring Across Business Lines

While the most common reason for filing a SAR is structuring, we must not lose sight of how suspicious activity can occur in all of the various products, services, and customer types. In this session we will consider suspicious activity red flags for ACH, wire transfers, monetary instrument purchases, checks, and ATM/Debit cards, among others. We will also consider higher risk customer types and evaluate what about their nature of business makes them more likely to engage in suspicious activity.

12:00 – 1:00 pm – LUNCH

1:00 – 2:00 pm – What if I’m Banking THAT Type of customer?

The fear of being criticized for de-risking could result in providing services to a broader range of customers that have increased risk. Although reputation risk is no longer being used in examinations, we still want to protect our reputation in the communities that we serve. We will consider some of the customer types that have been the topic of potential de-risking and consider the due diligence needed to safely provide services to them.

2:00 - 2:30 pm – Update on Sanctions and Special Measures

The current administration has prioritized addressing the drug trade and terrorism in the Middle East. With this focus comes several new sanctions programs and Geographic Targeting Orders. We will evaluate what this means for your Program and what procedural updates we should consider to ensure that we don’t process any prohibited transactions.

2:30 – 2:45 pm – BREAK

2:45 – 3:15 pm – Developing and Documenting AML Training

Every institution has a training program for AML. The challenge is determining the depth of training that is needed, the frequency, and evaluating its effectiveness. For too many institutions, training has been a box to check rather than an evolving process. In this session, we will discuss the considerations for ensuring that training is adequate based on the institution’s risk profile and product offerings.

3:15 – 4:00 pm – AI: A Source of Fraud or a Source of Support

Technology continues to evolve and impact our day-to-day lives. As with any emerging technology, it can be used to enhance what we do or it can be used to adversely affect us. AI is no exception to this. Also with any emerging technology, it takes time to fully understand the potential benefits and pitfalls of implementing it. In this session we will evaluate the current state of AI, it’s uses, pros and cons, and what compliance considerations we have today.

4:00 pm – ADJOURN

Thursday, April 9, 2026

9:00 -9:45 am – Corruption Red Flags

Although the examination procedures still define a politically exposed person such as a foreign leader, family member, or close associate, corruption can occur in domestic positions of government as well. Other than identifying a customers’ occupation in a position of trust, understanding the potential red flags of corruption, not just with government employees, but with businesses that receive government contracts is an important part of suspicious activity monitoring programs. We will discuss the movement of funds and common transaction patterns that could be indicative of public corruption.

9:45 – 10:30 am – Virtual Currency Fraud Red Flags

FinCEN issued guidance to assist in identifying fraud in the virtual currency space. Whether through mobile apps, online exchanges, or ATMs, the opportunity for fraud is significant. Unlike other payment methods, once funds are transferred, the chances of recovery are minimal. The speed and anonymity of virtual currency transactions make it an enticing avenue for fraudsters to take advantage of our customers.

10:30 -10:45 am – BREAK

10:45 – 11:30 am – GENUIS Act

The law, passed in 2025, sets the stage for financial institutions to become more involved in virtual currency. Whether you are actively interested, just curious, or concerned, this session will highlight the requirements and a new direction in financial services. We will consider the implications as a compliance framework has yet to be developed but provide practical considerations to aid you when senior management inquires about it.

11:30 am – 12:00 pm – CIP Refresher

The USA PATRIOT Act has been around for 23 years. While there haven’t been any significant changes to the regulation, the methods of account opening and the types of customers we provide services to continues to evolve. Consequently, CIP questions persist. In this session we will cover a high-level refresher of the regulatory requirements and compare those to the practical methods we use to implement our CIP.

12:00 – 1:00 pm – LUNCH

1:00 – 2:00 pm - BSA Jeopardy

It’s time to see if you have the questions to the answers provided. Win or lose, parting gifts include the answers and questions that you can use with your own staff’s SAR Investigation Processes.

2:00 – 2:30 pm – SAR FAQs

In the name of regulatory easing by the Treasury Department, last year saw the issuance of several FAQs when reporting SARs. A quick read shows them to be positive developments – in essence, doing less is OK – but there is a cautionary tale as well and we could find ourselves victim of unintended consequences. We’ll discuss what the FAQs state and address whether these are regulatory requirements or best practices, and how to deal with them.

2:30 – 2:45 pm – BREAK

2:45 – 4:00 pm – What is on the Horizon for Your Program?

There’s a lot of information to digest, and a lot of uncertainty about the future. We’ll discuss what the AML Officer should be focused on during a period of deregulation in some areas, but increased scrutiny in others. There are still risks to consider as we move forward from this year’s school.

4:00 pm – ADJOURN

Speaker Information

Brian J. Crow, CAMS Managing Partner/Co-President, TCA

Brian Crow is a nationally recognized Deposit Compliance and BSA/AML expert with a strong bank compliance management background and a welcome ability to provide focused educational support to TCA client banks. Mr. Crow most recently was BSA Administrator for a suburban Chicago bank, where his responsibilities included the bank’s annual assessment and audit documentation. Earlier, as Operations Officer at the same bank, Mr. Crow monitored AML activity and helped install automated AML software that allowed the bank to transition from paper to electronic CTRs. His activities were responsible for reducing debit card fraud by 95 percent at the bank. 

Mr. Crow has been, and continues to be, an education consultant for the Glia Group BOL Learning Connect program, conducting webinars that have covered VISA/MasterCard chargebacks, debit card compliance and fraud prevention for hundreds of banks. In this role, Mr. Crow was recognized as a Bankers Online Guru in 2011. Like many of us, Mr. Crow began his banking career as a teller, working his way up to head teller and then branch management responsibilities. He earned a B.A. degree from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. 

Registration Information

This course will take place at the Virginia Bankers Association Training Center (4490 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060).

Member	Non-Member
$595	$1,095

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Special Needs & Americans with Disabilities Notice

Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the event (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc.). Please contact Marie Basil with any details.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations prior to April 1, 2026 will be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. After April 1, 2026, cancellation fee will increase to $75.

Hotel Information

Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
11049 West Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA 23060

The association has reserved a block of rooms at the Drury Plaza at the rate of $132/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Click here to make your reservation by the cut-off date, February 21, 2026.

The rate includes a hot breakfast, evening food and drinks at 5:30 pm, parking and Wi-Fi.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Amy Binns for more information.