Integro Talks

The U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps to fight fentanyl trafficking, even designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. What does this mean for banks, fintechs, and compliance teams across the Americas? Alberto de la  Portilla explores these questions with guest Brett Manwaring, who has led multi-year AML monitoring engagements, guided institutions through Federal Res...

In our latest episode featuring Andy Warner, VP of Partnership and Strategy at Transak, we dive into stablecoins, how new regulations in the U.S. such as the GENIUS Act, which was recently signed into law, and the CLARITY Act, are potential catalysts to unleash greater institutional adoption and market transparency. We discuss why he thinks stablecoins enhance the features of the US dollar and why...

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, his America First approach to foreign policy has brought with it renewed economic pressure on trading partners. Host Alberto de la Portilla, CEO of Integro Advisers, is joined by Saskia Rietbroek, Executive Director of the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS), to break down how the use of OFAC sanctions as a foreign policy tool is ev...

In this episode, Alberto de la Portilla speaks with remittances and migration expert Manuel Orozco about the U.S. immigration policy under the current Trump administration and its ripple effects on remittance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean. Orozco sheds light on the staggering volume of remittances—estimated at over $170 billion in 2024—sent by migrants to their home countries, how recen...

In this engaging episode, host Alberto de la Portilla speaks with Patricia Hernandez, a seasoned legal professional specializing in financial services, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. They explore the current state and future of financial regulations, focusing on the key shifts that could emerge under a second Trump administration. Patricia brings her in-depth knowledge of the...

Relations between the U.S. and Latin America are at a crossroads. Under a second Trump presidency, what are the prospects for U.S. companies seeking cross-border deals in Latin America? How will the M&A market be impacted by the threat of tariffs against trading partners? How will countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico navigate shifting trade policies, foreign investment, and geopolitica...

Former FBI special agent Scott Moritz joins us for an insightful conversation as we review TD Bank's guilty plea for money laundering violations. Discover how systemic failures in their compliance program allowed drug cartels to move hundreds of millions undetected, despite the bank's ample resources. Moritz shares his expert insight into the Department of Justice's findings, which serve as a wake...

What role do fintech innovators play in changing the financial landscape of Latin America? Allen Cueli, Visa's Head of Products and Innovation, joins our podcast to explore the dynamic shifts empowering financial inclusion across the region. From the transformative impact of digital payment systems like Pix in Brazil and Sinpe in Costa Rica, to the pandemic's accelerating effect on e-commerce and...

How has the world of anti-money laundering compliance (AML), financial crimes and economic sanctions evolved over the past decade and a half? In celebration of Integro Advisers’ 15-year anniversary, we bring you a special edition podcast recorded in-studio. In this episode, we discuss with our distinguished panel of compliance experts the sweeping changes in AML compliance programs fostered by gam...

Cryptocurrency backers have long argued for the necessity and relevance of digital assets. Inflation-proof, no central banks to report to, unburdened by regulation, financial inclusion, and innovative technology. But there is a seedy side to crypto due to anonymity and its underground nature that has facilitated money laundering, OFAC sanctions evasion, scams and frauds. In this episode of Integro...

Everywhere we look, everything we do, little bits of information are being compiled, stored, and used for some purpose. Big data feeds all aspects of our personal and business lives. In this episode of Integro Talks, we talk with data expert Edgar Osuna, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at iuvity, about how we manage this, what role can humans play in a world where artificial intelligence and ma...

Join us as industry expert Tyler Beuerlein discusses the complexities around cannabis banking, from federal restrictions to state legalization. Learn about the current risks faced by marijuana-related businesses seeking banking services and explore the political landscape shaping cannabis legislation today. Tyler sheds light on the paradox of a thriving industry constrained by federal law, delving...

Panama is off the FATF Grey List and the country’s financial landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with the nation intensively enhancing its regulatory framework to meet international compliance standards. In our latest Integro Talks episode, we sit down with Raul Guizado, the Vice President of Compliance and Corporate Security for Banco General, to dissect the nuances of Panama's...

In this episode, risk management and ethics expert Mariana Idrogo joins Alberto de la Portilla to discuss the early days of President Javier Milei's administration in Argentina. Exploring Milei's economic reform promises and their implementation, Mariana sheds light on the political dynamics involving traditional figures and potential influence by ex-President Mauricio Macri. Street protes...

Assessing the Current State of Puerto Rico’s International Banking Sector: Challenges, Risks, and Regulatory Changes Listen in as we navigate the complex world of Puerto Rico's international banking sector with renown attorney, Ernesto Mayoral. He covers the current landscape, implications of the numerous banking entities ceasing operations due to compliance violations and other recent news an...

Join us as we navigate the ever-dynamic landscape of Latin America's growth opportunities with veteran thought leader, John Price, Managing Director of Americas Market Intelligence. We discuss the impact of central banks on economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of an independent press in the region, the industry sectors that are thriving today, China’s increasing market pen...

Join us as we sit down with Calixto García-Vélez, President and CEO of Baresco USA, a South Florida community bank with bullish international aspirations, to explore the world of banking today. Calixto shares his unique insights into the current economic and industry challenges, as well as growth opportunities, state regulations, and the impact of technology advancements. Listen in as we discuss t...

In this episode, we dive deep into Florida's new House Bill 3, also known as an anti-ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) law and explore its implications with our legal expert guests, Carl Fornaris and Marina Olman-Pal. Join us as we discuss the background of the law, its unique features compared to other states, and the practical consequences for domestic and foreign banks. We also ex...

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of financial innovation and emerging technologies with our special guest, John Rodriguez, Head of Business Development for Visa Direct Latin America and the Caribbean. In this episode, we delve into the role of financial innovation in revolutionizing the payments industry and enabling more efficient money transfers globally, including remittances. As a t...

Join Alberto de la Portilla in a fascinating podcast episode as he interviews Michel Caputi, Strategic Alliances Manager at Banco Industrial Guatemala. Explore the potential of fintech in Central America, with a focus on serving the unbanked. Learn about the challenges of rapid evolution, securing investments, and the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Discover why regulation and customer...