Session 01

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
San Saba 2

Session Description

As cyber threats grow more advanced, this session examines the shifting cybersecurity landscape and the role of AI in both strengthening defenses and enabling new attack methods. A cyber security expert from Wells Fargo will be joined by an FBI special agent to discuss methods of attack, as well as defense strategies. They will outline actionable strategies for improving resilience including zero-trust frameworks, AI and integrated threat intelligence.

Session Outcomes

• Understand the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity
• Identify emerging cyber threats
• Gain practical strategies for resilience
• Explore cutting edge technologies

Learning Objectives

• The dual impact of AI on cybersecurity – new attack mechanisms as well as enhanced protection
• Current ransomware trends
• Approaches for mitigating cyber payment fraud and securing digital transactions
• Practical strategies for resilience
• Emerging technologies

Speaker Information

• Michel Abranches, VP of Working Capital Improvement - Monkey Tech
• Claudio Rosa , Finance Director - Saint-Gobain

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
San Saba 3

Session Description

In an era of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, Saint-Gobain, a global building materials leader, partnered with Monkey Tech to implement a SCF program that has processed over $1.3 billion in total payment volume while extending payment terms by 35% and onboarding 1,730+ suppliers.

This practitioner-led session will provide a comprehensive framework for implementing and scaling enterprise SCF programs:

1. Strategic Implementation: Learn how Saint-Gobain designed a phased rollout approach that achieved 78% active supplier participation, significantly above industry benchmarks.
2. Working Capital Optimization: Understand how extending payment terms by 30+ days unlocked millions in working capital without disrupting supplier relationships or supply chain operations. We’ll share the financial modeling, stakeholder alignment, and risk mitigation approaches that made this possible.
3. Multi-Lender Strategy: Explore how Saint-Gobain leveraged 5+ lending partners to maintain competitive rates through Brazil’s interest rate cycles (2020-2025), achieving sustained profitability even during low-Selic environments. This included navigating the 2021-2022 rate hike cycle while maintaining program economics.

Attendees will learn:

• Step-by-step implementation roadmaps for enterprise SCF programs
• Supplier engagement strategies that drive participation above 75%
• Financial institution relationship management for optimal pricing
• Metrics and KPIs for measuring program success
• Risk management frameworks for multi-lender environments
• Lessons learned from 5 years of real-world operation
• This session bridges theory and practice, providing actionable insights backed by $1.3B+ in proven results.

Learning Objectives

• By attending this session, participants will be able to:
• Design a phased implementation roadmap for enterprise SCF programs
• Calculate the working capital impact and ROI of payment term extensions
• Execute supplier engagement strategies achieving >70% activation rates
• Manage multi-lender relationships for optimal pricing and risk mitigation
• Measure program success using industry-standard KPIs and benchmarks
• Navigate common implementation challenges with proven solutions
• Apply lessons learned from $1.3B+ in real-world transaction volume

Speaker Information

Michel Abranches is a strategic sales and growth executive with 30+ years of experience driving impact at global corporations like Cisco, Gartner, and Accenture, and leading the international expansion of high-growth startups such as Zup and now Monkey, a leading Supply Chain Finance platform. Currently heading U.S. operations at Monkey, Michel helps mid-market and enterprise clients unlock working capital, reduce financing costs by up to 70%, and scale supplier engagement through an AI-powered, auction-based SCF marketplace. Recognized for building and transforming sales teams, forming strategic partnerships, and delivering double-digit growth, Michel combines corporate discipline with startup agility—driving results across tech, fintech, and financial services.

• Paul Bramwell, Enterprise Treasury Lead - Trovata
• Erica Proctor , Senior Treasury Manager - Dallas Cowboys
• Bruce Perry, Senior Vice President & Treasurer - Gainwell Technologies

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Escondido 1

Session Description

Treasury has access to the most complete, real-time view of a company’s financial data—making it uniquely positioned to lead data transformation across finance. Yet, for many teams, that potential is buried under manual reporting, ad-hoc requests, and hours spent answering questions from other departments. This session explores how treasury can evolve from reactive cash management to a strategic data hub that fuels better decisions across the business. Attendees will hear how leading organizations are breaking down silos, building data pipelines, and using automation to empower finance teams with faster, more accurate insights. We’ll discuss practical steps treasurers can take to unlock and centralize data, from implementing APIs and dashboards to rethinking the role of treasury as a partner to FP&A, accounting, and the CFO.

Session Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will understand how to modernize their treasury data architecture, collaborate effectively with IT, and implement the foundational steps needed to unlock real-time visibility, enterprise-wide alignment, and smarter decision-making. They’ll walk away with a practical framework for elevating treasury as a strategic, data-centric function.

Learning Objectives

– Understand the importance of a proper data strategy for the success of automation and AI and how to implement one
– Discover the 5 key steps to align effectively with IT and drive successful implementation
– Explore how real-time visibility elevates treasury’s strategic role and strengthens cross-functional decision-making

Speaker Information

Paul Bramwell is Trovata's Enterprise Treasury Lead and brings over three decades of experience in the corporate treasury world. Paul has worked for two of the largest treasury system vendors in various senior roles and was a Partner in Ernst & Young's treasury advisory service. Paul has worked with some of the largest and most complex global treasury groups in all aspects of the treasury function. Originally from the UK, Paul has lived in the US since 2003 and is a self-confessed gadget addict.

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Erica Proctor is the Senior Treasury Manager for the Dallas Cowboys, overseeing cash management, forecasting, and banking operations for one of the world’s most recognized sports franchises. A Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) with deep expertise in treasury strategy and automation, Erica brings valuable insights into optimizing financial operations in a fast-paced environment.

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Bruce Perry is the Senior Vice President & Treasurer at Gainwell Technologies, where he leads Global Treasury and Finance Operations across AP/AR, Payroll, and T&E. With nearly two decades of treasury and financial leadership experience, Bruce specializes in building scalable global operations, optimizing liquidity, and strengthening financial governance for large enterprise organizations. Known for his strategic approach and operational rigor, he has a proven track record of modernizing treasury functions, improving cash visibility, and driving efficiencies across complex, multi-entity environments.

• Anand Goel, CEO & Founder - Optimized Payments

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Escondido 2

Session Description

Dashboards don’t optimize payments, people do. This session digs into why static reporting tools fall short when it comes to driving measurable impact across the payments lifecycle. Using anonymized merchant case studies, we’ll walk through how buried trends in processor data, network behavior, and BIN-level performance translated into millions in savings.

Session Outcomes

You’ll gain a clear framework for turning raw payments data into action, and learn the steps forward-thinking teams are taking to evolve from basic reporting into proactive, results-oriented optimization.

Learning Objectives

1. Why static dashboards fall short for merchants trying to optimize payments.
2. Framework for translating raw payment data into actionable insights.
3. Case examples of uncovering millions in hidden savings through analytics.
4. Practical steps merchants can take to move from “reporting” to “optimization.

Speaker Information

Anand Goel founded Optimized Payments in 2007. Under his leadership, Optimized Payments has helped Fortune 100 to mid-sized companies save over $1 billion in interchange and processing fees. Anand has also led the effort to revolutionize payments analytics…creating a scalable hosted solution that centralizes, normalizes and analyzes billions of payments records and identifies actionable insights. Anand is a noted payments expert and has spoken at numerous conferences included MAG, AFP, New England AFP, NACHA, MRC, CNP Expo and Money 20/20.

• Ernest L Smith, Principal - E3 Treasury Consulting

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Escondido 3

Session Description

Many treasury education classes are often too advanced for the average practitioner, since they assume a basic level of understanding the participants may not have. “Help Me Understand” was created to bridge this gap by providing clear, accessible instruction on key treasury concepts and products. The program provides basic practical knowledge in and entertaining and easy-to-follow format. The lessons learned also establish a strong foundation for future, more advanced training.

“Help me understand – Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Stablecoin” teaches the essentials of blockchain and digital assets and current trends such as stablecoin.

Session Outcomes

• Understand the core principles of blockchain (decentralization, transparency, immutability).
• Learn how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are created, traded, and used.
• Explore the different types of stablecoins (fiat-backed, crypto-backed, algorithmic) and their real-world applications.

Speaker Information

Ernest Smith is a seasoned treasury professional with over 40 years of experience in the world of banking and finance.  Ernie is an active member of AFP, having served on both the CTP Test Specification and CTP Body of Knowledge committees. He teaches CTP exam preparation courses at Rice University and the University of Dallas and is a content provider for the CTP and FPAC exam prep platforms. He currently serves as Principal at E3 Treasury Consulting, where he develops treasury sales training

• Nimaya Mitra , Managing Director, Origination - MUFG
• Kelsey Wandel, Assistant Treasurer - Oncor Electric Delivery

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Davis 2

Session Description

This session will provide treasury professionals with insights into how future trends are reshaping free cash flow through supply chain management. We will explore how to optimize FCF and address future challenges in the evolution of supply chain finance. Attendees will learn about the growing influence of ESG on supply chains, and how global disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions are impacting FCF. Treasury experts will discuss how emerging tech like Al, blockchain, and data analytics are transforming SCF practices, enhancing demand forecasting, inventory management, and driving FCF improvements.

Session Outcomes

In this session, attendees will gain insight into how future challenges are playing a role in improving tree cash flow, how global disruptions are reshaping the relationship between supply chains, SCF, and FCF, and predictions on how Al, blockchain, and other emerging technologies will drive FCF through more efficient practices, including the role of data analytics and machine learning in forcasting demand and managing inventory.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn about the growing intluence ot ESG on supply chains and their impact on FC; the role ot SCF in improving
FCF; and how to use emerging technology to transform FCF through more efficient processes that drive FCF improvements.

Speaker Information

Nirmalya Mitra is a Managing Director at MUFG where he is responsible for originating working capital solutions for clients. He is a dynamic and visionary senior banking executive with over 24 years' experience in Corporate and Investment Banking, with a proven track record in driving strategic initiatives that optimize transactional efficiency, developing and implementing innovative cash management, and financing strategies that meet the evolving needs of corporate clients. Prior to MUFG, Nirmalya held increasingly senior roles at Citi, HSBC, and JPMorgan Chase. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration in Finance from Boston University.  

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Kelsey Wandel is the Assistant Treasurer of Oncor Electric Delivery, based in Dallas, Texas. Kelsey joined Oncor eight months prior and comes to Oncor from the corporate banking arena. She brings experience from previous roles at Citizens Bank and Truist Securities and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Marketing from Auburn University.

• Scott Samson, Wholesale Payments Treasury Solutions Consultant - Truist

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Texoma 1

Session Description

APIs are transforming treasury operations, but what’s real innovation versus just industry buzz? This session goes beyond the hype to explore how APIs are actively shaping the future of payments, information reporting, reconciliation, and fraud mitigation—where they deliver the most value and where other solutions may still be the better fit.

Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, we’ll dive into how APIs enable immediate payments, provide real-time access to account and transaction data, streamline reconciliation workflows, and enhance fraud detection and response. Attendees will walk through a live decision tree, gaining a practical framework to determine when APIs should be part of your treasury strategy.

Beyond just theory, this session will focus on real implementation strategies, providing a clear roadmap for integrating APIs into treasury workflows. Whether you’re looking to accelerate payments, improve cash visibility, or strengthen fraud controls, this session will offer actionable insights to turn API potential into tangible treasury efficiencies.

Session Outcomes

1.      APIs vs. File Transfers – Are you making the right choice? Discover when APIs provide a competitive edge and when traditional methods remain a practical and efficient solution.
2.      See how companies are leveraging APIs for real-time payments, cash visibility, and fraud prevention with tangible ROI
3.      Walk through a live decision tree to determine if APIs fit your treasury needs and leave with a clear strategy to integrate them effectively.

Learning Objectives

1.      Understand where APIs add value in treasury operations versus where traditional solutions may still be more effective
2.      Learn how to evaluate when APIs make sense for payments, reconciliation, information reporting, and fraud mitigation using a decision tree
3.      Gain insights into real-world implementation approaches, overcoming challenges, and ensuring API adoption aligns with business goals.

Speaker Information

Scott Samson is a Wholesale Payments Treasury Solutions Consultant for Truist Financial. He joined the company in 2022. In his role, Scott specializes in assisting clients in maximizing their receivables, healthcare receivables, information reporting and fraud solutions. Scott is also focused on helping clients enhance their receivables processes through ERP and Practice Management System integration, leveraging file-based and API connections. Prior to this role, Scott held various roles at Vanguard, including Investment Services Support Lead and Associate. Scott attended the University of South Carolina where he studied Finance. He is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), as awarded by the Association for Financial Professionals.

• Dubos Masson, Ph.D, CTP, CertICM, President, The Treasury Academy
• Raymond Vines, CTP - Part Time Treasurer, Treasury Consultant, Trainer - Turningpoint Communications

Monday, April 13th
9:45am - 10:45am
Davis 3

Session Description

• Chapter 10: Introduction to Working Capital Management
• Chapter 11: Working Capital Metrics

Speaker Information

D.J. Masson, Ph.D., is President of The Treasury Academy, a training and consulting firm specializing in treasury management, international finance, business forecasting, and risk management. Over the past 25 years, D.J. has provided business and financial consulting and training services to a wide variety of corporations, financial institutions, and not-for-profit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. He is currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Finance at Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business and is a trainer and curriculum developer for programs with Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), GT News and Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) in the U.K, and Citibank’s Global Transactions Services unit. D.J. has extensive experience in developing curriculum for a wide range of teaching and training environments, both residential and on-line. He has developed classes and taught at all levels of higher education: undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA, and in-house, custom-designed courses. D.J. has worked with professional associations to develop workshop, training materials, and certification programs in the areas of Treasury Management, Credit Management, Global Cash Management, Financial Forecasting, Commercial Banking, and Risk Management. D. J.’s educational background includes a B.A. in Business from the University of New Orleans and an MBA and Ph.D. in Finance from Indiana University. D.J. earned his Certified Cash Manager (CCM/CTP) credential in 1988. D.J. also earned the Cert ICM, an international cash management certification, from the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) in the UK in 1999.

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Ray Vines brings 30 years of corporate treasury experience (and honesty) to bear for Turningpoint Communications’ treasury management sales trainees, customers, customers’ clients and other key constituents as the “voice of the client” for programs, documentation and high-touch client experiences. Ray is also an instructor for the Association for Financial Professionals’ (AFP) Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), Treasury Learning System instructor-led courses, educating hundreds of prospective CTP candidates each spring and fall for Rice University and the University of Texas. Formerly, Ray served as Director of Treasury for Dean Foods in Dallas for seven years, where he was responsible for leading treasury operations and his team, managing internal and external relationships and continuous process improvement. Prior to Dean Foods, Ray spent 20 years at RadioShack as Director of Treasury Operations. Ray is an active participant in enhancing the role of treasury management as an industry and career through his participation on industry roundtables and his leadership of the Dallas AFP, including his role as past president of the . Ray co-chaired the award-winning TEXPO conference in Dallas in 2018, leading all technological, marketing and communications aspects of the conference and is a key member of the content team for #DallasTEXPO2023. Ray holds a B.S. in Finance and MS in Accounting from the University of Texas and is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP). Ray is also a WSET Level 3 Advanced (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Wine and Spirits Certified instructor, and customizes courses in wine/spirits etiquette for financial audiences and executives.