Digital Asset Symposium 2026

VIRTUAL EVENT | MAY 5, 2026

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About the event

On May 5th, the Digital Assets Symposium delivers a day packed with knowledge, networking and no-hype learning, teaching you how to make the most of the opportunities inherent in crypto and digital assets while countering financial crime threats. 

The Symposium features five learning sessions, a stacked roster of experts, and deep dives into hot topics ranging from spotting crypto scams to managing sanctions threats in digital assets.  

The digital asset sector is a diverse and rapidly developing field, and it’s likely you have some questions! That’s why all sessions are built with interaction and dialogue in mind, from extended Q&A to case studies and short practical exercises. You’ll also leave with resource guides, job aids and practical takeaways to help with further learning and development. You’ll learn: 

  • How law enforcement is taking on the growing threat of pig butchering scams, and how the financial sector can help supercharge these efforts
  • How sanctions evaders are turning to stablecoins at scale, and how to adapt your sanctions compliance program to counter them
  • How the traditional finance sector is increasingly integrated with digital assets, and what that means for your AML and fincrime programs
  • And much more

Who should attend

Now in its sixth year, the symposium has drawn a healthy mix of crypto firms, fintechs, law enforcement, regulators and traditional financial institutions (especially banks, MSBs and securities firms). It’s a gathering point for new and old players in the financial industry to meet, exchange ideas and push things forward in financial crime risk management.  

The symposium is designed for those with mid-level and advanced experience in compliance, investigations and enforcement primarily at financial institutions, fintechs and virtual asset service providers (VASP).  

That said, nearly anyone with responsibility for financial crime prevention and detection will find value. Some examples include:  

  • Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) officers, managers, and analysts
  • AML officers, managers, directors, analysts
  • Directors, analysts, and other roles in financial intelligence units
  • Chief Compliance Officers
  • Internal and external auditors
  • Fraud managers, investigators, and analysts
  • Professionals in threat intelligence roles
  • Law enforcement
  • Regulators
  • Investigators or analysts in intelligence agencies or military with a nexus to financial crime

Why attend

With up to 5.5 continuing education credits, a stacked roster of expert presenters from the crypto sector, regulatory agencies and law enforcement, and topics that help you excel on the job, this is the event you need to be ready for digital asset disruption. In a jam-packed day you'll find:  

  • Content and training for all levels of crypto knowledge - Whether you’re crypto-curious or a blockchain pro, you’ll find something of value in an event that’s designed for a broad range of expertise. 

  • Dynamic conversations with the member community - All sessions feature Q&A and interactivity, polling resource guides, and more. Jump in the chat and join in the polls to learn what’s top of mind for the global ACFCS member community! 

  • Connections to build your career – Make connections on the event platform, hear hiring and career trends from speakers, and help your career take off in fincrime and digital assets compliance.  

New for 2026, we’re bringing longer sessions to take a deeper dive on core issues in the digital assets sector, including the intersections of traditional finance and stablecoins, countering crypto investment fraud, and more. We’ll also be giving you insights on the Digital Assets Compliance Specialization, and a preview of the DACS Live Prep course coming May 12 – 14.

Register

This event is complimentary to members. Not a member? Become a member today!
Use code DAS26 for 10% off at check out.

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1 Year ACFCS Membership

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1 Year ACFCS Membership
Government

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Interested in more?
Purchase DACS by May 8 for complimentary access to the 3-day DACS Live virtual prep!
Or purchase the DACS Live separately.

Digital Asset Compliance
Specialization (Member)

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Digital Asset Compliance
Specialization (Non-Member)

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DACS Live Virtual Prep

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Agenda

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET
Beating the Butchers - Taking Down Transnational Crypto Scams

The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report paints a grim picture of efforts to combat the global scam epidemic. Last year, reported losses to crypto-related scams topped $11 billion, with real losses thought to be significantly higher. Behind those eye-watering sums are sophisticated transnational scam rings who have industrialized fraud using digital assets, impacting victims around the globe.
 
What’s the bright spot in this gloomy picture? Enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts against scammers, deploying international takedowns and crypto seizures on an unprecedented scale. On this session, hear from FBI Supervisory Special Agent Rachel Cartwright as she provides insights on law enforcement’s push to take down pig butchers, and how the private sector can help.
 
Learning Objectives
 
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
 
  • How law enforcement is deploying tools like sophisticated blockchain analytics to identify and seize assets tied to crypto scams
  • How pig butchering and related scams involving digital assets are evolving, and that threats law enforcement are tracking
  • How financial institutions and private sector professionals can help provide actionable intelligence and support to law enforcement
  • And more

10:05 AM - 10:50 AM ET
Crypto, Concealment and Crime: Money Laundering in Digital Assets

As digital assets continue to reshape global finance, they are also creating new opportunities for criminals to move and disguise illicit funds. This session explores how money laundering operates in the digital asset ecosystem, from the use of exchanges, mixers, privacy-enhancing tools, cross-chain bridges, and decentralized platforms to more complex layering strategies designed to obscure the source of funds. Attendees will examine how illicit actors exploit blockchain technology, where the key vulnerabilities lie, and how investigators, compliance teams, and regulators are responding. The session will provide practical insight into typologies, red flags, and the evolving controls needed to detect and disrupt laundering activity in digital assets.
 
Learning Objectives
  • Identify common money laundering typologies involving digital assets, including layering, obfuscation, and movement across platforms.
  • Recognize key red flags associated with illicit activity in crypto transactions, wallets, and related services.
  • Understand how criminals use emerging tools such as mixers, bridges, DeFi platforms, and privacy features to conceal funds.
  • Evaluate effective compliance, investigative, and risk mitigation strategies for detecting and addressing money laundering in digital assets.
 

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM ET
Senior Investor Protection in an Era of Crypto, Scams and Imposter Sites

As financial criminals adapt their tactics to exploit new technologies and trusted relationships, seniors and other vulnerable adults remain prime targets for investment fraud and financial exploitation. This session will explore the evolving landscape of elder financial exploitation, including how scams involving imposter sites, impersonation, romance fraud, grandparent schemes, and crypto-related investment opportunities are affecting senior investors. Attendees will gain insight into why older adults are disproportionately targeted, how fraudulent websites and digital platforms are used to build false credibility, and how firms and regulators are responding. The session will also examine emerging risks tied to digital assets and discuss practical measures, regulatory tools, and industry approaches designed to detect, prevent, and respond to suspicious activity involving senior and vulnerable investors.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify common typologies of elder financial exploitation, including imposter sites, impersonation schemes, romance scams, grandparent scams, and crypto-related investment fraud targeting seniors.
  • Explain why senior and vulnerable investors are particularly susceptible to financial exploitation and recognize key behavioral, digital, and transactional red flags.
  • Understand how fraudulent websites, fake investment platforms, and other deceptive online tactics are used to exploit trust and facilitate scams.
  • Assess effective practices, controls, and regulatory tools that can strengthen senior investor protection in a rapidly evolving fraud landscape.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ET
From TradFi to Crypto: Comparing Key Compliance Requirements

As traditional financial institutions deepen their engagement with digital assets, the compliance landscape is rapidly evolving and the gaps between TradFi and crypto are narrowing faster than ever. This panel brings together a financial advisor, a crypto exchange compliance professional, and a bank compliance officer to examine what happens when two worlds collide.
 
This session will focus on the areas where traditional finance and cryptocurrency are converging most quickly: the rise of stablecoins as a bridge between legacy payment systems and blockchain rails, and the growing demand from banks and institutional investors for regulated crypto asset custody. Panelists will explore how compliance frameworks built for conventional financial products are being stress-tested, adapted, and sometimes reinvented to meet the unique risks posed by digital assets.
 
For financial crime prevention professionals, this convergence creates both new challenges and new opportunities from applying BSA/AML obligations to novel asset classes, to understanding how Know Your Customer (KYC) practices differ across institutional and crypto-native environments.
 
Learning Objectives
 
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
 
  • Compare AML/BSA compliance frameworks across traditional financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges, identifying key similarities, gaps, and regulatory expectations in each environment.
  • Explain the compliance implications of stablecoins for both banks and crypto platforms, including transaction monitoring challenges, counterparty risk, and how stablecoins are being treated under evolving regulatory guidance.
  • Describe the risk and compliance considerations of institutional crypto custody, including how banks entering the custody space must reconcile traditional safekeeping obligations with the technical and legal realities of digital asset ownership.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Speed Networking

Coming Soon

 

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Trading Tomorrow: Prediction Markets, Crypto, and Financial Crime Risk

Prediction markets are rapidly gaining traction at the intersection of finance, technology, and public sentiment, creating new opportunities as well as new compliance and financial crime challenges. As these platforms increasingly overlap with digital assets, regulators, investigators, and compliance professionals must grapple with evolving questions around market integrity, customer risk, sanctions exposure, fraud, and the misuse of decentralized or pseudonymous payment rails.
 
This session will explore how prediction markets work, why they are attracting renewed attention, and where the key financial crime vulnerabilities may emerge. Attendees will gain practical insight into the risks tied to crypto-funded participation, cross-border activity, beneficial ownership opacity, and the potential use of these platforms for fraud, manipulation, and illicit finance. The discussion will also examine the regulatory landscape and highlight considerations for firms seeking to balance innovation with effective oversight.
 
Learning Objectives
 
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
 
  • Explain how prediction markets operate and how they intersect with crypto and digital asset ecosystems.
  • Identify key financial crime risks associated with prediction markets, including fraud, market manipulation, sanctions risk, and illicit fund flows.
  • Assess how pseudonymity, cross-border activity, and emerging platform models can complicate compliance and investigations.
  • Recognize practical regulatory and risk management considerations for organizations monitoring or engaging with prediction market activity.

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM ET
Digital Asset Compliance Specialization (DACS) Q&A Session

Are you ready to expand your knowledge of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, hone your financial crime compliance skills, and open new doors for your career?
 
The Digital Assets Compliance Specialization (DACS) is a comprehensive, multi-level learning program designed to equip financial crime compliance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets.
 
The DACS program takes learners on a journey from fundamental knowledge on blockchain basics to advanced strategies for risk mitigation and compliance oversight in the digital assets and crypto ecosystem.
 
Join this interactive session to learn:
 
  • Career trends in the crypto and digital assets sector, and why professionals should consider focusing on digital assets
  • What the DACS program covers and core content areas
  • Key knowledge and skills you’ll develop by completing the DACS program
  • Who should pursue the DACS and what job roles will benefit from it
  • And more

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Live Only: Digital Evasion - Sanctions Compliance and Risk in Digital Assets

Coming Soon

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM ET
Closing Remarks with ACFCS

Close out the Digital Assets Symposium 2026 by joining the ACFCS staff for closing remarks.

Featured Speakers

Antonio Alvarez

Chief Compliance Officer
Crypto.com

Catherine Walsh

Sr Principal Investigator, Crypto Assets
FINRA

Hillary Rosenberg

Chief Enterprise Compliance Officer and Head of Regulatory Regulations
Valley Bank

Jas Randhawa

CEO and Managing Partner
StrategyBRIX

Jessica Rhee

Compliance Officer
OFAC

Joe Ciccolo

Founder
BitAML

Lauren Benjamin

CCO / BSA Officer
Kraken

Michael Paskin

VAST Manager
FINRA
A woman in a suit smiling, with an American flag in the background.

Rachel Cartwright

Special Agent
FBI

DACS Live Instructors

Joe Ciccolo

Founder
BitAML

Ervin Zubic

Founder
blockquiry

Pamela Clegg

Head of Growth Strategy
Inca Digital

Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register?

For Members Only Events Membership is your ticket!

If you're already a member please login to your Learning Portal and complete the event registration on your home page.

If you're not yet a member, please purchase membership to gain access to the event registration. Check out all the benefits of being a member here: Learn More about Membership

Can we register as a group?

For groups of 10 or more please reach out for more information on group rates: Contact Us Here

Can I cancel my registration?

E-learning services are intangible goods. As such, they are impossible to return once accessed, and we cannot provide any refunds for purchased e-learning products. Refunds will only be provided in instances where we are unable to provide you with the e-learning package that you purchased from us. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions to learn more.

When should I register?

For the smoothest user experience, we recommend registering for the event at least 2 business days prior to the event start.

I registered on or after the event start date, when will I get access to the platform?

An email with your unique platform login credentials will be sent via email from the Grip domain.

For day-of or mid-event registration: If you do not receive this email within 1 hour of registering, please reach out to eventsupport@acfcs.org for assistance with your credentials.

How many credits could I earn for attending the event?

Attendees will earn up to 5.5 credits for attening the full event.

Access

How do I access the virtual event platform?

An email with your unique platform login credentials will be sent via email from the Grip domain.

You can access the Grip Login Page here: Digital Asset Symposium 2026 Event Login (Coming Soon)

For day-of or mid-event registration: If you do not receive this email within 1 hour of registering, please reach out to eventsupport@acfcs.org for assistance with your credentials.

What if I lose my login credentials?

Use the "Forgot Password" feature on the login page.
If you are still have difficulty logging in, please contact our support team at eventsupport@acfcs.org.

When can I access the virtual event platform?

The event platform opens 1-2 weeks prior to the event start.

Will I have access to the content after the event?

Content will be accessible through the Grip platform for up to 1 week following the event. All recorded sessions will be available in the learning portal for members within 1 week of the event end date.

Technical Requirements

What devices can I use to join the virtual event?

Supported Devices

Desktop or laptop computer (recommended for best experience)
iPad or Android tablet
iPhone or Android smartphone

Which browsers work best for the virtual platform?

Recommended Browsers

Google Chrome (preferred browser)
Mozilla Firefox (latest version)

Will I need to download any software?

Software Requirements

No additional software download required for browser access

Optional Grip mobile app available for:
iOS devices (iOS 13.0 or later)
Android devices (Android 8.0 or later)

Will I need audio / video capabilities?

Audio/Video Requirements

  • Webcam or built-in camera for video meetings
  • Microphone (built-in or external)
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Recommended: Headset with microphone for best audio quality

Internet Connection

  • Minimum speed: 1.5 Mbps upload/download
  • Recommended: 5+ Mbps for optimal video quality
  • Wired connection preferred over WiFi when possible

System Requirements

  • Windows 10 or later
  • macOS 10.14 or later
  • 4GB RAM minimum
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent (i5 or better recommended)

Additional Recommendations

  • Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
  • Ensure your device is plugged in or fully charged
  • Test your audio/video setup before important meetings
  • Have a backup device ready if possible

During the Event

How do I ask questions during sessions?

Questions should be submitted through the Q&A box available on screen during the live session.

What if I experience technical difficulties during the event?

Some trouble shooting tips:

Refresh your screen
Close additional tabs
Use Chrome or Firefox browsers
Log out and log back in
Access the session through an incognito window

If you need additional assistance, please contact eventsupport@acfcs.org

How can I network with other attendees?

Smart Matches
Find your recommended connections in the "Recommended" tab
Get matched with people who share your interests
View profiles and send meeting requests
Receive new suggestions daily

Schedule 1:1 Video Meetings
Click "Meet" on someone's profile
Choose an available time slot
Add a short message
Join the video meeting through the automatic link

Message Other Attendees
Use the chat feature to start conversations
Respond to messages in your inbox
Connect with speakers after sessions

Speed Networking
Join scheduled speed networking sessions
Meet new people in quick 3-5 minute video chats
Get matched automatically with other participants
Choose to extend conversations or schedule follow-ups
Move to the next match when the timer ends

Engage During Live Sessions
Chat with other attendees during presentations
Ask questions through Q&A
Connect with people who share your interests
Message speakers and fellow attendees

Tips for Success
Complete your profile with a photo and bio
Respond to meeting requests promptly
Join at least one group discussion
Follow up with your new connections
Export your contacts after the event

How do I access the recording of a previous session?

To access a previous session:

  1. Go to the "Schedule" or "Content" tab
  2. Click on "On-Demand" or "Previous Sessions"
  3. Locate the session you want to watch
  4. Click "Watch Recording"
  5. Use the video player controls to navigate the content

Why do I have to provide my details after adding a session to my schedule?

The Grip events platform works with existing webinar platforms to host the agenda. Because of this, you will be asked to provide additional information for the webinar platform (first, last, and email) for each session. Please be sure to provide your full name and email in order for your certificate of completion to be credited correctly.

Where do I find my Certificate of Participation?

Certificates of Participation are available following the session as long as 80% of the session was viewed. This is available on screen during the session. Following the completion of the event certificates for specific sessions can be located within the session in the ACFCS learning portal.

Why are there sessions unavailable for On-Demand viewing?

Some sessions may not be recording due to the sensitive nature of information being shared. Such sessions are conducted under the Chatham House Rule and will be marked in the agenda as a Live Only.

When a meeting is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information they receive, but they may not reveal the identity or affiliation of any other participant who shared that information.

In practice, this means:

  • You can share what was discussed in the meeting
  • You can share any information or insights you learned
  • You can act on the information received
  • You cannot disclose who said what
  • You cannot reveal which organizations were represented by particular views or comments

Event Platform: Grip

How do I access the Grip platform?

You'll receive a welcome email with a unique link to access the platform. Click the link and set up your password. You can then access the platform through the event homepage or download the Grip mobile app.

How do I set up my Grip profile?

After logging in:

  1. Upload a professional photo
  2. Add your job title and company
  3. Include your professional interests
  4. Set your networking objectives
  5. Add your LinkedIn profile (optional)

Who can see my profile information?

By default, only registered event participants can view your basic profile. You can adjust your visibility settings in your profile preferences.

How do I schedule meetings with other attendees?

To schedule a meeting:

  1. Find an attendee through the "Networking" tab
  2. Click "Meet" on their profile
  3. Select an available time slot
  4. Choose virtual meeting room or text chat
  5. Add a personalized message
  6. Wait for confirmation

Can I create my own schedule?

Yes, you can:

  • Browse the "Schedule" tab
  • Click the star icon to bookmark sessions
  • View your personalized agenda in "My Schedule"

In what time zone is the schedule displayed?

All times are displayed in Eastern Time, but the platform will automatically show session times in your local time zone once you log in.

What if I miss part of a session?

Live sessions can be accessed at any point during the live session or viewed in full on demand.

To access a previous session:

  1. Go to the "Schedule" or "Content" tab
  2. Click on "On-Demand" or "Previous Sessions"
  3. Locate the session you want to watch
  4. Click "Watch Recording"
  5. Use the video player controls to navigate the content

Additional Support

Where can I find help during the event?

Support is available through multiple channels:
- Help desk email: eventsupport@acfcs.org
- FAQ section in the platform
- Orientation Video

What if I forgot to download my certificates?

Certificates will be available in the learning portal following the end of the event. Just search for the session you missed and download your certificate.

Where do I find more information on CFCS?

Interested in getting certified? Find more information here: CFCS Certification Overview

Where do I find more information on Enterprise and Group pricing?

Interested in getting an Enterprise or Group Package? Find more information here for groups of 10 or more : Enterprise Solutions and Groups

Speakers, Sponsors, and Contributors: How do I get involved with ACFCS?

How do I become a speaker?

Interested in Speaking at an ACFCS event? Tell us more!
Complete a Speaker Interest Form Here!

How do I become an event sponsor?

Interested in Sponsoring a future ACFCS Event?

Check out our Sponsors page to learn more or fill out this form to get in touch.

How do I become a contributor?

State Your Case Podcast
Do you have an interesting financial crime case that you have worked on? Has it been adjudicated and is ready for prime time? Whether you are public or private sector we want to hear from you! Check out the State Your Case Podcast Interest Form here!

Want more learning?

Check out our upcoming events, webinars and eLearning opportunities

Find more ACFCS offerings on the ACFCS Storefront →

What everyone is saying...

The CFCS tests the skills necessary to fight financial crime. It's comprehensive. Passing it should be considered a mark of high achievement, distinguishing qualified experts in this growing specialty area.

KENNETH E. BARDEN 

CFCS, Washington, DC

The exam tests one's ability to apply concepts in practical scenarios. Passing it can be a great asset for professionals in the converging disciplines of financial crime.

DANIEL DWAIN

CFCS, Chief Compliance Officer, Cidel Bank & Trust Inc. New York, NY

The Exam is far-reaching. I love that the questions are scenario based. I recommend it to anyone in the financial crime detection and prevention profession.

BECKI LAPORTE
CFCS, Principal - AML Strategy and Innovation, FinScan, Atlanta, GA

This certification comes at a very ripe time. Professionals can no longer get away with having siloed knowledge. Compliance is all-encompassing and enterprise-driven.

KATYA GOZIAS
CFCS, Los Angeles, CA

Read More Success Stories