Day 1 of #RISK New York was an undeniable success, delivering on its promise of cutting-edge insights and dynamic discussions that explored the very pulse of Governance, Risk, and Compliance. From the moment registration opened at 8:30 AM, attendees immersed themselves in a packed agenda, grappling with the pivotal issues shaping our digital future.
A core theme resonating throughout Day 1 was the dual nature of data. As one delegate succinctly put it, “data is both our greatest asset and our biggest vulnerability.” This sentiment was echoed across sessions, particularly as “AI initiatives accelerating and regulations tightening, the need for secure, compliant, and fast access to data has never been more critical.” Panels like “The $500 Billion Question: How Trump’s AI Investment Could Transform GRC and Risk Management” set the tone early, with Jake Bernardes, Charitarth Bharti, and Christopher Mason delving into the implications for data security and corporate accountability.
The complexities of AI risk management were a recurring thread. Discussions highlighted the challenge of traditional leadership, with a delegate noting, “I am struggling with the idea that technical leaders need to lead GRC. AI risk is an interdisciplinary team sport. Full stop.” Dr. Mark Brady’s session on “The Two Singularities and the Six Laws of Safe AI” offered crucial mechanisms to “take back control of our technology, and overcome the risks.”
The strategic evolution of GRC was also a key takeaway, with a powerful observation that “a future GRC will bear little resemblance to the past, as it accelerates out of the back office to the Board room.” This focus on strategic value extended to “The Strategic Edge: Leveraging GRC for Long-Term Success” moderated by the “Father of GRC,” Michael Rasmussen, exploring how GRC frameworks enhance decision-making and foster innovation. The interconnectedness of integrity and risk was powerfully articulated: “Risk and business integrity stand at a monumental crossroads in 2025, and it is incredibly inspiring to see organizations where business integrity and risk management are intrinsically linked.”
Finally, the emerging threat of sophisticated digital fraud was starkly acknowledged, with one delegate predicting, “The ability of voice cloning and deep fakes is going to force a new path for trust and verification.” Sessions like “From Headlines to Action: What Real-World Events Reveal About Effective E&C Programs” with Erica Salmon Bryne and Bill Coffin, and panels on “Navigating Third-Party Risks,” provided practical insights into building resilience.
Day 2 Preview: Innovation, Identity, and the Future of GRC!
The excitement continues to build for an equally compelling Day 2 at #RISK New York, featuring pivotal discussions and a very special celebration!
Kicking off the day at 9:30 AM, “Using AI to Supercharge Risk Management” will explore how AI moves risk management directly into business operations, promising efficiencies and greater ROI, featuring Tom Fox, Vincent Walden, Carl Hahn, and Matt Galvin.
At 10:15 AM, don’t miss the much-anticipated keynote, “The Future of Business, the Future of GRC,” by Michael Rasmussen, the “Father of GRC.” He’ll delve into how organizations can “chart a course that navigates risks intelligently, aligns with strategic objectives, and fosters resilience”, embracing calculated risk-taking as the path to success.
Later, at 11:00 AM, “AI at the Speed of Fraud: Real-Time AML & Risk Management for the Next Era” will tackle how organizations can leverage advanced technologies against accelerating fraud, with insights from Johnnie Adkins, Lisa Barksdale, and Gwendolyn Hassan. This is followed at 11:45 AM by Matt Kelly’s session on “AI Governance for Modern Risks,” delving into the challenging concepts of guiding AI adoption fruitfully and the emerging regulatory landscape.
A Special 17th Birthday Celebration: Jesse Tayler’s “App Store Origins” Keynote!
At 1:00 PM, prepare for a truly unique session as Jesse Tayler, Founder & CTO of TruAnon and the visionary Inventor of the App Store, presents “App Store Origins: Anti-Fraud from Music Rights to Digital Identity.” This session holds extra significance as July 10th marks the 17th Birthday of the App Store! Join us to celebrate this digital landmark while gaining a historical and forward-looking perspective on how anti-fraud principles evolved from music rights to today’s complex digital identity challenges.
Following this at 1:30 PM, Tom Hardin (“Tipper X”) and Stan Yakoff will guide you through “Applying Behavioral Science & Lessons Learned to Designing Effective GRC Programs.”
The afternoon continues with Jules Polonetsky (CEO, Future of Privacy Forum) at 2:00 PM, exploring “Navigating Data Protection and AI Regulation in a Time of Change,” discussing the role of PETS and agentic AI in privacy.
At 2:45 PM, Michael Rasmussen returns to moderate “The Shifting Sands of Cyber Risk: Protecting Financial Institutions,” alongside Anne Higgins, Sandeep Bhide, and Aaron Jensen. This is followed at 3:15 PM by another panel moderated by Michael Rasmussen, “EU Regulations as a Strategic Compass for US Companies,” with Kayne McGladrey and Metin Kortak, discussing strategic advantages of aligning with EU standards.
Day 2 concludes with “Shaping GRC Strategy: Navigating Risks in a New Political Reality” at 3:45 PM, featuring Kyle Martin, Christine Ayako Schleppegrell, Christopher Mason, and Lisa Barksdale, exploring how GRC adapts to political shifts.
#RISK New York promises another day of transformative insights. Don’t miss a moment!
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