2026 SCTA

Conference Speakers

2026 Keynote Speakers

Chris Tarbell and Hector Monsegur

Cyber Security Experts, Former Adversaries, and Leading Voices on Cyber Threats and Digital Security

As the cash ecosystem evolves to become smarter, more connected, and increasingly technology-driven, the need for security, resilience, and trust has never been greater. At the 2026 SCTA Conference, attendees will hear from two of the most compelling and unconventional voices in cybersecurity today: Chris Tarbell and Hector Monsegur.

What happens when one of the world’s most infamous former hackers joins forces with the FBI agent who brought him down? Together, Tarbell and Monsegur deliver a gripping, eye-opening keynote that explores cyber risk from both sides of the digital battlefield. Their extraordinary story—rooted in real-world cybercrime investigations, global security threats, and unlikely collaboration—offers audiences a rare insider perspective on the evolving threat landscape organizations face today.

Chris Tarbell is the former FBI special agent credited with infiltrating Anonymous and leading investigations into some of the most notorious cybercriminal operations in history, including the takedown of Silk Road. With nearly two decades in law enforcement and extensive experience in the FBI’s elite cybercrime division, Tarbell is regarded as one of the foremost experts on cyber investigations, digital threats, and organizational security strategy.

Formerly known online as “Sabu,” Hector Monsegur was once the technical leader behind the Anonymous and LulzSec hacker collectives, exposing vulnerabilities in governments, military systems, and major corporations around the world. Today, Monsegur is an internationally recognized cybersecurity expert who works with organizations across healthcare, finance, technology, and government to strengthen cyber defenses and prevent attacks before they happen.

Together, Tarbell and Monsegur provide audiences with a powerful and highly relevant look at cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world. Through firsthand stories, practical insights, and candid discussion, they examine the vulnerabilities facing businesses and institutions today, and the critical steps leaders must take to protect infrastructure, operations, and customer trust in the future cash ecosystem.

Their keynote is both entertaining and deeply informative, offering SCTA attendees an unforgettable session on risk, resilience, innovation, and the future of secure commerce.

2026 Speakers

Alex Bau

VP, FedCash Services, Insights & Analysis, , Federal Reserve Financial Services

Shaheen Chaudhri

CISA, Cybersecurity Advisor, Department of Homeland Security

Shonda Clay

First Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Tom J. Dolan

Director of Open Source Intelligence, Lowers & Associates

Jon D. Groussman J.D.

President, Lowers & Associates

Isabella Hindley

Associate, Ulman Public Policy

Laura Jones

President, U.S. Bank Cash Management Services; SCTA Board Member

D. Mark Lowers, CFE

Chief Executive Officer, Lowers Risk Group; SCTA Board Member

Frane Maroevic

Director General, International Currency Association

Greg Nichols

VP, National Operations and Resilience – FedCash Services, Federal Reserve Financial Services 

Constantine "Dean" Nickas

Partner/Shareholder, Wicker Smith Law Firm

Guillaume Nonain

President of ESTA

Pat Otero

CFO, Loomis Armored US

Jim Petit

SCTA President – President, Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology America, Inc.

David N. Tente

Executive Director, USA & Americas, ATMIA

Jeffrey Thinnes

President, JTI, Inc.

Andreas Von Loeper

International Currency Association

Stay Informed

Subscribe to our newsletter and other industry related news and updates from the SCTA.

Alex Bau, Federal Reserve Financial Services

Vice President FedCash Services, Insights & Analysis

Alexander joined the Federal Reserve in 2010. He has spent 16 years in FedCash Services, which formulates policies and strategies for currency and coin services provided by all Reserve Banks across the United States and internationally. His responsibilities include leading research and analysis related to cash’s role in society, the evolution of the cash supply chain, and how these changes may affect how the Federal Reserve meets its FedCash mission over time. In addition, Alexander is responsible for the administration and review of key components of the Federal Reserve’s cash policies.

Shaheen Chaudhri, CISA Dept of Homeland Security

Cybersecurity Advisor

Shonda Clay, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

First Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Shonda Clay is first vice president and chief operating officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, effective March 1, 2026. In this role, Clay oversees the operational and financial performance of the Chicago Fed, including its branch in Detroit. As the second-ranking officer of the Bank, she serves as vice chair of the Bank’s Executive Committee and works closely with senior leaders in Chicago and across the Federal Reserve. Clay also supports the Chicago Fed president in the execution of monetary policy responsibilities.

Previously, she was executive vice president at the Chicago Fed and chief product and relationship officer for Federal Reserve Financial Services (FRFS), leading integrated product development for the Federal Reserve’s portfolio of payment products and FRFS engagement and communications with financial institutions and the broader industry. Before that, Clay was executive vice president and product manager of the Customer Relations and Support Office headquartered at the Chicago Fed. She joined the Federal Reserve in 1991.

Tom J. Dolan, Lowers & Associates

Director of Open Source Intelligence

Tom oversees the Research & Analysis division at Lowers & Associates, leading specialized background investigations, due diligence, threat assessments, business intelligence, and open-source intelligence initiatives. He also serves on the firm’s Expert Witness Litigation Team, providing legal case review and litigation support. With extensive experience in risk management, investigations, and claims handling, Tom ensures investigative work meets the highest standards of accuracy and quality. His expertise helps organizations make informed decisions and mitigate complex risks.

Jon D. Groussman J.D., Lowers & Associates

President

Jon Groussman is a recognized authority on corporate security management. He leads Lowers Risk Group’s consulting practice to provide a broad range of crime-mitigation consulting, expert witness, and litigation support services to companies and their security and risk management leaders and legal counsel. Jon has consulted with teams at multiple Fortune 100 companies to create corporate risk matrices and implement corresponding security programs designed to reduce risks, including at two of the largest Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) in the US. During his career, he has been retained as an expert witness in 1,500+ negligent security claims.

Isabella Hindley, Ulman Public Policy

Associate

Isabella Hindley is an associate with Ulman Public Policy. Her work with the National Armored Car Association (NACA) includes monitoring and analyzing legislation, working with lawmakers to advance relevant policy, drafting materials to engage NACA’s members on legislative and regulatory issues, and working with coalitions and associations to promote the needs of the armored car industry. Before joining Ulman Public Policy, Isabella worked as the Labor Market and Immigration Policy Analyst at the American Action Forum. Isabella is a graduate of Elon University and holds a degree in Economics.

Laura Jones, US Bank

President, Cash Management Services, US Bank; SCTA Board Member

Laura Jones is President of U.S. Bank Cash Management Services, overseeing strategic sales, product innovation, operations, and risk management for a leading cash and armored logistics provider. With over 20 years in cash solutions and electronic payments, her leadership has driven business growth and industry innovation. In addition to her leadership role, Laura is a licensed attorney and has previously served as Senior Business Line Risk Manager and Corporate Counsel for U.S. Bank.

A respected voice in the industry, she frequently shares her insights as a speaker at conferences as well as authoring documents on topics including ATM security and the benefits of outsourcing ATM cash management. She is a founding board member of the Secure Cash & Transport Association and serves on several industry boards. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and is a graduate of the CBA Executive Banking School for Retail Bank Management.

D. Mark Lowers, CFE, Lowers Risk Group

CEO, Lowers Risk Group; SCTA Board Member

Mark serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lowers Risk Group, a provider of enterprise-wide risk mitigation and loss prevention, employment screening, and data intelligence services through its four complementary companies: Lowers & Associates, Lowers Forensics International, Proforma Screening Solutions, and Wholesale Screening Solutions. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner and has over 30 years of experience administering risk management functions.

Frane Maroevic, International Currency Association

Director General

Greg Nichols, Federal Reserve Financial Services

Vice President National Operations and Resilience – FedCash Services

Greg Nichols serves as a Vice President with Federal Reserve Financial Services, where he leads a team responsible for overseeing currency and coin inventory management and distribution, including business continuity planning across the 200+ distribution locations (Federal Reserve operations centers, cash depots, coin terminals and depots) that service both domestic and international markets. Additionally, his responsibilities include a performance management function that continuously monitors the health of the Fed’s Cash business and provides support for FedCash® high-priority initiatives and programs. 

Constantine "Dean" Nickas, Wicker Smith Law Firm

Partner/Shareholder

Guillaume Nonain, Brinks/ESTA

President of ESTA

Guillaume Nonain is the President of ESTA and an experienced General Counsel with an international focus. Guillaume specializes in legal risk management, corporate governance, and compliance, and is qualified as an Attorney in Paris and a Solicitor in England and Wales.

Pat Otero, Loomis Armored US

Chief Financial Officer

Pat Otero is the CFO of Loomis Armored US and has racked up over 20 years of experience in the cash-handling industry. During Pat’s career, he has played a key role in the development of the company’s financial systems and controls—automating processes for greater efficiency and reliability.

Jim Petit, Currency Technology at Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)

President, G+D; SCTA President

Jim Petit is an experienced executive with over 30 years in the technology and financial services sectors. He currently serves as President of Currency Technology at Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), where he leads the Currency Management Solutions division for the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Based in the Washington D.C. Metro Area, Jim is also a Board Member and President of the Secure Cash & Transport Association (SCTA).

Jim is widely recognized as a strong advocate for Payment Choice and the ongoing importance of cash in modern economies. His leadership combines international experience, business transformation expertise, and a clear commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and trusted payment ecosystems.

David N. Tente, ATMIA

Executive Director, USA & Americas

David serves as Executive Director, USA & Americas for the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), leading the organization’s largest regional market and supporting nearly 600 member organizations worldwide. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services technology, he has specialized in payments, cash handling, ATM technology, and automated deposit solutions. He also serves as President of the ATM Security Association (ASA), where he leads industry security initiatives and oversees the global ATM crime database. David is a recognized industry expert and frequent speaker on ATM security, payments, and cash technology.

Jeffrey Thinnes, JTI, Inc.

Andreas Von Loeper, International Currency Association

Bio Coming Soon