Learn how the Bureau is contemplating issues related to consumer debt and debt relief, particularly as Americans are still coping with the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Global spending on cybersecurity products and services is expected to total $1.75T between 2021 and 2025. And yet, more companies are at risk as the vulnerabilities never seem to end. Is our digital world destined to become even more dangerous? Or, are there simple things as business leaders we can do to re-frame the problem and focus our teams on a better approach? In this session, learn about the less-discussed risk factors, complacency, and weak controls which increase the risk of cyber-attack. More importantly, learn what you can do to start changing the odds.

Max Steinhorn, Senior Consultant, Quadrant Strategies

Max Steinhorn, a veteran researcher at Quadrant Strategies, discusses focus groups of financial influencers, policymakers, and consumer advocates, highlighting and expanding upon their opinions of debt settlement, how their views can be changed, as well as the rebrand opportunity.

Todd Zywicki has spent decades analyzing the economic current and regulatory environment impacting everything from American families in far-flung communities to Fortune 500 companies.  Learn from his experience as he discusses debt, law, bankruptcy, the CFPB and the best strategies to communicate with regulators.

Licensing for Debt Settlement Companies- Applications, Bonds and Advice

Yarly Franco, Paralegal, Greenspoon Marder LLP

Learn about the requirements for debt settlement license applications, how to prepare for and apply for state licensing, including the most current update on the newest licensing state of Virginia.

Certification Requirements- Answers to Who, Where, When and Why

Renauld Smith, Executive Director, IAPDA Certification

Are you aware that 7 states require every staff member who has contact with a client must be certified? In this breakout session you will learn if your company is compliant and if not how to get ready. We will talk about the seven states that require certification and the other six that highly recommend and why. Why we see this trend being implemented in more states.  We will also talk about who within your company needs to be certified moving forward.

State of the Debt Settlement Industry

Michael Lamm, Managing Partner, Corporate Advisory Solutions
Join Michael Lamm, Managing Partner from Corporate Advisory Solutions who will be hosting a break out room to discuss the current economic trends impacting consumers and how he sees the market shifting in 2022 and beyond.  He will also touch upon M&A and valuation trends as well as compliance issues impacting the industry at large.

The Economics of the Wholesale Business Model – Launching a Front End

Ken Wandstrat, Independent Consultant

Are you considering opening a debt settlement front end business?  What is on your checklist of things to do in launching your front end or “wholesale” debt settlement business?  What are the typical cost and revenue sources for your spreadsheets?  How soon can you be profitable?  What are the best companies for forging partnerships?  We will discuss these questions and more in our breakout session with consultant and 20 year industry veteran, Ken Wandstrat.

As the leading expert on debt settlement compliance and regulation Mr. Birnbaum, the President of the American Fair Credit Council will update professionals on the current ‘State of Debt Settlement.” Awareness of newly implemented state laws, consumer protections and how new relief approaches will impact both consumers and settlement organizations is a must. Find out what to expect from the CFPB, FTC and state regulators regarding licensing requirements for this industry as well as new marketing approaches to adjust to new compliance issues.

Given recent economic trends, especially during the pandemic, consumers in debt have been through an emotional rollercoaster with many highs and lows. During this presentation, we will hear about these current trends and how this is affecting consumers in their decision making when seeking debt relief. We will then hear how National Debt Relief uses these insights to create an optimal and empathetic experience for their clients, which in turn leads to loyalty and engagement.

Moderator:
Steven Boms, President, Allon Advocacy
Panelists:
Robert Linderman, Executive Board Member, AFCC
Dan Frazier, CEO, Century Support Services
Michael Goldenberg, Chief Financial Officer, National Debt Relief
Jason Pack, Chief Operations Officer, Freedom Financial Network
Robby Birnbaum, Partner, Greenspoon Marder LLP
Michael Thurman, Founder, Thurman Legal