The Sessions Every Payments Executive Needs to See at Level Up 25

Level Up 25 is the must-attend event for payments professionals who are shaping the future of the industry. With registration priced at $895 for members and room rates starting at $145, it’s a high-ROI investment in your knowledge, your team, and your organization’s bottom line. From regulatory updates to risk mitigation strategies, this year’s agenda is packed with insights designed to keep payments leaders ahead of the curve.

Here are five sessions you won’t want to miss at Level Up 25.

1. "Account Compromise (A Legal Perspective): Which Victim Bears the Loss?"

Fraudsters continue to evolve, and account takeover (ATO) and business email compromise (BEC) remain some of the most challenging threats to businesses. But when these attacks happen, who is responsible for the financial loss? Courts often struggle to allocate liability among payors, payees, and platforms, creating uncertainty in the legal landscape.

This session, tailored for C-Suite executives, legal teams, and risk managers, will examine real-world case studies, risk mitigation strategies, and legal precedents surrounding account compromises. Learn how courts have ruled on these disputes and what risk practices can shield your organization from liability.

2. "Small Business Credit Trends & Interpreting Credit Data for Merchant Onboarding"

Merchant underwriting is evolving, and payments leaders must be proactive in identifying hidden risks. With economic shifts revealing vulnerabilities in credit profiles, staying ahead of small business credit trends is more important than ever.

This session will explore how credit data analysis can optimize merchant onboarding while reducing manual reviews. Risk managers and executives will gain actionable strategies for leveraging credit reports to improve underwriting efficiency and strengthen fraud detection measures. By understanding the latest economic trends and data insights, payments leaders can make more informed decisions that protect their organizations from unnecessary exposure.

3. "The Future of FBO Accounts"

For years, For-Benefit-Of (FBO) accounts have been a go-to strategy for payments providers looking to avoid being classified as money transmitters. However, as bank-fintech partnerships grow, regulators are taking a closer look at these structures. The FDIC’s proposed rule aims to impose extensive requirements on custodial accounts, a move that could reshape how banks and fintechs operate.

This session will break down the regulatory landscape surrounding FBO accounts, the potential impact of new rules, and the best practices for navigating compliance in the payments industry. If your business relies on FBO accounts, this discussion is a must to ensure your operations remain compliant and efficient in the face of evolving regulations.

4. "A Live Journey Through a Haunted Forest Fraught with Risk"

Step into a dark and eerie forest, where fraudsters lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. This immersive session will take attendees through a real-time journey of fraud discovery, exposing the sophisticated tactics criminals use to deceive financial institutions and businesses.

You’ll witness firsthand how fraudsters can create fake bank statements, utility bills, and entire websites in a matter of minutes. Through chilling demonstrations and eye-opening videos, this session will arm payments leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to detect, prevent, and outsmart fraudsters before they cause damage.

Using proactive measures (“lanterns”) and preventative strategies (“breadcrumbs”), attendees will learn how to navigate the fraud landscape and protect their organizations from unseen threats. Will you make it out safely? Join us to find out!

5. "Visa Speaks on VERC" 

To support the implementation of the enhanced Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP),  Visa is launching a new client tool to support the updated VAMP called Visa Ecosystem Risk Central (VERC).

VERC, previously referred to as OneERS, is a modern case management system design with client experience at the forefront, creating increased insights and operational ease.  

Visa will be retiring the existing case management tool VRPT (Visa Risk Performance Tracking) on April 1, 2025.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot at Level Up 25!

Level Up 25 isn’t just a conference—it’s an opportunity to gain actionable insights, strengthen your organization, and connect with industry leaders who are shaping the future of payments.

With unparalleled educational sessions, networking opportunities, and regulatory updates, this year’s event is an investment you don’t want to miss.

📅 Save the date: March 3-7, 2025
📍Register: www.paymentpros.org/events/levelup25

Will we see you there? Secure your spot today and ensure your team is prepared for what’s ahead in payments!