Cannabis Banking in the Boardroom: Risk Management

Brion Nazzaro is the President of the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts, ACCCE. Prior to joining ACCCE, he had broad experience as an Internal Director and Chief Compliance Officer with extensive experience in Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF), sanctions, international regulatory frameworks, loss prevention, and risk management. Brion has been the Chairman on Compliance Committee, AML Committee, and Risk Committee at multiple financial institutions. He has also worked with MSBs and FinTechs with various charters both U.S. and internationally to implement commercial cannabis business customer programs. 

Brion holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Master of Business Administration concentrated in Finance from the University of Denver. Additionally, Brion has achieved recognition as a Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert (CCCE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and NACD Governance Fellow.

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Joe Bonner is a change management expert who has been the CEO of three different community banks ranging in asset size from $600 million to almost $2 billion in the past 10 years.  He was also President of the largest of three subsidiary banks owned by a $5 billion publicly traded bank holding company.  These leadership roles covered a wide range of circumstances that included growth, repair, modernization, and both sides of the M&A fence.

Joe founded J. Bonner Consulting, LLC earlier this year to help community based financial institutions meet emerging challenges, find opportunities, improve performance, and position themselves for future success. He advises clients on a wide range of issues but specializes in Loan Portfolio structure and performance, Lending and Credit processes, Balance Sheet Management, Strategic Planning, Talent Evaluation, Operational Efficiency and Regulatory Relationships.

Joe holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.  He is a former US Navy Officer who dedicated 15 years combined active duty and reserve service, attaining the rank of Commander.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn or contact him through JBonnerConsulting.com.

Andy Montgomery is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HDCS, Inc.  HDCS provides comprehensive compliance solutions and subject matter expertise to financial institutions that engage with higher risk industries including cannabis related businesses.  Prior to founding HDCS, Andy Montgomery spent more than 20 years as a senior bank executive.  He founded and served as CEO for community banks in Utah and California and served as a CEO of the Texas community markets for BBVA Bank. Andy believes that safely banking the Cannabis business requires in depth banking experience, regulatory knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis and hemp businesses.  You can learn more about Andy by viewing his Linkedin profile at: linkedin.com/in/montgomeryandy or by visiting their website at www.hdcompliance.com.