ALEXANDRIA, Va.–NCUA will host a webinar on Jan. 7 offering credit unions information on how to learn more about human trafficking and how to spot the warning signs.
The free webinar will begin at 2 p.m. ET.
Separately, NCUA also announced two personnel moves, including the retirement of one long-time leader.
The webinar is presented in partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit and with involvement from The Knoble, a non-profit organization of financial services professionals working to combat human trafficking, child exploitation, financial crime, and elder financial abuse, NCUA said.
Registration for this 90-minute webinar is open to all credit unions interested in learning more about the prevalence of human trafficking and detection methods from a credit union’s perspective, NCUA said.
“The webinar will provide an overview of human trafficking and its impact on communities, law enforcement’s efforts to combat it, and potential red flags in credit unions,” the agency said. “Attendees will also learn how to report concerns about human trafficking to the proper authorities.”
The webinar is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
Participants will be able to log into the webinar and view it on their computers or mobile devices using the registration link. They should allow pop-ups from this website, NCUA said.
Participants can submit questions in advance to WebinarQuestions@ncua.gov with the subject line “Human Trafficking.” Participants with technical questions about accessing the event can email audience.support@on24.com.
Canepa Bang Named to NCUA Position
Separately, NCUA confirmed a report that first appeared in CUToday.info that Vice Chairman Kyle Hauptman has named Sarah Canepa Bang as his senior advisor.
“I am thrilled to have Sarah in this critical role,” Hauptman said. “Her experience managing credit union service organizations at the highest level, along with her knowledge of the credit union industry, regulations, and policy administration will be of immense value to me, the board, and the NCUA.”
Canepa Bang is well-known to many in credit unions, having served as EVP-industry relations and as chief strategy officer with CO-OP, as CEO of Financial Service Centers Cooperative, and also having worked for several state CU leagues.
Cole Retires
J. Owen Cole, Associate Director of the Policy and Markets Division in the NCUA’s Office of Examination and Insurance, announced he is retiring at the end of December.
“Owen Cole has been a tremendous asset to the NCUA and his accomplishments have made an immeasurable impact on both the agency and our nation’s system of cooperative credit,” NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood said. “In each of the roles held by Owen, he unfailingly gave his best and personified hard work and dedication in support of the NCUA’s strategic goals.”
Cole served in various roles during his 27-year tenure at the NCUA, including senior investment officer, director of the Division of Risk Management, associate regional director of Operations, deputy executive director, and acting chief of staff. He also served as president of the NCUA Central Liquidity Facility, which addresses potential credit union system liquidity risks.
“Owen’s leadership in this important position helped to ensure that credit unions can continue to meet their member’s needs despite the economic challenges associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as previous financial crises,” Hood said.
Prior to joining the NCUA, Cole enjoyed a 10-year commercial banking career at the Riggs National Bank, where he served as a vice president in the bank’s treasury division.