Join us as industry expert Tyler Beuerlein discusses the complexities around cannabis banking, from federal restrictions to state legalization. Learn about the current risks faced by marijuana-related businesses seeking banking services and explore the political landscape shaping cannabis legislation today. Tyler sheds light on the paradox of a thriving industry constrained by federal law, delving into the implications of potential descheduling of marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance and the significance of proposed federal bills like the SAFE Banking Act.

Explore financial institutions' response to the 2014 FinCEN guidance, with a focus on stable payment solutions amidst regulatory changes. We also examine Florida's legalization journey and its implications for the industry's future. Lastly, we delve into real estate challenges and compliance regulations in cannabis banking, highlighting efforts to ensure adherence to financial regulations amid a growing market. This episode offers insights into the financial dynamics and trends impacting the evolving cannabis industry.

Credits:

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest:

Tyler Beuerlein

Chief Strategic Business Development Officer

Safe Harbor Financial

Intro/Outro Theme Music: Noah de la Portilla

Audio/Video Editing: Scalto (www.scalto.com)

Produced By: Integro Advisers (www.integro-advisers.com)

Panama is off the FATF Grey List and the country’s financial landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with the nation intensively enhancing its regulatory framework to meet international compliance standards. In our latest Integro Talks episode, we sit down with Raul Guizado, the Vice President of Compliance and Corporate Security for Banco General, to dissect the nuances of Panama's relationship with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the country’s comprehensive strides towards fortifying its financial systems against money laundering and terrorist financing. Guizado lends his expert perspective on the collaborative efforts that led to Panama's removal from the FATF Grey list in October 2023, the enhanced sanctions that now shadow non-compliance, and the inclusion of non-financial entities within these stringent regulations.

Unraveling Panama's legislative updates feels akin to watching a high-stakes game of chess, where each strategic move is made with the precision to protect and elevate its global financial standing. Our conversation covers the proactive measures Panama has adopted, from the revised national risk assessment targeting the Colón Free Zone's vulnerabilities to the implementation of Law 254 aimed at curtailing the misuse of nominee directors. Guizado guides us through the robust compliance culture taking root in the Panamanian banking sector, and the fundamental changes echoing the seismic shifts of Swiss bank reforms post-Panama Papers scandal.

This episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in the global fight against illicit financial flows and the ever-evolving demands of financial regulation.

Vice President of Compliance and Corporate Security

Banco General

Intro/Outro Theme Music: Noah de la Portilla

In this episode, risk management and ethics expert Mariana Idrogo joins Alberto de la Portilla to discuss the early days of President Javier Milei's administration in Argentina. Exploring Milei's economic reform promises and their implementation, Mariana sheds light on the political dynamics involving traditional figures and potential influence by ex-President Mauricio Macri. Street protests, echoing Argentina's activist spirit, add to the complexity.

The episode dives into Argentina's economic and political challenges, weighing the allure and risks of dollarization. Mariana and Alberto discuss the intricacies of replacing the Argentine peso, evaluating its impact on industries from agriculture to tech. Disbanding the central bank and balancing tax cuts with provincial economies are scrutinized, unraveling the intricate tapestry of Argentina's financial future. The tension between electoral promises and governance imperatives holds the power to reshape Argentina's global standing.

Mariana Idrogo

Join us as we navigate the ever-dynamic landscape of Latin America's growth opportunities with veteran thought leader, John Price, Managing Director of Americas Market Intelligence. We discuss the impact of central banks on economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of an independent press in the region, the industry sectors that are thriving today, China’s increasing market penetration, Russian capital flight into Latin America in the wake of global sanctions, Central America’s current state of affairs and the perils of absolute power, why Brazil is in a class of its own in the region, and how Mexicans turned him on to appreciate a certain Canadian prog-rock band.

Credits:

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest: John Price

Intro/Outro Theme Music: Noah de la Portilla

Audio/Video Editing: Scalto

Produced By: Integro Advisers (www.integro-advisers.com)

Join us as we sit down with Calixto García-Vélez, President and CEO of Baresco USA, a South Florida community bank with bullish international aspirations, to explore the world of banking today.

Calixto shares his unique insights into the current economic and industry challenges, as well as growth opportunities, state regulations, and the impact of technology advancements.

Listen in as we discuss the impact of new regulations on banks, especially the larger regional ones, and how Baresco USA, being the only bank in Florida and Puerto Rico to receive funds from the US Treasury's Emergency Capital Investment Program, plans to use its enviable position to spur growth in the coming years. 

We also take a look at how recent laws passed in Florida impact his financial institution. Calixto shares fascinating anecdotes from his 30 years in banking about the different waves of money flow from various countries in the region into South Florida. We also discuss the impact of rapidly changing technology and the pandemic on the Latin American banking community, the necessity of adapting to digital banking, and the importance of face-to-face relationships.

Join us for an insightful and engaging discussion with one of South Florida’s banking and finance power leaders.

Credits:

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest: Calixto García-Vélez

Audio/Video Editing: Scalto

Produced By: Integro Advisers (www.integro-advisers.com)

In this episode, we dive deep into Florida's new House Bill 3, also known as an anti-ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) law and explore its implications with our legal expert guests, Carl Fornaris and

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest:

Marina Olman-Pal (Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP )

Produced By: Integro Advisers (⁠www.integro-advisers.com⁠)

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of financial innovation and emerging technologies with our special guest, John Rodriguez, Head of Business Development for Visa Direct Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this episode, we delve into the role of financial innovation in revolutionizing the payments industry and enabling more efficient money transfers globally, including remittances. As a thought leader and industry expert, John shares his insights and experiences in driving sales, business development, and fostering partnerships between traditional banks and FinTechs.

Discover how financial inclusion, technological advancements, and the rise of digital platforms are shaping the future of banking and payments. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. Available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Credits:

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest: John Rodriguez

Audio/Video Editing: Scalto

Produced By: Integro Advisers (www.integro-advisers.com)

Join Alberto de la Portilla in a fascinating podcast episode as he interviews Michel Caputi, Strategic Alliances Manager at Banco Industrial Guatemala. Explore the potential of fintech in Central America, with a focus on serving the unbanked. Learn about the challenges of rapid evolution, securing investments, and the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Discover why regulation and customer trust are crucial factors in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights into the dynamic world of Central American fintech.

Credits:

Host: Alberto de la Portilla

Guest: Michel Caputi

Audio/Video Editing: Scalto

Produced By: Integro Advisers (⁠www.integro-advisers.com⁠)