Integro Talks

Rethinking Financial Crime Compliance to Combat Fentanyl Money Flows

The U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps to fight fentanyl trafficking, even designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. What does this mean for banks, fintechs, and compliance teams across the Americas? Alberto de la  Portilla explores these questions with guest Brett Manwaring, who has led multi-year AML monitoring engagements, guided institutions through Federal Reserve consent orders, and validated financial technology systems. As Head of Advisory and Technology Services at Sigma 360, Brett explains how financial institutions can move beyond surface-level monitoring to embrace targeted, intelligence-driven approaches.  Tune in for practical strategies to build stronger defenses against cartel-financed fentanyl trafficking.

The Transformative Power of Stablecoins

In our latest episode featuring Andy Warner, VP of Partnership and Strategy at Transak, we dive into stablecoins, how new regulations in the U.S. such as the GENIUS Act, which was recently signed into law, and the CLARITY Act, are potential catalysts to unleash greater institutional adoption and market transparency. We discuss why he thinks stablecoins enhance the features of the US dollar and why putting the US dollar on the blockchain will lead to dollar sovereignty and reaffirm it as the world’s reserve currency . We also discuss why companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and JP Morgan are developing their own stablecoins and why he thinks once large institutional players enter the crypto ecosystem, the rate of acceleration in stablecoin adoption will be subject to a snowball effect, and how stablecoin has unlimited potential to amplify financial inclusion. The episode concludes on a musical note with a discussion on the influential careers of Argentine rock artists like Soda Estereo and Charly Garcia.

The Trump 2.0 Effect: OFAC and Economic Sanctions

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, his America First approach to foreign policy has brought with it renewed economic pressure on trading partners. Host Alberto de la Portilla, CEO of Integro Advisers, is joined by Saskia Rietbroek, Executive Director of the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS), to break down how the use of OFAC sanctions as a foreign policy tool is evolving under Trump’s second term.In this episode, they explore key shifts in OFAC enforcement from Russian oligarchs to drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking, increasing pressure on China and Iran, and growing divergence between U.S. and EU/UK sanctions strategies. The discussion also highlights new priorities in Latin America, especially around Venezuela, Cuba, and Panama.Saskia shares insights on how financial institutions should adapt to this fluid sanctions environment, the rising importance of sanction risk assessments, the emergence of sanctions compliance as a stand-alone profession, and how AI is supporting faster, smarter compliance decisions.If you're a risk, compliance, or international trade professional, this episode offers critical updates and practical guidance for navigating today's rapidly changing sanctions landscape.GUESTSaskia RietbroekExecutive Director & FounderAssociation of Certified Sanctions Specialist (ACSS) HOSTAlberto de la PortillaFounder & CEOIntegro Advisers

The Trump 2.0 Effect: Immigration and the Flow of Remittances

In this episode, Alberto de la Portilla speaks with remittances and migration expert Manuel Orozco about the U.S. immigration policy under the current Trump administration and its ripple effects on remittance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean.Orozco sheds light on the staggering volume of remittances—estimated at over $170 billion in 2024—sent by migrants to their home countries, how recent policies have disrupted these flows. The conversation explores the economic consequences of deportations, trends in migration and remittances, political motives behind taxing remittances, and the increasing burden on money service businesses due to new reporting thresholds.The discussion also highlights the broader socio-political and economic implications for countries like Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua—where remittances make up as much as 30% of GDP. Orozco emphasizes the role of the Inter-American Dialogue in shaping policy debates and providing data-driven insights to U.S. and Latin American stakeholders.Orozco obtained his Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Texas. The episode concludes on a lighter note with a discussion on the appeal of the music scene in Austin, Texas.GuestManuel OrozcoDirector, Migration, Remittances and Development ProgramInter-American DialogueHosted byAlberto de la PortillaPresident & CEOIntegro Advisers

The Trump 2.0 Effect: Regulatory Compliance and the Financial Sector

In this engaging episode, host Alberto de la Portilla speaks with Patricia Hernandez, a seasoned legal professional specializing in financial services, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. They explore the current state and future of financial regulations, focusing on the key shifts that could emerge under a second Trump administration. Patricia brings her in-depth knowledge of the U.S. financial landscape, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by banks, particularly the rise of banking-as-a-service models and their implications on regulatory frameworks. They also discuss potential risks and opportunities presented by Fintech, touching on key issues like FDIC insurance, licensing gaps, and the role of regulators in protecting consumers. Patricia reflects on the role of regulations in establishing legitimacy for emerging financial sectors and the potential for greater oversight and control. With a mix of expert insights and professional reflections, the discussion provides a well-rounded perspective on the intersections of finance and regulation.  The episode concludes on a musical note with an honest exchange on the extraordinary talent of singer-songwriting virtuoso, Jon Batiste. This episode is a must-listen.