In this insightful panel discussion, host Taylor Wells is joined by cybersecurity and IT leaders Will Reed and Kevin, representing billion-dollar credit unions from across the country. Together, they explore the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the financial sector, from the realities of AI adoption and evolving threat landscapes to the practicalities of building security teams, communicating cyber risk to boards, and staying audit-ready year-round. The conversation offers candid perspectives on managing digital transformation, preparing for NCUA exams, balancing member experience with security, and fostering a risk-aware culture—making this episode a must-listen for credit union professionals seeking actionable insights in an era of rapid technological change.

In this insightful episode, Lucas Hathaway, CRO @ Rivial Security takes listeners through the essential steps of maturing a third-party risk management program, with a special focus on cybersecurity reviews and vendor due diligence. Discover why regulators like the NCUA and FDIC are zeroing in on third-party risks and learn proven strategies for onboarding, classifying, and assessing vendors. Lucas Hathaway, CRO @ Rivial Security shares valuable stories from the field (including lessons learned from recent breaches), explains how to utilize questionnaires and SOC reports effectively, and offers practical tips for ongoing monitoring, incident response, and complementary user entity control (CUEC) testing. With actionable frameworks, relatable anecdotes, and free resources, this episode is a must-listen for financial institutions, security leaders, and anyone navigating the complexities of third-party vendor management.

Join Jonathan Taylor, Shirley Sandwith, and guest Keaton Tanzer, Sales Manager at Rivial Security, as they broadcast from the CU Intersect 2026 conference in vibrant New Orleans.

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of data security and compliance for credit unions, from navigating regulatory scrutiny and examiner trends to adopting flexible frameworks for organizations of all sizes.

Keaton shares practical strategies on cyber risk assessment, the importance of customizing compliance processes, and how to effectively communicate security initiatives to board members.

Plus, discover how smaller credit unions can stay ahead without being overwhelmed and why fostering real conversations at the board level is critical for successful governance.

Packed with actionable insights, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone in the credit union or financial institution space looking to innovate securely and keep their organization audit-ready.

Featured Topics:
- Recent regulatory shifts and examiner expectations
- Cyber risk assessment tailored for every credit union
- Best practices for board reporting and quantitative analysis
- How to prepare for audits and leverage industry partnerships
- Resources and support for credit unions of all sizes

Tune in for expert advice, industry stories, and a fresh perspective on cyber risk and compliance!