HFTCON

Where Leaders Connect

Step Back: A Big-Picture View of Cybersecurity for Tomorrow

September 18, 2025

NYCES, 4 W 43rd St, NYC

EVENT HAPPENING NOW

Now Accepting Charity Contributions

Who are We?

The HFTC Network is an exclusive community for professionals in regulated industries like Capital Markets, uniting leaders across security, compliance, operations, and technology. As an HFTC member, you gain access to a select group of peers and industry decision-makers through private events, roundtables, and virtual showcases.

Membership is about more than simply joining a network—it’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share expertise, and help shape industry best practices. Join us to engage with accomplished professionals, exchange critical insights, and contribute to innovation in this dynamic sector. With HFTC, real connections lead to real impact.

Learn More at hftconnect.com

Why HFTCON?

HFTCON is where our community comes together to tackle the big-picture challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity for tomorrow.

At this event, we’ll explore what we’ve learned about AI, cybersecurity, data, governance, compliance, and leadership—and consider what comes next. Together, we’ll discuss how to effectively prepare to defend, innovate, and lead in a world where competitive advantage is won and protected in ever-shorter timeframes.

About The Event

HFTCON Q3'25 is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering designed for leaders in regulated industries. We're stepping back from the day-to-day to analyze the macro trends, emerging threats, and innovative strategies that will define the future of cybersecurity. This is your chance to connect with peers, learn from top experts, and gain a strategic advantage in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Why Attend HFTCON Q3 2025?

Join cybersecurity and fintech leaders for an unparalleled learning and networking experience. Gain insights, earn credits, and build connections that will advance your career.

CPE Credits

Continuing Education Credits

Earn professional development credits with multiple educational sessions led by industry experts

Multiple accredited sessions
Expert-led workshops
Professional certification support

Leadership Access

Network with Industry Leaders

Connect directly with recognized leaders in cybersecurity, AI, data privacy, and financial technology

Direct access to industry leaders
Meaningful networking opportunities
Professional relationship building

AI/ML Focus

AI & Machine Learning Insights

Learn cutting-edge applications of AI in cybersecurity and financial services from MIT's CSAIL laboratory

MIT Computer Science & AI Laboratory insights
Real-world AI implementation strategies
Future of AI in financial services

Security Expertise

Advanced Cybersecurity Knowledge

Gain practical insights into modern threat landscapes and defensive strategies

Modern threats vs modern tools roundtable
Data security best practices
Operational risk management

Compliance

Regulatory & Compliance Mastery

Master compliance frameworks and learn to use regulation as a strategic business tool

Compliance as a strategic tool
Fintech regulation updates
Risk management frameworks

Recognition

Professional Recognition

Be part of an exclusive community that recognizes excellence in technology, operations, compliance, and cybersecurity

Member recognition ceremonies
Industry achievement awards
Peer networking opportunities

Business Growth

Strategic Business Connections

Build meaningful relationships with peers, sponsors, and industry innovators

Structured networking sessions
Sponsor engagement opportunities
Cross-industry collaboration

All-Day Event

Immersive Experience

Full-day comprehensive experience from morning sessions to evening networking and after-party

12+ hours of content and networking
Premium venue and catering
Exclusive cocktail reception
Optional after-party networking

Ready to Transform Your Professional Network?

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from industry pioneers, earn continuing education credits, and build relationships that will define the future of cybersecurity and fintech.

CPE Credits AvailableIndustry Leaders PresentProfessional RecognitionExclusive Networking

Agenda

9:30 AM

Registration / Breakfast

10:00 AM

Roundtable: Modern Threats Vs Modern Cybersecurity Tools | Moderator: Naresh Singh, Panelists: Michael Cafaro, Johnny Lan, Tia Hopkins

11:00 AM

Why Compliance is Not Your Friend or Enemy, But a Tool You Can Use | Lorelei Martin

11:30 AM

Q&A

12:00 PM

Lunch and Vibe Coding | John Brandt and Bryan Hull

1:00 PM

Immersive Innovation: Transforming Spaces Through Art and Tech | TipTech Art

2:00 PM

Zero Trust, They Said. But Trust AI, They Said | Noah Fleiss, Bryan Hull, Alex Urbahn

2:30 PM

Networking

2:50 PM

Sponsor Spotlight - Adaptive

3:00 PM

Panel: AI and Data Security | Danny Weitzner, Yaw Etse, Kimberly Bella

4:00 PM

Sponsor Spotlight - eSentire

4:30 PM

Welcome to the Evening Session

4:30 PM

Networking

5:00 PM

Sponsor Spotlight - Ontinue

5:10 PM

Charity Presentation

5:30 PM

Networking

6:00 PM

Sponsor Spotlight - Nebulas.co

6:10 PM

Recognized Member - AJ Mercer

6:50 PM

Sponsor Spotlight - Saberin Group

7:00 PM

Keynote: Field Notes from Africa: Rethinking How we Champion AI in the Boardroom | Kimberly Bella, Board of Advisors @ MIT, & Senior Director @ Visa

7:45 PM

Charity Raffle

8:00 PM

Networking

9:00 PM

Event End

Speakers & Hosts

Meet the industry leaders and experts who will be sharing their insights.

Benjamin Saberin

Co-Emcee

AI Pro | Data Security & Compliance Expert.

AJ Fried

Co-Emcee

Specialist in cloud security and infrastructure for capital markets.

Kimberly Bella

Board of Advisor @ MIT, & Senior Director @ Visa

Visionary leader in cyber-physical systems and user behaviors.

John Brandt

Technical Lead

Michael Cafaro

CTO, Ladder Capital Finance LLC

Yaw Etse

Technology Specialist

Noah Fleiss

IT Manager, The Raine Group

Tia Hopkins

Chief Cyber Resilience Officer and Field CISO, eSentire

AJ Mercer

Head of Infrastructure, HighVista Strategies

Dynamic leader in IT infrastructure with expertise spanning finance, biotech, and computational neuroscience.

Naresh Singh

Partner and CTO, Lenox Advisors

Danny Weitzner

Senior Research Scientist, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)

Alex Urbahn

AI Strategy Lead, The Raine Group

Johnny Lan

Technology Specialist

Bryan Hull

Cybersecurity Engineer, AbleTo Inc.

Lorelei Martin

Compliance Specialist

More Speakers

Announced Soon

Our Sponsors

Powering the future of cybersecurity, together.

Platinum Sponsors

Saberin Group

Gold Sponsors

Nebulas.co

Silver Sponsors

eSentire

Ontinue

Adaptive

Optima Partners

Intremtel

Chelsea Technologies

Omega Systems

Promenet

Bronze Sponsors

Astrix

Forte

Options

Interested in sponsoring? Click here

Charity Spotlight

Since the events of 9/11, Tunnels to Towers has been a beacon of hope and support, providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and fallen first responders' families with young children. They also build specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Moreover, their commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness and ensuring America never forgets September 11, 2001, is truly commendable.

Learn More About Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Visit Our Contribution Page