Strategic Leadership Forum

Where relationships are built, conversations happen, and deals take shape

Sept 29-Oct 1 • The Ritz-Carlton • Laguna Niguel

Dana Point, CA • #ETASLF

$1795 Member • $2295 Non-Member

2025 Speakers

Albert Yu-Min Lin, Ph.D.

Storyteller, Explorer of the National Geographic Society, Research Scientist at UCSD, and Co-Founder and CSO of Planet3 Inc.

Hilary Allen

Professor of Law, American University Washington College of Law

Lesley Chavkin

Global Head of Public Policy, Paxos

Ranjita Iyer

EVP, NAM Services, Mastercard

Jodie Kelley

CEO, ETA

Swee-May Ngeow

Vice President, Head of North America Product Client Strategy & Solutions, Visa

John Sonsalla

Global Director of Research, Financials and Real Estate Analyst, Washington Analysis

Scott Talbott

EVP, ETA CPP, ETA

Agenda-at-a-Glance

SLF25-dots-right

Monday, September 29

Agenda Subject to Change

10:00am

Registration Open

3:00pm

Regi-ception

Sponsored by Bank of America

4:00pm

Innovation at the Speed of Policy: Leading, Not Following

Innovation moves fast. Policy must keep pace. Join ETA CEO Jodie Kelley at SLF 2025 as she shares how our industry can lead, not follow — defining the guardrails that fuel progress and protect trust.

Jodie Kelley, CEO, Electronic Transactions Association

4:15pm

Keynote: Albert Yu-Min Lin, Ph.D.

Sponsored by Sola Payments

Dr. Lin is renowned for blending cutting-edge technology with ancient discoveries, from uncovering lost civilizations to pioneering crowdsourced research that engages millions. His work, featured in National Geographic documentaries like Lost Cities with Albert Lin, reveals how exploration — both of the world and the mind — drives innovation.

At SLF, he’ll offer a fresh perspective on how curiosity and discovery drive leadership in today’s rapidly evolving world — a must-attend for any payments leader navigating uncharted territory. Dr. Lin has redefined exploration for a new generation, bringing the past and future into focus. Don’t miss the chance to hear from a true pioneer.

5:00pm

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by US Bank | Elavon

5:00pm

Registration Closed

Tuesday, September 30

9:00am

Breakfast

Sponsored by Global Payments

9:00am

Registration Open

10:30am

The Evolving Threat Landscape

Ranjita will delve into the evolving cyber threat landscape and share how to confront these challenges head-on. From leveraging advanced AI and global threat intelligence to deploying real-time risk assessment tools, a multilayered cybersecurity strategy is critical for staying ahead of the curve.

Ranjita Iyer, EVP, NAM Services, Mastercard

11:00am

Politics & Payments: Decoding the Regulatory Roadmap for Payments

Scott sits down with John for a fireside chat exploring President Trump's policy priorities and how they are shaping the payments landscape. They'll dig into the latest developments from Capitol Hill, the CFPB, OCC, and other key regulators — unpacking what it all means for our industry.

Scott Talbott, EVP, Electronic Transactions Association

John Sonsalla, Global Director of Research, Financials and Real Estate Analyst, Washington Analysis

12:00pm

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by Discover

3:30pm

Agentic AI and the Future of Commerce

In this session, we'll delve into the evolution of e-commerce and how Visa is extending the infrastructure, interoperability, and capabilities of today's physical and digital experiences into agentic commerce. Discover how AI advancements are shaping the future of digital commerce, making it more personal, relevant, and delightful for consumers.

Swee-May Ngeow, Vice President, Head of North America Product Client Strategy & Solutions, Visa

4:00pm

Stablecoins and the Future of Payments: Promise, Risk, and Global Impact

Stablecoins are rapidly affecting the landscape of global payments — offering the potential for faster, cheaper, and more accessible financial transactions. But as excitement grows so do questions around utility, regulatory oversight, financial stability, and interoperability with traditional systems. This panel brings together leading voices to explore the evolving role of stablecoins in payment ecosystems. Topics will include real-world use cases, cross-border applications, risks to consumers and markets, and how policymakers are responding.

Hilary Allen, Professor of Law, American University Washington College of Law

Lesley Chavkin, Global Head of Public Policy, Paxos

Jodie Kelley, CEO, Electronic Transactions Association

4:30pm

ETA Hall of Fame Recognition Ceremony

Jeff Rosenblatt, Former Co-Founder, President, and Executive Vice-Chairman, EVO Payments International

Sponsored by Discover

5:00pm

Evening Reception

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan

5:00pm

Registration Closed

8:00pm

Late Night Reception

Wednesday, October 1

8:00am

Power Breakfast

Sponsored by Mastercard

8:00am

Golf Tournament

MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS

Sponsored by American Express

Daily Amenities

Hospitality Lounge

Sponsored by Visa

Key Cards

Sponsored by Truist

Water Bottles

Sponsored by Truist

WiFi

Sponsored by Blankfactor