Most recently holds the position of GM & Lead Consultant for a large FinTech SaaS providing a dynamic leadership ability, balancing an analytical skill set with a keen sense of management acumen. Prior experience managing payment portfolios processing billions in monthly settled payment volume. Over 20 years of payment industry experience with both large and small acquiring bank ISO/MSPs, Payment Facilitators, and acquirers specifically within the areas of Underwriting, Risk Management, Portfolio Operations, Customer Service and Technical Support. Proven track record of establishing successful risk mitigation techniques through well-defined risk levels,acceptable MCCs, prohibited merchant types, and underwriting / onboarding strategies for all market sales channels on low-risk brick and motor merchants, E-Commerce merchants, Petroleum merchants, Hotel/Lodging merchants and several high-risk verticals.Solid understanding of Reg E, Credit Card Deposits (NACHA rules), PCI-DSS, Dodd Frank, Gramm-LeachBliley Act, Fair Credit Report Act, CFPB, KYC, ACH, Wires and Payments.
A member of the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA), Merchant Acquirers Committee (MAC),Merchant Advisory Group (MAG) Association of Payment Professionals (APP) and the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI).Has a history of active involvement in the payment processing industry. Has most recently served on the
ETA Government Relations Committee, the ETA Risk, Fraud & Security Committee, the ETA Industry Relations Committee, the MAC Membership Committee, the MAG Petroleum SIG, and the MAG Government Relations Committee.
All Sessions by Richard Blake
Update on Card Brand Regulations
Payment systems laws and regulations are dynamic. Traditional card providers like Visa and Mastercard have evolved their card regulations to minimize risks and provide a common, convenient, secure, and reliable global payment experience while supporting geography-specific rules that allow for variations and unique marketplace needs. Attend this session to understand card brand regulations, with a special focus on what has changed in 2026 that affects payment card processing in banking.
Foundations of Payment Systems
Payment systems are complex and country-dependent; however, the key concepts of payment systems persist. This session provides an overview of terminology, industry payment players, and payment systems. After attending this session, bankers should be able to recognize payment terms and understand how payments work in the United States and international banking systems.
