Takeaways From TAF Coalition’s 3rd Annual Financial Frauds Conference
Towards the end of March, the Anti-Fraud Coalition (“TAF”) hosted our third annual Financial Frauds Conference in Austin, Texas. The Financial Frauds Conference was the perfect time for some of the wisest in our field to gather together and discuss, strategize, and review agency priorities and considerations for bringing financial fraud cases.
The conference included panels that explored the updated priorities of various agencies, including the SEC, CFTC, and DOJ. The panelists provided a general overview of areas which maintain the same high level of priority, such as procurement and healthcare fraud, and fraud they suspect will have an increased level of importance. The overwhelming message from government speakers was that the agencies are “open for business” and interested in enforcement actions against fraudsters.
Poppy Alexander, the Chairwoman of TAF Coalition’s Financial Frauds Committee, opened day one of the conference, and Vince McKnight, Chairman of TAF Coalition’s Board of Directors, opened day two with remarks that I would like to highlight below.
Poppy began by indicating that while some folks may feel discouragement due to uncertainty around fraud priorities, the growing number of TAF Coalition Financial Frauds members, the increasing number of government and relator recoveries, and the vocal interest in reducing fraud, waste, and abuse by the new administration indicate the strength in being proactive and encouraging whistleblowing in this area of the law. TAF Coalition members are in the best position to help the government achieve its goals of increasing efficiency and mitigating fraud. Whistleblowers and their counsel will become even more important in supplementing government resources in the immediate future.
On the second day of the conference, Vince emphasized the opportunities that could be presented for whistleblowers and their counsel to step up to assist the government in uncovering and prosecuting the perpetrators of financial fraud.
He also shared the following story:
“When I was facing an extremely difficult situation as a young lawyer, I called my mentor, Judge William C. Pryor and he said, ‘Vincent, this is your finest hour!’ He immediately noted my puzzlement and explained. ‘The challenge that you are facing seems daunting and it is. But because of this, it will require the very best qualities that you possess to overcome it, so, this is your finest hour!’” It changed my view of adversity. Rather than being discouraged, rise to the challenge by being your best self.”
Vince said it best when he commented that there were amazing, talented people and attorneys in the conference room. His assertion expands beyond those who attended the conference two weeks ago and applies to those throughout our membership, and most especially to their incredibly brave whistleblower clients. TAF Coalition and the fight against fraud have always had, and will always have, strong bipartisan backing. The organization has weathered past challenges to the legality and significance of whistleblower programs and successfully navigated changes in administrations, personnel, and priorities. With the backing of our membership and both sides of the political aisle, we will ensure that the fight against fraud endures.
This blog was written by Rosie Tomiak, the Public Interest Advocacy Fellow at The Anti-Fraud Coalition. This piece was edited by Vince McKnight of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight and Poppy Alexander of Whistleblower Partners.
