Fraud Talk

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Ursula Schmidt, Ph.D., CCEP-I, founder of Schmidt Advisory and a former executive vice president of audit and compliance, joins the show to explore how culture, communication and human behavior shape effective fraud risk management.

 

Drawing on her global experience in internal audit and compliance, Dr. Schmidt explains why fraud is fundamentally a human problem, the importance of clear ownership of fraud risk, and why organizations must move beyond checklists and controls to address trust, transparency and accountability through honest communication and expectations.

 

Also in this episode, ACFE Chief Training Officer Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, answers questions about the human element of fraud risk management and the value that tone-at-the-top culture brings to ensure all layers of an organization work together to improve prevention and detection.

 

Do you have questions about fraud? Reach out to us at Communications@ACFE.com.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE CEO John Warren, J.D., CFE, and Chief Training Officer Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, join the show to explore Occupational Fraud 2026: A Report to the Nations — from its origins to its impact in the anti-fraud profession. The conversation traces the biennial report’s evolution over three decades, beginning with the first edition in 1996 to its role today as a global benchmark built on thousands of detailed case submissions provided by Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs).

These conversations reveal how the report is created, from the collection of thousands of survey responses to analyzing and refining the information into meaningful insights. They discuss trends revealed through the data, including the role of tips in detecting fraud and the human element of identifying behavioral red flags, to balancing long-standing findings with new perspectives in each edition. This episode also highlights the collaborative nature of the anti-fraud profession, emphasizing how contributions from CFEs worldwide make the report possible and help organizations better understand and respond to fraud risk.

Download Occupational Fraud 2026: A Report to the Nations for free at ACFE.com/RTTN.

 

 

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Concentrix: Download the new white paper "Rewriting the Rules: How AI Is Transforming Fraud and Dispute Resolutions" at https://www.concentrix.com/insights/thought-leadership/how-ai-is-transforming-fraud-and-dispute-resolutions/.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, fraud prevention expert and biometrics expert Simon Marchand, CFE, joins the show to explore how voice biometrics and AI-powered identity verification are reshaping the fight against fraud. This conversation follows the evolution of biometric technology from its origins as a customer authentication tool to its current role as a frontline defense against deepfakes, synthetic voices and large-scale orchestrated attacks.

Marchand breaks down how fraudsters are leveraging AI to industrialize identity fraud, why language is no longer a barrier for bad actors operating across borders, and what organizations must consider when evaluating biometric solutions for their own risk environments. The discussion also examines the ethical and legal aspects of biometric data — including transparency, consent and governance — and what anti-fraud professionals must know as this technology becomes increasingly used across industries.

 

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Concentrix: Download the new white paper "Rewriting the Rules: How AI Is Transforming Fraud and Dispute Resolutions" at https://www.concentrix.com/insights/thought-leadership/how-ai-is-transforming-fraud-and-dispute-resolutions/

In this episode of Fraud Talk, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, Director‑General of the World Trade Organization and recipient of the ACFE’s Cressey Award for lifetime achievement, speaks with ACFE Chief Training Officer Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, in a conversation recorded at the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference. Dr. Okonjo‑Iweala reflects on the critical role transparency, strong institutions and accountability play in preventing fraud and corruption, and where technology can reduce risk alongside the key component of human judgment. She also shares insights on Africa’s future in the global fight against corruption, lessons in building consensus under pressure and advice for women leaders grounded in values, courage and purpose.

In this episode of Fraud Talk, ACFE Communications Director John Duffley welcomes back forensic accountant and consultant Chris Ekimoff, CFE, CPA, for a conversation on career development, personal branding and professional visibility in the anti-fraud field. Drawing on his experience as a practitioner, educator and speaker, Ekimoff shares practical advice on using social media authentically, evaluating opportunities, balancing general expertise with specialization and building meaningful professional relationships both online and in person. Their discussion also explores consulting, managing client expectations, storytelling as a critical skill, and why “dedicate, don’t dabble” is key to long-term growth and impact.