Speakers

Christoffer Bonn

Head of ID-Centre

Finnish Immigration Service Finland

Friday 07/03/2025 09.50-10.20

Session 10 __ Navigating the digital identity landscape: balancing biometrics and traditional IDs

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Christoffer Bonn holds two MSc degrees and has a diverse background as a war veteran, former EU police officer, criminal intelligence officer, and à la carte chef. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement and immigration, both in Finland and abroad, Chris currently serves as the Head of the ID Centre at the Finnish Immigration Service.

The Finnish DTC pilot - implementation, defect management and digital residence permits

Finland conducted the first ever successful DTC pilot in 2023 in a multi-agency effort. In addition to testing the DTC Type1, defect management was explored as well as a study on the digitalisation of the EU residence permit into a signed 2D-barcode containing a high-quality facial image.

Donato Colucci

Head Border and Identity Solutions Unit, Immigration and Border Governance Division

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Switzerland

Thursday 06/03/2025 11.35-11.55

Session 4 __ Latest trends and tactics in document forgery

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Donato Colucci completed a Master of Art Degree in strategic studies and diplomatic science and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations in Rome, Italy.

With extensive experience as a Migration Management Specialist at the African Capacity Building Centre in Tanzania, a Senior Immigration and Border Management Specialist for North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, and a Police Commander at Pristine International Airport with the UN Mission in Kosovo, he is currently on special leave from the Italian Ministry of Interior to serve as an expert on migration management with the IOM.

Donato is the Senior Border and Identity Solutions (BIS) Specialist at the IOM Headquarters in Geneva, where he provides expertise and guidance on developing and implementing border and identity solutions, as well as migration management policies and strategies, including integrated border management and data analysis.

He supports the IOM regional offices and government partners in developing, implementing, and monitoring capacity-building training strategies at national and regional levels, and conducts technical field assessments when needed. Together with the IOM IT Experts, Donato provides technical support for assessing, budgeting, installing, and training with the IOM-developed Border Management Information System (BMIS) named MIDAS, and he delivers training on various other IBM topics, including passport examination procedures.

International cooperation to counter passport and identity fraud: key takeaways from the IOM

Donato will showcase effective strategies for improving border controls and regional collaboration to tackle migrant smuggling. His focus will be on leveraging the latest advancements in border management procedures, technology, and human resources to address transnational organised crime and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Tjörvi Einarsson

Program Manager ID & Travel Documents

Registers Iceland Iceland

Thursday 06/03/2025 09.50-10.10

Session 2 __ Unveiling the latest identity documents

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Tjörvi holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in project management, and is a graduate of the 275th session of the FBI National Academy. With 23 years of service in the Icelandic police, he has extensive experience in international cooperation and border-related matters, including work with Interpol, Europol, and Frontex.

He currently serves as the Program Manager for ID and travel documents at Registers Iceland.

New Icelandic ID card

In 2024, Iceland launched a new ID card featuring the updated ICAO TD1 vertical layout. This design includes a significantly larger portrait photograph on the front. Additionally, the card now incorporates two 2D barcodes (QR codes) based on the latest ICAO Data Structure for Barcodes (IDB). Tjörvi will explore the challenges encountered during the design process of the new ID card and Iceland's implementation of the updated IDB.

Stefan Hardt

Director General of Cash Management

Deutsche Bundesbank Germany

Friday 07/03/2025

Session 9 __ Reinventing currency: innovative raw materials and manufacturing processes

Presentation

Currency

Agua 1-2

Speaker

Stefan Hardt trained as a bank clerk and worked as a loan consultant before joining the Deutsche Bundesbank in 1985. After graduating in Business Administration from the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences, he held various positions in cashless payments and banking supervision at the Central Office in Frankfurt am Main.

In 1996, having successfully completed the civil servant training programme for admission to the Higher Service, Stefan was appointed Deputy Head of the Internal and External Procedures in Cash Payment Operations Division, and subsequently promoted Head of the Future of Cash Office in 2005.

Stefan became Head of the Cash Payments and Automated Cash Processing Division in 2006 and Deputy Director of General Cash Management in 2009. He was then named President of the Bundesbank's Regional Office in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

Since January 2015, Stefan is Director General of Cash Management.

Chief cashier as a part time job? - Challenges for chief cashiers in times of declining cash usage

The use of cash as a means of payment is declining in many countries. What strategic adjustments are required, and what role must central banks continue to play in the supply of cash? Stefan will explore the challenges central banks face in effectively managing money supply and liquidity while ensuring inclusive access to cash.

Jason Le

Senior Forensic Document Examiner

Homeland Security Investigations Forensic Laboratory, U.S. Department of Homeland Security United States of America

Thursday 06/03/2025 15.00-15.40

Session 6 __ The ecosystem of identity

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Panellist

Jason Le obtained a Master’s of Forensic Science Degree from The George Washington University and is a board-certified Forensic Document Examiner with more than 20 years of government service. In addition to his time working at the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Forensic Laboratory, Jason spent nearly 10 years with the US Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Forensic and Digital Science Laboratory serving as the Lead Forensic Document Examiner.

In his current role within the Research and Development Section at the HSI Forensic Laboratory, Jason’s primary focus is researching methods for the proper integration of design elements in travel and identity documents. To gain insight, he and the Research and Development team at HSI conduct vulnerability studies of secure documents and test emerging technologies that have the potential for use in counterfeiting documents. The work he does supports the development of best practices that the HSI Forensic Laboratory recommends for use in the implementation of a cohesive document design strategy.

The Laboratory has partnered with numerous credentialing authorities to enhance the security of the documents issued by their agencies. This is reflected in the diverse collection of projects Jason has worked, which include the U.S. Passport booklet, Passport card, and Visa (U.S. Department of State), the US Permanent Resident Card (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), the U.S. Social Security Card, multiple state driver licenses, and assistance provided to the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

Designing and managing the lifecycle of the U.S. passport

This panel will highlight the collaborative efforts of four U.S. government agencies in designing and managing the entire lifecycle of the U.S. passport. Discussions will cover key areas including design, research and development, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, authentication, fraud prevention, vulnerability testing, and inspection.

Miguel López

Innovation and Development Unit Manager, Cash Department

Banco de España Spain

Thursday 06/03/2025

Session 7 __ Central bank digital currency: lessons learned and future implications

Presentation

Currency

Agua 1-2

Speaker

Miguel holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and a master’s in economy. After having worked in the fields of engineering and education both in the public and private sector, Miguel joined the Banco de España in 2011. He initially worked on banknote issuance and anti-counterfeiting issues but transitioned to research and development in 2015 to oversee banknote R&D projects.

From 2020 to 2023, Miguel was part of the Directorate Banknotes at the European Central Bank, where he engaged in various activities within the Production Section.

In 2023, he returned to his previous role at the Banco de España as the manager of the R&D Unit.

Neurocash®: a new way of designing cash

Banco de España and the Instituto LENI (Polytechnic University of Valencia) developed a methodology for conducting innovative perception studies of cash based on the application of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Miguel will explain how Neurocash® leverages cutting-edge technologies to study users' biometric responses. Using AI-based algorithms, these responses are analysed to generate neuro-metric indicators that assess visual, emotional, and cognitive impact, in addition to security perception. More importantly, he will discuss the advantages of Neurocash®, including its design, security, quality, rapid and cost-effective prototyping, counterfeit resilience assessment, and evaluation of communication campaign effectiveness, among others. He will also explore its various applications throughout different phases of the cash life cycle, addressing the needs of the public and other stakeholders.

Anna Stratmann

Technical Officer

Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) Germany

Friday 07/03/2025

Session 10 __ Navigating the digital identity landscape: balancing biometrics and traditional IDs

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Anna Stratmann works for the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and heads the ‘Biometrics for Public Sector Applications’ team. With her expertise in biometrics and process management, her responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the BSI technical guideline that specifies requirements and definitions for biometric systems relevant for German Identity Documents and Border Control as well as for the activities in standardisation and harmonisation in these contexts.

Anna has a strong background in software engineering and holds master’s degrees in both business information systems and applied computer science.

Meeting the biometric challenges of digital identity

The modern world is becoming more and more digital and so are identity documents. The use of biometric data such as fingerprints or facial images is on the rise and offers the potential to replace traditional identity documents in the future. Meeting the specific biometric challenges in this process will be crucial to whether future digital identity proofs can be used securely and efficiently.

Sérgio São João

Industrial Director

Valora Portugal

Friday 07/03/2025 09.50-10.10

Session 9 __ Reinventing currency: innovative raw materials and manufacturing processes

Presentation

Currency

Agua 1-2

Speaker

Sérgio has over 25 years of extensive professional experience in Team and Operations Management within multinational, multicultural, and complex industrial environments.

Known for his talent in boosting productivity and achieving substantial cost savings across different industries, he is a results-driven leader who leads by example.

Smart Factory

Are you interested in learning how a Smart Factory uses advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), real-time monitoring, robotics, and data analytics to transform traditional manufacturing processes? Be sure to catch Sérgio’s presentation on how the Smart Factory is setting the standard for innovation and efficiency in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape!

Marco Viticoli

Head of Research & Development Division

Banca d'Italia Italy

Thursday 06/03/2025

Session 7 __ Central bank digital currency: lessons learned and future implications

Presentation

Currency

Agua 1-2

Speaker

After earning his degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Material Science, Marco began his career by collaborating with the University of Catania and the Italian National Research Council on various research projects.

He joined the Banca d’Italia Banknotes Directorate in 2005, working on quality control, prepress production processes, and health & safety. In 2011, he was appointed Head of the R&D Section, where he primarily focused on designing new banknotes, leading R&D projects on innovative security features, and advancing process innovation technologies.

Since 2021, Marco has led the Research and Development Division, overseeing the design and development of new banknotes and security features, innovation in production processes, quality control of raw materials and euro banknotes. Additionally, he represents Banca d’Italia on the Eurosystem’s task force dedicated to R&D activities.

Evolution of banknote design: from human to artificial intelligence

Would you like to learn how technological innovations have shaped the evolution of Banca d’Italia’s banknote design? Are you interested in exploring how artificial intelligence could further expand the boundaries of creative possibilities? Join Marco for his presentation and learn from Banca d’Italia’s experience first-hand.

Mikko Väisänen

Inspector

Ministry of Interior, Headquarters of Finnish Border Guard Finland

Friday 07/03/2025 09.50-10.20

Session 10 __ Navigating the digital identity landscape: balancing biometrics and traditional IDs

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Mikko Vaisanen is an Inspector at the Finnish Border Guard's Headquarters, specialising in Border Checks. He is responsible for the implementation of biometrics in border control and immigration monitoring, as well as overseeing developments in document security and control tasks. Mikko leads the advancement of document examination within the Finnish Border Guard and is in charge of improving systems, data pages, and registers related to border control and immigration.

With nearly 30 years of service in the Finnish Border Guard, Mikko has spent over 13 years at the Headquarters and has been a document security expert for two decades.

Mikko is also the project manager of the Finnish DTC (Digital Travel Credentials) pilot, the first in the world to undergo live testing. He is a member of ICAO’s New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) and serves as Deputy Chair of Finland's National ID-Forum Steering Group.

The Finnish DTC pilot - implementation, defect management and digital residence permits

Finland conducted the first ever successful DTC pilot in 2023 in a multi-agency effort. In addition to testing the DTC Type1, defect management was explored as well as a study on the digitalisation of the EU residence permit into a signed 2D-barcode containing a high-quality facial image.

Douglas Ward

Senior Technology Program Manager, Security & Intelligent Documents

U.S. Government Publishing Office United States of America

Thursday 06/03/2025 15.00-15.40

Session 6 __ The ecosystem of identity

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Panellist

Douglas ‘Doug’ Ward joined the U.S. Government Publishing Office in the fall of 2001. As a specialist, with a strong technical background in printing technology and printing management, he was assigned to work on the team developing the ePassport in conjunction with the Department of State. During the development of the US ePassport Program, the GPO’s Security & Intelligent Documents division was formed with a focus on having dedicated security printing, manufacturing, engineering, and issuance experience available to all agencies in the US Federal Government.

In addition to the US ePassport and the US NexGen Passport, Douglas has been involved in or directed and managed the development and production process for many US Federal Identity Documents, such as The Department of State’s Emergency Passport, The Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Cards, The Transportation Security Administration’s Transportation Workers Identity Card (TWIC), the redesign and production of the last 3 prior US Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Travel Document Books, The US Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credential, The Veterans Affair’s Veterans Health ID Card (VHIC), The Department of Homeland Security Employee ID’s (HSPD-12 PIV Card), The US Capitol Police & Senate Rules Committee’s Inauguration Tickets and Credentials, The Department of Defense Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s PFAC Card, and of course traditional Law Enforcement Credentials for numerous Federal Agencies.

Along with engineering and implementing secure documents at GPO, Douglas also acts as an advisory resource for any Federal Agency in the realm of high security document design, feature evaluation, production and issuance.

In early 2023, Douglas was promoted to Senior Technology Program Manager focusing on all card-based identity document development and issuance projects. Douglas holds an Associate’s of Applied Science and a Bachelor’s of Applied Science, both degrees majoring in Printing Technology and Printing Management, from Ferris State University in May of 2000.

Designing and managing the lifecycle of the U.S. passport

This panel will highlight the collaborative efforts of four U.S. government agencies in designing and managing the entire lifecycle of the U.S. passport. Discussions will cover key areas including design, research and development, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, authentication, fraud prevention, vulnerability testing, and inspection.

Eleanor Winton

Expert, Facilitator, Consultant and Speaker on Innovation, Future Trends and Disruption

Foresightfully United Kingdom

Wednesday 05/03/2025 09.20-10.00

Plenary

Ocean 1-2-3-4

Keynote

As a specialist in foresight and innovation, Eleanor's career has encompassed a range of fields, including legal policy, money laundering investigations, and future thinking. While her current focus is on foresight, she began her career by specialising in hindsight, investigating misconduct, fraud, and money laundering with the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and KPMG’s Forensic Group.

She created, developed, and directed KPMG’s Future Institute in the UK and has worked closely with senior leadership teams across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, mining, logistics, and financial services.

Today she is the owner of Foresightfully, a boutique consultancy focused on innovative approaches to strategy, leadership, and culture. She is dedicated to sustainable business practices and believes strongly in the crucial role of business leaders in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future.

Eleanor helps her clients create clear short- and long-term action plans to address external changes and their effects on sector and industry dynamics. She encourages her clients to stay curious about evolving trends and to be bold in seizing the opportunities that these changes offer.

She also co-authored The Disruption Game Plan: New rules for connected thinking on innovation and risk, which was released to rave reviews.

Together towards tomorrow

Shinichiro Yamamoto

Director for General Security Products

National Printing Bureau (NPB) Japan

Thursday 06/03/2025

Session 2 __ Unveiling the latest identity documents

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Speaker

Shinichiro has a degree in Chemical Engineering. Later, while working with NPB, he also obtained a Master of Technology Management. Since his involvement in the technology development and quality control of Japan's inaugural electronic passport in 2006, he has held various pivotal roles within NPB's passport division.

He currently serves as the Director for General Security Products at the National Printing Bureau of Japan, overseeing the development and production of Japan's next-generation passports. With over 30 years in the security printing sector, he brings extensive expertise and insights.

Japan’s next generation passport

Shinichiro will delve into NPB Japan’s journey in crafting Japan’s forthcoming passport series, covering the incorporation of iconic artworks alongside cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Catherine Yates

Document Design Officer, Passport Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State United States of America

Thursday 06/03/2025 15.00-15.40

Session 6 __ The ecosystem of identity

Presentation

Identity

Agua 3-4

Panellist

Catherine Yates is a Document Design Officer with the U.S. Department of State. She is responsible for the design and oversight of the secure identity documents issued by Consular Affairs.

Prior to her service at the U.S. Department of State, Catherine worked at the U.S. Government Publishing Office for 16 years as Technology Program Manager, where she oversaw product development, project management, and quality initiatives of security documents for various U.S. government agencies.

For the past several years, Catherine’s primary focus has been the development and launch of the new U.S. passport. She is a subject matter expert in secure document materials, manufacturing, and personalisation methods.

Designing and managing the lifecycle of the U.S. passport

This panel will highlight the collaborative efforts of four U.S. government agencies in designing and managing the entire lifecycle of the U.S. passport. Discussions will cover key areas including design, research and development, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, authentication, fraud prevention, vulnerability testing, and inspection.

Kathleen Young

Executive VP and Chief of FedCash Services

Federal Reserve Financial Services United States of America

Thursday 06/03/2025 09.30-09.50

Session 1 __ The role of cash in present and future societies

Presentation

Currency

Agua 1-2

Speaker

The majority of Kathleen’s career has been in Federal Reserve Financial Services. She started her career in operations as a young manager, and later joined the Federal Reserve Bank of San Fransisco in 2012. She developed cross-functional knowledge in a variety of local and national Information Technology responsibilities before returning to payments and joining the FedCash leadership team in 2016.

Today, Kathleen is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Executive Leadership Team, the Federal Reserve Financial Services Leadership Team, and the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence Steering Committee. She leads the team responsible for providing strategic guidance and support to 28 Reserve Bank Cash offices. This includes cash supply chain engagement, insights and analysis; banknote processing and technology; and national vault inventory and distribution management. Kathleen and her team are particularly focused on the NextGen Program, which replaces the existing fleet of cash processing systems across the country, processing nearly 30 billion notes per year.

Kathleen graduated from Florida State University’s College of Business with an undergraduate degree in marketing management. She also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, Columbia University, and the Darden School of Business.

Shifting strategies in light of U.S. currency trends

Since 2016, the annual U.S. Diary of Consumer Payment Choice study surveys consumers to determine payment preferences over time. This year’s 2023-2024 study is the first conducted since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and results indicate that the pandemic has lasting effects on how consumers make payments. Join Kathleen as she shares the latest key findings of the study with you, while explaining how Federal Reserve Financial Services shifts strategies to ensure their mission is met in an efficient way.