BOISE — The Idaho Department of Finance is excited to announce its inaugural Protecting Consumers in the Digital Age Conference, powered by the IDOF Financial Innovation Lab, on Feb. 19 at the Boise Center, 850 W. Front St. in Boise. Finance and technology experts from Idaho and across the country will meet in Boise to collaborate, strategize and discuss emerging technology developments, issues and opportunities affecting consumers and companies in the financial sector.

The conference will have an impressive lineup of speakers, including Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Hester Peirce and key officials from the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission, U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Idaho policymakers and businesses, the office of the national cyber director, and many others. Topics and panels will focus on:

— Cybersecurity strategies for a digital economy.

— Cybercrimes and digital scams (including senior schemes).

— Responsible use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the financial sector.

— Financial technology workforce development opportunities. 

— Financial innovation legislative and policy environment

“The IDOF FIL’s Protecting Investors in the Digital Age Conference will provide consumers and stakeholders with essential information on emerging technology issues affecting the financial sector, while also showcasing Idaho’s thought leadership on financial technology innovations,” said Patricia Perkins, director of the Department of Finance.

“This conference is the perfect platform for the IDOF to lead in the creation and cultivation of functional financial technology solutions for both Idaho and the United States. Sharing the IDOF FIL’s thinking and solutions for responsible financial innovation with national experts will ensure Idaho is at the forefront of developing solutions that protect consumers and enable emerging technologies to flourish in the financial sector,” said John Yaros, IDOF securities bureau chief.

Interested parties may contact the following staff from the IDOF’s Consumer Affairs Office for additional information: Celia Kinney, Celia.kinney@finance.idaho.gov, and Kellie Davis Kellie.Davis@finance.idaho.gov.