Agenda

8 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

8:45 a.m.

Welcome/Opening Remarks

Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr., Managing Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

Luis G. Rivera-Marin, Of Counsel, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

9 a.m.

State of the Industry in Puerto Rico

Ramon Barquin

Ken Rivera

Luis G. Rivera-Marin, Of Counsel, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the current business landscape in Puerto Rico. Government officials and industry leaders will examine the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the island's economy. Topics will include key regulatory developments and insights into the sectors driving growth. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives to navigate Puerto Rico's unique business environment effectively.

9:30 a.m.

What Your Corporate/Tax Team May Not Know: The Interplay of State Distribution Licensing and Corporate Transactions

Frank Fazio, Senior Vice President, Distribution and Licensing Services, Porzio Compliance Services

Stock transfers, asset purchases, and internal corporate reorganizations can all carry state notification requirements which can impact the ability to ship or sell into various states. This session will outline the various types of transactions and what triggers notification requirements. It will also provide guidelines for business leaders, corporate, and tax on timelines and the importance of pre-planning to ensure continuity of post-close business operations.

10 a.m.

Emerging Industries Risks & Rewards

Héctor Jirau, Executive Director, parallel18

Felix M. Negron, Founder and CEO, NY Operations Consulting

Robert M. Schechter, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

From life sciences to aerospace and blockchain to AI this panel will explore both business opportunities and potential pitfalls in expanding market sectors. With decades of collective experience working with R&D and incubation stage companies to established manufacturers and large-scale operations, as well as the hurdles that arise throughout the business cycle, the panelists will discuss the current emerging industries environment in Puerto Rico and beyond.

10:30 a.m.

Break

10:45 a.m.

Tax Incentives and Project Funding Opportunities

Cameron Garner, Chief Operating Officer, True Mountain Capital, LLC

Joseph Paparo, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

Colton Wandke, Co-Founder & Partner, DECA Analytics, LLC

How federally funded New Market Tax Credits, local grants, and other tax incentives can facilitate development on the Island.

11:30 a.m.

IRS Investigations and Targeting ACT 60 Recipients: Planning and Prevention

Francisco E. Colón-Ramírez, Of Counsel, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

Gavin George, Tax and Legal Practitioner, Tax Network USA

Isabel Hernández, Tax Partner, Kevane Grant Thornton

Giovanni Mendez, Tax, Corporate, and Blockchain Attorney, GEO Tax

Deirdre R. Wheatley-Liss, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

CJ Whisnant, Tax Attorney, Tax Network USA

With increased scrutiny on ACT 60 recipients, understanding the scope of IRS investigations and proactive compliance measures is more critical than ever. This session delves into the trends and triggers driving IRS attention toward ACT 60 participants, offering a detailed look at the legal and financial vulnerabilities businesses and individuals face. Join our panel of legal and tax experts as they provide practical guidance on minimizing risk, responding to audits, and safeguarding your compliance strategy.

Noon

I. Richard Ploss

Networking Lunch

1 p.m.

Keynote Address

Donald F. McGahn II, Partner, Practice Leader Government Regulation, Jones Day

1:30 p.m.

Navigating the AI Maze: Data Privacy Insights and Compliance Strategies

Crystal Allen, Chief Innovation Officer, Luma

Alfred R. Brunetti, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence continues to impact all phases of commerce and business both on and off island.  Along with its eyepopping applications and benefits, the data privacy governance and risk management complexities it introduces are significant. This lively panel will delve into AI’s broad impact on data management, regulatory obligations, and risk mitigation. Together, the presenters will discuss practical strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving AI-focused regulatory landscape and to leverage AI while maintaining compliant with data privacy and security laws and best practices.  Attendees will gain actionable insights on aligning AI innovation with rigorous data use and protection realities.

2 p.m.

A View from Washington: A Regulatory and Legislative Outlook

Ted Lehman, Principal, Todd Strategy Group

Donald F. McGahn II, Partner, Practice Leader Government Regulation, Jones Day

Marco Santori, Chief Legal Officer, Kraken

Nick Uehlecke, Principal, Todd Strategy Group

This session offers an in-depth analysis of the latest regulatory and legislative developments emerging from Washington, DC, and their potential impact on businesses operating in Puerto Rico and beyond. Join leading experts as they discuss upcoming policy changes, enforcement priorities, and compliance trends across key sectors. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating the evolving legal landscape and positioning their organizations for success in the face of new challenges and opportunities.

2:30 p.m.

Break

2:45 p.m.

Advancing Decentralized Organizations Through Foreign Entities and Foundations: Why Cayman Islands and Other Foreign Jurisdictions

Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr., Managing Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

Alastair Lagrange, Counsel, Mourant Ozannes (Cayman) LLP

Jill M. Williamson, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

In an era of increasing globalization and the rapid rise of decentralized organizations, selecting the right framework is pivotal for success. This session will explore how foreign jurisdictions, such as the Cayman Islands, provide unique advantages for decentralized organizations, including regulatory flexibility, tax efficiency, and operational transparency. Attendees will gain insights into the strategic use of foreign entities and foundations to optimize governance structures, foster innovation, and attract global investment.

3:15 p.m.

Crypto Exchanges and Compliance: From Investors to Listing Tokens, What Issues and Red Flags Must be Examined

Lauren Benjamin, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer & BSA/ AML Officer, PWI Kraken

Jill M. Williamson, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

As cryptocurrency exchanges gain traction as pivotal players in the digital asset ecosystem, understanding the legal and compliance landscape is crucial for investors, traders, and token issuers. This session dives into the complex regulatory and operational frameworks shaping the future of crypto exchanges, with a special focus on compliance best practices, listing strategies, and evolving challenges.

3:45 p.m.

Raising Capital for Emerging Technology Companies

William J. Hughes, Jr., Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

Scott Walker, Managing Member, DNA

Paul Weinstein, General Partner, COO, Azure Capital Partners

Jill M. Williamson, Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

This panel will address legal and regulatory risks particular to emerging technology companies, as well as some industry trends; including token sales, the use of Simple Agreements For Future Equity (SAFEs), risks to founders and control persons, and disclosure and statement and omission risk.

4:15 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr., Managing Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Farewell Reception