NEACH Launches Fraud Mitigation Professionals Certificate Program to Strengthen Institutional Fraud Investigation and Risk‑Mitigation Capabilities

New program equips financial institution teams with practical, real‑world skills to detect, investigate, document, and mitigate fraud across all major payment channels

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New England Automated Clearing House Association (NEACH) today announced the launch of the Fraud Mitigation Professionals Certificate Program, a comprehensive nine‑course training series designed to help financial institutions strengthen their fraud‑mitigation practices, improve investigative consistency, and reduce organizational exposure across rapidly evolving fraud schemes.

As fraud risk continues to expand across payment channels and internal operations, financial institutions face increasing pressure to identify risk earlier, investigate effectively, and support decisions with audit-ready documentation. This certificate program provides a structured learning path that builds investigative capability over time, supporting more consistent decision-making and stronger institutional resilience.

“Financial institutions are operating in a fraud environment that is faster, more interconnected, and more complex than ever,” said Joe Casali, AAP, AFPP, APRP, Executive Vice President of NEACH. “Investigators and risk professionals need repeatable investigative frameworks—not just awareness—to support defensible decisions, reduce losses, and meet examiner expectations. This program is designed to deliver those building blocks in a practical, applied way. We have recognized that demand and developed intensive certificate programs to meet it.”

Developed and led by nationally recognized fraud expert Rayleen Pirnie, BCJ, AAP, CERP, Director of Risk and Fraud at NEACH, the program integrates real-world case studies, evidence-based investigative approaches, and hands-on tools that support consistent, defensible decision-making.

“Frontline investigators and risk teams are under tremendous pressure to make fast yet well-documented decisions, but they often lack formal training that reflects real investigative workflow,” said Pirnie, Program Creator and Lead Instructor. “This certificate provides a structured investigative process, case-based practice, and practical tools to connect red flags across channels. Participants leave with skills and resources they can apply immediately.”

Delivered March through August 2026, the Fraud Mitigation Professionals Certificate Program includes nine instructor-led modules covering investigation fundamentals, advanced case analysis, business compromise schemes, new-account and ACH/P2P fraud, deposit and lending fraud, internal fraud, cross-channel risk patterns, and real-time triage playbooks. Optional Study Hall sessions support capstone preparation. Participants who complete all program requirements earn a Fraud Mitigation Professionals Certificate and digital badge.

Designed for investigators, risk and compliance professionals, operations staff, and supervisors, the program provides a scalable framework to strengthen investigative consistency, enhance documentation quality, and reinforce examiner-ready practices. Built for cross-functional collaboration, it equips professionals at any stage to contribute meaningfully to fraud mitigation efforts.

The Fraud Mitigation Professionals Certificate Program opens in March 2026. Learn more at https://www.neach.org/Programs/Fraud-Mitigation-Professionals-Certificate-Program.

About NEACH
The New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) is a non-profit association that helps members originate and receive ACH transactions and provides products, services, education, and marketing to increase the acceptance, use, and quality of electronic transactions. For more information or to join NEACH, visit www.neach.org.