When Adrienne Terpak joined TD Bank over 12 years ago, the realm of cyber fraud was just beginning to gain traction as a critical concern for financial institutions. Initially, it was not part of her job title, but soon it became an integral aspect of her daily responsibilities. As a Senior Commercial Segment Manager in Treasury and Trade Products and Services, Adrienne’s journey has led her to increasingly focus on cyber threats, even though she doesn’t sit on the cybersecurity team.
Her extensive experience in Corporate Treasury provided her with a foundational understanding of vulnerabilities that clients might face regarding their financial systems. “I didn’t start with a cyber mandate,” she stated. “But helping clients with cyber awareness and fraud prevention has been central to my work from the beginning.” This awareness was particularly heightened as she managed a large wire transfer operation, allowing her to develop a keen sensitivity to potential fraud and suspicious activity both internally and externally.
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Adrienne emphasized how the landscape of cyber threats has dramatically transformed. “Back when I entered the field, the most common threat was what I would refer to as ‘plain vanilla check fraud.’” Today, however, the environment is far more complex and challenging.
“It’s the breadth and velocity of scams that are daunting,” she noted, pointing to the rise of social engineering and impersonation tactics. “Cybercriminals don’t necessarily need to hack systems anymore; they can infiltrate by understanding people, how businesses operate, and where the money flows.” This evolving threat landscape puts even more pressure on financial professionals to be vigilant.
The extent of cyber attacks is alarming, as supported by recent information from the FBI. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report for 2024 reported that Business Email Compromise (BEC) complaints resulted in a staggering $2.88 billion in losses. Such statistics underline the necessity for ongoing education and prevention strategies in the fight against fraud.
Adrienne actively engages with Middle Market and Specialty Businesses like Healthcare, Non-Profits, and Higher Education regarding these crucial topics. She highlights that everyone, regardless of title, should play a role in protecting the bank and its clients. The TD Security Awareness for Everyone (TD SAFE) program was curated by her specifically to equip commercial clients with the necessary knowledge to combat fraud.
According to Tom Gregory, Head of Treasury Management, Merchant & Government Banking at TD Bank, “Teamwork and cyber champions like Adrienne are essential for protecting clients, colleagues, and the bank against ongoing cyber threats.” This statement echoes the collaborative spirit within TD Bank, where each member has a role in the collective defense.
No Special Titles Required to Help Fight Fraud
A central theme in Adrienne’s messages is that a strong defender does not require a special title. “You don’t need a special designation to help protect against fraud,” she explained. “We’re all empowered to adopt a defender mindset and serve as a critical layer of defense — the human firewall.” This philosophy is a cornerstone of TD Bank’s approach to cybersecurity.
Adrienne underscores the importance of cross-functional collaboration in fostering a robust defense against fraud. “Fraud management, cyber threat analysis, client education, and many other lines of business collectively contribute to a ‘fusion approach.’” Such collaborations ensure that vital insights on emerging scams are shared broadly, enabling both clients and colleagues to recognize threats before they result in losses.
If she had just one message to impart to TD colleagues and clients around the globe, it would be straightforward and impactful: “Trust your instincts, pause to verify, and report suspicious activity promptly. Collectively, our actions make a huge difference. We’re only as strong as our weakest link, so each of us plays a role.”
As the stakes in cybersecurity continue to rise, Adrienne remains dedicated to enhancing awareness and vigilance within TD Bank and its client base. “Everyone is vulnerable—large businesses, small businesses, and every individual,” she cautioned, acknowledging that cyber threats will continually evolve, necessitating an equally adaptive response.
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