Site Title | Advisory Services

Services

Investigative and Financial Crime Consulting

The Rechel Group provides investigative consulting services to law firms, accounting firms, and financial institutions confronting fraud, financial crime, and complex risk matters. Our services support litigation, regulatory inquiries, internal investigations, and enterprise risk management initiatives.

Services Include:

Fraud and financial crime case analysis
Investigative strategy and planning
Expert consultation for litigation and regulatory matters
Internal investigation support
Risk exposure and control assessment

Our clients benefit from discreet, actionable, and intelligence-led guidance that strengthens investigative outcomes and informs executive decision-making.

Engagement Model:

Confidential consulting for high-stakes matters
Flexible service delivery (on-site or remote)
Tailored reporting for boards, counsel, and leadership teams

"After a violent incident at our bank, we asked Jim to help address urgent concerns and review our branch security. His detailed assessment guided us in identifying weaknesses and improving our physical security. The thoroughness of his evaluation helped us identify potential vulnerabilities and make informed improvements to our security measures."

- L HENSGENS New Iberia, Louisiana

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Active Threat, Robbery &

Workplace Violence

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We provide comprehensive active threat consulting for organizations seeking to prevent, respond to, and recover from violent incidents. This includes preparation for robbery, active shooter events, and other workplace violence scenarios.

Services Include:

On-site security and vulnerability assessments
Policy and procedure review
Robbery and active threat risk analysis
Preparedness planning and scenario-based exercises
Post-incident assessment and improvement recommendations

Excelling in active threat and violence risk consulting, The Rechel Group helps clients prepare for potential incidents with thorough readiness planning. Our comprehensive approach encompasses policy reviews, on-site security assessments, and scenario-based evaluations. By ensuring clients’ preparedness, we provide them with the peace of mind needed to operate securely and confidently.

Further strengthening our clients' readiness, we offer post-incident evaluations and preparedness planning services that adapt to emerging threats. Our aim is to maintain a secure environment by staying ahead of potential risks. Through thoughtful strategy and preparation, we help our clients mitigate threats effectively while maintaining a steadfast focus on their core operations.

Engagement Model:

Nationwide service delivery
Custom-tailored plans for facilities, personnel, and operations
Hands-on exercises for executives and frontline staff

"You provided us information in an entertaining and interactive format kept everyone engaged and raised issues we'd never considered. Our city's Chief of Police commented to me that your presentation was one of the best he has heard in over 30 years in law enforcement."

- M L Knight, Farmers National Bank

Education, Training & Resources

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Rechel Group delivers professional education programs on fraud, financial crime, and active threat mitigation. Our curriculum is informed by operational experience, investigative insight, and industry best practices.

Services Include:

FraudSmart Program – Developed with the Institute for Criminal Justice Education
Customized fraud and security training for executives, managers, and staff
Scenario-based workshops and tabletop exercises
Conference presentations and keynote speaking
Monthly newsletter covering emerging fraud and physical security trends

Engagement Model:

Nationwide training delivery
Custom content development for client-specific needs
Flexible delivery: in-person, virtual, or hybrid

The Rechel Group offers comprehensive, intelligence-driven solutions.Click to add an engaging title. High quality images go a long way in looking professional online.

The Rechel Group, Inc. and Institute for Criminal Justice Education Launch “Smart Service” Training Series for Bankers Focused on Fraud Prevention and Threat De-escalation.

CINCINNATI, OH — The Rechel Group, Inc. and the Institute for Criminal Justice Education proudly announce the launch of a comprehensive series of training programs dedicated to empowering financial institution staff with advanced skills for fraud detection and threat de-escalation under the unifying theme: “Safety-Smart Service.”

This innovative training initiative includes two specialized tracks: “Fraud-Smart Service,” focused on fraud prevention and threat mitigation, and “Safety-Smart Service,” dedicated to de-escalation techniques for both front line and managerial staff.

For more information about education or conference presentation details, please contact The Rechel Group, Inc.

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Fraud

Our Experience

Proven expertise in crisis management and security solutions

Major U.S. Bank Loss Investigation

When a major U.S. bank suffered a $200 million financial loss, its Legal Department turned to The Rechel Group for assistance. The firm was engaged to oversee the comprehensive investigation and provide critical support for both civil and criminal litigation efforts. The Rechel Group’s specialized expertise in financial investigations and legal support proved vital in navigating the complex legal challenges posed by this case.

International Money Laundering Scheme

In a separate incident, a U.S. bank experienced a sophisticated $6.8 million loss connected to international money laundering activities. The Rechel Group utilized its advanced investigative skills to deliver key insights into the scheme, which facilitated the recovery of assets and ensured that those responsible were brought to justice.

Embezzlement Detection and Recovery

Following suspicions of significant embezzlement at a U.S. bank, The Rechel Group was retained to conduct a thorough investigation. The team successfully traced the embezzled funds to their source, thereby supporting the legal process and enabling the achievement of full restitution for the client.

Mortgage Loan Fraud Resolution

In a case involving a $25 million mortgage loan fraud, The Rechel Group developed and executed a comprehensive investigative strategy. This approach led to the recovery of misappropriated funds and the prosecution of the individuals responsible for the fraud.

Workplace Violence

Our Experience

Proven expertise in crisis management and security solutions

Bank Robbery Crisis Management

A bank robbery turned into a violent incident, resulting in the death of a bank employee and customer. Jim Rechel was asked to manage the immediate impacts and to develop the bank's response to the legal, operational, and emotional responses to the incident.

Hostage Situation Response

An individual with mental and political ideologies took bank employees hostage, ultimately killing two bank employees. The Rechel Group, Inc. was immediately engaged to deal with the multitude of issues impacting the relatively small community bank. A comprehensive plan, combined with creative memorials for the employees, were implemented and subsequent risk assessments were instituted.

Community-Wide Threat Mitigation

A community of banks were facing the threat of violent attacks on banks and associated personnel involving serial threat actors. The Rechel Group provided a comprehensive plan to assess and mitigate the risks, individually and as a community.

Scalable Security Assessment Program

A midwestern Credit Union was growing and needed a scalable Physical Security Risk Assessment process, and also required an immediate review of all their locations to address new risk factors. The Rechel Group provided both, and the Credit Union implemented the recommendations.

Education & Keynotes

Conference Presentations and Keynote Sessions

"Tsunami of Change: How it Impacts Bank Security"

Delivered as a keynote session at the 2025 Cyber, Fraud, and Physical Security Conference hosted by the Indiana Bankers Association, this presentation offered a comprehensive analysis of the macro-level changes influencing bank security. The session explored how technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, evolving law enforcement practices, demographic changes, and transformations in human behavior collectively impact physical security and fraud prevention strategies within banking institutions.

"Continuity Planning, Active Threats & Fraud Mitigation"

Presented at the 2025 Community Bankers School, organized by the Community Bankers Association of Indiana at Illinois Wesleyan University, this session focused on essential strategies for community banking. The discussion centered on business continuity planning, effective responses to active threats, and robust fraud mitigation techniques to safeguard banks and their stakeholders in a dynamic risk environment.

"When the Crystal Ball Shatters: Security Trends and Indicators"

As the opening general session at the 2023 IBA Security & Technology Conference, hosted by the Indiana Bankers Association, this presentation provided critical insights into emerging trends and societal shifts impacting bank security. It examined the implications of these changes for criminal activity and offered guidance on adapting security protocols to address new and evolving threats.

"Real Time Assessment & Response: In the Branch and In the Office"

Conducted at the 2023 IBA Security & Technology Conference by the Indiana Bankers Association, this session emphasized the importance of behavioral threat assessment techniques in banking environments. It addressed methods for identifying and mitigating both active threats and financially motivated crimes in real time, ensuring that staff are equipped to respond effectively in both branch and office settings.

"Trends in Organized Check Fraud: Know Your Adversary"

Presented at the 2024 OBL Security & Technology Conference by the Ohio Bankers League, this session detailed the patterns and tactics of organized crime groups such as South American Theft Groups and the Felony Lane Gang. The presentation highlighted collaborative strategies with law enforcement to reduce losses and enhance fraud prevention efforts within financial institutions.

Testimonials

"The team excels in providing customized support, guaranteeing operational resilience for their clients."

"The Rechel Group's advisory services are unmatched, offering solutions for complex challenges with professionalism."

"Expert risk management capabilities ensure organizations are prepared for any threats or incidents."

"The team excels in providing customized support, guaranteeing operational resilience for their clients."

"The Rechel Group's advisory services are unmatched, offering solutions for complex challenges with professionalism."

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Operating from our Cincinnati office, The Rechel Group offers comprehensive, intelligence-driven solutions. We provide investigative consulting services in fraud mitigation and active threat preparedness, as well as professional education to clients across the nation.

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About Us

Our Three Core Services

Investigative & Financial Crime Consulting

Active Threat, Robbery & Workplace Violence

Education, Training & Resources

"Jim's ability to analyze and organize vast amounts of information, combined with his practical insight and common sense, results in a work product that both benefits his clients, and makes our role as lawyers more efficient and productive."

Investigative and Financial Crime Consulting

Active Threat, Robbery &

Workplace Violence

Education, Training & Resources

Our Experience

Major U.S. Bank Loss Investigation

International Money Laundering Scheme

Embezzlement Detection and Recovery

Mortgage Loan Fraud Resolution

Our Experience

Conference Presentations and Keynote Sessions

"Tsunami of Change: How it Impacts Bank Security"

"Continuity Planning, Active Threats & Fraud Mitigation"

"When the Crystal Ball Shatters: Security Trends and Indicators"

"Real Time Assessment & Response: In the Branch and In the Office"

"Trends in Organized Check Fraud: Know Your Adversary"

Contact Us

Contacts