Real-time risk needs a real-time response

Our latest white paper unpacks the on-the-ground challenges that financial institutions (FIs) face today – and looks in detail at a combination of real-time data, automation and trusted human oversight that can shift the dial in the global fight against surging financial crime. 

• On-the-ground challenges: Delays, false positives, integration issues, and poor data quality hinder effective compliance.
• Solutions: Real-time data and automation reduce screening inefficiencies and strengthen risk response.
• Human role: AI and automation must support—not replace—expert human oversight in managing financial crime.

FIs today operate in an environment in which criminal networks are leveraging AI to dramatically scale the frequency, sophistication and scope of cyber-attacks. Alongside this, screening and operational inefficiencies are widespread – but real time access to sanctions and risk data, along with AI and workflow automation can help firms to fight back. Importantly, human input remains crucial: AI should enhance not replace human judgement.

These are the key findings of our latest white paper, which analyses responses from the latest LSEG Risk Intelligence Global Survey of 850 risk and compliance leaders globally, and delivers key insights into the real-world challenges and solutions that are shaping today’s financial landscape.

Our research looks at the on-the-ground challenges that FIs face, finding that delays in onboarding and payment processes – caused by compliance screening – heavily affect respondents: 80% say these delays happen at least occasionally, while 31% face them often.

But delays are just a part of the picture. Three further core challenges stand out for FIs when screening customers for sanctions, PEPs and adverse media:

• Operational challenges persist, driven in part by high volumes of alerts: 77% struggle with manual review and remediation workloads, while 75% find managing a high number of false positives challenging. 
• Technology-related issues are also prevalent: 75% face issues integrating new tools with existing systems, and 67% encounter problems when dealing with inflexible software.
• Data quality concerns are widespread: 70% of respondents report that the data they receive isn't properly aligned with their specific risk needs, making it harder to accurately assess risk. 

When analysing responses, automation emerges as a potential solution to many of these challenges. For example, integration with existing systems is significantly less of a challenge for FIs that rely primarily on automated screening processes. Moreover, those that rely mainly on automated customer screening are also significantly less likely to report a lack of data aligned to their specific risk appetites. 

Respondents also highlight the value of real-time data, with 59% of saying that real-time access to key data is a top consideration when selecting a screening tool and an overwhelming 98% saying that real-time access to sanctions and risk data in compliance workflows is important.

Drilling down, the core benefits of trusted real-time data centre around its value in managing risk in real time – a critical requirement, given the real-time nature of financial crime. 

Nonetheless, challenges around real-time data access remain, with 45% pointing to budget or resource constraints and 40% saying that manual review is required regardless of data speed.

This last point is worth highlighting, because it underscores once more the importance of ongoing human input – even when automation and real-time data are in place.

While opting for compliance workflows automation and ensuring access to trusted, real-time data are important, choosing the right risk intelligence partner is essential – and it is vital to understand exactly what they are offering:

• Data quality is of paramount importance. Data should be structured, classified and granular to minimise noise and reduce false positives. 
• There should be clear visibility into data changes and a flexible approach that responds to emerging regulations and shifting compliance needs with speed and agility. 
• Ultimately, a provider should offer a true partnership focused on joint problem-solving through developing and delivering tailored solutions. 

In addition, it is worth remembering that any solution needs to be integrated into a risk-aware organisational culture that values a mindset of agility – and one that places true value on the critical role of trusted human judgement.