One of my favorite scenes in the movie Twister is when there is a large tornado approaching the drive-in movie theatre. Helen Hunt’s character is racing to get people to shelter while yelling that the storm is coming. Then there is a dramatic cut to a hero shot of Bill Paxton, who stares at the approaching tornado and says: “It’s already here.” 

Yes, we get it. ChatGPT is already here. Your news feed is flooded with it, your recent customer service engagement with the airline used it, and your parents just asked you to show them how to use it. We already know some key benefits: 

Enhanced Productivity: ChatGPT and generative AI tools can streamline and automate various tasks, such as data analysis, research, and report generation. This can significantly improve operational efficiency and save time for employees, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities like fundamental research.   

 Data Analysis and Insights: These tools can analyze large volumes of financial data, identify patterns, and generate valuable insights. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, financial service firms can gain deeper insights into market trends, customer behavior, and investment opportunities, leading to more informed decision making. 

 Risk Assessment and Management: ChatGPT and generative AI tools can help identify potential risks and anomalies in financial data. They can assist in assessing creditworthiness, detecting fraudulent activities, and improving risk management strategies, ultimately enhancing regulatory compliance and reducing financial risks. 

Risks associated with ChatGPT 

The advantages of this technology are undeniable. However, as a regulated financial service firm, it’s important to identify who in your organization is using it and for what purpose. You need to pause and ask, “Do we have a policy in place for this?”  How are you going to safeguard the firm against these potential risks? 

 Data Privacy and Security: The use of ChatGPT and generative AI tools involves handling sensitive financial data. If not properly managed, there is a risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse of information. Financial service firms must implement robust security measures and adhere to data protection regulations to mitigate these risks. 

 Lack of Transparency and Explainability: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT operate based on complex algorithms and neural networks. They can generate outputs that are difficult to interpret and explain, which may pose challenges in understanding how decisions or recommendations are reached. This lack of transparency can lead to regulatory concerns and hinder the ability to justify outcomes. 

Compliance and Regulatory Risks: Financial service firms operate in a highly regulated environment. The use of AI tools should comply with industry-specific regulations, including data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and reputational risks. 

Bias and Fairness: AI models can inherit biases present in the data they are trained on. In the financial industry, biases can impact lending decisions, investment strategies, and customer interactions. It is crucial to ensure that these tools are regularly monitored and audited to mitigate biases and ensure fairness in decision making. 

Overreliance and Human Judgment: While AI tools can provide valuable insights, it’s important to recognize their limitations. Overreliance on AI-generated outputs without human judgment and validation can lead to erroneous decisions. Human oversight and critical evaluation are necessary to avoid potential pitfalls. 

Conclusion 

Policy is Step 1. At Agio, we have already designed and implemented ChatGPT/AI policies for our financial service customers. Our seasoned team of CISOs engage with clients daily, helping them navigate the benefits and risks for their specific organization. Contact us today to see how we can empower you.