LSEG has today released a preview of findings from the latest LSEG Risk Intelligence global market  survey which will be published in its entirety in a white paper “Operating at the Speed of Crime:  The Case for Real-Time Risk Intelligence” to be released September 30th at the SIBOS conference  in Frankfurt. The survey results show that compliance workflows automation, AI, and real-time data  access are key enablers of more efficient, accurate, and responsive customer screening processes,  but there was strong sentiment that AI should replace human input. 

David White, Global Head of Product & Data, LSEG Risk Intelligence said: “As financial crime accelerates in complexity and speed, investing in real-time data and advanced  screening technologies is no longer optional — it’s imperative. But technology alone won’t solve the  challenge. The true differentiator lies in choosing partners and data sources that align with each  institution’s unique risk appetite, operational realities, and long-term compliance strategy.” 

Industry Plagued by Widespread Delays 

All financial institutions surveyed reported experiencing delays in their onboarding and payment  processes due to compliance screening. Nearly a third (31%) said delays happen often, and 6% of  institutions are facing the challenge of delays occurring every single time; in total four out of five  (80%) said these delays happen at least occasionally. The type of screening process used is related  to the frequency of delays.

Manual processes are particularly inefficient, with delays occurring every time for 10% of  institutions that rely on them. Advisory firms are hit the hardest, with 14% reporting constant  delays. This is notable because a higher percentage of these firms (59%) use a mix of manual and  automated functions, compared to the 46% average across other financial institutions (Insurance,  Bank and Investment / private equity). 

Operational and Technological Issues Present Major Challenges 

The findings reveal the considerable time and resource demands on teams, driven by high volumes  of alerts and the need for human intervention. The majority of financial institutions admit to  struggling with the need for manual review and remediation workload (77%) and managing a high  number of false positives (75%).  

Technology-related issues are also major hurdles and suggest current IT systems and tools may not  be fully aligned with operational needs, leading to inefficiencies and slower screening processes.  Three-quarters of institutions face issues integrating new tools (75%) with existing systems and  dealing with inflexible software (67%). Additionally, some financial institutions noted delays in data  updates (64%).  

Real-time Data Access is Critical to Compliance Workflows 

Real-time access to key data is the most critical factor for financial institutions. Overall, almost all  financial institutions surveyed (98%) said real-time access to sanctions and risk data is important  to their compliance workflows, with 62% rating it as very important. 

The biggest advantages of real-time data are seen as managing risk in real-time. It helps financial  institutions avoid outdated data (49%), monitor risk continuously (48%) and manage fast-moving  risk more effectively (48%). 

Enabling compliance and regulatory alignment and improving operational efficiency and customer  experience are also recognized as important benefits. 

Compliance Workflows Automation and AI Set to Transform Customer Screening, But AI  Should Not Replace Human Input 

When considering improvements to the effectiveness of the risk screening process, financial  institutions identified automation and AI integration as key priorities, with 21% highlighting this as a  focus area. Respondents provided a range of examples, from enhancing real-time analysis and  identifying fraudulent patterns to automating the verification of customer compliance documents. Several respondents emphasised that AI’s role is to complement, rather than replace, the customer  screening process, particularly by handling initial tasks.