The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into advertising review processes promises to transform the regulatory landscape across the industry. In our recent webinar, “AI in Compliance: Enhancing Advertising Review with Artificial Intelligence,” we were joined by industry experts Gregory Evans, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer at Ultimus Fund Solutions, and Derek Stern, AVP and Head of Global Distribution Compliance at Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. They shared insights alongside Red Oak’s own experts, Stephen Pope, Founder and Chief Solutions Architect, and Mike Lubansky, SVP of Product Management and Strategy. Together, they explored how AI is shaping advertising review and offered practical strategies for organizations navigating this evolving terrain.
If you missed the live event, this blog highlights the top takeaways and offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of AI in compliance workflows.
1. The Growing Role of AI in Advertising Compliance
The rise of AI is here. Financial services firms are leveraging AI to streamline operations and uncover insights that were previously inaccessible. In the realm of advertising compliance, AI’s ability to automate routine tasks and identify potential compliance issues early in the review process is particularly impactful. By reducing manual effort and minimizing human error, AI empowers compliance teams to focus on higher-value activities and strategic decision-making.
2. AI is a Complement, Not a Replacement
One of the most common misconceptions about AI is that it will replace human expertise. In reality, AI serves as a complement to human oversight, enhancing rather than eliminating the role of compliance professionals. While AI excels at quickly analyzing vast amounts of data and flagging potential issues, human judgment remains critical for nuanced decision-making and interpreting complex regulatory requirements. AI empowers compliance teams by acting as an advanced tool in their arsenal, not as a substitute for their expertise.
3. Challenges with Early AI Implementations
The path to effective AI adoption is not without challenges, as Gregory Evans, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer at Ultimus Fund Solutions, highlighted during the webinar. Sharing his firsthand experience, Evans recounted how his team faced significant obstacles with a previous AI implementation that ultimately fell short of expectations. Issues such as false positives, over-promised functionalities, and the inability to integrate effectively into existing workflows rendered the solution impractical.
These frustrations highlight the importance of choosing the right vendor—one with a proven track record and the ability to deliver solutions tailored to an organization’s specific needs. Evans’ cautionary tale serves as a reminder that thoughtful planning, stakeholder involvement, and robust vendor support are critical to overcoming these challenges and achieving successful AI adoption.
4. The Value of Workflow Integration
A recurring theme in our webinar was the importance of integrating AI seamlessly into existing workflows. Standalone AI tools, no matter how advanced, are unlikely to deliver their full potential without proper integration. Compliance workflows involve multiple stakeholders, from content creators to compliance officers, and an effective AI solution must facilitate collaboration across these groups. Integrated AI ensures a smoother process, reducing redundancies and streamlining approvals.
5. Security and Data Privacy Concerns
Data privacy and security are paramount concerns when implementing AI in compliance. Marketing materials often contain sensitive information, and organizations must ensure that AI tools adhere to stringent security standards. This includes protecting proprietary data and avoiding scenarios where sensitive information could inadvertently be shared or exposed. Organizations must work with vendors who prioritize data security and offer robust safeguards to protect their clients’ information.
6. Transparency in AI Models
Regulators and organizations demand transparency in AI decision-making processes. It is not enough for AI to flag issues; stakeholders need to understand why a particular recommendation was made. This level of transparency not only builds trust in the technology but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
7. AI Enhances Speed and Accuracy
One of AI’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to enhance speed and accuracy in compliance reviews. By identifying potential issues early in the process, AI reduces the time spent on back-and-forth revisions between content creators and compliance teams. This increased efficiency not only accelerates time-to-market but also improves the overall quality of marketing materials. Faster, more accurate reviews enable organizations to remain agile and responsive in competitive markets.
8. Configurability to Meet Specific Needs
No two organizations are identical, and neither are their compliance requirements. AI tools must offer a high degree of configurability to accommodate different jurisdictions, regulatory frameworks, and organizational priorities. From tailoring prompts to configuring workflows, flexibility is key to ensuring that AI solutions align with the unique needs of each organization. Configurability allows organizations to maximize the value of their AI investment while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.
9. Seamless Integration and Collaboration Are Key
Derek Stern, AVP and Head of Global Distribution Compliance at Manulife Wealth and Asset Management, emphasized that the success of AI in compliance hinges on seamless integration into existing workflows and strong collaboration between teams. He shared how configurable solutions tailored to diverse regulatory environments enable firms to achieve measurable efficiency gains. Stern also highlighted the importance of selecting experienced vendors that prioritize security, transparency, and ongoing support. By fostering collaboration and choosing the right partner, organizations can unlock AI’s full potential while maintaining compliance and operational excellence.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of AI in Compliance
AI has the potential to revolutionize advertising compliance, offering speed, accuracy, and efficiency. However, its successful adoption depends on thoughtful planning, collaborative execution, and robust support from experienced vendors. By integrating AI into their workflows, organizations can not only enhance compliance but also gain a strategic advantage in their industries.
To dive deeper into these insights and learn from our panel of industry leaders, watch the full webinar here. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore how AI can transform your compliance processes and drive better outcomes for your organization.
