Risk Management

Boards are demanding productivity gains from enterprise AI, but features like web browsing and application connectivity introduce cybersecurity risks, including indirect prompt injection attacks. Tenable research highlights these vulnerabilities, potentially enabling data exfiltration and malware persistence. Mitigation requires treating AI assistants as distinct IT entities, subject to rigorous audit and zero-trust controls, including a comprehensive AI system registry and context-aware feature constraints. Organizations must invest in training and continuous monitoring to proactively address emerging threats and evolving vendor security postures.

AI is transforming workplace communication, presenting enterprises with governance challenges. LeapXpert’s platform addresses this by consolidating external client communications from platforms like WhatsApp and Teams into a governed environment. Their AI engine, Maxen, analyzes messages for sentiment, compliance, and intent while maintaining auditability. This provides stakeholders with transparent records and flagged anomalies, improving efficiency and risk management. A case study showed a 65% reduction in manual review time. LeapXpert emphasizes the need for transparency and control to leverage AI’s benefits without sacrificing data security.

S&T Bancorp (STBA) has appointed Stephanie N. Doliveira to its board of directors and S&T Bank’s board, effective immediately. Doliveira brings over 25 years of leadership experience, most recently as Executive Vice President of People and Culture at Sheetz, Inc. CEO Chris McComish cites Doliveira’s expertise in culture and strategy as invaluable. Analysts suggest her appointment underscores S&T’s focus on internal culture and sustainable growth, particularly in a competitive banking landscape. Her experience in human capital management and risk oversight will be valuable in navigating a complex regulatory environment.

Airbnb is deploying anti-party technology this Halloween to prevent disruptive gatherings by identifying and blocking “higher-risk” reservations using a complex algorithm analyzing booking parameters. This follows similar deployments during other peak travel periods. Since implementing a party ban in 2020, Airbnb reports a 50% reduction in party reports. This initiative aims to build trust, protecting its brand image by fostering a safer platform for hosts and guests, while balancing proactive prevention and avoiding false positives.

Meta is reducing its risk organization workforce, shifting towards AI-driven automation for compliance reviews. This follows a $5 billion FTC fine and aligns with broader workforce adjustments, including layoffs in the Superintelligence Labs AI unit. Meta emphasizes that AI aims to streamline processes and augment human capabilities, not replace judgment. The company says AI will automate applying rules and not make the decision on risk itself. This move mirrors similar strategies at companies like JPMorgan and Salesforce, raising questions about AI’s impact on the job market.

The International Insurance Society (IIS) announced the finalists for the 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Award. These emerging leaders were selected for their research addressing key challenges in insurance and risk management. Finalists include Robin Huettemann (McKinsey), focusing on public-private partnerships for natural catastrophe resilience; Sulim Lee (AIA), exploring the role of human advisors in the age of AI; and Anne-Katherin Schirlitz (Gallagher Re), examining growth imperatives in reinsurance. They will present their research at the IIS Global Insurance Forum in Switzerland, where the 2025 RGA Leader of Tomorrow will be named.

The luxury yacht “Dolce Vento” sank off the Turkish coast shortly after its launch due to suspected design flaws and inadequate watertight seals. Valued at $940,000, the 85-foot vessel rapidly submerged within 15 minutes, though all aboard evacuated safely. The incident raises concerns about shipbuilding quality control, especially in smaller shipyards, and is expected to prompt stricter safety standards and increased insurance scrutiny. Initial analysis points to potential weight imbalance and rapid water ingress as contributing factors.

HII, a leading defense technologies provider, announced the 2025 Compass Award recipients, recognizing five employees for their contributions to ethical conduct and compliance. This award, part of HII’s broader strategy to strengthen ethical behavior and risk management, underscores the importance of integrity in operations. EVP Paul Harris emphasized accountability and ethical leadership. HII’s commitment aims to improve investor confidence, secure government contracts, and maintain trust in a competitive market. The focus on compliance reduces risk and helps the company deliver defense capabilities effectively.

AGNC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq: AGNC) announced the pricing of a public offering of 12,000,000 depositary shares representing preferred stock, with gross proceeds of $300 million. Underwriters have a 30-day option for additional shares. Listing on Nasdaq is planned under “AGNCZ,” with closing expected around September 10, 2025. Proceeds will be invested in a diversified portfolio including Agency securities and credit risk transfer securities. Managed by a consortium of financial institutions, the offering is under an existing shelf registration statement. The strategy aims to bolster capital amid volatile market conditions.