Eastward AI Archives - Compliance Podcast Network

Innovation in Compliance: Governing AI Well Deepens Enterprise Risk Strategy

Welcome to the award-winning Innovation in Compliance. In this episode, Tom welcomes back Gerry Zack, and they discuss the growing use of AI in compliance and the launch of Eastward AI.

Gerry Zack brings a practical, cautionary perspective to AI-powered compliance and risk management, shaped by 18 months of advising organizations on how AI is being used in real compliance programs. He sees AI already embedded in functions like hotline support, policy-to-risk mapping, website scanning, behavioral analytics, transaction monitoring, and even parts of investigations, while warning against overreliance on it in sensitive investigative work. As one of the architects of Eastward AI, he helped evolve the platform from a CSRD and double-materiality tool into a flexible compliance and enterprise risk management solution that supports frameworks such as COSO ERM, DOJ guidelines, ISO 37301, and ISO 31000. Overall, Zack believes the real opportunity lies in reducing organizational paralysis, using AI responsibly, and connecting compliance more closely with HR, IT, and other risk functions to strengthen leadership and decision-making.

Resources:

Gerry Zack on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Tom Fox

FCPA Compliance Report: Episode 815 – AI in Compliance and Eastward AI’s Continuous Risk “Reality Check”

Welcome to the award-winning FCPA Compliance Report, the longest-running podcast in compliance. In this episode, Tom welcomes back Gerry Zack, and they discuss the growing use of AI in compliance and the launch of Eastward AI.

Zack says many organizations are uncertain and paralyzed, while others range from using ChatGPT at a basic level to building or buying specialized tools rather than seeking a “big machine.” AI is now embedded across compliance functions, from hotline chatbots and policy/control mapping to monitoring, investigations (which Zack cautions against over-automating), and behavioral analytics. Eastward AI began as a CSRD double-materiality assessment tool but expanded to encompass broader enterprise and compliance risk management, aligned with frameworks including COSO ERM, DOJ expectations, ISO 37301, and ISO 31000. Zack describes development with a skilled programming team, beta “design partners,” and a “Reality Check” feature that rapidly scans global information to update risk assessments and support scenario modeling continuously. This combination has drawn interest from CCOs, CROs, GCs, and strategy leaders. Eastward.ai is now publicly available.