Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a paradox for corporate leaders. On one hand, its potential is undeniable: in a 2023 Gartner survey, 79% of corporate strategists deemed AI, automation, and analytics critical to their success. Yet, only 20% actively use AI in their daily activities. The gap between intention and action speaks volumes, especially in compliance, where AI offers unprecedented opportunities to manage risk, enhance efficiency, and ensure adherence to regulations. In a recent Harvard Business Review Article entitled Why People Resist Embracing AI, Julian De Freitas reviewed this issue and provided some ways to think through how to respond.
Despite its promise, AI adoption is hindered by human skepticism. Concerns range from fears of job loss to distrust in AI’s capacity for ethical decision-making. For compliance professionals, understanding and addressing these barriers is vital for leveraging AI to strengthen compliance programs and drive corporate integrity. In this blog post, I want to explore these challenges and how compliance leaders can overcome them. I have adapted Freitas’ article for the compliance professional.
The Five Barriers to AI Adoption in Compliance
- AI’s Opacity: The “Black Box” Problem
Many employees resist AI because it operates as an inscrutable “black box,” offering conclusions without clear explanations. This lack of transparency can be a deal-breaker for compliance teams, as accountability is paramount in regulatory environments. How can an algorithm flag a suspicious transaction or identify potential bribery risks without explaining its rationale?
Compliance leaders should prioritize AI tools that offer clear, comparative explanations to overcome this barrier. For instance, instead of stating that a third-party transaction was flagged as high risk, the system should explain why, perhaps because of discrepancies in invoice patterns or connections to sanctioned entities. Such insights enhance trust and empower teams to make informed decisions.
Start small. Introducing simpler AI models before scaling to more complex ones can build confidence. Much like Miroglio Fashion’s approach to demand forecasting, a pilot program allows teams to familiarize themselves with AI and see its benefits before adopting more advanced systems.
- AI Is Perceived as Emotionless
Compliance often involves navigating complex, human-centric issues, such as whistleblower reports, triage, Institutional Justice/Fairness, or ethical dilemmas. Many employees doubt AI’s ability to handle such subjective tasks, viewing it as emotionless and rigid. While AI can process vast amounts of data, can it understand the nuances of a whistleblower’s complaint or the subtleties of cultural differences in compliance?
Here, framing matters. Compliance leaders should emphasize AI’s ability to provide objective insights while leaving subjective decision-making to human professionals. For instance, AI can flag patterns in expense reports suggesting potential fraud, but the decision to investigate remains with compliance officers.
Anthropomorphizing AI tools can also make them more relatable. Tools like Amazon Alexa, with humanlike names and voices, have shown that users are more willing to interact with AI when it feels approachable. However, tread carefully in sensitive contexts, such as investigations, where a less personalized AI may feel less intrusive. Always remember the Human-in-the-Loop.
- AI’s Perceived Rigidity
A common misconception about AI is that it cannot adapt or evolve. For compliance professionals, this rigidity could mean AI systems are seen as inflexible, unable to account for unique organizational contexts or evolving regulatory landscapes.
To address this, emphasize AI’s learning capabilities. Tools that improve over time, such as those that adapt to new fraud schemes or regulatory updates, mainly through large language models, can demonstrate AI’s ability to evolve alongside the business. Netflix’s content recommendations, for example, continuously improve based on user behavior. Compliance systems should follow suit, showcasing how AI refines its processes to meet organizational needs better.
At the same time, compliance leaders must balance flexibility with predictability. Highly adaptable AI systems can introduce risks if they deviate too far from expected outcomes. Regular monitoring and safeguards are critical to ensure the system operates within defined ethical and regulatory boundaries.
- Fear of Loss of Control
AI’s autonomy often feels threatening, particularly in compliance, where human judgment is paramount. Employees may worry that AI will override their expertise or act independently in ways that could jeopardize compliance efforts. For example, an AI tool autonomously approving transactions without human review might lead to unchecked risks.
The solution? Implement human-in-the-loop systems, where AI supports decision-making rather than replaces it. Nest’s smart thermostat, which allows users to switch between manual control and automation, is an excellent analogy. In compliance, this could mean using AI to flag risks while leaving final decisions to compliance officers. Such hybrid models restore employees’ sense of agency while ensuring AI enhances rather than undermines human oversight.
- Preference for Human Interaction
Compliance is inherently relational. Building trust, navigating cultural differences, and addressing employee concerns require human empathy—qualities many believe AI lacks. Resistance to AI often stems from the belief that humans are better equipped to handle nuanced interpersonal issues.
While AI cannot replicate human empathy, it can support human efforts. For example, generative AI can analyze patterns in hotline reports to identify systemic issues, allowing compliance officers to focus on building relationships and fostering a speak-up culture. Framing AI as a tool that amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them can help reduce resistance.
Strategies for Driving AI Adoption in Compliance
- Start with Transparency. Be upfront about what AI can and cannot do. Educate employees on how AI systems work, their limitations, and the safeguards to prevent misuse. Transparency builds trust and encourages collaboration.
- Focus on Small Wins. Demonstrating tangible benefits through pilot programs can win over skeptics. For instance, AI can automate low-risk tasks like policy distribution or routine transaction monitoring. Success in these areas can pave the way for broader adoption.
- Prioritize Training and Support. AI adoption requires investment in employee training. Equip teams with the skills to use AI tools effectively and provide ongoing support to address questions or concerns. Mercedes-Benz’s Turn2Learn initiative offers extensive AI training and is a model worth emulating.
- Align AI with Ethical Standards. Compliance professionals must ensure AI systems align with the organization’s values and ethical standards. Regular audits, bias checks, and transparent reporting can reassure stakeholders that AI is being used responsibly.
- Measure and Iterate. Establish clear metrics to evaluate AI’s impact on compliance processes. Use these insights to refine the system, addressing pain points and enhancing effectiveness.
AI in Compliance: A Strategic Imperative
AI’s potential to revolutionize compliance is immense. From automating routine tasks to identifying emerging risks, it can make programs more efficient, proactive, and resilient. However, realizing this potential requires more than technology; it demands a cultural shift.
Compliance leaders must champion AI adoption by addressing psychological barriers and demonstrating its value. Organizations can harness AI to strengthen compliance and drive business success by prioritizing transparency, fostering trust, and empowering employees. As the Gartner survey reminds us, AI is not just a tool for the future—it’s a strategic imperative for today. The question isn’t whether to adopt AI but how to do so in a way that aligns with organizational goals and values. For compliance professionals, the path forward is clear: embrace AI, empower your teams, and lead the charge toward a more efficient, ethical, and innovative compliance landscape.
