As regulatory scrutiny around electronic communications intensifies, ACA Group has released enhancements to its eComms Technology Solutions suite, part of its ComplianceAlpha platform. The new archiving tools offer advanced capabilities aimed at improving data and workflow management for compliance professionals.
One of the key features of ACA’s archiving function is its rapid search and data extraction capability, which allows compliance teams to quickly navigate vast data sets and respond more efficiently to regulatory inquiries. “By streamlining data access and simplifying workflows, we’re not just saving time—we’re fundamentally changing how compliance teams handle electronic communications,” says Peter Kenny, Managing Director and Head of Global Surveillance Strategy at ACA Group.
The enhancements come at a crucial time when regulators, including the SEC and CFTC, have made books and records compliance a top priority, resulting in over $3.28 billion in fines to date. As noted in the 2024 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey, electronic communications surveillance and off-channel communications are currently the top concerns for compliance professionals.
ACA’s new features aim to provide deeper insights and better oversight across a range of communication platforms. With tools such as random sampling and direct data exports, the solution allows firms to monitor digital communications more effectively. “Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about having a holistic view of all communication channels,” Kenny adds. “Our capabilities allow compliance teams to uncover risks that may otherwise be overlooked and act on them swiftly.”
The suite uses AI, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Relationship Forensics, to detect and investigate high-risk activities, reducing false positives by up to 80%. “Relationship Forensics refers to the tools which facilitate the investigation of ‘Items of Interest’ or ‘IOIs,’ which is how ACA refers to the various exceptions generated within ComplianceAlpha. Connections between these IOIs are represented in a relationship graph of someone’s communication network,” explains Kenny.
ComplianceAlpha integrates with over 85 connectors across more than 25 languages, capturing data from diverse sources like emails, social media, mobile devices, and voice transcription.
The new capabilities provide tools for risk management, helping firms meet regulatory expectations. “The landscape is shifting rapidly, and our clients need tools that don’t just react to changes but anticipate them,” says Patrick Olson, CEO of ACA Group. “Our technology helps them not only comply with regulations but also build a more resilient compliance framework.”
With features designed to support everything from routine audits to complex investigations, ACA’s suite addresses digital communications governance. The focus is not just on staying compliant but on enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of compliance teams. “The new tools provide the agility that firms need to navigate today’s fast-paced regulatory environment,” Olson notes.
As the demand for robust electronic communications solutions grows, ACA continues to develop its compliance technology offerings. “We see this as a journey, and these enhancements are just one step toward a more comprehensive, intelligent approach to compliance,” Olson concludes.
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