European Gas Prices Hold Near Two-Week Low Amid Ample Supply
Benchmark futures hovered below €34 a megawatt-hour after losing 5.5% last week. While liquefied natural gas imports have eased from this year's highs, they remain far above 2024 levels, providing a steady flow of fuel to the region.
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Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Solving the unstructured data dilemma in financial services
I hear you. Not another highbrow article about AI. But stay with me. What follows isn't abstract speculation — it's rooted in what's already unfolding on the ground. In a recent conversation with Richard Huston, Managing Director at VAMOS, a company building AI solutions specifically for financial services, I heard something different. Rather than grand visions of the future, Huston offered a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how AI is quietly tackling one of the sector's most persistent pain points: unstructured data. His insights prompted the following. The unstructured data problem In the fast-paced world of financial services, few challenges are as persistent or as costly as the management of unstructured data. With thousands of finance proposals flooding in from hundreds of brokers to customer service emails requiring complex policy interpretations, financial institutions have long struggled with the manual processing of information that arrives in countless formats and styles. Yet, as in many areas, recent advancements in AI technology are offering promising solutions to this longstanding problem. The scale of the challenge is staggering. Consider the typical asset finance lender receiving proposals from brokers across the country. Each broker has their own approach to presenting client information; some prefer lengthy email narratives, others send sparse bullet points, while many submit incomplete documentation across multiple attachments. What should be a straightforward evaluation process becomes a laborious exercise in data archaeology, with operations teams spending hours extracting, interpreting and structuring information before any meaningful analysis can begin. The rule of 80:20 Emerging AI technologies are now capable of interpreting customer communications and providing intelligent suggestions to operations teams. Rather than promising to replace human judgment, these systems aim to enhance it by automating administrative heavy lifting: the 80 allowing human intelligence (HI), the 20 to focus on oversight and complex decision-making. Whether it's a broker's finance proposal or a customer service enquiry, when unstructured data arrives AI can automatically analyse the content, extract key information and present it in a structured format alongside relevant context from existing business systems. For example, when a customer emails to change their payment date, an AI system can analyse the request, fetch the customer's account information and payment schedule, and provide recommended actions based on policy and account status. Beyond simple automation What makes tech such as this particularly powerful is its ability to understand context and apply policy consistently across all interactions. In the previous example, the system doesn't just extract basic applicant information, it understands the relationship between different data points, identifies potential risk factors and suggests next steps based on established lending criteria. When a customer sends an email explaining that they are having financial difficulties, AI can analyse the email and understand the individual circumstances, retrieve relevant policies for customers in financial difficulty and offer staff appropriate options such as reduced payments or a payment holiday. This level of contextual understanding represents a significant leap forward from traditional data processing tools. Compliance and risk management In an industry where regulatory compliance is paramount, AI's approach to policy consistency provides significant value. It can ensure all customer interactions are automatically guided according to policies and procedures, while creating a clear audit trail of circumstances considered for taking decisions and enabling monitoring of customer outcomes. This automated compliance capability is particularly valuable for institutions dealing with Consumer Duty obligations and fair treatment requirements. By embedding policy guidance directly into the operational workflow, AI helps ensure that regulatory requirements are consistently met across all customer interactions, reducing compliance risk while improving operational efficiency. HI – the human factor Perhaps most importantly, successful AI implementation must account for the human element. It should reduce pressure on frontline staff by simplifying complex customer interactions, providing clear guidance and support while maintaining human oversight of key decisions and customer interactions. This human-centric approach addresses one of the most common concerns about AI in financial services – that automation will diminish the quality of customer service. Instead, by handling administrative tasks and providing intelligent suggestions, AI enables staff to spend more time on activities that truly require the nuance of human judgment and empathy. Looking forward AI's potential to solve the unstructured data challenge points to a broader transformation in how financial institutions approach operational efficiency. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human expertise, forward-thinking organisations are recognising its potential as a powerful augmentation tool that can handle routine processing while preserving human oversight for complex decisions. For financial institutions still struggling with manual processing of unstructured data, AI offers a compelling vision of the future – one where technology handles the administrative burden while humans focus on building relationships and driving business outcomes. In an industry where efficiency and compliance are both critical to success, this represents not just an operational improvement, but a genuine competitive advantage. The question for leaders in financial services isn't whether AI will transform their operations – it's whether they'll be early adopters of these solutions or find themselves playing catch-up in an increasingly automated industry. "Solving the unstructured data dilemma in financial services" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Entrepreneur
14 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
No. 1 Place to Retire in the World May Not Be On Your Radar
With cost of living, safety and more to consider, a retirement relocation requires careful thought. If relocating is part of your retirement plan, you're not alone. In 2024, 258,000 Americans relocated for retirement, per research from HireAHelper, an online marketplace that connects people needing moving assistance with local moving professionals. But before you plan your move to Florida or one of the other hot spots for retirees in the U.S., you might want to take a look around the globe. Related: Are You on Track for a Comfortable Retirement? Here's How Much Money You Should Save Every Month Depending on Your Age and State. Life insurance company Everly Life released a report last month that unpacked the best places to retire around the world, per Travel + Leisure. The study ranked 137 countries according to cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, air quality, elderly population percentage and retirement visa availability. Each area was rated on a scale of 0 to 100, then averaged to compile the final result. Estonia snagged the top spot with a score of 79.41. "The Baltic nation combines reasonable living costs (55.9 cost index) with strong health care (77.7 index) and impressive safety levels (76.5 index)," the report stated. Image Credit: Alexander Spatari | Getty Images. Tallinn, Estonia. Related: Here Are the Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2025, According to a New Report The Northern European country also has a 20.91% elderly population, which speaks to "a retirement-friendly society," Everly Life reported. "Estonia represents the sweet spot many retirees are seeking," Mariah Bliss, a spokesperson for Everly Life, noted. "You're getting Northern European health care standards and safety without the crushing costs of places like Switzerland or Denmark." Norway and Portugal took second and third place for the best places to retire, according to the report. Spain, Australia, Canada, Latvia, Hungary, Malta and Italy rounded out the top 10. Related: This Buzzy Retirement Strategy Is Helping Young People Escape the 9-5 Before Becoming Millionaires — Here's How to Pull It Off No matter where you intend to spend your retirement, try living on your retirement budget for a few years before you actually retire to identify potential shortfalls or lifestyle adjustments that may be needed, Stacey Black, lead financial educator at Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), told Entrepreneur
Time Business News
15 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Unlocking Opportunities with ISACA AAIA: Your Path to IT Audit Excellence
In an era defined by rapid technological transformation, staying current in the IT audit profession demands more than traditional knowledge. It requires continuous adaptation to new technologies and risks—especially those involving artificial intelligence. The ISACA AAIA certification (Artificial Intelligence Audit Certificate) is designed to meet this need. As organizations increasingly integrate AI into their systems and decision-making processes, the ability to audit these systems effectively is becoming essential. The AAIA credential signals that an IT professional is prepared to assess AI models not only for performance but also for accountability, transparency, and compliance—cornerstones of modern auditing standards. The ISACA AAIA is more than a niche certificate—it's a response to the accelerating use of AI in critical business functions. Traditional IT audit credentials cover cybersecurity, risk, and assurance, but they rarely dive deep into artificial intelligence. The AAIA fills this gap by focusing on the distinct and emerging challenges of AI auditing. It empowers professionals to evaluate AI through a lens of governance, control, and compliance, ensuring these technologies are deployed responsibly and safely. ISACA is a globally respected authority in IT governance and audit, and the AAIA builds on that reputation with content that is both timely and technical. Unlike general AI courses that teach how to build models, AAIA emphasizes the auditor's role in ensuring that AI systems operate ethically, within legal boundaries, and in alignment with organizational risk appetite. This makes the certification highly relevant in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, where compliance is as important as innovation. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in customer service platforms, financial risk assessments, logistics planning, and countless other areas, the risks associated with its use grow significantly. Concerns about algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and unintended consequences have placed AI in the regulatory spotlight. Governments and oversight bodies are already crafting legal frameworks—such as the EU's AI Act—that will require businesses to demonstrate due diligence in how AI is developed and used. In this context, AI auditing is not just a best practice but an emerging requirement. Businesses must be prepared to explain how their algorithms work, what data was used to train them, how outcomes are validated, and whether safeguards are in place to prevent discriminatory or harmful results. Professionals who can carry out these audits bring immediate value to their organizations. The AAIA credential prepares individuals to meet these demands, combining established audit principles with AI-specific knowledge and application. The AAIA certification is well-suited to a range of professionals who are either currently involved in IT auditing or aiming to expand their scope into AI oversight. IT auditors, compliance officers, risk analysts, and cybersecurity specialists will find this credential particularly beneficial as it enhances their ability to work with emerging technologies. It is also valuable for AI developers and data scientists who want to understand the governance and audit expectations around the systems they create. For those already holding certifications such as CISA, CRISC, or CDPSE, the ISACA AAIA serves as a strong complement, reinforcing their expertise with a future-ready specialization. As industries shift toward automation and data-driven operations, having the skills to audit AI systems will open doors to leadership roles in both internal audit functions and external consulting engagements. The AAIA curriculum delivers a robust framework for understanding and auditing artificial intelligence systems. It begins with a foundation in AI governance and explores how ethical considerations, such as fairness and accountability, must be integrated into system design and evaluation. Candidates study the AI lifecycle, learning to identify risks and assess controls at each phase—from data collection and model training to implementation and monitoring. The course emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI, helping auditors evaluate how well systems can explain their decision-making processes. Understanding how to construct and assess AI-specific control objectives is also a key component, along with recognizing data integrity issues that could impact model reliability. Students are introduced to global regulatory standards and compliance requirements, giving them the tools to ensure AI systems meet legal expectations. In addition, the program explores how AI can enhance internal audit capabilities, helping professionals understand its use in fraud detection, predictive analytics, and process automation. Achieving the ISACA AAIA certification marks a significant advancement in one's professional credentials. It distinguishes the holder as someone with the knowledge and readiness to audit one of the most complex and consequential technologies of the modern age. In a competitive job market, this edge is invaluable. Employers across industries are seeking professionals who not only understand technology but can also evaluate its risks and verify compliance in an increasingly regulated environment. The AAIA opens new pathways in AI risk management, compliance consulting, and governance leadership. It can lead to higher compensation, greater job security, and access to opportunities at the intersection of IT and innovation. As organizations grow more dependent on data-driven automation, the demand for certified AI auditors will only rise. Holding this certification shows that you can bridge the gap between business strategy, technical systems, and regulatory oversight. The trajectory of artificial intelligence is clear: more adoption, more integration, and more scrutiny. As AI becomes central to strategic decision-making, its impact must be measured not just by efficiency, but by safety, ethics, and legality. Regulators are taking notice, and enterprises must be ready. Professionals certified in ISACA AAIA will be at the forefront of this shift, leading AI audit projects, advising on governance frameworks, and guiding organizations toward responsible innovation. In the coming years, AI auditing will evolve from a specialized task to a standard expectation. Those who prepare now, through certifications like the AAIA, will be best positioned to influence and shape how AI is used across sectors. Whether in corporate audit teams, independent assurance firms, or regulatory agencies, AAIA holders will have a crucial role in ensuring that AI serves the public and corporate interest responsibly. To earn the AAIA credential, candidates must complete ISACA's official training program and pass a comprehensive exam. The course is designed to accommodate working professionals with flexible, self-paced modules covering both theory and real-world application. While there are no mandatory prerequisites, familiarity with IT auditing, cybersecurity, or data governance is helpful for mastering the material. The exam tests a candidate's ability to evaluate AI systems from an audit perspective, covering governance structures, risk identification, compliance obligations, and performance validation. Upon completion, professionals will not only hold a valuable certification but also gain the confidence and knowledge to handle AI audit responsibilities in dynamic environments. The ISACA AAIA certification represents a major step forward for professionals aiming to lead in a digital-first world. As AI becomes central to how organizations operate, the ability to ensure its responsible use will define the next generation of auditors and risk managers. This credential is more than a professional milestone—it is a mark of trust, expertise, and relevance in one of the most urgent areas of modern technology. With AI continuing to transform industries, the need for certified professionals in AI auditing is not a passing trend—it's the new standard. By earning the AAIA, you're positioning yourself to unlock opportunities, drive accountability, and help shape the future of ethical and effective artificial intelligence deployment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
