“Artificial intelligence is not going to replace the compliance expert. What is going to happen is that someone who knows how to use it will replace someone who doesn't.”
— Carlos Valderrama, Legal Paradox.

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A Necessary Conversation

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2025 will mark a before and after for artificial intelligence in the world of compliance. It stopped being a distant promise to become a concrete tool that is transforming the way in which organizations manage their compliance systems. To separate myths from realities, at Complif we organize the webinar “AI in compliance: myths, realities and next steps”, with the participation of Carlos Valderrama, founding partner of Legal Paradox, and the moderator of Nicolas Bukschtein.

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During the session, we addressed the risks, opportunities and practical steps that financial and fintech institutions must take to take advantage of AI in the field of PLD/FT.

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The four most common myths about AI in compliance

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During the webinar, Carlos highlighted that one of the main challenges for the adoption of artificial intelligence in compliance is to disarm the wrong beliefs that still circulate in the industry. Often these ideas slow down innovation or create unrealistic expectations. Let's review four of the most common myths he mentioned:

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1. ‍ “AI only hallucinates”
   The reality is that the Large Language Models they generate predictive text and, yes, they can be wrong. But that doesn't apply to all types of AI: algorithms of Machine learning and neural networks they already achieve accuracy of up to 90% in risk detection of money laundering and the financing of terrorism.‍
2. “AI is neutral and objective”
   Algorithms reflect the biases of their creators and the data that feeds them. From geographical discrimination to source bias, if left uncorrected, AI can amplify legal and reputational risks.‍
3. “Compliance is the exclusive task of the officer”
   Compliance is the responsibility of the entire organization. Limiting it to one area or person is not only inefficient, but risky. Recent examples in Mexico show how a lack of compliance culture can lead to the bankruptcy of entire entities.‍
4. “A solution works forever”
   The regulatory framework and criminal typologies are constantly changing. Static solutions are becoming obsolete. The key lies in continuous surveillance and in agents who update information in real time.

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Realities that can no longer be ignored

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The realities of artificial intelligence in compliance can no longer be overlooked. Automation ceased to be a promise and today it shows that it can detect serious breaches capable of jeopardizing entire licenses. But that power comes with a challenge: implementing AI requires combining legal knowledge and technological expertise to adjust to complex and fragmented regulatory frameworks.

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Even so, human oversight remains irreplaceable; expert judgment is indispensable for interpreting findings and avoiding errors. What is clear is that AI is not a replacement, but rather a competitive advantage: teams that incorporate it into their compliance processes will be one step ahead of those who decide not to.

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The Future: Intelligent Agents

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One of the most powerful points of the webinar was the debate on AI agents: systems capable of connecting to external sources, executing tasks and delivering practical results.

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At Legal Paradox, for example, they developed an agent that monitors the Federal Official Gazette on a daily basis and alerts clients to regulatory changes that may affect them.

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At Complif we already work with our own agents — such as Screena and Trixi — that automate monitoring processes in PLD, from the detection of matches in lists to the initial investigation of customers.

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Next steps for organizations

1. Leaving behind the magical vision of AI. Not everything works out on its own: strategy is needed.
   
2. Build internal capabilities. Training, culture of compliance and human judgment remain essential.
   
3. Adopt tools that integrate AI. From risk matrices to automated monitoring
4. Prepare for rapid changes. Regulation, criminal typologies and technology are advancing in parallel.

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More than a trend: a strategic change in compliance

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The future of compliance is not a trade-off between humans and machines, but rather a combination of both capabilities. Artificial intelligence allows compliance teams to focus on what really matters: making strategic decisions and building trust.

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In Complif, we believe that AI it's not just a fashionable tool, but a strategic ally to anticipate risks and strengthen organizations in an increasingly complex environment.

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