Reports of rising property-sector cyber attacks come as broker firms accumulate more sensitive customer data across sourcing platforms, lender portals, document stores and digital client journeys. The FCA’s recent enforcement activity also underlines the wider importance of integrity, governance and controls throughout financial services.
AI can increase both productivity and exposure. Tools that summarise client files, extract income data or draft communications may create data-protection, confidentiality and supplier-risk issues if they are not properly configured. The practical priority is to treat AI adoption as a control-framework project, not simply a software purchase.
- Minimum controls: Approved-tool register, role-based access, multi-factor authentication, staff training and incident-response procedures.
- AI governance: Do not place identifiable client data into unapproved public models; assess vendor security, retention, training-data use and audit logging before deployment.