At the ComplyAdvantage Fintea Chats, Lucy Heavens, founder of Heavens Sent GTM Services, gives refreshingly honest conversation about compliance, technology, and where the industry is really heading. Heavens describes herself as a RegTech and compliance enthusiast, a label that fits well given her long-standing involvement in the space and her obvious passion for how regulation, technology and people intersect.
One of Heavens’ biggest takeaways from the event was a reminder that, despite all the excitement around AI and emerging technologies, none of it works properly without solid foundations. Heavens stressed the ongoing importance of the data sitting underneath these tools as if that data isn’t well organised, accurate and properly maintained, even the most advanced technology won’t deliver meaningful results. Put simply, innovation still depends on getting the basics right.
When asked about the biggest changes coming to compliance over the next year, Heavens offered a perspective that stood out. While she’s clearly excited by new technology, she’s most encouraged by the shift toward more human-driven compliance and rather than fearing that AI will replace jobs, the industry is becoming more comfortable with the idea of technology supporting people as the focus is moving toward collaboration, where AI helps professionals work smarter, faster and with greater confidence.
Looking further ahead, Heavens was careful not to oversell bold predictions as compliance, she noted, doesn’t tend to move at breakneck speed. Over time Heavens expects to see continued adoption of AI, particularly for repetitive and manual tasks. As those tasks are automated, compliance professionals will gain more space to think creatively, apply judgement and ultimately do better work.