Why Take Action Now?
The AI Act has major impact on the financial sector
August 2025
First obligations for high-risk AI systems come into effect
Credit Scoring = High-risk
AI for creditworthiness automatically falls under strictest rules
Fines up to €35 million
Or 7% of global annual turnover — regulators will enforce
Explainability Requirement
Customers have right to explanation for automated decisions
High-risk AI in Financial Services
These AI applications fall under strict AI Act requirements (Annex III)
Credit Scoring
AI systems that assess creditworthiness of natural persons — from mortgage acceptance to personal loans.
Insurance Premiums & Claims
Systems assessing risks for life and health insurance, or making claims decisions.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Transaction monitoring and customer due diligence systems fall under financial supervision and AI Act.
Fraud Detection
Systems detecting fraudulent transactions or behavior — from payment fraud to identity fraud.
Specific Challenges for Financial Institutions
The AI Act brings unique compliance questions for the financial sector
Model Risk Management Integration
How does AI Act compliance fit into existing MRM frameworks? What are overlaps with SR 11-7 and ECB guidance?
Explainability vs. Black Box
Many scoring models are complex. How to meet explainability requirements without sacrificing performance?
Bias in Credit Decisions
Non-discrimination is crucial. How to test AI models for proxy discrimination and indirect bias?
Legacy Systems
Much production AI is years old. How to bring existing models in line with new requirements?
Third-party AI Vendors
What to ask from external vendors? Credit bureaus, fraud vendors, AML providers?
Regulator Expectations
How do regulators interpret the AI Act? What are expectations for financial institutions?
AI Act Compliance Roadmap
Practical steps for financial institutions
AI Inventory
2-4 weeksMap all AI systems. Which models make decisions about customers?
Risk Classification
1-2 weeksDetermine per system if it is high-risk, limited risk or minimal risk.
Gap Analysis
3-6 weeksCompare current documentation and processes with AI Act requirements.
Remediation
3-12 monthsImplement technical documentation, bias testing, human oversight.
Ongoing Monitoring
OngoingSet up processes for continuous monitoring and periodic review.
What Makes Financial AI Different?
Sector-specific considerations
Dual Regulated
Financial AI falls under both AI Act and financial supervision
Higher Documentation Requirements
MRM frameworks already require extensive model documentation — AI Act adds to this
Consumer Protection Focus
Explainability and complaint rights are extra important for financial decisions
Sanction Exposure
Beyond AI Act fines also regulator enforcement and reputation risk