Real-Time Risk Intelligence: LSEG & Facctum Usher in New Era of Financial Crime Detection

By Carol Moore

London, UK – November 11, 2025 – A new partnership between London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and RegTech firm Facctum is poised to transform how financial institutions detect and mitigate financial crime. Launching ‘World-Check On Demand’, the duo is moving beyond traditional, periodic screening to deliver instant access to critical risk intelligence data – a response to the escalating speed and sophistication of modern financial crime.

For decades, financial institutions have relied on databases like LSEG’s World-Check to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs) and individuals or entities associated with heightened risk. However, these systems typically operated on a batch processing basis – data was updated periodically, leading to delays and potential vulnerabilities. ‘World-Check On Demand’ aims to disrupt this model, offering real-time data updates via a streamlined, API-first architecture.

“The speed at which criminals operate demands a shift from reactive to proactive,” explains a compliance officer at a European bank who requested anonymity. “Waiting for daily or even hourly updates isn’t sufficient anymore. We need to know now if a transaction or a new customer presents a risk.”

Moving Beyond Batch: The Need for Speed

The move towards real-time risk intelligence isn’t merely a technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in approach driven by evolving regulatory pressures and increasingly sophisticated criminal activity. Sanctions evasion, money laundering, and terrorist financing are becoming more complex and agile, demanding equally responsive countermeasures.

“Traditional screening methods often create bottlenecks and false positives, adding significant costs to compliance operations,” says a risk management consultant specializing in AML. “Real-time capabilities allow for more targeted screening, reducing noise and improving the accuracy of risk assessments.”

LSEG’s research backs this up; a recent study found that 98% of financial institutions consider real-time data crucial for compliance, and 80% report frequent delays due to outdated or slow screening.

How ‘World-Check On Demand’ Works

‘World-Check On Demand’ is built on a robust API-first architecture, allowing seamless integration with existing compliance technology stacks, including onboarding platforms and transaction monitoring systems. Facctum’s FacctList platform plays a pivotal role in this integration, facilitating real-time ingestion, enrichment, and distribution of LSEG’s data. The solution supports industry-standard data formats and prioritizes compatibility with emerging standards like ISO 20022.

“The key is accessibility,” says a technology expert familiar with the project. “It’s not just about having the data; it’s about making it available when and where it’s needed, in a format that systems can readily process.”

The solution provides both synchronous and asynchronous API endpoints, allowing institutions to tailor integration to their specific needs. The ability to filter data and query specific records further enhances efficiency and reduces unnecessary processing.

Competition Heats Up in Real-Time Risk Intelligence

LSEG and Facctum aren’t alone in recognizing the demand for real-time risk intelligence. Companies like Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and ComplyAdvantage are also investing heavily in solutions that deliver instant access to critical data.

“The market is becoming increasingly crowded,” acknowledges a competitor in the space. “But the opportunity is huge. The institutions that can deliver accurate, reliable, and fast data will be well-positioned to succeed.”

Dow Jones, for example, recently launched “Risk Journal,” a premium news solution offering real-time alerts on risk topics. ComplyAdvantage touts its ability to update data in minutes, offering a competitive edge in speed and agility.

ISO 20022: The Standard for Future-Proofing Compliance

A key aspect of ‘World-Check On Demand’ is its alignment with ISO 20022, a global standard for exchanging financial messages and data. This ensures compatibility with evolving regulatory requirements and facilitates seamless cross-border transactions.

“ISO 20022 is becoming increasingly important as financial institutions modernize their infrastructure,” explains a regulatory compliance expert. “It provides a common language for data exchange, reducing errors and improving efficiency.”

While challenges remain in reconciling the richness of ISO 20022 data with simpler JSON formats commonly used in APIs, the industry is actively developing solutions to bridge the gap.

Early Adopters and the Road Ahead

While specific public announcements of early adopters for ‘World-Check On Demand’ are still forthcoming, Facctum’s existing client base is expected to be among the first to benefit from the integrated solution. The partnership leverages Facctum’s expertise in cloud-based risk technology and LSEG’s comprehensive data resources.

“The potential impact is significant,” says a source close to the project. “This isn’t just about improving compliance; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.”

The move towards real-time risk intelligence represents a fundamental shift in how financial institutions approach financial crime. As criminal activity becomes more sophisticated, the ability to detect and respond in real-time will be essential for protecting against fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities. The success of ‘World-Check On Demand’—and similar initiatives—will depend on the ability to deliver accurate, reliable, and accessible data that empowers institutions to stay one step ahead of the evolving threat landscape.