Sayari CEO Farley Mesko - mapping global financial crime
Jan 7, 2025
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Farley Mesko, CEO and co-founder of Sayari, shares insights on how geopolitical tensions are reshaping global supply chains. He discusses the need for transparency amidst evolving financial crime networks and the importance of entity resolution in maximizing data value. The conversation delves into the complexities of government contracts in the national security sector and highlights the role of strategic partnerships in business growth. Farley also brings a light-hearted touch, mentioning quirky personal stories and the cultural revival of mustaches.
Geopolitical tensions are driving a demand for transparency in global supply chains, complicating compliance as businesses navigate fragmented supplier networks.
The growing importance of entity resolution is highlighted as companies face challenges in identifying ownership within complex corporate structures to mitigate financial crime risks.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Transparency
Recent geopolitical tensions have significantly impacted the demand for transparency within global supply chains and financial networks. Issues such as trade tensions between the US and China and restrictions on technology flows to Russia have created a complex environment for businesses. As companies navigate these changes, there's a growing need to understand the layers of suppliers, which has led to an increase in fragmentation as clients diversify their supply chains away from traditional manufacturing hubs like China. This shift complicates tracking and accountability, making it essential for businesses to adapt their strategies to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.
Challenges of Compliance in a Fragmented Environment
As supply chains become more fragmented, the risks associated with compliance and transparency have escalated. Companies face the challenge of ensuring that their products adhere to regulations while dealing with a complex web of suppliers across different regions. This fragmentation often leads to difficulties in tracking the origins of materials and verifying the integrity of the supply chain. Moreover, a heightened regulatory environment and engaged consumers press firms to adopt stringent compliance measures, further complicating the landscape.
Evolution of Sanctions and Compliance Strategies
Policymakers are increasingly moving towards narrative-based sanctions rather than traditional list-based restrictions, creating challenges for businesses trying to comply. With companies often spread across various jurisdictions, the difficulty lies in identifying those who meet the criteria described in narrative policies without concrete lists. This has resulted in a need for innovative screening strategies that can adapt to these broader restrictions. By leveraging extensive data resources, firms can effectively create their own lists to identify possible risks associated with their operations and partners.
Entity Resolution in Risk Management
The importance of entity resolution has become apparent as businesses strive to mitigate risks associated with complex corporate structures and sourcing practices. Given that illicit actors often hide behind layers of nested companies, effective entity resolution solutions are crucial for identifying ownership and control accurately. Companies must invest in refining their entity resolution processes to ensure reliable data that informs risk assessments. As the financial landscape becomes increasingly intricate, the ability to connect disparate data points will enhance the effectiveness of compliance and risk management strategies.
Farley Mesko is the CEO and co-founder of Sayari, a financial intelligence and supply chain risk platform that serves major financial institutions, government agencies, and corporations.
In this episode of World of DaaS, Farley and Auren discuss:
How geopolitics are reshaping global supply chains
The evolution of financial crime networks
Building data products for government agencies
Why entity resolution is the future of intelligence
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You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and Farley Mesko on LinkedIn.