Control Risks acted as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to guide enterprise-wide AI adoption, helping a global investment fund embed governance, manage risk and accelerate innovation with confidence.
Overcoming fragmented oversight amid rapid AI expansion
One of the world’s largest investment funds was rapidly scaling the use of artificial intelligence across its business, from productivity tools to AI-enabled application development. While this created opportunities for efficiency and innovation, it also introduced complex and evolving risks across security, governance and regulatory compliance.
There was a growing tension between business teams driving AI innovation and central security, risk and compliance functions seeking to manage exposure. The organisation needed clear guidance on how to define appropriate controls and ensure consistent oversight at both operational and executive levels.
Guiding governance and risk management
Control Risks acted as a virtual CISO, providing ongoing advisory support and bridging innovation and risk oversight:
- Advising on security controls and governance frameworks for enterprise-wide AI adoption, including the rollout of tools such as Claude.
- Providing regular risk briefings and decision support to the Risk Committee and Executive Committee on AI adoption and AI-enabled development.
- Supporting the design and implementation of controls for AI tools, including Claude Code, Chat and Cowork.
- Conducting hands-on beta testing and evaluation of AI tools under consideration for internal use or investment.
- Facilitating structured discussions between business owners and control functions, aligning innovation goals with risk and compliance requirements.
Delivering ongoing advisory and moderation to ensure consistent, informed decision-making as adoption scaled.
Clarity for deploying AI with control
The engagement provided immediate clarity on risk exposure and control requirements, enabling the organisation to move forward with AI adoption in a structured and controlled way.
AI-related risks were clearly articulated to senior stakeholders, supporting more informed executive decision-making. Security and governance controls were embedded across key tools and use cases, reducing uncertainty and enabling faster deployment.
Crucially, business, security and compliance teams strengthened alignment, allowing innovation initiatives to progress without creating unmanaged risk to critical systems, data and operations.
Building a foundation for confident AI growth
The organisation moved from fragmented, reactive decision-making to a more coherent, governance-led approach to AI adoption.
By embedding structured controls and executive oversight, the fund strengthened its ability to scale AI safely across the business. New capabilities were established in evaluating emerging technologies, supporting both internal deployment and investment decisions.
This approach has increased confidence at board and executive level, enhanced resilience across operations and critical assets, and positioned the organisation to adopt future AI innovations with greater speed and control.