In an era marked by escalating trade tensions and unpredictable geopolitical shifts, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to rapid changes that can disrupt operations and supply chains. The recent intensification of trade disputes, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, has introduced a complex landscape of tariffs and regulatory challenges. Companies, regardless of size, are finding it arduous to stay abreast of these developments and assess their potential impacts.
Matthew Oresman, London managing partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, a global law firm, encapsulates this sentiment:
We are drowning in trade updates every hour of every day.
To address this pressing need, London-based startup Hence AI has unveiled Hence Global, an AI-driven platform designed to assist organizations in monitoring and mitigating geopolitical and business risks. This innovative tool serves a dual purpose:
1. Risk Monitoring and Mitigation: Hence Global enables companies to track potential risks pertinent to their operations and provides actionable recommendations to alleviate these threats.
2. Enhanced Client Analysis for Service Providers: Consulting and law firms can leverage the platform to generate insightful analyses for their clients, offering a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
Sean West, CEO and co-founder of Hence AI, describes the product as an AI-powered business advisor that’s riding alongside you. Priced at an accessible $1,500 per year for the base product, Hence Global aims to democratize access to critical risk management tools, making them available to startups, NGOs, and other organizations that may lack the resources to engage high-cost consultants.
Big companies know how to buy expensive advice, and the richest people will always talk to the smartest people, and they’ll pay for them, West explains. But most of the market can actually be served by technology.
West’s background as the former global deputy CEO of geopolitical advisory firm Eurasia Group, coupled with his recent publication Unruly: Fighting Back when Politics, AI, and Law Upend the Rules of Business, underscores his expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. His co-founder, Steve Heitkamp, brings experience from Palantir, specializing in political risk and counterterrorism.
Built on Palantir’s Foundry and Artificial Intelligence Platform, Hence Global integrates various AI models to comprehend, summarize, and analyze information tailored to a customer’s specific needs and industry. The system aggregates data from diverse sources, including news headlines, Wikipedia, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, and public databases like sanctions lists and World Bank information.
For instance, a cross-border cryptocurrency infrastructure company offering stablecoin payments, crypto custody, and regulatory intelligence can utilize Hence Global to receive continuous, forward-looking analyses of geopolitical developments affecting their sector. The platform delivers daily briefings, highlighting relevant news and potential risks, enabling proactive decision-making.
The introduction of AI-driven tools like Hence Global signifies a broader trend in the business world: the adoption of artificial intelligence to navigate the complexities of modern trade wars and geopolitical uncertainties. By automating compliance, optimizing logistics, and providing real-time risk assessments, AI empowers businesses to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.
As trade policies continue to evolve, the integration of AI in risk management strategies is poised to become an indispensable asset for companies striving to maintain resilience and competitiveness in a volatile global market.
