AI fraud detection & whistleblower system launched in Australasia
Report It Now has formed a strategic partnership with Accord Analytics to deliver integrated fraud detection and whistleblower protection services for organisations across Australasia.
The collaboration aims to address a growing need for more robust integrity solutions in response to a marked rise in reported cases of fraud and misconduct in the region. Recent data from the Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand revealed a 40% increase in fraud and corruption complaints in 2022, with protected disclosures and whistleblower complaints rising by 58% over the past year.
By combining Accord Analytics' artificial intelligence-driven fraud detection capabilities with Report It Now's secure ethics reporting and case management solutions, the two companies intend to provide an end-to-end system that covers the entire fraud lifecycle, from early identification of potential risks to confidential reporting and resolution.
Expanded detection capabilities
The technology underpinning the partnership leverages advanced algorithms developed by Accord Analytics. These are designed to analyse payroll, vendor transactions, and communications data for fraud patterns that may otherwise go undetected using traditional investigative approaches. Accord Analytics' AI technology, which draws on concepts from physics and transportation economics, is able to detect fraud "fingerprints" via simple data extracts and within a short timeframe, often producing actionable results in as little as 48 hours.
"Accord Analytics uses advanced AI to detect fraud patterns in payroll, vendor transactions, and communications data that traditional methods cannot identify," said Adrian Fry, Director of Accord Analytics. "What makes our approach unique is the ability to deliver actionable results within 48 hours using simple data extracts—no complex integrations required. Partnering with Report It Now creates a powerful end-to-end solution where our AI detection capabilities seamlessly connect with their secure reporting and case management expertise. As organisations face increasingly sophisticated fraud risks, this integrated approach represents the future of comprehensive integrity management."
With Accord Analytics' detection tools, organisations can monitor areas such as overtime payments, vendor relationships, and internal communications more effectively, increasing overall vigilance against both internal and external threats.
Secure reporting infrastructure
Report It Now's flagship offering, the EthicsPro platform, underpins the reporting and case management aspect of the partnership. The system enables confidential and anonymous channels for whistleblowers and supports organisations in addressing compliance and governance requirements that have become more stringent across Australia and New Zealand.
Craig McFarlane, Director of Report It Now Global Limited, commented on the partnership's potential to enhance protection for businesses:
"By combining Accord Analytics' AI-driven detection capabilities with our secure reporting and case management systems, we're creating a complete ecosystem that identifies risks earlier and resolves them more effectively. This partnership represents a significant advancement in how organisations can protect themselves from financial loss and reputational damage."
The partnership is designed for enterprises that require proactive detection and thorough investigation of misconduct, bridging a gap that often arises between identifying potentially suspicious activity and taking decisive action. Greg Dunn of Report It Now highlighted the dual strength of the combined system:
"What makes this collaboration particularly valuable is how it bridges the gap between detection and action. Many organisations have robust reporting systems but lack the sophisticated detection capabilities that Accord Analytics brings. Together, we're offering a solution that addresses the full integrity lifecycle."
Dunn further noted, "When suspicious activity is detected through AI analysis, organisations need secure, confidential channels to properly investigate and address those concerns. That's exactly what this partnership delivers."
Shared mission and organisational benefits
The shared values underpinning both organisations have shaped the direction of the alliance, according to Adrian Fry:
"Our mission extends beyond commercial success—we're committed to eliminating misconduct that undermines organisational integrity," Fry explained. "Many business leaders find themselves harbouring concerns about potentially undetected issues within their operations. Accord Analytics' comprehensive analysis, combined with Report It Now's multi-channel reporting systems, provides positive assurance—genuine confidence in your organisation's ethical standing."
Fry added, "This level of certainty is invaluable for effective governance and strategic decision-making."
Organisations using the joint platform can expect several advantages, such as rapid identification of issues, with the AI-driven approach reportedly delivering results swiftly through simple data extracts. According to Accord Analytics' internal data, the solution has delivered a return on investment of 60:1 for payroll fraud detection and 200:1 in the case of vendor fraud. The system is also designed to help firms meet evolving regulatory expectations for whistleblowing systems, while offering boards and leadership greater peace of mind through comprehensive integrity analysis.
The partnership is now operational and is being made available to organisations throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Both companies will collaborate on deployment and support for the integrated fraud detection and case management services in these regions.
