March 3, 2023

Which One to Improve Compliance with? A Quick Guide to On-Premise and Managed Solutions

Navigating the modern digital landscape can be difficult, especially when weighing the decision between on-premise or managed services. In this post, we'll help equip you with critical insight to guide your choice and ensure it's tailored for success within whichever environment you choose. From gaining control over data safety to compliance processes being monitored by a third party: understanding both options will empower you to make an informed selection that sets up your business for long-term growth!

Which One to Improve Compliance with? A Quick Guide to On-Premise and Managed Solutions

As a compliance expert in the banking, PSP, fintech, or insurance industry, you understand the importance of implementing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures.

Ready to take your planning process to the next level? Let us show you how. Explore what possibilities lie in on-prem or cloud solutions and unlock their potential for growth!

  • Business needs - size, budget, and resources - should be considered when deciding between on-premise and managed AML solutions.
  • Compliance requirements must be taken into account when making a decision.
  • Data privacy and security should also be considered. An on-premise solution allows for greater control; a managed AML service offers dedicated security teams.
  • Scalability is an important factor too; an on-premise solution may suit larger businesses better than a managed AML service that can provide more scalability and flexibility.
  • Cost should be evaluated to determine which option is more cost-effective in the long run - taking into account any additional fees such as data usage or customization fees.

What Is An On-Premise Solution?

With an on-premise solution, you gain maximum control over your data and infrastructure. However, the significant upfront investment in hardware and personnel can leave a sizable dent in any budget. Plus, tending to IT operations will take away much-needed time from other essential tasks for your team - leaving them overwhelmed with responsibility yet deprived of resources.

Pros and Cons of an On-premise Solution

Pros:

  • Full control over infrastructure and compliance processes, which can be particularly beneficial in countries with stricter regulations.
  • Easier to report or audit data privacy and security in such countries, as you have full control over your data and compliance processes.
  • Customizable to meet specific needs, which can be important for businesses with unique requirements.
  • Suitable for large national or international companies with complex needs.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront costs, including costly infrastructure and software licenses.
  • Ongoing maintenance costs, including software updates and security patches.
  • Limited scalability, as infrastructure needs to be expanded to accommodate growth.
  • Require in-house expertise and training.

Managed Services

If you don't have the resources to make a big upfront investment in infrastructure, or if building up an IT team isn't feasible for your AML needs then consider leveraging managed solutions. Consortix AML Accelerator is such an example that provides best-in-class SAS technology delivered as a secure cloud service with built-in expertise and guidance from industry professionals right at hand.

Pros and Cons of Managed Services

Pros:

  • No hardware costs: With a managed AML solution, you don't need to invest in expensive infrastructure or equipment. This saves you money and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.
  • Hosting service included: A managed AML solution is hosted in a secure cloud environment, eliminating the need for you to host it on-premise. This saves you time and resources and ensures your business's highest level of security.
  • No IT operation costs: IT operation and maintenance are included in the managed service, eliminating the need for you to build a team of IT resources for system operation. This frees up your IT team to focus on other essential tasks.
  • Flexible architecture, hosting, and operation model: A managed AML solution is designed to scale as you grow, with a flexible architecture, hosting, and operation model. This allows you to customize the solution to meet your specific compliance needs.
  • Multi-Level Support Service: A managed AML solution comes with a comprehensive multi-level support service, including hosting, application maintenance, and monitoring. This ensures that you have the support you need to ensure compliance and minimize risk.
  • Modular approach: With a managed AML solution like the Consortix AML Accelerator Cloud, you can choose the module you need as a start and add further modules later, such as AML transaction monitoring, customer screening, CDD, or KYC.

Cons:

  • May not be compliant with strict data privacy and security regulations in some countries that require data to be stored locally.
  • Relies on the third-party provider for infrastructure and compliance processes, which may slightly limit the level of control and customization available to the business.

Find out more about the Consortix AML Accelerator Service

What Factors to Consider When Planning?

Business Needs

When choosing the right AML compliance solution for your business, size, and budget matter. Companies with a large team of professionals or sufficient funding can benefit from an on-premise system tailored to their needs while giving them total control over their processes. For smaller businesses operating with limited resources, managed services provide access to experts who will help ensure they stay compliant without having to invest in expensive infrastructure upgrades.

Compliance Requirements

Your compliance requirements also play a crucial role in deciding between an on-premise or managed solution. In some countries, regulations may prohibit the transfer of data to foreign servers or cloud hosting environments, making an on-premise solution the only viable option.

However, a managed AML service can also meet compliance requirements, providing access to experts who can help navigate complex regulations and reduce the risk of non-compliance.

Data Privacy and Security

Strict compliance regulations can sometimes make it difficult to determine the best solution for your business. An on-premise AML service may be restricted by foreign data transfer laws, but managed solutions are expertly designed with regulatory challenges in mind so that organizations of all sizes remain compliant and reduce potential risks.

Scalability

With the potential for up-and-coming companies to experience rapid growth, scalability is an integral factor when considering a solution. A managed service can help provide businesses with flexibility and control over their technology; allowing them to easily adjust according to their needs without requiring costly infrastructure investments or complex on-premise solutions - ideal for young firms seeking scale!

Cost

Cost is an essential factor to consider when choosing between an on-premise and managed AML solution. An on-premise solution can be more expensive upfront, requiring investment in costly infrastructure and software licenses, and ongoing maintenance costs, including software updates and security patches.

A managed AML service can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it eliminates the need to invest in costly infrastructure and software licenses. It also provides access to expert support and resources, reducing the need for in-house expertise and training. It's important to consider any additional fees, such as data usage fees or customization fees when evaluating the cost of both options.

A (Non-Exhaustive) Summary

To summarize, here are some of the key differences between on-premise and managed AML services:

  • Business Needs: On-premise AML solutions may be more suitable for larger businesses with resources and budget, while managed AML services may be more suitable for smaller businesses with limited resources.
  • Compliance Requirements: On-premise AML solutions offer more flexibility to customize compliance processes, while managed AML services provide access to experts who can help navigate complex regulations.
  • Data Privacy and Security: On-premise AML solutions provide higher levels of security and privacy, while managed AML services have dedicated security teams that monitor the software 24/7.
  • Scalability: Managed AML services offer more scalability and flexibility, while on-premise AML solutions provide more customization and control over the infrastructure.
  • Cost: On-premise AML solutions can be more costly upfront, while managed AML services can be more cost-effective in the long run.

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