From Compliance to a Strategic Asset: Nazil Nurbekova on How Automation Changes the Rules of the Game

At the beginning of 2025, updated interagency guidelines on operational resilience and critical third-party risk management came into force in the U.S. banking and financial sector. The documents require large-scale automation of logging, incident reporting, third-party risk management (TPRM), and the implementation of internal AI governance, especially for models involved in risk assessment and AML monitoring. For many market players, this has become a serious challenge.

To learn how companies can comply with these new standards while simultaneously reducing costs, we spoke with Nazil Nurbekova — a financial automation expert and author of the IFCC Framework (Integrated Financial Control and Compliance Framework), which has been implemented in several U.S. companies and has received high recognition from the professional community.

Nazil, the new requirements in the U.S. regarding operational resilience and third-party management look rather strict. How do you assess their impact on the market?

These changes cannot be called cosmetic. We are talking about a complete restructuring of processes — from how data is collected and analyzed to how quickly and comprehensively a company can report to the regulator. For example, the requirement to report incidents within 24 hours is simply impossible to fulfill manually without the risk of errors. This objectively pushes companies toward comprehensive automation. My IFCC Framework addresses these key gaps by building an integrated system of financial management, compliance, and internal control.

Could you tell us more about how your IFCC Framework helps solve the challenges currently facing American financial companies?

The IFCC Framework is structured as a step-by-step model that covers the entire financial management cycle. We start with unifying accounting and automation, which eliminates manual errors and makes document flow transparent. Then comes embedded internal audit, which allows discrepancies to be detected and corrected in real time. Another block is dedicated to tax compliance — automated forms and reminder systems ensure that companies are fully prepared for IRS audits. Financial analytics is equally important: dashboards, KPIs, and BI integrations allow executives to make data-driven decisions. I also emphasize training business owners so they can manage key processes independently. Finally, international compliance supports companies working in global markets and facing foreign exchange regulations.

You are known not only as a practitioner but also as an expert who actively contributes to the development of the industry. Could you tell us about this?

For me, it is important not just to implement projects but also to be part of the professional dialogue. I am a member of international professional associations, where we exchange experiences and best practices. In addition, I actively participate in reviewing academic and applied research — from scientific articles to industry studies. This not only confirms my expertise but also helps me stay on top of new technologies and approaches.

You speak at conferences. What topics are attracting the most interest from audiences today?

Right now, much attention is being paid to automation and risk management. For example, in May 2025 I presented a paper at the international conference “Scientific and Technical Progress: Challenges and Solutions.” My work, “Effective Methods of Forecast Budgeting and Financial Planning in Conditions of Economic Instability,” received high recognition, and I was awarded a diploma for outstanding scientific research in the field of Economics.

Many people believe that automation is expensive and complicated. How do you respond to such concerns?

That is a natural reaction, especially from companies used to working in a manual mode. But in practice, automation pays off very quickly. Reduced reporting time, fewer errors, and greater transparency in working with contractors are all direct financial benefits. In an environment where regulators demand more and faster reporting, automation is no longer optional — it is a condition for survival in the market.

Looking ahead, what changes do you predict for the financial sector in the coming years?

I expect regulatory requirements will only become stricter, not only in the U.S. but globally. This means that demand for comprehensive automation systems such as the IFCC Framework will continue to grow. Companies that begin the transformation now will be in a stronger position within a couple of years — with streamlined processes, resilient IT architecture, and readiness for any inspections.

Finally, what would you say to companies that are still wondering whether they should embark on large-scale automation?

I would say the question of “whether to” is no longer relevant. The real question is how quickly and with what quality you can implement automation. Regulatory requirements are tightening, and a company’s competitiveness and reputation directly depend on its speed of response. The most successful organizations are those that build processes to stay one step ahead.

So automation becomes a strategic asset?

Exactly. The sooner companies begin to see it that way, the stronger their market position will be. Today regulators require reporting within 24 hours — tomorrow it may be 12. And only companies with well-structured processes will be able to adapt calmly, without last-minute chaos or losses.

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