AI Acceptable Use Policy
Responsible Investment Report 2024
Cybersecurity and AI Readiness
At Bregal, we’ve made it a priority to support our companies in adopting cyber best practices.[[1]]
We focus on assessing the risk landscape during diligence, implementing immediate improvements and defining long-term roadmaps to drive resilience.
97%
OF COMPANIES
have data privacy policies[[1]]
95%
OF COMPANIES
have conducted or plan to conduct penetration testing in Next Twelve Months[[1]]
95%
OF COMPANIES
have cyber insurance[[1]]
One important step forward in our program is integrating tech and cyber diligence into every prospective deal evaluation.
STEP 1
Due Diligence
We work with third-party providers to assess company’s data and cyber security governance, incident response plans, and IT infrastructure where applicable.
STEP 2
Roadmap Creation
The insights enable a tailored security roadmap for each portfolio company, flagging the highest-priority actions to pursue during the holding period. To benchmark progress, Bregal engages independent experts who assess cybersecurity hygiene against essential controls mapped to industry standards such as CIS v8 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Threats evolve constantly, therefore the program is built for continuous improvement rather than one-time checks. When incidents do occur, we leverage our partnerships with leading cyber-insurance providers to provide best-in-class coverage, response resources, and recovery support. We also work with portfolio companies to maintain up to date business continuity and data protection plans.
STEP 3
Implementation and Monitoring
Since adopting this standardized approach, we have driven performance in our portfolio companies’ cyber resiliency via strong governance and risk mitigation processes.
AI Readiness
AI-driven products are increasingly shaping decision making in technology and services businesses.
At Bregal we are optimistic about AI-driven innovation, while also recognizing the potential risk landscape introduced from lack of transparency, data misuse, or unintentional bias. Our goal is to help companies harness AI’s advantages while minimizing any human rights and/or environmental impacts from energy usage introduced in specific product and operational use cases.
56%
OF COMPANIES ARE IMPLEMENTING GENAI PROOF OF CONCEPTS[[1]]
46%
OF COMPANIES HAVE IMPLEMENTED AI ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES
Across the Bregal portfolio, 56% of companies are implementing GenAI proof of concepts, and out of those companies, 62% are adopting responsible AI principles alongside product development.[[1]]
We are working closely with companies to innovate while establishing product safeguards and maintaining customer trust.
Portfolio Case study[[2]]
Operationalizing AI: From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs
A market-leading subscription research firm introduced an AI assistant, “Luxer” to streamline two client-facing workflows:
- Written inquiries, which are the first touchpoint between clients and analysts
- Analyst calls that previously required manual scheduling
50%
CLIENT TIME SAVINGS
on information retrieval, research, and follow-up scheduling
Before Luxer, 75% of inquiries took more than seven days to schedule and only 10% were booked within 48 hours.
After the launch, the backlog fell to 40% and 35% now scheduled in under 48 hours. In the most common user journey on the company’s member site - searching for information, consuming research, and scheduling a follow-up call, clients report roughly a 50%-time savings.
Responsible AI KPIs
Implementing internal guidelines for responsible AI
Portfolio Case study[[2]]
AI to Scale Faster, Deliver Better, and Operate Smarter
As one of the leading providers of nearshore development staff augmentation and consultancy services, talent vetting and delivery is at the core of the business.
To replace a typical week-long manual screening process, the company launched an AI-enabled, candidate-vetting engine that now underpins talent screening, delivery workflows, and client portals.
Today, 78% of interviews are graded by AI. The average cost per screening a single candidate has fallen 66% to $7.9, and monthly vetting spend has dropped from $15k–$20k in 2024 to roughly $3k. The turnaround for vetting a finalist candidate has shrunk from up to one week to less than 24 hours.
66%
REDUCTION IN AVERAGE COST
per candidate screened
Responsible AI KPIs
AI Acceptable Use Policy
AI oversight through a Cross Functional Steering Committee
AI at Bregal
Aside from our portfolio company engagement, at Bregal we’ve designed the following internal policies which have allowed us to establish guidelines and responsibly support technological innovations:
AI Acceptable Policy
Informs employees of the risks associated with AL Models and outlines guidelines for the use of AI Models at the firm.
AI Risk Framework[[3]]
Identifies and mitigates potential risks related to AI ethics at every stage of the AI lifecycle. This framework aligns with emerging regulations like the EU AI Act and OECD AI Principles.
AI Trustworthy Principles
Aims to ensure that potential AI systems developed by Bregal are used in a responsible, ethical, transparent, and accountable manner. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed to respect human rights, prevent harm, remain compliant, and operate in a manner that is fair and non-discriminatory.
