Navigating the Rising Risk of Agentic AI in Corporate Compliance

Navigating the Rising Risk of Agentic AI in Corporate Compliance

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, a new frontier—agentic AI—is rapidly emerging, posing fresh challenges for corporate ethics and compliance programs. Unlike traditional AI, agentic AI systems can act autonomously, set goals, learn from experience, and collaborate with other agents. While this capability has enormous potential for operational efficiency, an article by Navex says it also introduces complex and unpredictable risk factors for organizations already struggling to manage the impact of generative AI.

The article highlights how agentic AI can perform various valuable business functions, from managing supply chains to resolving customer complaints and screening job applicants. However, its autonomy raises serious compliance concerns. 

For example, an AI agent placing supply orders might unwittingly select vendors with sanction or labor violations, or a customer service bot could make commitments that create unforeseen legal obligations. As the technology matures, the potential for missteps, especially without clear oversight, will only grow.

Fortunately, the article notes that the foundational principles of AI governance still apply. Organizations must establish centralized systems to control AI adoption, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement operational controls such as data validation, output monitoring, and employee training. These practices will help manage the legal, ethical, and regulatory implications of deploying agentic AI.

Moving forward, the article suggests companies must also address several practical hurdles: determining which business tasks should be entrusted to AI agents, deciding which agents are safe to use, and ensuring agents’ actions are explainable and auditable. Treating agentic AI like third-party contractors, with defined oversight and accountability, can help frame governance efforts.

Ultimately, risk and compliance professionals managing agentic AI should reinforce a culture of ethical awareness and responsible innovation across the enterprise. As always, human judgment remains central to any effective risk strategy.