AI Advisor Helps Firms Navigate Trade War Risks

The Growing Need for AI-Powered Risk Management

In today’s volatile global economy, businesses face unprecedented geopolitical risks from unpredictable trade policies. The recent tariff measures implemented by the Trump administration highlight how quickly market conditions can change – and how challenging it is for organizations to stay informed.

“We are drowning in trade updates every hour of every day,” says Matthew Oresman, London managing partner at global law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. This sentiment echoes across industries as companies struggle to navigate the complex landscape of international trade.

Hence Global: An AI Solution for Trade War Navigation

London-based startup Hence AI has developed an innovative solution called Hence Global that uses artificial intelligence to help organizations monitor and mitigate geopolitical and business risks. The platform serves two key functions:

1. Real-Time Risk Monitoring

The AI system tracks global developments and advises companies on potential actions to reduce exposure. It analyzes data from multiple sources including:

• News headlines (with source links)
• Wikipedia entries
• SEC filings
• Government sanctions lists
• World Bank data

2. Strategic Analysis Generation

The platform helps consulting firms and legal practices create meaningful reports for their clients, automating work that would typically require hours of human analysis.

Democratizing Access to Expert Insights

At just $1,500 annually for the base product, Hence Global offers an affordable alternative to traditional consulting services. “We want to democratize access to this information,” says Sean West, Hence AI co-founder and former global deputy CEO of Eurasia Group.

The platform is particularly valuable for startups and NGOs that can’t afford constant legal consultations or expensive consulting contracts. “Most of the market can actually be served by technology,” West emphasizes.

How the AI Advisor Works

Users begin by creating a company profile detailing their industry, operations, and specific concerns. The AI then generates daily briefings with relevant geopolitical developments and potential impacts.

In a demonstration for a fictional crypto company, the system flagged how Trump’s trade policies caused Bitcoin price fluctuations – the kind of insight that would normally require a full day’s work from a human analyst.

Proven Results Across Industries

Early adopters include:

• International Council on Metals and Mining (tracking policy changes)
• TravelPerk (monitoring travel restrictions)
• Diversifi Capital (assessing investment risks)

Rohitesh Dhawan of ICMM compares the platform to “Uber Eats for business intelligence” – a service you don’t realize you need until it transforms your workflow.

The Future of AI-Powered Risk Assessment

Built on Palantir’s Foundry and AI Platform, Hence Global represents the next generation of business intelligence tools. The startup has raised $5.2 million to date and continues expanding its capabilities.

As West notes, “The big opportunity here is tapping the market of people who are global, but can’t access advice.” In an era of increasing trade tensions, this AI advisor may become essential for businesses of all sizes.