ACA buys Catelas

ACA Group has bought Catelas, a machine learning-based electronic communications (eComms) surveillance and investigations platform.

Founded in 2007, Catelas ingests all types of eComms, trade alerts and voice calls to buy- sell-side firms globally with a single view of potential high-risk activities and behaviours across their organisation. The platform’s patented technology automates the mapping of how people connect and form groups within a firm, isolates collusion risk and detects high-risk behaviours. It’s used by global banks, asset managers and capital market firms. The business has offices in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco.

In 2022, Catelas will integrate with ACA’s regulatory technology platform ComplianceAlpha, which integrates risk and compliance activities, automates surveillance, provides ongoing monitoring, flexible workflows and enhanced analytics to firms. The Catelas integration will provide firms with oversight of control room activities, trade and eComms surveillance, wall crossing, bribery and other material risks through one central platform. 

“Electronic communications surveillance is critical to compliance and is becoming increasingly complex as firms move to Microsoft Teams, WeChat, Slack, Zoom, and other virtual communications tools,” commented Eddie Cogan, ACA Group partner and founder of Catelas. “Globally, firms are at risk if they are not diligent about tracking and surveilling activity alongside personal and firm investments. We’re excited to join the ACA team and deliver Catelas’ advanced eComms analytics within ComplianceAlpha.”