1GLOBAL launches Message+ on Microsoft Teams to offer compliant SMS and WhatsApp capture for Financial Institutions

Compliance standards are a pillar of the contemporary financial industry. Organizations must adhere to the latest criteria to protect themselves, their customers and the wider public. Nevertheless, regulatory breaches occur in even the most established institutions. In 2024, the US Securities and Exchange Commission issued a combined $390 million in fines to 26 firms over recordkeeping and compliance violations. This risk, coupled with the associated costs of legal fees, reputational damage, and a further erosion of public trust in the financial sector, is one that few organizations can afford.

1GLOBAL, a compliance partner to nine of the world’s fourteen largest investment banks, has developed a solution that supports these financial institutions in meeting their compliance obligations. The newly launched product, Message+, is embedded directly into Microsoft Teams and can capture all SMS and WhatsApp-based communications with customers.

Upholding compliant standards in a multinational company

Employees in a contemporary international workplace communicate across multiple channels. Work conversations now take place via personal messaging apps and SMS as well as dedicated business services like Microsoft Teams. With over three billion active users, WhatsApp is one of the largest platforms for both private and business-related messaging.

The popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, where employees use their own personal devices for work purposes rather than a dedicated corporate handset, is another development. BYOD policies cut costs for the employer but increase their risk exposure when used without a suitable compliance and recording service. To be fully compliant, a company must be able to record internal mobile communications across multiple channels and international borders.

Preparing for the future of compliance

As regulatory standards evolve, so too must financial institutions. Merely meeting requirements isn't enough – businesses must look to actively stay ahead of the regulatory curve. For international organizations, the situation is complicated further by the differing regulatory requirements in different fields of operation. With all these variables at play, how can a multinational organization be sure that its employees, devices, and communications channels across all markets remain compliant? The answer lies in a unified recording service – one that collates all user communication, company-wide, and provides a centralized overview of all exchanges.

Message+ by 1GLOBAL

Message+ is the latest feature of 1GLOBAL's industry-leading compliance and recording services for financial institutions. The messaging tool for SMS, WhatsApp, and other mobile communication platforms comes with built-in compliance, embedded directly into Microsoft Teams. Compliance recording with Message+ ensures the stringent capture of all employee business communication channels on corporate and personal BYOD devices. The service's core feature is the multi-channel recording capability within Microsoft Teams. With Message+ installed, users can send and receive WhatsApp and SMS messages using their Microsoft Teams app.

On the user end, this makes it easier to stay on top of their business communications, providing a single hub for nearly all work-related messages and enabling a secure BYOD experience. For employers, Message+ ensures secure, 24/7 recording and fulfils regulatory requirements. Message+ is a core component of the 1GLOBAL compliance solutions suite. The service is defined by three key benefits:

• Ensures compliance

• Improves operational efficiency

• Increases flexibility

Not only does Message+ comply with current criteria like MiFID II, it actively prepares organizations for future standards.

Coming Soon: unlock the flexible potential of 1GLOBAL Compliance with Voice into Teams

As a new feature, Message+ is continually being updated to provide the highest standards of service. Soon, Message+ will provide 1GLOBAL compliance customers with the opportunity to integrate voice calling directly into the Microsoft Teams app.

Key features of Message+

• Unified communication: With Message+, employees can send and receive SMS and WhatsApp messages directly via the Microsoft Teams app, simplifying communication workflows.

• Secure recording 24/7: Message+ leverages 1GLOBAL’s industry-leading message recording technology to ensure compliance with Record Keeping regulations. The service supports integration with leading archival solutions both on-premises and in the cloud.

• Comprehensive integration: Message+ synchronizes corporate numbers with Microsoft Teams and Outlook contacts for consistent and reliable communication.

Improving compliance increases efficiency

Within companies, there can be a misguided perception that financial regulations slow down operations or present an obstacle to progress. However, the fact is that not only are regulations essential to fostering trust and stability, but they also provide opportunity. The advance of eSIM technology and enterprise 5G means that global organizations can now adopt new compliance measures, which in turn increase operational efficiency and reduce overheads while maintaining the highest regulatory principles. Message+ is a prime example of this flexible functionality.

• By consolidating different communication challenges into a single app, Message+ improves individual workflows and boosts efficiency company-wide

• Message+ recording covers all device types, including mobile, desktop and in-browser communication apps and channels

• The service synchronizes with Outlook contacts and corporate phone numbers, acting as a single business communications hub

From a user perspective, Message+ clarifies business communications. By encircling all potential communication channels, it helps employees compartmentalize their work and private correspondence.

Why 1GLOBAL for compliance?

Message+ is a new addition to the 1GLOBAL compliance product suite for international businesses. Our industry-leading eSIM expertise and trusted position in the regulatory landscape means we deliver compliance services to nine of the world’s fourteen largest investment banks.

• A single worldwide contract sharply reduces accounting and administrative overheads, especially in multinational organizations

• Failproof recording makes sure every individual interaction remains compliant

• A full API suite, including global call reconciliation and API monitoring, maximizes efficiency while minimizing administrative omissions

• Incorporate custom courtesy messaging to inform clients when their conversations are being captured

1GLOBAL is certified by the GSMA, denoting that we meet the highest mobile industry standards of safety and security, helping international businesses meet their regulatory requirements while actively preparing them for the future.

From eSIM provisioning to physical SIMs and tailored recording solutions for international businesses, discover the full range of 1GLOBAL compliance offerings.

Get in touch today

Find out how major financial organizations take control of their compliance recording with Message+. Speak to our team or request a demo today.