Implementing Microsoft Copilot: A Governance Assessment at a Financial Services Institution

A large financial services institution engaged FTI Technology to conduct a governance assessment for Microsoft Copilot, a tool aimed at improving employee efficiency and experience. FTI Technology's assessment and technical testing helped the client develop a strategy for using Copilot in a way that matched its risk appetite. A comprehensive governance framework for Copilot use was implemented, and the client established an ongoing risk management workflow for testing future Copilot functionality. The client received documentation and reporting to support its approach to AI and demonstrate that the technology is being used in an informed and balanced manner.

Microsoft has partnered with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to provide millions of federal workers with free access to Microsoft Copilot, the company's AI assistant. This initiative, which aims to improve efficiency and enhance security, is expected to save taxpayers $3.1 billion in its first year [3].

The agreement, which covers a one-year, no-cost license of Microsoft 365 Copilot for government workers using the secure G5 plan, is part of a broader strategy to modernize federal IT infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity [3]. This plan, reserved for agencies that handle the nation's most sensitive information, will reduce routine workloads and improve efficiency across departments.

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum described the effort as "a paradigm shift," highlighting the significant savings and broader access to cutting-edge technology that pooling the federal government's purchasing power allows [3]. Citizens stand to benefit from faster and more accurate services, as Copilot can assist with tasks such as processing claims, drafting responses, and analyzing data [3].

Security concerns are addressed directly by Microsoft and the GSA, with the company's cloud and AI services holding FedRAMP High authorization, the federal government's top security certification for cloud systems [3]. Although Copilot itself is awaiting full FedRAMP High approval, the Department of Defense has already granted provisional authorization [3]. The package also includes Microsoft Sentinel and Entra ID, which strengthen defenses and support the government's "zero trust" strategy [3].

Beyond free Copilot access, the agreement reduces costs for Azure cloud services and eliminates data transfer fees, removing long-standing barriers that have slowed collaboration among federal agencies [3]. Altogether, the deal is expected to deliver more than $6 billion in value over the next three years [3].

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella emphasized that the agreement would "help federal agencies use AI and digital technologies to improve citizen services, strengthen security, and save taxpayers more than $3 billion in the first year alone" [3]. To ensure effective adoption, Microsoft has committed $20 million to training and support, including workshops and resources to help workers apply AI to everyday tasks [3].

Deputy Administrator Stephen Ehikian of the GSA underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that the agency is proud to partner with Microsoft to advance federal AI adoption, which remains a top priority of the current administration [3]. This partnership builds on Microsoft's long-standing efforts to modernize IT infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity, moving federal agencies into the era of artificial intelligence [3].

References:
[1] https://windowsreport.com/microsoft-copilot-is-now-free-of-cost-for-12-months-for-federal-agencies/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/credit-suisse-executives-settle-115m-lawsuit-risk-management-practices-2509/
[3] https://autogpt.net/microsoft-gives-free-ai-copilot-to-u-s-government-workers/