Insights

A Global Look at Data, Policy and Progress with UK Regulators, Proven Wealth Limited, Gamma Communications and Somos



Nov 18, 2025

The 2025 Somos Summit brought together global thought leaders, industry experts and innovators to explore the intersection of Trust, Technology & Transformation. Held just outside Washington, D.C., this year’s event featured insightful sessions and meaningful conversations focused on advancing the telecom ecosystem and shaping the future of trusted communications.

Moderator Justen Davis, Senior Director of Global Public Policy and Industry Relations at Somos, opened this discussion on industry collaboration with a clear premise: data is one of telecom’s most powerful assets, but its full value depends on how it’s shared – securely, responsibly and collaboratively. “Sixty to eighty percent of fraud originates from outside any one country,” he noted, alluding to the need for cross-border cooperation.

Joining him on the panel titled Shared Data, Shared Trust: The Role of Collaboration in Telecom’s Future were Andy Rawnsley, Chief Architect at Gamma Communications plc; Huw Saunders, Independent Consultant and former UK regulator; and Delroy McLean, VP of Technology at Proven Wealth Limited. Together, they examined how better frameworks can balance privacy, innovation and fraud prevention worldwide.

Huw Saunders described how siloed regulatory systems and strict privacy laws like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) often limit legitimate collaboration. “Each covers its own area and doesn’t always interact with others,” he said. “We need a clearer understanding between regulators across telecom, banking and technology.” Delroy McLean added that across 46 Caribbean markets, fragmented rules make unified action difficult. “We need to treat frameworks like guidance – not barriers – and connect them globally.”

Emphasizing the need for intelligence over volume, Andy Rawnsley stated “It’s not oceans of data we need, it’s insight.” Real progress, the panel agreed, depends more on trust between people than on technology alone. “Business moves at the speed of trust,” Delroy said. “You can’t collaborate with someone you don’t know.”

The group also highlighted enforcement efforts against international scam networks but agreed that prevention must take priority. “We need collaboration before the event, not just reaction after,” Huw said.

Closing the session, Justen reminded attendees that real progress happens when regulation, innovation and trust move together. “When government, industry and technology see themselves as part of one connected ecosystem,” he said, “we don’t just share data, we share responsibility and results.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Global collaboration is essential: Fraud and identity threats cross borders and demand shared responsibility.

• Insight drives action: The goal isn’t more data, but better intelligence that enables prevention.

• Privacy and innovation must align: Regulation should empower cooperation, not paralyze it.

• Trust enables progress: Technology alone can’t fix fragmentation; partnerships must come first.

Experience the full conversation at your convenience by watching the on-demand recording today!