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Marine vet creates fraud-detecting tech

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Marine vet creates fraud-detecting tech

FIRST ON FOX: The origins of a fraud-fighting technology now used by one of the world’s largest insurers trace back to a deadly insider attack during the Iraq War.

Clearspeed founder Alex Martin was serving in the Marine Corps. when his close friend, Capt. Warren Frank, was killed by an Iraqi soldier who turned his weapon on American forces during a joint patrol. The Iraqi had passed coalition vetting procedures.

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“Warren met his future wife at my house,” Martin recalled to FOX Business. “Learning he’d been killed by an Al-Qaeda infiltrator we’d brought into his formation – it shook me. I couldn’t accept that insider attack as inevitable.”

So-called “green-on-blue” attacks, in which supposedly vetted local forces turned on coalition troops, became one of the Global War on Terror’s most vexing threats. Between 2008 and 2017, such incidents killed more than 150 coalition service members in Afghanistan alone.

“I became obsessed with our vetting process and realized our traditional playbook simply couldn’t keep pace with the operational tempo, language barriers and risks of counterinsurgency warfare,” Martin said.

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. military

The company counts the Department of Defense and U.S. intelligence agencies among its customers. (iStock)

His solution was to flip the model: quickly establish trust for the majority who posed no threat, while focusing expert scrutiny on the small fraction requiring deeper review.

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After leaving active duty, Martin partnered with Stanford professor Charles Holloway to develop a voice-based vetting tool designed to quickly assess risk across languages and high-stakes environments.

The company’s first major customer was U.S. Special Operations Command. In 2018, Clearspeed screened 715 Afghan commando recruits in less than 20 hours – a process that would normally take months. Several individuals flagged as high-risk later deserted.

The success attracted investment from retired Gen. David Petraeus, the former CIA director and commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company has since raised $110 million and counts the Department of Defense and U.S. intelligence agencies among its customers.

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Now, the technology is being used beyond the battlefield.

Insurance giant Allianz recently disclosed it identified more than £92.6 million (about $115 million) in fraudulent claims during the first half of 2025, with executives crediting voice-screening technology from San Diego-based Clearspeed as central to its fraud detection strategy.

Clearspeed is a voice-based vetting platform originally developed for U.S. military use. During an automated phone call, individuals answer a short series of yes-or-no questions while the system analyzes vocal characteristics in real time.

It flags potential risk indicators for human review, allowing low-risk respondents to move through quickly while directing additional scrutiny to higher-risk cases.

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“We needed to make our organization a really hostile place for people to try to commit fraud,” Allianz Chief Claims Officer Matt Cox said at an industry conference in London, according to InsurancePOST. “Technologies such as Clearspeed have given us the opportunity, for the first time, to dial up that disruption.”

US President Donald Trump walks to speak to journalists.

President Donald Trump has made countering fraud a hallmark of his administration. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

The move comes as insurers face what analysts describe as an escalating “arms race” with fraudsters, many of whom now use artificial intelligence and digital tools to perpetrate fraud. A Deloitte study predicted generative AI could help drive U.S. fraud losses as high as $40 billion next year.

The growing commercial adoption has also drawn attention in Washington.

Clearspeed has been engaging policymakers about deploying the technology to combat benefits fraud and strengthen screening processes, according to people familiar with the discussions. The company spent about $272,500 on federal lobbying in 2025, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets.

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The push comes amid growing political pressure to crack down on fraud in federal programs. In January, the administration announced a new Department of Justice division focused on national fraud enforcement targeting fraud against federal programs and private citizens.

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Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., a former Army Green Beret who served in Afghanistan, said his combat experience shapes how he evaluates emerging technologies.

Rep. Pat Harrigan sits during a committee hearing.

Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., takes his seat for a House subcommittee hearing on Feb. 24, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call Inc via Getty Images)

“During my time in the Special Forces, I saw firsthand how advanced technology saves lives and gives us a decisive edge,” Harrigan told FOX Business. “My priority in Congress is making sure we identify the most effective tools and put them to work for our troops and taxpayers.”

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Harrigan said he has met with Clearspeed and is exploring ways the technology could help protect warfighters and reduce fraud.

“The fact that the world’s largest insurer turned to American military technology to solve its fraud problem tells you everything about how powerful these tools are,” he said. “If they can help Allianz identify nearly $100 million in fraud, imagine what they could do for the American people – whether that’s cracking down on benefits fraud, vetting visa applicants or securing our border.”

Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., said technologies that strengthen fraud detection and vetting could play a role in broader border security efforts.

Rep. Russell Fry speaking outside.

Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“As President Trump continues delivering on his promise to make America safe again, we must ensure law enforcement has access to the most reliable and efficient tools available,” Fry told FOX Business. “Technologies like this could help combat fraud at our border, strengthen visa vetting and keep our country secure.”

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For Martin, the growing interest from insurers and policymakers alike represents a continuation of a mission that began years ago on the battlefield.

“We built this because lives were on the line,” he said. “Putting that same technology to work protecting taxpayers and making our country safer is exactly the mission we’re here to serve.”

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Q4 GDP Second Estimate: Real GDP At 0.7%, Lower Than Expected

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Q4 GDP Second Estimate: Real GDP At 0.7%, Lower Than Expected

Wooden cube with the word USA and GDP on an American flag background. Business and GDP growth. Gross Domestic Product concept of USA. Counting only income generated within the country.

Worawith Ounpeng/iStock via Getty Images

By Jennifer Nash

U.S. economic growth cooled more than expected in Q4 2025, according to the BEA’s latest estimate. Real GDP rose at just a 0.7% annual rate, falling well short of the 1.4% forecast and marking a steep drop-off

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TrumpRx expands with 2 new drug makers offering prescription discounts

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TrumpRx expands with 2 new drug makers offering prescription discounts

EXCLUSIVE: The White House is expecting to announce an expansion of drugmakers offering discounts on TrumpRx.gov, FOX Business has learned.

As early as today, Amgen and GSK will be added to the list of prescription drug manufacturers offering discounts on the government website. That makes a total of 54 prescription medications from six pharmaceutical companies that have signed on to the most-favored-nation pricing under pressure from President Donald Trump and the threat of tariffs.

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Amgen will offer medication on the website that cuts 80% off the retail price. Amjevita has an original price of $1,484, but will be available on TrumpRx.gov for $299. The medication treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.

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President Donald Trump and Dr. Mehmet Oz at an event.

President Donald Trump speaks as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz looks on during an event on drug pricing in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus Feb. 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

The company plans to list Aimovig and Repatha for discounts of 62%.

GSK will discount Incruse at 55% of the retail price. The drug treats COPD and will be listed at $159.

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GSK also plans to list Arnuity, Relenza and Anoro at discounts ranging from 10% to 51%.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
AMGN AMGEN INC. 366.21 -1.58 -0.43%
GSK GSK PLC 53.39 -0.89 -1.64%

“GSK and Amgen connecting with TrumpRx.gov to offer prescription drugs directly to consumers at most-favored-nations pricing marks another milestone for President Trump’s affordability push,” White House spokesman Kush Desai told FOX Business. 

“TrumpRx.gov is just the beginning, however, as Americans are set to (receive) even greater drug pricing discounts, lower insurance premiums and more transparency when Congress passes President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan.”

A pharmacy tech pulls medication from a shelf inside a pharmacy

Amgen will offer medication on the website that cuts 80% off the retail price. (George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America represents major drug companies.

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CEO Stephen Ubl believes “Government-imposed most-favored-nation policies would undermine U.S. competitiveness while doing nothing to address insurance practices that deny care and raise costs for patients.

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“These policies would siphon billions from American R&D, slow the pace of cures and increase reliance on China for future innovation.”

An image of medication at a Walgreens pharmacy.

GSK will discount Incruse at 55% of the retail price. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The White House is pushing ahead with announcements to TrumpRx.gov as Americans look for ways to cut medical costs.

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Under the Biden administration, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows, prescription drug costs increased 10.4% from January 2021 to January 2025. Under the Trump administration, prescription drug prices increased 0.2% from January 2025 through the latest data from February 2026.

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Form 13D/A Health Catalyst For: 13 March

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Form 13D/A Health Catalyst For: 13 March

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Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMPH) Presents at Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference – Slideshow

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMPH) Presents at Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference – Slideshow

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Vaxart, Inc. (VXRT) Shareholder/Analyst Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Greetings, and welcome to Vaxart’s Stockholder Fireside Chat Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.

I would now like to turn the webcast over to David Carey, Finn Partners.

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David Carey
Finn Partners, Inc.

Good afternoon, and welcome to today’s call. Joining us from Vaxart are Steve Lo, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Sean Tucker, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer; Dr. James S. Cummings, Chief Medical Officer; Jeroen Grasman, Chief Financial Officer; and Ed Berg, Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that during this conference call, Vaxart may make forward-looking statements, including statements about the company’s financial results, financial guidance, its future business strategies and operations, any partnerships with third parties, timing of any anticipated regulatory approvals or that any such approval will be obtained, the company’s future cash runway, ability to regain compliance with NASDAQ listing standards or raise capital if such listing is regained, and its product development and regulatory progress, including statements about its ongoing or planned clinical trials.

Actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, including uncertainty inherent in the clinical development and regulatory process and other risks described in the Risk Factors section of Vaxart’s most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and also on other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Vaxart undertakes no obligation to update

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Dan Ives Is Stepping Down as Eightco Chairman

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Dan Ives Is Stepping Down as Eightco Chairman

Dan Ives Is Stepping Down as Eightco Chairman

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Thomson Reuters Files Documents for Proposed Return of Capital and Share Consolidation Transactions

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Cision

TORONTO, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thomson Reuters (TSX/Nasdaq: TRI) today filed its management proxy circular and related documents in connection with the upcoming special meeting at which shareholders will be asked to approve the proposed return of capital and share consolidation transactions, among other items. The management proxy circular and related documents are available online and for pick-up, as set out below.

The transactions consists of a special cash distribution of US$605 million in the aggregate, or approximately US$1.36 per common share (estimated based on the number of common shares issued and outstanding as of the record date and assuming no shareholders opt-out of the return of capital) followed by a consolidation of outstanding common shares (or “reverse stock split”) on a basis that is proportional to the special cash distribution. The share consolidation ratio will be based on the volume weighed average trading price of the common shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) for the five trading days immediately prior to the return of capital becoming effective.

The proposed return of capital is intended to distribute cash on a basis that is generally expected to be tax-free for Canadian tax purposes. Shareholders who are taxable in a jurisdiction outside of Canada (including taxable U.S. resident shareholders and others) (“Eligible Opt-Out Shareholders”) will be able to opt out of the return of capital. This right to opt out is being provided to those shareholders because in jurisdictions other than Canada the tax consequences of not participating in the return of capital may be preferable to those associated with participating in the return of capital. If an Eligible Opt-Out Shareholder chooses to opt out, it will not receive the cash distribution and will continue to hold the same number of shares that it currently holds.

Details of the transaction (including information regarding the opt-out right) are described in the management proxy circular and related materials, which are available on thomsonreuters.com in the “Investor Relations” section. The documents were filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ and are available at www.sedarplus.com. The documents will also be furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR and when filed, will be available at www.sec.gov. The documents will also be available for pick-up, free of charge, at Computershare Investor Services Inc.’s offices in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. Please contact Computershare Investor Services Inc. using the phone numbers set out below for the addresses of those offices.

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The special meeting of shareholders will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EDT (changed from the original planned time of 12:00 p.m.). The meeting will be a webcast on thomsonreuters.com in the “Investor Relations” section. Holders of Thomson Reuters common shares as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 6, 2026 are entitled to vote at the meeting.

Registered shareholders who have questions or need assistance voting their shares may contact Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1.800.564.6253 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.) or at 1.514.982.7555 (outside Canada and the U.S.). Non-registered shareholders who hold their shares indirectly through an intermediary (such as an investment dealer, stock broker, bank, trust company or other nominee) should contact their intermediary if they have questions or need assistance. Shareholders who have questions or need assistance may also contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., who is acting as Information Agent for the transaction, at 1.800.967.5068 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.) or at 1.212.561.5870 (outside Canada and the U.S., banks, brokers and collect calls) or at the following email address: tri@dfking.com.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters (TSX/Nasdaq: TRI) informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. The company serves professionals across legal, tax, audit, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Its products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence, and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s leading provider of trusted journalism and news. For more information, visit thomsonreuters.com.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relating to the return of capital and share consolidation transactions and the anticipated tax treatment for shareholders participating in the return of capital and those opting out. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including shareholder approval of the transactions, and reflect our company’s current expectations. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including the risk factors discussed in materials that Thomson Reuters from time to time files with, or furnishes to, the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no assurance that the return of capital and share consolidation transactions will be completed or that other events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

CONTACTS

MEDIA
Zoe ZanettosDirector, Corporate Affairs
+1 647 202 8948
zoe.zanettos@thomsonreuters.com 

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INVESTORS
Gary E. Bisbee, CFA
Head of Investor Relations
+1 646 540 3249
gary.bisbee@thomsonreuters.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thomson-reuters-files-documents-for-proposed-return-of-capital-and-share-consolidation-transactions-302713835.html

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