Financial Data Anomaly Discovery Using Behavioral Change Indicators

Abstract

In this article we present an approach to financial data analysis and anomaly discovery. In our view, the assessment of performance management requires the monitoring of financial performance indicators (KPIs) and the characteristics of changes in KPIs over time. Based on this assumption, behavioral change indicators (BCIs) are introduced to detect and evaluate the changes in traditional KPIs in time series. Three types of BCIs are defined: absolute change indicators (BCI-A), relative change indicators (ratio indicators BCI-RE), and delta change indicators (D-BCI). The technique and advantages of using BCIs to identify unexpected deviations and assess the nature of KPI value changes in time series are discussed and illustrated in case studies. The architecture of the financial data analysis system for financial data anomaly detection is presented. The system prototype uses the Camunda business rules engine to specify KPIs and BCI thresholds. The prototype was successfully put into practice for an analysis of actual financial records (historical data).