Link: A look at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, RELX's largest division, which accounts for ~35% of RELX's revenue and holds 9B device records and 3B digital identities (John Gapper/Financial Times)

The silent business of digital identity has dramatically transformed Relx, a company previously known as Reed Elsevier. Moving from its roots in publishing, it now excels in AI fraud detection and identity verification.

This transition is largely due to Relx's LexisNexis Risk Solutions division, which accounts for about 35% of its revenue and outstrips its legal operations. Identity verification underpins ecommerce, smoothing out transactions seamlessly and quietly.

Relx routinely handles billions of transactions annually, becoming a silent giant in the sector. Its ascent has made it the fifth most valuable company on the UK’s FTSE 100 index, above BP.

The company’s growth includes acquiring ThreatMetrix in 2018, enhancing its capabilities in linking digital devices to online identities. Today, Relx manages vast amounts of data, serving primarily the US market.

The effectiveness of Relx's technology in reducing fraud justifies its costs, keeping crime at bay and maximizing investor returns. The business thrives the quieter it operates, proving the adage that sometimes less noticed is more valuable.

While the CEO, Erik Engstrom, is credited with much of Relx's recent expansion, the foundation was laid by his predecessor, Sir Crispin Davis. Anonymity in data use and efficiency in operation continue to drive the company’s success.

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.