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AI Governance Glossary
Governance Concept

What Is Model Validation?

Model Validation is independent verification that a model performs as intended, is fit for its purpose, and is used within its limitations.

Definition

Model Validation โ€” independent verification that a model performs as intended, is fit for its purpose, and is used within its limitations.

Model validation is the discipline of checking a model rather than taking it on trust โ€” testing performance, probing assumptions, and confirming it is used only where appropriate. It comes from financial model risk management, most influentially the US Federal Reserve's SR 11-7 guidance, and is increasingly applied to AI and machine-learning models as a core line of defence.

Source: US Federal Reserve, SR 11-7 (Model Risk Management)

Plain-language explanation

Model validation is the discipline of checking a model rather than taking it on trust โ€” testing performance, probing assumptions, and confirming it is used only where appropriate. It comes from financial model risk management, most influentially the US Federal Reserve's SR 11-7 guidance, and is increasingly applied to AI and machine-learning models as a core line of defence.

Primary source: US Federal Reserve, SR 11-7 (Model Risk Management)

Related terms

Model Risk Model Risk Management Model Card Model Registry Three Lines of Defence

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