---
title: "Effective challenge"
description: "Critical analysis of a model by objective experts with the expertise, independence and organisational standing to force change."
canonical: https://aigovernanceengineer.com/glossary/effective-challenge
author: "Jorge García Aibar"
license: "CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)"
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22956197
version: "0.5.0"
updated: 2026-09-24
---

# Effective challenge

Critical analysis of a model by objective experts with the expertise, independence and organisational standing to force change. The term comes from US model-risk guidance, now SR 26-2 [1], and is borrowed for independent validation of AI systems.

- Developed in: [ch. 14, Independent validation and model risk management](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/governing-development#independent-validation-and-model-risk-management)
- Chapters: [ch. 14, Development](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/governing-development)
- In the glossary chapter: https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/glossary#t-effective-challenge

## Sources

[1] SR 26-2, Revised Guidance on Model Risk Management (issued 17 Apr 2026 by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC; supersedes and replaces SR 11-7 of 4 Apr 2011 and SR 21-8; effective challenge). Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2026-04-17. https://www.federalreserve.gov/supervisionreg/srletters/SR2602.htm (verified: primary)