The regulatory landscape in financial services is shifting faster than ever. With new European and Swiss rules, the growing impact of ESG, and the increasing role of technology, banks must stay ahead of sweeping changes in compliance and risk management. In this episode of the PBWM Hotseat, Tina Freund, Associate Partner and Head of Regulatory and Compliance (EU) at Synpulse, outlines the most pressing challenges for 2025 and explains how firms can prepare.
Operational risk and resilience take centre stage
Operational risk has always been a priority for banks, but regulators are raising the bar. Recent the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) guidance in Switzerland introduced new standards that go well beyond existing practices in business continuity and resilience planning.
Freund highlights that institutions must now treat operational resilience as a strategic issue, not just a compliance exercise. The ability to withstand disruption and recover quickly will be seen as a key measure of institutional strength.
DORA, AML, and the expanding rulebook
Two areas are set to dominate the regulatory agenda in 2025:Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) reshaping how firms in the EU approach ICT risk and resilience.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) with new European requirements and Switzerland’s introduction of a beneficial owner register.
These changes will force banks to reassess onboarding, client due diligence, and data processes, while aligning risk appetites with stricter oversight.
ESG, crypto, and the future of regulation
Sustainability and digital assets are no longer peripheral topics. Regulators are intensifying their focus on ESG disclosures and climate risk management while also introducing frameworks for crypto offerings.
Freund notes that financial institutions must develop robust capabilities in these areas now or risk falling behind both compliance expectations and client demands for transparency.
The role of technology and AI
Technology is transforming compliance. Many banks already use workflow solutions for client lifecycle controls, but the focus is shifting towards AI-driven compliance tools.
From automating monitoring processes to enhancing model risk management, AI offers enormous potential. Yet, Freund cautions that adoption must be balanced with strong oversight, early-stage planning, and clear criteria to ensure risk coverage is at least as robust as legacy systems.
Preparing for 2025 and beyond
The compliance challenges ahead are as much about efficiency as they are about effectiveness. Institutions that can streamline processes while embedding resilience, accountability, and foresight into their frameworks will be best placed to succeed.
Key takeaways for banks
- Operational resilience is a strategic imperative with heightened regulatory expectations.
- DORA and AML changes will reshape compliance frameworks in both the EU and Switzerland.
- ESG and crypto regulations are moving into the mainstream of compliance.
- AI and automation will transform compliance processes but require strong governance.
- Early planning and clear oversight are critical when adopting new technologies.
Watch the full episode
🎥 PBWM Hotseat Episode 2: Future-Proofing Compliance
Featuring Tina Freund, Associate Partner and Head of Regulatory and Compliance (EU) at Synpulse
