For months, the impending Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) deadline has dominated boardroom discussions across the financial sector with its potential to reshape operational and regulatory practices. Now that DORA is officially in effect, attention has shifted to other matters, such as a new US presidential inauguration, AI, and fiscal concerns for 2025. Yet DORA should remain a major cause for concern as the regulation is now active and enforcement has begun. Given its likely strict enforcement, financial organisations and third parties must maintain focus on compliance to avoid major regulatory and operational risks.

As we enter 2025, the global economic landscape remains a mix of challenges and potential shifts that will shape markets and industries worldwide. From high interest rates to the evolving impact of AI, there are several key factors that will define the year ahead. While there will be friction in some areas, persistence, agility and out-of-the-box thinking will ensure a competitive edge.

As we approach 2025, financial institutions across the EU face the challenge of complying with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which is set to take effect on the 17th of January. DORA is focused on strengthening cybersecurity and operational resilience across financial ecosystems, with the consequences for non-compliance ranging from regulatory fines to reputational damage and an increased risk of cyberattacks.