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Compliance professionals, get ready—2025 will bring about some shifts in the industry. The latest Regology State of Regulatory Compliance Survey highlights key trends: regulations are growing more complex, teams are under increasing pressure, and automation is quickly becoming essential. Here are some of the key highlights from the survey.
DOWNLOAD THE SURVEY HERE
If you’ve been feeling like your job is getting harder, you’re not alone. An overwhelming 92% of compliance professionals say their roles have become more challenging. The biggest headache? Keeping up with constant regulatory changes, with nearly half of respondents struggling to stay ahead. Despite this, ~77% of teams are still stuck using manual processes, which only adds to the workload and increases risks.
The message is clear: automation isn’t just nice to have—it’s the key to manageable upkeep. More compliance teams are finally catching on, with 43% now using automation tools. Compliance teams come in all sizes, but most remain relatively small, given the scope of their responsibilities. The survey found that the median size for a compliance team is only four (4) employees. That means many teams are managing vast regulatory data with limited personnel, making efficiency and automation even more critical. As compliance demands grow, organizations must ensure their teams have the right resources and tools to keep up. If your team isn’t leveraging these tools yet, 2025 is the year to make the shift.
Despite the initial hesitation, AI is gaining traction in compliance. More than 70% of professionals are optimistic about its potential, and many organizations are actively using AI-driven solutions to streamline processes. But adoption isn’t without challenges. Lack of awareness, skill gaps, and concerns over data privacy are still holding many teams back.
If you’re on the fence about AI, consider this: organizations that have embraced automation are reporting fewer compliance gaps, greater efficiency, and reduced risks. The learning curve might feel steep, but investing in AI literacy now will pay off in the long run.
Let’s talk money. Over half of organizations allocate less than 20% of their compliance budget to technology. However, more than a third of organizations plan to increase their tech spending in the next two years. The trend is clear: as compliance grows more complex, companies are realizing they can’t afford to rely on outdated methods.
For compliance leaders, this means making a strong case for automation. The ROI is there—fewer fines, more efficiency, and a reduced workload. Now is the time to push for smarter investments that will make your team’s life easier.
Spreadsheets still dominate compliance tracking, with nearly 80% of teams using them. While they might feel familiar, they’re also prone to errors, inefficiencies, and version control nightmares. And while most compliance professionals are confident they’re meeting regulatory requirements, a significant chunk (about a third) aren’t so sure.
If you’re relying on spreadsheets, consider making the move to an integrated compliance management system. It’s a change that can drastically cut down on administrative headaches and improve accuracy.
A growing number of compliance professionals (66.8%) believe their function supports strategic decision-making. That’s great news. But there’s still a big chunk of organizations that view compliance as nothing more than a cost center.
To change that perception, compliance leaders need to demonstrate their value beyond avoiding fines. Compliance intelligence can drive better business decisions, reduce risk exposure, and improve operational efficiency. The more compliance is seen as an asset rather than an obligation, the stronger its role within an organization.
If you think your organization is safe from regulatory enforcement, think again. More than a third of organizations have already faced penalties, and 40% expect to be on the receiving end of enforcement actions in the future. The stakes are getting higher, and compliance teams need to step up their risk assessment capabilities.
Taking a preventative approach—not just reacting to regulatory issues when they arise—will be crucial in the years ahead. That means better monitoring, faster response times, and stronger internal controls.
DOWNLOAD THE SURVEY HERE
The writing’s on the wall: compliance is only going to get more complex, and the best way to stay ahead is to embrace automation and new available technologies like AI. Organizations that invest in real-time regulatory intelligence, integrated compliance management, and smarter automation will be the ones leading the way.
If your team is still relying on outdated processes, now’s the time to make the case for change. Compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about shaping business strategy, reducing risk, and driving efficiency. In 2025, the most successful compliance teams will be the ones that evolve with the times. Are you ready?
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