2025 will bring significant compliance challenges for businesses across the world. The inauguration of the second Trump administration will bring immediate shifts in policy around sanctions. Companies must stay vigilant, especially regarding sanctions on countries like Russia and Iran, as violations could lead to hefty fines.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs will come under increased scrutiny, particularly as opposition to DEI from politicians and the press around the world will take their lead from what’s coming out of Washington DC. Companies will need to demonstrate the impact of their DEI initiatives, especially in sectors relying on government contracts, while also adhering to evolving global regulations.
In cybersecurity, businesses must adapt to AI-driven threats and invest in AI-based threat detection and employee training to defend against advanced cyberattacks. This includes ensuring cloud systems comply with tighter security regulations.
Geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, will raise concerns around terrorist financing, requiring enhanced due diligence and transaction screening for all companies connected with global trade.
The EU’s AI Act continues to affect compliance, and will require businesses using AI in high-risk sectors to implement transparency and audit measures. Similarly, California’s AI legislation will enforce stricter rules on AI-driven misinformation and deepfakes, requiring audits and updated privacy policies.
Organisations should also start thinking about how to retain talent through tackling under addressed issues like menopause and neurodiversity in the workplace by offering flexible policies to retain talent and improve productivity. Meanwhile regulators are moving towards a proactive stance, focusing on real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and stronger accountability in compliance standards. Overall, 2025 is going to be a year of significant change in the compliance world.
