Compliance is due its own revolution. We can cut through the noise, we can prioritise, and we can make a plan." 

— Dr. Hemma Lomax, Founder, CEO and Chief Compliance Coach, Compaas 360.

Imagine a world where every decision is scrutinised under a microscope, and even the smallest misstep can result in significant financial penalties or reputational damage. This is how it can feel for compliance professionals today, as managing compliance risks has become more challenging than ever. Organisations are struggling with increasing regulations, complex global operations, and rapidly advancing technology.

How do you navigate this complex web of regulations and risks? How do you ensure your organisation stays compliant while fostering a culture of transparency and engagement? To help answer these questions, Diligent recently hosted the 2025 Global Compliance Outlook webinar, sharing highlights from our guide 

‘2025 global compliance outlook: Preparing for emerging trends in risk and regulation.’

 Founder, CEO and Chief Compliance Coach at 

 General Manager of the Risk and Audit Business Unit at Diligent, the session covered critical topics such as compliance risk management, mitigation strategies, and emerging regulatory themes. Below are some of the key takeaways from the discussion. For a deeper dive into the topics, 

Transforming compliance from a hindrance to a supportive guide

Compliance and risk management are often perceived as barriers to progress rather than tools for successful long-term growth. However, a shift in perspective is essential. Dr. Lomax emphasised, "Compliance is due its own revolution. We can cut through the noise. We can prioritise and we can make a plan." The role of compliance professionals should be to guide employees and third parties to their destinations responsibly, as a service, rather than being seen as obstacles.

As risk and compliance professionals, we should invest in radical transparency. Let's eliminate the legal jargon and corporate speak that often accompany it." 

— Scott Bridgen, General Manager, Risk and Audit, Diligent

By breaking down these barriers and translating compliance into the language of the organisation, employees will be more engaged, making compliance more effective and less burdensome.

 Shift your compliance approach from a top-down directive to a supportive guide. Having the 

right, up-to-date policies and procedures

 is table stakes. Focus on transparency and clear communication to foster better collaboration and understanding among employees.

Leveraging AI and ensuring data integrity

AI and data integrity are pivotal in managing compliance risks. Dr. Lomax highlighted, "AI will help us gather, consolidate, and analyse information to make informed decisions. But what if the data it analyses is rubbish in, rubbish out?" Ensuring the quality and integrity of data is crucial for AI to be effective.

Bridgen discussed the potential and challenges of AI in compliance: "It is data agnostic from that perspective. It can pull from many intangible size places and different types of areas." However, he warned about the risks of AI hallucinations and the creation of an "intangible set of issues" when AI models are daisy-chained together.

 to identify and address issues. Ensure the data being used is of high quality and integrity to maximise the benefits of AI in compliance risk management.

Adopting a strategic, prioritised approach to regulatory challenges

The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex, and a strategic, prioritised approach is essential. Dr. Lomax noted, "There's a lot of things. ESG is taking up a lot of time when it comes to the global companies and the scope assessments and materiality assessments." Prioritising and making strategic plans, even if they span multiple years, is crucial.

Bridgen provided insights into regional differences in regulatory approaches: "Traditionally, again, I think North America takes a compliance-based approach. Europe takes a risk-based approach. That has shifted actually a lot in the last 2 to 3 years." He emphasised the importance of working smarter and avoiding duplication in compliance efforts with integrated risk and compliance solutions.

 Develop a strategic plan that balances objectives with key regulations as part of your 

. Leverage industry benchmarking and peer collaboration to navigate the complex regulatory landscape more effectively.

Navigate 2025's compliance complexities and protect your company's integrity. Discover expert insights and strategies to stay ahead of emerging trends and regulations. 

2025 Global Compliance Outlook 

Emphasising the human element in compliance

The human element is crucial in compliance, as it ensures that ethical standards and regulations are not just followed but ingrained in the organisation's culture. Dr. Lomax emphasised this point:

Culture is tribal, and compliance needs to be embedded in daily operations."  

— Dr. Hemma Lomax, Founder, CEO and Chief Compliance Coach, Compaas 360

Compliance risks can often surprise organisations, manifesting as unexpected legal issues in diverse business areas. The solution is to ensure compliance is a part of everyday activities, rather than an afterthought, to anticipate and mitigate these risks effectively.

 Embed compliance into daily operations and focus on the human element across different teams and offices with 

 to different environments. Foster a culture of transparency and engagement to make compliance a part of the organisational fabric.

Addressing third-party risks and enhancing due diligence

Sanctions and third-party risk remain significant, with the need for enhanced due diligence and a focus on the entire ecosystem. Dr. Lomax emphasised, "Our reputations as corporations are no longer just about what we do within our own four walls. It definitely depends on the entire ecosystem."

Bridgen added, "The fatigue that sets in with assessments is just horrendous. It's going to get worse before it gets better." He highlighted the importance of focusing on the right risks in order to vet vendors and mitigate third-party risks effectively.

 and focus on the entire ecosystem. Prioritise key vendors and risks to mitigate third-party risks effectively.

The future of compliance is about more than just meeting regulations—it's about fostering a culture of integrity, resilience, and proactive risk management. By embracing a human-centric approach, leveraging AI for smarter decision-making, and ensuring data integrity, organisations can turn compliance from a challenge into a strategic advantage.

Discover how Diligent can empower your organisation to stay ahead of compliance challenges and seize new opportunities 

Navigating compliance in 2025: Key insights and strategies from industry thought leaders 

Here’s a reality almost every in-house legal professional can attest to. No matter what size organization you work for, or how complex its subsidiary structure is, entity management has become an increasingly high-stakes, high-stress responsibility.

The sheer volume of records required for entities, directors, shares, universal beneficial owners and the increasing regulatory compliance requirements related to this can be completely overwhelming. In response, legal teams have embraced purpose-built technology like entity management software, helping them to drastically improve efficiency, accuracy and security.

But let’s face it — no software, never mind how good it is, is a magic wand. Following any kind of digital transformation, real-world operational obstacles can sometimes stubbornly remain intact, from skill gaps to resource limitations and everything in between.

If you’re one of the many legal professionals finding that tech alone doesn’t solve 

 the challenges you face, there’s a solution on the table: 

While entity management software is powerful, it requires more than just installation and onboarding to deliver real value. Skilled human operation and high-quality data are the backbone of a successful entity management strategy.

Here are some of the most common obstacles standing in the way of that:

 Every entity, director and shareholder carries layers of information that must be up-to-date, accurate and secure. Such volume demands expertise, focus and a well-honed process, and even seasoned professionals with purpose-built technology at their disposal can still find themselves stretched.

 From resource shortages and turnover to ongoing training on the nuances of the software, keeping up with demands isn’t always feasible. Even when you have a robust solution like Diligent Entities, integrating it into daily workflows with a lean team can feel like a constant race against the clock.

 Sometimes, it’s not about the technology you have but the time and team power you don’t. Even the best entity management platforms require hands-on management. And when competing priorities arise, how often do the “must-dos” crowd out the “should-dos”?

Watch Tracey Brady, VP of Corporate Services, talk to the London Stock Exchange (LSE) about the exciting launch of our managed service provision for Diligent customers. 

Marketplace Matters: Tracey Brady

Where managed services can help close the gap

 offer more than just an extra set of hands — it’s an end-to-end solution for augmenting your entity management. We step in to help you maintain compliance, train your teams and support your directors while getting the most out of your software investment.

 work to complement and enhance your tech tools:

Tailored assistance, full operation, or both

Whether you need us to operate your entity management software completely on our side or want guidance as your team navigates it on yours, we’ll bring in the expert touch to maximize efficiency. With our specialized support, your legal team can accomplish more without exhausting your resources.

✅ Ensuring compliance doesn’t fall through the cracks

Staying on top of annual compliance requirements is essential — and it’s often one of the first areas to feel the strain when resources are stretched. We help with everything from maintaining statutory registers to securing timely approvals, ensuring no deadlines are missed. We’ll also work with you to fine-tune your compliance calendar so you’re prepared for the year ahead without any last-minute surprises.

✅ Incorporation support and change management

Expanding into new markets or adding subsidiaries demands meticulous oversight. Our Managed Services team will ensure your structuring plans comply with local and global requirements, so every ‘i’ is dotted and ‘t’ crossed. With our support, your new entities can hit the ground running while sidestepping the common legal hurdles.

Keeping directors informed of their responsibilities and statutory duties isn’t optional — it’s essential for good governance. Our training and advisory services cover everything from compliance fundamentals to regulatory updates, helping your directors understand their obligations and how best to fulfill them in a fast-evolving landscape. We also support board operations, governance reporting and committee work, making sure everyone has the tools they need to stay ahead.

✅ Health checking your entire entity governance

Sometimes, it’s not just about the tasks ahead but taking stock of where things stand today. Our health check service evaluates your entities’ compliance status, reviews appointments, shareholdings, and corporate records. This snapshot can be a game-changer, providing clarity on where adjustments may be needed, highlighting compliance gaps, and setting you up with actionable insights to stay aligned with market best practices.

Maximizing tech investment with specialized expertise

Entity management software is the foundation, but to truly leverage that technology, you need expert insights and hands-on support. With Managed Services, you can seamlessly combine advanced tech with industry-specific expertise for a powerful, cohesive approach. Think of it as adding a layer of human intelligence on top of your platform — giving your organization the flexibility, continuity, and foresight to respond to evolving legal and regulatory requirements with confidence.

The bottom line:  Tech is indispensable, but 

In today’s resource-constrained environment, even the most advanced tools can’t replace the unique value of experience. We’re here to step in, offering the expertise, guidance and operational support to keep your entity management running smoothly, no matter the challenges. Technology is indispensable, but with the right team behind it, you’re unstoppable.

Ready to make the most of your entity management tech? We’re ready to help. 

Diligent

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Navigating compliance in 2025: Key insights and strategies from industry thought leaders

Beyond entity management tech: How managed services bridge the resource gap

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Blog

Navigating compliance in 2025: Key insights and strategies from industry thought leaders

Beyond entity management tech: How managed services bridge the resource gap

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Your Data Matters

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Resources

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