This informal CPD article, ‘Future-Proof Your Business: The Essential Compliance Stack for 2025’, was provided by CFE Cert, who offer a wide range of auditing, certification, compliance and Gap analysis services on GDPR, Information Security, Business Continuity, International IT Service and Personal Information Management Systems.
With technological advances like artificial intelligence and the growing threat of cyberattacks, businesses are confronted with new risks that demand proactive, strategic solutions. At the same time, regulators are tightening their requirements to ensure robust risk management and accountability. To stay ahead of these challenges, companies must align with key international standards; such as DORA, ISO/IEC 42001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, and ISO 22301, that provide clear frameworks for managing risks and ensuring compliance.
DORA – Digital Operational Resilience Act
In April 2025, the European Banking Authority (EBA) released draft incident reporting templates under DORA, prompting financial institutions across the EU to update systems and accelerate compliance efforts. Coming into effect in January 2025, DORA is a European Union regulation designed to ensure the operational resilience of financial entities, including banks, insurance firms, investment platforms, and ICT third-party service providers. It places equal emphasis on preventing, managing, and recovering from ICT-related disruptions. Core obligations include risk identification, incident reporting, digital resilience testing, and oversight of outsourced ICT services—making DORA a cornerstone of digital risk governance in the financial sector.
ISO/IEC 42001 – AI Management System (AIMS)
Following the European Parliament’s approval of the AI Act in March 2024, organizations are aiming to implement robust AI governance frameworks, and ISO/IEC 42001 is emerging as the preferred standard to ensure compliance and build trust. Published in 2023, ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard for artificial intelligence management systems. It provides a structured framework for organizations that develop, deploy, or rely on AI systems, emphasizing transparency, ethical use, human oversight, and risk management throughout the AI lifecycle. Especially relevant for sectors like healthcare, finance, and government, the standard offers a proactive approach to responsible AI.
ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS)
After the high-profile ransomware attack on a major European telecom provider in January 2025, cyber resilience has once again become a top boardroom priority, with ISO/IEC 27001 seen as a crucial benchmark for trust and regulatory readiness. ISO/IEC 27001 is the global standard for managing information security, offering a systematic approach to protecting sensitive data, reducing cyber risks, and ensuring business continuity. Its implementation enables organizations to demonstrate their commitment to information security, meet stakeholder expectations, and comply with industry and legal requirements.
ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
In February 2025, a €12 million fine imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission on a global SaaS provider for GDPR accountability failures reignited interest in ISO/IEC 27701 as a defensible standard for privacy governance. As an extension of ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701 focuses on the protection of personal data, helping organizations define and operationalize how personal information is collected, stored, and processed in line with global regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and KVKK. Applicable to both data controllers and processors, it enhances privacy maturity and demonstrates a proactive approach to compliance and transparency.
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)
The severe winter floods of 2024–2025 across Central Europe disrupted thousands of businesses, spotlighting the urgent need for certified continuity strategies, with ISO 22301 now being recommended by both governments and insurers. ISO 22301 equips organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive incidents—whether caused by cyberattacks, natural disasters, or supply chain breakdowns. It includes business impact analysis, risk assessment, recovery planning, and regular testing. With digital infrastructure underpinning operations more than ever, ISO 22301 is a vital component of any modern risk management program.
Standards like DORA, ISO/IEC 42001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, and ISO 22301 provide a proven framework for companies to not only comply with regulations but to stay ahead of emerging threats, ensure continuity, and build trust with customers and stakeholders. The adoption of these standards is not merely a compliance checkbox but a strategic investment in the long-term success and security of a business. In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, aligning with internationally recognized standards is essential for maintaining competitiveness, protecting reputation, and safeguarding operational continuity.
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