COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES IN 2025: ADAPTING TO NEW REGULATIONS IN GLOBAL BANKING

Abstract

This study examines the compliance challenges that global banks will face as they adapt to new regulations by 2025. With the banking sector increasingly subject to evolving regulatory frameworks, this research aims to explore how institutions are preparing for the implementation of more stringent cybersecurity, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey of 200 compliance professionals with qualitative interviews of 30 regulatory experts to gather insights on the most pressing compliance issues. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify key trends and challenges. The results reveal that cybersecurity compliance, ESG reporting, and AML frameworks are the primary concerns for banks, with significant resource and capacity challenges, particularly for smaller institutions. The study contributes to existing literature by providing a detailed, integrated view of the intersection between cybersecurity, ESG, and AML compliance, highlighting the need for more adaptable and cross-functional compliance strategies. The findings have practical implications for banks, regulators, and policymakers, suggesting that a unified compliance framework integrating these critical domains can enhance risk management and regulatory alignment. Future research could focus on how these challenges are addressed in emerging markets and digital-native financial institutions.