StarCompliance Study Finds UAE Firms Making Training and Competency Top Priorities

Firms Modernize Compliance Programs to Strengthen Oversight and Accountability

 

In a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, firms are increasingly recognizing the importance of modernizing compliance programs to strengthen oversight and accountability. The latest developments in the financial services sector highlight a significant shift towards prioritizing training and competency, as evidenced by a comprehensive study conducted by StarCompliance—a prominent provider of employee compliance technology solutions.

 

The UAE & Compliance Market Study: Key Insights

 

StarCompliance's UAE & Compliance Market Study serves as a crucial barometer for understanding how financial services firms across the UAE are approaching compliance. The second edition of this study has revealed that organizations in the region are placing a heightened emphasis on proactive compliance management and cultural accountability.

 

A staggering 85 percent of respondents identified training and competency as a top priority for 2025, marking a substantial increase from 67 percent in 2023. This underscores a trend where firms are not only reacting to regulatory changes but are actively investing in enhancing the skills and knowledge of their workforce to foster an environment of ethical conduct and transparency.

 

Addressing Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

 

The study also sheds light on the growing complexities firms face in navigating the regulatory landscape. 79 percent of respondents expressed finding it extremely to moderately challenging to keep pace with regional and global regulatory requirements, a significant jump from 40 percent in 2023. This highlights the urgent need for firms to adopt comprehensive compliance strategies that are agile and adaptive.

 

Moreover, as the financial world increasingly intersects with technological advancements, firms are grappling with new dimensions of compliance related to digital assets. Interestingly, 67 percent of respondents are somewhat to very confident in their firm's capability to monitor and enforce employee compliance concerning cryptocurrency trading, reflecting the fast-evolving nature of financial instruments.

 

The Role of Technology in Compliance Management

 

In an era defined by digital transformation, the integration of technology into compliance monitoring is becoming indispensable. However, the study indicates that 79 percent of respondents have yet to employ AI tools in compliance monitoring. This underscores a significant opportunity for firms to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance their compliance frameworks and remain resilient against potential risks.

 

Furthermore, 78 percent of respondents highlighted the importance of single tenancy hosting in their assessment of compliance software, pointing towards a need for solutions that offer robust data security and privacy—the cornerstones of a reliable compliance infrastructure.

 

StarCompliance: Leading the Charge in Compliance Solutions

 

For over 25 years, StarCompliance has been at the forefront of delivering innovative compliance solutions, trusted by millions of users across 114 countries. The company's commitment to advancing regulatory compliance is evident through its continuous engagement with clients and incorporation of insights from studies such as the UAE & Compliance Market Study into product development. This approach ensures that StarCompliance remains a trusted partner for firms striving to build a culture of compliance, backed by comprehensive security and unmatched assurance.

 

As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative for firms to remain proactive in enhancing their compliance strategies. By investing in training, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a culture of accountability, businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of modern compliance and ensure long-term success.