Shaping the Future: Key Trends in Risk and Compliance Recruitment for 2025

Here’s a look at the emerging trends that will define recruitment in risk and compliance in the year ahead.

1. Surge in Demand for Regulatory Expertise

The introduction of significant regulatory frameworks such as SEAR (Senior Executive Accountability Regime), DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), and MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Asset Regulation) is driving a surge in demand for compliance professionals with specialised knowledge.
Key Drivers:
Firms must ensure adherence to increasingly complex regulatory requirements.
Greater accountability at senior levels has made compliance roles more integral to organisational success.
Impact on Recruitment:
Candidates with expertise in governance, financial crime prevention, and regulatory reporting will be highly sought after.
Organisations are prioritising professionals who can interpret and implement regulatory changes efficiently.

2. The Role of Technology in Risk and Compliance

Technology is revolutionising the risk and compliance landscape. From automated monitoring systems to AI-driven analytics, digital tools are becoming essential for managing compliance and mitigating risk.
Key Drivers:
Regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions are streamlining processes such as reporting, auditing, and risk assessments.
Digital transformation across industries is increasing the need for cybersecurity and operational resilience.
Impact on Recruitment:
Employers are seeking candidates with a blend of compliance expertise and tech skills, such as data analytics, blockchain, and AI.
Roles in IT risk management, cybersecurity, and RegTech implementation are on the rise.

3. ESG and Sustainability Compliance

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming integral to risk and compliance strategies. With the introduction of frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), organisations are under pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in their ESG practices.
Key Drivers:
Investors and stakeholders are demanding more robust sustainability disclosures.
Regulatory bodies are enforcing stricter ESG compliance standards.
Impact on Recruitment:
Demand for ESG compliance specialists and sustainability consultants will continue to grow.
Companies are looking for candidates who can integrate ESG metrics into risk management frameworks.

4. Globalisation and Cross-Border Compliance

As businesses expand their global reach, the complexity of managing cross-border compliance is increasing. Different regulatory environments and cultural considerations are driving the need for professionals with international expertise.
Key Drivers:
Organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions face varying regulatory requirements.
The rise of remote work and global talent pools adds new layers of compliance complexity.
Impact on Recruitment:
Firms are seeking multilingual candidates and those with experience navigating international regulations.
Cross-functional skills, such as understanding local customs alongside global compliance standards, are becoming essential.

5. Focus on Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

While technical expertise remains critical, organisations are placing greater emphasis on soft skills and cultural alignment in their recruitment efforts.
Key Drivers:
Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for navigating complex compliance challenges.
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for fostering collaboration between compliance teams and other departments.
Impact on Recruitment:
Employers are prioritising candidates who can build relationships, influence stakeholders, and adapt to organisational culture.
Storytelling and situational examples during interviews are being used to evaluate soft skills.

6. Greater Reliance on Specialized Recruitment Partners

As risk and compliance roles become more nuanced, organisations are turning to recruitment specialists to find the right talent.
Key Drivers:
The growing complexity of compliance roles makes it challenging to identify the ideal candidates through traditional hiring methods.
Recruitment specialists bring industry-specific knowledge and access to niche talent pools.
Impact on Recruitment:
Companies are forming long-term partnerships with recruiters who understand the evolving risk and compliance landscape.
Tailored recruitment strategies are being developed to address specific organisational needs.

Looking Ahead

The future of recruitment in risk and compliance is dynamic and multifaceted. As regulatory demands increase and the role of technology expands, organizations must prioritize hiring professionals who bring both technical expertise and strategic insight to the table.
At Elevate Partners, we’re at the forefront of these changes, helping clients navigate the evolving talent market and connect with the professionals they need to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re seeking experienced compliance officers, ESG specialists, or IT risk managers, our team has the expertise to identify and attract the right candidates for your organisation.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your recruitment needs in risk and compliance.