Evolution of RegTech: From Innovation to Maturity

The RegTech sector has reached an inflection point, transitioning from early innovation to genuine maturity. This panel examined the challenges and opportunities facing the industry as it scales globally, with particular focus on the collaborative ecosystems needed to drive widespread adoption.

Speakers emphasised that interoperability has become non-negotiable. Financial institutions need RegTech solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, yet many providers still operate in silos. Addressing integration and change management challenges requires sustained effort from all stakeholders: RegTechs, banks, regulators, and government bodies.

Education emerged as a critical bottleneck. Many financial institutions still lack understanding of what modern RegTech can deliver, while regulators navigate the balance between encouraging innovation and maintaining stability. Increased investment in both technology and knowledge-sharing will determine how quickly the sector matures.

The discussion highlighted significant global expansion potential, particularly as regulatory complexity increases worldwide. London's position as a RegTech hub offers important lessons about the conditions needed for growth: regulatory engagement, access to talent, and capital availability.

The panel concluded that RegTech's evolution from niche innovation to mainstream infrastructure depends on building sustainable ecosystems where collaboration trumps competition, and where shared standards enable genuine interoperability across the financial services landscape.