In 2026, regulatory readiness is no longer a once-a-year exercise—it is a continuous operational discipline. Across financial services, insurance, and risk-sensitive industries, regulators are shifting their focus from policy existence to execution quality. The question is no longer, “Do you have controls?” but rather, “Are your controls working every day, at scale?”
Finance
For years, Certificates of Insurance were treated as a routine administrative task. In 2026, they have become a frontline compliance function.
As we enter 2026, regulatory expectations across financial services, insurance operations, and risk management functions continue to intensify. For organizations navigating tighter margins and growing customer demand, compliance is no longer just a safeguard—it is a strategic differentiator.
As we close out 2025, banks and financial institutions are navigating a rapidly shifting operational landscape driven by heightened verification standards, increased fraud activity, and rising customer expectations for speed and accuracy. Year-end regulatory communications from the OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve signal clear priorities for 2026: stronger check validation controls, improved lockbox oversight, and more responsive customer support infrastructure.
In the dynamic world of financial services, institutions – from traditional banks to alternative lenders – are under immense pressure to evolve. While they form the “backbone of financial services for small and mid-sized businesses”, many struggle with customer loyalty due to systemic shortcomings, including rigid, one-size-fits-all financial solutions and underqualified talent. This presents a “massive opportunity” for those willing to change, particularly in addressing the $1 trillion market of underserved small businesses.
In 2024, U.S. insurers leaned more heavily on outsourced investment management than ever before. According to a new report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than half of all insurers now outsource some or all of their investment decisions—and the number is still climbing.
Amid rising costs, talent scarcity, and compliance pressure, finance leaders in insurance and specialty finance are increasingly turning to outsourced F&A solutions. Here’s what’s shaping the global landscape—and how smart firms are responding now.
Global financial markets are grappling with heightened volatility as a confluence of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and policy shifts reshape the investment landscape in 2025.
Debt settlement has long been a last resort for financially distressed borrowers—but it’s increasingly becoming a challenge for lenders, too. With more consumers defaulting and entering settlement arrangements, the recovery environment is shifting fast. Lenders now face a balancing act: managing losses while maintaining reputational trust.
Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) across the U.S. are facing mounting pressure as working capital tightens. Between inflation, interest rate volatility, and extended payment cycles, even well-run companies are finding themselves in a cash flow bind. But while the problem is complex, one solution gaining traction is a strategic rethinking of operational support—particularly in collections and factoring.

