When did you first hear the term RegTech? For us, it was a lightbulb moment. Back in 2015, Deloitte’s Dublin team published “RegTech is the new FinTech.” The term instantly resonated, it captured everything we were trying to do at Funds-Axis. Since then, RegTech has been at the core of our identity.
What is RegTech, Really?
RegTech is more than just a buzzword. It’s the fusion of deep regulatory expertise and cutting-edge technology to help firms meet their obligations, without the cost, risk, or complexity of traditional approaches.
Key features of true RegTech:
- Cost-effective: No more lengthy, risky implementations.
- Plug-and-play: Rapid deployment, minimal business disruption.
- No legacy headaches: No dependency on old systems or hardware.
- Outcome-focused: Technology that does exactly what it says on the tin.
At its heart, RegTech is about clarity, efficiency, and trust. It’s technology that just works, so clients can focus on their business, not their compliance headaches.
Why Did RegTech Emerge in 2015?
2015 was a tipping point:
- Cloud computing became mainstream, making scalable, secure solutions possible.
- Data transformation tools matured, enabling complex regulatory data to be processed at scale.
- Regulators started adopting digital standards (XML, XBRL), paving the way for automation.
- Entrepreneurial spirit met domain expertise, and RegTech was born.
What Makes a Successful RegTech?
It’s not just about building software. The winners in RegTech are those who:
- Own their niche: Deep, authoritative domain expertise is non-negotiable.
- Embed regulatory knowledge: The best RegTechs don’t just automate, they interpret, clarify, and stand over the accuracy of every output.
- Build community: Success comes from engaging with clients, regulators, and industry peers to drive best practice.
Lessons Learned: The Funds-Axis Journey
We’ve learned a lot since 2015. Our biggest lesson? Focus matters.
Trying to solve every regulatory challenge at once is a recipe for complexity. The most successful RegTechs nail one problem, then move on to the next, always with the right subject matter experts on board.
Why Does RegTech 2.0 Matter Now?
RegTech isn’t standing still. The next wave, RegTech 2.0, is about:
- AI and automation: Turning words into numbers, and insight into action.
- Digital operational resilience: Meeting new standards like DORA.
- Global scalability: Solutions that work across borders, asset classes, and regulatory regimes.
For firms navigating ever-changing regulations, RegTech 2.0 isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential.
The Bottom Line
RegTech 2.0 is about more than compliance – it’s about confidence, clarity, and competitive advantage.
At Funds-Axis, we’re proud to be part of this journey. If you’re ready to rethink compliance, we’re ready to help.
Want to learn more?
