How to future-proof your compliance function

Compliance Transformation 2030+

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Your expert for questions

Kolja von Westerholt

Kolja von Westerholt
Partner, Forensic, Governance and Compliance at PwC Germany
Tel: +49 160 90194316
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Compliance is becoming a strategic success factor

The compliance function is undergoing profound change. New regulatory requirements, geopolitical uncertainties and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging businesses to strategically realign their compliance function. The days when compliance was purely a controlling function are far behind us. Today, it increasingly evolves into a business-critical element that safeguards innovation and creates a competitive edge.

We support you in future-proofing your compliance function, from digital transformation and integration into business processes to new roles and skills. But before you actively shape this change, it's worth taking an honest look at the status quo: where does your compliance function stand today, and what does it need to move forward? 

“Compliance is no longer a controlling function – it has become a strategic driver. Those who invest in digitalisation, integrity and agile teams today not only protect their organisation from risks, but also gain a real competitive advantage.”

Kolja von Westerholt,Partner, Forensic, Governance and Compliance at PwC Germany

Where does your company stand in terms of Compliance Transformation?

Find out now. Our Quick Check shows how well you are strategically positioned for future challenges and provides you with an initial assessment of the current maturity level of your compliance management. Participation is free of charge, non-binding and offers you the opportunity to get in touch with our compliance experts. 

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Our insights

What does your business need to thrive in the digital world?

Our whitepaper shows how agile organisations, smart product management and integrated compliance are setting new standards. Respond faster to market changes and meet regulatory requirements with confidence. Download the whitepaper now and discover how to drive your transformation forward. 

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Global Compliance Survey 2025: How Compliance Becomes an Accelerator

Our global study of 1,800 executives reveals: 90% report a significant expansion of their compliance management system over the past three years. While “compliance pioneers” strategically evolve their processes, technologies and talent models and turn data into a competitive advantage, others lose valuable resources and trust. Download our study and find out what the frontrunners do differently.

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“Recent PwC studies paint a clear picture: compliance is leaving the back office and becoming an integral part of value creation. According to PwC's Global Compliance Survey 2025, 90 per cent of executives report a significant expansion of their compliance management system over the past three years. For businesses, this means investing now – in people, technology and clear lines of responsibility.”

Kolja von Westerholt,Partner, Forensic, Governance and Compliance at PwC Germany

Frequently asked questions

Compliance Transformation 2030+ describes the strategic realignment of the compliance function from a reactive controlling function to a proactive, digitally enabled and business-critical one. It covers seven indicators, ranging from new role profiles and ESG responsibility to integration with other management systems.

Three forces in particular are driving the change: new regulations such as the EU AI Act and the CSRD, geopolitical uncertainties and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). According to PwC's Global Compliance Survey 2025, 90 per cent of executives confirm that their compliance management system (CMS) has significantly expanded in scope over the past three years.

ESG (environmental, social and governance) has become an integral part of modern compliance. Corporate compliance is increasingly responsible for meeting sustainability regulations such as the CSRD, the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and the EU Taxonomy. This makes ESG compliance the link between regulation, reporting and strategic direction.

Digitalisation is both a source of risk and a compliance tool. AI, process mining and automation identify risks early and make audits more efficient. According to PwC's Global Compliance Survey 2025, 71 per cent of executives plan to launch digital transformation initiatives relevant to compliance over the next three years.

PwC supports companies with an interdisciplinary team of compliance experts, lawyers and technology specialists. Our services include Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Product Compliance and Managed Services. Our free PwC Quick Check shows the maturity level of your compliance management.

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Jörg Tüllner

Jörg Tüllner

Partner, Risk & Regulatory, PwC Germany

Tel: +49 171 7407016

Kolja von Westerholt

Kolja von Westerholt

Partner, Risk & Regulatory, PwC Germany

Tel: +49 160 90194316

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