North American financial firms remain cautious about integrating AI into compliance processes, with 56.3% reporting no plans to do so in the coming year. In contrast, 71.4% of EMEA-based firms intend to adopt AI, according to Global Relay’s newly released Industry Insights: Compliant Communications Report 2025.

The report, based on input from hundreds of global compliance professionals, highlights stark regional differences in how firms approach regulatory challenges. While over half of North American firms view banning apps like WhatsApp or WeChat as a viable compliance solution, only 31.7% of EMEA counterparts share that belief.

This hesitancy reflects broader uncertainty in the U.S., where evolving leadership and policy direction have slowed AI adoption. The SEC’s recent shift toward a “technology-neutral” stance could, however, encourage more innovation in the near future.

Meanwhile, the report signals a shift in industry attitudes, with a 20% decline in firms choosing to ban channels and a 28% rise in those enabling and monitoring communication platforms over the past two years. Additionally, firms are seeing improvements in internal policy compliance, as the number of organizations struggling to enforce staff adherence dropped to 29.5% from 61.5% in 2023.

Don McElligott, VP of Compliance Supervision at Global Relay, noted that despite progress in AI technology, many still view it as costly, complex, and only modestly effective for risk detection. Yet he remains optimistic: “As AI tools become more accessible and efficient, adoption may accelerate.”

Ryan Sheridan, Senior Manager of Regulatory Intelligence at Global Relay, emphasized the cost-benefit dynamic: “Channel bans that employees ignore are a liability. Modern compliance tools are affordable and defendable—especially when compared to the millions in fines firms have faced over off-channel communication failures.”

Global Relay’s annual report continues to provide a vital lens into how compliance practices are evolving amid regulatory pressure and technological advancements.

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News Source: Businesswire.com