Businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI) face increasing pressure to meet rigorous compliance standards as cybersecurity threats grow more complex and regulations tighten across these countries. That’s why A-LIGN created a dedicated UKI edition of our global 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report — to provide regional insights, benchmarks, and practical recommendations tailored to the distinct challenges and opportunities that companies in this part of the world are navigating. 

Our footprint in the UK and Ireland is expanding rapidly, and so are the needs of our clients. With the implementation of EU-specific regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), the EU AI Act and the NIS2 Directive, it’s clear that companies operating in and with the EU must stay ahead of evolving compliance demands. A localised version of this benchmark report gives businesses in those countries a clearer picture of where they stand and what they should prioritise to stay compliant and competitive in 2025 and beyond. 

So, what are the biggest takeaways for the UK and Ireland this year? 

1. Audit quality isn’t optional — it’s the standard. 

In a regulatory environment where small gaps can lead to big consequences, the UKI market has made it clear: audit quality is paramount. 95% of respondents said the quality of their audit report is “important” or “extremely important,” and 68% have observed clear differences in report quality across auditors. 

What defines a high-quality audit? According to respondents, it comes down to two things: the number of controls tested and the length of the audit report. Notably, businesses weren’t impressed by additions like generic best practices or glossy formatting. They’re demanding detailed, technically sound audits that thoroughly evaluate their controls — because that’s what uncovers the real risks for their companies. 

When choosing an auditor, businesses in this region ranked the experience of the audit team as the top factor, followed closely by report quality. That means organisations are no longer willing to trade depth for speed or affordability. Compliance is now a strategic investment, not a check-the-box exercise. 

2. AI compliance is moving from idea to action.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses manage risk and meet compliance obligations. In the UK and Ireland, 89% of surveyed companies already have or are developing an AI compliance policy, with 71% planning to pursue an AI audit or certification within the next 24 months. 

This momentum is largely driven by uncertainty. 60% of businesses expressed concern about AI’s impact on future regulations, and many are proactively seeking ways to formalise their approach. Software companies are leading the charge, with 84% of firms in that sector expecting to adopt an AI compliance framework within two years. 

The bottom line? The companies that act early on AI compliance will be better equipped to handle the future wave of AI-related regulations and gain trust with customers, partners, and regulators in the process. 

3. New cybersecurity laws are reshaping compliance. 

The convergence of data protection, cyber risk, and digital infrastructure laws is redefining how businesses in the UK and Ireland approach compliance — especially those working across EU borders. In 2025, 85% of UK respondents said they expect their compliance strategy to change in response to laws like the EU AI Act, DORA and the NIS2 Directive. 

ISO 27001, the international standard for information security management systems, is emerging as the tool of choice to address these regulatory shifts. Already the most common audit pursued by businesses in these regions, ISO 27001 provides a structured framework for managing cybersecurity risks and aligning with new EU requirements. 

By mapping existing controls to the requirements of NIS2 and DORA, companies can streamline their compliance efforts and avoid costly gaps. And with 85% of UKI businesses planning an ISO 27001 audit in 2025, it’s clear that proactive compliance is becoming the new normal. 

Get all the details in our UKI Compliance Benchmark Report 

The UKI edition of A-LIGN’s 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report is packed with data and expert analysis to help your company plan for the future. Whether you’re building a compliance program from the ground up or refining an established strategy, this report is a must-read. Download the full report to learn more about: 

• Why the number of controls tested matters in compliance audits 

• The most popular AI compliance frameworks in the UK and Ireland 

• Which cybersecurity regulations compliance leaders are most concerned about 

• Our recommendations for how to shift your compliance strategy in 2025 and beyond 

Get the free report now to see how your organisation stacks up and what you should do next to be prepared for the changing compliance environment in the UK and Ireland.