UK & Ireland Compliance Benchmark Report: Key Findings and Real-Life Insights

by: A-LIGN 45 min

Key Insights from A-LIGN’s 2025 UKI Compliance Benchmark Report

Cybersecurity compliance is vital in today’s digital-driven world, and A-LIGN’s 2025 UKI Compliance Benchmark Report provides essential insights to help businesses stay ahead. Recently, A-LIGN hosted a webinar featuring Kevin Shinners, SVP, International, and Elizabeth Strickert, Director of Content Marketing, to discuss regional trends, actionable strategies, and the growing importance of compliance frameworks in the UK and Ireland. Below are the key highlights to guide your compliance strategy.  

Emerging compliance trends in the UK and Ireland  

A-LIGN’s Benchmark Report focuses on compliance and regulatory shifts impacting businesses across the UK and Ireland.  The key focus areas include:

  • The rise of AI compliance:  71% of UKI business plan to pursue an AI audit or certification in the next 24 months 
  • The impact of emerging cybersecurity regulations, such as DORA, NIS2 and the EU AI Act, to compliance strategies – 85% of UKI businesses anticipate changes 
  • Certifications as business enablers: experience and quality are being prioritised over speed and price when choosing auditors. 

These insights empower organizations to benchmark their progress, anticipate regulatory challenges, and implement effective compliance strategies. 

Why certification is essential  

Compliance certifications, including SOC 2 and ISO 27001, are moving from optional to essential for businesses seeking improved security, operational efficiency, and market trust.  

Key benefits of certification:  

  • Higher cybersecurity standards to mitigate supply chain threats.  
  • Sales enablement by demonstrating regulatory compliance and building trust with customers.  
  • Alignment with strict regulations like NIST and DORA.  

By prioritizing certifications, businesses can proactively address risks while enhancing customer confidence.  

Streamlining audits for efficiency  

Consolidation of audits is a game-changer for businesses managing multiple frameworks. Overlaps between certifications, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, present an opportunity to save time and resources.  

Benefits of streamlined audits:

  • Simplified processes that reduce operational complexity.  
  • Improved efficiency, enabling teams to dedicate time to high-impact tasks.  
  • High-quality results that enhance overall cybersecurity posture.  

AI’s role in compliance and cybersecurity  

AI has rapidly become a crucial player in compliance, with new regulations like the EU AI Act and ISO 42001 driving accountability in ethical AI practices.  

Key AI compliance considerations:  

  • Broader AI definitions mean even simple algorithms may require compliance.  
  • Ethical AI emphasizes addressing algorithmic bias to foster trust.  
  • Certification ensures transparency and security in AI technologies.  

With businesses increasingly fielding AI security questionnaires, ethical AI practices are essential for maintaining trust and scaling responsibly.  

Next steps for success

To elevate your compliance strategy, focus on the following: 

  1. Adopt critical certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and ISO 42001 to meet regulatory demands.  
  2. Streamline audits to save resources while improving output quality.  
  3. Use A-LIGN’s Benchmark Report to stay informed on industry trends and regional challenges.  
  4. Implement ethical AI practices to address growing regulatory requirements.  

Thriving in the future of cybersecurity  

Compliance is no longer just about managing risks; it’s a growth driver in today’s interconnected landscape. By integrating certifications and leveraging expert insights, businesses can secure their future in compliance-forward industries.  

Download A-LIGN’s 2025 UKI Compliance Benchmark Report to unlock key strategies and gain a competitive edge in the evolving world of cybersecurity compliance.