How Does EU’s DORA Affect Fintechs Operating in Europe?

If you’re leading compliance at a European fintech, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) regulation. Maybe you’re wondering what it really means for your business, or how you’ll keep pace with yet another major requirement for fintech compliance. You’re not alone — many compliance leaders are still figuring out what DORA means for daily operations now that it’s part of the EU regulations landscape.

Let’s break down DORA, so you can see what’s changed and how to stay ahead in terms of operational resilience.

What is DORA — and Why Does it Matter?

The DORA regulation is the European Union’s response to the growing risks of cyberattacks and IT failures in the financial services sector.

But it’s not just for big banks. 



If you’re a fintech, payment firm, or any business handling financial data or transactions in the EU, DORA applies to you. The goal is simple: make sure everyone in the financial sector can keep running, even if there’s a major tech disruption.

If you’ve ever worried about what would happen if your systems went down — or if a vendor’s outage left your customers stranded — DORA is designed to help you build operational resilience before that happens.

The regulation establishes uniform requirements for information and communications technology (ICT) risk management, incident reporting, resilience testing, and oversight of third-party technology providers, all aimed at preventing and mitigating cyber threats across the entire EU financial sector.

What Does DORA Require from Fintechs?

DORA isn’t just another box to check. It’s a set of real, practical requirements that are now shaping how you run your compliance program. Here’s what you need to focus on:

• ICT risk management — You need a clear plan for identifying, assessing, and managing technology risks. This includes regular reviews, incident detection, and having a response plan ready to go.
• Incident reporting — If something goes wrong, you must report major ICT incidents to your regulator quickly. No more waiting weeks to file a report.
• Operational resilience testing — Regularly test your systems and controls to make sure they can stand up to real-world threats. For larger fintechs, this could mean advanced penetration testing.
• Third-party risk management — Your vendors are part of your risk profile now. You need to keep a close eye on anyone providing you with tech services — especially cloud providers.
• Information sharing — DORA encourages companies to share threat intelligence, so everyone can stay ahead of emerging risks.

What Does this Mean for Compliance Leaders?

If you’re responsible for compliance, DORA is about more than just new paperwork. It’s about building a culture of resilience — and demonstrating to your board, regulators, and customers that you’re prepared for whatever comes next.

You might be feeling the pressure — especially if your resources are already stretched. However, DORA is also an opportunity to get ahead of the curve. By establishing robust processes now, you can prevent last-minute scrambles and foster trust with all those who rely on your fintech.

And the good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch. Many fintech companies are already using digital tools to automate risk assessments and streamline reporting. For example, Shufti’s compliance management solutions can help you meet evolving regulations without adding extra workload.

Staying Compliant — and Resilient — Under DORA

Now that the DORA regulation is in force, the focus shifts from preparation to ongoing fintech compliance and continuous improvement. Here’s how you can keep your fintech resilient:

1- Review your risk management and incident response plans regularly — don’t let them gather dust.
2- Keep your vendor assessments up to date — your third-party landscape changes fast.
3- Train your team on DORA requirements and weave compliance into your culture.
4- Stay connected with industry peers and share insights — DORA is about collective resilience, not just ticking boxes.

Why it Matters Now

DORA took effect in January 2025, and fintechs are now expected to be compliant. With the regulation now in force, the focus is on maintaining compliance and continuously improving operational resilience.

By keeping digital operational resilience front and centre, compliance leaders can not only meet regulatory requirements but also strengthen trust and stability in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.