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In 2025 the financial sector is experiencing a unique moment: according to EY, 72% of international investors consider compliance in financial services the main criterion of trust when choosing a partner or jurisdiction. At the same time, global fines for AML violations and sanctions regimes exceeded $6.5 billion in the past 12 months alone, and the number of regulatory inspections increased by 30% in the EU and Asia.

Here you will find answers to key questions: how to build an effective compliance system, increase investor trust, minimize risks and use the regulatory changes of 2025 as a growth point.

Compliance in financial services: what it is and why it’s needed?

Understanding what compliance is and why it is needed is especially important for the sustainable development of the financial organizations themselves and the protection of their clients.

Compliance and the resilience of financial organizations

The resilience of financial organizations is impossible without a mature compliance system. In recent years, the COREDO team has implemented projects where it was precisely the compliance culture and regular employee training that allowed clients not only to minimize the risks of financial crime but also to increase operational resilience amid tightening regulation. The implementation of corporate governance, transparency and accountability principles becomes an integral part of the risk management strategy in the financial sector. COREDO’s practice confirms: companies investing in the development of a compliance culture show higher resilience indicators and adapt faster to new regulatory requirements.

According to the European Banking Authority (EBA), companies with a developed internal control system and regular AML/CFT training reduce the likelihood of incidents by 40% compared to the market.

Compliance with financial services regulations in the EU, Asia and Africa

EU financial regulation, as well as the requirements of regulators in Singapore, the United Kingdom, the UAE and Cyprus, impose not only high standards of transparency on companies but also strict requirements for data protection, data localization and consideration of the specifics of local laws. Solutions developed at COREDO take into account the impact of the 2025 regulatory changes: for example, new EU directives on ESG, the expansion of MAS’s powers in Singapore, and the tightening of controls over digital assets and CBDCs.

Particular attention is paid to compliance with GDPR and data localization. The implementation of hybrid models of data storage and processing allows our clients to ensure compliance not only with European but also Asian privacy standards, which becomes critically important in cross-border operations and business scaling.

AML services for business – what they include and why they are needed?

Understanding *what such services include* and *why they are needed* is critically important for international companies facing different legal requirements and levels of threat.

Best AML practices for international business

Combating money laundering in Europe and Asia requires not only knowledge of FATF standards but also the ability to adapt AML processes to the specifics of each jurisdiction. COREDO’s experience shows that it is the flexible configuration of KYC and Due Diligence procedures, integration of automated transaction monitoring systems and regular audits that allow international companies to effectively manage risks and meet regulators’ expectations.

This solution reduced operational costs by 25% and accelerated compliance screening for new clients.

Assessing the effectiveness and ROI of compliance and AML programs

Assessing the ROI of compliance programs is a task the COREDO team approaches systematically. We use a set of KPIs: the number of prevented incidents, transaction processing speed, the level of false positives in AML systems, as well as a direct comparison of compliance costs with savings on fines and reputational losses.

According to a Deloitte study, companies that regularly assess the effectiveness of compliance programs achieve increased trust from partners and regulators 30% faster.

Registration of legal entities and company support abroad

Registration of legal entities and company support abroad: this is a strategic step for entrepreneurs seeking to enter new markets and strengthen their business position on the international stage. The process opens access to promising jurisdictions and new opportunities and requires close attention to the specific legal nuances of each country.

In this section we will examine the key aspects of establishing legal entities abroad and effectively supporting companies in the EU, Asia and Africa.

Registration of legal entities in the EU, Asia and Africa

Registration of legal entities in the EU, Singapore, the UAE and a number of African countries requires a deep understanding of local regulatory requirements and the specifics of corporate law. COREDO’s practice confirms: the key to success is not only the correct preparation of founding documents but also the competent construction of ownership structures to minimize tax and legal risks.

For example, in Singapore company registration is possible only through licensed providers (Registered Filing Agent), and for certain types of activities (financial services, brokerage, fintech) obtaining special licenses and approvals from ACRA and MAS is required. In the Czech Republic and Estonia the emphasis is on transparency of beneficial ownership and compliance with AML/CFT requirements. In Africa, by contrast, special attention is paid to data localization and consumer protection.

Licensing and account opening for financial business

Obtaining licenses for crypto, payment, banking and forex services is a distinct challenge for international companies. COREDO’s solutions include comprehensive preparation for licensing audits, support for communications with regulators (FCA, MAS, EBA), as well as assistance in opening accounts in foreign banks where due diligence and AML requirements are becoming increasingly strict.

Digital transformation of compliance in finance

Digital transformation of compliance in finance today means not just implementing new technologies, but a profound change in work standards, interaction formats and the financial products themselves. By 2025, decentralized systems, digital assets and CBDCs come to the fore, requiring businesses to adopt fundamentally new approaches to compliance and control.

Digital assets and CBDC: compliance in 2025

The emergence of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the growth in digital asset turnover require companies to adopt new approaches to compliance and risk management. The COREDO team analyzes the impact of these trends on the architecture of AML/KYC processes and develops solutions that take into account the specifics of working with tokenized assets, smart contracts and cross-border payments.

In 2025, EU and Asian regulators tighten requirements for the traceability of digital currencies, while MAS and the FCA introduce new standards for monitoring cryptoasset transactions. The introduction of artificial intelligence into compliance systems enables COREDO to offer clients tools for automatic anomaly detection and early fraud prevention.

Automation of compliance solutions and scaling

Automation of AML processes and integration of fraud detection technologies become critically important when scaling a business. COREDO’s experience shows that implementing modular solutions based on machine learning and cloud platforms not only improves the quality of compliance monitoring but also provides flexibility when entering new markets.

Scaling strategies for AML and compliance solutions developed by COREDO allow clients to quickly adapt to new regulatory requirements and maintain a high level of trust from partners.

Thus, modern approaches to automating AML and fraud detection become an integral part of comprehensive risk management and ensuring the resilience of financial organizations.

Risk management and resilience in finance

risk management and resilience in finance: this is the foundation of reliable operation for any organization in conditions of uncertainty. Effective identification, assessment and mitigation of risks directly affect a company’s financial stability and enable sustainable long-term development. In current conditions, management of areas such as financial crime and sanctions risk becomes particularly important.

Managing risks of financial crime and sanctions

In 2025, sanctions regimes become increasingly complex and dynamic, especially for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions. COREDO’s analysis shows that key risks are associated not only with direct financial losses but also with reputational threats and the blocking of international operations.

This allows timely identification of potential violations and adjustment of business processes before critical consequences occur.

Ensuring operational resilience amid geopolitical instability

Geopolitical factors are increasingly affecting compliance in the financial sector. Operational resilience is becoming a priority: COREDO develops scenario response plans for clients, as well as tools for rapid relocation of critical functions between jurisdictions.

Confidence in compliance for financial services – practical steps

• The development and implementation of compliance systems in financial companies begins with an audit of current processes, assessment of the maturity of the compliance culture and identification of key risk areas. The COREDO team uses international standards (FATF, EBA, MAS) and best practices to build effective monitoring and internal control systems.
• Developing a sustainable finance strategy requires integrating ESG factors, taking into account new regulatory requirements and continuous engagement with regulators. COREDO’s solutions allow clients not only to comply with standards but also to use compliance as a tool to attract investment and increase trust.
• Increasing financial inclusion and protecting customers become possible through the implementation of digital platforms, automation of KYC/AML and consideration of the specifics of local markets. COREDO’s practice confirms: a flexible approach to compliance allows expanding the customer base without increasing risks.
• Choosing reliable partners for legal support and AML services is a key success factor when entering new markets. COREDO’s experience shows: comprehensive support at all stages: from company registration to obtaining licenses and implementing new standards – ensures clients sustainable growth and minimization of operational and reputational risks.

Key findings and recommendations

Confidence in compliance is not only formal adherence to requirements, but also a strategic asset that determines the long-term success of a financial business. COREDO’s practice proves: a systematic approach to risk management, the adoption of innovative technologies and continuous monitoring of regulatory changes not only minimize threats but also use compliance as a growth driver.

• invest in developing a compliance culture and employee training;
• regularly assess the effectiveness of compliance and AML programs using key metrics;
• integrate digital solutions to automate and scale compliance processes;
• build partnerships with experts who have deep knowledge of international standards and local specifics.

In the fast-changing conditions of 2025, it is confidence in compliance that distinguishes market leaders from followers. The COREDO team is ready to be your reliable partner on this journey – providing not only expert support, but also strategic solutions that work for your success today and tomorrow.

Thousands of cases of threats to founders, attempts at corporate espionage and attacks on business assets are recorded annually in Europe, Asia and Africa — and most of them occur not in war zones but in developed financial centres.

But why, despite technological advances and tightening regulatory requirements, do founders’ personal security and investors’ corporate security still remain vulnerable?

Is it worth relying solely on standard physical security measures if modern threats are becoming increasingly hybrid — combining cyber risks, social engineering and local specificities? How do you assess the ROI of investments in security if a real threat may emerge years later? And most importantly, which strategies actually work when it comes to protecting the business and the personal safety of founders in the context of international expansion?

Personal security of company executives

The personal security of company executives is becoming an increasingly complex task: modern threats go far beyond physical protection and require a comprehensive digital and organizational approach. Executives face new risks every day, from targeted cyberattacks to leaks of personal information, which makes timely assessment of personal security risks a key element of corporate protection.

Assessing personal security risks in business

In COREDO’s international practice we find that assessing personal security risks for founders and top managers requires a systemic approach. Geopolitical changes, the rise of cyber threats and increasing competition lead to new scenarios: from targeted attacks on executives in countries with high levels of corruption to attempts to apply pressure through family members or insiders.

To analyze threats, the COREDO team uses comprehensive methodologies: from classic risk assessment (ISO 31000) to dynamic monitoring of local and industry risks using AI analytics. For example, when a client enters the Southeast Asian market we consider not only the crime situation but also cultural specifics that may affect the perception of an executive’s status and vulnerability.

Assessment methods include:

• Structured threat analysis (threat mapping) taking into account the specifics of the region and industry.
• Monitoring mentions in the media and social networks to identify potential pressure campaigns.
• Assessment of corporate risks related to insider threats and corporate espionage.

Practical personal security measures

COREDO’s implemented projects show that personal security and VIP escort are not only physical protection, but also the construction of a multi-layered protection system. In Europe and Asia, biometric access control technologies are increasingly used, allowing the risk of unauthorized entry to be minimized even if classical identifiers are compromised.

Key measures include:

• Use of professional personal escorts who have been trained in international security protocols (for example, Executive Protection standards).
• Implementation of biometric access control systems (face recognition, fingerprints) integrated with corporate security systems.
• Development and regular updating of security protocols for executives, including incident response scenarios, training on preventing social engineering and accompaniment during business trips.

Physical security and protection of companies

Physical security and protection of companies: this is the foundation for protecting people, property and the uninterrupted operation of the business. A well-thought-out system of physical measures and rules makes it possible to prevent threats related to unauthorized access, theft or equipment damage, and provides peace of mind for employees and clients.

Physical security of companies – measures and rules

Physical security of business: it is not just perimeter guarding, but a system that combines video surveillance, alarms, monitored security and access control with digital solutions. In COREDO practice, effective projects were built on the principle of integration: physical security and access control are complemented by video surveillance analytics, and alarm systems by the capability of emergency call and remote monitoring.

Key elements of comprehensive business security:

• Implementation of intelligent video surveillance systems with face recognition and behavior analysis functions (AI-powered CCTV).
• Multi-level access control, including biometrics and smart cards, with the ability to integrate with ERP and HR systems.
• Alarm systems and monitored security, providing instant responresponse to incidents.
• Integration of physical and digital protection measures – for example, automatic blocking of access when anomalies are detected in the behavior of employees or external visitors.

Scaling security during international expansion

Scaling security systems for international companies requires taking into account local risks and cultural specifics. For example, in Asia and Africa issues of physical security are closely linked to local traditions and perceptions of the owner’s status, and in Europe: to strict regulatory requirements for personal data processing and access control.

Solutions developed by COREDO include:

• Adapting security standards to the specifics of the region (for example, taking into account GDPR requirements in the EU and local regulations in Singapore).
• Use of AI and analytics to predict threats: automated monitoring systems allow detecting anomalies and potential incidents before they escalate.
• Implementation of scalable security platforms that easily integrate with local services and enable centralized risk management when expanding business into the EU and the CIS.

COREDO’s practice shows: taking into account cultural and geopolitical specifics, as well as a flexible security system architecture, is the key to successful scaling and reducing business security costs.

Thus, competent scaling of security systems creates a foundation for the sustainable development of the company: next we will consider aspects of investment protection and asset preservation.

Investment security and asset protection

Investment security and asset protection become a priority for companies and individuals operating at the international level. For effective protection of capital, it is important to understand the main risks investors face in international business and how to build a response strategy in advance.

Main risks for investors in international business

Investor security is not only capital protection, but also minimizing the risks associated with corruption, corporate espionage and insider threats. In a number of jurisdictions in Asia and Africa, the level of corporate crime and attempts to pressure investors remains high, especially when working with foreign partners.

The COREDO team regularly encounters the following threats:

• Attempts at unauthorized access to corporate information through insiders.
• Corporate espionage using digital and physical data collection methods.
• Pressure on investors through manipulation of corporate structures and assets.

Physical security and investor protection: best practices

In Asia and Africa, best practices for physical security for investors include a combination of individual and corporate measures, as well as the use of innovative technologies. For example, the implementation of biometric access control systems and secure zones for storing corporate data significantly reduces the likelihood of information leakage.

Key solutions:

• Individual physical security protocols for key investors, including accompaniment at public events and business meetings.
• Use of innovative solutions: secure vault rooms, biometric authentication systems integrated with corporate IT platforms.
• Security risk insurance – as a tool for protecting investments from unforeseen events, including physical threats and cyber incidents.

COREDO’s experience in supporting transactions in the EU and Asia shows that only a comprehensive approach to investor security allows not only to protect assets, but also to increase the trust of partners and clients.

Thus, the practice of comprehensive investor protection becomes especially effective when taking into account regional specifics and preparing for the integration of AML policies and physical security for legal entities.

Integration of AML and physical security for legal entities

Integration of AML and physical security for legal entities is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of growing financial risks and threats to corporate structures. The link between anti-money laundering measures and physical protection helps comprehensively manage vulnerabilities of legal entities and minimize the consequences of violations.

AML compliance and physical security: links and risks

In modern conditions, the integration of AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and physical security becomes a key element of corporate security. International standards – such as ISO 31000 (risk management) and ISO 27001 (information security): require not only procedural but also physical control over access to critical data and assets.

COREDO’s practice shows: implementation of AML procedures significantly reduces the risks not only of financial crimes, but also of attacks on the company’s physical facilities. For example, when registering legal entities in the EU and Asia, an audit of access control systems and physical protection of corporate data becomes mandatory.

AML compliance enhances business security through:

• Verification of counterparties and employees, minimizing the risk of insider threats.
• Mandatory monitoring of access to financial and legal documents.
• Integration of digital and physical security protocols for legal entities.

Integration and risk management: practical advice

For effective integration of AML and physical security, the COREDO team recommends:

• Develop comprehensive security protocols combining physicalphysical, digital, and procedural measures.
• Regularly train staff not only in AML procedures but also in methods for preventing physical threats (for example, responding to attempts of unauthorized access).
• Use modern monitoring and analytics technologies to detect anomalies in the behavior of employees and visitors.

Legal security: key aspects

Legal security covers key mechanisms for protecting a company from legal risks and uncertainties that arise when doing business in different regions of the world. *Key aspects*, such as proper company registration and ensuring legal compliance with the requirements of the EU, Asia and Africa, form a solid foundation for successful and lawful business development.

Company registration and security in the EU, Asia and Africa

Registration of legal entities with security in mind: this is not just a formality, but a strategic stage on which the resilience of the business depends. In the EU and Asia regulatory requirements are becoming stricter: when licensing financial and crypto companies, audits of physical and information security systems are mandatory, as well as the implementation of access control protocols and the protection of personal data.

COREDO’s experience shows that taking security issues into account at the registration stage allows:

• Reduce the time to obtain licenses due to compliance with international standards.
• Minimize risks when working with foreign investors and partners.
• Avoid legal disputes and fines for non-compliance with corporate security requirements.

In Africa, special attention is paid to the physical protection of facilities and access control, as well as adapting security standards to local realities.

Choosing a private security company for cooperation

The key aspect is choosing reliable partners to provide comprehensive business security. Criteria that the COREDO team uses when selecting private security companies:

• Compliance with international standards (for example, certification to ISO 31000, possession of licenses).
• Willingness to adapt services to the unique risks of entrepreneurs and the specifics of the region.
• Transparency of processes, availability of reporting, and integration with corporate security systems.

COREDO’s practice confirms that only partnering with professional security providers capable of rapidly responding to incidents and offering tailored solutions ensures long-term business protection.

Assessing the effectiveness of investments in security

Assessing the effectiveness of investments in security is becoming an increasingly important task for companies, since investments are aimed not only at technical means but also at preventing potential losses, whose assessment is difficult before real threats arise. To form a balanced protection development strategy, it is important to use transparent and understandable metrics and KPIs that allow an objective judgment of the usefulness and effectiveness of such investments.

Metrics and KPIs for assessing system security

For an objective assessment of the effectiveness of security systems, COREDO uses a set of metrics and KPIs, including:

• Number of prevented incidents (attempted breaches vs. actual incidents).
• Threat response time (response time).
• Employee and management satisfaction levels with the security systems.
• ROI (return on investment) in security, the ratio of security costs to prevented losses.

Using analytics and regular reporting makes it possible not only to monitor effectiveness but also to optimize security expenditures.

How to assess the return on investment in business security?

The return on investment in security services for business owners and investors is not only direct financial indicators but also strategic advantages: increased partner trust, reduced legal and operational risks, and reputation protection.

In COREDO’s practice, ROI calculation is based on comparing the costs of implementing comprehensive security measures and the potential losses from incidents (for example, data theft, physical intrusion, corporate espionage). Case examples show that even with moderate investments in modern access control systems and staff training, it is possible to avoid losses that exceed costs by dozens of times.

Key conclusions and recommendations on the topic

Personal safety of founders, physical security of the business, and protection of investors are not one-off measures but a systemic process requiring continuous development and integration of new technologies. COREDO’s experience proves: only a comprehensive approach combining legal, technological, and organizational solutions enables effective management of corporate risks and ensures long-term business resilience.

Practical steps for entrepreneurs, operators and investors:

• Start with risk assessment and the development of individual security protocols.
• Integrate AML procedures with physical and digital protection.
• Use modern technologies (AI, biometrics, analytics) for monitoring and threat forecasting.
• Choose security partners capable of offering adaptive and transparent solutions.
• Regularly review and scale the security system depending on regional and industry changes.

Comprehensive security is not only asset protection but also a competitive advantage in the international market. COREDO remains your reliable partner at all stages – from registering legal entities and obtaining licenses to building corporate security systems that meet the highest global standards.