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Compliance Risks in Financial Services in Belgium: A Growing Concern

The financial services sector in Belgium has been grappling with compliance risks for some time now. With the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, companies are facing unprecedented challenges in managing these risks. In this article, we will explore the compliance risks that financial institutions face in Belgium and how they can mitigate them.

Regulatory Compliance: A Prerequisite


For financial sector actors to operate in Belgium, regulatory compliance is a must. The consequences of non-compliance can be severe, including reputation risk, liability risk, and potentially huge financial penalties. Our aim is to provide pragmatic and efficient solutions based on a deep understanding of the business, helping companies navigate the complex regulatory environment.

Risk Management Frameworks


Financial institutions in Belgium are required to have robust risk management frameworks in place to identify, assess, and manage various risks, including:

  • Credit risk
  • Market risk
  • Operational risk
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks

Our experts can help companies develop, validate, and implement these frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP)


The ECB and NBB regularly conduct SREPs to assess the risks of each bank. The results provide a roadmap for banks to address identified issues within a specific timeframe. Our team can help companies navigate this process, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the demands of the supervisors.

Financial Instruments Valuation and Accounting


The valuation of financial instruments is an ongoing challenge in the financial sector. With the implementation of IFRS 9, companies must ensure accurate and efficient financial reporting. Our experts can provide guidance on the impact of this standard and help companies manage it effectively.

ESG Integration in Risk Management Frameworks


As ESG risks become increasingly important, financial institutions in Belgium are required to integrate these risks into their risk management frameworks. Our team can assist companies in defining and implementing robust risk management frameworks that address ESG risks, including climate-related risks.

Regulatory Change & Compliance


Staying ahead of regulatory changes is crucial for financial institutions in Belgium. Our experts provide regulatory compliance services, including:

  • Rule analysis
  • Horizon scanning
  • Inventory management processes

We help companies assess their current state against the “to-be” state, identify potential limitations and opportunities, and design effective compliance governance and controls.

Implementation & Remediation


Once a company has designed its compliance framework, implementing it is crucial to ensure effective risk management. Our team assists companies in:

  • Designing and implementing revised policies, procedures, processes, and controls
  • Selecting and implementing technologies that align with their compliance strategies

In conclusion, compliance risks are a growing concern for financial institutions in Belgium. By understanding the regulatory landscape, developing robust risk management frameworks, and implementing effective compliance governance and controls, companies can mitigate these risks and ensure continued growth and success.