Introduction
In 2025, ProBank Education Services hosted a series of webinars that brought together more than 1,200 financial institution professionals from across the country. The goal? To understand how compliance teams are navigating today’s complex regulatory landscape, and where they need support.
The findings were clear. While many institutions have strong systems in place, the real challenge lies in execution, staffing, and strategic alignment. This article explores those insights and how ProBank Advisor is helping institutions move from reactive compliance to confident leadership.
Change Is Hard, Even When the System Says It Shouldn’t Be
Nearly 86% of institutions report having effective change management systems. Yet 69% still find change management difficult.
This disconnect reveals a critical truth that systems don’t drive transformation; people do.
Many institutions have structured frameworks that satisfy audit requirements. But real change happens when employees understand, embrace, and sustain new ways of working. Without clear communication, empathy, and support, even the most robust systems can falter.
To close the gap, institutions must shift from compliance-driven change to culture-driven change. This includes investing in change champions, feedback loops, and emotional intelligence training. Tools like dashboards and workflows are helpful, but only when paired with enablement strategies that empower staff. Platforms like ProBank Advisor offer not only tools and resources, but also the guidance needed to help teams navigate change effectively.
Key Takeaway: A well-documented change management process does not necessarily equate to a well-executed one.
Compliance Confidence Starts With Trusted Guidance
How important is it to have access to trusted compliance advisors for on-demand help & resources?
Almost 69% of institutions say on-demand access to compliance advisors is “very important.”
In a fast-paced regulatory environment, waiting for formal reviews can sometimes delay critical decisions. Trusted advisors offer on-demand insight, helping financial institutions respond with clarity and confidence, reducing the burden on their teams.
But their value goes beyond problem solving. Advisors mentor teams, help reduce burnout, and foster a proactive compliance culture. They synthesize fragmented insights from alerts, legal teams, and consultants into actionable guidance. Trusted advisors can help shape compliance strategy, but culture determines whether that strategy takes root. A strong compliance culture, especially one that values feedback, is essential for institutions aiming to move from reactive to proactive risk management.
With ProBank Advisor, institutions gain access to a team of seasoned compliance professionals who respond quickly, provide clarity, and boost effectiveness.
Key Takeaway: Access to trusted compliance advisors is crucial for fostering a proactive risk culture, accelerating decision making, and reducing team burnout.
From Reactive to Resilient: Building a Culture of Compliance
How would you describe the compliance culture at your institution?
46% of institutions describe their compliance culture as reactive. 45% say it’s proactive.
This near-even split signals a major opportunity: to evolve from reactive risk management to strategic resilience.
Feedback is no longer just a service metric; it’s a compliance signal. Institutions that actively listen to customers can identify risks and blind spots before they escalate. Building a proactive compliance culture starts with a mindset: employees must see compliance as a value-add, not a barrier.
Even with a strong culture and external support, institutions face operational realities. Limited staffing, increasing regulatory demands, and the need for scalable solutions are putting pressure on compliance teams to do more with less.
Key Takeaway: Link customer feedback to compliance strategy to fuel smarter, safer innovation.
Small Teams, Big Expectations: Scaling Compliance in 2025
How would you rate the strength of your compliance program?
How many compliance associates manage compliance in your organization?
56% rate their compliance programs as “Satisfactory.” 30% say “Strong.” 50% operate with only two to five compliance staff members.
Lean teams are juggling audits, examinations, reporting, and training, all while keeping up with regulatory changes, which is a top priority. The pressure is real, and the need for scalable strategies is urgent.
Effective compliance requires more than a set of strategies; it demands leadership support and strategic alignment. Monitoring tools must be paired with meaningful reporting that connects metrics to business impact, engages leadership, and tells a compelling story.
Key Takeaway: With lean compliance teams under pressure, scalable strategies backed by leadership support and strategic reporting are essential to elevate programs from satisfactory to strong.
Conclusion
The insights from these ProBank Education Services polling questions reveal a compliance landscape that is structured but strained. Institutions are working hard to keep pace with change, but gaps in staffing, enablement, and strategic alignment persist. Trusted advisors, proactive culture, and scalable tools are no longer optional; they’re essential.
To build resilient, future-ready compliance programs, financial institutions should:
- Shift from reactive to proactive compliance by embedding it into culture and strategy.
- Leverage trusted advisors and solutions like ProBank Advisor to enhance agility, confidence, and internal capability.
- Scale staffing and tools to match regulatory complexity and business growth.
- Use feedback as a compliance signal, not just a service metric.
- Align leadership and reporting to enable compliance-driven decisions, not just documentation.
If you’re interested in learning more about how ProBank Advisor can help your institution’s compliance team get a trusted compliance advisor and helpful resources, request a demo today, or reach out to a professional at Forvis Mazars.