BFSI insights

What is RegTech? | McKinsey

Published 11 Aug 2025 · McKinsey & Company · Andreas Kremer
McKinsey & Company preview

Overview

RegTech, short for regulatory technology, refers to technologies that enhance compliance and risk management processes in financial institutions. The need for RegTech arose post-2008 financial crisis, driven by complex regulations like the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III.

Key Insights

  • Regulatory Penalties: In 2024, banks paid $19.3 billion in penalties, emphasizing the need for effective compliance solutions. This figure is independently verifiable.
  • RegTech Growth: The RegTech market is expected to grow by up to 14% until 2028, driven by complex regulations and digitalization. This projection is based on McKinsey's analysis.
  • Compliance Improvement: A US bank improved its compliance rate to over 95% by implementing a RegTech solution, reducing reliance on manual processes and external legal services.

BFSI Relevance

  • Why Relevant: RegTech is crucial for managing compliance and risk in financial institutions, reducing penalties, and improving efficiency.
  • Primary Sector: Banking
  • Subsectors: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Risk Management
  • Actionable Implications:
    • Invest in RegTech solutions to automate compliance processes.
    • Focus on improving data quality before deploying RegTech.
    • Consider specialized solutions for specific regulatory needs.
executive article banking regulatory-and-standards global