Technology in the financial landscape is rapidly evolving as we approach 2025, from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to digital payments and data management developments. These trends underscore technology’s potential to reshape governance, presenting opportunities for more effective, secure and transparent operations.  

Technology empowers companies to enhance their governance frameworks, resulting in increased accessibility, efficiency and transparency.  

Several trends in the technology space could revolutionise the decision-making process relevant to corporate governance.  

• AI Governance – AI-powered governance platforms will help companies oversee AI system performance in terms of legal, ethical and operational aspects. These platforms provide accountable, transparent and responsible AI use. 

• Generative AI – Generative AI is adapting to more complex interactions like financial planning and advice. It offers tailored financial advice by analysing customer behavioural data and using natural language processing. However, it is important to note that AI advice must be cautiously approached as it may not fully understand individual companies’ complexities or personal goals. Consulting with a qualified advisor like Bolder, who can tailor advice to your specific needs, is always the best option.  

• Disinformation Security – Technologies designed to assess and verify identities may help in fraud prevention. This kind of technology is particularly crucial in governance, where accurate information is essential for ensuring compliance and decision-making.  

• Cybersecurity – As digital services grow in popularity, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important to preventing breaches and attacks on sensitive data. 

Further, Bolder Group’s Global Head of Governance, David Payne, believes that AI can help in improving decision making, managing risks and streamlining board processes, amongst other things.  

Asked what role AI plays in promoting transparency and accountability in corporate governance, the expert answers: “AI-powered analytics provide real-time insights from vast amounts of data, which can assist boards and executives to make informed decisions; AI tools monitor and detect fraud, non-compliance and security threats with great accuracy.”  

According to him, AI algorithms can also analyse and recommend diverse hiring or leadership practices to counter human biases.   

Payne mentions AI can also enhance blockchain through a “tamper-proof ledger for recording decisions, enabling greater accountability; the use of “smart contracts” for streamlined voting; dividend distribution and compliance, reducing the need for intermediaries.” 

He adds: “AI can analyse blockchain records for audits and the time of audits is reduced. AI & Blockchain can enhance fraud prevention because the Blockchain is transparent and traceable.”  

The advantages of automating data processing

Data processing automation can significantly enhance accuracy, reliability and efficiency in reporting, compliance and due diligence. Some of the advantages of automation include: 

• reduced time and effort on manual data processing; 

• reduced human error; 

• data integrity; 

• management of higher volumes of data; and 

• improved compliance, reporting and due diligence procedures. 

Payne notes it is important to invest in staff training and implementation costs, on top of strict GDPR compliance and related legislation.  

How will technology continue to shape governance

Technology has transformed many governance-related functions, such as ESG and compliance (KYC/CDD), which used to depend on manual processes. Furthermore, with the use of tech, organisations can access data real-time, enabling more efficient and informed decision-making. 

Curently, there are many areas in the financial services industry that technology continue and will continue to transform, including: (a) AI and machine learning, (b) blockchain, (c) regulatory technology, (d) enhanced data analytics, (e) digital transformation, (f) cybersecurity, and (g) sustainability and ESG integration.  

In terms of ESG, Payne says tech can be integrated to corporate governance frameworks as it allows real-time monitoring and prediction of the environmental impact of business operations, which enable companies to take measures to minimize their impact and improve environmental resilience. Additionally, it may potentially help visualise and assess a business’ social impact. 

These developments demonstrate how tech influences governance now and, in the future, spurring innovation, efficiency and transparency in these vital fields.  

Navigating challenges and opportunities

As technology advances in the finance field, the governance sector encounters both benefits and challenges. To effectively navigate these challenges and opportunities, companies must invest in technological and cybersecurity measures. These will combat threats and risks, allow decision-makers to stay abreast of regulatory developments and ensure compliance as process automation is being introduced or implemented. 

It’s also critical to prioritise data security and privacy, develop a strategic plan for integrating new technologies and implement ethical standards for responsible technology use. By keeping these factors in balance, firms can use technology to promote innovation and growth within their operations.  

Bolder technology

At Bolder Group, our Governance solutions are supported by in-house technology that continues to evolve alongside your needs and the industry’s demands. We can help you integrate the top technology trends in 2025 and the coming years with your long-term objectives to ensure the success of your business. Through the guidance and assistance of our Bolder experts, you can efficiently address potential business challenges and stay relevant and competitive in the financial sector.   

Contact our team today to learn more about our services.  

Bolder Group does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. The Bolder Group accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

Bolder Group refers to the global network of independent subsidiaries of Bolder Group Holding BV. Bolder Group Holding BV provides no client services. Such services are provided solely by the independent companies within the Bolder Group which are each legally distinct and separate entities and have no authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind Bolder Group Holding BV in any manner whatsoever. The operations of the Bolder Group are conducted independently and have no affiliation with third party financial, tax or legal advisory firms or corporations.