As we move through 2026, the regulatory environment is undergoing a profound transformation. Recently, Adrian Mubangizi, Bolder Group’s Global Head of Compliance, shared his insights on how AI, automation and human oversight are shaping the future of compliance in the agentic age.  

Key Compliance Trends to Watch in 2026

1. Predictive and Proactive Monitoring 

For years, compliance has been reactive, responding only once issues became visible. However, according to Mubangizi, the financial landscape will likely be subject to more predictive and proactive monitoring in 2026 and beyond.  

“At the moment, what you’re seeing is we’re being reactive to red flags with a more productive, proactive and predictive system. It will be able to forecast potential compliance risks before they happen. And then it will give a better lead time for mitigation and more resilient compliance programs.”

The industry is swiftly moving into the agentic age of compliance, where organisations are expected to take on a greater role in implementing remedial steps. While automation and AI agents are reshaping processes, human oversight remains essential at key stages to ensure integrity and sound judgment.  

2. Agentic Compliance 

Mubangizi highlighted continuous real-time monitoring, with all providers using AI to conduct ongoing monitoring and sanction screening. He noted that AI agents will be used to review false positives and help synthesise information that will be passed on to second-line officers. This effectively streamlines the work of compliance professionals. However, the expert noted, despite these advancements, human oversight is irreplaceable to ensure ethical judgment and decision-making remain foundational.  

3. Regulatory Standardisation 

Another defining shift in 2026 is the growing confidence of regulators in AI. Mubangizi explained that within the Bolder organisation, efforts are underway to engage regulators to inform them and to seek consent and formal approval for the use of AI. Through these interactions, regulators are becoming more receptive to the idea.  

“Finally, I’ll say [on the topic] of standardisation in AI policies: we’ve seen the EU AI Act, the national AI governance regimes across the globe. They will continue to contribute to this space in determining what the use cases for AI are and what the non-use cases should be, and which ones are riskier than others.” 

4. Automation and Data Stewardship  

Mubangizi further explained that with the rise of automation, Big Data and machine learning, service providers have transitioned into becoming strategic data stewards. In 2026, compliance is more than adhering to regulations; it’s about protecting the foundation of trust through the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a global baseline, advanced encryption and a culture of care for client data. “We try to ensure that we follow [GDPR] as a minimum standard. But we also use various encryption methods with our tech team to ensure data is encrypted, protected and secure from foreign actors,” he added.  

5. Healthy Compliance Culture  

While technical expertise is essential, an inclusive culture is the cornerstone of a robust compliance framework.  

“At Bolder, a good compliance culture is an inclusive compliance culture that ensures everybody, from the newest employee and longest serving employee to our senior management, is aligned. As soon as they all understand that element, the next step is to build expertise and technical competence.” 

Partnering with Bolder: A Global Leader in Governance

The right partner sees compliance as a competitive edge rather than a routine obligation. As an independent global service provider, we offer bespoke solutions designed for the complexities of 2026. Whether you’re navigating new AI mandates or securing your global wealth, we equip you with the expertise and advanced tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

Future-proof your compliance framework. Contact our global team today to explore how we can help you stay ahead.   

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.