Navigating the evolving compliance landscape

Increasing compliance obligations nowadays strain business capability to adapt to new rules and divert management attention from key compliance concerns. For growth amid fast-paced business world, compliance functions in Thailand might need to step up on strategic decision on timely basis. Compliance innovation such as technology and generative AI are expected to provide better visibility for management to manage compliance risks.

This is reflected in this year’s Global Compliance Survey 2025 – Thailand Report by PwC Thailand, which is based on the opinions of 36 executives across diverse industries.

• 75% said they recognise increased on compliance obligations over the past three years.
• 53% of compliance leaders said they have ‘some influence’ on strategic business decision, while more than half of Asia Pacific’s compliance leaders said they have ‘significant influence’ on strategic business decision.
• When it comes to adopting artificial intelligent for compliance purposes, 75% (vs 56% in Asia Pacific) still had concern over data privacy, 58% are still concerned about accountability and 53% are worried about AI governance.
• 72% (vs 81% in Asia Pacific) were using technology for compliance training activities, following with regulatory disclosures and reporting at 62%, and issue tracking & follow-up at 57%.
• 59% have realised benefit of using technology in compliance function for better visibility for risk management (vs 67% in Asia Pacific), 56% recognised faster identification and responses to compliance issues and 53% received more insightful information.
• 58% consider their current compliance operation to be at the ‘foundational’ level but hope to improve within the next three year mainly through technology implementation, enterprise-wide knowledge development and enhanced internal coordination.

• In the next three years, key initiatives that will require compliance involvement include digital transformation (64%), new business model development (61%), and new product development (58%).
• Half of Thailand and Asia Pacific companies prioritise compliance involvements on partnerships and alliances.
• For new product development, compliance functions in Thailand are most involved during the following-launch period (58%), unlike in Asia Pacific where they are most involved during the pre-launch and product development periods.

• Enhance compliance influence: Boost compliance leaders’ role in business decisions.
• Invest in technology: Focus on technology investments for compliance, including data and analytics.
• Strengthen compliance culture: Promote a strong compliance culture with senior management support, employee training and clear policies.
• Develop future skills: Build skills to tackle new regulations, risks and business models over the next three years.

PwC conducted the Compliance Survey involving 1,802 executives globally, including 36 executives in Thailand who work in the first, second, and third lines of defence, during the period from September to November 2024. This survey covers concerns related to compliance, such as future business developments, technology compliance activities, and AI involvement in compliance processes.