Modernizing Compliance in a Digital-First Era: 3 Highlights From C&L 2025

Key takeaways on compliance modernization, data security and regulatory readiness from SIFMA’s leading compliance and legal annual seminar.

AI, regulation and the road ahead

One of the key topics of discussion was the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Financial Services. The rise of AI in compliance was a dominant theme throughout the four-day event, with leaders in the field acknowledging AI’s potential to streamline decision-making, identify anomalies and reduce manual processes. However, there is still concern about how the technology will be regulated. Many panelists noted that banks are approaching adoption cautiously, aware that flawed AI outputs — whether from misinformation or biased data — could result in serious compliance lapses or reputational harm.

This theme resonated with the mission behind DealCentre AI™, Intralinks’ dealmaking platform designed to streamline the deal lifecycle while helping firms stay compliant. DealCentre AI combines the power of artificial intelligence with Intralinks' trusted infrastructure to bring transparency and control to high-stakes transactions. Given the uncertainty around AI’s regulation, financial firms need robust, purpose-built tools that enable the safe, auditable implementation of emerging technologies.

Financial regulation updates: Transparency, modernization and risk management

The event was rich in financial regulation updates, with representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) emphasizing a shift toward greater transparency and more data-driven oversight. FINRA underscored its growing focus on cybersecurity, fraud prevention and third-party risk, especially as firms continue adapting to hybrid and digital-first work environments.

It was clear that compliance modernization is no longer a future goal — it’s an immediate priority. At our booth, conversations consistently circled back to the need for tools that help compliance teams operate more proactively. With increasing regulatory expectations, the ability to demonstrate readiness and resilience has become mission critical.

Emphasis on secure communications solutions

Attendees showed strong interest in solutions that support both audit preparedness and organizational security. Many were intrigued by the capabilities of SecurityHub, Intralinks’ centralized solution that helps chief information security officers (CISOs), compliance officers and IT teams configure security policies to protect their users, data and Intralinks environments. In today’s competitive landscape, being able to proactively manage risk and maintain real-time visibility is a competitive advantage.

Secure communications solutions were another major focus, particularly concerning off-channel communications. While not a new issue, the need to monitor, capture and archive these communications remains a top priority for oversight and audit teams.

For firms rethinking how they collaborate and share sensitive documents, our virtual data room (VDR) solutions offer secure document exchange with centralized access controls tailored for modern regulatory requirements.

Looking forward

The C&L 2025 Annual Seminar reinforced a message we hear time and again: The pace of regulatory and technological development continues to accelerate. For compliance and legal professionals, that means navigating evolving expectations while maintaining operational agility and relying on strong vendor partnerships.

Intralinks is proud to support our clients with platforms that are designed to help them stay ahead — whether through AI-powered tools, secure document exchange or centralized compliance management. As regulations evolve and scrutiny intensifies, we’re committed to helping financial institutions remain not only compliant, but confident.