The Compliance Challenge: Why Financial Institutions Struggle with Open Finance

Meeting open finance compliance requirements is a complex journey for banks, financial institutions and insurance providers, particularly in the GCC where evolving regulations demand both agility and precision. From upgrading legacy systems to navigating regulatory complexities and ensuring robust data security, compliance can often feel like a daunting, resource-intensive process. But treating compliance as merely a “check-the-box” exercise risks overlooking its transformative potential to unlock the future of financial services.

The Key Challenges 

  • Legacy Systems Many institutions rely on outdated systems that cannot support the demands of open finance, requiring substantial investment in upgrades.
  • Complex and Evolving Regulations Interpreting and implementing open finance requirements across diverse regulatory frameworks in the GCC can be overwhelming, particularly with varying timelines and mandates.
  • Resource Constraints Balancing operational priorities with compliance initiatives can strain internal resources, often leading to delays or inefficiencies.
  • Data Security Concerns Ensuring secure API integrations while protecting sensitive customer data remains a top concern, adding to the complexity of compliance.

Too often, companies focus solely on prioritising deadlines over long-term strategic planning. Yet by taking a forward-looking, strategic approach, banks, financial institutions and insurance providers can tap into new revenue streams, strengthen customer trust, and position themselves as leaders in innovation.

From Regulation to Innovation: The Strategic Advantage of Compliance

Compliance with open banking and open finance regulatory deadlines is about more than meeting mandates—it’s a catalyst for innovation, trust, and sustainable growth. Across the GCC, banks, financial institutions and insurance providers are leveraging compliance efforts to create smarter, more connected financial ecosystems.

Open finance compliance unlocks opportunities for banks to:

  • Deliver Personalised Services: Develop smarter, more customer-centric solutions to meet evolving needs.
  • Foster Trust: Build robust, secure systems that prioritise data protection and transparency.
  • Unlock Innovation: Lay the groundwork for next-generation financial services, including embedded finance and advanced analytics.

Overcoming Hurdles: Turning Challenges into Rewards

Compliance can feel overwhelming, but a strategic approach turns short-term obstacles into long-term competitive advantages.

Short-Term Hurdles:

  • Operational Adjustments: Upgrading legacy systems to align with compliance needs.
  • Resource Allocation: Balancing compliance efforts with ongoing business priorities.
  • Technology Upgrades: Implementing secure, future-ready and scalable API infrastructure, in alignment with regulatory mandates and ensuring integration across existing systems.

Long-Term Rewards:

  • Customer Loyalty: Enhanced experiences foster stronger long-term relationships based on trust and transparency.
  • Operational Efficiency: Scalable systems that reduce manual processes and costs while preparing banks, financial institutions and insurance providers for future regulations.
  • Innovation Opportunities: Compliance frameworks enable the development of next-gen financial products and services, such as embedded finance and advanced analytics.
  • Revenue Growth: Tap into new markets and products driven by open finance.

The ROI of Compliance: Unlocking Measurable Advantages

When compliance is viewed as a strategic enabler, the returns are tangible:

  • Customer Trust: Systems designed for security and transparency build loyalty.
  • Cost Savings: Leveraging proven solutions reduces development expenses.
  • Innovation Capacity: Freed-up resources drive growth-focused initiatives.

Why Innovators Across the GCC Choose Tarabut

Tarabut helps banks, financial institutions and insurance providers achieve compliance quickly and cost-effectively, unlocking growth opportunities without delays.

  • Deliver predictable timelines and efficient implementations. Achieve compliance within 3 months, streamlining your operations, efficiently.
  • Achieve significant savings. Save up to 75% on compliance costs versus in-house builds.
  • Empower growth-focused initiatives. Free up resources for innovation and commercial success.
  • Expert Guidance: Our tailored solutions and consultancy services ensure smooth implementation.

With a proven track record across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, we help banks, financial institutions and insurance providers align with regulatory mandates while laying the foundation for future success.

Partnering with Tarabut means achieving compliance while laying the foundation for customer-first strategies, innovation and growth.

Explore How Open Finance Compliance Can Drive Your Growth 

Partner with Tarabut to turn regulatory requirements into strategic opportunities that drive innovation, trust, and growth.

Related articles

See all blogs
Payments , UAE , Open Banking , Saudi Arabia , Bahrain

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up here to receive news and updates.

By clicking on Submit, you hereby consent to and acknowledge that you have read Tarabut Gateway's Privacy Policy. You have the right to opt out of these communications at any time.
call_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48
Talk to us
We're here to help you make the most of open banking.
terminal_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48
Start building
Create an account to explore our APIs