Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Compliance Landscape: What’s Changing ?

In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment is undergoing a significant transformation. With Vision 2030 pushing for transparency, modernization, and global integration, businesses in the Kingdom are facing a new era of compliance demands.

Did you know that over 70% of Saudi businesses are expected to revise their compliance strategies by mid-2025 to meet new mandates?

This shift isn’t just a legal formality — it signals a broader push for improved governance, ethical business conduct, and risk management. In this blog, we unpack the major Saudi compliance 2025 changes, discuss the regulatory changes Saudi 2025 professionals should watch out for, and share expert insights to help your business stay ahead.

Compliance refers to a business’s adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices. In Saudi Arabia, compliance increasingly involves digital reporting, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors, and alignment with Vision 2030 goals.

Key drivers of change include:

• Vision 2030 initiatives
• Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) updates
• ZATCA e-invoicing mandates
• Anti-money laundering (AML) enhancements
• Cybersecurity and data protection reforms

These developments are reshaping the compliance framework, demanding more agility and digital readiness from businesses.

Saudi Arabia is aligning itself with international best practices in finance, corporate governance, and risk management. Non-compliance not only attracts penalties but can also tarnish a company’s reputation and hinder cross-border operations.

• Finance and Banking
• Real Estate & Construction
• Healthcare
• Technology & Telecommunications

These sectors are experiencing the most scrutiny and are likely to face increased reporting requirements and audits.

1. Rapid Regulatory Updates
• Keeping up with changing laws can be overwhelming without automated tools.
2. Lack of Internal Expertise
• Many SMEs lack trained compliance officers or systems.
3. Integration with Technology
• Transitioning from manual to digital compliance systems is costly and complex.
4. Cybersecurity Risks
• Increased digitalization brings new vulnerabilities.
5. Cultural Resistance
• Shifting organizational mindsets toward proactive compliance can be difficult.

1.Audit Current Processes

1. • Identify compliance gaps using internal or third-party assessments.
2. Invest in GRC Software
   • Use platforms like CG BOD to automate and centralize governance, risk, and compliance.
3. Train Your Teams
   • Conduct workshops and certifications for key employees.
4. Engage Legal and Regulatory Experts
   • Local consultants can provide timely updates and help navigate complex rules.
5. Implement Continuous Monitoring
   • Real-time dashboards can track regulatory changes and your organization’s alignment.

Frameworks to Follow

• ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems)
• COBIT for IT compliance
• COSO for internal controls

A leading fintech startup implemented CG BOD’s GRC platform to align with SAMA guidelines. Within six months, audit times reduced by 40%, and compliance errors dropped by 60%.

Faced with new ZATCA invoicing rules, this firm digitized their accounting workflows, resulting in seamless compliance and improved vendor relationships.

Saudi Arabia’s compliance landscape in 2025 is one of change, opportunity, and urgency. Businesses that adapt quickly will not only meet regulatory demands but also gain strategic advantages in trust, transparency, and operational efficiency.