Top Industries with the Highest Need for Compliance Professionals in 2025

By Adedoyin Aka

Data breaches, regulatory fines, drug recalls, and environmental scandals are frequent reminders of why compliance has become mission-critical. According to KPMG’s 2025 report on regulatory challenges, organizations face heightened scrutiny across various sectors, emphasizing the growing importance of robust compliance functions.

From tech companies navigating privacy laws to energy firms addressing environmental standards, compliance professionals now sit at the intersection of business strategy, ethics, and risk. Their role has evolved to be proactive, ensuring organizations follow regulations and lead responsibly.

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Key Industries where the Demand for Compliance Professionals

Below, we explore seven key industries where the demand for compliance talent is rapidly growing and why.

1. Financial Services

The financial services industry has long been one of the most heavily regulated sectors, with a complex web of global and local regulations designed to ensure stability, protect consumers, and prevent financial crimes.

In 2025, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to take a more active role in banking regulation to balance regulatory costs and economic growth. Additionally, anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations have become stricter globally, with countries like the U.S., UK, and Australia implementing more rigorous compliance requirements.

2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Stringent regulations govern the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to ensure patient safety, drug efficacy, and ethical medical practices.

Significant changes are forecasted for HIPAA compliance, driven by surging healthcare data use, Al integration, and escalating cybersecurity threats. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is intensifying enforcement, particularly focusing on ransomware attacks and the responsible use of protected health information (PHI).

3. Technology and Data-Driven Industries

As technology companies expand their reach, they face increasing scrutiny over data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

The European Commission is seeking feedback to reduce the regulatory burden of the Al Act on startups, aiming to facilitate easier compliance, particularly for smaller innovators.

Additionally, the technology industry faces challenges in operational resiliency, third-party risk management, and adapting to evolving regulations like the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

4. Energy and Extractives (Oil, Gas & Mining)

The energy and extractive industries operate under intense scrutiny due to their environmental, political, and social impacts.

Companies must adhere to domestic laws and international standards concerning environmental protection, sustainability, and anti-corruption. In resource-rich countries like Nigeria, the oil and gas sector is pivotal to the economy, making compliance professionals crucial in managing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks and aligning business practices with global benchmarks.

5. Telecommunications

Telecommunications companies are at the crossroads of national security, public infrastructure, and rapid technological innovation.

According to EY’s 2025 analysis, the telecommunications industry faces significant risks, including evolving security threats, privacy concerns, and responsible Al integration. Telcos must address these challenges while managing compliance and operational, strategic, and financial risks.

6. Gaming and Sports Betting

The online gambling and sports betting industries have grown significantly, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria.

Operators must navigate licensing requirements, taxation, consumer protection laws, and anti-money laundering regulations. The rapid evolution of this sector means compliance professionals play a vital role in ensuring responsible operations and maintaining competitiveness within the legal framework.

7. Manufacturing and Consumer Goods

Manufacturers face many regulations related to product safety, quality assurance, and supply chain transparency.

With globalized trade, companies must adhere to export controls, labor laws, and environmental standards. Increasing consumer awareness around ethical sourcing and sustainability has elevated compliance from a legal formality to a strategic concern.

Conclusion

Compliance has evolved beyond regulatory adherence; it’s about safeguarding reputation, ensuring sustainability, and fostering innovation. As regulatory frameworks become more intricate and industries more interconnected, the role of compliance professionals is more critical than ever.

For those considering a career in compliance, these industries offer dynamic opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Do you find it hard to navigate the regulatory requirements that are relevant to your business? Compliance Tribe is the forte for you; we have experts ready to help you comply with regulations and align your business strategy with a well-tailored compliance program. Get expert advice from us here.