What will you be doing in the coming year? We asked experts in a range of sectors to gaze into their crystal balls and highlight one legal development or compliance topic that will be critical for compliance teams in 2026. This is an edited version of what they told us.
ESG/Social Responsibility
Posted inEurope
Compliance told to focus on reality as Euro courts brace for slew of greenwashing cases
In 2025, the regulatory focus on greenwashing intensified globally. This trend is set to accelerate in 2026, and compliance has a key part to play in ensuring corporate statements are honest.
Posted inCybersecurity, ESG/Social Responsibility
Retail energy compliance must focus on resilience and reporting
Cybercrime and national critical infrastructure responsibilities are key concerns for retail energy sector compliance. Resilience is vital for companies that keep the lights on and power financial institutions and hospitals.
Posted inRegulatory Policy
New regulatory regimes for U.K. and EU ESG ratings firms could increase compliance costs
Environmental ratings are becoming big business as companies seek proof of sustainable and socially beneficial conduct. Firms that issue ratings on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance are set to be regulated in the EU and U.K.
Posted inRisk Management
French court orders TotalEnergies to remove deceptive climate transition claims
Regulators in Europe are focused on punishing energy firms that make deceptive claims on net zero targets, as TotalEnergies recently discovered.
Posted inAccounting & Auditing
The new weak point in corporate accountability
ESG reporting has moved from a voluntary PR exercise to an expectation for regulators and investors, but the compliance audit gap now threatens credibility.
Posted inESG/Social Responsibility, Regulatory Policy
California climate rules cause uncertainty as CARB delays draft guidance
California has delayed the release of draft greenhouse gas reporting rules for businesses until early 2026, the California Air Resources Board said.
Posted inTechnology
Compliance must use AI to maximize benefits from sustainability reporting
Global pressure for sustainability reporting is rising. Despite political uncertainty and regulatory delays, companies continue to improve reports for regulators and stakeholders with the help of AI.
Posted inEurope
Retailers face new compliance pressures from tariffs, sanctions, fraud and cybercrime
Regulators are pressuring retail compliance teams on supply chains, shifting sanctions and tariffs, sustainability, and digital commerce. Rising cyberattacks heighten data security concerns, while large retailers push legal and commercial requirements down their supply chains.
Posted inEurope
Compliance should prepare for more ESG reporting as global pressure rises
Most major organizations are not changing their ESG reporting plans, despite “regulatory ambiguity”, according to a report by consultancy KPMG. The researchers say this indicates market expectations are driving action as much as legal requirements.
