Navigating the DORA Regulatory Landscape: Why CalibreRMS is a Trusted Solution for Asset Managers

The regulatory landscape for financial entities is evolving rapidly, with the European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) ushering in a new era of stringent requirements. Effective January 17, 2025, DORA introduces a comprehensive framework to enhance the digital operational resilience of financial institutions, including asset managers. For organisations relying on cloud-based investment research management software, these changes are not just regulatory challenges but also opportunities to strengthen operational security and compliance.

As a cloud-based provider of investment research management software, CalibreRMS is uniquely positioned to support asset managers in meeting these new demands. With advanced data security and compliance capabilities, proven resilience, and tools tailored to regulatory needs, CalibreRMS stands out as the trusted solution in this transformative era. In this blog, we’ll unpack the key changes under DORA and explore how CalibreRMS’s features and approach align with the new regulatory requirements.

Key Changes Introduced by DORA

DORA is designed to bolster the financial sector’s capacity to withstand and recover from ICT-related disruptions, including cyber threats, system failures, and third-party vulnerabilities. Here are the critical aspects of the regulation that asset managers and their technology providers must address:

1. ICT Risk Management Frameworks

• Financial entities must establish robust frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate ICT risks.
• Regular reviews and updates to risk management processes are mandatory to ensure resilience against evolving threats.

2. Incident Reporting

• Entities must report major ICT-related incidents to competent authorities within set timeframes.
• These reports need to detail the incident’s impact, root cause, and remediation steps taken.

3. Operational Resilience Testing

• Regular digital operational resilience testing, including threat-led penetration testing, is required to assess and address vulnerabilities.

4. Third-Party Risk Management

• Financial entities are responsible for monitoring and managing risks arising from third-party ICT service providers.
• Contracts with critical providers must include specific provisions for risk management, reporting, and resilience.

5. Compliance Demonstration

• Entities must maintain records and audit trails to demonstrate compliance with DORA requirements during regulatory inspections.

The Challenges for Asset Managers

For asset managers, compliance with DORA represents a significant operational shift. Investment research processes, often reliant on sophisticated technology, must align with the regulation’s rigorous standards. Key challenges include:

• Ensuring robust data security and integrity across cloud-based platforms.
• Demonstrating operational resilience in a dynamic and high-stakes environment.
• Managing third-party risks effectively, particularly from technology suppliers.
• Maintaining transparent and comprehensive audit trails for regulatory scrutiny.

To address these challenges, asset managers need technology partners that combine advanced data security and compliance capabilities with industry-specific expertise. That’s where CalibreRMS’s cloud-based research management software excels.

Why CalibreRMS is the Trusted Solution for Asset Managers

CalibreRMS’s investment research management software is purpose-built to empower asset managers in a highly regulated and data-sensitive environment. Here’s how it aligns with DORA’s requirements and why it’s the ideal choice for navigating the new regulatory landscape:

1. Advanced Data Security and Compliance

At the core of CalibreRMS’s offering is an unwavering commitment to data security and compliance. The platform is ISO 27000 certified, ensuring adherence to globally recognised information security standards. This certification reflects our dedication to:

• Data Integrity: Robust encryption protocols safeguard sensitive investment research data from unauthorised access or tampering.
• Access Control: Role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication prevent unauthorised data usage.
• Incident Response: Comprehensive protocols enable rapid detection, reporting, and resolution of ICT-related incidents.

These capabilities position CalibreRMS as a trusted solution for asset managers who must demonstrate advanced data security and compliance under DORA.

2. Cloud-Based Research Management Software

CalibreRMS’s cloud-based investment research management software offers unmatched flexibility and scalability, allowing asset managers to adapt seamlessly to changing regulatory and operational needs. Key features include:

• 24/7 Availability: With a robust cloud infrastructure, CalibreRMS ensures uninterrupted access to research data, even in the face of disruptions.
• Disaster Recovery: Built-in backup and recovery solutions safeguard data integrity and minimise downtime.
• Global Accessibility: Teams across geographies can collaborate in real-time, ensuring continuity and efficiency.

This level of resilience and accessibility aligns directly with DORA’s focus on operational continuity and robustness.

3. Proven Resilience and Business Continuity Planning (BCP)

CalibreRMS goes beyond regulatory compliance by embedding resilience into its core operations. Our extensive BCP planning ensures:

• Minimal disruption to services in the event of unexpected incidents.
• Swift recovery of operations, backed by a well-tested and documented protocol.
• Ongoing monitoring of system health to pre-empt potential vulnerabilities.

These measures not only align with DORA’s operational resilience testing requirements but also provide asset managers with peace of mind.

4. In-Built Audit Trails and Reporting

One of the standout features of CalibreRMS’s platform is its ability to automatically generate detailed audit trails. This functionality empowers asset managers to:

• Demonstrate Compliance: Seamlessly provide regulators with evidence of adherence to DORA requirements.
• Streamline Reporting: Generate incident reports and risk assessments directly from the platform.
• Enhance Accountability: Track user actions and changes for a complete view of operational activities.

By simplifying the compliance process, CalibreRMS helps asset managers focus on their core mission of delivering value to clients.

5. Deep Client Collaboration

At CalibreRMS, we recognise that compliance and resilience are collaborative efforts. Our client-first approach ensures that:

• Solutions are tailored to the unique needs of each asset manager.
• Regular feedback is incorporated into platform enhancements.
• Expert guidance is available to navigate complex regulatory requirements.

This partnership-driven approach ensures that asset managers are always prepared for regulatory inspections and challenges.

Future-Proofing Your Operations with CalibreRMS

The Digital Operational Resilience Act marks a paradigm shift in the financial sector’s approach to ICT risks and operational resilience. For asset managers, compliance with DORA is not just a regulatory obligation but an opportunity to enhance security, streamline operations, and build trust with clients and stakeholders.

CalibreRMS’s investment research management software is designed to meet these demands head-on. With advanced data security and compliance capabilities, proven resilience, and deep client collaboration, we provide asset managers with the tools and confidence needed to thrive in the changing regulatory landscape.

As the financial industry adapts to DORA, choosing the right technology partner is critical. With CalibreRMS, asset managers gain more than a software provider—they gain a partner committed to their success in a complex and evolving world.

To learn more about how CalibreRMS can support your DORA compliance journey, contact us today or schedule a demo of our cloud-based research management software.