Strengthening financial sector resilience: A dive into the role of DORA compliance
The financial sector is under increasing pressure to ensure resilience amidst rising threats. From cyberattacks to , maintaining stability has never been more critical. The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) responds to this challenge, defining stringent standards that ensure institutions remain resilient even when confronted with significant threats. From incident management and risk assessments to subcontractor oversight, DORA holds not only banks and insurers responsible for compliance but also the technology partners that support them.
Below, we explain what DORA means for the financial sector, why data centres play a key role in meeting these requirements, and how Telehouse helps organisations prepare.
Understanding DORA’s requirements
DORA establishes clear expectations for operational resilience, which include:
- Incident management and risk assessments – Institutions must plan for and respond quickly to security incidents.
- Shared accountability – Banks and insurers remain responsible for the preparedness of their suppliers, including data centre providers.
- Documentation and reporting – Firms should maintain detailed records of technology providers’ procedures and be ready to show evidence of risk mitigation measures.
By placing responsibility on both institutions and their technology partners, DORA promotes a culture of proactive risk management across the financial ecosystem.
Why data centres are essential for compliance
Data centres play a foundational role in helping financial institutions meet DORA’s requirements. As the infrastructure that underpins digital operations, they are critical for maintaining secure, reliable, and continuous services, even in the face of disruptions.
The role of data centres in compliance includes:
- Secure environments – Physical and digital safeguards protect sensitive financial data from cyberattacks or unauthorised access.
- Resilient infrastructure – Redundant systems ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages, equipment failures, or other incidents.
- Seamless connectivity – High-speed networks enable real-time transactions and data sharing, critical for financial operations and future initiatives like open banking.
Without reliable data centres, disruptions could compromise transaction flows, expose institutions to regulatory scrutiny, and erode customer trust.
Bridging accountability through collaboration
DORA’s shared accountability requirement transforms how financial institutions and data centres work together. ICT providers must align their risk management and incident response strategies with those of their clients to ensure compliance.
For data centres, this shift means forming close alliances with the financial organisations they serve. Operators must align their risk management strategies and incident response protocols with those of their clients. In practical terms, that could involve running joint drills for cyber incident containment or adopting comparable reporting processes for any security event.
By collaborating, third-party ICT providers and financial institutions develop closer ties that serve a dual purpose: meeting DORA’s audit standards while enhancing overall system reliability. Through consistent testing, monitoring, and transparent communication, each partner can confirm that resilience strategies are not only documented but also proven to be effective.
Why DORA matters more now than ever
DORA’s introduction comes at a pivotal moment for the financial sector. Its emphasis on resilience complements broader regulatory developments, such as the Framework for Financial Data Access (FFDA), which promotes seamless data-sharing practices throughout the EU.
As institutions prepare for fast and secure data transfers, the resilience of their underlying infrastructure becomes even more critical. High-speed networks, reliable colocation facilities, and stringent security standards form the bedrock of these efforts, ensuring compliance not just with DORA, but also with emerging regulations like the FFDA.
How Telehouse supports DORA compliance
Telehouse has built its facilities around principles that align with DORA’s standards. These include:
- Layered security
Multiple levels of protection – physical barriers, biometric checks, CCTV, and cybersecurity measures – help safeguard vital systems and keep sensitive financial data secure. - Scalable connectivity
Our data centres accommodate expanding traffic demands while retaining low-latency performance. This ensures financial institutions can handle peak transaction volumes, maintain real-time data sharing, and be prepared for open finance initiatives. - Energy efficiency and sustainability
We procure power from certified renewable sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydro. Our goal is to continuously enhance power usage effectiveness (PUE) and help our customers advance toward net-zero targets. - Redundant infrastructure
Our sites are built with multiple power feeds and backup generators, along with advanced cooling systems. This layered design enables continuous operations, even if an unexpected event occurs.
By blending these attributes, our facilities become a core platform for financial institutions looking to comply with DORA. We also partner with carriers and cloud services to ensure high-quality, diverse connectivity that supports uninterrupted service delivery.
Preparing for the future
DORA sets the stage for a new era of operational resilience in financial services. Institutions that invest in dependable ICT partnerships now will be better prepared for disruptions and future regulations. By choosing a provider like Telehouse, financial organisations can align with DORA’s requirements while positioning themselves for sustainable growth.
If you’re looking to strengthen your operational resilience and align with DORA’s forthcoming obligations, Telehouse is here to help. Contact us today to learn how our data centres and connectivity solutions can prepare your organisation for January 2025 and beyond.