DORA Enforcement: From Policy to Operational Reality

3 Oct

⏱️ Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Intro

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is one of the EU’s most ambitious efforts to strengthen the financial sector’s ability to withstand and recover from ICT-related disruptions. But its reach is wider than most people realise.

For SMEs and charities that rely on EU-linked financial services — from donor payment platforms to outsourced payroll providers — DORA may shape expectations in the UK as well.

What It Is

DORA, which entered into force in 2023 and becomes fully enforceable in January 2025, requires financial entities and their ICT providers to demonstrate resilience, not just describe it. It goes beyond policy statements to mandate testing, reporting, and oversight of critical third-party providers.

Who It Affects

Banks, insurers, and investment firms directly regulated under DORA
Third-party ICT providers (cloud services, payment processors, software vendors)
SMEs and charities relying on EU-based financial infrastructure or cross-border donations/payments

Key Shifts Under DORA

1️⃣ From Paper to Proof
Policies are no longer enough. Entities must conduct resilience testing and prove they can recover from disruptions.

2️⃣ Third-Party Oversight
Critical ICT providers are now under regulatory supervision. SMEs and charities may need to show they’ve assessed the resilience of their vendors.

3️⃣ Incident Reporting
Timely reporting of ICT incidents is mandatory, with harmonised EU processes.

4️⃣ Cross-Border Impact
Even if your organisation is UK-based, your EU-linked financial partners may cascade requirements onto you.

Practical Steps for SMEs & Charities

Map your financial dependencies — identify which providers are subject to DORA.
Ask vendors about their DORA readiness — request evidence of resilience measures.
Integrate resilience testing into your governance calendar.
Document oversight — keep a record of vendor checks to show accountability.

Final Thought

DORA signals a regulatory shift from words to actions. For SMEs and charities, it’s a reminder that resilience can’t just live in policies — it must be operational, tested, and ready.

At Mediajem Compliance, we help organisations prepare for resilience standards like DORA. Contact us for a quick resilience health check and strengthen your operational readiness.

Vera Ishani