Why Data Quality Will Shape the Next Era of Regulatory Reporting

Regulatory reporting has entered a new phase. The question is no longer simply whether firms can submit the required data, but whether that data is consistent, comparable and trusted enough to support meaningful oversight. 

Fields, formats, validations and deadlines still matter. But the bigger opportunity is what better reporting can make possible: greater transparency, stronger oversight and more resilient markets. 

That message came through clearly at our Repository and Derivatives Services (RDS) Strategy & Innovation Forum, where one theme stood out to me: the industry has built a strong foundation for transparency, and the next phase will be defined by how effectively we improve the consistency, comparability and quality of the data that regulators and reporting counterparties rely on. 

At DTCC, we see this evolution every day through our work with clients, regulators and industry groups across global jurisdictions. As reporting obligations become more complex, RDS brings a unique perspective at the intersection of reporting firms, markets and regulators. That vantage point gives RDS insight into emerging trends, evolving expectations and the challenges firms face as regulations continue to mature. 

How Greater Regulatory Alignment Can Reduce Complexity 

I believe regulatory alignment remains one of the most important opportunities to advance that goal. 

Across major markets, regulators share many common objectives: reliable data, effective oversight and stronger systemic risk monitoring. Yet differences in implementation timelines, field definitions, validation requirements and local interpretations continue to create complexity for firms operating across jurisdictions. 

A more harmonized reporting environment would benefit regulators and reporting firms alike by improving data comparability, reducing duplication and lowering the operational burden of managing divergent requirements, while preserving the jurisdiction-specific information regulators need to oversee local markets. It would also help firms direct more resources toward higher-value controls, analysis and risk management. 

Turning Trusted Regulatory Data Into Strategic Value 

This is also why I believe the conversation around regulatory reporting needs to move beyond the mechanics of submission.  

Effective regulatory reporting increasingly depends not only on completing a filing, but on whether the information submitted is accurate, consistent and useful for oversight. Regulators need to be able to trust that information as they identify risk and monitor market activity. 

For firms, this means regulatory reporting can no longer be treated as an isolated compliance exercise. It is part of a broader data strategy, connected to governance, controls, operating resilience and the ability to respond quickly as rules change. 

Firms that invest in stronger governance, scalable operating models and proactive quality controls will be better positioned to adapt as rules evolve, reduce remediation and reporting friction, strengthen resilience and build greater confidence in their data. 

In this environment, regulatory data should be viewed as a strategic asset rather than a byproduct of compliance. 

From our perspective, the most effective solutions will combine strong governance, practical technology and sustained collaboration across regulators, infrastructures and market participants. Through ongoing engagement with clients, regulators and industry participants, RDS helps translate changing requirements into more efficient and resilient reporting practices. 

Applying Technology to Improve Reporting Outcomes 

As regulatory expectations evolve, advances in technology are creating new possibilities for the industry. 

Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and cloud-enabled data-sharing models are creating new opportunities across the industry. As these capabilities mature, they may help firms identify anomalies earlier, prioritize remediation, strengthen controls and streamline reporting processes. They may also support more connected data-sharing ecosystems in which trusted information can move more efficiently and transparently. 

Our Trade Reporting Analytics (TRA) solution puts these capabilities into practice through advanced data analytics and automated insights. By continuously interogating regulatory reporting data and benchmarking results against anonymized peers, TRA can help firms identify potential data quality issues earlier, gain greater visibility into their reported data and support stronger reporting controls. 

The goal is not innovation for its own sake. Instead, the goal is to use technology and data more intelligently to strengthen trust, reduce friction and unlock more value from information that is already central to market safety and soundness. 

The next era of regulatory reporting will be defined not by more data, but by better data: information that is trusted, connected and actionable. Improving data quality, advancing greater regulatory alignment and applying technology with purpose can help reduce operational friction and support more transparent, efficient and resilient markets. 

That’s the opportunity ahead. We’re committed to helping our clients navigate regulatory change with confidence, achieve better reporting outcomes and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly data-driven environment.