Some see compliance as a burden, others as a superpower. Across the Basware Customer Community, one thing is clear: invoice compliance is becoming a critical part of planning for 2026. In partnership with the Financial Times, we created Beyond the Checkbox: Compliance as Strategy, a report packed with insights to help you turn everyday requirements into long-term advantage.
Why This Report Matters
In 2025, compliance has become more complex than ever. Shifting mandates, tighter audit expectations, and the daily realities of staying compliant are now central concerns for finance leaders.
You’ve told us you want clear benchmarks and practical guidance to plan ahead with confidence. This report delivers exactly that, a resource designed to support your 2026 strategy and help you turn compliance challenges into opportunities for growth.
What the data reveals
The research reveals a stark reality about invoice and tax compliance today:
- 36% of businesses have already paid regulatory fines
- 37% have suffered reputational damage due to compliance failures
- 35% have experienced fraud linked to invoicing or reporting
These figures expose significant gaps in digital controls and a continued dependence on manual processes, leaving many organizations unprepared for rapidly tightening global mandates.
- A striking 95% still rely on spreadsheets to manage compliance
- Only 6% have achieved a mature, centralized, and strategic approach
Yet the data also shows that advanced compliance pays off. 88% of organizations with mature compliance capabilities exceeded their gross profit targets with minimal exposure to fraud.
Centralized oversight and standardized data flows reduce errors, accelerate invoice processing, and strengthen governance. Automation and AI bring accuracy, visibility, and resilience to finance operations.
How the report can help you plan for 2026:
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Benchmark your current state against industry peers and identify your biggest risks and opportunities.
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Build the business case for automation and integration by showing the direct link between compliance maturity and financial performance.
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Prepare for global mandates by understanding where your processes may fall short, especially if you operate or plan to expand in Europe or other regulated markets.
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Invest in people and culture by prioritizing training and cross-functional collaboration, not just technology.
Unlock the Strategic Value of Compliance
Explore the full report, Beyond the Checkbox: Compliance as Strategy, to dive deeper into the findings and discover how you can turn compliance into a driver of success for your business.
Download the report here
