Case Study

DORA Compliance Program Management

    SUMMARY
    Avantage Reply was engaged by a universal bank to manage a comprehensive program aimed at achieving compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The bank required expert guidance to coordinate multiple interdependent projects and ensure regulatory alignment following a gap analysis. Avantage Reply’s structured program management approach was instrumental in driving progress across the program while ensuring alignment with the bank’s resilience strategy and existing ICT projects.

    Key deliverables included the scoping and oversight of 10+ projects, support for the development of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) to enhance operational resilience, and the implementation of policies, frameworks, and processes tailored to DORA compliance. Avantage Reply also facilitated collaboration between first and second lines of defense, IT, and business teams. It ensured program milestones were met through regular senior management reporting and regulatory updates.

    CUSTOMER GOALS
    The client's key targets included: 

    • Achieving full compliance with DORA requirements through the delivery of a structured and integrated program
    • Developing and enhancing ICT risk management, third-party risk monitoring, and incident reporting frameworks
    • Enhancing asset tracking and operational resilience through the development of a CMDB
    • Ensuring a timely delivery of regulatory objectives through effective program governance and risk management practices

    CHALLENGES
    The program presented several significant challenges:

    • Complex Program Scope: Coordinating 10+ projects with multiple dependencies required rigorous program management and stakeholder alignment
    • Regulatory Complexity: Ensuring compliance with evolving DORA requirements while integrating with existing ICT resilience projects
    • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitating effective collaboration between IT, business, and risk teams to address cross-functional dependencies
    • Timeline Pressure: Delivering compliance within the required regulatory timeline while maintaining high-quality deliverables

    SOLUTION
    Avantage Reply adopted a structured and results-driven approach to address the bank’s needs: 

    • Managed a comprehensive DORA compliance program comprising of 10+ projects with a focus on alignment and deliverable integration
    • Facilitated the development of a CMDB to strengthen operational resilience and asset visibility
    • Implemented enhanced program governance practices, including regular senior management reporting and regulatory updates
    • Supported the development of policies and frameworks covering ICT risk management, third-party risk monitoring, and incident reporting
    • Ensured collaboration across all program phases, engaging key stakeholders from first and second lines of defense, IT, and business units

    CUSTOMER DESCRIPTION
    The customer is a directly supervised universal bank with a strong national presence, focusing on retail and SME credit as well as private banking.