Tech Stack Audit for Compliance

How to Assess Your Firm’s Tech Stack: A Compliance Guide

In today’s regulatory environment, having the right people is only part of the equation—having the right technology is just as critical. For RIAs and broker-dealers, a well-integrated, compliant, and scalable tech stack is no longer optional. It’s the foundation for meeting regulatory requirements, managing operational risk, and making data-driven decisions across the firm.

Whether you’re preparing for a regulatory exam, streamlining internal controls, or evaluating your GRC platform, this guide will help you understand how to assess your current systems and uncover what’s working—and what’s not.

What Is a Tech Stack?

A tech stack is the collection of technology tools, software, and platforms that a firm uses to run its business. For financial services firms, this typically includes:

• CRM and client onboarding tools
• Trade execution platforms
• Surveillance and monitoring systems
• Compliance workflow tools (e.g., email review, personal trading)
• Regulatory reporting tools (e.g., CAT, CAIS)
• Document storage and e-signature platforms
• GRC platforms like Oyster Solutions

When properly integrated, these systems enable efficiency and oversight. But when systems are siloed or outdated, they introduce risk—and often, more manual work.

Why Tech Stack Reviews Matter

A regular tech stack audit is critical to ensure that your technology is aligned with your compliance program, business model, and regulatory obligations.

Here’s why it matters:

• Compliance Gaps: Disconnected or outdated tools often fail to capture required records or flag compliance issues in real time.
• Operational Risk: Manual processes, duplicative systems, or lack of integration can lead to errors, omissions, or failed audits.
• Scalability Challenges: Legacy tools may not support growth or new business lines.
• Data Accuracy: Inconsistent data across systems can lead to failed regulatory filings or unreliable reports.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Regulators increasingly expect automated oversight and documented technology due diligence.

If your compliance team is spending more time reconciling systems than reviewing results, it’s time for a technology assessment.

Related: Selecting the Right Technology for Regulatory Compliance

How to Conduct a Tech Stack Audit

A thorough tech stack audit should cover four areas:

1. Inventory and Map Systems

Create a full inventory of your systems, vendors, and software licenses. Include:

• Function (e.g., trade review, AML)
• Data handled
• User groups
• Integration points
• Compliance relevance

2. Evaluate Compliance Alignment

Assess how each system supports regulatory requirements. Ask:

• Does it generate auditable records?
• Are risk flags automated?
• Is data easily accessible for reviews and exams?
• Are regulatory updates reflected in workflows?

3. Assess Integration and Data Flow

Determine how well your systems communicate. Poor integration leads to data silos and inefficiencies. Look for:

• Bi-directional syncing between platforms
• Data handoffs that support workflows (e.g., CRM to surveillance)
• Error reconciliation processes

4. Identify Gaps and Risks

Highlight systems that are:

• Manual or outdated
• Unscalable or not cloud-based
• Missing key controls
• Relying on human workarounds

From there, create a roadmap to optimize or replace tools based on risk level and business impact.

Tech Stack Audit Checklist

Use this quick checklist to assess whether your tech stack is working for or against you:

• Systems are mapped and documented
• Regulatory obligations are supported by technology
• Data flows across platforms with minimal manual input
• Exceptions and risks are automatically flagged
• Staff training and usage is consistent
• Technology supports business growth and change
• Vendor oversight and SLAs are documented
• Software updates and risk assessments are reviewed regularly

Next Steps: Make Tech Work Smarter for Compliance

Once you’ve assessed your tech stack, take time to prioritize:

• Systems that require replacement or better integration
• Training needs for staff adoption
• Vendors that require updated risk assessments
• Areas where automation can improve control

Firms that invest in integrated, strategic technology—not just point solutions—position themselves to stay ahead of regulatory changes and scale more effectively.