The Czech Republic has emerged as a dynamic hub for technology, finance, and innovation in Central Europe. As digital products and services expand, so do concerns about cybersecurity and operational risk, particularly within financial services. Against this backdrop, the European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) seeks to harmonize and tighten rules around ICT risk management, incident reporting, and third-party oversight across all member states. This post explores how the Czech Republic is poised to implement DORA, whether the process differs from other EU nations, and how the country’s existing cybersecurity and financial regulations already parallel DORA’s objectives. We’ll also provide a short list of local auditing firms that organizations can consider for help with compliance.
Why DORA matters in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to an active financial market, guided primarily by the Czech National Bank (ČNB). Fintech start-ups, payment processors, and established banks all rely on digital infrastructure to serve clients efficiently. DORA applies directly to financial institutions but also extends its reach to any firm providing critical IT services to those institutions. Given the country’s emphasis on technological development—and the potential vulnerabilities that come with rapid digitization—DORA’s standardization of risk management and incident reporting is highly relevant to Czech businesses.
Comparing Czech implementation to other EU member states
Because DORA is an EU regulation, member states share the same foundational requirements. However, local nuances do apply. In the Czech Republic, financial regulation and supervision fall under the ČNB, which has historically enforced clear standards around operational resilience and consumer protection. Meanwhile, the national cybersecurity strategy is overseen by the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB). Both bodies already set expectations for incident reporting, data protection, and resilience planning. For many Czech institutions, DORA will feel more like an update to established practices than a wholly new framework.
That said, some differences could emerge in how the ČNB or other authorities interpret and align existing rules with DORA’s mandates. As in other EU states, the Czech Republic may issue additional guidance or clarifications specific to the local market. Companies operating across borders should monitor these subtle variations to ensure seamless compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
Existing Czech Regulations aligning with DORA
Long before DORA, the Czech Republic had several laws and regulations aimed at strengthening cyber defenses, safeguarding data, and ensuring business continuity. The table below outlines key measures and how they map to DORA’s principles:
| Czech regulation or measure | Focus area | Connection to DORA |
| Act on Cyber Security (Act No. 181/2014 Coll.) | Defines cybersecurity obligations for critical information systems and essential service providers | Overlaps with DORA’s emphasis on incident reporting, risk management, and system protection |
| ČNB regulations and decrees (e.g., on risk management for banks) | Detail prudential requirements and operational resilience measures for financial institutions | Align with DORA’s stipulations for ICT governance, third-party oversight, and operational continuity |
| NÚKIB guidelines | Provide best practices for incident handling, preventive security measures, and coordination | Complement DORA’s call for standardized procedures and collaboration among entities and regulators |
These frameworks have primed Czech companies—particularly in finance—to think systematically about cyber threats and operational risks. DORA enforces a more uniform structure across the EU, requiring businesses to verify that their local practices meet broader, standardized criteria.
Impact on all industries
Although DORA explicitly focuses on financial entities such as banks, insurers, and payment institutions, its scope expands wherever third-party relationships exist. If a software company, cloud provider, or consulting firm supports the digital operations of a regulated financial institution, that vendor must adhere to DORA-level controls. This interconnectedness means the Act can influence a wide range of industries in the Czech Republic, from large IT outsourcing firms to smaller niche consultancies that develop specialized banking solutions.
In practice, companies may need to bolster risk assessments, formalize incident reporting protocols, and solidify contracts with service providers to address liability and performance obligations. While these steps might initially feel cumbersome, they also present an opportunity to build stronger, more secure operational structures that can adapt to the evolving cyber threat landscape.
List of DORA auditors in the Czech Republic
Although DORA does not designate an official roster of auditors, multiple firms in the Czech Republic specialize in cybersecurity, ICT risk assessments, and regulatory compliance. Here is a concise overview of potential partners:
| Firm | Primary expertise | Additional notes |
| Deloitte Czech Republic | Cyber risk, IT governance, regulatory audits | Global reach with local teams knowledgeable in Czech regulations |
| KPMG Czech Republic | ICT risk management, compliance reviews, operational audits | Known for advising major financial institutions in the region |
| PwC Czech Republic | Cybersecurity, data privacy, risk assurance | Tailored approaches for both large and mid-sized organizations |
| EY Czech Republic | IT audits, digital transformation, data protection | Experience guiding cross-border compliance projects |
| BDO Czech Republic | Internal controls, process optimization, mid-market advisory | Often works with smaller to mid-sized financial entities |
| ECS International | Local-focused cybersecurity consulting, system audits | Czech-based firm specializing in industry-specific regulations |
Each firm brings its own blend of local knowledge and international experience. Czech organizations aiming for a comprehensive DORA readiness plan should assess an auditor’s familiarity with relevant Czech rules (e.g., ČNB guidelines, Act on Cyber Security) and proven track record in the financial sector.
Toward a more secure digital future
The Czech Republic has long prioritized technical innovation, and DORA enters the scene at a moment when cyber threats continue to evolve rapidly. By strengthening standards for financial institutions and the broader ecosystem that supports them, DORA aims to harmonize cyber resilience across Europe. In the Czech context, many of the Act’s requirements align naturally with existing regulations, offering businesses the chance to refine their defenses rather than rebuild from scratch. For forward-thinking leaders, complying with DORA is more than a regulatory box to tick—it’s a strategic move toward a safer, more credible digital landscape that supports sustainable growth and consumer trust.
