DORA regulations in Denmark and impact for all industries

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Reviewed by: Nojus (Noah) Bendoraitis

Denmark’s reputation as a digitally advanced society goes beyond its widespread use of mobile payment systems and electronic IDs. In the financial sector, Danish banks, payment institutions, and fintech startups have been early adopters of cutting-edge online services and automation. Against this backdrop, the European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) sets a new standard for managing ICT risks and ensuring business continuity across the entire EU financial ecosystem. 

In this post, I’ll examine how Denmark is integrating DORA into its regulatory landscape, compare this process to other European countries, and explore Denmark’s existing rules that already embody some of DORA’s core principles. I’ll also highlight several auditing firms in Denmark that can help businesses meet DORA’s requirements.

Why DORA matters in Denmark

DORA mandates strong ICT risk management, incident reporting, and third-party oversight, primarily targeting financial entities. Yet, because Denmark is highly digitalized, the regulation’s impact extends into other industries that provide critical IT services to financial institutions. For Danish organizations, meeting DORA’s provisions is not just a legal necessity—it’s a strategic opportunity to reinforce consumer trust and cyber resilience in an interconnected market.

Is Denmark’s approach different from other EU member states?

All EU member states must incorporate DORA’s uniform guidelines, but the path can vary based on a country’s supervisory structure. In Denmark, the primary regulator for the financial sector is the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet). Known for a cooperative approach, Finanstilsynet typically consults closely with industry stakeholders when implementing new regulations. This open dialogue can result in local clarifications or practical guidelines that supplement DORA’s broader framework.

In countries with more fragmented oversight, reconciling multiple agencies’ views may take longer. Denmark’s relatively streamlined structure often allows for a more efficient adoption of EU directives. However, businesses operating across several EU markets should be attentive to differences in how local regulators interpret certain details, such as incident reporting timelines or scope.

Existing Danish regulations aligning with DORA

Denmark has been proactive in promoting cybersecurity and operational stability long before DORA. Several national measures already mirror parts of DORA’s objectives:

Danish regulation or measureFocus areaHow it aligns with DORA
Finanstilsynet guidelines on outsourcing and IT securityDetails requirements for banks, payment institutions, and insurers regarding internal controls and third-party governanceReflects DORA’s emphasis on structured vendor due diligence and ongoing ICT risk management
Danish implementation of the NIS DirectiveSets obligations for operators of essential services, including parts of the financial sectorComplements DORA’s focus on continuous monitoring and mandatory reporting of cyber incidents
GDPR enforcement in Denmark (Databeskyttelsesloven)Ensures data privacy and breach notification for personal informationAligns with DORA’s requirement to secure sensitive data and promptly report incidents that affect clients

Because these frameworks already guide Danish financial entities to prioritize security, adjusting to DORA often feels more like a consolidation of existing practices than a revolutionary change. Still, the Act’s uniform standards—particularly for cross-border operations—require updates to reporting processes and contractual arrangements with third parties to ensure consistency throughout the EU.

Impact beyond finance

Although DORA explicitly targets banks, insurers, investment firms, and similar institutions, any Danish business that hosts, processes, or safeguards critical financial data is indirectly affected. That includes cloud providers, payment service vendors, tech consultancies, and even certain B2B platforms. A single security lapse at a third-party provider could trigger DORA’s incident reporting obligations, meaning these companies must adopt rigorous protective measures and clear protocols for managing disruptions.

For Denmark’s thriving fintech scene, DORA introduces a common baseline of cybersecurity expectations throughout the EU. Newer startups that can demonstrate strong compliance could gain a competitive advantage and foster greater trust among clients wary of cyber threats.

List of DORA auditors in Denmark

DORA does not specify a roster of accredited auditors, but Denmark hosts several prominent consultancies and assurance firms experienced in ICT risk, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity. Below is a concise list:

FirmPrimary expertiseAdditional notes
Deloitte DenmarkCyber risk, operational resilience, internal auditsCombines global resources with Danish financial sector expertise
KPMG DenmarkICT governance, compliance reviews, risk managementKnown for supporting large-scale Danish banking and insurance clients
PwC DenmarkCybersecurity, data privacy, incident response, GRCOffers tailored approaches for both local and multinational entities
EY DenmarkIT audits, digital transformation, cross-border complianceHas a track record guiding cross-border financial firms
BDO DenmarkInternal controls, mid-market risk advisory, business continuityFocuses on smaller to mid-sized financial and tech organizations
DevoteamDenmark-based IT consultancy, cybersecurity servicesSpecializes in implementing technical frameworks for resilience

When selecting an audit or advisory partner, Danish companies should seek firms that understand both local regulations (through Finanstilsynet guidance) and the larger EU context underpinning DORA.

Shaping a resilient future

Denmark’s digital leadership pairs naturally with DORA’s aim of raising the bar for operational and cyber resilience across Europe. By integrating DORA’s standardized approach to ICT risk and incident handling, Danish businesses can enhance their reputations for reliability and security. For those operating internationally, embracing DORA sets a firm foundation for consistent compliance in multiple jurisdictions. Ultimately, the Act aligns with Denmark’s broader ethos of forward-looking innovation—ensuring that the nation’s financial services remain robust and trusted in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

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