When I visited Warsaw’s bustling business district a while ago, I was struck by just how quickly the city was evolving—sleek fintech startups, mobile payment apps, and state-of-the-art office buildings seemed to reflect a broader digital renaissance. As more industries rely on data-driven services, there’s a mounting need for robust cyber regulations that can safeguard customers and companies alike.
Enter the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), a Europe-wide framework designed to raise the bar on how organizations protect their digital infrastructure. In this post, we’ll explore how Poland is putting DORA into practice, whether the process differs from other EU countries, and how existing Polish regulations pave the way for DORA’s core principles. We’ll also highlight some local auditors you can turn to for compliance support.
Poland’s perspective on DORA
Poland’s financial sector, under the guidance of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), has gradually strengthened its oversight of cyber and operational risks in recent years. KNF directives and recommendations already push banks, insurers, and other regulated entities to maintain high levels of digital resilience. This familiarity with stringent requirements means that the fundamentals of DORA—such as ICT risk management, incident reporting, and third-party oversight—fit naturally into Poland’s ongoing strategy.
However, DORA is not just for financial giants. Polish technology vendors, cloud providers, and consulting firms that partner with financial institutions must also meet higher standards under the new regulation. The good news is that many Polish businesses are primed for this alignment, thanks to KNF’s emphasis on IT security audits and operational continuity in the financial sector over the past decade.
Comparing Poland with the broader EU approach
All European Union member states have to adapt their local frameworks to DORA’s requirements. The level of effort typically depends on how developed a country’s existing regulations are. For instance, some member states might have fragmented guidance on cyber risk, making DORA a bigger shake-up. In Poland, while there’s still work to be done, the KNF already sets rigorous expectations on ICT risk and business continuity. This relatively high baseline can smooth the path to compliance compared with countries where oversight is more decentralized or less established.
That said, local nuances remain. Polish regulators often issue clarifications and additional guidelines to harmonize EU directives with national law. We’re likely to see similar advisories interpreting DORA in the Polish context, ensuring a common framework without losing sight of local risk factors, such as the cybersecurity challenges specific to Poland’s banking sector or the emerging fintech scene.
How Poland’s existing regulations align with DORA
Before DORA, Poland had already introduced regulations and guidelines that align neatly with the Act’s principles. Many stem from EU-wide mandates, while others are homegrown rules reflecting Poland’s commitment to building a resilient financial environment. Below is a simplified overview:
| Polish regulation or measure | Focus area | Connection to DORA |
| KNF Recommendations (e.g., D-SK1) | Operational risk management and internal controls | Overlaps with DORA’s emphasis on robust ICT governance and resilience |
| National Cybersecurity System Act | Implementation of the NIS Directive, covering critical services | Sets a precedent for incident reporting and threat monitoring, key in DORA |
| Personal Data Protection Act | GDPR-aligned rules for data privacy | Reinforces data security obligations, mirroring DORA’s focus on secure handling of sensitive information |
These frameworks make DORA feel more like a natural progression than a radical departure for many Polish firms. Even so, DORA’s uniform, EU-wide standards will likely require additional changes, such as standardized reporting mechanisms across borders and more thorough third-party risk assessments.
List of DORA auditors in Poland
Although DORA does not mandate a specific roster of auditing firms, Poland has a notable contingent of consultancies and auditing companies well-versed in cyber risk and compliance. Here’s a snapshot of a few options:
| Firm | Primary expertise | Additional notes |
| Deloitte Poland | Operational resilience audits, cybersecurity reviews | Global reach with strong local presence |
| KPMG Poland | IT governance, compliance, regulatory risk | Known for working closely with financial institutions |
| PwC Poland | Cybersecurity, GRC solutions, cloud risk assessments | Offers tailored approaches for mid- to large-scale clients |
| EY Poland | Data protection, IT audits, digital transformation | Deep experience in regulated industries |
| BDO Poland | Internal audit, business continuity planning | Focuses on small to mid-size companies and financial firms |
| ITMAGINATION | Specialized cybersecurity consulting, system audits | Polish-based firm with fintech and banking expertise |
When choosing an auditor, it’s essential to evaluate their familiarity with both EU directives and the local regulatory landscape. A strong track record with Polish financial institutions, as well as a thorough understanding of KNF guidelines, can streamline your path to DORA compliance.
Securing a digital future
Poland’s embrace of DORA reflects a broader momentum toward elevated cybersecurity standards. As banks, insurers, fintechs, and service providers knit themselves more deeply into a digital economy, resilient infrastructure becomes more than a regulatory checkbox—it’s a strategic necessity.
By weaving DORA requirements into Poland’s existing regulations, KNF and other stakeholders are setting the stage for a market that’s both forward-looking and robust in the face of evolving cyber risks. The journey might require new processes and deeper diligence, but it also paves the way for greater trust, stability, and innovative growth in Poland’s expanding digital marketplace.
