Editorial

Strengthening Third Party Risk Management for DORA Compliance: A Delta Capita Case Study

As the financial services industry adapts to the evolving regulatory landscape, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has emerged as a pivotal framework for ensuring ICT resilience across the EU. Recently, a global payments provider engaged Delta Capita to address critical audit findings, specifically around Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) - a core pillar of DORA.

Contributor

James is an experienced Project Manager / Business Analyst with varied experience in defining target operating models, transformation initiatives and regulatory programme management.

James Stallan
Principal Consultant

The Challenge

The client faced regulatory scrutiny over gaps in their third-party oversight processes, including:

  • Incomplete risk classification and monitoring of third, fourth, and fifth-party vendors.
  • Lack of a formalised ICT risk management framework aligned to DORA.
  • Absence of sufficient end-to-end asset mapping and testing.
  • Insufficient governance and board-level attestation mechanisms.


The client needed a scalable, technology-led solution to close compliance gaps and future-proof their operational resilience.

Our Approach

Delta Capita deployed a cross-functional team of DORA SMEs and Regulatory PM/BAs to deliver a comprehensive remediation programme. Leveraging our proprietary DORA Compliance Framework and accelerators, we focused on six key areas:

1. Third Party Risk Management as a Service


We implemented an end-to-end TPRM solution to automate the monitoring of third, fourth, and fifth-party risks. This included setting up a tailored risk taxonomy aligned to the client’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations.

2. Governance Design


We established a firm-wide governance structure, enabling clear decision-making processes and board-level oversight. This included providing and assisting with the completion of ‘ready to fill’ attestation templates and self-assessment checklists to support compliance evidencing.

3. ICT Risk Management Frameworks


Our team designed and embedded robust ICT risk management frameworks, ensuring alignment with DORA’s requirements. This included controls for vendor onboarding, risk classification, and continuous monitoring.

4. ICT Incident Reporting


We implemented a front-to-back incident management framework, including tooling support and ICT incident monitoring protocols to meet DORA’s strict reporting timelines.

5. Digital Operational Resilience Testing


We established a resilience testing framework including the mapping of critical business services and designing end-to-end testing scenarios to validate resilience under stress. This ensured the client could demonstrate operational continuity in the face of ICT disruptions.

6. Information Sharing Arrangements


We introduced procedures for secure information exchange with third parties, governed by rules of conduct that respect business confidentiality and protection of personal data, as well as guidelines on competition policy.

The Outcome


Delta Capita helped the client:

  • Close all audit findings related to TPRM and DORA compliance.
  • Establish a repeatable, regulator-ready framework for ongoing compliance.
  • Enhance operational resilience through structured testing and governance.


Why Delta Capita?


Our ability to combine deep regulatory expertise with technology-enabled delivery allowed us to accelerate compliance while embedding long-term resilience. Whether it’s a health check, full implementation, or managed service, Delta Capita is uniquely positioned to help financial institutions become DORA compliant.

Need help navigating DORA?


Contact us today to learn how Delta Capita can support your operational resilience journey.