Founded in 1989, German RegTech firm b-next focuses on the surveillance and monitoring market, always guided by its customers’ needs. The company develops solutions that help institutions comply with current and future regulations, avoid fines, and maintain a strong reputation in their markets.
Over the last 35 years, the mission of b-next has evolved. The company has transformed into a significant player in trade surveillance and compliance. What inspired the creation of the company to begin with?
According to Wolfgang Fabisch, CEO and Founder of b-next, back in the early 1980s – when Fabisch was at Reuters – a client who was a bank manager highlighted the increase of regulatory changes emerging across financial markets.
“Right away, I recognized that regulatory oversight would expand for decades,” said Fabisch. “That insight led me to build a midsized specialist company focused on compliance, an idea that proved successful. Over time, our mission evolved into creating the first dedicated compliance platform for equity markets.”
As new technologies today such as AI, ML SaaS and blockchain break through, as well as new exchanges for crypto assets, the b-next CEO believes a new dawn is breaking in the financial world.
He said, “I remain a visionary at heart, and together with our skilled team of managers and specialists, I am confident that b-next will continue to be highly relevant and even more influential in the future financial industry.”
The tech benefit
b-next integrates advanced technologies like AI and machine learning into its compliance solutions. How do these technologies enhance the platform’s ability to detect market abuse and insider trading?
Fabisch, on this point, brings up a memory from his past. “Early in my career, a friend at ITG in London taught me that compliance is ultimately about data, and that truth holds even more strongly today. As data volumes grow, complexity increases and transaction speed accelerates, risk grows accordingly.”
Through the application of machine learning models to large datasets covering trades, order books and communications, b-next is able to identify emerging patterns of market abuse that static rules would miss.
He added, “At b-next, our team works continuously to stay ahead of these developments and deliver the next level of security whenever our clients need it. We also ensure that our models are explainable so that compliance teams understand why an alert is triggered. In a complex world, we all share a stake in a fair and transparent financial system.”
Evolving regulatory landscape
The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. How does b-next ensure, with this in mind, that its solutions are keeping up with new regulations across a vast range of jurisdictions?
Fabisch proclaimed, “As stakeholders in a fair and orderly financial system, we stay engaged in ongoing dialogue with banks, exchanges, regulators, policymakers and leading technologists.
“Through these conversations, we learn about emerging requirements and refine our platforms accordingly. Although this effort involves significant work, it is also deeply satisfying because it aligns directly with our mission. By listening closely and acting quickly, we ensure our solutions remain compliant across jurisdictions, and we will continue to do so,” said Fabisch.
The client impact
A client-centric approach is vital for all firms across all sectors. This means that firmly taking client feedback into account and acting on it is incredibly important. For b-next, this is no different.
“Our clients use our platform every day, so they know exactly where improvements are needed,” exclaimed Fabisch. “We encourage them to share feedback at every opportunity, and we listen carefully. Once we understand their needs, whether it’s a specific workflow enhancement or a new analytic capability, we prioritize those updates.”
Due to this close and beneficial collaboration, the b-next CEO highlighted that the company is continuously raising the quality of its platform and deliver real value to its users.
The b-next USP
Standing out in such a saturated and highly competitive market in 2025 is increasingly critical – those who innovate, win. Being able to retain a competitive edge in delivery and innovation is paramount to this mission.
For b-next, its’ clients reputations and business models depend on the quality of its solutions. This fact, Fabisch states, motivates the firm to push itself to be better everyday.
He remarked, “We combine deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technology and proactive client support. By continuously investing in innovation, whether it’s refining algorithms or enhancing our user experience, we maintain our edge. Ultimately, our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer success is what separates us from the rest.”
Emerging trends
The RegTech and compliance sector is constantly evolving as technology continues to transform at breakneck speed. What are these trends, and how is b-next preparing to address these developments?
“Emerging technologies promise to reshape business models, market structures and, of course, the compliance sector itself,” said Fabisch. “Although no one can predict precisely how these changes will unfold, we are committed to continuous learning and adaptation.”
For the b-next CEO, his company’s roadmap includes integrating developments such as advanced AI models and expanded coverage of digital assets. Through staying nimble and investing in research and development, Fabisch outlined that the firm will keep delivering solutions that offer genuine value to compliance professionals around the world.
Guiding light and innovation
Being able to keep up to date with how the industry evolves is critical for any business and executive. For Fabisch, what are the core principles guiding his leadership and how does he foster a culture of innovation?
He explained, “I view b-next as part of a living organism, a network of people united by a shared vision. While I freely share my experience and knowledge, I also learn constantly from the exceptional individuals I am privileged to know colleagues within and outside b-next, our customers and their families, as well as my own family and close friends.”
Fabisch remarked that a core principle he learned from a former IBM CEO is the importance of thinking critically and creatively.
He concluded, “By encouraging open dialogue, recognizing new ideas and empowering each team member to take ownership, we cultivate a culture of continuous innovation. That collaborative environment is at the heart of how we remain forward-looking and relevant in an ever-changing industry.”
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