The first quarter of 2026 was shaped by DAC8 coming into force, ZEC final year, and new fiscal changes. In this report, BMC analyses the key developments that impacted the Operations landscape during this period and their implications for our clients.
Executive Summary
Q1 2026 confirmed trends we had been tracking in the operations space. The regulatory environment continued to evolve at a demanding pace, with new developments requiring agile adaptation from organisations. The indicators we monitor closely reflect a dynamic landscape, with clear opportunities for those who act ahead of the curve.
Activity in our Operations department saw increased demand for advisory services, particularly regarding the management of the new regulatory framework. Companies with international structures showed greater need for cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Regulatory Updates
The key regulatory developments of this quarter were:
- DAC8: in force from January 1, 2026, mandatory reporting for crypto-asset service providers
- ZEC final year: regime closes definitively on December 31, 2026
- 2026 fiscal reform: personal income tax changes, new bracket for incomes above €300,000
These provisions have direct implications for the operations strategies of our clients. We recommend reviewing internal procedures to ensure compliance within the established deadlines.
Key Indicators
Data we have analysed for Q1 2026 shows:
- Companies incorporated: 24.450
- Payroll mass change (%): +3.5%
- Business digitalisation (%): 69%
- Grants distributed (€M): 274
These indicators reflect market evolution and help contextualise strategic decisions for the coming quarter. The combined analysis of these factors points to a consolidation trend with pockets of high activity in specific segments.
Outlook
Looking ahead to the next quarter, we expect activity in the operations area to remain at elevated levels, driven by the close of pending transactions and new regulatory requirements. Organisations that have already begun their adaptation processes will be in a stronger competitive position.
Our accounting services and people services are available to support your organisation in managing these challenges. If you would like to analyse the specific impact of these developments on your business, do not hesitate to contact our team.
