Why SOC 2 Matters for Regional Banks

by John Allegro | August 21, 2025
SOC 2 for Banks

If your regional bank depends on outside partners to manage IT systems, host sensitive data, or protect you from cyber threats, you already know that trust is non-negotiable. But in an era where threats evolve faster than most organizations can keep up, “trust” isn’t just a handshake agreement — it’s something you prove.

That’s where SOC 2 Type II attestation comes in. It’s not a trendy buzzword or a one-time certification. It’s an ongoing stamp of assurance that your technology partners are walking the talk when it comes to protecting your customers’ information.

From Vendor to Trusted Ally

Think about the vendors you rely on most. They’re not just vendors — they’re extensions of your team. If their systems falter or their security posture slips, the ripple effect lands squarely in your lap.

SOC 2 Type II attestation transforms a vendor relationship from “we hope they’re secure” to “we know they’re secure” — because their controls are reviewed over time, not just on a single day in an auditor’s calendar.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Financial regulators are sharpening their focus on third-party risk management. They want proof that the partners touching your data aren’t a weak link. For banks, this is more than compliance — it’s brand protection. One security lapse can erase years of customer trust.

A SOC 2 Type II–attested provider can help:

  • Reduce the time and headaches of due diligence.

  • Demonstrate proactive risk management to examiners.

  • Give your team confidence in the reliability of outsourced systems.

A Shortcut to Peace of Mind

The reality? You could invest weeks manually validating each vendor’s controls, or you could choose partners who’ve already passed a rigorous, months-long review by an independent auditor. The second option frees you to focus on growth, innovation, and serving your customers — not chasing security checklists.

At BBH Solutions, we maintain our own SOC 2 Type II attestation, because we believe our clients deserve that level of assurance. It’s part of our promise to deliver secure, reliable, and compliant services to the regional banking community.

Learn What's Behind the Sea

This blog barely scratches the surface of what SOC 2 Type II entails. In our complimentary white paper, What Goes Into a Vendor’s SOC 2 Audit?, we pull back the curtain on:

  • The specific criteria auditors review.

  • How the process is structured.

  • What red flags to look for in a SOC 2 report.

Download the SOC 2 white paper here and see exactly why this certification should be non-negotiable for any partner your bank trusts with sensitive data.

SOC 2 compliance is a security guideline that applies to any service provider that stores customer data in the cloud – whether it be public or private – and is considered one of the baselines in security compliance for financial institutions and their vendors and third parties.


Download My SOC 2 Whitepaper

 

If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to speak with one of our compliance specialists today.