Challenges in GRC and the Business Case of GRC Technology

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) isn’t merely a buzzword but an essential strategy and framework (OCEG GRC Capability Model) for corporations to succeed in today’s complex and dynamic business environment. With increasing risks and regulations, it is evident that businesses require an effective GRC strategy. But while understanding the importance of GRC is one thing, effectively implementing and managing it is another challenge altogether.

The Challenges in GRC:

1. Complexity of the Regulatory Environment. New regulations are continually emerging, and the existing ones are evolving in requirements and enforcement. Keeping track of these changes and ensuring compliance can be daunting.
2. Diverse Risks. With globalisation, companies are exposed to a myriad of risks, ranging from cyber threats, geopolitical risks, supply-chain disruptions, fraud, corruption, to economic uncertainty.
3. Silos in Organizations. Departments within organisations too often operate in silos that do not talk to each other, making it difficult to have a unified view of risks and compliance across the organisation.
4. Resource Constraints. Allocating human and financial resources effectively for GRC-related activities is a constant challenge, especially for companies that lack a strategic focus on GRC.
5. Lack of Agility. The dynamic nature of business and the environment in which companies operate means that risks and regulations evolve at the same time the business is evolving, and new ones emerge. Organizations need to keep change in sync.

GRC Technology Business Case

Given the variety of GRC challenges, how do we ensure that our GRC efforts aren’t just a tick-box exercise but deliver real value to the organisation? Enter GRC technology. Here are the elements for a clear and compelling business case for GRC technology:

1. Efficiency in Human and Financial Resources
   
   • Centralization. GRC technology platforms centralise data from different departments, breaking down silos and providing a single source of truth. This provides a holistic view of risks and compliance, enabling better decision-making without manually aggregating data.
   • Automation. Manual processes are replaced by automated workflows, reducing the need for resource-intensive activities. For instance, routine compliance checks, which once required hours of manual labour, can now be automated, leading to significant time and cost savings.
2. Effectiveness in Risk Reduction and GRC Management
   
   • Ongoing Monitoring. GRC technology platforms offer ongoing monitoring of risks and controls, ensuring that any anomalies are detected and addressed promptly.
   • Data-driven Insights. With analytics capabilities, these platforms provide actionable insights, helping organisations prioritise risks and allocate resources where they’re needed most, and address risk and compliance accountability and ownership.
3. Resilience to Find and Contain Risk and Control Issues
   
   • Early Detection. GRC solutions provide processes and analytics to anticipate potential risks, identify control issues, and enable proactive management to address exposures.
   • Robust Reporting. With detailed reporting features, businesses can understand the root causes of any risk or compliance breach, ensuring that they’re not just treating symptoms but addressing underlying issues.
4. Agility to Adapt to Changing Regulations, Risks, and the Business
   
   • Dynamic Updates. As regulations and risks change, GRC platforms help the organisation adapt to reflect these changes, ensuring that businesses manage risk and remain compliant.
   • Scalable. Whether a business is expanding into new markets or facing new types of risks, GRC solutions can be scaled to address these challenges.
   • Integration. Modern GRC platforms can integrate with other business systems, ensuring that their GRC system remains interconnected and relevant as the organisation evolves.

In an era where risks are ever evolving, and non-compliance can result in significant financial and reputational damage, GRC cannot be an afterthought. By leveraging GRC technology, businesses address the pressing challenges of today and position themselves to be resilient and agile in the face of future challenges. The business case for such technology is clear: it’s not just about compliance; it’s about thriving in a complex business environment. Investing in a robust GRC platform is investing in the long-term health and success of the organisation. Read more on how AI will impact the future of GRC.